Chapter 264

"..." Qiao Ran opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but her eyes lingered for a moment before she finally stopped herself from having any thoughts.

At that moment, his first thought was to get some food from the Real World to help these poor children.

However, this is only temporary comfort.

If it were just about solving their immediate food problem, Qiao Ran could bring them some food from the Real World. However, this would be difficult to explain and would only address the immediate issue. Just like Spikemuth in Galar, they are gradually transforming themselves, preparing to shift from relying on supplies from Hammerlocke to becoming self-sufficient.

Only in this way can they survive here for a long time.

If he wanted to help them, Qiao Ran felt he should start in that area as well.

"Let's go to the city together tomorrow or the day after, and we can call Guzma and the others over too."

The first step to solving the problem is to get rid of the Monster entrenched in the city so that everyone can obtain more resources from there. As for the second step, Qiao Ran is thinking of bringing over some plants and animals from the Real World that can be grown and raised here. He plans to find an opportunity to consult Lusamine, the president of the Aether Foundation, about this. Perhaps she has some different insights.

"Um... thank you."

Acerola nodded seriously. The appearance of Qiao Ran and the others not only brought them a fresh and different feeling, but also gave them hope. If they hadn't appeared, Acerola would probably have had to call on Modan and Guzma and try to take a gamble to see if they could defeat the Monster.

But in that case... no one knows the final outcome, and losing either one would be unacceptable to anyone.

If Guzma falls, the people of Po Town will lose their leader; if Modan falls, Acerola alone will be unable to support the Aether House; and if it's her alone... then who will take care of these children?

"Oh right, we have to go out for a bit today, um... it might take a while, we might not be back until tomorrow."

Qiao Ran is really going all out to go back to the Real World and see Cynthia one last time.

"What... are you going to do now?" Acerola's expression immediately fell. Why do these people disappear during the day?

Is this some kind of strange habit?

"Of course, it's to explore the island! Look, over there are Alola's highest and second highest peaks. We've never been to Alola before, so of course we want to see everything."

Qiao Ran casually pulled out a Rotom and waved it in front of Acerola: "Look, I've got my camera ready."

Rotom: "I'm not camera Rotom!"

"Just browsing... is that it?"

Acerola seemed taken aback by Qiao Ran's words. Normally, it was quite common for tourists to stroll around the island, but now the outside world was fraught with danger; several Ultra Beasts could leap out at any moment while walking down the street. For someone to say something like that...

Acerola's gaze swept over Qiao Ran.

This guy is probably the only one left, right?

"Alright, alright, then you guys go ahead. Remember to bring back the photos and show them to me."

Acerola had to stay at the Aether House, although she really wanted to go, but she had a lot to do today—especially since she had to go to the city tomorrow to deal with that Ultra Beast.

"The photo... well, okay."

Qiao Ran's expression froze for a moment, then she could only Sheer Force a nod.

Wait, do I need to bring the photos back?

I want to go to the Real World, where are there any photos???

Wouldn't you call this a case of shooting yourself in the foot?

However, since things had come to this point, Qiao Ran had no choice but to agree for now, and would consider what to do next if there really was no other way.

Leading Lillie and the others to a patch of grass in the distance, Qiao Ran and his group were ready to head to the Real World. However, Qiao Ran's expression remained somewhat off.

This matter is getting more and more troublesome the more I think about it.

"Oh no, what if we get no photos when we get back?"

Photos aren't something you can just make up a story to cover up; these are real, undeniable pieces of evidence.

"Hmph, serves you right for being so talkative. Now look what happened." Mei stood to the side, arms crossed, a look of disdain on her face.

What was originally a simple problem suddenly became complicated after Qiao Ran did it.

"If all else fails, we'll come earlier tomorrow morning and take more photos around here."

Qiao Ran closed his eyes and came up with a temporary solution.

"Well... doesn't the time all seem the same? We've been out all day, after all." Lillie raised another question; if they just did that, it would be easy for them to Foresight.

"It's alright, this can be resolved."

"Rotom..."

"What, what are you doing, Rotom?" Rotom couldn't help but tremble upon hearing Qiao Ran's voice.

"The photo should be able to be edited, like changing the date or something?"

Qiao Ran looked at Rotom with excitement and trust.

"As everyone knows, the photos and videos are real. As long as we handle them properly, we won't be suspected."

However, after hearing Qiao Ran's words, Rotom froze on the spot.

This isn't just changing the time; it's completely altering the appearance of the photo!

I'm just Pokémon, I really can't do that, Rotom!

In the end, Qiao Ran decided to put the matter aside for now—in short, he should meet with Cynthia first.

In the Real World, Qiao Ran and the others still met Sabrina in her living room. Sabrina was lying on the sofa resting and scrolling through her phone, while Cynthia seemed to be waiting for something.

"You've arrived."

Cynthia put down her book and looked directly at Qiao Ran.

Her eyes held a hint of expectation, and she made no attempt to hide her feelings.

She had been looking forward to this Competition for a long time—for a very long time—even after becoming the Champion, she had never had Competition that she looked forward to so much.

Is it because Qiao Ran is using a legendary Pokémon?

Perhaps not.

What could make her so excited was actually Qiao Ran's unique personality.

"I'll rest tonight and leave tomorrow morning."

Cynthia stood up from the sofa and came to Qiao Ran. She was still wearing her signature black coat.

"I hope we can both leave with no regrets in today's Competition."

"Um."

He had prepared for today's Competition for a long time, and regardless of winning or losing, it was a valuable experience.

I will do my best.

Qiao Ran and Cynthia did not choose the Battlefield in the community for their Competition. In order to give the two of them a better fighting experience, Sabrina specially used her newly acquired power as Gym Leader to arrange a nice Battle Court for them in the Gym.

"Wait, don't you have to work today? You're the Gym Leader now, aren't you?"

Looking at Sabrina, who had accompanied them all the way, Qiao Ran couldn't help but ask, "You became the Gym Leader yesterday, so why are you slacking off so openly today?"

"I'm not Slack Off." Sabrina looked at Qiao Ran, her eyes narrowed, and she gave him a smile that was both alluring and mysterious.

"An Elite Four-level Trainer and a Champion- level Trainer —as the Gym Leader, of course I have to personally receive them. This is basic etiquette for Gym Leader; I'm just following the rules."

Qiao Ran: "..."

This... is this even possible?

No, this is completely turning a private matter into a public affair!

Qiao Ran wanted to refute but couldn't find a reason to do so. After all, Sabrina had provided such a good Battle Court for them, and Qiao Ran should thank her.

After all... nobody knows what this Battle Court will look like after this Competition.

Maybe we won't recognize anyone anymore.

Before the Competition officially started, Qiao Ran and Cynthia sat on chairs next to the Battle Court to rest, looking at the busy staff around them. They seemed to have something to say to each other.

"I think we first met at this Gym too."

"Yes, that was when you first appeared, and then you knocked Old Man Nian Hai down."

Qiao Ran's words made Cynthia roll her eyes at him. These little actions that she wouldn't have done before made Qiao Ran feel that their relationship had indeed gotten a little closer.

"Back then, I was just challenging Gym."

She takes everything she does so seriously. Even when it's just an excuse to "challenge the Gym," she gives it her all without any fear of being exposed.

In fact, with her abilities, there's really nothing to worry about.

A Champion is practically invincible in the Pokémon World.

"What are your plans next? Continue challenging the Gym, and then prepare to participate in the World Pokémon League Tournament?"

Cynthia asked Qiao Ran his future plans. Even if he might leave later, she would keep an eye on his situation and they would definitely meet again if given the chance.

"Yes, winning the Champion is my dream to become Pokémon Trainer."

Qiao Ran looked at Cynthia in front of him, staring intently into her eyes.

"Will you win... the Champion?"

Hearing Qiao Ran's words and seeing the look in his eyes, Cynthia's heart skipped a beat. However, she quickly regained her composure, her gaze filled with pure longing and yearning, without any other meaning.

"You can definitely do it."

Cynthia had never given any Trainer such high praise. The birth of Champion is the highest honor in a region. No one knows who the next Champion will be. However, when she faced Qiao Ran, she couldn't help but blurt out these words.

If it were him, he could indeed do that.

"So, let's begin the Competition."

"Um."

The two exchanged a glance and couldn't help but smile.

No amount of words can compare to a direct battle. As friends in private, they have already talked a lot, but as Trainer, they should communicate in the Battlefield.

After the Gym staff had cleared the Battlefield, Qiao Ran and Cynthia stood at either end, while Sabrina took on the role of Referee.

Having a Gym Leader serve as Referee is certainly a prestigious thing, but considering that one of the opponents is actually a Champion, this is not surprising at all.

Sabrina and Cynthia made no attempt to conceal the existence of the Competition. Many Gym Trainer heard about Competition and quickly canceled their own training to watch. Even Nian Hongyu, who had just lost to Sabrina the day before and was preparing to go into seclusion, rushed over.

"Who... is that person?"

She recognized Qiao Ran; he was a Trainer far more powerful than her. But the woman on the other side... she had never seen her before. Why did Qiao Ran have such a serious expression? It was as if the person opposite her was a terrifying enemy.

Not only that, she also saw Sabrina standing in the center of the Battle Court as the Referee. Was this Competition so important that a Gym Leader was qualified to be the Referee?

Nian Hongyu's doubts also represented the doubts of most of the Trainer present. However, some of them had seen the Competition between Old Man Nian Hai and Cynthia.

"No... that Trainer is even stronger than the Old Gym Leader Nian Hai. The former Old Gym Leader himself said that the person's Pokémon level has reached an unprecedented level."

A Gym Trainer stepped forward, his voice trembling as he recalled the Competition that day.

"What... level?"

Nian Hongyu quickly asked a question, but the answer she received made her eyes widen in surprise.

"Champion!"

Champion?

These two words were like a meteorite thrown into water, instantly evaporating the Alto Mare. The surrounding Trainer were in an uproar. The Champion... why was he here?

Besides, they'd never seen this woman before.

The Huaxia Alliance has only had one Champion in the last ten years or so, and that champion... wasn't living in the South at the time.

"Champion... no wonder."

After recovering from her initial shock, Nian Hongyu finally understood the situation in the Battlefield. No wonder Sabrina volunteered to be the Referee, and no wonder Qiao Ran was so on edge.

Has he already reached a level where he can challenge for the Champion?