After swimming for another two hours or so, the sky gradually shifted from the blazing, pale gold of noon to the warm golden hue of the afternoon.
The sunlight no longer shone directly overhead, instead slanting in from the west and laying a glittering golden path across the sea.
The sea breeze had also become much gentler, carrying the distinctive coolness of evening and feeling especially pleasant against their faces.
"Eevee!"
Eevee suddenly stood up at the bow, its fluffy tail raised high. Its large brown eyes were fixed ahead as it let out an excited cry.
Xinhai followed its gaze—and saw a blurry outline where the sea met the sky.
It was an island.
As Milotic and Quagsire swam closer, the island's outline became increasingly clear.
The island was not particularly large, with an estimated circumference of only two or three kilometers. However, it was thick with vegetation, and lush green trees could be seen from the shore.
The beach was pale gold, gleaming softly beneath the afternoon sun. Wave after wave rolled onto the shore before slowly receding, leaving behind a stretch of damp sand.
"We're here." Xinhai took the Pokédex from his backpack and opened the navigation map for a look—right, this was one of the rest stops he had marked before setting out.
He looked up at the sky—it was probably a little past three, nearly four in the afternoon.
If they continued onward, they might not find another suitable place to stop before nightfall. It would be better to set up camp here and get a good night's rest.
"Quagsire, swim toward that island!" Xinhai called ahead.
"Quag!"
Quagsire answered energetically, rapidly swishing its tail through the water. Its entire body became like a blue torpedo as it dragged the inflatable boat toward the island