Why is my Pokémon girl a bit strange?

"You two have such a great relationship! It's obvious you're a very happy couple, always holding hands."

"Awooooo."

"Um... your girlfriend... her voice is very unique."

"...She's joking with you, don't mind her, don't mind her."

Qiao Ran's mouth twitched. It seemed the road to teaching Vulpix to speak human language was still long and arduous. This guy would let out an "awoo" every now and then.

Also, why was the shop assistant looking at him like that all of a sudden? He really wasn't playing any strange g.a.m.e.s!

"Take a look for yourself and see if there's any clothing you like. Just let me know if you find something."

Qiao Ran instructed Vulpix, who obediently responded.

However, at that moment, Qiao Ran felt his trouser leg being tugged. He looked down, and it was Dianxi pulling his pants.

"What's wrong? ...Ah, you mean that."

Dianxi pointed to a pink and white dress. It did look very beautiful and suited Dianxi's coloring.

"I'm sorry... I'd love to buy it for you, but you haven't transformed into your human form yet, and I don't know what your body shape will be like. So, next time, okay?"

Qiao Ran's expression was a little helpless. It wasn't that he didn't want to buy it, but he simply didn't know Dianxi's body measurements. Who knew if she would end up looking like a little girl or a mature woman?

—The uncertainty was just too great.

"Dia..."

Dianxi looked a little disappointed, but she still nodded understandingly. She stared blankly at the dress, her eyes shimmering with longing.

One day, she would definitely be able to.

Section 18: 018 [Qiao Ran's Route]

After spending their last night resting in Longjiang City, Qiao Ran and his Pokémon embarked on their journey of adventure. Although it took a lot of time to teach Vulpix how to wear clothes after he bought them, Qiao Ran still slept very well that night.

There was a considerable journey from Longjiang City to Hangcheng, and along the way, there were several big cities with established Gyms, which Qiao Ran was determined to visit.

Huaxia was vast and rich, with a large territory, so there was quite a distance between Gyms. If Qiao Ran traveled like the trainers in the Pokémon world, relying solely on his feet, it would probably take him several months to reach Hangcheng.

"Taking the train would get me there quickly, but then it wouldn't feel like an adventure. Since I decided to come out and adventure, it's better to experience the local customs and traditions more."

After much thought, Qiao Ran finally chose a car as his mode of transportation. At least he could stop and look around in some places along the way and also train his Pokémon. This was also the mode of transportation chosen by most adventurers, and perhaps Qiao Ran would even meet some adventurers like himself on the road.

Of course, some people chose to ride their bicycles, which could both exercise their bodies and reduce carbon emissions, killing two birds with one stone.

"Since I'm heading towards Hangcheng, I might as well visit Jinling and Magic City. I remember my cousin is also in Magic City..."

Planning an adventure route was a troublesome thing, so Qiao Ran sometimes really envied the simple roads in the Pokémon world. The path between two cities was a straight line, with no detours at all.

If there were too many choices of roads, it would drive a lot of people with decision paralysis crazy on the road.

"Following this route... hmm, then the first stop will be Jinling. Rotom, record it for me. First Jinling... then Magic City, and finally Hangcheng. As for the subsequent route, I'll decide that after arriving in Hangcheng."

"Okay, Lotto."

As a competent system carrier, Rotom not only housed the system but also had all the functions of a regular mobile phone, especially in terms of processing information, where it had a unique advantage.

"Master, do you need me to investigate the local cuisine along the way?"

"No... hmm... let's investigate it."

Qiao Ran subconsciously wanted to refuse, but in the end, he couldn't resist the temptation of delicious food. It was also great to try local delicacies along the way.

In the following time, Qiao Ran and his Pokémon traveled by car, stopping and going. Every time they reached a new city, Qiao Ran would stay for a while, taste the local food, and complete the task of collecting Pioneer Points.

Of course, to save on accommodation costs, Qiao Ran mostly chose to camp in the wild when passing through places without a Pokémon Center. This not only saved a lot of money that could be used to buy skirts but also allowed him to get close to wild Pokémon.

Finally, on the fifth day, when Qiao Ran passed through an unknown small county town, he finally completed the task of capturing 100 Grass-type and Bug-type Pokémon.

"Phew... I'm exhausted."

After releasing the captured Pokémon into the Pioneer Land, Qiao Ran couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his forehead. He had initially thought this task would be completed quickly, but in reality, due to the need to rush and handle other matters, the time they had to capture Pokémon was not much.

"Too... howled..."

Beside Qiao Ran, the cute girl in the blue dress also showed a smile—she was Qiao Ran's Vulpix. Due to her lack of proficiency in language, she still had a habit of speaking disjointedly and unclearly.

However, after changing into her new clothes and receiving Dianxi's princess-style etiquette training, Vulpix seemed like a completely different person, completely lacking her initial "unruly and unrestrained" nature. Moreover, after understanding some things, she seemed to have learned what shame was and no longer did any unbelievable actions.

For example, squatting on the ground without clothes, then lifting her leg to scratch her face...

Whenever Qiao Ran thought of Vulpix's confusing behavior, his expression would gradually become more interesting.

Moreover, during this time, Qiao Ran discovered another very strange thing: during certain special moments... perhaps when she was shy, Vulpix's human form would enter an unstable state. For example, six tails would suddenly grow from her back, lifting her skirt, and beast ears would appear on her head.

However, this matter still needed further observation, as it had only happened recently... and when Qiao Ran first saw Vulpix in her human form, she was also in this state. But as her human transformation ability gradually became more proficient, Qiao Ran had forgotten that Vulpix had such a special state.

"This state... seems to be related to intense emotional fluctuations. In this state, her appearance and combat ability will also lean towards her Pokémon form... perhaps calling it semi-humanization would be more appropriate..."

After discovering the anomaly, Rotom also provided her analysis, but she wasn't entirely sure. Everything still needed further observation.

"Master should give Vulpix more stimulation, perhaps more things can be discovered."

"Wh... what do you mean by 'more stimulation'?"

Qiao Ran's mouth twitched. Listening to Rotom's words, why did he always think of strange things?

"Let's not talk about that for now. Our current mission is to collect Pioneer Points, and we'll have 100 points soon."

The sensible Qiao Ran actively steered the conversation in the right direction. If it continued, his integrity would probably slowly go down the drain. After the Pokémon became humanoid, he would need some time to adapt and then slowly handle his relationships with them.

Moreover, collecting Pioneer Points was indeed the most urgent matter recently.

Thus, the capture operation continued.

After spending a lot of time, specifically tonight—Qiao Ran and the others finally completed the mission of capturing 100 Pokémon.

As the last Beedrill was released from its Poké Ball, a spectacular scene began to unfold before everyone's eyes. In the wilderness of Pokémon Pioneer Land, fine, long grass grew from the ground, and countless trees rapidly sprang up from the earth, quickly turning into a lush forest.

"This... is changing the world? The so-called Pioneer Land is about pioneering a brand-new world..."

Qiao Ran stared blankly at everything happening before him. Shortly after the forest appeared, the Grass and Bug-type Pokémon he had brought into Pokémon Pioneer Land cheered and entered the forest, as if they had found their home.

"That's right, this is the meaning of collecting Pioneer Points, Rotom."

The Rotom Phone floated in front of Qiao Ran and continued.

"Also--Master, aren't you really going to unlock a new partner? You already have 100 points~"

Its screen displayed the words "Draw" in large characters, surrounded by flashing colorful lights.

"Of course, I haven't forgotten."

Qiao Ran met Rotom's gaze and extended his finger, gently tapping the draw button.

"Drawing... Drawing..."

Countless data floated across Rotom's screen, and then, a beam of light descended from the sky. A pale blue Poké Ball slowly descended within the light beam, landing in Qiao Ran's hand.

Qiao Ran gripped the Poké Ball tightly, his heart beginning to pound violently.

Which Pokémon was inside?

Section 19 019 [Messenger of the North Wind]

As Qiao Ran held the ball, a special sense of familiarity arose in his heart. He was certain that this Pokémon had accompanied him for a very, very long time. They had experienced adventures in many regions together.

Furthermore, it was a blue Dive Ball. Generally, Qiao Ran only used this type of ball for Water-type Pokémon.

This ball not only had a special appearance but also produced special blue bubble-like effects when thrown, making it quite beautiful and a perfect match for Water-type Pokémon. As a trainer with a penchant for Poké Balls, Qiao Ran usually matched his Pokémon with the most suitable Poké Balls. For example, Dianxi's ball was pink.

Qiao Ran stood holding the ball for a long time. Eventually, even Dianxi and the others couldn't stand it anymore and kept urging him from behind.

"Didi."

"Yes, Dianxi is right. Master, don't just stare, open it quickly."

"I know, I know, stop rushing me."

Qiao Ran rolled his eyes helplessly. These guys were really impatient. Wouldn't waiting a little longer at a time like this be more ceremonial?

Qiao Ran raised the Dive Ball in his hand. As the switch was opened, a figure enveloped in foamy light extended from the ball.

"Come out—!"

The figure gradually took shape, appearing as if shrouded in mist. From the faint mist, her true appearance was revealed.

—It was a blue Pokémon with the body of a wolf.

She had a large, sapphire-like headpiece, and her purple mane fluttered like rain clouds in the sky or the aurora borealis in the north. Not only that, but there were also white, ribbon-like streamers beside her, showcasing her light and noble posture.

If Dianxi was a dignified princess, then she was like an elegant and meticulous young lady, hazy and unattainable.

"Suicune..."

Qiao Ran dazedly uttered the Pokémon's name.

Suicune, the messenger of the north wind, the purifier of water sources, one of the three legendary beasts resurrected by Ho-Oh. Her existence was a living legend.

Moreover, she was one of the Legendary Pokémon that had accompanied Qiao Ran the longest. From the very first few generations of games, Qiao Ran had never forgotten her. In the stories of Pokémon, there were many characters who spent their entire lives searching for Suicune, dedicating their lives just to catch a glimpse of this legend.

She was beautiful and graceful, kind and ethereal, a sacred beast existing in the dreams of countless people.

Suicune looked at Qiao Ran and nodded gently, revealing a soft smile. She immediately recognized the man before her. Then, a loud cry came from her mouth.

"Awooo—"

Suicune's cry echoed throughout Pokémon Pioneer Land, and a peculiar power surged from the soles of Qiao Ran's feet.

"This is..."

Qiao Ran could feel that the entire Pioneer Land seemed to have undergone subtle changes, and the source of these changes was the Suicune before him.

Suddenly, Qiao Ran's legs went weak. He hadn't even reacted to what had happened before he fell into a soft, wet place.

"What... what's happening? Mmmph!"

What... what was going on?

Qiao Ran looked around and was surprised to find that the surroundings were... water??

I was just standing on the ground! How did I suddenly fall into the water?

Qiao Ran couldn't immediately understand what was happening. It wasn't until a figure entered the water and carried him from it, bringing him to dry land, that Qiao Ran truly grasped the changes that had occurred in this world.

"Suicune, you..."

Qiao Ran rode on Suicune's back, stroking her soft purple mane. Before him, a wide river was rapidly extending, cutting through wastelands, forests... and beyond the limits of sight, reaching places they couldn't see.

The spot Qiao Ran had been standing on moments before had been affected by this expanding great river.

"Awooo."

Suicune's arrival had brought a large amount of clean water to the Pioneer Land, completely changing its ecological environment. It had become increasingly suitable for survival here.

"Am… amazing…"

Witnessing all this, Vulpix could only let out a gasp of admiration. Seeing the miraculous power of these legendary Pokémon, she, a mere nobody, could only curl up into a ball.

And cheer them on from the sidelines.

"Awooo."

"Huh? N… no, I'm not amazing. Humanoid transformation… it's very simple."

Suicune seemed very interested in this "senior" who had already transformed into a humanoid form. However, upon hearing Vulpix's statement, Dianxi's expression turned strange.

Humanoid transformation isn't simple at all!

Although she knew Vulpix meant no harm, why did it sound so sarcastic?

It might be simple for you, but it's not at all simple for other Pokémon!

"Master, it seems some special Pokémon can also have some special effects on the Pioneer Land."

Rotom, serving as chief analyst and system carrier, began analyzing the series of phenomena caused by Suicune. It was clear that Suicune had brought something entirely new to this world.

Not only the obvious great river, but Qiao Ran also felt gusts of wind blowing towards him. This wind was different from before; it seemed more natural and gentle.

"Let me down first, Suicune."