Chapter 144

The light and flames in mid-air gradually subsided, and everything returned to calm.

"..."

The White Dragon and Qiao Ran stared at each other, neither of them saying a word.

However, Qiao Ran could sense deep down that an invisible bridge had been built between them.

With my eyes closed, I can feel the other person's presence; with focused concentration, I can hear their voice.

This is a connection that only Qiao Ran and his Pokémon can form; looking into each other's eyes, their relationship is already self-evident.

The other Pokémon seemed to Frisk this as well, so they all tacitly refrained from making a sound to disturb them, and instead continued to fulfill their duty of guarding the surroundings.

"Reshiram..."

Qiao Ran silently murmured the other person's name.

Like Yveltal, Zacian, Dianxi, and other Pokémon, she is also a legendary Pokémon. Moreover, even among the legendary Pokémon, she is a top-tier being, possessing her own corresponding concept.

Even something as powerful as Zacian doesn't have a concept. The very existence of a concept proves its "Rank" in this world, or rather, its significance to this world.

If Yveltal corresponds to "death," then Reshiram corresponds to "reality."

If something truly exists, then it will continue to exist.

However, unlike Yveltal's "innate" nature, Reshiram's birth should be seen as a continuation of human history.

In ancient times, there existed a powerful dragon. Using its immense power, the dragon, together with humans, conquered the Unova Region and established a prosperous nation.

However, the united humanity did not enjoy the hard-won peace, but eventually split into two factions pursuing "truth" and "Ideals", and began a long war. During the war, the dragon also split into two parts: "Ideals" and "truth".

The Ideals Black Dragon – Zekrom.

And, the real White Dragon — Reshiram.

Two concepts thus emerged, opening up a whole new chapter in human history.

Therefore, from the moment of its birth, as the embodiment of truth, Reshiram will support those Hero pursue "truth," guide the world's direction, encourage people to stay true to the present, and spread kindness throughout the world.

Although the concept Reshiram represents is not an innate idea like "death," but rather an acquired thought, its existence has profoundly guided the world's direction, and its influence extends throughout the world's history, present, and future.

"But..."

It's a very happy thing that I received help from Reshiram and had her join my team.

However, after Qiao Ran grabbed Rotom next to him and poked it a few times, his expression became subtle again after seeing the text displayed on it.

Reshiram is indeed very powerful, but this...

Name: Reshiram

Level: 20

Why am I only level 20?!

"..."

No, although it might not be the best way to put it, this level is just too low!!

When Zacian first joined the party, he was already level 50, and just by wielding a sword in his mouth, he completely changed the course of the battle!

"..."

Qiao Ran felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured directly over her head.

The moment he saw Reshiram appear, he was overjoyed. He couldn't possibly be unaware of Reshiram's reputation, and he was hoping that the other party possessed the power to change everything, just like Zacian had back then.

However, this was just wishful thinking on his part; he was probably just too tired.

Such things don't happen so simply, and it's impossible for them to always go as he wishes.

Reshiram is only level 20.

On this battlefield, even the Vulpix are far above level 20. If Reshiram is really only at this level, then Qiao Ran probably doesn't plan to let her participate in the battle anymore.

This is a very practical consideration.

Not only was Qiao Ran considering the opponent's combat strength, but he also didn't want to see his Pokémon get injured because of his misjudgment. At only level 20, it might not even be able to withstand the Energy Beam of a single Genesect.

Although those insects move and hunt in swarms, this is merely their fighting style and does not mean they are weak in individual combat. In fact, the strength of a single Genesect should not be underestimated; an ordinary Trainer would likely be unable to handle it.

"I... still have some remaining strength to sustain the battle ahead."

Perhaps sensing the turmoil in Qiao Ran's heart, a clear and elegant female voice rang in Qiao Ran's ear.

--Reshiram.

Like her figure, her voice exuded a sense of purity and asceticism.

"It will probably only last for about ten minutes. This is... my last bit of power in this world. So I hope to use it at the most opportune moment."

"About how strong?"

Qiao Ran's expression turned serious. The mission at this Singularity wasn't over yet, and they couldn't use the Portal to leave. Moreover, the crisis caused by the swarm hadn't been resolved, and the situation in Hangcheng probably hadn't improved either.

Not only that, but a large number of insects were also lurking outside the room. Although it was unclear why those things hadn't come in, Qiao Ran would inevitably have to face them if he wanted to leave.

Therefore, Qiao Ran didn't want to let go of any small bit of help.

Especially Reshiram, which already exists here.

She definitely knows something.

--Knowing these secrets about what happened in this world and here might help us figure out how to deal with it.

"... The remaining strength should be enough to fight that guy, but only for ten minutes."

Reshiram gave an answer, though her tone was somewhat uncertain, but she clearly mentioned "that guy."

"If we could get that guy out of there, at least we could solve the current problem."

"... That guy, is it Zekrom?"

Qiao Ran couldn't help but ask a question. Although he could sense some of Reshiram's thoughts, and that the one she referred to as "that guy" was probably the Black Dragon corresponding to her, Qiao Ran still felt it was appropriate to ask more questions in the face of such an enigmatic way of speaking.

"Um."

Reshiram nodded, and added, "She's here now too."

"Or rather, it's everywhere."

Section 279, page 275 [Giant]

"...?"

What does this mean?

Qiao Ran was once again misled by Reshiram's words, but this time, before Reshiram could offer any explanation, a visible change had already occurred in the hall.

Perhaps this change began when Qiao Ran touched the white bead, but it was only now that everyone Frisk.

The originally white room has gradually turned black from the outside in, and the black color has slowly spread in, as if announcing that the place has been occupied.

In the room at this moment, the division between black and white was so obvious, like two completely incompatible poles, with no room for integration, but rather clearly distinct and mutually exclusive.

"Swish..."

Almost simultaneously, six enormous Ring were arranged and unfolded in the room, dividing the space into several parts.

A Pokémon with purple skin and red fur, resembling a demonic Giant, emerged from the largest ring. It was enveloped in a dense black aura, and its entire body radiated an intensely terrifying power.

Its six arms Levitate in the air, manipulating all the Ring and connecting them to the gates of space. In the remaining rings, countless Genesect surged out like a tide, completely surrounding the enormous hall.

Standing atop the Throne Hall, Qiao Ran and his group had become the prey of the encircled.

"... Hoopa."

Qiao Ran read out the name of the Pokémon, which was also the name of the Giant in the lead.

This is a Pokémon with magical powers but a penchant for pranks. In its normal state, it is a small, mischievous sprite Levitate in the air, but under certain special circumstances, it transforms into its current form—a colossal Giant resembling a demon or monster.

Oops...

Like Qiao Ran's Rotom, Hoopa also has the ability to open spatial portals, and can open several at once. No matter how you look at it, this is a rather troublesome enemy.

After all, in Qiao Ran's understanding, "space" and "time" are the most difficult abilities to deal with in battle. Manipulating space is already the limit of three dimensions, while the concept of time is a higher-dimensional power.

"Is this Hoopa also connected to Zekrom?"

Qiao Ran glanced at Reshiram, hoping she could provide some information. Over the long years, she should have seen Hoopa and recognized this Pokémon.

However, Reshiram simply nodded and said one sentence.

"... Yeah, a little."

"I don't know why it's here. Maybe the world thinks it's useful."

"It works very well..."

Reshiram's answer didn't offer any new useful information, but Qiao Ran couldn't help but mentally complain: the space portal ability is indeed very useful, but when it's on the opponent's side, it's Nightmare!

"There's nothing I can do." He couldn't help but sigh.

Seeing the increasingly tense atmosphere in the hall, Qiao Ran knew that a battle was about to break out.

Next, they may face their toughest battle yet: an enemy capable of opening an endless number of Portal, and—an unknown number of insects.

However, thanks to this, Qiao Ran also saw clearly who his enemy was. As long as he dealt with the biggest and most troublesome Giant, he could take a huge step towards victory.

At the very least, he can solve the problems that Hangcheng is currently facing.

Once Hoopa falls, the accomplices who transported these insects will also disappear, and as long as the insects don't reappear, his world will be safe.

"So, this situation is actually advantageous to me?"

A smile, whether bitter or joyful, appeared on Qiao Ran's face.

--The greater the risk, the greater the opportunity.

However, he wasn't sure if he could handle such a risk now.

In order to preserve Reshiram's strength, Qiao Ran planned to first retrieve Reshiram into the ball and then release him at the appropriate time.

At the same time, he also quietly began to circulate his body.

The Tokiwa Power within them restored the Pokémon's health as preparation for battle.

With the use of the Tokiwa Power, a strong sense of fatigue once again crept into Qiao Ran's mind. Multiple Mega Evolution and overuse of the Tokiwa Power had already left Qiao Ran somewhat exhausted, not to mention the heavy blow to the waist he had just received. Qiao Ran clutched his chest, and the edges of his vision were already turning black.

"Ha..."

Qiao Ran took a deep breath to clear her head.

"Master..." The Pokémon beside him were all worried about Qiao Ran's situation, but given the current circumstances, they also understood why Qiao Ran was doing these things.

If it were them, they would probably make the same choice.

"..."

After regaining some composure, Qiao Ran helped Suicune to his feet.

However, just as he was about to retrieve Reshiram from the ball, his opponent stopped him.

No, let me stay here.

Reshiram rejected Qiao Ran's proposal and explained his reasons.

"If I leave this world, it will truly lose all reality, and the entire world will become a victim of Ideals..."

However, as Reshiram continued speaking, she switched back to her very conceptual riddle-like mode, but seeing Qiao Ran's increasingly confused look, she eventually changed the subject.

"In other words, as long as I'm here, I can reduce the influence of that Ideals on those Pokémon, and lower their combat power! That will make battles much easier."

So it can reduce combat effectiveness!

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ran immediately understood.

If we follow this logic, Qiao Ran probably understands why those insects didn't dare to enter this room before; they were probably afraid of the "real" power that Reshiram possessed.

The insects entwined in Haze are controlled by a black Ideals.

When the insects Smack Down, that is when the Ideals is shattered. When the Ideals disappears, Hoopa will appear and send the insects back to this world to replenish the new Ideals.

--Thus, new insects were born.

However, besides being shattered by force, concepts can sometimes become even sharper weapons, just like the clear-cut black and white in this room.

So-called "Ideals" also appear incredibly fragile and vulnerable in the face of "reality".