Chapter 110
No... that's not right.
Qiao Ran, who was scooping potato puree into his mouth, suddenly froze on the spot. Perhaps he had misunderstood something from the very beginning: the "legend" didn't happen in Galar, but in his own world—
Among the Ruins at the bottom of that lake.
Moreover, Galar has always been devoid of legends. The people here don't even know the true appearance of the King of Sword "Zacian" and the Shield King "Zamazenta." It was only after Sonia's restoration that the appearance of the Sword and Shield wielded by these two Legendary Pokémon finally saw the light of day again.
The people of this land are very far removed from the concept of "legend." Just like the Zacian and her companions represent, what happens here are mostly stories of ordinary people.
"So, it's possible that legends from other regions might also appear in some form within these Ruins...? And what exactly are these Ruins...?"
Qiao Ran felt as if she had grasped something, but it all still felt too ethereal and unreal.
Whether it's Ruins, or anything else, even Pokémon Pioneer Land... there are still many things he doesn't understand.
"Awoo..."
The Vulpix, which was lying on the table, came over and licked Qiao Ran's fingers.
"Sorry, I'm fine, I was just thinking about something." Qiao Ran chuckled and poked her nose. Wasn't this girl a little too sensitive?
"Ugh..." Vulpix couldn't help but protest as Qiao Ran poked her nose like that, but unfortunately, she still couldn't escape Qiao Ran's grasp.
As for why Vulpix is here, it's actually an agreement reached between Qiao Ran's Pokémon. Because this world is too dangerous, and Rotom, who can relay messages, is incapacitated, they temporarily decided that at least one Pokémon must remain in this world with Qiao Ran better ensure his safety.
With its petite figure and perfectly Limber body, Vulpix became Qiao Ran's first choice. After all, even Dianxi couldn't directly lie on Qiao Ran's body.
"You have a really good relationship with Pokémon."
Watching Qiao Ran and Vulpix interact, Bea couldn't help but sigh with envy.
"I've trained with Machamp and the others since I was little, but sometimes they don't understand what I mean. However, I feel like you guys seem to be..."
"What do you mean?"
Qiao Ran stopped teasing Vulpix. When alone, Vulpix usually takes on a human form, but Qiao Ran found this Pokémon form quite interesting.
"No, it's probably just my gut feeling. I just feel like you two have a really good relationship... like very good friends."
Bea couldn't quite explain her feelings. When she was little, before she got Pokémon, she fantasized about being able to have a close relationship with Pokémon. However, as she spent more time as Trainer, she gradually realized that there are limits to Trainer.
Pokémon are Pokémon, and humans are humans. No matter how good the relationship is between Trainer and Pokémon, there will always be an absolute critical point. This is not a barrier that can be easily broken through by so-called "empathy," but a subtle and real divide between humans and Pokémon.
"Yes, we've always been friends."
Qiao Ran listened to Bea's words and nodded with a smile.
However—the next moment, his finger was bitten by the Vulpix.
"Wait, wait, wait...! What are you doing?"
Qiao Ran screamed in pain. He was truly shocked that the usually obedient Vulpix would suddenly do such a thing.
"Hmph." Vulpix turned its head away.
A question mark appeared above Qiao Ran's head—did I just do something to upset her?
I just said we're friends, right?
It shouldn't be that bad, right?
Dinner ended quickly, and the convoy members began to head to their assigned accommodations.
"By the way, where is Gym Leader Raihan?"
Qiao Ran looked around and noticed that Raihan, who had been dining with them, had suddenly disappeared. He couldn't help but ask.
Qiao Ran had originally planned to ask Raihan after dinner if there were any Charge devices or suitable power adapters in the guest rooms.
"Raihan? He probably went to the Battlefield. After all, it took him quite a while to receive us. That guy maintains a certain amount of training every day."
Sonia, sitting at the dining table, answered that the Energy Collection Device in Hammerlocke was built under the direction of her grandmother, so it was not surprising that she had a good relationship with Raihan and knew this information.
"The Battlefield in Hammerlocke?" Qiao Ran asked.
"That's right, it's behind the tallest tower in Hammerlocke —the place that's usually used for Gym Challenge."
Sonia took out a tissue and wiped her mouth.
"As for that tower... it's probably the culprit Beat Up the current Hammerlocke by Gigantamax Pokémon."
Furret
Section 211, page 208 [Energy: Tower]
The tower in Hammerlocke has been more than just a "tower" for many years.
In that year, a man whose life and career were just beginning, together with Professor Magnolia Sonia's grandmother, transformed the tower into Gigantamax Energy collector—this giant "collector" automatically collected Dynamax Energy from the surrounding area and stored it in an energy plant at the bottom of the tower for the use of the people of Galar.
As it turned out, this was an absolutely correct decision. The use of Gigantamax energy put Galar on a path of rapid development, not only because the energy was clean enough, but also because its unique Ability gave Galar the ability to host "Gigantamax Gym Battle" to attract outsiders, develop tourism, and attract external investment.
The man who teamed up with Professor Magnolia back then has now become the president of the Macro Cosmos, a huge conglomerate spanning all aspects of Galar. Not only that, he is also the chairman of the Galar Pokémon League.
"That tower was built by Chairman Rose, wasn't it?"
Qiao Ran stroked his chin. If his idea was correct, the "Underground Factory" beneath that tower was his target this time. However, he wasn't sure if he could get permission to go to such a place.
Moreover, if any problems arise during the operation, Qiao Ran alone would probably have difficulty resolving them.
Qiao Ran glanced at Sonia in front of him. She was undoubtedly the perfect match. Not only was she Professor Magnolia's granddaughter, but she was also a leading scholar in the field of Galar Gigantamax Energy. Traveling with her would definitely prevent some unnecessary trouble.
"If I have the chance, I'd like to see how the Energy Collection Device works, Doctor Sonia. May I ask...?"
"Okay, how about we go tonight?"
"Also, you don't need to call me Doctor Sonia, just call me Sonia... Just a few months ago I was just an ordinary researcher, and it was only after all these things happened that I was exceptionally granted the title of doctor and allowed to have my own research institute."
To Qiao Ran's surprise, before he could finish speaking, Sonia nodded in agreement to Qiao Ran request.
However, after noticing the surprise on Qiao Ran's face, Sonia added a comment.
"Ah, generally speaking, unauthorized personnel aren't allowed to go, but you're the Sword Hero, so of course I have to help you with such a small favor. Besides, the reason I'm here is to perform routine maintenance on the Energy Collection Device; Grandma couldn't come, so I had to come instead."
Sonia smoothed her hair, her expression somewhat helpless. Qiao Ran knew without a doubt that she had been called over by her grandmother.
However, what surprised Qiao Ran the most was her trust in him—had the identity of "Sword Hero" become this useful?
Is he now not only Sword Hero, but also Hero of pride?
The two chatted for a while longer, and Sonia finally set a time.
"Well then, see you in an hour, at the entrance of that 'tower'. I'll go back to my room to prepare now. You're looking for Raihan, right? You can go find him now."
After saying that, Sonia quickly left, along with Bea, who had been sitting and watching from the sidelines. It seemed that their rooms had been arranged to be together.
As for Qiao Ran, due to his special status and circumstances, and the fact that the sword occupies a large area, he was given a separate room.
"Okay, see you later."
Qiao Ran waved goodbye to them, and took this opportunity to "stroll" around Hammerlocke for a while.
Qiao Ran's idea was simple: to wander Hammerlocke, familiarize himself with the environment, and look for traces of Raihan. However, things didn't go as planned, and he was quickly surrounded by "enthusiastic" citizens.
"Ah! It's the Sword Hero!"
"Did you see that sword? It's real!"
"Sacred Sword!"
Can I touch it? Can I touch it? Can I touch it?
With a sword in one hand, Qiao Ran walked down the road, making him an extremely conspicuous target. Almost no warning was needed; any normal person could see this gleaming target.
The news of the Sword Hero's appearance spread like wildfire, and the usually bored people of Hammerlocke flocked out to chase after Qiao Ran all the way.
Qiao Ran could hold on for a while at first, but as his strength waned, he had to stop, panting heavily.
"What... what are you going to do?"
Qiao Ran was cornered against the wall, and what surprised him most was that the group that had been chasing him all the way was actually a group of girls.
"Hero, Hero."
"Ah... it really is the Hero... we're so close..."
Looking at their movements and expressions,
A bead of cold sweat trickled down Qiao Ran's forehead.
These guys not only wanted to touch his sword, they even kept moving their bodies closer to him. Is the people of Galar really this fierce?
"Master, we can't let them continue like this! They're taking advantage of us!"
The Vulpix on Qiao Ran's body was also angry. If it weren't for Qiao Ran's sake, she would have definitely used her skills to smear these guys' faces.
How shameless these humans are!
"Don't come any closer, or I'll get rough!"
Qiao Ran had never been cornered like this before, so his previous actions might have seemed somewhat weak to others. But as Vulpix said, he couldn't let these guys continue like this.
However—just as Qiao Ran was about to take some action, a loud shout suddenly rang out, and a figure descended from the sky, directly scooping up Qiao Ran from the crowd and jumping to an open space to the side.
"Ha!"
What do you want to do to the Hero?
Qiao Ran closely and saw that the person pulling him out of the crowd was a girl with short, grayish-white hair—it was Bea, who had already left. Hadn't she gone back to her room with Sonia?
"You're not..."
"I had a bad feeling, so I came back to check, but I never expected this kind of thing to actually happen here."
Bea's expression was somewhat serious. She assumed a Fighting type stance and stood heroically in front of Qiao Ran.
"You are Galar's most precious treasure, and yet you were attacked by humans... It was my negligence."
"..."
Qiao Ran blinked, and for a moment she couldn't come to her senses.
Huh? Galar's most important treasure... me?
How can this guy say such embarrassing things so seriously?!
Hatterene
Section 212, Page 209 [Galar: Battlefield]
As it turns out, Bea can not only say such shameful things in a straight face, but she can even go further.
"Qiao Ran, I'll help you break through!"
Amidst the astonished gazes of a group of enthusiastic female fans, Bea actually grabbed Qiao Ran's hand that was holding the sword, and after bearing the weight of the sword, she wrapped her arms around Qiao Ran's waist and lifted Qiao Ran up in a Princess Carry once again.
Qiao Ran: "...????"
Not only Qiao Ran, but even the Vulpix standing on Qiao Ran's shoulder was startled, and a series of question marks popped up above its head.
What... what's wrong with this guy??
"Wait... wait, wait, wait, put me down first!"
If she had to choose between the two, Qiao Ran would rather be cornered by a group of fans than be Princess Carry —that would be too awful!
Fortunately, Bea held that pose for less than a second before leaping onto the wall and disappearing into the night.
What others saw was merely a rapidly disappearing afterimage.
"Ah! The Hero has been taken away!!"
"Was that the owner of the Bea Gym Leader just now? Wait... that kind of position, what's their relationship!?"
"That can't be possible, right? Did I see it wrong?"
Panic and disbelief echoed from behind them; neither of them could believe what they were seeing.
However, due to the extremely short time and the fact that it was nighttime and people were easily distracted, those behind them couldn't see very clearly.
Who exactly are those two people...?