Hearing Ralts's words, Lugia smiled with satisfaction.
The apprentice he had taken on was exceptional. With such keen insight, Ralts was sure to achieve great things.
Lugia glanced around proudly. Then he saw that every flower, shrub, and tree that should have been in the courtyard had vanished.
His pride turned to panic in an instant.
If Xu Mu saw the courtyard like this, Lugia was as good as dead!
Lugia hurriedly said to Ralts:
"Ralts, you did well!"
"That's enough practice for now. We'll continue when we have time!"
With that, Lugia made to flee into his Poké Ball.
But just as he moved, a cold voice sounded behind him.
"Lugia, where do you think you're going?"
Cold sweat broke out across Lugia's forehead.
The speaker was none other than Xu Mu.
The explosion had jolted Xu Mu awake.
At first, he had thought an enemy had come knocking!
He had even wondered who was foolish enough to come here looking for death.
But the moment he got up, he froze.
Good grief!
Not a single plant remained in the courtyard.
The courtyard that had once looked like a garden was now a wasteland.
Xu Mu had almost thought someone had carried off his entire home, house and all!
But one closer look told him exactly what had happened. This was Lugia's handiwork!
That was why Xu Mu had called out to him.
Lugia gave him a smile uglier than a grimace and said in a trembling voice:
"Xu Mu, would you believe me if I said it wasn't me?"
He looked at Xu Mu hopefully.
Then he watched a cold smile spread across Xu Mu's face.
"How could I not believe you?" Xu Mu said.
He went on:
"Whoever wrecked the courtyard must have energy to spare. That