Chapter 60 Blaine and Professor Magnolia, Backdoor?
Even if it wasn't the one known as the God of Fire, it was still Moltres.
Imagine catching a Moltres, becoming a torchbearer at the Indigo League, running with Moltres's flames, and having Moltres accompany you—wouldn't that be cool?
A must-have for any transmigrator showing off in the early stages.
I wonder how strong Moltres, whose strength in the game is average, is in the real world?
Even if it's not as strong as the God of Fire, it shouldn't be comparable to ordinary Pokémon, right?
Thinking of the three legendary birds, I can't help but think of the three legendary birds of the Galar region.
Okay, Xia Mu firmly believes they're not in the same category.
Especially that certain ground-dwelling chicken, lowering its own status, a disgrace to Flying-types +1.
Groudon, on the other hand, gave it a thumbs up, adding another follower +1.
...
Led by the staff, Xia Mu, Professor Magnolia, and Sonia were taken into the gym.
The Cinnabar Gym isn't actually the largest of the dojos, but it's definitely the most unique.
This isn't described much in the original work; seeing it in person is truly awe-inspiring.
They arrived at the dojo's back courtyard, where Blaine lived.
Seeing the real Blaine, although he had some recollection of him, those memories were from a year or two ago.
"What? Don't you recognize me? Even with the wig, my face hasn't changed in years," Blaine teased.
This seemed to be directed at Xia Mu, but was actually meant for Professor Magnolia.
"Grandpa," Xia Mu greeted politely.
After all, their relationship was there.
Blaine nodded, then looked at Professor Magnolia and Sonia.
"Your granddaughter has grown so much; we're all getting old."
"You don't look old at all. You seem to be living a comfortable life.
At your age, you're still wearing a wig like a young person. You can't compare to your younger days," Professor Magnolia said, pushing up her glasses.
Her words were sharp, showing no politeness towards Blaine.
Blaine wasn't annoyed. He laughed and said, "Old in years, but young at heart. At our age, if we don't live for ourselves, will we have any regrets?"
The old lady and the old man looked at each other for a long time.
"You old man, you haven't changed at all," Professor Magnolia laughed.
"You too, still so fond of pointing out people's shortcomings." Blaine took off his wig, revealing his true face.
His large bald head was indeed very shiny under the sunlight.
The atmosphere was a little strange. Xia Mu and Sonia couldn't help but exchange a glance, suddenly feeling like third wheels.
They had no idea what the relationship between Blaine and Professor Magnolia was. Sonia didn't even know that her grandmother and this old man Blaine were so close.
They couldn't help but have wild thoughts, but they wouldn't express them.
"Alright, you've all had a long journey. I've prepared a banquet; let's eat and chat, and get to know the young people." After a brief exchange, Uncle Xia spoke up.
Two men in black led the way, and the group arrived at a spacious and antiquely decorated reception room.
The long table was already laden with food, showing Uncle Xia's meticulous arrangements.
Xia Mu hadn't expected that, besides them, Uncle Xia had also summoned some stewards from the Xia family on Cinnabar Island.
This was to introduce Xia Mu to two uncles and aunts, as well as Uncle Xia's grandchildren—all members of the Xia family, younger than Xia Mu but still fifteen years old.
The banquet lasted until after eight o'clock in the evening.
Xia Mu finally understood what it meant to be on pins and needles.
He now understood the main reason his parents had sent him to meet Uncle Xia:
to give him some exposure, to let everyone know that he, Xia Mu, would soon be in their sights, both to get their attention and to learn more about the Xia family.
Fortunately, Sonia was there, allowing for some casual conversation.
Although the two weren't very close, they were at least more familiar than everyone else present.
Sonia was more natural than Xia Mu, though still somewhat reserved; she had attended many banquets with Professor Magnolia and was used to such occasions.
As Professor Magnolia had said, if someone feared and avoided even these small events, they wouldn't go far.
After the banquet, Uncle Xia had Professor Magnolia and Sonia escorted to the Red Lotus Hot Spring Hotel, while Xia Mu stayed behind for a one-on-one conversation with Uncle Xia.
From Uncle Xia, Xia Mu learned more about the Xia family, and from this, he also realized that this Uncle Xia was probably not the one from the special episode; even if there were some connections, they wouldn't be significant.
Finally, the conversation naturally turned to traveling and future goals.
Blaine's questions were quite direct; in a sense, he was testing Xia Mu, inquiring about his future plans.
Upon learning that Xia Mu would try to challenge a gym to participate in the Indigo League, Blaine immediately pulled out his Volcano Badge.
Clearly, he was giving him preferential treatment.
However, Blaine's implication was, what kind of preferential treatment is it to take something from his own family?
Xia Mu was both amused and exasperated; it seemed Blaine was indeed right. Xia Mu didn't mince words; since Blaine had given it to him, refusing it would be disrespectful to the elder.
Whether it was a test or something else, it was simply a matter of order.
Having received the badge, Xia Mu still requested a battle from Blaine.
His meaning was clear: he wanted the badge, and he wanted to battle—it was for experience points!
Blaine was satisfied with Xia Mu's attitude; since Xia Mu had such confidence, if he didn't grant his request, it would be him, as an elder, being perfunctory.
They agreed to battle the next day, and Xia Mu stayed at the Crimson Gym that night.
Originally, he planned to go to a hotel and experience the hot springs of this world.
Little did he know that Blaine had already made arrangements.
Fortunately, the gym had everything he needed, and Xia Mu soaked in the hot springs, enjoying himself immensely.
Of course, he didn't forget his Pokémon.
It's worth mentioning that even though Arcanine is a Fire-type, it can still enjoy the hot springs.
And Beedrill, although an insect, isn't afraid of water.
...
In the blink of an eye, it was the next day.
Xia Mu had a good night's rest when he was awakened by a commotion.
After getting dressed and washing up, he roughly understood what was going on.
Recently, due to the invitations spread by the strongest Pokémon trainer, countless trainers had come to Cinnabar Island. Blaine, as one of the heads of the Xia family, immediately concluded that someone was just trying to attract attention.
Initially, he thought it was a good thing, bringing more visitors to Cinnabar Island and boosting the economy, but now he didn't think so anymore.
As the Cinnabar Gym Leader, he couldn't handle these trainers challenging the gym.
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(End of Chapter)