Chapter 131

"Yes, that's a special case."

Marnie nodded, agreeing with Qiao Ran's statement.

"Gloria, what do you think?"

She turned her gaze towards Gloria, wanting to ask for her opinion.

"Me?" Gloria pointed to herself, then hummed for a moment, and finally glanced at Qiao Ran.

"In what you said before, you claimed that you gained the recognition of Galar Legendary Pokémon, and that it even appeared in front of you. Is that true?"

"Of course."

Qiao Ran noncommittal, but secretly contacted Rotom and had her open a Spatial Rift beside him.

Qiao Ran reached out and drew an ancient-looking Long Sword, the very sword he had been holding. However, due to its extreme weight, Qiao Ran hadn't been carrying it with him recently.

Then, Qiao Ran took out a Poké Ball from his person.

"Click."

The moment the red and white sphere opened, a huge Pokémon with a wolf-like body appeared before everyone.

Her body was covered with scars from battles, and with just one glance, one could see from her weathered and sharp eyes a temperament completely different from that of ordinary Pokémon.

Fight, fight.

As if something was urging them to fight, everyone present felt their hearts pounding in unison with the giant wolf's breath.

This is the rhythm of war, the aura she carries after countless battles. Even without being in a fighting stance, this aura subtly influences those around her.

"This is Zacian... Is this the Hero from the legend of Galar who saved the world?"

Looking at the majestic blue giant wolf before her, Gloria's eyes seemed to blaze with intense Ember.

She immediately turned her gaze towards Qiao Ran.

"Alright! How about we fight once? Just once!"

At this point, she had completely forgotten everything they had discussed before.

With such a great opportunity presented to her, how could she not seize it?

This is the legendary Pokémon, the one that has always appeared in the legends of Galar!

Section 254, Chapter 250 [Duel]

For a Trainer, nothing is Heavy Slam than battle, and in such a special moment, battle has an unprecedented significance.

"Since we're going to fight, let's invite everyone in town to watch."

Marnie nodded in agreement. It wasn't just about satisfying Gloria's fighting spirit; Legendary Pokémon would also boost everyone's confidence. The Yveltal that Qiao Ran sent last time had already proven this, and this time Zacian might have an even better effect.

--Qiao Ran's own reputation and status will certainly reach an unprecedented level.

"Alright, bring it on!"

Gloria stretched her body and actually started doing warm-up exercises on the spot.

Judging from their expressions, they haven't considered the possibility of refusing the internal publication/group: 9'8"0'2,0"5?8,5:6 at all...

Qiao Ran shook his head helplessly.

However, he had already adapted to the thought processes of these Pokémon World Trainer. The more they were the protagonists of this world, the more passionate and enthusiastic they were about battle. Perhaps this was the reason why they were able to keep improving, keep moving forward, Defeat one opponent after another.

What we call our original aspiration will eventually blossom into something beautiful.

Thinking of this, Qiao Ran couldn't help but smile.

Isn't he the same?

"Then let's go."

He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly. For him, this was his first real "battle" with Zacian. The last time they were in the Otherworld, it could only be considered a fight.

Qiao Ran also wanted to test just how powerful Zacian was, as he knew he would rely on her strength many times in future battles.

"Here we go again..." Lillie, who wasn't Trainer, could only watch the scene unfold with a wry smile. She had seen this many times before—the two of them would suddenly start fighting while they were talking.

Beside her, Mei's eyes were already sparkling with anticipation. When she saw Gloria, her Trainer Radar had already Frisk that she was a very strong Trainer. As for Qiao Ran, since it was a legendary Pokémon, its strength was definitely not bad either.

This battle was absolutely spectacular!

"What's going on? Are we being told to go to the Training Ground? Or is there a concert?"

"How could it be a concert? It's Competition, Competition. Sigh... There hasn't been a concert since Gym Leader Piers left, has there?"

"Competition..."

Spikemuth, around the Training Ground.

Under Marnie's call, a large number of people quickly gathered in the small town. However, they all had some doubts. In this special period, they usually tried to avoid fighting in private in order to conserve their strength and deal with the danger that might come at any time.

The so-called Competition hasn't been held for a long time.

Last time... that was also an unprecedented exception, they saw the only legend of the Dark Type there— Yveltal.

Could it be that this time it's the same as last time... or is there something else going on...?

"No... no, it shouldn't be, right?"

Even if they believed in and admired Qiao Ran, who had gained Yveltal's recognition, they didn't think he could bring them the same level of shock a second time. However, even so, being able to see Yveltal again was enough to excite them.

Just thinking about it makes one feel good, and even Little Marnie's resentment about hanging out with that guy every day has dissipated a lot.

Is this feeling what it means to be truly convinced?

"Here she comes, Marnie... Marnie!"

Soon, Marnie appeared outside the Training Ground, causing quite a stir. Her fans even played strange trumpet-shaped instruments to express their feelings.

Beside Marnie were Qiao Ran and his group.

As soon as Gloria arrived at the Training Ground, she rushed to the other end. The enthusiastic audience gave her enough courage. She heard that the townspeople were not only calling out Marnie's name, but some of them were also calling out her name, which was also related to her growing popularity.

"Come on, the battle is about to begin!"

As she spoke, she threw the Poké Ball in her hand, and a Pokémon with the appearance of a rabbit but resembling a human walking upright instantly stood on the ground.

This is her Starter Pokémon, one of the Galar Starter Pokémon — Cinderace!

"I've trained all three of Galar's Starter Pokémon, but it has always been the strongest."

As if in response to Gloria's words, Cinderace casually moved its body, kicking a small pebble into the air, where it transformed into a fireball that bounced like a soccer ball at its toes.

This is indeed a well-trained Pokémon.

As it took its stance, it was met with cheers from the townspeople. The Galar region has a long tradition of competition, and in recent times, under the leadership of Chairman Rose, the young people who have grown up have grown up watching broadcasts of Gym Battle. This is why the Galar region continues to attract residents from other areas to visit – it has the most exciting Competition and the most powerful Trainer, and that is enough.

"Alright, then I'll send out my Pokémon too."

Qiao Ran stood at the other end of the Battlefield, and then, amidst the gasps of everyone around him, he tossed the Long Sword he had been holding high into the air.

"Aww--!"

A long, drawn-out wolf howl followed, and a streak of blue lightning flashed across everyone's sight, catching the Long Sword that Qiao Ran had thrown, and creating a strong gust of wind.

By the time everyone realized what was happening, a giant wolf-shaped Pokémon had appeared on the field.

The Long Sword that Qiao Ran was holding in his hand was now being tightly bitten by this Pokémon.

Moreover, her body was faintly glowing, as if undergoing some kind of physical transformation.

The visible scars on her body were gradually fading, and her once dull mane was beginning to brighten.

It lit up, and on her back, two tufts of long Golden hair rose up like wings, while the red hair on both sides flowed around her like ribbons.

--The glamour has been washed away.

"This is..."

"What's this?!"

The appearance of the unusual Pokémon caused a stir among the crowd, but many more had already Frisk something was amiss.

Qiao Ran's sword has always been a well-known fact in Spikemuth. Marnie has also repeatedly emphasized that only a "Hero" can possess this sword.

However, at that moment, the sword was being held in the mouth of a Pokémon.

--Could it be that this Pokémon is...?!

Section 255, Chapter 251 [King of Sword]

Zacian – The King of Sword of Galar.

She moves with lightning speed, darting across the battlefield like a whirlwind. To humans, her fighting style is elegant and graceful, like an impromptu dance. Beyond her graceful form and magnificent appearance, her strength is undeniable—creatures struck by her sword are defeated before they even feel the pain.

This is reflected in the games Qiao Ran has played, where the Pokémon's base stat total reaches 720 after it Bite the Long Sword and Transform. This stat total surpasses that of top-tier Legendary Pokémon like Yveltal, whose normal stat total is only 680.

"However, we still can't underestimate the other side."

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Gloria on the other side sent out Pokémon was one of Zacian's only two types that were weak against it—Fire.

After entering the King of Sword state, Zacian's attributes are an extremely powerful combination of Fairy type and Steel. She has a total of nine resistances and two nullification attributes. Only Ground and Fire can cause Zacian any interference; other attributes can hardly cause her any significant damage.

However, despite its powerful attributes, Zacian can only learn and use a limited number of skills. But in ordinary battles, having a few effective skills is sufficient.

"Could that be Legendary Pokémon...?"

"I've never seen this before..."

"... But... why do I feel my body getting warmer?"

"Fight! Fight! Fight!"

Zacian's appearance ignited the atmosphere. Her rising aura was like a drawn sword, making everyone's hearts pound with anticipation.

"Thump! Thump! Thump thump thump thump!!!"

Unlike the attitude of the onlookers in Qiao Ran's world, the people in the Pokémon World don't consider Pokémon they haven't seen to be "undiscovered species." They have lived with Pokémon since ancient times, and if there are any Pokémon they haven't discovered, there is only one possibility—they are Legendary Pokémon that are rare or unique in existence.

These Pokémon rarely appear before the world, and even witnessing their existence is a stroke of luck. Only a very few people who have gained the recognition of these Pokémon can become their partner Trainer. Of course, the strength of these Pokémon has never disappointed.

"So powerful... so powerful! Is this its true form?"

Gloria's short hair fluttered in the wind, and the excitement on her face had clearly gotten out of control, causing her to become unrestrained.

The feeling of seeing a legend you've admired since childhood suddenly standing before you, ready to fight you—I doubt anyone can truly understand that.

"Cinderace, let's attack first!"

"Come on, Pyro Ball!"

"... Gurgle!"

Upon hearing Gloria's command, Cinderace's white bunny ears twitched, and its right leg began to move. It is one of the three Starter Pokémon of the Galar, known for its excellent physical strength and explosive power. In particular, it possesses a unique special move, the name of which Gloria had mentioned earlier—

Pyro Ball!

The small pebble was transformed into a massive fireball in just a second or two by Cinderace's kick. Then, Cinderace's body soared high into the air, carrying the fireball into the sky. Finally, with a powerful side slam, the fireball grew even larger and flew towards Zacian's location at an incredibly terrifying speed!

"Whoosh!"

The air seemed to be filled with the smell of burning.

This attack was visibly powerful, but Qiao Ran did not intend for Zacian to dodge it directly.

The enormous wolf glanced back at Qiao Ran, and both nodded in tacit agreement, understanding each other's meaning.

Although they could communicate internally, Zacian seemed to prefer looking him in the eyes and directly gazing into his thoughts.

She will not run away; the moment she steps onto the battlefield, all she has to do is crush her opponent head-on. Her unique Ability— "Intrepid Sword"—also confirms this, as her attack power is increased when she enters the battlefield, regardless of time or place.

Qiao Ran seemed to be somewhat infected by Zacian's fighting spirit. He, who was usually able to remain calm in the most intense battles, actually shouted loudly when he used his first skill.

"Let's go too!!!! Giant Beast Slash!"

"Aww"

--"

Countless points of light began to converge on Zacian's Sword, their brightness even surpassing the fireball created by Cinderace. The long sword in Zacian's mouth changed its shape once more, becoming enormous and full of power, gleaming with a blue light.

She sprinted forward at lightning speed, then Splash into the air, drawing a sword strike that eclipsed everything else in the world.

"Zheng!!"