After capturing the Weedle, Xia Hunao and his companions decided to continue roaming the forest. Based on his past life's experience, they should find some decent items in the woods, such as a Quick Claw. Even if he couldn't use them himself, studying them would be fun.
Following the forest path, Xia Hunao and the others suddenly caught a peculiar scent. Xia Hunao took a deep whiff, "It smells really good. Although the scent is faint, it's quite alluring."
Shen Yu and Yu Tingyun also sniffed carefully, "Mm, this doesn't smell like a flower, but it's certainly very appealing."
Xia Hunao quickly searched his item list. "It's Honey. We have to check it out. Pokémon attracted by Honey are usually rare."
Although he said that, it was a bit difficult for the group to pinpoint the exact direction of the Honey just by their noses.
Xia Hunao took out a Poké Ball. "When it comes to finding things like Honey, bug types are more suitable. Go, Nincada, and find out where the Honey is coming from."
Nincada, upon being released, appeared lazy. However, as soon as it caught the scent of Honey, the entire Pokémon became active and flew off in one direction.
Xia Hunao and the others exchanged glances. "Let's chase!"
The group chased Nincada through the forest for a long time, only to lose sight of it. This wasn't entirely their fault; Nincada was truly reckless this time, flying in a straight line directly through the treetops. While Xia Hunao and the others weren't slow runners, how could they possibly match Nincada's speed?
Xia Hunao leaned against a large tree. "This is absurd. Nincada has never been this enthusiastic. Is Honey that attractive?"
As soon as he spoke, a loud buzzing sound filled the air, the sound of insect wings vibrating. Xia Hunao shivered, "This place should have..."
Zhang Hong's Adam's apple bobbed. "B-Beedrill?"
The five of them turned and ran, their speed no less than Nincada's earlier flight, showing no signs of fatigue or breathlessness. Just as they had suspected, it was a swarm of Beedrill chasing them frantically. As for how Nincada had provoked them, they didn't know, but they were being pursued.
The group and the swarm of Beedrill caused chaos in the forest. Eventually, the Beedrill voluntarily ended their pursuit because they had chased too far. Xia Hunao breathed a sigh of relief. "I've never heard of Honey attracting such a large swarm of Beedrill."
"I haven't either. Do you think this might not be Honey?"
Xia Hunao nodded. "It's possible, but besides Honey, what else could have such a strong attraction? This swarm of Beedrill wouldn't be here to steal from Beedrill...?"
Yu Longdu asked, "Test what?"
"Nincada's treatment. Let Combee lead you to a sweet paradise with their honey."
Yu Longdu quickly shook his head. "No thanks, I don't really like sweet things."
Shen Yu and Yu Tingyun also refused. "No, it's too sticky and uncomfortable, and there's nowhere to wash here."
Zhang Hong nodded. "Yeah, what if we accidentally get stung into a pig's head by the Combee?"
Xia Hunao spread his hands. "Thank you for your kind offer. If you could, we'd be grateful if you could give us some honey."
Saying that, Xia Hunao took out a jar from his backpack. "Can you help me fill this jar?"
The Combee nodded, and they immediately dispersed. In a short time, they filled the jar in Xia Hunao's hand. Xia Hunao habitually stroked the Combee's wings. "Thank you, Combee. I hope you evolve soon."
Xia Hunao received the Combee's gift and turned to leave with Shen Yu and the others. Although Nincada had been temporarily subdued on the ground by the Combee's sweet offensive, it saw Xia Hunao leaving and flapped its wings, flying directly towards the honey jar in Xia Hunao's hand.
Xia Hunao raised his hands to dodge Nincada. "I've finally caught you. You like Combee's honey, don't you."
Nincada flew in front of Xia Hunao and nodded devoutly. Xia Hunao immediately took out a Poké Ball. "But I'm not giving it to you. Come back, Nincada."
Xia Hunao, without any regard for reason, recalled Nincada into its Poké Ball. "Although Combee's honey is very sweet, you can't eat too much of it in a day. For a Pokémon like Nincada, I reckon that one meal was enough for the whole week. What if it gets diabetes?"
Saying that, Xia Hunao hung Nincada's Poké Ball on his waist and put the honey jar back into his backpack. Zhang Hong, standing nearby, saw through his intentions. "Actually, boss Xia just wants to eat more himself. After all, Combee honey is hard to come by, especially wild honey like the one in boss Xia's hand, which is even rarer."
Yu Longdu patted his chest. "It's just Combee honey. If we all work hard, after the qualifiers end and during the knockout rounds held in Linglong City, I'll treat you all to Combee honey desserts."
Hearing Yu Longdu's words, everyone cheered. Even Nincada, which had already hidden in its Poké Ball, happily bumped against its ball, causing it to jiggle on Xia Hunao's waist.
Xia Hunao poked the Poké Ball with his middle finger twice. "Alright, alright, I know it's your earthly treasure, but you need to be restrained, be lazy. Why are you so energetic?"
After lecturing Nincada, Xia Hunao looked at everyone. "Should we go back, or should we spend the night in this forest?"