After sharing a barbecue with Professor Rowan, everyone went their separate ways again, each pursuing their own travel goals.
After resting for a night in Sandgem Town, Young Master Mao and Paul set off toward their destination.
"Illusion Forest is a very famous place in Sinnoh, too. A large herd of Stantler lives there, so people passing through often get hypnotized by their psychic powers.
"And there are groups of Ursaring living around the outskirts. It's the perfect place for what we're doing this time," Paul excitedly explained the location he had found as they walked.
"Yeah, yeah, got it~" Young Master Mao nodded with a smile. A talkative Paul still took some getting used to.
This kid really was cold and aloof with strangers, but he was surprisingly considerate toward an older mentor who was like a big brother...
Was this the legendary big-brother complex?
At any rate, throughout their few days traveling together, a slightly boyish smile had never left his face.
They walked through a gorge flanked by mountain ranges, the lush green forest brimming with life.
Young Master Mao checked the sky. "Let's take a break here. Illusion Forest shouldn't be much farther."
"Okay, I'll gather some dry wood." Paul nodded and took out his Poké Balls. "Elekid, Chimchar, go collect some firewood."
"Bzz-bzz!"
"Ook~" The two little Pokémon trotted cheerfully into the dense woods.
Young Master Mao took out his portable camp kitchen, planning to cook some coconut milk curry.
Onions, carrots, potatoes, and coconut flesh sat neatly on the cutting board. With a sense of ceremony, Young Master Mao held two fingers together in a sword gesture before his chest. "Behold my shikigami! Kartana!"
Swish! The paper-thin Kartana flashed past, and the ingredients on the table fell into neat little cubes with a clatter.