Originally, Xinhai had planned to head to Fallarbor Town after finishing his training at Mt. Chimney.
However, the unexpected lockdown of Mt. Chimney and the energy balance issue with Beedrill's Pokémon Egg had disrupted his original plans.
Over the past week, Xinhai and his partners had slowed their originally intense training pace and devoted most of their energy to caring for the Pokémon Egg.
Now, the Pokémon Egg's condition had stabilized and improved, while his partners had also recovered through several days of rest and basic training, returning to peak condition.
It was time for them to set out again.
Xinhai raised his head, gave Flannery a gentle yet resolute smile, and shook his head. "No, Flannery. The Pokémon Egg is already doing much better. I can continue its recovery carefully while traveling. Besides, my partners and I... should continue our journey."
"Huh? Do you have to leave so soon?" A clear flicker of disappointment crossed Flannery's face, and she pouted unwillingly.
"I was going to take this chance to have a few more battles with you! I lost to you again a couple of days ago, but I properly reviewed everything and wanted another match! Looks like there won't be a chance anytime soon..."
Seeing Flannery's slightly childish look of frustration, Xinhai could not help but laugh.
He stroked Eevee's little head, looked at Flannery, and said sincerely, "Don't worry. Once I've collected all the Gym Badges and before I formally challenge the Ever Grande Conference, I'll definitely come back."
"At that time, I'll do my final pre-competition training at several Gyms. We'll have plenty of time then, and plenty of chances to battle."
At those words, Flannery's eyes immediately lit up again. She pointed at Xinhai, and a fighting smile returned to her face.
"Then it's settled! I