Xinhai clipped the Poké Balls back onto his belt and stood in the dusk, watching the last streak of crimson at the horizon slowly sink below the skyline as he reviewed the data of his three Pokémon one by one.
Charmeleon, level 34. Fraxure, level 37. Metapod, level 31.
All three Pokémon had completed their first evolution, gaining new moves and greater potential.
They still had some way to go before reaching Elite level, but their direction was clear, and their foundations were solid enough.
"Next comes continued refinement," he murmured, withdrawing his gaze before turning and walking down the street toward the Pokémon Center.
Streetlights flickered on one after another overhead, their warm yellow glow stretching and shrinking his shadow across the Granite Road pavement.
The evening breeze blew in from the end of the street, carrying Rustboro City's distinctive nighttime scent—a blend of food drifting from distant restaurants, the hum of the city in motion, and the reassuring weariness that came after a day of training.
By the time he returned to the Pokémon Center, there was hardly anyone left in the lobby.
Joy Ya sat behind the front desk reading a book. When she saw Xinhai enter, she looked up and smiled. "You're back?"
"Yeah. Aunt Ya, I'm heading up first." Xinhai smiled and nodded as he walked toward the elevator.
Watching Xinhai hurry off, Joy Ya smiled and shook her head before returning to her book.
The elevator doors opened on the fourth floor. The dark gray carpet in the corridor swallowed his footsteps, leaving only a faint rustling sound.
Xinhai walked to the end of the corridor, swiped his card, and pushed open the door.
"Beep—"
The lock flashed green, and the room's sensor lights switched on automatically. Warm light poured down, illuminating the entire