After riding for a while longer, Xinhai heard a steady yet swift sound of hooves from behind.
Xinhai moved to the side of the road and saw a travel-worn middle-aged Trainer riding a Rapidash catch up from behind.
Rapidash's flaming mane danced with a warm, steady glow beneath the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. Its long, powerful hooves struck the asphalt with crisp clopping sounds, its gait firm and strong. It was clearly exceptionally well trained.
The Trainer on its back had dark skin and sharp eyes, carrying the traces of a long life in the wild.
The man slowed down and rode alongside Xinhai. His gaze swept over Xinhai and the Eevee in his basket, and a hint of approval appeared on his face as he struck up a conversation with a smile. "Kid, riding a bicycle with an Eevee? That's a pretty rare combination. Heading to Fallarbor Town?"
"Yes, sir. We're going to Fallarbor Town." Xinhai replied politely, unable to keep his eyes from being drawn to the magnificent Rapidash.
Such a well-proportioned build, gleaming coat, and restrained yet powerful Qi were not something an ordinary Trainer could cultivate.
"Fallarbor Town, huh? Great place!" The middle-aged Trainer laughed heartily, his voice booming. "Quiet, lots of craftsmen, and Berries and ore are local specialties. Meteor Falls nearby has been especially lively lately."
He paused, seemingly recalling something, and his Qi became slightly more serious. "But kid, things haven't been peaceful around Fallarbor Town lately. You should be careful too."
"I heard from some Ranger friends that quite a few sneaky poaching gangs have appeared in the forest recently. Even the outer areas around Meteor Falls have gotten a little unsafe. Keep your eyes open on the road, and try not to wander off alone down overly remote paths."