Finding a relatively safe spot, the group came to a halt once more and began processing the tiger's carcass.
After all, the tiger was massive. If they didn't butcher it now, carrying the whole thing back would be a hassle.
While the others were at work, Ryo walked over to Akio's side. "Akio, have you never trained your Pokémon's moves before?"
"Huh?"
Akio blinked in confusion. "Train the moves?"
Seeing his reaction, Ryo was briefly stunned.
Alright, that was a pointless question. Just from that look, it was obvious Akio didn't know anything about it.
He nodded and began explaining, "Yeah, training moves. A Pokémon's skills can be improved through training. Take Weepinbell's Vine Whip, for example—if you train it, the attack speed can be enhanced."
Akio's eyes lit up. He immediately began calculating possibilities in his mind.
Seeing this, Ryo nodded with satisfaction and continued, "Every move a Pokémon has can be strengthened through training. You should give it a try. Honestly, you were just lucky today. If that tiger had reacted to the Sleep Powder, you wouldn't have been able to take it down so easily."
Akio nodded. He understood that all too well.
Satisfied, Ryo said no more. "Alright, I won't nag. As long as you're aware of it."
"You guys should head back first. I'm going to explore the mountains a bit more."
After taking down such a large tiger, it was clear the group wasn't going to hunt anything else today.
But Ryo still planned to collect some food to give back to the villagers as thanks for their hospitality yesterday.
That meant he couldn't head back with the others just yet.
Akio looked curious. "Boss, you're going deeper into the mountains? Want me to come with you?"
Ryo shook his head. "No need. You take everyone back. Out here, there aren't any beasts that can harm me."
Akio nodded and said no more.
With that, Ryo turned and headed off deeper into the woods.
Watching him leave, the others paused their work with the tiger and glanced over curiously.
"Akio, where's the boss going?"
Akio shook his head. "He's just taking a stroll in the mountains. Let's focus on getting this meat back to the village. The village chief will be thrilled."
The others nodded and returned to their task of processing the tiger.
After separating from the group, Ryo expanded his spiritual sense and quickly located a wild boar. His eyes lit up slightly. "You'll do."
In a flash, he teleported close to the boar.
"Rooaar—"
The boar clearly sensed his presence and turned around quickly, its gaze both alert and fearful.
Ryo ignored its reaction and glanced at the Pokémon in his arms. "Diancie, why don't you handle this one? I haven't seen you in battle yet."
Diancie looked at the boar, then rolled her eyes at him. "Fine, Ryo."
With a wave of her arm, a large rock appeared above the boar and came crashing down.
Bang!
It landed squarely on the boar's head.
The boar swayed for a moment before collapsing to the ground, completely unconscious.
Ryo's mouth twitched. He stared at the fainted boar, then at Diancie, feeling a bit speechless.
That was it?
He sighed and shook his head. Then again, Diancie was already over level 60. Her strength was equivalent to a high-ranking jōnin.
If she couldn't one-shot a boar, her level would've been for nothing.
"Forget it. Let's head back. I'll deal with those bandits and then we can move on."
With that, he started walking back down the mountain.
This time, Ryo didn't teleport. Instead, he walked at a steady pace, observing the surrounding environment.
Behind him, the wild boar floated through the air, trailing him obediently.
…
Before long, Ryo arrived back at the village.
He saw the villagers gathered together, lighting a bonfire, and walked up to the village chief with curiosity. "Chief, what are you all doing?"
It wasn't even close to lunchtime, and they were already building fires and preparing food?
The chief smiled upon seeing Ryo. "We're turning the meat into jerky. That way it won't spoil. Otherwise, in a couple of days, it'll go bad."
Ryo nodded, understanding.
He glanced around, but didn't see Akio or Weepinbell. "Chief, where are Akio and Weepinbell?"
The village chief shook his head. "I'm not sure. Akio came back earlier but left again. Probably went to train."
Ryo sighed inwardly.
He'd originally returned just to give Akio a bit more time—see if the boy could make up his mind about dealing with the mountain bandits.
But judging by this, he still hadn't.
"Chief, this wild boar is for you. Thank you all for your hospitality."
Using his spiritual power, Ryo lowered the boar onto the ground.
The village chief glanced at the animal, then looked at Ryo. "You're leaving?"
Ryo nodded. "Yeah, it's time to go."
"Alright then. We'll accept the boar. Safe travels."
Ryo nodded again and took out four bags of energy cubes from his shop interface, handing them over. "Chief, give these to Akio. Tell him it's a token of thanks—for the things I've learned from him."
The chief looked up at Ryo and nodded. "I'll make sure he gets them."
With nothing more to say, Ryo turned and left the village.
Spreading his spiritual energy, he teleported directly outside the mountain bandit camp.
Ahead of him were several lazy-looking bandits lounging near the entrance. Ryo's eyes sharpened, filled with killing intent.
"Today, I'll put an end to all of you. Let's call it a righteous deed."
He was about to charge in when he heard something behind him.
Ryo frowned slightly and quickly leapt into a nearby tree to hide.
"Weepinbell, this time, let's end it for good."
Akio approached from the distance, teeth clenched, one hand in a tight fist, the other holding Weepinbell.
The Pokémon looked worried, glancing around nervously.
Akio shook his head and relaxed his grip. "Don't worry, Weepinbell. I've made up my mind. The boss was right. Even if he's my father, he's still a bandit who's hurt countless people."
His eyes burned with determination as he stared toward the bandit camp and picked up speed.
Up in the tree, Ryo watched in stunned silence.
By all logic, he should've been happy Akio made his decision.
But instead of joy, a strange pain stirred in his chest.
Still, Akio knew nothing of Ryo's emotions. At that moment, he had already arrived at the gates of the mountain hideout.
The bandits guarding the entrance sneered when they recognized him. "Well, well. Isn't that the unwanted bastard our boss tossed out? What's wrong—couldn't survive down there and came crawling back?"
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