The next day.
Po Town, Ula'ula Island.
Their itinerary changed at short notice that day. They would cross Haina Desert and head to Tapu Bulu's Ruins of Abundance.
If their original plans had stayed unchanged,
Ash would first have defeated Acerola,
then passed Nanu's Island Kahuna trial,
and only then headed to the Ruins of Abundance.
This time, however, they changed their itinerary to give Ash and Lycanroc some special training.
Li Wei and Professor Kukui always planned their outdoor lessons anyway, so changing things whenever they wanted was no problem.
Once they decided to visit the Ruins of Abundance, Professor Kukui went to rent several Mudsdale.
Mudsdale were the most suitable riding Pokémon for crossing Haina Desert.
Including their heads, Mudsdale averaged over 2.5 meters tall and possessed powerful physiques and great endurance.
They were an excellent choice for crossing Haina Desert.
"Each Mudsdale can carry two people. Just choose whichever one you'd like to ride."
These Mudsdale had all received special training,
so it made no difference who rode them,
as long as they followed the leader up front.
Li Wei didn't need one. He had brought Arcanine.
Since Li Wei and Professor Kukui had planned the trip, he naturally knew they would be heading to Haina Desert.
He had brought Arcanine specifically to ride.
Including Professor Kukui and Acerola, there were eight of them, so four Mudsdale were just enough.
The more daring Ash rode the Lead Mudsdale with Acerola, who served as their guide.
Professor Kukui brought up the rear with Sophocles, making sure no one fell behind.
"Everyone has enough water, right?"
"Come on, check your backpacks!"
Li Wei had told everyone to bring at least six bottles of water. Food wasn't important, since he could have Hoopa fetch some.
"We've got it!"
Besides what