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"By the way, aren't we going to Fuchsia Gym? Why are we running into the mountains?"
After bidding farewell to Gary and Amy, Ash and his companions continued towards their next destination, Fuchsia City. Since it was getting very late after they separated, the three of them decided to spend the night camping.
The next day, they set off again and climbed over the mountains before them. After spending an entire morning hiking, the trio finally arrived at Fuchsia City. However, to Misty's surprise, Ash and Brock didn't enter the city.
Instead, they headed to the other side of the mountain path. It was manageable at first, but gradually the terrain became more difficult to traverse. Misty couldn't help complaining. She had been walking all morning, "I saw Fuchsia City and we didn't even go in!"
"We have to go to the Fuchsia Gym now!" Ash explained while leading the way.
"Huh? Isn't the gym in the city?"
"Other gyms are like that, but Fuchsia Gym isn't in the city," Ash clarified after hearing Misty's complaints.
That's when the real challenge began. Not only was the Fuchsia Gym located outside the city, but it was also built deep in the mountains. Even Ash and Brock felt the path was difficult to navigate.
Being constructed outside the city meant it was more challenging for trainers. First, they had to cross the mountains. If trainers came from other places, they wouldn't go into the city. "You also have to consider the condition of your Pokémon."
Alternatively, trainers could visit the city's Pokémon Center first to let their Pokémon fully rest before heading back, but this would waste valuable time.
In general, it all came down to personal choice. If you were confident enough, you'd come directly. If not, you'd spend more time allowing your Pokémon to recover.
But regardless of which option you chose, traversing the long mountain path would take considerable time, and since it was designed as a test, this section of the route was intentionally difficult.
"So, the Fuchsia Gym is built in a place like this?" Hearing this explanation, Misty stopped complaining, though she found it strange. She never expected a Gym would be built deep in the mountains and ancient forest.
"Yes! Otherwise, why would we come all the way here?"
"Will anyone really come to challenge a Gym in such a remote location?" Misty wondered aloud. It seemed impractical to build it in such an inconvenient place. A slightly lazy Trainer would probably just skip it altogether!
"That's why Fuchsia Gym has one of the lowest challenge rates in Kanto. Besides the location, I've heard the Gym Leader is quite a difficult character."
"So many Trainers, to avoid the hassle, choose to bypass the Fuchsia Gym completely."
Brock responded to Misty's concerns. He always prepared a travel guide whenever they visited a new place.
"So that's how it is!"
Ash didn't say much. He understood that the Gym was built in such a location primarily for training purposes.
Reducing the number of challenging Trainers was exactly what the Gym Leader wanted, and those who persisted in coming to the Gym were typically strong Trainers. This was more conducive to the Leader's practice, with the ultimate goal being preparation for the Elite Four.
In reality, a Region wasn't like the games, which only featured eight prescribed Gyms.
The actual number of Gyms was far greater than eight. Ash recalled how in his journey, Gary had collected more than eight Badges out of interest.
Half an hour later
"It's almost time, let's keep going!" After walking for another thirty minutes, everyone stopped to rest for a while.
During this break, Ash checked the status of his Pokémon and confirmed they were in optimal condition. Then he called out to his companions. Brock was carefully brushing Vulpix's fur.
"Wait a minute, Psyduck isn't healed yet!" Misty called out, looking at a small spring flowing from the mountain. Psyduck was standing beside it, taking large gulps of water.
"Psy-duck!"
After drinking for a while, Psyduck waddled over to Misty.
"After you finish drinking, hurry up and get back in your Poké Ball! Really, every time I see Psyduck's face, I can't help but want to scold him!" Misty commented, glancing at Brock who was still grooming Vulpix, a hint of jealousy in her voice.
"Why do you always talk about Psyduck like that? Psyduck can be very powerful if trained properly," Ash remarked, sounding somewhat exasperated.
You're just a novice who doesn't recognize Psyduck's potential and mistakes Vulpix for the real treasure. One day you'll realize Psyduck's true worth.
"Really? I don't see it at all."
"What's so strange about that? Weren't Magikarp and Caterpie just as weak before?" Ash gave these examples while looking at Psyduck, who wore an oddly contemplative expression.
Indeed, the examples Ash provided were right beside her. It was too early to dismiss Psyduck's potential. But currently, all she saw was Psyduck's vacant stare. She sighed helplessly and recalled it into its Poké Ball.
After retrieving their Pokémon, the group continued their journey, soon crossing a narrow wooden bridge. A massive building appeared before them.
The enormous structure showcased traditional Japanese architectural elements, and it clearly wasn't new construction. It had an air of history about it, suggesting it had stood for many years.
"I can't believe there's such an ancient building deep in the mountains! Is this the Fuchsia Gym?" Misty exclaimed in surprise. She never expected to find such a historic structure here.
"According to the guidebook, this should be it," Brock confirmed, consulting the guide in his hand. Despite the archaic architectural style, the guide indicated this was indeed the Fuchsia Gym.
"Let's go inside and find out!" Without hesitation, Ash walked directly into the courtyard. Finding it empty, he proceeded to the main building, opening the door and stepping inside.
"Hello? Is anyone here?" After entering, Brock called out politely.
But after waiting a moment, there was no response. Seeing this, Misty couldn't help but shake her head in frustration.
"Nobody's home! Is there really anyone here? Ah!!!" Misty complained. Exhausted from their long trek, she leaned back without thinking. Suddenly, Ash and Brock heard a sharp cry.
"Hey!!" Ash instinctively grabbed Misty's hand and pulled her forward, realizing the wall she had just leaned against was actually a revolving door.