The next morning, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting long, thin golden patches across the floor.
Xinhai woke up on time, got out of bed as quietly as possible, and finished his morning exercises in the empty space in the room after washing up.
After breakfast, Xinhai checked the Poké Balls at his waist, then headed out with his companions toward Dewford Gym.
Dewford Gym was already bustling that morning. Several Gym students were leading the apprentices through basic physical training on the practice field.
Likewise, the Gym students' and apprentices' Pokémon were training in the area covered by Gravity. The entire practice field was full of vitality, with everything striving to flourish.
"Xinhai, you came at just the right time."
Brawly spotted Xinhai entering while he was training in the Gravity area. His eyes lit up, and he strode over, patting Xinhai on the shoulder before Xinhai could say anything.
"There's practical combat training for the Gym apprentices this morning. I was assigned six matches, but since you're here—I'll let you have three of them! No need to be polite with me. We're all brothers."
Before Xinhai could answer, Brawly had already retreated to the audience seats, striking a pose that said, "I'm here to watch the show."
Xinhai glanced at Brawly speechlessly, then looked up at the Gym students standing in formation on the practice field and waiting for their battles. He shook his head helplessly but did not refuse.
He walked toward the center of the practice field, his gaze sweeping over the row of Gym students standing straight.
At Brawly's signal, three students of about the same age stepped out from the group. They were around twelve or thirteen, and each had a Pokémon standing beside them.
Seeing the three of them, Xinhai