Cynthia's father had come for her in person, so Xu Mu couldn't stand in his way. He watched her leave with obvious reluctance.
Once again, Xu Mu felt how important strength was.
At first, he'd thought he only needed to be strong enough to get by.
How powerful a Wild Pokémon could he possibly run into while traveling?
Wasn't an Elite Four-level Greninja enough to protect the person he loved?
But reality had told Xu Mu, time and again, that it wasn't enough!
Both his earlier trip to the Secret Realm and this encounter with Kale, a father who doted on his daughter, had left Xu Mu bitterly aware of his lack of strength.
It was a hard feeling to swallow.
I got transported to this world. Why the hell should I have to put up with you locals?
Just give me a little more time. You'll all be crawling!
Xu Mu was still fuming when he noticed Xiao Yuyang looking at him. He quickly turned back.
"Thank you for speaking up for me, Chief Xiao, and coming to my aid!"
Xu Mu cupped his hands in thanks, sounding a little like a wandering swordsman.
Whatever his connection to Xiao Yuyang might be, he could thank him first.
A trace of melancholy flashed through Xiao Yuyang's eyes at Xu Mu's formal manner, but it vanished before anyone noticed.
"It's nothing. That brat Kale has no manners. He keeps coming to the Eastern Lands without telling me."
"As the Host, I was bound to have a word with him."
Then Xiao Yuyang asked, "Were you about to have a Gym battle?"
Xu Mu nodded. "That's right. I was just about to challenge Gym Leader Li."
Seeing that it was his turn to speak, Li Cangye hurried forward. "Greetings, Chief Xiao."
Xiao