After leaving Mount Lanakila, Yong took Cynthia back to Akala Island, where their journey had begun.
As they flew past a town, Yong and Cynthia saw a trail of destruction stretching from the coastal forest all the way into town, as though some immense force had swept through and left devastation in its wake.
Without a doubt, this had to be the work of the Ultra Beasts that had appeared on Akala Island.
They could still see large numbers of Aether Foundation, Ultra Recon Squad, and Island Ranger Team members in town, working on the recovery efforts.
Aerodactyl landed in Paniola Town, and Yong and Cynthia headed to their previous lodgings-Kiawe's home.
Fortunately, Kiawe had just hurried back, with his Turtonator beside him.
He looked surprised to see Yong and Cynthia, then broke into a delighted smile.
"Mr. Shiyan Yong! Miss Cynthia! You're back!"
Kiawe quickly ran over and ushered the two into his home.
"Just yesterday, Miss Olivia told me you'd gone to Mount Lanakila to look for Alolan Vulpix. I didn't expect to see you today. Does that mean... you found one?"
Cynthia smiled and shook her head.
"Perhaps we were looking in the wrong place. Unfortunately, we missed Alolan Vulpix this time, but there will be other chances."
"I see..."
"Sometimes, a few regrets are just part of a journey. What matters isn't the outcome, but the experience, right?"
Seeing that neither Yong nor Cynthia seemed disappointed, Kiawe grinned.
"You're right! Why don't you both stay here for now? Once everything's settled, you can explore Akala Island properly!"
Kiawe spoke enthusiastically.
"Honestly, Wela Volcano Park on Akala Island is worth visiting too! That's where I caught my Turtonator!"
Hearing this, Yong understood that although the arrival of the Ultra Beasts had affected the town, the situation was