Chapter 333

"Hey... isn't that Legendary Pokémon?"

Seeing the pink Pokémon perched on Qiao Ran's shoulder, Molayne was suddenly startled.

"What Legendary Pokémon? That's Mew!"

Sophocles wasn't surprised, after all, when he first met Qiao Ran, he had already noticed some intriguing figures around him.

--Dianxi, the Suicune.

This Trainer must have something special about him, and besides, having seen other Legendary Pokémon, Sophocles was no longer surprised.

He's experienced unprecedented crises that have struck the entire Pokémon World; would he be afraid of something like this?

"You need to be more mature, Lao Ma."

"..."

Molayne a moment, remaining silent. After a long while, he looked at his cousin again.

I feel that Sophocles has grown a lot during this time.

Bringing everyone down the mountain was no easy task.

Before they started, Qiao Ran had rehearsed the difficulty of the situation many times and imagined all sorts of troubles they might encounter. However, when everything actually began, all sorts of difficulties truly began to pile up. With the number of Pokémon that Qiao Ran and the girls had, there was simply no way to protect all the researchers. Even with the addition of Sophocles and Molayne, it was still far from enough. Not long after they set off, several people were injured by Kartana's attack. Fortunately, Zacian reacted quickly, which prevented a major disaster.

Otherwise, who knows what irreversible things might happen.

"There's no other way..."

Qiao Ran directly reached out and stopped the group's advance. The Ultra Beast in this territory had not attacked yet, and the previous wave of attacks had been dealt with. However, if they continued to move forward, they might end up in the territory of other Ultra Beast.

Before moving forward, Qiao Ran had some other things to do.

He had previously called out to Nihilego, Levitate nearby, and they began to communicate.

The current number of Pokémon is far from sufficient, and there is probably only one way to obtain a sufficient number of powerful supporters right now— the Nihilego tribe.

In addition, there are others who have already lived in the Wild Area for some time, have been assimilated by the Nihilego, and can serve as combat forces.

Ultra Beast.

Using Ultra Beast to fight Ultra Beast is the only solution Qiao Ran can think of right now.

However, as Trainer, he doesn't actually interact with other Ultra Beast much. In order to use their power and get them to willingly join the battle, he has to ask for help from a certain being.

"Oh? You want me to find other Ultra Beast to help you?"

"Of course you can, but..."

Nihilego emitted a series of incomprehensible sounds, but Qiao Ran could understand what he was saying.

The lives and deaths of these humans were of little significance to her, but if she could obtain something from Qiao Ran, that would be an acceptable condition.

"You still haven't given me the things you promised last time!"

"Well... haven't I been quite busy lately?"

Qiao Ran choked for a moment. After thinking about it carefully, he realized that he had indeed asked Nihilego for help many times recently, but he really didn't have any other choice. He did want to help Nihilego relax as before, but the recent events and the change in Nihilego's attitude... to be honest, he was quite scared.

It's like he'll never come out of that Cave in Nihilego once he enters it.

In particular, the fact that Nihilego liked to act in groups and share good things with their sisters sent chills down Qiao Ran's spine. He always felt like he had opened some kind of Pandora's box—ever since Nihilego possessed Lillie.

"Okay, I'll agree this time, but remember... come find me after things are settled. We can't delay any longer this time, can we?"

Perhaps sensing the urgency of the matter, Nihilego didn't make things too difficult for Qiao Ran. However, she also had to get what she wanted. If Qiao Ran stood her up again, she would have to take the initiative to act—for example, when Qiao Ran went to Wild Area next time, she would bring a few sisters to kidnap him and take him back.

Anyway, those Pokémon usually don't pay attention to these things; they just foolishly wait for Qiao Ran to come to them. As for those few who like to run around, they can handle them, it just might take a little time, but that's not a problem.

"Thank you... thank you."

Taken aback by the other party's magnanimity, Qiao Ran still sincerely thanked them. He admitted that he was indeed at fault before, and he would probably have to make it up to them later.

With the addition of Nihilego and a series of other Ultra Beast, the previously dire situation actually took a turn for the better, but what followed was the researchers' astonishment.

"These Ultra Beast... are on our side?"

"Wait, aren't these enemies?"

Everyone was somewhat confused by the current situation. In their minds, Ultra Beast had always been their enemies, objects that should be driven away. But now, the situation seemed to have been completely reversed.

"Those with red Gem -shaped stickers on their bodies are all Ultra Beast our side."

To prevent his own people from fighting each other, Qiao Ran went to great lengths. Although he could recognize the Ultra Beast on his side, the others did not have this ability. In addition, getting these unruly Ultra Beast to protect humans was also a somewhat troublesome problem.

As for this troublesome problem, Qiao Ran doesn't really need to worry about it now. All Qiao Ran can do now is trust in Nihilego's abilities and see what kind of reputation she has among these Ultra Beasts.

"..."

Looking at the crowd standing in front of her, Qiao Ran couldn't help but take a deep breath.

The road down the mountain was still long, and he couldn't give up here.

Not only the Pokémon, but also the girls, the Trainer, the researchers—everyone was watching him.

Qiao Ran smiled, trying to appear more composed.

His emotions also affect others, but these people are different from Lillie Mei.

Let's continue down the mountain.

This is just the beginning.

Ten days have passed.

Over the course of ten days, Qiao Ran and his group traveled at a leisurely pace, finally arriving at the foot of Mount Hokulani just as their fatigue and stress were about to reach their peak.

Along the way, everyone encountered various difficulties, which also lengthened the time required. What was originally expected to be completed in a week took a full ten days. Fortunately, thanks to everyone's joint efforts, there were no casualties.

This was already the best result Qiao Ran had hoped for.

"Let's take you to the Aether House first, although it might not be able to accommodate everyone right now, and you might have to make do with the floor for a bit."

According to Acerola, the foot of Mount Hokulani is not far from the location of the Shrine to the Island deity, but Qiao Ran still decided to settle these people first.

While we're at it, we can also go back to the Aether House, see the children there, and let Lillie meet her mother.

Maybe they have something now.

It's hard to say for sure.

"It's good that we can get down the mountain... Who cares about so many other things, haha. Sleeping on the floor is pretty good too, isn't it? I can fall asleep right away in the grass now."

"Yeah, hahaha."

Everyone was in high spirits. They had all thought they had no chance of survival, but unexpectedly, someone came up the mountain to rescue them.

Along the way, they expressed their gratitude to Qiao Ran and his group countless times. Among them were some locals from Alola, as well as many researchers from other regions who wanted to conduct research and study. These people had all received very rigorous education, and rescuing them would definitely be helpful to the current Pokémon World.

In addition, the presence of the Steel-type Captain Molayne, who possesses the strength of Elite Four, and his cousin Sophocles, further enhances the strength of Ula'ula Island.

Perhaps this place will recover soon.

"Mom is also at the Aether House. She'll be so happy to see everyone."

Lillie nodded slightly and smiled. She seemed to be in a very good mood, whether because the ten-day descent from the mountain was over or because she was able to return to the Aether House.

In short, after hearing her words, Molayne and Sophocles also looked over in surprise.

In the past few days, everyone has learned of Lillie's identity, and after learning that she is a young lady from a wealthy family, everyone looks at her differently.

Lusamine Kwan over there too?

"Then... then the chairman of the board was also there?"

Molayne's expression immediately turned serious, showing great respect for the founder of the Aether Foundation, while Sophocles's words caused the somewhat shy, chubby boy to panic.

In Alola, almost every researcher has heard of Lusamine, a scientist with profound scientific achievements and the founder of the foundation. Every year, she invests a large amount of money in ongoing research and is very enthusiastic about various public welfare undertakings. A portion of the funding for the Hokulani Observatory comes from donations from the Aether Foundation.

Most importantly, Lusamine has a lot of personal charm. Even though her publicly stated age is clearly over forty, she looks like a woman in her twenties or thirties. If she didn't tell anyone, probably no one would know.

"That's great! With Lusamine here, we'll definitely be fine."

"Yes... the problems here can definitely be solved too..."

Upon hearing Lusamine's name, the researchers' confidence suddenly soared. Lillie blinked, looking at the scene before her with a hint of helplessness.

Honestly... Mom's public image is just too good to be true.

Having lived at the Aether Foundation since childhood, she had never known how outsiders viewed her mother. But now it seemed... were they, her closest family members, the only ones who had ever felt pain from Lusamine's suffering?

"Alright, alright, since that's the case, let's hurry up and try to get there by the afternoon."

Qiao Ran abruptly interrupted everyone's Hoothoot and Sheer Force changed the subject.

He quietly reached out a hand and patted Lillie's back to reassure her. He knew that the issues between Lillie and Lusamine hadn't been completely resolved. Although they had reconciled, Lillie couldn't help but let her imagination run wild whenever something happened that was somewhat different from what she remembered.

While traveling, Qiao Ran took the opportunity to visit Lillie and chat with her.

Once they reached the foot of the mountain, Qiao Ran and his group relaxed their vigilance slightly. After all, they had already cleared out many Ultra Beasts in this area, so even if new Ultra Beast attacked, it wouldn't be nearly as terrifying as before.

"What are your plans regarding our situation...?"

Qiao Ran subtly hinted at it. In fact, Qiao Ran had asked this question late at night along the way. After all, everyone would definitely go to the Aether House after descending the mountain, and once they went to the Aether House, they would definitely encounter Lillie's mother... There was no way to avoid it.

"I..."

Lillie fell silent.

She hadn't given an answer to her previous inquiries, only saying that she hadn't thought it through yet. She wanted to talk to her mother about it and share her feelings, but she was also afraid that Lusamine would continue to oppose her like before.

"Let me think about it some more..."

Just a few hours ago, she had made up her mind that once she got to the Aether House, she would confront Lusamine with Qiao Ran. But as they got closer, she started to have second thoughts.

Anyway... I'm already with Qiao Ran now, right? So it's fine, even if I don't say anything, it's okay, right?

"Then think about it yourself."

Qiao Ran didn't disturb her. He didn't intend to talk to Lusamine, mainly because his own problems were difficult to handle. But if Lillie made up her mind, he would stay with her until the end.

"Call me if you need anything."

"... Even if someone objects, I won't let go."

Qiao Ran quietly put his arm around Lillie's slender waist.

He gently kissed her forehead.

Although it was just a small prank, Lillie's cheeks quickly turned red, and then she looked around in a panic to see if anyone had noticed.

She finally breathed a sigh of relief when she realized no one was watching her, but the blush on her face still lingered.

"Me... me too."

She looked away, avoiding eye contact with Qiao Ran.

Even if someone objects, she won't give up.

With the blessing of the name Lusamine, the team's progress increased once again, and they finally arrived at the long-awaited Aether House in the afternoon.

However, upon seeing this large group of researchers, Uncle Nanu, who had been lounging on the sofa by the door keeping watch, suddenly widened his eyes. Although these people were brought by Lillie and Acerola, their Aether House was only so big, and they definitely couldn't handle it.

"They said they'd be fine sleeping on the floor. If it's the floor, they should be able to find a place to stay, right? Tomorrow we'll take them to Po Town. The city that was destroyed by the Guzzlord should be being rebuilt, so they should be able to find a place to stay there."

Qiao Ran exchanged a few words with the other party, and soon, Lusamine and the children from the Aether House also ran out.

Lillie.

The first thing Lusamine saw was her daughter. Perhaps her time at the Aether House had changed her, Lusamine went straight up and hugged Lillie.

"Welcome back... Are you alright?"

"No... it's nothing."

Lillie answered somewhat awkwardly; Lusamine's enthusiasm made her feel a little overwhelmed. When she looked away, she saw the children gathered around them, their faces beaming with smiles.

"Older Brother Qiao Ran, who are they?"

"... Ah, Sister Acerola is back too."