Trainers returning from the Kingdom of Roc

Chapter 34: Black Cloud Island Region

The hustle and bustle of the selection competition gradually subsided, and life returned to its original rhythm.

For Luo Yan and Hou Hao, life has once again become a familiar routine: during the day, they study theoretical knowledge at school to prepare for the increasingly approaching college entrance examination; after school in the evening, they head straight to the battle club to hone their skills and improve themselves in actual combat; and at night, they go home to sleep and recharge.

Time slipped away quietly in a busy and fulfilling rhythm, the countdown next to the blackboard decreased day by day, and the willow trees outside the window went from budding to lush green.

In the blink of an eye, the May Day holiday is just around the corner.

For the vast majority of high school seniors who are buried in their studies and about to face an important juncture in their lives, these few precious days of vacation often mean moving from one classroom to another, with various intensive classes, crash courses, and tutoring classes being their main destinations.

holiday?

It's just that I've changed the location to continue practicing coding problems.

However, for Luo Yan and Hou Hao, who had already decided to study abroad, this holiday had a completely different meaning.

After school that day, Hou Hao approached Luo Yan mysteriously, his face beaming with barely suppressed excitement. "Brother Luo, let's go on a trip during the May Day holiday!"

"Set off? Where to?" Luo Yan paused in packing her schoolbag.

"Black Cloud Island!" Hou Hao exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement. "My dad recommended it!"

"He said that my synergy with Poliwag is almost there, and I can start choosing and training new Pokémon so that I can have more varied tactics in future leagues."

"Don't forget, the league rules are 3v3, so I need to catch at least two Pokémon first."

He paused, then continued.

"My dad strongly suggested that the two of us go to Black Cloud Island together. I've already looked it up beforehand, and it's a Class B dangerous area."

Upon hearing this, Luo Yan's expression also became serious.

A Class B danger zone means that it is inhabited by wild Pokémon that are relatively strong or have a challenging environment. Trainers need to have a certain level of self-protection ability and basic wild experience to enter. It is not comparable to Class E beginner areas such as Green Tributary and Locust Forest.

Hou Hao continued his introduction, clearly having done his homework. "Black Cloud Island is an island in the open sea, quite large in area, with a very well-preserved ecosystem, including forests, streams, and mountains, offering diverse terrain."

"Because of its relatively independent and suitable environment, it is home to many rare Pokémon species, and many trainers go there to try their luck, hoping to meet their ideal partner."

"Most importantly, my dad also said that he caught his second Pokémon after becoming a trainer on Black Cloud Island. That Pokémon is now one of his main Pokémon and is very powerful. He thinks that the feng shui there... uh, I should say the ecological environment is very suitable for us to find new potential partners at this stage."

After listening to Hou Hao's introduction, Luo Yan was indeed tempted.

With the 3v3 format, he is now considering how to find a new partner, whether to summon one from the Kingdom of Rock or to use the Prism Ball to defy fate once again.

Now, an expedition to a Class B region is undoubtedly an excellent choice, as it allows one to hone their skills and those of their existing companions while also exploring new possibilities.

Moreover, it has the personal experience of Master Hou Zhiguan to back it up.

"The May Day holiday is quite long, and the timing is perfect, but for a Grade B region... we'll probably need to make a lot of preparations in advance." Despite his excitement, Luo Yan quickly calmed down. "Supplies, maps, intelligence, contingency plans—we need to prepare all of these in advance."

"Don't worry!" Hou Hao patted his chest. "My dad said he'll give us a simple map he used back then and a list of precautions. We can go and buy the supplies together, and Brother Lu Feng might also give us some advice."

...

If you want to go to the Black Cloud Island area, the only options besides taking a Pokémon that can surf are to find a "water taxi" that picks up passengers.

Near the port, there are many fishermen who, in addition to fishing at sea, also pick up individual tourists and take them to designated sea areas, including Heiyun Island.

Luo Yan and Hou Hao were contacted by an older man who had a Blastoise and a Megalodon, who could each pull a boat to take them to their destination. If they were fast, it would take about four hours.

However, spending more than four hours on the boat was a considerable challenge for Luo Yan and Hou Hao.

At first, the two were quite excited. They stood on the deck, enjoying the slightly salty sea breeze, gazing at the gradually shrinking coastline, and loudly discussing the Pokémon they might encounter, filled with anticipation for their upcoming island adventure.

However, as the boat moved further away from the land, the waves gradually became more turbulent, and the fishing boat tossed and turned amidst the undulating waves, with the amplitude of the rocking increasing.

For those who don't often go to sea, a voyage of more than four hours is nothing short of a long ordeal.

When the blurry outline of Black Cloud Island, shrouded in a light sea mist, finally appeared on the horizon, the two were almost dazed from the light.

The fishing boat eventually docked near a relatively flat beach covered with small shells and white pebbles.

The fisherman put down his small sampan and carried the two boys, whose legs were as weak as noodles, to the beach, supporting each other as they moved forward.

The moment they stepped onto solid ground, Luo Yan and Hou Hao almost knelt down.

The violent jolting for more than four hours completely disrupted their balance, leaving their legs weak and trembling, making it impossible for them to stand.

"Finally, we've arrived..." Hou Hao said weakly, his face pale.

The weathered fisherman, his face etched with the marks of time, chuckled as he looked at the two boys' disheveled appearance. "You two little rascals, we've arrived at Black Cloud Island."

"This is not like the parks in your city. It's a Class B wilderness area. The things in there are very dangerous, and the terrain is complicated."

He pointed to the lush forest deep within the island and continued.

"I suggest you just wander around the outskirts and look for the Pokémon you want. Don't go too deep into the area, especially that dark forest to the north. If something happens, it will take at least half an hour for the rescue team to get here from the nearest location, no matter how fast they are."

The middle-aged man paused, then raised his voice. "I'm only rambling on because you're young. If it were an experienced or arrogant adult, I wouldn't bother saying a word."

"Remember, safety first, don't do anything reckless! You know how to use the wound medicine, antidote, and distress signal device in your bag, right?"

Luo Yan and Hou Hao nodded quickly, their legs still weak, but their attitude was very serious. "Understood, Uncle, thank you, we'll be careful."

Watching the uncle's departing figure, Luo Yan and Hou Hao slowly exchanged a glance.

It wouldn't matter if they hadn't reminded us, but since the uncle has pointed out the "best" place, it would be a shame not to go and take a look!

The woods to the north, right? We absolutely have to go check that out!

...