After every battle, regardless of victory or defeat, Xinhai would immediately review it.
He was never stingy with praise, but his corrections were always incisive.
"Axew, your Dragon Rage took half a beat too long to gather energy just now. That gave Spearow a chance to widen the distance. Next time, try predicting its flight path, or strike the moment it launches an attack, like Peck."
"Charmander, your control over Flamethrower's power has improved, but your breathing got a little disordered after using it repeatedly. Pay attention to adjusting your breathing rhythm during battle. Flames are an extension of your strength, not something to be used up."
The two little ones listened intently. Thoughtful light flickered in their purple-red and orange eyes as they tried their best to remember every word Xinhai said and improve in the next battle.
Weedle lay on Xinhai's shoulder, its black-bean eyes unblinking as it watched its seniors battle.
Whenever they encountered a suitable opponent, Xinhai would let the little one have a try as well. Every victory left it thrilled.
The other companions trained behind the group. Gardevoir's psychic perception covered several hundred meters around them, warning them in advance of any potentially powerful threats.
Occasionally, when they encountered a wild Pokémon that was beyond Axew and Charmander's ability to handle but not strong enough for Xinhai to avoid—such as a hot-tempered Ursaring at the Advanced level—Xinhai would send out Zigzagoon or Krokorok to deal with it quickly. This ensured the team's safety while allowing the two little ones to observe higher-level battles up close.
Time slipped quietly by amid constant walking, battling, learning, and adjustment. The light filtering through the forest gradually turned dim and yellow, heralding the approach of dusk.
"That's enough for today." Xinhai looked up at the fading daylight shining