Chapter 132: Continuous Badge Wins, Team Rocket Underground Base
After the battle with Koga, Xia Mu still had Arcanine hold back in the end.
Through this fight, he finally got a clear understanding of what Elite Four-level strength truly meant.
After defeating Koga, he obtained the Fuchsia Gym Badge.
To be honest, Xia Mu even had the urge to directly challenge a Champion-level opponent.
In the past, battling elite trainers felt challenging. Even before fighting an Elite Four member, he had expectations—but after the fight, he realized there was no pressure at all.
He was simply too strong.
Not just because of his Pokémon, but also because he was a transmigrator—he understood Pokémon far better than anyone else.
No matter the opponent or strategy, he could always find the most efficient way to win.
In short, with his "cheat-like knowledge," Xia Mu could never be dragged into someone else's rhythm. Instead, he would quickly read them, turn the situation around, and take full control of the battle.
Was Koga weak?
For Xia Mu—yes.
But for others, even among Elite Four-level trainers, Koga wouldn't lose this badly.
---
After saying goodbye to Koga, Janine, and Aya, Xia Mu left the gym with Sonia.
This was his fourth badge—and one of the most significant in Kanto.
"Well… maybe Giovanni's badge is even more important?" Xia Mu wondered.
From what Koga said, Giovanni's strength should be similar to his.
---
"Are we heading to Celadon City next?" Sonia asked while walking.
She had gotten used to asking Xia Mu about their next destination.
But this time, she was clearly eager—after traveling through dark forests, she didn't want that experience again.
"We're already in Fuchsia City, so let's explore first. I also want to check out the Safari Zone—maybe we'll catch some interesting Pokémon," Xia Mu said.
Sonia nodded.
She knew Xia Mu was slowing down for her sake. Otherwise, he would've rushed ahead—time was running out, and he still needed four more badges.
---
They explored Fuchsia City, visited popular spots, and eventually entered the Safari Zone.
There, trainers could pay to receive special Poké Balls and attempt to catch Pokémon—without battling.
It was a clever system.
Mostly designed for beginners—rare Pokémon wouldn't be easily obtainable.
Many people believed they were "chosen ones," but in reality, it was just wishful thinking.
---
They saw many Pokémon groups and trainers.
At least the system ensured no one left empty-handed.
Xia Mu recalled how Ash once caught 30 Tauros with 30 balls—truly absurd.
They didn't encounter any rare Pokémon like Dratini or Dragonair.
Even if they had, Xia Mu wouldn't catch them—he already had Dragonite.
---
After leaving the Safari Zone, they stayed one night in Fuchsia City.
The next day, they woke up late, had lunch, bought supplies, and resumed their journey.
Their destination: Celadon City.
---
For the remaining gyms, Xia Mu felt no excitement.
They were simply too weak.
Lt. Surge had some mystery due to his identity—but was ultimately weak.
Sabrina was strong.
Koga was Elite Four-level.
But Celadon's Erika? Not impressive.
That's why Xia Mu challenged Koga earlier.
---
Traveling north, they changed routes and avoided forests.
Xia Mu even used Arcanine as transport, speeding along Route 17.
They quickly reached Celadon City.
---
Without delay, Xia Mu challenged the gym.
Luckily, Erika was still there.
The result?
Easy victory.
Charizard alone defeated all her Grass-type Pokémon instantly.
Surprisingly, Erika criticized Xia Mu—
Using Fire-types against Grass-types was "shameful."
At first, Xia Mu held back.
But after hearing that, he had Charizard go all out.
He realized Erika was overly prideful and obsessed with beauty—unsuited to be a gym leader.
---
With the fifth badge obtained, they explored Celadon City.
Key landmarks included:
Celadon Department Store – the largest mall in Kanto
Celadon Mansion – home of game developers in the original games
Xia Mu remembered many game-related details and events tied to this city.
---
Eventually, they arrived at the Game Corner.
Xia Mu originally thought the underground base wouldn't exist in reality.
But he was wrong.
Using his aura abilities, he sensed a large hidden space underground.
Team Rocket's base was likely there.
However, he didn't investigate further.
If Mewtwo found out, it might lose control.
Also, it wasn't the right time to confront Team Rocket.
He still planned to deal with Giovanni later.
---
They played some games and left.
Most machines were actually gambling devices—used by Team Rocket to make money.
---
At night, they had dinner and explored the city.
Their relationship had grown very close—like a couple in love.
They even once slept in the same tent during a rainy night.
Though they tried to keep distance, they ended up holding each other while asleep.
By morning, both were embarrassed.
---
Back at the hotel, Xia Mu released his Pokémon and contacted Jessie, James, and Meowth.
After discussing business matters, he asked about the underground base.
Surprisingly.
They had no idea it existed.
________________________________________
________________________________________
This book is finished on Patreon!
👉 patreon.com/Horizons685
______________________________________
______________________________________
(End of Chapter)