Why is my Pokémon girl a bit strange?

Qiao Ran began commanding Dianxi to counterattack, and the battle in the arena ignited once more.

The battle continued, but Long Xiangdong, the referee, had already seen the outcome. The Pokémon called Dianxi had completely suppressed Pangding.

The subsequent development of the battle confirmed his thoughts. Although Long Jiangxue never gave up and kept trying to inflict damage on Dianxi with various skills, none of them managed to knock Dianxi down. On the other hand, after Diamond Storm and Moon Power hit Pangding, it could barely hold on.

Finally, after another hit from Diamond Storm, Pangding collapsed like a deflated balloon, its eyes rolling back as it fell to the ground, completely unable to continue fighting.

It wasn't that Pangding wasn't trying hard enough, nor was its strategy inflexible. It was simply that in this drawn-out battle, its physique and overall qualities were completely outmatched by Dianxi.

One side had a basic rifle, while the other had a giant robot. How could this battle be fought?

"Pangding!"

Seeing Pangding fall, Long Jiangxue rushed forward to check on it.

"Pangding is unable to battle! Therefore, the winner of this match is—challenger Qiao Ran!"

Referee Long Xiangdong simultaneously announced the result of the match.

The first match was a victory of strategy, and the second match was a victory of Pokémon. Especially in the second match, it was evident that Qiao Ran's training strength far surpassed that of an average beginner trainer. He truly deserved to earn this badge.

Seeing such a young man, Long Xiangdong felt a sense of anticipation, hoping he would grow up quickly so they could have a truly exhilarating Giant Beast Battle.

"Congratulations, you've won the Gym challenge! I hope you remember the feeling of today's battle. As someone from Longjiang, I'll be cheering you on in your future travels."

"I... won!"

Hearing the news of his victory, Qiao Ran excitedly crouched down and hugged Dianxi. This was his first Gym battle victory. Although the process was a little different from what he had imagined, the joy of victory was completely undiminished.

"Did you hear that? We won, Dianxi!"

"Tee-tee."

Dianxi also smiled happily, hugging Qiao Ran tightly. In her heart, being needed by her master and achieving success together was the greatest happiness. This was undoubtedly her happiest moment.

However, neither of them seemed to notice that as they embraced, Dianxi's body seemed to have undergone some subtle changes.

—Its skirt seemed to have quietly lengthened a bit, and even its pink diamond became more radiant.

It sparkled brilliantly.

Section 16 016 [I See You Have Unusual Potential...]

Dianxi's changes went unnoticed, but it was like a seed planted in a calm lake, destined to bloom into a beautiful flower one day.

After announcing the match results, Long Xiangdong personally handed the badge to Qiao Ran. The Longjiang City badge resembled a soaring dragon, echoing the arena's design, clearly embodying the spirit of Longjiang City's Giant Beast Battles.

"The Longjiang City badge represents the dragon's strength and resilience, its imposing aura and grand style. This girl still lacks a lot in these aspects, but I believe she'll understand before she officially starts her travels next year."

Long Xiangdong looked at the boy before him, feeling that Longjiang City might be about to produce another legendary figure.

As for his daughter, although she also attended Longjiang Third Middle School, unlike Qiao Ran who could already start his journey, she was only in her third year of middle school and still had a year of studies ahead.

"Thank you, I'll take good care of this badge."

Qiao Ran thanked the Gym Leader and carefully put away the badge. It not only represented him taking a step closer to the Huaxia Alliance but also a significant increase in his League subsidies. With the subsidies increased, he was one step closer to fulfilling his promise to buy clothes for Vulpix and Dianxi.

—Yes, now whenever Qiao Ran thought about money, he immediately thought of buying clothes. He wasn't sure what had stimulated or brainwashed him.

Of course, he might have more Pokémon companions in the future, and different Pokémon would have different needs. At that time, he wasn't sure if these subsidies would be enough to support such a large group of Pokémon...

"Hmph..."

Long Jiangxue, standing nearby, had a completely cold expression. The feeling of defeat was unpleasant, especially being defeated by a peer she had always looked down upon. What's more, she had to be criticized by her own father after losing the battle.

"Don't think you're so great just because you're starting your journey a year ahead of me. You're only slightly... just a tiny bit amazing."

The girl was still putting up a brave front, but it seemed she had accepted the fact that she was weaker than Qiao Ran. This was already a significant improvement.

Seeing her awkward demeanor, Qiao Ran couldn't help but want to tease her.

"How about I let you touch Dianxi?"

"Really???" Hearing Qiao Ran's words, Long Jiangxue couldn't help but exclaim, her eyes instantly sparkling. However, she quickly realized her attitude was a bit impolite and cleared her throat, returning to her usual cool, long-haired, elegant lady persona.

"Ahem... Don't... don't think this will change my opinion of you. I'll definitely catch my own Dianxi during my time at school this year!"

Long Jiangxue's desire for Dianxi had reached an unprecedented level. After today's battle, she had completely realized Dianxi's beauty. Even its incredibly powerful skills were like blooming diamond flowers. Where could one find such a divine Pokémon?

"If you like it, that's fine."

Facing the spirited Long Jiangxue, Qiao Ran could only roll his eyes.

—He was finding it increasingly difficult to tell her the truth. He could only wish Long Jiangxue luck in finding an Ultra Wormhole in the grass behind the school. Perhaps if she traveled through it, she might actually find a wild Dianxi.

As for other possibilities... forget it. There were only wild Rayquaza in the grass, no Dianxi.

After staying at the Longjiang City Gym for a while longer, Qiao Ran also let Dianxi indulge Long Jiangxue a bit. The young lady seemed reluctant to let go of Dianxi's hand, and pink bubbles seemed to be constantly appearing around her.

A long time passed before Qiao Ran finally reached out and forcibly separated the bewildered Dianxi from her side, otherwise, Long Jiangxue probably wouldn't have let go until her dying day.

"Wait, give me your number."

Before leaving, Long Jiangxue asked Qiao Ran for his contact information, claiming it was to discuss how to catch Dianxi. Qiao Ran, unable to refuse her, reluctantly gave her his number.

However, as Qiao Ran walked out of the Gym, Long Xiangdong suddenly ran out from inside, calling out to him.

"Wait!"

Qiao Ran turned back, a little confused. The personalities of this father and daughter were indeed very similar, both the type to come and go like the wind, decisive and swift. Especially Long Xiangdong, who was over two meters tall, running like a fully armed war chariot.

"Challenger... no, Qiao Ran, have you already arranged your next itinerary? Which city are you planning to go to?"

Long Xiangdong stopped and immediately threw out a question.

"Which city?" Qiao Ran shook his head. "I plan to rest for a night before deciding. Longjiang City is located right in the central part of Huaxia, so both north and south are good options."

"Then I suggest you go south to Hangcheng to take a look. Perhaps you might discover something new there."

Long Xiangdong looked down at Qiao Ran, a smile on his face.

"Something new?" Qiao Ran was puzzled, not knowing what the other person was talking about.

"Yes, I saw you

commanding Vulpix in battle. You actually know a special skill that can transmit information to Pokémon, right?"

"This..."

Qiao Ran's expression froze for a moment. Did the fact that my bond with Vulpix is actually very high just get exposed???

However, Long Xiangdong's next sentence dispelled Qiao Ran's worries.

"It's alright, I know. This power called Aura Power is very special. It can not only transmit information to Pokémon but also detect the opponent's position. So, I will temporarily keep it a secret for you. But if you want to improve, you should also go to Hangcheng to take a look. The Gym Leader there seems to have some research on this aspect."

"Au... Aura Power??"

Qiao Ran was completely bewildered. When did I get this inexplicable power?

Long Xiangdong ignored Qiao Ran, who was still staring blankly and blinking, and directly stuffed a letter into Qiao Ran's hand, patting his shoulder forcefully.

"This is a letter of recommendation I just wrote. You can give it to the Gym Leader there, and he'll know how to handle it."

"Good luck! Don't be afraid of any difficulties. Perseverance is victory. We Longjiang men are definitely the best!"

After saying a bunch of inexplicable but incredibly inspiring words, Long Xiangdong left immediately, his swiftness even surpassing that of his daughter, Long Jiangxue.

This left Qiao Ran, holding the letter, bewildered by the wind at the entrance of the Gym.

This... is this a letter of recommendation for me to study Aura Power? And it's for the Gym Leader in Hangcheng??

But... I really don't know how to do this flashy stuff!!!

Section 17 017 [The Legend of the Pokémon Nurse]

Right now, Qiao Ran really wanted to open his Rotom Phone immediately and post on the internet—

Urgent! How to learn Aura Power? Waiting online, it's quite urgent!

However, Qiao Ran eventually dismissed this unrealistic idea. After all, even Long Xiangdong, who was a Gym Leader, said that Aura Power was a special power. It was unlikely that asking netizens online would be of any use.

"Forget it, I'll just accept it for now."

Long Xiangdong's letter of recommendation had already been given to him, and he couldn't possibly return it. Holding this thing, perhaps it could really be of great use in the future.

Qiao Ran had already tasted the benefit of being able to challenge without an appointment. These private battles not only allowed for more guidance but also preserved some of his privacy. Qiao Ran quite liked it.

After challenging the Longjiang Gym, Qiao Ran headed to the Pokémon Center in Longjiang City. Besides needing to rest there for a night, he also had to update his League information. The subsidy amount that a badge could increase was quite substantial, and Qiao Ran really needed money.

"Alright, I've registered the latest data for you."

After registering his information, the nurse at the Pokémon Center handed Qiao Ran's magnetic card back. For some reason, the nurse at the Pokémon Center, like Nurse Joy in the Pokémon world, also had long pink hair. However, their appearances were completely different from Nurse Joy's.

Although they were equally beautiful, they lacked the uniformity of Nurse Joy.

"What's wrong? Is there something on my hair?"

The nurse also noticed Qiao Ran's gaze on her hair, so she smiled slightly and began to explain.

"Do you find pink hair novel? This is actually a rule of our Pokémon Center. If you want to work at a Pokémon Center, you must dye your hair a special pink. It's said to commemorate the first Pokémon Nurse in history."

"The first Pokémon Nurse... Could it be..."

Qiao Ran was stunned. The moment he heard this, an unrealistic thought seemed to pop into his mind. However, he quickly shook his head.

"May I ask what that nurse's name was?"

"I don't know." The nurse shook her head. Although she said she didn't know, her expression carried a hint of admiration and a trace of helplessness.

"It is said that she left no name and no offspring. After her death, she was buried under the Evergreen Tree in front of the World Alliance. That day, the presidents, champions, and Elite Four of the entire world came... It is said that even the leaders of some evil organizations came."

"She left nothing behind and took nothing with her. In the end, only the legend of pink hair remained. So, even now, our Pokémon Center nurses have to dye their hair this color. Her wish to care for Pokémon and keep them healthy will be passed down by us."

"So... ah..."

This was the first time Qiao Ran had heard someone recount this history, and he couldn't help but feel a special emotion welling up within him.

However, he still felt that this nameless nurse with pink hair had some inexplicable connection to the Nurse Joy he had imagined. But now, there was no way to prove it.

If that really was Nurse Joy...

"..."

Qiao Ran's expression gradually became serious. Although coming to a world full of Pokémon made him

excited, this world didn't seem as simple as he had imagined.

What else does this world hide?

It seems... I'll need to pay more attention to certain legends of this world from now on.

After settling into the Pokémon Center and resting for a bit, Qiao Ran went out with Vulpix and Dianxi.

"Master is so biased towards Rotom! Why can they go out but I can't, Rotom! I want to go out too, Rotom!"

"It's because your identity is special. You're a precious Pokémon."

Qiao Ran shrugged, ignoring Rotom's protest, and stuffed her into his pocket. Until he was strong enough, Rotom would have to stay like this.

As for his outing this time, his goal was actually very simple. He wanted to take advantage of the break after challenging the Gym to use the allowance he received to buy Vulpix a prettier dress. Tomorrow, their journey would begin again.

Rest time is precious and must be utilized.

"Tee-tee."

Dianxi looked enviously at Vulpix, who had transformed into human form and was holding Qiao Ran's hand. She hadn't gained the ability to transform into human form yet, but she believed it wouldn't be long now.

To help Vulpix adapt to the outside world in this form, Qiao Ran had to hold her hand as they walked. Although she was quite at ease in front of Qiao Ran, she still seemed a bit shy once they were out in the world.

"..."

The petite girl with blue and white long hair timidly looked at her surroundings, tightly gripping Qiao Ran's hand. With her perspective suddenly elevated this much, perhaps the entire world felt completely different to her.

And more importantly, it was easier to pick out clothes after transforming into human form. Qiao Ran had previously bought Vulpix a simple white dress and a set of underwear online. When she put them on, they were a bit too big, especially around the chest area, which was noticeably saggy.

Longjiang City, a women's clothing store.

The female shop assistant looked at the man, the woman, and the Pokémon in front of her with a professional smile.