Only then did Ye Qing relax. "Oh, I see. That's good, then."
"Ah-cha."
Infernape rubbed his hands together, staring at Zebstrika with a wicked grin.
"Zeb..."
Zebstrika froze on the spot, feeling that this job would not be easy.
After signing the contract, Ye Qing mounted Zebstrika and had Infernape lead the way, holding the reins.
"You carry the load~ I'll lead Zebstrika~"
Watching Infernape lead his mount up ahead, Ye Qing somehow found himself humming this song.
Ye Qing took his time along the way. Under the onslaught of Advanced Pokéblocks, Zebstrika worked without complaint and showed no temper whatsoever.
A week later, after replenishing his supplies in Clear Water Town, Ye Qing finally stepped into a forest called Green Vine.
On the other side of this primeval forest lay Iron Fist City, known as Fighting City.
Rumor had it that the locals were fierce, and anyone without a Fighting-type Pokémon might even face rejection.
Ye Qing had not been idle during that week of travel, either. He kept building his rapport with Infernape, often exercising together, eating together, and even sleeping together at night.
Green Vine Forest lived up to its name. Thick, thorn-covered vines were everywhere, ready to tear a hole in one's clothes at the slightest lapse in attention.
With such dense vegetation around them, Infernape did not dare burn the vines away, so he could only laboriously pull them apart to widen the path.
Ye Qing dismounted.
This primeval forest was not particularly large. Even without Zebstrika to ride, they could probably get through it in two or three days.
"Head back."
Ye Qing patted Zebstrika's neck and scanned the QR code on him to complete the payment.
"Zeb~"
Zebstrika kept looking back as he walked away. After enjoying good food and drink with Ye