Xu Mu saw Greninja off to the side, starting to doubt himself, and a smile tugged at his lips.
Hmph. Still young, and you dare question me?
What a joke. Like I'd admit I was the one who broke the gravity room.
Xu Mu opened a map and began studying it.
Sixteen city-level Gym Badges in two months. That was no small challenge!
Even setting everything else aside, traveling back and forth would take a lot of time.
But there was no helping it. The Elite Four Challenge was about to begin. If Xu Mu couldn't collect sixteen Badges in time and qualify, he would have to wait until next year!
"Besides the Badge I already have from the Magma Gym, I'm still missing fifteen."
"Hopefully my old man comes through and I can get going soon."
"Otherwise, I'm afraid this year's Elite Four Challenge is out of reach."
Xu Mu was keeping a low profile for now. He couldn't go running around wherever he pleased.
The main problem was that Lugia drew too much attention!
He had Little Lugia with him, but without official recognition, he had no legitimate claim. Everyone knew what happened to someone carrying a treasure others coveted.
Right now, Xu Mu could hold his own against a Venerable-level expert, but anyone stronger would give him trouble.
So for his own safety and Lugia's, Xu Mu was better off staying put.
Otherwise, all kinds of unexpected "accidents" might happen.
What he needed to do now was attend school like a good student and wait for his old man and the Chief of the Eastern Lands to sort out his situation. Then the authorities could officially register Lugia under him as its Trainer.
That would give Lugia an official place at his side, and Xu Mu would