Chapter 173

"But I was wrong. This was just wishful thinking on my part. It seemed like I was protecting it, but I completely prevented it from becoming stronger. And constantly becoming stronger was the original reason it followed me and became my partner."

"I know I'm doing this for its own good, but is it really for its own good? Do they really need this kind of protection from us?"

So... what's your opinion...?

Qiao Ran looked at the tips of her shoes, her eyes flickering.

"I think discussing it with the Pokémon might help us find the answer. Whatever happens, we shouldn't make decisions on our own," Mei offered her opinion.

"Seriously... Pokémon all Humanoid Transformation, they have such enviable abilities, and they can communicate freely, so why do they have to carry everything on their own?"

"..."

Hearing Mei's words, Qiao Ran fell silent once again.

This time, he thought about it for a very, very long time.

"... really."

After much intense thought, Qiao Ran admitted that he was indeed somewhat persuaded by Mei.

He has always seemed excessively timid and hesitant, constantly battling wits with thin air.

This behavior may not have reduced their chances of encountering risks; on the contrary, after going to the Pokémon World, they will face endless, unknown threats.

He was just afraid of losing it.

But are the dangers of this world more terrifying than those threats that are simply incomprehensible?

--No, it's just a minor skirmish at best.

Besides, as Mei said, they are already strong enough.

Most threats are nothing to fear.

Even with a huge threat, they still have forces they can rely on.

Besides... even if they continue their journey, they will eventually be noticed, and that day will come sooner or later.

As for the risks, the rewards will also come.

If the reward is exceptionally valuable, then it is indeed worth trying.

For example, if Dianxi and her friends participate in this Competition and achieve a certain ranking, their news will spread among the media. Taking advantage of the fact that people in this world don't know about Legendary Pokémon, Qiao Ran and his friends might actually be able to lure out some people from the Pokémon World.

These people could very well become their allies, at which point they would have even less to fear.

"I'll go to the Wild Area and talk to them."

Qiao Ran summoned Rotom and opened a Portal to the Wild Area, but his arm was suddenly grabbed by Mei.

"Etc."

Before he knew it, Mei and Lillie were already standing in front of him.

"No matter what happens, Lillie and I will always be there for you."

Mei's cheeks were slightly flushed for some reason.

"We... aren't we your Pokémon too?"

Upon entering the Wild Area, just as he had discussed with Mei before, Qiao Ran shared his ideas with the Pokémon.

He wanted to hear their opinions on whether or not it was worth taking such a risk.

His original suggestion was simply to play it safe and keep a low profile, but continuing like this wouldn't solve the problem; it would only keep it shelved.

"Hmph, anyone who dares to cause trouble, I'll make sure they never get to go back."

Yveltal was naturally fearless, and she basically didn't take any threats seriously. If you were to describe someone as very brave, you would say they are not afraid of death, but for Yveltal, death itself was the concept of her.

Nihilego had a similar attitude, belonging to the type who weren't afraid at all.

Ultra Beast have a rather unique way of thinking.

As for the other Pokémon, most of them fell silent after hearing Qiao Ran's words, pondering the gains and losses involved.

"I think it's worth trying."

After some thought, Zacian and Reshiram gave their answers; their opinions were actually quite similar.

Although they had become Qiao Ran's partners, deep down, they still hoped to remain where they were.

The idea that the region is becoming better resonates deeply with Mei and Lillie.

"I also think... it's worth a try. However, we need to be more cautious in normal circumstances."

Dianxi and Vulpix exchanged a glance and came to a conclusion: although they also hoped the Pokémon World would become a better place, they cared more about the present.

Almost all the Pokémon expressed their opinions, and virtually none of Pokémon voiced any explicit opposition. They all felt that this decision was extremely beneficial. However, in return, after they had voluntarily exposed themselves, Qiao Ran's safety also needed to be guaranteed.

If anyone fears or Legendary Pokémon and wants to replace Qiao Ran, then Qiao Ran's safety will inevitably be threatened.

No one, not Pokémon, wants the Pokémon World to be a better place. However, after they voluntarily stepped into the Spotlight, the most dangerous person became Qiao Ran herself.

"Therefore, I propose that from now on, each master should have at least one Pokémon Humanoid Transformation to accompany them and protect their safety."

A mysterious smile appeared on Dianxi's face.

"No matter when."

The Pokémon generally agreed to this operation.

This was completely different from what Qiao Ran had thought before, but after discussing it with everyone, he felt a sense of relief.

Perhaps only at times like these can we truly feel that we are all one.

There's nothing to be afraid of anymore.

Now that the strategy has been decided, our subsequent actions also need to be changed.

The confusion in her heart vanished, and Qiao Ran seemed to have rediscovered her purposeful self.

"First, we need to participate in the preliminary rounds of the Performance Competition match to advance to the official Competition. Since registration is almost closed, we need to go and register as soon as possible tomorrow."

"The top three in the preliminary rounds qualify for the official Competition. To minimize unnecessary time wastage, securing a top-three ranking is naturally the best option. Moreover, the top three will definitely have a higher profile."

"As for challenging the Gym, we can do that after we enter the official Competition. The official Competition will also be using the Magic City Gym as its Venue, so the destination is the same."

"One more thing... Lillie, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to go to the Aether Foundation and see if you can upgrade Rotom's cameras. If not, just leave them as they are for now; they're a little blurry but still quite realistic."

Qiao Ran planned to hand over all the photography work to Rotom, since the guy usually liked to take pictures all the time, so he was perfect for the job.

We can accumulate more of these photographic materials, and release them all at once after they actually win a prize; it will definitely attract a lot of attention.

"Good."

Lillie nodded in agreement. The Aether Foundation was, after all, an Artificial Island, so finding useful photographic material would be quite easy. However, the problem was that she didn't know if her mother had the ability to modify Rotom.

If that doesn't work... Lillie clenched her little fists, and prepared to find the book herself to see if she could go up by herself.

After roughly planning his future actions, Qiao Ran lay wearily on the bed.

"What will happen... in the future?"

When they voluntarily step out of the shadows, no one knows what will happen.

The lights in the room were off, with only faint moonlight filtering through the curtains. Qiao Ran stared at the ceiling, muttering to himself.

"Aren't you asleep yet?"

Suddenly, something popped out from under his blanket, startling Qiao Ran.

But the other person quickly covered his mouth: "Shh--"

The newcomer pointed to the blonde girl who was still fast asleep on the opposite bed, signaling Qiao Ran to keep quiet.

"I know you're still a little hesitant, especially at a time like this."

The newcomer was Mei. She had let down her long chestnut hair, looking less playful than usual, but more mature and sexy.

Even that thin nightgown couldn't hide her figure.

"... I'm Trainer too, so I understand. The more skilled Trainer is, the more confused they become about these kinds of things."

Mei held Qiao Ran's hand, seemingly trying to reassure him.

"So, don't think too much about it. Let's leave it at that for tonight. I'll stay with you."

Sleep well.

The scent emanating from Mei made Qiao Ran somewhat distracted, but her presence gradually made Qiao Ran feel relaxed.

He soon fell asleep.

Soon, the second day arrived.

When Qiao Ran woke up, he found that there was no one else beside him. Lillie was still Rest, while Mei was sitting on the edge of the bed, winking at him playfully.

"How was your rest?"

She still had the same long hair as last night, but Qiao Ran knew that she would soon turn back into the playful girl she always was.

"Not bad."

Qiao Ran returned her a smile.

Although nothing particularly special happened last night, looking at the other person's warm smile, he had to admit it.

He was actually somewhat attracted to her.

"You..."

During breakfast, Lillie noticed that Qiao Ran and Mei a little strange.

She wasn't sure what exactly had happened, but having spent so much time together, she could immediately understand the state of these two people.

Are they... hiding something from me?

Something's not right.

"Cough."

Qiao Ran coughed lightly and quickly changed the subject, getting down to business.

"After breakfast, let's go register for that Performance Competition. Let's not waste any time doing anything else."

"By the way, do you guys want to sign up and give it a try? Maybe you'll do even better than me."

"OK."

Mei nodded without hesitation. Now that she had come to this world and had such a great opportunity, she naturally wanted to experience as much of its unique features as possible.

Lillie, on the other hand, seemed a little hesitant. "Um... if we're going to perform..."

Lillie didn't really want to go on stage and show herself off. Going on stage and acting cute was a far cry from what she wanted to be.

Moreover, performing on stage always reminds her of the memories of being controlled and manipulated by her mother when she was a child, only to live the life that others expected of her.

"It's alright, everyone will love Lillie once she's on stage."

Mei turned her gaze to Lillie.

"Besides, didn't you say that if your Older Brother were in this world, you'd have to let him see your face?"

"...!"

Yes... yes.

Lillie suddenly realized.

Her purpose in participating in the Competition was not for anything else, but simply for a certain possibility.

Only in this way, if my Older Brother were still in this world, would he notice me.

Although it's a very small probability, it's worth trying. Based on Lillie's understanding of her Older Brother, if he really did come to this world, he's probably lurking in some dark corner right now. In short—contact with the Pokémon League is absolutely impossible.

"Okay, I want to participate too!"

Lillie clenched her fist, and a fire ignited within her.