Chapter 109
Qiao Ran shook his head, banishing the jumbled thoughts from his mind. He looked around at his side, where—at this moment—[was also present].
Standing there is a blue, wolf-shaped Pokémon.
It's not Zacian, who has disappeared, but Suicune, who has been with him all along, fighting to this day.
"Come on, let's test the power of Gigantamax together this time!"
Qiao Ran didn't quite understand why he could Gigantamax again after just one Gigantamax, but he had a deep-seated conviction that he could use this power once more.
This message may have already entered his mind when Zacian to him.
Even though she can't be here right now, her power can still greatly help Qiao Ran —as long as he holds this inherited Long Sword, Qiao Ran is the true, chosen Hero!
"Suicune, Gigantamax!!"
Chandelure
Chandelure & Hydreigon
Section 208, page 205 [Team Battle: Team Battle]
For Suicune, this was also the first time she had fought such a battle alongside Qiao Ran.
Even among all of Qiao Ran's Pokémon, only Dianxi has experienced the feeling of further strengthening the bond with Qiao Ran during battle, thereby gaining more powerful abilities. Although no one has ever mentioned it, everyone in the Pokémon still envies this experience.
This is one of the reasons why Dianxi has always had a special status. It's not just because she was the first Pokémon Qiao Ran summoned, nor just because she was the second Pokémon on Humanoid Transformation, but because she can achieve a special evolution in battle, while also maintaining both aesthetics and combat power.
This time, Suicune finally experienced what it was like to fight alongside Qiao Ran. Although it was slightly different from Mega Evolution, she still felt something she had never felt before when Qiao Ran 'Suicune energy began to flow into her body.
"Roar--"
Under the influence of Gigantamax Energy, Suicune's body began to grow rapidly. Unlike Dianxi, whose appearance changed again, Suicune did not actually change in appearance; she just looked like she had grown bigger. However, due to Suicune's status as Legendary Pokémon, even if it was just a normal increase in size, it still gave people a strong sense of Pressure.
"Roar--"
A giant blue wolf suddenly appeared on the battlefield. As Suicune's size increased dramatically, the breeze that had been surrounding her became increasingly violent. Moreover, a hazy mist surrounded her, and from a distance, she even resembled a certain blue wolf-type Pokémon from Galar.
The same wolf-like shape, the same shrouded in mist, the same noble and aloof nature.
However, as Ho-Oh's Emissary, Suicune also has many differences from Zacian, especially her control over the Water-type, which is Nightmare for these suddenly appearing Ground-type Gigantamax Pokémon.
Qiao Ran could Frisk the fighting spirit in Suicune's heart. At this moment, he was just like Suicune, wanting to give the Gigantamax Pokémon on the other side a big gift.
"Suicune! Max Geyser!!!"
"Roar!"
Suicune let out Howl, and as the energy within her body merged with the Gigantamax Energy, a terrifying torrent of water gathered in front of her, and finally, it was unleashed with unparalleled power—its terrifying force was even more terrifying than dozens, or even hundreds, of Water Gun Water Cannon combined.
"Boom!!!!"
Under everyone's watchful eyes, the raging blue torrent of water struck the Ground-type Dynamax Pokémon, leaving them dazed and confused. Moreover, due to the sheer power of the attack, a torrential downpour began to fall from the sky after the water subsided.
--With just one move, even the weather changed.
"Here you go!"
Let's begin!
Suicune's attack caused an uproar among the Trainer and Gym Leader present, who all launched their own attacks in response.
The Gigantamax Machamp swung its four thick arms, unleashing fist-sized bursts of energy that rained down from the sky, striking the Pokémon that blocked its path; while the Gigantamax Inteleon lay on a high vantage point, Snipe Shot long, powerful jets of water, like Snipe Shot rifle, Snipe Shot for the weak points of the Gigantamax Pokémon.
What's most terrifying is that it was actually Raihan who commanded the Gigantamax Duraludon. This strongest Gym Leader in Galar and a strong challenger to the Champion, at this moment, unleashed his powerful battle abilities without reservation.
In Qiao Ran's opinion, this Duraludon has undoubtedly broken through to the "Elite Four" level, and might even be more terrifying than the Elite Four. After all, in this Pokémon World, the combat power is even more terrifying than in Qiao Ran's Real World.
The Gigantamax Duraludon, as tall as a skyscraper, roared, creating a black and purple Whirlwind in front of it. That was the Gigantamax Duraludon's signature Gigantamax move – G-Max Depletion!
Besides dealing massive Dragon-type damage, this move also reduces the number of times a player can use certain skills. Although this effect is rather lackluster in the game, in reality, reducing the opponent's combat energy is equivalent to lowering their combat ability, making this skill quite formidable!
As everyone began to engage in battle
Meanwhile, the Hilbert began to enter a one-sided phase. Under the leadership of the four Gigantamax users, Qiao Ran, Bea, Sonia, and Raihan, the Gigantamax Pokémon Block were quickly routed. In particular, Raihan, the unexpected arrival of this surprise force, gave the team a huge boost of confidence.
However, besides those, Suicune also achieved considerable success. Although it was a team battle, Qiao Ran could feel that Suicune's level was rapidly increasing. If Rotom could still move, Qiao Ran would definitely hear the sound of its level soaring.
Moreover, perhaps because the Long Sword in his hand enhanced some aspect of his abilities, Qiao Ran not only felt more excited and stronger, but even his hearing, vision, and smell had improved to a higher level.
Qiao Ran could even hear people cheering him on in Hammerlocke.
"Go for it, big Older Brother with the broken sword!"
"..."
Qiao Ran's lips twitched. Why did those words sound so strange?
"Suicune! Give me more power!"
Qiao Ran couldn't understand it, so he could only vent all his anger on the Dynamax Pokémon. Besides, he didn't have a good impression of these Pokémon that suddenly blocked his way. If it weren't for these guys, he might have already completed the mission of this world.
Moreover, ordinary people in Hammerlocke are also waiting for these supplies to save their lives!
The battle at the gates of Hammerlocke was raging, while on a tower inside the city, a man in a suit was observing the scene in the distance with binoculars.
"This is really good... it seems that sword truly is..."
His deep eyes gleamed with a light that others could not comprehend.
"President."
The mature woman standing next to him seemed to want to say something but hesitated, but in the end, she shut her mouth.
As the Secretary of the man in front of her, her only wish was to see him achieve his dream; nothing else mattered.
Mawile
Section 209, Chapter 206 [Hammerlocke: Entering the City]
The battle at the city gate started suddenly, but it ended quickly.
These Gigantamax Ground-type Pokémon had inconsistent battle strengths; some were extremely powerful, while others were like mere fillers, practically just oversized inflatable dolls, and were quickly defeated by Qiao Ran and the others' attacks.
"This level of skill... is it because my current teammates are too strong?"
Despite some doubts in Qiao Ran's heart as he looked at the Pokémon lying on the ground, the members of the Pokémon League team, the Gym Leader of Hammerlocke, and countless people who witnessed the battle in Hammerlocke all remembered it.
This is the first time in months that they have received outside assistance. The seeds, equipment, and other supplies brought by these outside sources can provide them with considerable help. While it cannot be said that they have directly escaped their predicament, it can be considered a significant step forward.
Moreover, the most important thing is not the supplies themselves—but the significance of this aid. They established communication with the outside world, crossed the long Gigantamax blockade, and defeated those terrifying Gigantamax Pokémon!
This is something I would never have dared to even think about before!
How many Gym Leader- Gym Leader, or even stronger, fighters would be needed to defeat those Pokémon? With all of Galar in dire straits, is it really possible to gather so many powerful allies?
Perhaps only a place of such "great significance" as Hammerlocke can enjoy such treatment.
"Great! The Pokémon League's convoy is coming in!"
"Hammerlocke is saved!"
"And that sword... did you see it? That's...!"
"Was that Legendary Pokémon? It was Legendary Pokémon...!"
"Sword Hero! Sword Hero!!"
The Pokémon League's convoy slowly drove through the dilapidated gate. The Hammerlocke was a Castle gate with a history of thousands of years. Every time it opened, it was like a giant dragon opening its mouth and swallowing everything directly.
The people of Hammerlocke spontaneously lined both sides of the street to welcome the triumphant warriors. Whether old or young, man or woman, they all watched with eager eyes.
Amidst the hushed discussions around them, shouts of "Sword Hero! Sword Hero!" rose and fell. Although not many people had witnessed Qiao Ran wield that sword, everyone who saw it could not forget its unparalleled brilliance.
"Qiao Ran, thank you so much this time."
On the truck, Bea looked at Qiao Ran beside her, her gentle gaze also carrying a hint of eagerness.
"Yeah."
Qiao Ran looked at the crowd outside, a complex feeling welling up inside him. Or rather, this was the first time he had ever seen anyone greet him like this.
Is this... what it feels like to be a "hero"?
When he first came into this world, he was just an ordinary Trainer, and his dream was simply to become a more powerful Trainer.
Yes, but, since when did he also...?
"Don't be like that. Since everyone is welcoming you, why don't you smile along with them?"
The handsome, dark-skinned Looker Raihan, very familiarly put his arm around Qiao Ran's shoulder, interrupting Qiao Ran's thoughts. He wanted to pull Qiao Ran along to interact with the people on both sides of the street, and even took out his very rare Rotom Phone, wanting to take a picture with Qiao Ran.
In the "Energy Center" of Hammerlocke, electricity is the only surplus resource. Furthermore, Raihan is someone who understands "performance" and uses it to fully showcase himself, so he often interacts with his supporters in this way, taking photos as souvenirs. However, Qiao Ran really can't do what he does in situations like this.
"Hmm... Haha..."
He could only wave his hand stiffly and force a smile, but even this simple gesture elicited a huge reaction from the crowd.
Their cheers and screams, their excitement was palpable; it was the first time Qiao Ran had ever experienced such a scene.
"See? I told you so. If you smile at others, they'll smile back at you."
Raihan gave Qiao Ran a thumbs up, his face still beaming with a bright smile, his white teeth gleaming dazzlingly against his dark skin.
"Don't listen to his nonsense. If you're tired, you can take a rest; you don't need to do this kind of thing."
Sonia, who couldn't stand watching any longer, rolled her eyes and interrupted Raihan's "speech." She had already noticed that Qiao Ran seemed a little absent-minded. Compared to a straight man like Raihan and a straight woman like Bea, she was indeed more perceptive.
"Alright, alright." Raihan waved his hand helplessly. He had just had a sudden idea to take Qiao Ran for a stroll in the square after he entered the city.
"Um."
Qiao Ran nodded and fell back into thought. Although he felt the interaction hadn't been bad, Qiao Ran did need a little rest.
Although he had been thinking about "becoming a hero," Qiao Ran never forgot his purpose in coming here: the city's "energy" was his most important goal this time.
Hunting Gigantamax Pokémon is a very long and risky process, but if we can utilize the city's already collected and surplus energy, it would undoubtedly be a win-win situation.
I just don't know... whether his idea can be successfully implemented...
Another point is that after seeing the lively Rotom Phone in Raihan's hand, Qiao Ran had this idea: he might be able to find more energy here and perhaps bring Rotom back to life.
The Charge bank that Marnie had given him earlier had long been drained by Rotom. Qiao Ran had initially thought that Rotom's awakening and subsequent loss of consciousness was due to the lack of something essential, but when he opened the Charge bank, he realized that the guy had already drained all the power.
It's like a bottomless pit.
"You can rest here tonight, don't rush back. The battle just now attracted quite a few 'big guys,' and it will take a while for them to disperse."
As the convoy moved on, Raihan also outlined the upcoming arrangements. As the local resident, it was naturally his responsibility to make these arrangements.
"Although we don't have much to offer, our Hammerlocke has quite a few historical sites and Murals, especially those related to... Hero."
As he spoke, Raihan glanced meaningfully at the Long Sword in Qiao Ran's hand. Hammerlocke was indeed a special place, with both ancient legends and cutting-edge technology.
--As for the sword in Qiao Ran's hand, not only him, but probably many others would be interested in it.
Sonia
Bea & Nessa
Section 210, page 207 [The Feast: Nightfall]
Within Hammerlocke, Qiao Ran and his group received a grand welcome. Although the dinner wasn't lavish, it was still one of the more presentable dishes Hammerlocke could offer.
The convoy commander initially tried to decline, but couldn't resist Raihan's enthusiasm.
"You deserve this meal; consider it my personal token of gratitude."
Raihan was smiling as always, but there was a sense of relief in his smile. Hammerlocke had been besieged for months, and morale had long since sunk to its lowest point. Every day as he walked through the streets, Raihan could feel something heavy pressing down on his shoulders.
If he is like this, then what about ordinary people? If this heavy burden continues to spread endlessly, they will probably face huge internal problems before the Gigantamax Pokémon even come to attack.
Therefore, Raihan is truly grateful to Qiao Ran and the team from the Pokémon League; they brought not only supplies, but also hope.
This was also why he was so excited in the car earlier—it was the first time in months that he had seen such radiant smiles on the faces of ordinary citizens.
"..."
Qiao Ran didn't say much. He wasn't from this world, but he could still understand the suffering this world endured.
What exactly caused this once beautiful world to become like this?
From
Mei from Unova said that Unova Legendary Pokémon had disappeared from their continent, and their continent had suffered a heavy blow for some reason. A similar situation exists in the distant Alola Region. Although Lillie and her friends are trapped on the Aether Foundation's Artificial Island and cannot confirm the specific situation outside, according to the Aether Foundation's initial monitoring, they did not detect any trace of Legendary Pokémon on the island.
Then why... does a legend appear in Galar...?