Chapter 162

If that's the case, then this is...

"Roar!!!!"

In the blinding white light, the heavy helmet that Type: Null was wearing on his head began to loosen, then wobbled and fell off, revealing its true form.

With its sharp eyes, eagle-like beak, and white feathers, the Silvally Type: Null... no, it was like the legendary griffin, combining the characteristics of various creatures, yet appearing incredibly majestic.

At this moment, she is the true Arceus, an artificial Legendary Pokémon with a base stat total of 95 across all attributes, the Beast Killer - Silvally.

"So... that's how it is?"

Lillie, who was watching from the sidelines, muttered to herself. She had also looked up the information from the Aether Foundation and had a detailed understanding of the process of creating the Type: Null. From the research records, she knew that those heavy helmets were actually added to suppress the powerful strength and violent nature of these artificial Pokémon.

What breaks these restrictions is the bond between Pokémon and humans. Once all these restrictions are lifted, Silvally becomes a true Ultimate Pokémon.

As for Jiang Yuanhao on the other side, he seemed to have misunderstood something.

"...??? So this Pokémon isn't fully evolved yet? It can battle me even before it's fully evolved???"

Something's not right; something seems off.

Am I, the Gym Leader, really that lacking in prestige?

In the final Gym Battle, Qiao Ran sent out Suicune, while Jiang Yuanhao sent out Swampert, which he had always had with him since their first meeting.

Like the previous Azumarill, this Swampert is incredibly large and strong, capable of lifting a cauldron. The training methods of this Water-type Gym Leader are comparable to those of the Fighting-type Gym.

However, Suicune is still a legendary Pokémon, and its mastery of Water-type energy is far superior to most Pokémon. Despite its relatively low level, it still Defeat the Gym Leader's Swampert after a hard-fought battle.

"Oh dear, I didn't expect to lose again."

Jiang Yuanhao took off his sweat-soaked jacket. Playing three Competition felt like a workout to him.

As expected, the boy was even more powerful than he had imagined. During their previous meeting, he had clearly seen many more Pokémon, but the boy had never used any of them.

"Alright, this is your fourth Badge, right?"

As Jiang Yuanhao handed the Hangcheng Gym Badge to Qiao Ran, he still felt a strange sense of disorientation. This was hardly a challenger with only four Badge. After those few matches, he almost felt like he was fighting some Elite Four Pokémon.

"And what about me? What about me?"

Mei was eager to try, after all, this was Water-type Gym, and her Serperior was already clamoring to participate.

"You'll probably have to wait until the afternoon."

Jiang Yuanhao shook the Poké Ball in his hand. All three of his main Pokémon were already unable to battle. Even if Mei wanted to challenge him, she would have to wait until the afternoon.

After all, he couldn't use his second team to fight Mei; he couldn't just let her win like that.

As a Gym Leader, he still has a lot of professional ethics.

"This is so hard for me."

In the afternoon Competition, Jiang Yuanhao lost to Mei, who didn't have a single Badge, repeating the tragedy of the morning.

Regardless, although Mei seems harmless with her playful demeanor, some of the Pokémon in her main team are just one step away from becoming Elite Four, so Jiang Yuanhao naturally won't get any advantage over her.

However, Jiang Yuanhao wouldn't be so depressed as to become withdrawn. As Gym Leader, he could handle this much. It was just that he had been Shutout twice in one day by two teenagers, one of whom had never even won Badge.

"So this is still the starting village?"

Among all the Gym Leader, I'm probably above average, right? Yes.

Right?

Why does something always feel off?

After waving goodbye to Qiao Ran, Mei, and Lillie, Jiang Yuanhao walked back to his training room step by step.

Are all new Trainer this terrifying these days?

I'd like to try out for the next Gym Competition.

After watching two Gym Battle, Lillie felt confident she was ready. She wanted to try her hand at Gym Challenge next time. Of course, she couldn't just go straight for Gym Leader at 100% strength; challenging the Gym Leader's second or third team... that should be manageable, right?

"The next Gym... well, according to the route I planned beforehand, it should head towards Magic City."

Qiao Ran pressed his fingers together, pondering for a moment.

According to his plan, he should have gone there long ago, but plans can't keep up with changes, and who knew that so many unforeseen things would happen?

"If I go to Magic City, I should be able to see my cousin whom I haven't seen for many years."

"Hey? Cousin?"

Lillie and Mei both became alert.

"Yes... it's been a long time since we last saw each other, so I thought I'd call home tonight to ask how things are over there," Qiao Ran replied.

"After all, my cousin's family lives quite far from here, so the only person she keeps in constant contact with is my mom."

"Huh? Should I... call home?"

Lillie and Mei became increasingly alert.

Qiao Ran would sometimes call home when he had nothing to do, but he would usually avoid Lillie and the others. So, when they heard this news, both of them found it hard to accept.

Furthermore, they've been sharing a room these past few days, and the Hangcheng Pokémon Center has been experiencing a shortage of rooms lately, with no extra rooms available for them. That means... they'll be next to them when they make the phone call later?

Something's not right.

"... What are you guys thinking? We can just make a video call in the Pokémon Center's rest area later."

Seeing the increasingly strange expressions on the two people's faces, Qiao Ran quickly offered an explanation. Mei was alright, just a little flustered and at a loss, but Lillie was already looking into his eyes, her cheeks slightly flushed.

If this continues, he'll start to get nervous.

... Just ordinary friends, yes, we'll just say we're just ordinary friends when the time comes, and that'll be it.

"That's... that's settled then. It's about time. Let's go meet up with Iron Maiden and the others..."

Qiao Ran coughed lightly, Sheer Force changing the subject from this dangerous topic.

They had already arranged to have dinner with Iron Maiden and the others tonight. As the Gym Leader who came to support Hangcheng, the Pokémon League also gave Iron Maiden and the others a day off so they could have a good time. However, after dinner tonight, they should return to Jinling.

This is a good opportunity for a few of us to get together and have a farewell meal.

At dinner time, after Iron Maiden carefully selected several options, the group surprisingly met at a hot pot restaurant.

"What... what is this?"

Something I've never eaten before.

Lillie and Mei both showed great interest and deep fear in this food. Although they had been in this world for some time and had heard some news about it, this was their first time actually coming to such a shop.

"It looks so spicy..."

"Is this thing edible?"

Mei, who lives in the Unova Region, naturally has a lifestyle that is closer to that of America in the Real World. As for Lillie, her hometown is the Sinnoh Region, a place without a hot pot culture.

"It's okay, you don't need to worry if you don't eat spicy food."

Qiao Ran explained to the two of them, but just then, another group of people arrived.

"Hey, long time no see."

A familiar voice came from behind them, and a silver-haired woman was already standing behind them, holding a signature shovel in her hand.

Beside her was a smaller blonde girl, dressed very nicely.

Upon seeing it, Qiao Ran couldn't help but exclaim, "What the heck is that shovel?!"

"... Wait, have you been carrying this thing around all day?"

Is there something wrong with this person?

Or is there something wrong with me?

Although I could carry Zacian's Sword around, there's no way I could possibly do such a thing, right?

Won't I get arrested by the city management officers if I do this?

"Carrying this isn't a burden, it's quite light, isn't it?"

Iron Maiden slammed the shovel onto the floor with a thud, startling a nearby waiter who rushed over.

"Guests, guests, please stop! The floor is going to crack!"

"Uh." Iron Maiden's expression froze instantly, and she could only continue holding the shovel in her hand.

"Anyway, this thing doesn't really have any impact, right? If I see someone stealing something on the street, I can just Fling it, right?"

Iron Maiden waved her hand, seemingly intending to pretend that nothing had happened. In short, as long as she didn't feel embarrassed, then the embarrassment was definitely not hers.

Other people.

"No, if you Fling that in, even ten thousand ordinary people couldn't survive it."

Qiao Ran muttered something under his breath, but he immediately saw Iron Maiden's warning look.

"Um?"

"No... no, I didn't say anything."

Qiao Ran felt a powerful force surging in front of him, and even though he was used to seeing big scenes, he trembled at this moment.

No, I'll die.

"Snort."

Seeing Qiao Ran's expression, Iron Maiden's lips finally curved into a satisfied smile, and she stepped forward to hook her arm around Qiao Ran's shoulder.

"Let's go eat."

"By the way, tell me, did you deal with Gym Leader Jiang quite severely?"

"It's so hot!"

"Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you."

Dinner after a battle is always pleasant, and Qiao Ran couldn't help but smile as he watched Mei gradually adapt to the tastes and how to use chopsticks.

"Who said no one's going to take it from me? Look over there."

Mei gestured to Qiao Ran with her eyes; besides her, there was another person staring intently at the contents of the pot.

"That area... is a bit special."

Qiao Ran could only shrug helplessly. After all, he had spent so much time with Iron Maiden and knew that this Gym Leader had an astonishing appetite. It was no longer at the level of an ordinary person, but rather at the level that only some giant Pokémon reach.

"Qiao Ran, do you eat this? This stuff tastes a bit strange."

Unlike a certain genius who quickly mastered chopsticks and even started grabbing food, Lillie was still not used to this world after being here for so long, and could only ask Qiao Ran to help her pick up some food.

"Give it to me if you don't want it."

Qiao Ran could only smile and reach for his chopsticks, while Lillie obediently picked up her bowl as well.

As a young lady from a wealthy family, Lillie does have this flaw, but there's nothing that can be done about it; you can't change what you don't like in a short time.

So...

Eve, who had been silent for a while, suddenly spoke up.

"Don't be so smug. I'll definitely win next time we meet!"

Qiao Ran: "...??"

What happened? Why are we suddenly bringing this up?

"When it's time for children to eat, they should eat; don't talk about anything else."

Upon hearing Qiao Ran's reply, Eve became excited this time.

"Don't be so smug, I just developed a little later!"

Qiao Ran blinked, indicating that she knew nothing.