Chapter 374

"You're back? Lana, she's... wait, what's that behind you?"

"Tapu Lele???"

She was first drawn to the Lana carried by the Altaria, but soon she noticed the "little thing" floating around Qiao Ran.

"... What? Tapu Lele?"

"Tapu Lele?"

Mallow's surprised shout was quite loud, attracting the attention of the guards standing nearby. When they arrived and saw what was happening, they were stunned.

"Tapu Lele... it really is Tapu Lele!"

"The Island deity... these people have awakened the Island deity!"

Even in peacetime, Tapu Lele has appeared on the island before, so everyone recognized her immediately upon seeing Tapu Lele.

Some of the more emotional people even shed tears, seeing their childhood faith reappear before them... Does this mean their lives are about to change?

"You... you guys really did it... wait, what exactly happened to Lana?"

Mallow was also deeply moved, but she quickly remembered something.

--Her best friend, Lana, is still lying on the back of the Altaria, completely unresponsive.

"... Something happened, Lana probably fainted around that time. But she should be fine; she just needs some rest."

Qiao Ran briefly explained the situation, then Mallow to take Lana home so she could rest. As for them, they would probably have to meet with the Island Kahuna Olivia, next.

Now that Tapu Lele has appeared in the Pokémon World and regained the ability to use Z-Move on the island, Akala Island should be able to begin its counterattack against Ultra Beast. At least, judging from the experience on Ula'ula Island, this doesn't seem to be a problem.

"Okay, I'll take Lana back with me. If you want to find Olivia, just go to her house. It's right next to mine, you probably know that, right? You even had dinner at my Restaurant last night."

Mallow nodded, gave a few earnest instructions, and then called out her Lurantis, asking it to pick up Lana and take her back to her home to rest.

Although Qiao Ran had already said that Lana's condition was mostly fine, Mallow was still a little worried and thought it best to have a doctor examine her.

"I'll be there later too..."

After saying that, Mallow prepared to turn around and leave, but before she could take a few steps, she couldn't help but look back at Tapu Lele over Qiao Ran's side.

"Tapu Lele, it really is Tapu Lele."

If she could, she would like to stay and ask Qiao Ran what happened, and then see the real "Island deity," but right now she has to settle Lana down first.

"...?"

However, upon seeing Mallow's actions, Tapu Lele blinked in confusion.

She didn't know this strange woman.

Once inside the city, Qiao Ran and his group attracted a lot of attention, and the one who managed to do so was probably Tapu Lele, who had been following Qiao Ran the whole time. Most importantly, she waved and greeted the people, as if trying to get their attention.

Of course, besides her, Dianxi also attracted a lot of attention. Logically speaking, after such a great battle, Dianxi should have returned to the Wild Area to rest, but for some reason, Dianxi just didn't want to go back and wanted to stay by her side.

With no other option, Qiao Ran had to let her stay there as well, at the cost of attracting even more onlookers.

Despite being surrounded by a large crowd along the way, Qiao Ran and the others followed their memories from the previous night and found the very obvious building next to Mallow's house.

Somewhat surprisingly, Olivia's home is actually a shop. The halls on the first and second floors are filled with all kinds of precious stones, dazzling and colorful. Moreover, she seems to be doing Gem processing work as well. In the shop window, there are also many works created by herself.

Seeing these things, Dianxi's evaluation of this trainer improved considerably; this was exactly what Rock Type expert should be doing.

After seeing Qiao Ran and the others and hearing about what they had done, Olivia herself said "good" several times.

"Good... good, you did a great job!"

As she spoke, she took out a brown, Rhombus. Sure enough, just as Qiao Ran had said, the Rhombus in her hand was also emitting a faint glow, which was the sign that Z-Power could be used.

"The Z-Crystal is Illuminate, which means that we can all use this power from now on."

Olivia's expression also became excited.

"This is all thanks to Tapu Lele." Qiao Ran pointed to Tapu Lele beside him. Although he didn't know the exact principle behind it, Tapu did have this ability. Moreover, they could recharge Z-Crystal that had lost energy, thus enabling them to unleash Z-Move in succession. They really made the most of this power.

"... Really... Tapu helped us again this time."

Olivia regained her composure and sat down again at the small table where they had been talking, looking softly at the pink Pokémon floating around beside her.

As the Island Kahuna, she had seen Tapu Lele before, but in the past, she and the island's residents had only ever caught a glimpse of Tapu Lele from afar. Generally speaking, Tapu Lele wouldn't actively integrate into other people's lives, so this close encounter was actually a first.

"After everything is over, I will bring everyone on the island to express our gratitude to you."

Although she appears carefree and easygoing, Olivia secretly loves all things cute. However, she dares not show this side of herself in front of Tapu Lele, even after becoming the Island Kahuna, she still holds her in the highest esteem.

The Island deity whom I have deeply revered since childhood.

Throughout history, whenever Alola has been struck by disaster, it has always been Tapu has stepped in to stop these calamities. This time, we will probably have to rely on their power again.

"... With Z-Move, the other Trainer on the island will be able to unleash even greater power. Olivia, I'll arrange for the city's officials to gather and spread this message."

"Before, we had no way to leave the city to counterattack those Ultra Beasts, but now... hmph."

Olivia, her face full of eager anticipation. She could finally release the frustration she had felt from being overwhelmed by those Ultra Beasts.

Furthermore, the lands that were taken by Ultra Beast can be reclaimed; they are the true inhabitants of Alola.

The group chatted for a while longer, discussing Olivia's upcoming plans, and Qiao Ran also asked about Lillie and the others' current location.

"By the way, do you know where Lillie and the others are right now?"

"They... well, they should be at the Aether Foundation's temporary office. Some of the Aether Foundation's supplies and equipment are stored there. Even though the situation is like this now, some of the Aether Foundation's staff have still helped us a lot, taking in many Pokémon that were driven out by Ultra Beast."

Olivia briefly explained the situation, and then, as if suddenly remembering something, she added another sentence.

"Oh, right, Olivia, I forgot something last night. Actually, a little over a week before you came, a Golden boy came to our island. He looked a lot like the chairman. The Pokémon he used was also very special; it seemed to have a strong effect against Ultra Beast."

"Gladion?"

Qiao Ran immediately realized what was happening and couldn't help but ask a question.

Qiao Ran had a pretty good impression of him, and given his current relationship with Lillie, he still needed to maintain a good relationship with Lillie's Older Brother.

Where are the others?

"He heard that there were still people trapped at the Volcano on the island, so he went there to help. The Volcano is the area that Captain Kiawe is guarding, so the defensive pressure there is greater than on our side. However, now that Tapu is helping, everyone can use Z-Move, so the situation there should be much better."

"I see."

Qiao Ran smiled helplessly. Compared to the group of people who were traveling together, Gladion was more like a lone wolf. Moreover, as a human who had returned from the Ultra World, he naturally had the ability to attract Ultra Beast. Even if he went to the Volcano, he probably wouldn't stay there for long.

"I'll find some time to meet him after Alola recovers."

If possible, Qiao Ran would also like to have a deeper conversation with him, get to know each other better, and exchange Trainer techniques. However, given the current situation, there aren't many opportunities, and besides, it's better to let the Alola Region return to normal as soon as possible. When that time comes, even if he doesn't go looking for Gladion, he will definitely appear in front of him.

"By the way, Olivia, there's something else I've always wanted to ask..."

Suddenly, Olivia spoke up. Actually, during the conversation, her gaze had been constantly drifting in that direction. In that spot... there was a pink Pokémon. Although she didn't want to say it, this Pokémon was probably even more attractive to her than Tapu Lele.

"Is that... Dianxi?"

During their earlier conversation, Olivia had noticed this Pokémon countless times. Although she still maintained the demeanor of Island Kahuna and showed a respectful attitude in front of Tapu Lele, the appearance of this Pokémon made it difficult for her to remain calm.

"Is that... Dianxi?"

Olivia's voice trembled as she asked the question.

As Rock Type expert and Gem enthusiast, no one knows just how obsessed and enamored she is with the Pokémon Dianxi, even since she was a young girl... Although she is quite old now, she has not forgotten these things.

If there's one Pokémon in the world she absolutely wants to meet, it's probably Dianxi.

This is the strongest Rock Type Pokémon, and also the most visually appealing one among Rock Type.

"Yes, she just went through a big battle. We wanted her to rest, but she absolutely refused to go back."

Qiao Ran introduced Dianxi's identity and casually made a sarcastic remark, which made Dianxi roll her eyes at him.

Who exactly is preventing me from going back?

Besides, that pink can that she had previously fought with was still jumping around, how could she be at ease?

"It really is Dianxi! Olivia... Olivia, this is the first time I've ever seen the real Dianxi..."

Olivia stood up excitedly and leaned closer, her breathing rapid. Seeing her like this, Dianxi couldn't help but take a step back.

"Ah... no, Olivia, I just... want to see..."

Olivia seemed to realize she had gotten a little too excited, so she actually stopped a few steps away and stared intently at the diamonds on Dianxi's body.

Stone.

Like the Eternal Diamond created by Dianxi, a part of Dianxi's own body is also made of diamonds, and these diamonds are perhaps of the highest quality. Of course, if any are lost due to some accident, Dianxi can also use her own abilities to make up for it. After all, Dianxi has mastered the ability to create Eternal Diamond since a very early time.

Olivia began her appreciation of Dianxi with great excitement, while it was almost time for Qiao Ran and the others to leave. Having finished explaining things to Olivia, Qiao Ran's next thought was to meet up with Lillie and the others and discuss the upcoming schedule.

According to the previous plan, they should continue their journey after resolving their matters today, but Qiao Ran estimated that he probably wouldn't be able to leave directly today.

His plan was to continue the journey tomorrow and rest here for the night. Not only could he get some rest, but Dianxi also needed to recover some strength.

"Then... Dianxi, why don't you just stay here..."

Seeing how enthusiastic Olivia towards Dianxi, Qiao Ran couldn't bear to disturb them. It just so happened that Dianxi also seemed to like Gem products, so they might have something in common to talk about.

However, after he asked that question, Dianxi did indeed glance at him, her eyes filled with rejection.

"... Okay... then you'll come with me."

Qiao Ran had no choice. Since Dianxi didn't want to, he wouldn't force her. He could only explain Dianxi's situation to Olivia under her pity.

"She fought Tapu Lele when she wasn't in good condition, and she's a bit tired now. You can talk again when you have another chance."

"Oh... I see... Well... there's really no other way."

Olivia's face was full of undisguised regret, but since Qiao Ran had said so, she naturally couldn't say anything more. Besides, having fought with Tapu before, she really needed to rest properly.

"How about this, if you're staying for dinner tonight, you can also come to my shop. Olivia, I'll show you my Last Resort of various stones."

To Captivate Qiao Ran and the others over, Olivia pulled out her trump card: many of the Gem she Last Resort had never been shown to anyone else. Moreover, as Gem craftswoman, her skills were quite excellent, definitely among the top in the Alola Region.

You absolutely have to come!

Olivia escorted Qiao Ran and his group to the street. After leaving Olivia's house, Qiao Ran and the others found the temporary office of the Aether Foundation by following the map she provided.

It was a small building that wasn't very tall, and it didn't stand out much next to some of the taller buildings. Because of the current power shortage on the island, people didn't use the upper floors of tall buildings. Instead, these lower buildings were more popular.

At the entrance of the small building, there is a simple logo of the Aether Foundation with the words "Aether Pokémon Day Care" written crookedly on it. Next to the small building, there is a large area that resembles a "backyard" with many Pokémon inside.

After losing contact with headquarters, these Aether Foundation employees didn't just sit idle. Instead, they took on jobs similar to Pokémon Day Care, helping other Trainer in the city raise Pokémon while also taking in many Pokémon that had fled to this area. Fortunately, Olivia was very supportive of their work, allocating a large area for them to use; otherwise, these Pokémon would have had nowhere to go.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the small building, Qiao Ran and the others heard the sounds of discussion inside.

--It is indeed Lusamine's.

On the sofa in the hall, Lusamine and Lillie sat on one side, while several Aether Foundation employees dressed in white sat on the other, seemingly engaged in a serious conversation.

"Regarding Pokémon breeding, there are still some areas you need to adjust. Based on the data we obtained on the Artificial Island, the Pond, grasslands, trees, and other terrain elements also need to be in a certain proportion..."

As Lusamine spoke, she took a stack of documents from Lillie's hand. They had prepared these documents before setting off, and based on Lusamine's understanding of her subordinates, she was certain that these documents would be useful.

These are all experiences they gained from raising Pokémon in an artificial ecosystem built on the Aether Foundation's main island. Compared to a small artificial environment like Pokémon Day Care, the data from the Aether Foundation's main island is undoubtedly more convincing.

Upon seeing Qiao Ran and the others appear, Lillie and Lusamine stood up to greet them. However, they seemed to be at a crucial point in their conversation, so Qiao Ran and the others didn't bother them. Instead, they found a place to sit down and listened while resting.

The other staff members understood immediately. After all, Lusamine had mentioned these "fellow travelers" in their previous conversation, and the news of several Pokémon Trainer from other islands arriving last night had already spread throughout the city. Connecting these pieces of information didn't require much deliberation.

However, even so, the two pink Pokémon floating beside Qiao Ran still couldn't help but attract their attention, and even Lusamine couldn't help but ask a question.

"... You've succeeded?"

Tapu Lele had disappeared from the island, has reappeared here. There is no doubt that Qiao Ran has completed his mission, and judging from Tapu Lele's appearance, she seems quite happy.

"Okay, you guys talk first, we'll just rest for a bit, we've walked quite a distance already."

Qiao Ran sat down on the sofa and lay down completely. He really needed to relax. If he were given a bed right now, he would probably fall asleep on the spot.

"All right."

Lusamine smiled; she understood Qiao Ran's thoughts.