Chapter 101
"This... how is this possible?! It actually... severed the skill!!"
Staring at the unbelievable scene before her, Bea seemed to have forgotten to breathe, and even forgot that she was being held by Qiao Ran, whose right hand was not only hooked around her body, but also placed in a strange position.
Before her, the man, with a human body, raised his Long Sword and effortlessly cleaved the incredibly powerful skill in two. His imposing figure left her momentarily stunned. Was this guy... really the same weak man from before?
"The Sword Hero..."
Bea murmured to herself, "Every Galar has heard the legend of the Hero. In the stories passed down, the sword..."
The Hero and the Shield Hero are actually the same person. When Galar is in danger, the Hero will appear with his Sword and Shield. He will use his unyielding Long Sword to cut down enemies and his indomitable shield to save the world and restore peace.
However, just a few months ago, shortly after the disaster, Pokémon Professor Magnolia Galar, released her latest research, proving that there were actually two Hero and unveiling ancient paintings of Sword and Shield. She also mobilized all the Galar people to search for the Hero's whereabouts, hoping to use the ancient legend to save this ravaged land.
"..."
As Bea gazed at Qiao Ran's face, a strange feeling welled up inside her. From childhood to adulthood, she had always been a formidable presence. Not only could men her own age not beat her, but even men older and taller than her couldn't defeat her. Gradually, she became dissatisfied with humans and chose to train with Pokémon.
Pokémon are powerful, but they quickly became a burden to her. She could exchange punches with Machamp normally, but once Pokémon started using moves, she was completely unable to resist; it was a power on a completely different level.
However, the man in front of her now easily accomplished what she could not—breaking through Pokémon's attack with a human body.
--Even the moves that come after Gigantamax.
Bea had never felt anything like this before, being touched repeatedly by a man, being held in his arms, and having her face carefully observed.
If you look at it that way... this guy actually looks pretty good...
"Boom!!!!"
The Hurricane split into two streams and exploded behind Qiao Ran. The violent wind pressure gradually subsided, and the ground was plowed with two long trenches. Only the spot where Qiao Ran was standing remained intact.
He was panting heavily, raising the Long Sword in his left hand high, a green light emanating from it, his body still in a slashing stance; while his right hand held the now dazed Bea, who had given up all resistance.
"Huff... Huff... Hah..."
Qiao Ran breathed heavily. Just a moment ago, his heart felt like it was about to jump out of his chest. Facing such a powerful skill, he didn't even know what he was thinking. However, he understood one thing—he wouldn't just stand behind a girl like that. He didn't want to live such a wretched life.
The moment he stepped forward, a strange, courageous power surged from the Long Sword, and he seemed to faintly hear a sound.
"..."
It was a long, drawn-out howl, filled with the vicissitudes of time and awe-inspiring power. At the same time, Qiao Ran also heard praise for himself.
And then—that's what he saw.
Its sharpness is fully revealed, the sword cuts through the Long Wind!!
"Owner!"
"Owner!!"
Seeing that Qiao Ran was still safe and sound, the Pokémon around them breathed a deep sigh of relief. What had just happened almost drove them to the brink of collapse, but thankfully... things didn't turn out the worst way they could have imagined.
However, the moment they breathed a sigh of relief, the Corviknight lying on the ground, with its red eyes wide open and a completely bewildered expression, became the perfect target for their venting.
Who am I? Where am I???
Why was my Max Move cut in two by a human????
What's wrong with this world? Seriously, is there no reason left in this world?
"Boom!!"
Just as the Corviknight was pondering these philosophical questions, a series of attacks rained down from the sky once again, turning it into a ruffled, shattered crow.
"Go to hell! Go to hell! Go to hell! Go to hell!"
Yveltal didn't even care about type matchups anymore, and started swinging Oblivion Wing in the sky. Although this move couldn't apply Life Steal to Pokémon of a higher level than her, it was still perfect for Lash Out.
If a low-level Pokémon this move, unless Xerneas is present, there's no way to save it; it's doomed.
"Awoooooo!"
The Corviknight was bombarded and lost consciousness on the spot. Its body Minimize rapidly, and in a short while, it returned to its original length of about two meters.
This time, a very obvious energy emanated from it. Even Qiao Ran could clearly see this red and black energy rising from the Corviknight's body and then entering the Long Sword in his hand at a considerable speed.
"This is..."
Qiao Ran could feel that his connection with the sword was becoming closer, and perhaps it was because of this that he saw these unusual things.
However, before he could think for long, a series of intense and heavy footsteps came from not far away.
--It seems that something enormous is rapidly approaching this place.
"Not good!"
Bea, who was being held by Qiao Ran, changed her expression. She knew what this commotion meant here. Although the battle hadn't lasted very long, it had still attracted the attention of some Pokémon.
We have to get out of here right now!
She looked up in the direction of Qiao Ran, as if seeking his opinion.
Qiao Ran only slowly realized what was happening at this moment—wait... what did I do?
Still holding this guy?
The strangest thing is that this guy didn't resist at all??? Isn't that a bit... off???
Section 191, page 188 [Retreat: Transition]
The earth shook violently, and sand and gravel collapsed.
Sensing the commotion in the distance, Qiao Ran and Bea exchanged a glance and prepared to find a place to hide. However, before leaving, Qiao Ran took out a Poké Ball and had Dianxi put the Corviknight, which was lying on the ground with its eyes spinning, into it.
Although she wasn't the Fighting-type Pokémon Qiao Ran needed most, she was still a rare Pokémon capable of Gigantamax, and her overwhelming presence was quite "endearing."
As for Bea — Qiao Ran still doesn't quite understand her thoughts. He hasn't known this girl for very long, but he can tell that she is a very responsible person. Not only will she not abandon him because of danger, but she will also choose to protect him when he is in danger.
Qiao Ran was a little distracted and actually moved his right hand, which resulted in him kneading Bea's body.
"... Ah... I'm sorry."
Qiao Ran broke out in a cold sweat instantly.
Perhaps due to the aftereffects of facing Iron Maiden, Qiao Ran subconsciously thought he was definitely going to get hit by a Human Dynamic Punch. However, Bea only stiffened slightly and did not attack him.
"No... it's nothing, it's alright."
"Let me help you up. How are you? Are you hurt?"
Not only that, she also took the initiative to help Qiao Ran and even asked about his health with great concern, which surprised Qiao Ran.
What's happening? What's wrong with this world?
This whole thing was as strange as if he had accidentally brushed against Iron Maiden, but instead of hitting him, she had asked him with great concern if he was alright.
Is this a subtle way of inquiring about his ability to withstand blows?
"No... um... you don't mind?"
If this person were Dianxi or Suicune, Qiao Ran wouldn't be surprised at all, but this is Bea! Shouldn't she be a rather cold and seemingly emotionless Fighting type Gym Leader?
Given such Machamp, she's probably like Iron Maiden, someone who prefers to solve problems with her own hands, right?
For a brief moment, Qiao Ran really thought he was about to get beaten up by Ora.
"It's alright, if it were you... no, the most important thing now is to get out of here as quickly as possible!"
Bea seemed to want to say something, but her language was clearly clumsy, and she knew that what they should be doing now was leaving, not discussing these things here.
She has already made it clear that she doesn't care.
So she lowered her head and stopped talking to Qiao Ran, but her body language betrayed her by supporting him.
"...?"
That's so strange.
In the game, Qiao Ran's impression of her was that she was "sexually indifferent." No matter what happened, she would remain calm and composed, maintaining the posture of Fighting type. How could she be like this now... even looking a little shy?
However, Qiao Ran can't see Bea's face right now, so he has no way of judging her current emotions. Maybe she just thinks the situation is too dangerous and will turn back to beat him as soon as she finds a safe place?
Or perhaps... it really was my action of severing the Whirlwind that had some miraculous effect?
No... that's impossible, isn't it?
They only spent less than an hour together.
Qiao Ran didn't think he was that charming. If he were really that amazing, he wouldn't have encountered so many problems on his travels.
"..."
Thinking of this, a chill suddenly swept down Qiao Ran's back, giving him goosebumps.
Qiao Ran glanced back and was surprised to find that Dianxi had somehow taken Poké Ball and was obediently floating behind him.
"... Ha ha ha ha."
Qiao Ran quickly chuckled awkwardly to cover up her embarrassment.
When did this guy arrive?? He even learned the Vulpix's skills.
Gigantamax Pokémon are very difficult to deal with.
Bea helped Qiao Ran and they moved to different spots to hide, finally managing to evade the Gigantamax Pokémon that had come running at the sound of their voices.
Hiding in the dark ruins, Qiao Ran saw a huge Alakazam, a huge Gengar, and even a huge Dragonite. These Pokémon were all taller than dozens of stories high, truly behemoths.
"... Galar is really dangerous."
Qiao Ran couldn't help but sigh.
Compared to other regions, the events happening in Galar are indeed much more dangerous. He was surprised when he was at the Aether Foundation that the Nihilego would directly attack Trainer, but now in Galar, it's not a question of whether they attack Trainer or not; Trainer could be annihilated by the aftershocks of skills just by standing by.
"It shouldn't have been like this."
Bea shook her head; she really shouldn't have.
Thus, Galar developed due to its Dynamax Energy, achieving great advancements in both entertainment and energy. However, something went wrong, causing everything to change and become what it is today.
Bea was born during the prosperous era of Galar. She watched Galar improve day by day from a young age until the energy Bubble burst and everything went out of control.
Moreover, she and Marnie are basically the same age, and their impressions of Galar are also quite similar.
"Qiao Ran."
In the crowded gap, Bea leaned against Qiao Ran, their bodies still pressed close together.
She seemed to have gotten used to this level of contact, and since she didn't say anything, Qiao Ran didn't object either.
To be fair, as an athletic girl, Bea has a really nice feel to her, quite different from many others, and even a bit softer and cuter than Iron Maiden.
"Can you come with me next? I want to take you to meet someone."
"Who?"
Bea's words piqued Qiao Ran's interest. Who was the person she wanted to introduce him to at this moment?
Could he be some very important person?
"Yes..."
Bea glanced at Qiao Ran, but just as she was about to continue speaking, a rustling sound came from outside the gap where they were hiding.
"...!"
Bea immediately shut her mouth and exchanged a glance with Qiao Ran. They both saw the same meaning in each other's eyes.
Something's outside!
What's outside?!
Section 192, page 189 [Safe House: Basement]
"Click-clack."
The sound of Stone Blocks crumbling continued, clearly indicating that something had indeed arrived.
Is it Gigantamax Pokémon?
No... if it were Gigantamax Pokémon, the commotion wouldn't be this big.
Qiao Ran squinted and peered through the crack, trying to see what was happening outside. However, what he saw first through the narrow gap was a vibrant green.
Green... green???