Why is my Pokémon girl a bit strange?

In reality, it wasn't her fault. For the past few days on the ship, she had been wanting to meet Qiao Ran's "Dianxi." However, Qiao Ran had been repeatedly refusing her requests. This led to her being incredibly excited for Dianxi's appearance now; she even dreamed of seeing Dianxi's magnificent form again.

However, in reality, it wasn't that Qiao Ran was unwilling to let Eve see Dianxi... rather, she should be able to see Dianxi every day—after all, she saw Qiao Ran every day.

Even if she had turned into a loli, she was still Dianxi.

"I choose you, Dianxi!!"

Qiao Ran loudly shouted the name of the Pokémon that Eve longed for. Amidst a pink flash, Dianxi appeared on the arena.

"Tia—!"

Gazing at the beautiful diamond Pokémon, the smile on Eve's lips never faded. However, she still noticed some subtle clues.

"Huh? You look a little... Didn't you evolve last time?"

Did I remember wrong?

As Eve had a slight doubt in her heart, Iron Maiden, on the other hand, stared blankly at this Pokémon floating in mid-air, most of its body composed of rock.

"Another one... I don't recognize..."

Just like Suicune before, the appearance of this Pokémon still gave her a strange feeling, even stronger than before.

"What Pokémon is this..."

"I caught it in the tall grass behind Longjiang City Third Middle School," Qiao Ran answered instantly, pulling out his Rotom Phone. "If you want to know the details, you can ask a student who attends Third Middle School. She seems to know a lot and can definitely tell you more."

"This... I'm only interested in Steel-type Pokémon."

Looking at Qiao Ran's confident demeanor, Iron Maiden couldn't help but be a little speechless. There was really everything in that tall grass???

Why didn't I encounter anything when I set off on my journey back then??? I didn't even find a shiny Pokémon...

Is this the difference between a non-lucky person and a lucky person???

"Alright, since both sides have sent out their Pokémon, the match officially begins!!"

Eve interrupted their conversation and announced the start of the match. However, she still silently noted the mysterious address in her heart, as well as the "student" Qiao Ran mentioned. She would definitely ask for details later.

Dianxi, she wanted one too!

"Has the battle begun?"

Iron Maiden clenched her iron shovel. Although she didn't know any information about the opponent's Pokémon, judging by its appearance, it was likely to have Rock or Fairy typing. If that was the case, choosing a Steel-type move would definitely be correct!

"Continue as before, Mawile, start Iron Head Combo!"

"Guri guri guri guri guri!!!"

Mawile let out a series of strange cries from its small mouth and immediately began to shake its head frantically.

Seeing this same move, Qiao Ran's heart began to tense up. He still remembered Vulpix's powerlessness back then, but this time, it wasn't Vulpix on the field, but Dianxi.

"Dianxi! Don't be afraid of the opponent, let's use our move too!"

"Diamond Storm!"

"Tia!"

Dianxi brought its hands together. Facing the spinning Mawile, a whirlwind composed of pink diamonds began to form in front of her, charging directly at Mawile's face.

Diamond Storm had an extremely wide coverage area, making it impossible to dodge. However, due to the damage reduction from Rock-type to Steel-type, the damage this move dealt to Mawile was actually limited.

The flying diamonds hit Mawile's body, only making clanging sounds like striking iron.

"Useless, useless, useless! Still useless!"

A confident smile already appeared on Iron Maiden's lips. Mawile was getting closer and closer to the opponent. As long as it got a little closer, its Iron Head would definitely hit!

However—Iron Maiden didn't seem to notice that Dianxi's appearance was quietly changing at this moment.

A faint light emanated from her body...

Section 57 056[Mega Dianxi!]

"Show your new form!"

"Dianxi!"

The light grew more intense, not only from Dianxi but also from the Key Stone on Qiao Ran's chest.

Although Qiao Ran didn't understand why each of his Key Stones corresponded to a different Pokémon, he had achieved an extremely stable connection with Dianxi at this moment.

"Dianxi!"

"Tia!!"

Their wills began to connect, Dianxi's body grew larger, its skirt became more magnificent, and two long ribbons appeared behind its head.

"This state is... so beautiful..."

Gazing at Dianxi, who had changed into Bride Attire, Eve had completely forgotten her role as a judge. She even secretly took out her phone to start secretly taking pictures. Even if she didn't plan to release them, it would be great to secretly look at them later.

"Titi ti!!!"

New power surged from Dianxi's body. The already spectacular Diamond Storm seemed to have been boosted, its speed more than doubling.

Mega Evolution!

Mega Dianxi!

In this mode, her base stats not only increased by 100 points, but her stat distribution also changed dramatically. Her original 150 in both defenses, like a shield, became a terrifying 160 in both offenses. If she was a sturdy shield in her normal state, then now she was the sharpest spear!

Only by abandoning defense could she achieve the most powerful offense!

Not only that, but her movement speed also increased from 50 to 110, completely shedding her previous sluggishness.

"Guri guri guri guri guri!!!"

Under the suddenly incredibly fierce Diamond Storm, Mawile's previously relaxed expression quickly turned to one of pain.

"Hold on, Mawile!"

Iron Maiden couldn't help but cry out. Although she didn't understand why the opponent had changed forms, and even her move's power had increased significantly, she didn't want Mawile to be defeated like this.

"Useless, useless, useless, useless!" This time, it was Qiao Ran who said the phrase Iron Maiden often used.

—Even with a resistance that halved damage, when a certain amount of damage exceeded the threshold that could be endured, then halving it would be of no use.

Mega Dianxi's 160 in both offenses made her an absolute standout among all legendary Pokémon, not to mention she was using her signature move, "Diamond Storm." Furthermore, Mawile had already taken several hits from Vulpix earlier. Therefore, in Qiao Ran's opinion, Mawile's defeat was only a matter of time.

As expected, Mawile only lasted about three seconds in the storm before collapsing. She didn't even make it in front of Dianxi, let alone swing her "steel ponytail" at Dianxi's face.

"Mawile is unable to battle! Therefore, the winner is... Dianxi!!!"

Looking at Mawile, who had rolled her eyes and collapsed on the ground, Eve announced the result of the match. As the battle ended, the swirling storm also began to subside, and the pink diamonds turned into scattered specks of light and disappeared into the air.

The diamonds used in these moves were clearly not the so-called "Eternal Diamonds." Even Dianxi would have to put in some effort to create such special stones, and moreover, she wouldn't have used that kind of power without Qiao Ran's request.

"What powerful offense... Well done, does your Pokémon also change forms?"

After recalling Mawile into its Poké Ball, Iron Maiden praised Qiao Ran without reservation. This boy had once again surprised her; the events of this battle today were more astonishing than anything she had seen in the past few months.

"That way of changing forms is..."

"It's the same as how some Pokémon change forms."

Facing Iron Maiden's question, Qiao Ran's eyes darted around as he began to spin his tale again. He found that his ability to make things up on the spot seemed to be getting stronger and stronger.

"Since you are the Gym Leader of the Steel type, you must also know of the Pokémon Aegislash, right? This Pokémon can freely switch between its sword and shield forms. My Dianxi is similar in principle; she has simply switched to her offensive form now."

"This... Hmm... Is that so?"

Iron Maiden nodded as she pondered, but Qiao Ran's words did sound quite reasonable.

Indeed, in the world of Pokémon, there were some Pokémon that could change their forms at specific times. Not only Aegislash, but also Castform, Cherrim, Darmanitan, and a series of other Pokémon could do this. Adding Dianxi to this list wouldn't be a big problem.

"Alright, it's about time for the last battle."

Iron Maiden took a deep breath and took out her last Poké Ball from her long coat pocket.

"Is it... Steel Emperor Penguin?" Qiao Ran suddenly became nervous. If the Gym Leader intended to use her strongest Pokémon, he wasn't sure if he could battle against a being of that caliber right now.

He had already seen the Pokémon of the Elite Four; their levels were all above 50. So, what about the Gym Leaders of these big cities... their levels would likely be at least above 40, and the ace Pokémon of some powerful Gym Leaders would even break through 40 and reach level 50.

For example, Long Jiangxue's father definitely possessed that level of strength.

"Steel Emperor Penguin? No, although your current strength is considerable, you still need a little room for growth."

Compared to her initial underestimation, Iron Maiden's attitude towards Qiao Ran had improved considerably without her realizing it.

Although Qiao Ran himself hadn't noticed this, Eve, who was standing nearby, saw it clearly. At the same time, she was full of confusion, wondering what had happened. They were clearly at odds just a moment ago???

Could fighting actually improve relationships?

"Therefore, this time I am sending out a Pokémon that I have been focusing on cultivating recently."

Iron Maiden gripped the Poké Ball in her hand.

"Although its appearance may seem ordinary, its combat ability is outstanding among all Pokémon."

Iron Maiden's words revealed her deep trust in this Pokémon. Even if she wasn't going to send out Steel Emperor Penguin, she still wouldn't go easy on Qiao Ran in this final round.

If she didn't go easy, it would be disrespectful to her opponent.

"Come out! Excadrill!!!"

Section 58 057 [vs. Excadrill]

"Exca...drill...!"

Looking at the mole-like Pokémon released by Iron Maiden onto the field, covered in dark brown skin, with steel protrusions on its claws and head, Qiao Ran actually broke out in a cold sweat.

The previous Aggron and Mawile hadn't put this much pressure on Qiao Ran, because Qiao Ran knew that these Pokémon had obvious weaknesses that he could exploit to defeat them.

But Excadrill... no, Excadrill was different. Qiao Ran had encountered its reputation many times before in Pokémon games.

—Ever since this guy appeared in the Unova region, it had always been a popular choice in battles, a true beginner slayer. Its high attack power of 135, excellent stats, and ridiculous abilities made it an outstanding Pokémon that could adapt to every metagame. Especially in the isolated Galar region, it had been thriving.

"This guy... really isn't going easy on me."

Qiao Ran took a deep breath. If he were presented with an Excadrill and a Steel Emperor Penguin of the same level, Qiao Ran would definitely choose Steel Emperor Penguin. After all, once Excadrill got into its rhythm, it could completely control the battlefield.

Qiao Ran pulled out his Rotom Phone and quietly glanced at the opponent's level. The "Level 36" displayed on it made him slightly relieved. This was still within an acceptable range; it hadn't reached the insane level of 40 or above.

"Let's see how you handle it. This Pokémon is quite formidable."

"What makes it so formidable?"

"Its attack power," Iron Maiden gazed at Qiao Ran, "and its speed!"

"Oh?"

Hearing Iron Maiden's answer, Qiao Ran blinked with a hint of pleasant surprise. Perhaps he had already figured out the strategy this Excadrill was employing.

As long as he was prepared, there was a chance of victory in this battle.

That's right, Dianxi could absolutely achieve this!

"Tia!"

Dianxi nodded at Qiao Ran, signaling that she had it under control.

"Fourth match, both sides please get ready! The battle begins now!!"

Eve announced the start of the battle, and Qiao Ran and Iron Maiden took their positions on opposite sides of the arena.

They both stared at each other, fully aware that this battle would likely determine the direction of what was to come.

"Excadrill, Sandstorm!"

"Dianxi, Earth Power!!"

The moment the match began, both sides issued their commands simultaneously. After giving his command, Qiao Ran wore an expression of "just as I expected," while Iron Maiden on the other side widened her eyes in surprise.

"Sandstorm... it really is Sandstorm."

Just as Qiao Ran had predicted, Iron Maiden had Excadrill use Sandstorm right from the start. This move provided a significant boost to Excadrill with the Sand Rush ability. Under a sandstorm, Pokémon with the Sand Rush ability would have their speed doubled, reaching an incredibly terrifying level!

And this was the speed Excadrill relied on to survive!

Meanwhile, Qiao Ran had deployed his trump card from the very beginning – the Ground-type move, Earth Power!

This was also a skill Dianxi had always possessed, a move specifically prepared for her lifelong rival, Steel-type Pokémon.