: A Challenge from Ash, Sora and Umi also arrive.

Chapter 78: A Challenge from Ash, Sora and Umi also arrive.

Xia Mu thoroughly enjoyed the pleasure of riding a tandem bike once again.

To be honest, things have come to this point, and Xia Mu has long since lost the urge to act like a hooligan.

Xia Mu used all his aura to suppress the rising fire, preventing Sonia from noticing anything amiss.

It definitely has an effect; it's like a cool breeze suddenly flowing through you when it's hot, allowing you to stay calm and maintain your composure.

Of course, Xia Mu didn't consider the other possibility at all: that Sonia had already noticed, but she just didn't say it.

The two strolled around a large shopping mall in Honglian City for a while, and then Xia Mu found a barbecue restaurant and took Sonia to taste the local-style barbecue.

For Xia Mu, this was actually the first time she had been able to relax and travel so much since she transmigrated.

In his past life, the pressure of life made it difficult for him to even breathe. Now, having transmigrated to the Pokémon world, although he still faces pressure from all sides, at least he is no longer as miserable as he was in his past life.

After finishing their barbecue, Xia Mu took Sonia for a long time, during which they bought two cups of milk tea and many snacks.

Xia Mu had been in love in his previous life, but he wasn't very knowledgeable about it, so he didn't have many ways to get closer to someone. Although he had all sorts of fantasies, they weren't suitable for him to put into practice.

It wasn't until after 1 p.m. that Xia Mu took Sonia back on the Gyro Dog.

They were no longer speechless along the way, but actively sought out topics to talk about, which allowed them to get to know each other better.

In fact, Xia Mu's personality and Sonia's personality are somewhat complementary, and their values ​​are also very similar. Otherwise, no matter how intimate their actions are or how many things they have experienced, they would not be able to talk to each other.

Back at the Crimson Lotus Dojo, a large crowd had already gathered in front of it.

Unlike in the morning, there were even more people in the afternoon, and Xia Mu even saw several familiar figures among them.

Xiao Zhi, Xiao Gang, Xiao Xia, Xiao Tian, ​​Ali, Kong Nan, Hai Nan...

When we parted yesterday, they did say they were coming to take on the challenge, and I didn't expect them to actually come.

Xia Mu and Sonia got off the back of the Growlithe one after the other, with smiles on their faces.

Although everyone's memories have been altered, the memories remaining in Natsuki and Sonia's minds make them feel more familiar with Ash and his friends, as well as Sora and Seaman, since they experienced the Mewtwo incident together.

As for Xiaotian and Ali, they met on Yuan Island and came to Honglian Island together.

Because of Natsuki's return, many trainers flocked to him, including some who had battled him before.

After calming everyone down, Xia Mu then spoke with the black-clad security guards at the Crimson Lotus Dojo to confirm the battle arrangements and instruct them to prepare.

It was during this process that Natsume had the opportunity to come to Ash and his friends.

At this point, Sonia had already started talking to them. Clearly, after what happened with Mewtwo, she had a special fondness for Ash and his friends.

In Xia Mu's opinion, this might be due to the protagonist's halo.

Although his arrival has changed many plot points, the luck surrounding Ash will not disappear easily; this is just the beginning.

"Brother Natsuki, we meet again! I never expected there would be so many people lining up to challenge the gym today," Ash greeted excitedly.

Upon hearing this, Xia Mu replied naturally, "Yes, I thought you weren't coming."

"Hehe, how could that be? I really want to battle with Brother Natsuki. If I miss this opportunity, this trip will have been a waste. Although I have already obtained the Crimson Badge of the Crimson Gym, I still want to challenge you!" Ash said confidently, clenching his fist.

Such behavior is truly that of a fearless young child.

Coupled with Pikachu's eager look, he certainly exudes a powerful aura.

Xiaoxia and Xiaogang were somewhat helpless, but they had to admit that it was Xiaozhi's drive that made them willing to travel with him.

It has to be said that the protagonist is the protagonist; Ash's actions resonated with some people around him.

"I understand, but we'll have to wait a bit. Everyone should go in order of arrival. I can't let you cut in line just because we know each other." Xia Mu kept smiling, then greeted Xiao Tian and Ali next to her. They weren't there to challenge her; they were just there to watch the fun.

They must have witnessed the excitement, especially when Xia Mu and Sonia returned together riding a Growlithe in an ambiguous pose, clearly indicating a romantic relationship.

Ali didn't think anything of it, but Xiaotian felt a little uncomfortable.

Although she is not yet an adult, she is still a sixteen-year-old girl. With her mature mind, it would be impossible for her to say that she has no feelings for Xia Mu.

The feeling of being outmaneuvered made her very upset.

She was the one who met Xia Mu first, yet Sonia and Xia Mu have developed such a close relationship so quickly.

After greeting Ali and Xiaotian, Xia Mu nodded to Kong Nan and Hai Nan.

Xia Mu already knew their strength perfectly well after the Mewtwo incident.

Although they all had crimson badges, they did not come for the badges.

Because they have no other desires than to battle against stronger trainers.

The more they are like this, the more capable they are.

Under Xia Mu's arrangement, this challenge was different from the previous ones; they weren't being put in one by one.

Xia Mu plans to have all the challengers enter the battlefield to watch the battle.

Since we're going to challenge him anyway, we might as well go all out.

This also allowed everyone to clearly see his strength.

The reason for holding this open tournament is to shut up some of the critics.

During their lunch in Crimson Lotus City, Natsuki and Sonia overheard a lot of gossip.

Many people question the strength of Natsuki, the acting trainer of the Crimson Lotus Gym.

Because the challenge mode is one-on-one and not open to the public, only one person can enter at a time, and the next person can only enter after that person finishes.

In short, it criticizes any possible behind-the-scenes manipulation or cheating.

It must be said that after hearing these people's sharp analysis, Xia Mu also felt that it made sense.

Therefore, this style of combat is somewhat influenced by those trolls.

In fact, Xia Mu had guessed that Xia Bo's reason for making this arrangement was probably because he was afraid that Xia Bo's strength was not enough, or that the gym would be overrun by trainers and cause a big incident. That's why he used this semi-concealed battle method, conducting the battles one by one.

Even if you lose badly, you can still maintain public relations afterwards.

Led by Xia Mu and the black-clad security guards, the group of dozens of people entered the dojo one by one.

Then, after registering with the dojo administrator, we lined up one by one in order and sat in the audience area.

……

As the afternoon gym challenge began, Blaine took some time to come and watch, even though the format was different.

No one knows where he is.

The rules remain the same: one-on-one, the winner takes the badge, the loser leaves the arena.

The one who started was an elite trainer with considerable strength. Xia Mu remembered him; he was one of the experts who had challenged him a couple of days ago.

Judging from his confident demeanor this time, he was clearly well-prepared.

As it turned out, he had indeed gathered enough intelligence, and when he saw that Natsuki had sent out the Psychic-type Gardevoir, he sent out the level 43 Kairos.

"Using the Bug-type Kairos in a type advantage battle? Although it does have a type advantage, it doesn't guarantee a win," Xia Mu said with a smile.

Across from him, Xinzhe said with a serious expression, "Of course I dare not be careless, after all, my opponent is you. In my entire life, I have never encountered a gym leader who could beat me so badly, so this time, I must get my revenge!"

Having said that, Xinzhe raised his hand and commanded Kairos to attack: "Go, Kairos, get close, use the cross-shaped shears!"

"Knock knock~~!" Kairos roared, then charged forward with brute force.

It does look scary, especially since Kairos's appearance is already creepy. Its unique ability allows it to attack without being affected by the opponent's ability, enabling it to unleash its moves.

Kairos is extremely fast, and Xia Mu can be fairly certain that this Kairos has excelled in speed training.

"Although I really don't want to hurt you, it would be too lenient of me to ignore such a blatant attack... Gardevoir, magical fire." Natsuki showed no mercy.

Even though this is the second time they've challenged me, and even though their strength is indeed quite good, I might consider giving them a badge.

However, if he cannot demonstrate a fighting style that impresses him, then this badge will definitely not be given to him casually.

Although the power of the magical flames is only average, it is undoubtedly a perfect counter to the Bug-type Kairos.

Most importantly, there's a 4-level difference, plus the absolute dominance of special attack, and the weakness of Kairost's defense. If this move hits, it can instantly kill the opponent.

"What? Your Gardevoir can use Fire-type moves?!" Shin-che was clearly startled.

The information he had previously gathered only mentioned that Gardevoir's psychic abilities were extremely powerful, and that all of Gardevoir's moves were psychic-related. He never expected that Gardevoir would have fire-type moves.

Upon hearing Xin Zhe's words, Xia Mu knew that although the kid had some strength, he was stubborn.

Now that we've investigated the Pokémon he has, we should look up online what moves Gardevoir can learn.

The Pokémon database on the Pokémon League's official website does mention what moves Pokémon can learn, although it's not comprehensive and many moves are still unknown. However, the information on Gardevoir states that it can learn Fire, Electric, Grass, and even Ice-type moves.

Before Keros could even get close, he was struck by the magical flames and sent flying backward.

To Xia Mu's surprise, Kairos did not lose his fighting ability immediately, but instead bravely pulled through.

However, it was also at its last gasp. Xia Mu gave the order again, and Gardevoir fired another Wave Missile, which took down Helios.

The Wave Missile skill wasn't taught to Gardevoir by Natsuki buying a TM; Gardevoir learned it from Lucario.

It was a pleasant surprise.

"Pieros is unable to battle, and the Gym Leader wins."

"Please leave the stage, Mr. Xin Zhe. Next challenger, Mr. San Yang, please take the stage."

Under the referee's verdict, Shincheol tasted defeat once again.

"Pokémon battles aren't just about type; winning isn't solely about attributes. Factors affecting the outcome include level, move usage, and tactical coordination! Your reckless attack, even if you win by type advantage, will severely damage your Pinsir. So next time you use Pinsir, remember not to attack so directly; use some tactics instead," Xia Mu advised Xin Zhe.

Despite his own many flaws, Natsuki defeated his opponent, and as the victor, he had the right to say these words.

If he were Tailrod's trainer, he would at least make Gardevoir pay the price.

"Thank you for your guidance..." Xin Zhe's face turned pale. After retracting Kairos, he left without looking back.

At the age of thirteen or fourteen, it is the most rebellious period, and people are so self-centered that they cannot listen to much advice.

After watching Xin Zhe leave, Xia Mu focused his attention on the second challenger.

"Should we replace the Pokémon? Or continue using Gardevoir?" San Yang faced Natsuki, and even after watching Shinche's previous battle, he remained calm and fearless.

Natsuki nodded: "Let's continue. Send out your Pokémon."

Hearing Xia Mu's words, San Yang grinned, seemingly pleased with himself: "That's good, let's go, Gastly!"

The Ghost-type Haunter, at level 39, is quite good, but unfortunately it's not Gengar.

No wonder it wasn't afraid of Gardevoir and had an attitude of "I'm sure to win."

"Compared to the challengers in the morning, the challengers in the afternoon are indeed of higher quality. Let me see what you've got." Xia Mu did not make the first move, and once again handed the initiative to the challenger.

"I couldn't have asked for more! Haunter, Dark Pulse!" Sanyang gave the command, and Haunter immediately understood, licking its tongue and grinning mischievously.

Its two illusory ghostly hands came together, and dark purple halos converged into a circle. Then, it unleashed a powerful attack, heading straight for Gardevoir.

This strike was quite powerful.

"Take this, Wave Missile!" Xia Mu reacted swiftly without hesitation.

As for Gardevoir, which was trained as a Special Attacker, it has absolutely nothing to fear from Wave.

Even without any effort points allocated, given the current level difference, what is there to fear even if our attributes are countered?

Moreover, special moves and skills can have a counter-effect.

A loud bang!

The wave missile and the evil wave exploded due to the impact of the force, canceling each other out.

At the same time, something unexpected happened: Gastly suddenly appeared behind Gardevoir, launching a sneak attack that was extremely effective.

Gardevoir's psychic abilities sensed something and it avoided a fatal blow by dodging the attack.

However, he was indeed injured, which surprised Xia Mu.

His gaze lingered on Gastly's move list for a moment before he recognized the move and praised, "Not bad. During the brief interval between the explosions, Gastly's surprise attack caught me completely off guard."

(End of this chapter)