Chapter 107: Can't Be Stopped
The next day, Arthur followed Raymond as they took a high-speed train leaving Lavender Town, once again heading continuously westward.
After arriving at a city near the border, they switched to local Ponyta and continued advancing towards the mountainous region.
The Viridian Forest Reserve encompasses an entire mountain range and temperate broadleaf forest. The side closer to the Kubfu Alliance consists of mountains, while the side facing away from Kubfu is the forest itself.
The two rode their Ponyta forward along the mountain path.
The farther they got from the city, the higher the altitude climbed.
As evening approached on that day, they finally arrived at a camp located near the border line.
The terrain here was flat, offering an expansive view, but the surroundings were desolate and uninhabited. For several kilometers around, not even a single human shadow could be seen. It somewhat resembled a mobile signal station situated deep within old mountain forests.
Normally, the supplies for the camp needed to rely on specialized personnel making a delivery once every half month.
This time, Raymond had taken leave to go home, and this return trip to rejoin his team conveniently coincided with the task of delivering these supplies.
Arthur and he had brought a total of six Ponyta on the road; the other four carried supplies on their backs.
Upon arriving at the camp, everyone quickly gathered around. Some greeted them, some helped move the supplies, while others groomed the Ponyta's manes, feeding them and giving them water.
It's worth mentioning that in reality, the flames on a Ponyta's body do not burn perpetually; after all, this world still adheres to the laws of physics.
If it were truly an eternal flame, disregarding the flame's temperature, just the daily energy consumption of a Ponyta would likely be impossible to replenish, no matter what it ate.
The flames on their bodies normally only ignite when they are startled, emotionally agitated, or filled with fighting spirit.
The flames on the tails of Charmander and Charizard are similar in this regard.
Therefore, normally stroking a Ponyta's body poses no danger.
These particular Ponyta were specialized in running this route, having delivered supplies here for several years already. They were very familiar with the people here and thus wouldn't be easily startled.
At this moment, under the care of the few people who came over, they were even quite enjoying being groomed.
One of the uncles brushing a Ponyta noticed Arthur and couldn't help but ask Raymond.
"Raymond, how come you brought someone back with you on this trip home? Is he a relative's child?"
Raymond was momentarily silent, finding himself somewhat at a loss.
Honestly speaking, at this moment, he really didn't know how to introduce Arthur.
Say he's sister's blue confidant?
Pah! They've clearly only known each other for a single day!
Damn it, thinking about it this way makes me feel even sadder...
Finally, he could only say, "Not a relative. Just came along the way. He's here to be a volunteer."
"Oh, like that."
The man instantly lost much interest.
These people were researchers from the Aquila Company's Bio-pharmaceutical R&D department. Raymond too. Came here do long-term field cultivation project. Had contact rangers, but not count very familiar.
Just then, a loud shout suddenly came from behind the group.
"Volunteer?! Someone came be volunteer? Where? Quick let me see!"
Then a sturdy man built like a tiger's back and a bear's waist, height near 1.9m, face full of excitement strode over. His name was David.
This was a true reserve ranger, just visiting the camp today.
Beside him followed an Ursaring equally broad shouldered and waist rounded. Currently staring at the newly delivered meat supplies drooling.
The moment he saw this man, the researcher who had come out to welcome Raymond felt a headache coming on.
"David! Why you came freeloading food and drink again? Every time our camp replenishes supplies you come. Simply more punctual than a crowing rooster!"
David also thick-skinned. Cared not at all.
"Can't help it. Who made you private enterprise? Funding sufficient food good. Food much better than ours."
"Right, young lad! Since you know Raymond. Then next month your volunteer work main duty location set here right. I'll often come over take care of you."
The researcher aside exploded in curses on the spot.
"F*ck! Dare you have some shame?!"
But cursing aside cursing. They didn't really mean chase him away.
Clear this research institute camp though maybe not very familiar with the ranger whole team. Still quite familiar with David himself.
Maybe because visited freeload bit too much...
After dealing with the researcher who could only protest verbally, but physically couldn't resist, David quickly turned his attention back to Arthur again.
As a team always recruiting, never fully staffed. Towards any newcomer, volunteer, held hungry thirsty anticipation.
This first meeting hadn't even done anything yet. David's impression score of Arthur already started 80 upwards.
"Little brother. What's your name?"
"Arthur."
"Hm. Not bad, not bad. Indeed a great young lad."
David nodded smilingly.
Though could guess opponent intention mostly relief new person came over. But being stared straight by man such fiery gaze Arthur still couldn't avoid feeling a chill shudder run down his spine.
Only felt whole body shiver, his chrysanthemum tightened!
This reaction even made Honedge on his back notice.
Honedge momentarily extremely astonished.
This sturdy human just appeared this terrifying? Actually made master react.
Could it be a strong enemy?
This tremor instantly attracted attention of several people around.
"Eh? Young lad. Sword your back seemed move just now?"
"...Nothing."
"But you also quite strange. What era now how still carry sword when going out? Pass security check not troublesome? Plus self-defense use such big broadsword also too cumbersome. Don't you know rangers all issued guns? Even volunteers also can receive firearms weapons. Fundamentally no need self-prepare weapon come over."
David spoke very fast. Finished one breath Arthur and Raymond didn't find chance interject.
Considering possibility joint action future. Arthur still decided explain bit.
Result just prepared open mouth clarify. Raymond over there already softly spoke first help him say.
"That not broadsword. Look carefully eye that hilt. That is one Honedge."
That instant, surrounding atmosphere suddenly fell silent. Felt air suddenly quiet.
"Honedge you said could it be that... very rare one..."
David asked uncertainly full questioning tone.
Outside Lavender Town. Honedge's famous name clearly no longer widespread circulation. As relatively niche Pokémon. Many people hearing name subconsciously need think moment first.
But thanks peace time Pokémon related knowledge popularization. Soon still able recall.
Especially after Raymond added another sentence.
"Yes. Precisely that dangerous Steel plus Ghost type Pokémon. One can suck people into soulless puppets."
"..."
Now, the trembling person became David.
Researcher aside even more surprised mouth opened wide. Looked Raymond. As if looking traitor.
"Raymond you this... you bring such person over. Future if comes freeload how we still stop?"
Words heard David and Raymond straight rolled eyes.
Truly a researcher with absolutely no concept of battle.
This person can carry Honedge type Pokémon back without any defenses. How ridiculous this. Result you only think about can't stop him freeloading?
Look at your pathetic prospects!
Saying as if before I came you could stop me anyway—David thought thusly.
(End of Chapter)
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