Chapter 328

She had visited this place during her Island Challenge, but the situation was completely different then. Back then, she could safely take a bus up the mountain, but now she has to climb it step by step.

"Yes." Qiao Ran nodded.

He felt very good. Unlike a sense of accomplishment in the usual sense, he experienced a greater sense of value and meaning in his own existence.

"So, what do we do next?"

Lillie asked about the next steps. As the saying goes, going up the mountain is easy, but coming down is hard. The next step is the most important. Besides, they just received so much amazing information from Molayne, and they need to digest it.

"Let's rest today and tomorrow, let them recover, and let their Pokémon rest too. Let's go back to the Real World first and show this information to Sabrina Cynthia the others."

Qiao Ran quietly took out a small USB drive and waved it in front of everyone. Molayne had also copied the previous data for him. Although he couldn't carry other living beings between the two worlds, a USB drive was a viable option.

Moreover, if it were just a matter of verbal communication, it would probably be impossible to effectively convey this information to Sabrina and Cynthia.

"We'll see how things go the day after tomorrow and decide whether to set off or not. If their health has improved, we'll prepare to descend the mountain."

"Um."

After listening to Qiao Ran's words, the girls nodded in agreement.

They've been hiking all this time; it's not just the staff at the Hokulani Observatory who need rest, they do too.

After finishing their conversation, Qiao Ran explained his plan again to Molayne and Sophocles. After receiving their approval, Qiao Ran and his group left the Pokémon World and returned to the Real World.

"It's already evening..."

Back in their familiar Inn room, looking at the dim night view outside the window, Qiao Ran and the others couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Unlike the oppressive Pokémon World, I only feel a sense of peace when I come to this world.

"Let's contact Cynthia and the others again tomorrow morning. Let's rest tonight and have a brief chat."

Everyone was already exhausted, and Qiao Ran didn't want to add to their burden. Besides, after finally reaching the top of the mountain, they really needed to relax.

"... So it's okay if I don't have to get up on time tomorrow, right?"

"Um."

Upon hearing Mei's question, Qiao Ran couldn't help but smile and nod.

Even she feels tired?

Staying in Lillie Mei's room, the girls all sprawled out on the bed without any regard for appearances. After receiving permission to have a day off tomorrow, everyone felt much more relaxed.

"By the way, what do you think of those videos that Molayne gave us?"

During their casual conversation, Qiao Ran brought up the question again.

Although they shared their opinions in the Pokémon World, Molayne and Sophocles were both present, making it difficult to say certain things.

Qiao Ran also wanted to know their true feelings, not just the empty words they said in front of others.

Seeing their hometown become like that must be heartbreaking.

Mei, in particular, was really hoping to get some news about Unova before she went hiking, but seeing that Unova wasn't in any of the videos, she must have been disappointed.

"I want to visit the other islands in Alola."

After learning about the Observatory's observations, Mei became increasingly worried about her family. Although her home was close to both the Professor's Laboratory and the Island Kahuna, and she was unlikely to face any danger unless something unexpected happened, who knew what unforeseen accident might occur?

Furthermore, the observations from the Island Guardian Shrine and the Altar of the Moone are also noteworthy, and if they are not addressed one by one... they might lead to even greater trouble.

Just like the Spatial Rift that opened on that island before, if Nebby hadn't helped close it, the consequences would have been unimaginable; perhaps Alola would have been completely overrun by now.

"Um."

Lillie and Acerola both nodded. They shared the same thoughts Mei. Lillie had been traveling with her parents since she was a child and didn't have a deep sense of belonging to any place. If she had to say which region she cared about the most, it would probably be Alola, where she had lived the longest.

Acerola is easier to understand; she is originally from Alola and a descendant of the original royal family. Her choice to travel with Qiao Ran and the others is also...

With that in mind—she wanted to resolve the crisis in Alola.

Only Mei, after hearing everyone's replies, simply slumped her shoulders listlessly.

"I also want to Unova... but I can't, can I?"

In the Observatory, she saw images of many other regions, but the Unova, which she was most looking forward to, was not there. In that case... she couldn't even figure out which places were safe and which were dangerous.

Although Qiao Ran is now able to lead everyone to the Unova, Qiao Ran has also said that the situation there is uncertain. He was almost killed when he returned last time, and Reshiram has also advised against taking any rash actions for the time being. As a white individual who coexists with the black, she knows that Qiao Ran's actions last time only caused "a little" minor trouble.

"I'm sorry... I'll go check on things when I have the chance."

Qiao Ran could only express his apologies.

It's because he lacks ability; if he were stronger, he might not be in such a passive position.

"The Unova Region is dangerous. I probably won't let you go on this adventure until I understand the basic situation... Even if we do go, I'll send you back to the Wild Area immediately if there's any danger."

Qiao Ran understood Mei's thoughts; everyone could see her longing for her hometown. However, danger was danger. Even though the last battle in Hangcheng had been over for a long time, Qiao Ran still remembered it vividly. Even though his strength had improved, he didn't want them to get hurt.

Upon hearing Qiao Ran's words, the other girls opened their mouths, seemingly wanting to say something, but couldn't find the words. Qiao Ran rarely showed such a serious expression, which meant he was truly thinking this way.

If possible, Qiao Ran could even put them into Poké Ball without their consent, although Qiao Ran has never used this ability, to the point that they themselves have forgotten about it—but this fact still exists.

If Qiao Ran is willing to use it.

However, one person still stood up and voiced their opposition.

"I want to join in too."

"If I really do go to the Unova Region, I must see for myself what's happening there... I'm sure I can be of help!"

Mei clenched her fists, moved closer to Qiao Ran, and looked up at his face with great excitement.

"I'm sure I can..."

"..."

"..."

Qiao Ran remained silent and did not answer.

He was still conflicted. He cared deeply for these girls, especially after their extramarital affairs. He was worried about their safety. If it were him, he could use his Aura Power and other powers to protect himself, but what about them?

"At least... wait until you have a few Pokémon have reached the Elite Four level."

However, in the end, Qiao Ran couldn't persuade her otherwise. Under Mei's repeated insistence, Qiao Ran softened his stance—if she could have four or five Elite Four level Pokémon, it should be much safer, right?

For example, Sabrina... has both Psychic and a powerful Pokémon, which makes people feel incredibly reassured. As for Mei and others who don't have Psychic, the only solution is to improve the strength of their Pokémon.

"Okay! I'll go train right away!"

Mei was immediately Vital Spirit, rolled up her sleeves, and prepared to rush to the Training Ground.

"Wait, wait, you don't need to go now."

Qiao Ran grabbed her immediately.

Are you some kind of shonen anime protagonist who just wandered out of the city?

What time is it? Are you still thinking about rushing out for training??

Moreover, based on Qiao Ran's understanding of her, if she wanted to, she would eventually be able to break through to the level of Elite Four; it was just a matter of time.

So, what's the point of going to training now?!

"Then I'll join you too."

Seeing Mei like this, Mei felt Vital Spirit for some reason. There was usually a sense of competition among them in the team, and seeing Mei acting together, she naturally couldn't sit still.

She was only slightly slower in breaking through to the Elite Four level, so how could she be inferior to Mei?

"You've only reached the Elite Four level with one. Wait until you've reached the Elite Four before you talk."

Qiao Ran rolled her eyes at her. "Why are you all getting so arrogant?"

To be honest, he's quite scared if things escalate to the point where everyone has to come out and fight together.

"Good!"

Hearing Qiao Ran say that, Mei's eyes widened, and she became agitated.

It's just all Elite Four level, right? She's already done it with Decidueye, so other Pokémon a piece of cake, won't they?

I'll break through and show you right away!

After saying that, she rushed towards the door, but luckily Qiao Ran reacted quickly and grabbed her with his other hand.

"Wait, where are you going now?"

Upon hearing this question, Mei Mei, who were being held by him, turned to look at him simultaneously and answered in unison.

Special training!

"No, you guys should check the time too!"

Qiao Ran blinked, bewildered. It seemed he had underestimated their fighting spirit and enthusiasm as Trainer. But, you guys also have to consider the time and place, right?

Bright

A day of rest and recuperation is really for you all to take a break!!

As it turns out, Trainer's Vital Spirit can be limitless, but Pokémon's stamina is ultimately finite. After Mei and Mei suddenly fell ill for some unknown reason and ran off to train for half a day, they eventually had to return due to the Pokémon's stamina issues.

"Damn it! Is this my limit?"

"No, tomorrow or the day after is fine..."

Although they were exhausted, their fighting spirit remained undiminished. Their love for the Pokémon World was finally rekindled in this way. Only when faced with such a huge crisis could they feel their own weakness and realize that their current strength was indeed far from sufficient.

After everything was over, Qiao Ran returned to his room to rest. He needed to rest and recuperate after being busy for so long. During the mountain climb, he used the Tokiwa Power quite a few times. Like the Tokiwa Power, he also used the Aura Power quite a few times, even more frequently than the Tokiwa Power. After all, intelligence is always the most important thing.

"Why am I getting so tired every night lately...?"

Qiao Ran stared at the familiar yet unfamiliar ceiling, lost in thought.

Where did that version of myself go, the one who used to rest on time every night, wake up at the same time every morning, and get a good night's rest every day?

"Forget it, since we're planning to rest tomorrow, let's not think about it too much tonight."

Qiao Ran simply pulled the covers over herself and closed her eyes.

But before he could rest for long, there was a knocking sound at the door of his room.

"?"

Qiao Ran groggily got up and opened the door, only to find Mei, who was acting suspiciously, standing there.

"You..."

"It's alright, it's alright, Acerola is asleep, she doesn't know anything."

Mei whispered to Qiao Ran not to worry, but seeing her sneaky look, Qiao Ran couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety. "Didn't you go out to training tonight? How come you still have so much energy?"

However, upon further reflection, Qiao Ran could understand. After all, they had been quite busy lately and hadn't had time to do anything outside of fighting. In the evenings, they were also hesitant to approach the other girl in their room. Now that they finally had a day off tomorrow, Mei had no choice but to sneak out for some fresh air.

Besides, Qiao Ran knew how crazy someone who had just experienced that feeling could be. If it were Pokémon, it might be even crazier—just look at Mei's current state.

If her roommate Acerola caught her, she would probably face social death, but even with that risk hanging over her head, she wasn't afraid at all.

What are these risks compared to being able to get a good night's sleep and rest?

"Ahem... then you can come in first."

Qiao Ran carefully pulled her in, but he also understood that the most difficult part of this series of operations was probably not going out to find him, but that she would have to go back to her own room afterwards. In order not to disturb Acerola, she would probably have to be very careful.

Once inside the room, Mei quickly began her actions. While she might normally maintain a slightly romantic atmosphere, she couldn't care less about that now. However, before she could finish, the doorbell rang again.

"..."

Both of them were startled and looked towards the door at the same time.

Mei shook her head frantically, signaling Qiao Ran to just pretend to be asleep. As long as he pretended to be asleep and ignored her, there would definitely be no problem.

"Qiao Ran... you're still awake, aren't you? I can feel it."

Lillie's soft voice came from behind them, and Qiao Ran and Mei exchanged another glance.

It's... it's all over! Through their connection, Lillie can sense him too!

Pretending to be asleep is completely useless!