The older ranger had been watching this area almost from the moment Xinhai stepped out of the reeds, his right hand already resting on the Poké Ball at his waist.
"Who are you?!"
The Quagsire and Mightyena beside him lowered their bodies at the same time, threatening growls rumbling from their throats.
Shiftry angled its body slightly, its sharp eyes locked firmly onto Xinhai, Blaziken, and Gardevoir beside him.
Meanwhile, the dark shape that had been circling overhead suddenly dove down—it was an Elite-level Swellow!
It swooped down and hovered above the two rangers, its sharp eyes scrutinizing Xinhai's group from above. Its wings were spread slightly, ready to attack at any moment.
The two rangers looked somewhat disheveled—their clothes were covered in mud and soot, and there were several small scratches on their faces.
Yet their gazes remained sharp, and neither relaxed his stance in the slightest. They were clearly seasoned veterans.
Xinhai stopped at once and raised his hands slightly, indicating that he meant no harm.
"I'm a trainer traveling through!" His voice was clear and steady. At the same time, he took out his Pokédex from his pocket with his left hand and held it high. "I heard fighting over here and came to see what was going on!"
The two rangers exchanged a glance. The wariness in their eyes had not fully faded, but they did not attack immediately either.
"A trainer?" the older one said, his voice hoarse yet steady. "Hand over your Pokédex."
Xinhai nodded and passed the Pokédex to Gardevoir beside him.
Gardevoir gently lifted the Pokédex with Confusion and smoothly sent it over to the two rangers.
Shiftry stepped forward, accepted the Pokédex with its leaf-like hands, and handed it to the older ranger.
The older ranger took it, pulled out a