Chapter 339: The Avian Sanctuary

(A/N: You know what? Screw it! Double release for and entire week and more! Thank you for your continued support! And don’t hesitate to leave a comment or powerstone if you like the story!)

Central Draconia – The Avian Sanctuary

The name “Avian Sanctuary” wasn’t mere poetic license. The region’s breathtaking scenery truly seemed too beautiful for the mortal world, as if it belonged to a realm where legendary Flying-type Pokemon might make their homes. Ancient peaks pierced the clouds like nature’s own spires, while crystalline waterfalls cascaded down moss-covered cliffs into pools that reflected the sky like mirrors.

More than just scenic beauty, the Avian Sanctuary was classified as an A-level danger zone. Legendary Pokemon had been spotted in its deepest reaches, though the public tourist areas were carefully restricted to the outer few kilometers. Even this limited access had earned it recognition as one of Draconia’s premier national landmarks.

John arrived on the noon flight, touching down in Skyborne City, the gateway settlement at the entrance to the Avian Sanctuary’s danger zone, at 3 PM sharp.

A Graves family disciple waited to greet him at the airport, wearing a traditional mask and holding a welcome sign bearing John’s name. The young man showed no particular excitement at meeting the famous trainer, maintaining the composed, professional demeanor typical of the ancient clan.

“Welcome, honored guest. I am a student of the Graves family, sent specifically to escort you,” the disciple said with formal politeness, giving no indication that he recognized John’s celebrity status. “Please follow me. Your transport awaits at the exit.”

John followed the masked disciple to a waiting shuttle bus, climbing aboard to find over a dozen other passengers already seated, a mix of young trainers and middle-aged specialists. The moment John stepped into view, every head turned, eyes widening with shock and recognition. Several couldn’t contain their surprise.

“John?” someone whispered.

As Draconia’s most talked-about trainer in recent months, John’s popularity had eclipsed even some Elite Four members. His reputation preceded him wherever he went.

John’s gaze swept across the other passengers, confirming he didn’t recognize any of them personally. He offered a polite nod before claiming a window seat, settling in for the journey ahead.

“Excellent, all expected passengers have arrived. We’re departing for the Avian Sanctuary now!” announced the driver.

The bus lurched into motion, carrying its cargo of nervous excitement deeper into the mountains.

Despite the obvious curiosity surrounding John’s presence, the atmosphere remained surprisingly subdued. Nobody made overt attempts at conversation, though several passengers clearly wanted to introduce themselves to the famous trainer.

The shuttle gradually left Skyborne City behind, passing through a checkpoint that marked the boundary of the danger zone. The road wound steadily upward through increasingly wild terrain until they reached the end of the designated tourist route, a small way station complete with a Pokemon Center and modest inn.

“This is as far as our shuttle service extends,” the Graves disciple announced as passengers began disembarking. “The remainder of your journey must be completed on foot.”

He handed each passenger a palm-sized compass as they stepped off the bus. “This compass will guide you to your destination. Please guard it carefully.”

John accepted the device, immediately sensing the waveguide energy emanating from within. The compass pulsed with directional intent, its power tugging his consciousness toward the deeper reaches of the Avian Sanctuary. When he raised his eyes to follow the compass’s guidance, it pointed straight into the untamed wilderness beyond the safety barrier.

“During the sanctuary’s active period, elders from our clan maintain constant vigil at the entrance,” the disciple added before departing with the driver toward the inn. “You may proceed at your convenience.”

The journey had consumed over two hours, leaving them at roughly 5 PM, approaching dusk in the mountain valleys.

The group of trainers exchanged uncertain glances. The late hour presented them with a choice: press onward into dangerous territory as darkness approached, or spend the night at the way station and depart fresh in the morning.

“Since we’re all here for the first time, perhaps we should rest tonight and tackle this together tomorrow morning?” suggested one trainer, testing the group’s sentiment.

“Good thinking,” agreed another. “I’ll cover dinner for everyone, safety in numbers and all that. Nobody mentioned we’d have to navigate a danger zone solo when I signed up for this sanctuary business.”

Unfamiliar territory plus hazardous wildlife made group travel an obviously sensible choice. Especially when that group could include someone of John’s caliber.

Multiple sets of eyes turned expectantly toward John. With no other Gym Leaders present, let alone Elite Four members, most regarded him as the natural leader of their impromptu expedition. If John endorsed the group approach, the majority would likely follow his lead.

But John had no interest in communal dining followed by an overnight delay.Secret Power made camping arrangements irrelevant, and he preferred to maintain his own pace.

“Arcanine, let’s move out!” John called, releasing his signature Pokemon from its Pokeball.

The shiny golden Arcanine materialized with an eager bark, lowering itself so John could mount up. Without further ceremony, they plunged directly into the depths of the Avian Sanctuary, leaving the way station, and the other trainers, behind.

The remaining group watched John’s retreating form with mixed expressions of admiration and uncertainty.

Now they faced their own decision: attempt to follow the Gym Leader’s bold example, or stick with the safety-in-numbers plan for a morning departure?

In the end, only one or two individuals chose immediate pursuit. The majority elected to share a meal and tackle the sanctuary as a coordinated group the following day.

Their reasoning was sound. As a Gym Leader, John possessed the skills and Pokemon necessary for nighttime travel through dangerous terrain. Most of them did not. Better to attempt the journey together in daylight than risk the wilderness after dark with inadequate preparation.

___

John guided Arcanine swiftly through the forested mountain slopes, following the compass’s unwavering pull deeper into the sanctuary. By sunset, twilight had given way to full darkness, but this presented no obstacle for his chosen mount.

Arcanine’s body radiated a gentle inner fire, casting warm light in all directions like a living lantern. This natural illumination, combined with the Pokemon’s Intimidate ability, kept most nocturnal wildlife at a respectful distance. Few wild Pokemon dared approach something that glowed with barely contained flame energy.

John hadn’t chosen night travel out of impatience, but rather practicality. With Gardevoir having the Secret Power move made traditional accommodations unnecessary, he could rest comfortably anywhere nature provided suitable shelter.

The compass offered only directional guidance without distance estimates, so John’s strategy was simple: advance toward the target until around 10 PM, then make camp for the night. His usual bedtime routine, perhaps enhanced with some instant ramen if he felt motivated.

However, John had underestimated both Arcanine’s impressive speed and the relatively modest distance to their destination.

Around 9:30 PM, as they crested a particularly tall ridge, the forest below revealed an unexpected sight. Amid the absolute darkness of the wilderness, soft blue light emanated from a single location. Drawing closer, John could make out the warm yellow glow of windows in what appeared to be an ancient residential compound.

A house built in this remote mountain wilderness? Either they’d stumbled across some very elaborate Ghost-type Pokemon prank, or they’d found the Graves family’s ancestral home.

John slowed Arcanine’s pace and took a deep, measured breath.

The aura energy here was incredibly potent and pure, far stronger than anything he’d sensed during their journey. The compass in his hand practically vibrated with proximity to its target.

It seemed they’d arrived at their destination ahead of schedule.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep