However, since they had never entered this kind of event before, it did not take long for Xia You and May to realize that maintaining this pace was decidedly unwise.
It was not a matter of how much stamina they were using, but rather that the path beneath their feet had become harder to navigate.
Beyond the initial stretch, there was no more stone-paved road. In its place was an overgrown forest trail, where a moment's carelessness could send them stumbling over a stone.
With no other choice, they gradually slowed from a run to a jog.
Compared to them, the two Pokémon were handling it with ease and even had the energy to play around as they ran!
Of course, most of that was simply the restless Eevee constantly pestering Squirtle.
Apart from that, their journey went smoothly enough.
Their first destination was Moon Rock, on the right side of the island. According to the map, it stood atop a fairly high rocky mountain, with an observation terrace overlooking the entire island. A huge stone statue of Lunatone stood on the terrace, marking their destination.
When Xia You and May reached the foot of the mountain, the steepening slope allowed them to truly pull away from the other contestants behind them.
The advantage of their long travels became fully apparent here. Accompanied by their Pokémon, they nimbly made their way up the mountain and soon left everyone else far behind.
Upon reaching the summit, they indeed found a huge Lunatone statue several meters tall. Who knew how many years it had stood there? Its stone was covered in traces of weathering, and from a distance, it really did resemble the surface of the moon!
Beside the statue was a stand holding a stamp. Knowing time was short, they did