Chapter 129 Is this the strength of a Champion
? Pretending?!
Xia Mu didn't expose him, just nodded casually.
Now that the main character has appeared, there's no need to continue the previous crushing battle.
In Xia Mu's eyes, A-Xing is just a child, actually only about twelve or thirteen years old, at most no more than fifteen. In
his mind, anyone under fifteen is a child.
His attack was undoubtedly bullying the weak.
When he was in charge of the Crimson Lotus Gym, Xia Mu was actually somewhat reluctant to deal with some children, because for an adult to fight against a group of children around ten years old, it wasn't just a matter of being outmatched, it was a crushing defeat in terms of mindset.
Because of A-Ju's arrival, A-Xing could no longer act up. Under A-Ju's scolding, she could only obediently call her Pokémon and retreat to the side.
A-Ya didn't dare to say anything either. As the younger sister, she was actually much older than A-Ju. The two siblings grew up relying on each other, so A-Ju was just as strict with A-Ya.
After some polite exchanges, Xia Mu and Aju officially faced off.
The father had taken over his daughter's role, but Xia Mu had come specifically for him from the start.
Aju was a smart man; he knew Xia Mu's purpose.
Through a few words and introductions, he roughly understood that Xia Mu was the powerful acting Gym Leader who had caused such a stir on Cinnabar Island recently, and also the grandson of Old Master Xia.
The battle format was still three-on-three, which Xia Mu agreed to, after all, Xia Mu was the host.
"Rumor has it that your strength is not only incredibly powerful, but you've also captured the legendary Firebird. Is that true?" As the future Poison-type Elite Four member, Aju's position in the League was already beginning to emerge; otherwise, he wouldn't have known some secret information. "
Rumors are rumors. As for my true strength, we'll see in person. As for Moltres, I was indeed lucky enough to capture it," Xia Mu smiled slightly.
He didn't deny it, nor was there any need to lie or hide anything.
Since the other party had said it, they must have absolutely reliable information.
Hearing Xia Mu's reply, A-Ju smiled and said, "It's truly enviable. The legendary Moltres, becoming a legendary Pokémon trainer—I've had that dream since I was little, but unfortunately, I still haven't achieved it."
Her words carried a hint of melancholy.
As a powerful Pokémon trainer with considerable skill, no one wouldn't want to capture a legendary Pokémon.
"It was just luck. If I hadn't happened to go to Mt. Lantern, if I hadn't stumbled upon Team Rocket's scheme, I wouldn't have been able to easily capture Moltres. Ultimately, you were a Gym Leader before, so you couldn't pursue new things. Now that you're about to become an Elite Four member, you'll have more opportunities to go out and encounter more Pokémon, and you might even have a chance to capture a legendary Pokémon." Xia Mu's words were quite tactful.
"Hahaha~~! Well, I'll take your good wishes. However, I might not be able to truly become an Elite Four member yet, after all, the two guys competing with me are quite strong." A-Ju laughed a few times and said.
Besides A-Ju, there were indeed others vying for the Elite Four position.
Xia Mu was unaware of this, as he only knew the original story and that A-Ju would become the Poison-type Elite Four member.
"Alright, enough chit-chat, let's begin our battle and let me truly witness your strength." Without further ado, A-Ju took out her Poké Ball first.
His sudden change of heart made Xia Mu swallow the words he was about to say.
Nodding slightly, Xia Mu returned Gardevoir to its Ultra Ball.
He wondered what kind of Pokémon A-Ju would send out, and just how high its level was. So, it was better for Gardevoir to stay in its Ultra Ball for now.
If their levels were even, they could have a proper battle, but if the level difference was huge, then he would absolutely crush A-Ju.
By crushing A-Ju, he could spread his fame, at least letting the other Elite Four know how strong he was, and also letting Lance know of his existence.
"My first Pokémon is this one, here we go, Muk!"
As A-Ju threw out its Poké Ball, a white light exploded, and a foul-smelling Muk appeared on the battlefield.
[Muk]
[LV: 64]
[Gender: Male]
[Type: Poison]
[Nature: Careful]
[Ability: Stink (By releasing a foul odor, it can sometimes cause opponents to flinch when attacking.)]
[Moves: Slap, Harden, Koffing, Mud Throw, Immobilize, Sludge Bomb, Mud Shot, Shrink, Toxic, Sludge Bomb, Sludge Wave, Squeaking Garbage, Shot, Melt, Burp, Parting Gift…]
[Friendship: 10]
[Mood: Excited (Let the whole world be enveloped in a stinky environment)]
…
A level 64 Muk truly shocked Natsuki.
The very first Pokémon he encountered was over level 60, making Natsuki realize just how powerful the Elite Four level was in the real world!
To be precise, it was comparable to the Elite Four in the second playthrough of the game.
Even stronger, since this was only the first one, and he didn't yet know the strength levels of Natsuki's other Pokémon.
Most importantly, Aju's strength isn't high among the Elite Four; he's only ranked last.
Take the Kanto Elite Four, for example: Lorelei, Hilichurl, and Agatha are all far superior to him, not to mention the final Elite Four member and Champion, Lance.
[It seems I need to quickly improve the strength of my main Pokémon.] Natsuki thought to himself, having made his decision.
Even if he didn't raise all his Pokémon to level 100, he needed to at least reach levels 60 or even 70.
Only then could he use these Pokémon to face Elite Four level opponents in the future.
A level 53 Gardevoir would have a hard time defeating Muk. Although type advantage allowed Gardevoir to compensate for some of the strength gap, level 50 and level 60 are completely different levels.
It's like a level 60 Pokémon comparing itself to a level 70 Pokémon—it's just asking for trouble.
Furthermore, the difference between level 70 and level 80 is even greater. Otherwise, when Xia Mu fought Mewtwo, he wouldn't have temporarily leveled Beedrill to level 80, at least to match its level. A
level 56 Venusaur wouldn't be a match for Muk, even with all its stat boosts.
As for Charizard, it might put up a fight, but its only advantage is aerial combat and ranged attacks. If it gets entangled in close combat, it will be defeated.
Knowing he has a Flying-type Pokémon, and using Muk as his first Pokémon, it's clear that A-Ju has a strategy.
[With its cautious nature, this Muk's Special Defense must be extremely high. If I remember correctly, a Muk with a base stat total of 500 points would have exceptional HP and Attack stats, both exceeding 100.] After a brief moment of thought, Xia Mu pulled out a Lucario Ultra Ball.
Any one of Arcanine, Lucario, or Beedrill could easily win.
However, Xia Mu didn't act recklessly and instead used the most suitable Lucario.
Aside from the level advantage, Lucario was immune to poison, a significant type advantage.
...
"Another Pokémon from another region?! I never expected you to have so many Pokémon from other regions." Although he had been confined to the Kanto region, A-Ju still had some knowledge.
He knew a bit about Pokémon from other regions, and he vaguely recognized this one; it should be Lucario evolved from Riolu.
Facing an unfamiliar Pokémon, A-Ju maintained basic composure.
No wonder he could sit on the Elite Four throne; this was the basic quality a powerful Pokémon trainer should possess.
Lucario entered the arena, its gaze immediately landing on the opposing Muk, sharp and piercing.
This was the first time it had officially stood on the battle stage since its strength had increased to this level.
Because of its overwhelming strength, it showed no fear of Grimer.
Even though Grimer kept glaring at it and even let out a deep growl, it remained unmoved and unaffected.
"Now, please teach me, but be careful, Gym Leader A-Ju." Since A-Ju wasn't a Champion yet, Xia Mu still addressed him as Gym Leader.
Seeing A-Ju nod in acknowledgment, Xia Mu didn't hesitate any longer and directly said to Lucario, "Aura Sphere, launch!"
The moment the words left his mouth, Xia Mu used his Aura to communicate with Lucario.
The level difference was 36 levels, so even if this Aura Sphere didn't instantly kill Grimer, it would severely injure it, almost rendering it unable to battle.
Therefore, to make this battle more meaningful, Xia Mu ordered Lucario to use only 50% of its power.
"Lucario~!!!" With a shout from Lucario,
the Aura Sphere instantly condensed and fired, heading straight for Grimer.
As a move with a 100% chance of hitting, A-Ju reacted immediately: "Impressive aura! Muk, use Sludge Bomb to block the Aura Sphere!"
'Mud~~!!!' After a deep shout, the Sludge Bomb, formed from terrifying poisonous energy, shot out from Muk's mouth.
'Boom!!!' A loud explosion followed.
The Sludge Bomb blocked the Aura Sphere, but the aftershocks of the explosion still affected Muk, as the impact and blast areas were very close.
"So powerful? It seems I underestimated you, Natsuki." With a sharp look and a change in aura, A-Ju released his ninja aura, making everyone feel as if they were being stared at by a ferocious beast. "Poison Gas Covers the Entire Area!"
With his command, Muk quickly opened its stinking maw, and pale purple poisonous gas continuously spewed out, expanding its surrounding area and quickly filling the entire area.
Unlike the Koffing in the game, where the Koffing move simply blows the gas onto the opponent's face, causing poisoning, the
real-life Koffing is a comprehensive attack. Simply inhaling the Koffing can poison an opponent's Pokémon in a short time. It
's a disgusting move, but for Poison-type Pokémon, this kind of poison-based attrition warfare is the best way to showcase their strength.
Because the battle was gaining momentum, A-Xing, watching from the sidelines, started shouting excitedly,
"It's here! It's here! Daddy's poison-based attrition strategy! Once poisoned, no matter how strong you are, you'll fall!" A-Xing's words made A-Ya, standing nearby, both laugh and cry.
However, A-Ya was genuinely shocked. Normally, her brother wouldn't use this kind of fighting style at the start.
So, Xia Mu's strength was truly formidable, even putting a lot of pressure on her brother.
[What will the outcome be? Brother, I haven't seen you look like this in a long time.] A-Ya thought to herself.
On the other side, Sonia was worried about Xia Mu, and naturally even more so about Lucario.
After all, she had never seen Xia Mu handle a Poison-type battle like this before.
She also understood why Xia Mu had switched his main force over.
Elite Four level is Elite Four level, far beyond the strength of an ordinary Gym Leader.
...
"You want to poison my Lucario, and then follow your rhythm, step by step into your trap. Let me guess, you'll probably have Muk use a poison move next, right?" Xia Mu said with a smile in his eyes.
"That's exactly what I'm planning, but I know it's not that simple. I can sense that your Lucario's level is higher than Muk's, and it also has a troublesome Aura Sphere attack. I roughly know a bit about it; this move should be able to lock onto the opponent's attack 100% of the time, right?" Aju said calmly. She
didn't refute, but generously admitted it, and stated that Lucario's strength was higher than Muk's.
Such frankness impressed Xia Mu.
"Since you sensed it, then I won't hold back! Lucario, continue attacking with Aura Sphere." Xia Mu said with a smile, his eyes slightly narrowed.
'Lucario~~!' Lucario once again formed an Aura Sphere.
However, this time, an unexpected event occurred during the execution of the move.
"Immobilize!!!" A-Ju suddenly spoke, and Grimer seemed to have been prepared as well.
Sufficient coordination resulted in the immediate execution of the move.
A white light covered Lucario, who was about to launch an Aura Sphere, and the almost formed Aura Sphere suddenly dissipated, unable to continue.
"Is this your plan? But even if you disable Aura Sphere, so what?! Your poison-based strategy won't work, because Lucario's type is Steel/Fighting, and Steel-types are immune to Poison-type attacks, so it won't get poisoned in close combat." Xia Mu said.
When he saw the Immobilize move, Xia Mu had already guessed the tactic A-Ju would use.
"I see! No wonder you were so calm. I didn't expect Riolu to have a Steel-type after evolving!" A-Ju exclaimed, finally understanding why Xia Mu was so relaxed.
"And Lucario has more than one ranged move?"...
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(End of Chapter)