Chapter 268

"Um."

Looking at the moonlight shining in from outside, Cynthia glanced at Qiao Ran and then nodded.

"The bond between humans and Pokémon is a connection that allows them to grow together."

"... Perhaps the relationships between people are similar too."

In the Pokémon World, as Champion, she might never have the chance to live with such a few people and spend such a time together. Although she didn't experience any thrilling adventures, it was indeed a very special experience for her.

Especially the boy in front of her—perhaps this was truly the first time she had ever talked so much with a man. It was the same when she was strolling around outside today; whenever she was caught in a dilemma, the first person she thought of was him for help.

Is it because he shares many common topics with me and is very similar to me?

Perhaps that's really the case.

"There's not much difference between humans and Pokémon." Qiao Ran didn't think there was any clear boundary between humans and Pokémon. On the contrary, the world and thoughts of Pokémon were much purer than those of humans.

"Yes." Cynthia agreed with this view. There are many such examples in history and in legends.

Humans are not as strong as other races, but they are very good at using Nasty Plot. To say that humans are similar to Pokémon is to belittle Pokémon.

"Come here for a moment."

Suddenly, just as Qiao Ran was about to leave and go back to rest, Cynthia called out to him.

"What's wrong?"

Qiao Ran felt strange, but she still listened to her and walked up to the other person.

Looking at her face up close, Qiao Ran could clearly see...

I saw that the moonlight shone on her Golden hair, and the Limber fabric of her black nightgown clung to her body.

As always, it's really beautiful.

"...!"

Just then, as Qiao Ran was looking at the other person's face, the other person slightly stood up and gently gave him a hug.

"How..."

Qiao Ran's heart skipped a beat. He seemed to want to ask something, but the other person's emotions were transmitted to his mind through the Aura, and he stopped speaking abruptly.

This was an emotion he had never felt before, filled with confusion and a little fear, something he never imagined he would experience in Cynthia.

"Don't move..." Her voice rang in his ears.

"That's fine."

Having arrived in a strange world, my best friend has disappeared, the situation in my hometown is unknown, and what I'm investigating is becoming increasingly terrifying.

Countless burdens will weigh on her shoulders. As Champion, she will always show a strong and resolute side, but at certain moments, she will feel that these things are too harsh on her.

"..."

Qiao Ran ultimately didn't resist her actions, letting her hug him like that. Not only her, but even he himself had moments of confusion, but he had people he could communicate with, and Pokémon that could sense his emotions. But now, Cynthia had nothing left.

"Thanks."

She didn't know how much time had passed, but she gradually loosened her arms and released Qiao Ran's body.

She tidied her disheveled clothes and hair, returning to her usual appearance, but a faint blush still lingered on her cheeks.

"Don't... tell anyone else."

Just in case, she added another sentence.

Even she herself didn't know why she had done what she just did. But that's just how life is sometimes. However, thanks to that hug, the knot in her heart slowly dissipated.

"Certainly."

Qiao Ran certainly wouldn't reveal this matter unless he planned to be beaten up by a group of people the next day. Besides, in order to avoid being hunted down by Cynthia, he had to keep his mouth shut.

"Just remember that."

Cynthia shrugged and turned her gaze back to the moon in the sky.

"You can forget about this once you can beat me..."

The next day, she finally left.

As the group watched her go, she walked into the crowd at the station and gradually disappeared from their sight. Thanks to Sabrina's strict precautions, yesterday's battle did not circulate online. Although these things did not affect them, Cynthia did not want to use the Competition as a hot topic for publicity.

She still prefers a quieter environment.

"Alright, I should get back to my job as Gym Leader now."

After slacking off for so long, Sabrina stretched and finally made up her mind to seriously show her skills in the Gym. Since that day's Competition, many Trainer have also booked Competition at the Gym, and the schedule is booked for who knows when.

"You guys should hurry up and get to Alola. Finish what you're doing and don't waste time here."

Sabrina urged them to leave, telling them not to stand there like idiots, making their short separation seem like a life-or-death farewell.

"Um."

Qiao Ran and the others all nodded, their expressions extremely serious.

As the Champion, Cynthia is constantly moving forward. As the latecomers, they naturally cannot stop their pace. Otherwise, they will not only fail to catch up with her, but will also be left behind and never be seen again.

That's the last thing they want to see.

"So, you guys went out and had a great day, took lots of photos, but the memory card broke down?"

Inside the Aether House, Acerola suspiciously examined the group of people before her. Wasn't this explanation far too dubious?

Is it possible for this thing to break by such a coincidence?

"We also feel it's a real shame, but there's nothing we can do. These things can break down at any time," Qiao Ran said sadly.

"Lillie, Mei, don't you agree?"

"Huh? Yes... yes, yes."

"Mmm-hmm-hmm-hmm."

The two nodded vigorously. Although Lillie's movements were a little stiff, she still stood firmly on Qiao Ran's side.

"You guys..." Acerola squinted, looking at each of their faces, but in the end, she had no choice but to sigh deeply.

"Alright, alright, sit down and rest first. The children are quite worried about you."

If she could, she would certainly like to know what they had done, but if they resolutely refused to say, there was no need for her to press them. Everyone has their own secrets, but... thinking about all this, she did feel a little lonely inside.

"By the way, are you guys going to deal with that Monster tomorrow?"

Acerola perked up and asked

We've discussed the details of tomorrow's operation. If other matters can be postponed, then this matter needs further consideration.

"Mm." Qiao Ran nodded. This was something that had been prepared beforehand, and after these days of rest, his body had almost fully recovered.

As for Guzma, there's no need to rush.

After all, there's only one route from the Aether House to the Malie City, because the other side is blocked by Alola's highest mountain range. And this only route will definitely pass through Po Town, where Guzma is located, so they can bring Guzma and his group on board.

"While I'm very grateful that you've arranged this for us, I also had a chat with Uncle Modan beforehand..."

Acerola seemed hesitant for a moment, pausing briefly, but ultimately continued speaking.

He said if we both went, there would be no one to take care of the children... so it would be best if only one of us went.

A look of regret crossed Acerola's face. If only one person could go, then indeed... the more powerful Uncle Modan was the best choice. As for her, she would probably just have to watch them leave, just like before.

She could only stay here quietly, just like before.

However—just as Acerola was saying this, a voice suddenly came from behind her.

"Don't worry, leave things here to me."

"Mom?" Lillie looked at Lusamine, who had suddenly appeared, with some surprise, wondering why she would say such a thing.

"Actually, when it comes to Pokémon battles, I'm not weak either," Lusamine as she walked up to the group, her usual smile on her face.

Since arriving here, she has been smiling much more often, whether it's because of the children or something else, I don't know.

"Besides, this is the Aether House of the Aether Foundation. You don't really think there's absolutely no way to resist Ultra Beast here, do you?"

"Chairwoman Lusamine..." Acerola glanced at her with some concern. Although she had heard so much from Lusamine, she was still somewhat worried.

"It's alright, you young people should go ahead and do it. Leave these things behind to an old man like me."

Lusamine spoke, her expression gradually turned serious, as if she had transformed back into the chairperson.

"Or do you not even believe in my abilities?"

"..."

Acerola remained silent for a long while before finally nodding.

Lusamine not only the mother of these children, but also someone she has always admired. If Lusamine said these words, then she is indeed willing to believe her.

"Please, Chairperson Lusamine."

Acerola raised her head, her gaze unwavering.

Like other children her age, she longed to go out and explore, to see new and exciting things like Qiao Ran and the others. But... in this extraordinary era, her life became Bind with that of these children amidst the crisis.

She couldn't bear to leave these children, so she had to stay by their side, but it was precisely this responsibility that became a shackle binding her.

Go for it, don't leave any regrets.

Lusamine walked over to Acerola and patted the girl on the shoulder.

Watching Acerola nod frantically, Lusamine couldn't help but think of a senior executive of the Aether Foundation who was also kind and friendly to children and Pokémon.

I wonder... how are they doing?

At night, Qiao Ran did not go to sleep early, but instead went to the Wild Area.

This wasn't just preparation for tomorrow's battle; more importantly, he felt he should meet with Zacian as he was now.

Somewhere in the Forest, Qiao Ran found the giant wolf. She was lying on the ground, resting with her eyes closed. She only opened her eyes slightly when she saw Qiao Ran approaching.

How did you feel after Competition against the Champion?

"Very strong, but nothing particularly special."

Despite her pride Zacian, Zaxiang remained undeterred, even after losing the Competition.

In the past, she had experienced many failures. In the legend of Galar, she was Hero of a hundred battles, not Hero of a hundred victories.

Moreover, such Battlefield battles cannot fully showcase her strength. Only when fighting in the wild, with her sister also present, can they demonstrate the full level of the Hero Sisters.

A sword without a shield can only wound the enemy; a shield without a sword will eventually be destroyed.

"I'm glad you don't feel uncomfortable."

Qiao Ran sat down beside her, leaning against her, his body enveloped in thick, Limber wolf fur.

His reason for coming here was actually to check on Zacian's condition, and now it seems that she is in much better shape than he had imagined.

He truly deserves the title of a battle-hardened Hero.

I was actually worried about her situation; it seems I was overthinking things.

"Master can

"Trust us a little more."

Zacian glanced at Qiao Ran, his eyes filled with a gentleness completely different from when he was fighting.

As legendary Pokémon, they usually don't need human guidance, but for some reason, they still gathered around Qiao Ran, which was their own choice.

If possible, they also hope to help Qiao Ran share more of the burden, Pokémon and Trainer can work together as a whole, and Trainer don't have to shoulder everything alone.

"Um."

Clutching Zacian's large tail, Qiao Ran gradually drifted off to sleep. Sleeping here tonight felt pretty good.

"Master is resting."

"Yes."