socalfunplaces Chapter 426 If you think Galar is bad, then go and build it...
Chapter 426 If you think Galar is bad, then go and build it...
Chapter 426 If you think Galar is bad, then go and build it...
February 3, 226th year of the League Calendar, Quanjuku City.
After meeting with Sonia one last time and discussing in detail the initial progress on the "Dynamax" energy model, Xia Chi did not linger any longer.
The following morning, he bid farewell to the female doctor who was immersed in her research fervor and set off for his true destination: the industrial and energy heart of the Galar region, Motogakure.
Milton carried him across the rolling plains and hills of central Galar, and when the city's silhouette, dominated by dark gray tones and with its towering chimneys and high-rises outlining a hard skyline, appeared on the horizon, the air seemed to grow heavier.
As a major industrial city in Galilee, the sky above Motostoke seems to be perpetually shrouded in a layer of leaden gray haze, which, combined with the already lack of sunshine in winter, presents a depressing and gloomy tone.
This was in stark contrast to Shuizhou Town, which he had just left, leaving Xia Chi, who had just come from the refreshing harbor environment, feeling a bit breathless and somewhat unaccustomed to it.
However, he was not here for vacation or sightseeing.
After calming himself down slightly, Xia Chi instructed Milton to descend and land closer to the city center.
The hotel he chose was in a rather peculiar location, just one block away from the iconic spiral tower of the Marocomón Energy Group, which resembles a massive energy core.
That's right, Xia Chi is just that brave.
He knew perfectly well that by checking into this hotel, his whereabouts would be completely exposed to Loz's sight.
But he didn't care, and it even seemed a bit deliberate.
Because the two sides in the game already have a tacit understanding, almost as if they have their cards on the table.
Xia Chi knew about Loz's insane plan called "Infinite Energy," which was actually centered on awakening and controlling Wujitana.
Just as Rose must have guessed, Xia Chi's sudden incursion into the heart of Galar, heading straight for Hammerlocke City, was not merely for a few gym battles.
Both sides are waiting, waiting for that irreversible, crucial moment when Wujita fully awakens, or rather, when Loz reaps the rewards.
So here's the question.
Why didn't Xia Chi choose to use swift and decisive means to break into the heavily guarded energy center underground in Quan Guan City before the situation became irreversible, and completely nip the threat of Wuji Taina, which was still dormant or semi-sealed, in the bud?
The reason is neither a lack of strength nor a fear of risk.
The key lies in timing and legitimacy.
Before Loz officially shed his disguise and defected to become the "disaster maker," he was still a highly respected chairman of the Galar Alliance, a business tycoon who promoted regional prosperity, and a leader trusted by countless people.
Everything he promoted, including his research on "infinite energy," was officially cloaked in the glamorous guise of "for the long-term future of Galar."
Without solid, irrefutable evidence, who would believe that such a person is plotting a gamble that could drag the entire Galar into the abyss of "darkness"?
If Xia Chi were to force his way into the Marocmon Energy Plant at this moment, no matter how valid his reasons, under the media machine controlled by Loz and the official narrative, he would most likely be portrayed as a "mad terror trainer" who covets Galar's core energy technology and intends to disrupt regional stability.
At that time, he will not only face Loz's private army and Marocmon's security forces, but also the hostility of the entire Galar Alliance government.
At that time, Xia Chi's choices will become extremely limited.
One option is to slink away and abandon any attempt to forcefully intervene, then watch as Loth gradually awakens Eterna, allowing the Dark Night disaster of three thousand years ago to repeat itself.
This is essentially no different from remaining inactive and waiting for an opportunity, and may even be worse, because it would mean losing the moral initiative.
Second, they completely broke off all pretense, disregarded everything, and entered "King of the Hill" mode, fighting their way from the entrance of the energy factory to the underground core area, killing, killing, killing, killing!
What explanation? What public opinion?
Why should I, Xia Chi, explain my actions to you?
This second option certainly sounds exciting and thrilling... but this is, after all, the Pokémon world, and there's no need to go to such extremes.
The first option is essentially no different from simply waiting and watching what happens, waiting for Loz to slip up on his own.
At most, he'll step in as savior when the disaster truly strikes and the people are filled with regret.
Xia Chi doesn't have the kind of taste to watch others cry in despair and then try to save them to satisfy some kind of vulgar psychological urge.
Therefore, he chose the path he is currently taking, which may seem like he's giving up, but is actually a more cautious one.
He entered Hammerlocke City openly as a challenger and operated right under Rose's nose.
It is both an invisible deterrent and a form of psychological pressure on Lotz.
They might wait for Dante and Masde to find clues about the "hero," or they might wait for Sonia's research to bring an unexpected breakthrough.
Xia Chi thought that after he so provocatively checked into a hotel so close to the energy group, Lorz would be unable to contain himself and would send Olive to visit him.
He asks you to go there, offer you great benefits to persuade you to join his camp, and then triggers a "special CG" where you vehemently refuse.
But to everyone's surprise, Lorze was unusually quiet, as if he hadn't noticed the arrival of this uninvited guest at all.
Perhaps Loz had already foreseen the inevitable failure of the recruitment attempt and disdained to put on such a futile show.
Or perhaps he was in the most crucial final stage of the plan and had no time to be distracted.
Or perhaps he has a deeper scheme.
It was someone else who first broke this apparent calm.
Cibana.
Of course, he didn't actually go to the hotel room; he contacted them by phone.
"Feed? Is this Teacher Xia Chi?"
A cheerful voice, brimming with obvious excitement, came through Rotom's phone. It was Raihana, the Dragon-type Gym Leader of Galar, known for his flamboyant tactics and formidable strength.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!"
He spoke warmly, with a touch of familiarity, "I was getting really impatient, so I shamelessly asked Lulina for your contact information. I hope I didn't bother you?"
There was an apology in her words, but Xia Chi could feel her eagerness even through the phone.
It's not bothering you, you've already called me.
Xia Chi silently complained to himself, but naturally he wouldn't say it out loud.
He walked to the window, looked at the unique spiral structure of the Marocomón building not far away, and responded politely.
"Of course not, Master Qibana. I was just planning to pay you a visit another day to experience the charm of the Punch Gate Arena."
These words were partly polite, and partly sincere.
He did indeed plan to visit the Kibana dojo, as it was a plausible excuse to enter the core area of Motogakure and observe the surrounding situation.
However, Chibana was clearly a man of action and took Xia Chi's polite words to heart.
"Haha, that's great!"
His laughter grew louder: "I happen to be free this afternoon, how about we schedule the match for this afternoon? Or... if you're free now, we can start right away, whichever is more convenient for you!"
He gave two options directly, his tone full of excitement that he couldn't wait.
Summer Pond:
66
"Dude, you've arranged my time perfectly, what can I say?"
Go ahead and fight.
This battle was something that was planned and would happen sooner or later. Fighting a strongman like Kibana would not only test the combat skills of Latias and his companions, but also allow them to observe this top Galar gym leader more deeply, and perhaps even obtain some information about Kensei City that was not easily detected from him.
With that in mind, Xia Chi no longer hesitated and readily agreed, "Okay, then this afternoon. I'll come over after lunch."
"Okay, it's a deal!"
Chibana's voice was filled with the joy of having his wish fulfilled.
"Then I'll be waiting for Master Xia Chi's arrival at the Quan Guan Arena!"
After hanging up the phone, Xia Chi turned around and met a pair of eyes in the room that suddenly lit up, filled with fighting spirit.
Without a doubt, all the teammates understood the contents of the phone call and at the same time set their sights on the only chance to play in the afternoon's match.
They have already tacitly agreed that whoever represents Xia Chi in the battle is capable of achieving the feat of "one against three".
Even if the opponent is Chibana, who is said to have the same strength as the champions of other regions.
This reflects not only absolute confidence in one's own abilities, but also trust in the capabilities of one's teammates.
Therefore, the competition for this starting spot is particularly fierce.
Xia Chi looked around at the almost overflowing fighting spirit in his companions' eyes and couldn't help but smile.
He first looked at the largest man: "Lao Ban, you should rest for now. You just warmed up in Shuizhou Town a few days ago, so take a break and conserve your energy."
"Gaho..."
Although Tyranitar was mentally prepared, he still couldn't help but let out a disappointed growl when his trainer denied it.
Then, Xia Chi's self-light swept over Miao Ha and Master Xiong.
He already had a plan in mind.
For formal dojo matches that are not life-or-death situations but involve strong opponents, in addition to training core combat skills, it is even more important to give those partners who need more practical experience an opportunity.
After a slight hesitation, Xia Chi's gaze settled on Latias's eyes.
"This time... let Latias do it."
The reason for choosing Latias is clear.
Of the remaining partners, Meowha and Master Bear are so experienced that they need no further explanation.
The power of Evil and Milton is almost like a dimensional reduction attack.
Although Victini is less experienced, it is essentially a mascot and a power bank, so we don't really expect it to perform any great feats in future battles of the gods.
As for Latias, although she is indeed a genuine legendary Pokémon, she may have lost her battle abilities because she has been cosplaying as a maid for too long.
Last time in the Summer Pool Cup, they even suffered a shock defeat against the Dragonite, who joined the team the latest. Although the lack of a commander in Summer Pool was partly the reason, Latias's weak practical experience and ability were indeed real problems.
Upon hearing her name called, Latias was slightly taken aback, but then her eyes instantly ignited with a fierce fighting spirit.
She nodded vigorously, "Ooh!"
Don't worry, Xia Chi, I will do my best and I will never let you down!
Xia Chi stepped forward, gently ruffled Latias's soft hair, and encouraged him, "I know that I chose you because I believe you can do it."
Although Miaoha and Master Xiong were somewhat disappointed, seeing that Xia Chi was determined and that his choice of Latias had its own profound meaning, they both restrained their emotions and chose to support him.
After confirming that Latias would be the starting Pokémon, Xia Chi didn't bother arranging for the other two Pokémon that might appear later.
This is not out of disrespect for Cibana, but rather based on confidence in the team's overall strength.
Even if Latias were to perish prematurely, whether Meowha, Bear Master, or any other one is sent in, they would be more than capable of cleaning up the mess.
Facing Cibana, what he wanted to see more was how far Latias could go in this high-intensity battle and what potential he could unleash.
As it turns out, the Fubuki restaurant seems to be an isolated case, and the rest of the Galar region remains a culinary wasteland.
Xia Chi even specifically looked for a highly-rated restaurant based on Rotom's smart recommendations on her phone for lunch.
The result can only be described as... a pile of lumps.
The whole team was a bit listless after eating.
If they really lose that afternoon's match, then the MVP will definitely be this restaurant called "Giant Carbon Mountain".
Milton arrived at the boxing arena in a rather listless manner.
Just as Xia Chi was about to contact Qi Bana, he saw a tall, thin, stylish, handsome dark-skinned man being surrounded by a crowd.
Who else is Kibana, the self-proclaimed archenemy of Leon, the number one internet celebrity in Galar, the owner of the Punch Gate Arena, the Dragon Storm?
With its sturdy and cool design, it's hard not to attract attention when it lands.
As expected, when Milton appeared with Xia Chi, many eyes of the crowd surrounding Qi Bana were drawn to them.
"Look, it's Xia Chi!"
"He really came to Hammerlocke City? Is he here to challenge Kibana?"
"Uh... is that how you use the word 'challenge'?"
"Chibana has the strength of a champion from another region, so how can it not be a challenge?"
"Well... whatever makes you happy..."
"What are you saying, you treacherous bastard!"
"If you think Galar is bad, go build it, instead of just emboldening others..."
'
""
A lively discussion immediately erupted from the crowd.
Clearly, it was no coincidence that Xia Chi suddenly appeared outside the Quan Guan Arena, and that Qi Bana was personally waiting outside the arena.
Anyone with an IQ higher than Slowpoke can instantly understand what's about to happen: Xia Chi, this outsider, is going to have a showdown with Qi Bana, this local bully.
Even the Galatians, who have a strong sense of regional pride, were now divided into two factions.
A small number of fanatical believers firmly believed that "we, the second person of Galar, Cibanar, are invincible."
And the "rationalist" who says, "Come on, not being veiled is a victory."
The commotion in the crowd naturally caught the attention of Cibana.
He turned to look where the crowd's gaze was fixed, where Xia Chi was jumping off Millerton.
The fighting spirit that had been building up in Cibana's eyes was instantly ignited.
He had been waiting for this battle for a long time!