A few minutes later, the bushes were nudged aside by the nose of a Mightyena.
"Rrr?" Clearly well-trained, the Mightyena did not act rashly upon seeing the humans and Pokémon by the stream. Instead, it turned back and let out a low bark.
Two people wearing dark green ranger uniforms emerged from behind the trees.
The leader was a man in his early thirties with a square face and sun-darkened skin. A multifunction shovel and several Poké Balls hung from his belt. Behind him was a younger woman with a neat ponytail and a sharp-eyed Pidgeotto perched on her shoulder.
Upon seeing Xinhai and his Pokémon—especially the Blaziken and Gardevoir quietly standing guard nearby—the two slowed slightly. The wariness on their faces eased, though it did not disappear completely.
"Trainer?" The male ranger stepped closer, the Qi in his voice gentler but his distance still cautious.
"Yes." Xinhai rose to his feet and nodded politely. "I came from Fallarbor Town and am heading to Fortree City."
He paused, then turned and pointed at the stove. "I'm making lunch. If you don't mind, you can join me."
"No need. We brought rations." The ranger shook his head, his eyes quickly sweeping over the campsite—the tent had been packed away, the bags were neatly arranged, the cookware was clean, and the fire was a safe distance from the surrounding trees.
His expression visibly softened.
"You need to be especially careful when making a fire here." He pointed toward the thick canopy overhead. "The layer of fallen leaves is thick this season. If sparks land in it, they're hard to spot. By the time you see smoke, it'll be too late."
"Understood. I'll be careful." Xinhai nodded.
The young female ranger had been watching the Axew beside Xinhai. Her gaze lingered for a