Chapter 380

Professor Kukui stroked his chin and shared his guess.

"We tried to get to Tapu's location before, but there seemed to be something strange about it. It was surrounded by some odd mist, and there were just too many Ultra Beast around, so we had to retreat."

"Tapu's absence is most likely related to those things."

Kukui and Hala were among the strongest in Alola, and their combined strength allowed them to gather more information than those on other islands. However, even the strongest Trainer couldn't withstand Beat Up from Ultra Beast, and they only did it once before never doing it again.

"Yes, we suspect those things are likely related to Giratina in the Distortion World. What we did on the other islands was to rescue Tapu from the Altar."

Qiao Ran picked up the conversation and explained in a simpler way what he had done in the past.

"Once Tapu returns to the island, the Z-Power on the island will be usable again. With Tapu's help, we can definitely wipe out all the Ultra Beast."

"Tapu...?"

Kukui her head and looked at the boy sitting next to her.

When do you plan to leave?

He had never met Qiao Ran before, but during his last contact with Akala Island, he had heard his name mentioned more than once by Lusamine and Molayne.

As it turns out, he was the one answering most of the questions they asked, meaning... compared to the Sinnoh Champion, was he really the most crucial figure?

Kukui looked at the other person with interest, waiting for his answer.

"Tomorrow. Let's get some rest tonight and head straight there tomorrow morning."

Qiao Ran felt he had rested enough. After two days of rest and adjustment last night and tonight, he had basically recovered. Moreover, he didn't know if it was just his imagination, but he felt much more energetic after waking up today. Although it was just a guess, Qiao Ran couldn't help but think about it. After all, he didn't think that just "Rest" could produce such magic - Tapu Lele might have used that energy-restoring skill on him again while he Rest.

"If all goes well, it should be resolved soon."

Qiao Ran's eyes were full of confidence, trying to convince the man in front of him. His previous experiences on the two islands had given him some experience, and he was confident that he could handle similar situations in the future.

Without realizing it, he had become more and more skilled.

"Oh?"

Kukui nodded.

"We're getting ready to leave tomorrow... I understand."

Qiao Ran's answer surprised Kukui a little. Leaving tomorrow morning was indeed a bit "rushed." He thought they would need more time to rest.

"If you're heading to the Ruins, let me lend a hand. Don't let my appearance fool you, I can fight too."

However, despite her surprise, Kukui proactively offered to help. Firstly, she wanted to observe the Trainer's combat abilities to see if they were just "bragging." Secondly, she considered her own combat strength so that even if something dangerous happened, she could bring the person back as soon as possible.

Despite the assurances from Lusamine, Acerola, Mei, and others, words alone are not enough to guarantee trust. Such verbal statements alone are insufficient to fully gain the trust of an adult Kukui.

"Let him go with you."

Hala nodded and told Qiao Ran and the others to bring Kukui along. As one of his two most outstanding disciples, and the only one who still kept in touch with him, Hala had always regarded Kukui his successor.

Although Kukui doesn't care about being the Island Kahuna, if he were ever unable to continue in that role, Hala would likely entrust it to him. Whether it's choosing another successor or having Kukui temporarily take over, he'd certainly do a perfect job.

"He's probably the person on this island who knows the Altar best, besides me."

"Professor Kukui is very capable; everyone can rest assured."

Ilima, who hadn't spoken for a long time, also spoke up in support of Kukui. As the only "Captain" on the island, his strength was actually quite different from Kukui's. After all, he was still a student at the Pokémon School and needed to continue learning in many areas.

"Oh well."

Unable to resist the enthusiasm of the Alola, Qiao Ran Mei exchanged glances and finally agreed to the suggestion. Although he hadn't initially intended for them to help, Mei was quite familiar with this island, unlike the others. Moreover, she seemed to have visited the vicinity of Tapu Koko's Ruins when she first embarked on her adventure. With Mei's guidance, they wouldn't have gotten lost so easily.

However, since the other party had already said that, Qiao Ran had no reason to continue refusing.

The rest of the time was mostly spent exchanging trivial matters. Lusamine explained her purpose for coming, hoping to meet the members of the Aether Foundation on the island. As for Mei, she also expressed to Professor Kukui her desire to see her mother at this time.

"Ah, your mother, she should be at Burnet's research institute now."

Kukui scratched his head a little embarrassedly.

"Your mother is basically doing all the work for Burnet now, assisting her with experiments. I've told Burnet many times, but she doesn't seem to be listening."

"It's alright, Mom's always busy. Given the situation, she's bound to want to do something."

Mei smiled and shook her head indifferently. Of course, she knew her mother's personality. After all, she was the kind of girl who would call herself "Cat Demon Girl" when she was young. Especially in times like these, she would never just sit idly by.

"By the way, how is Burnet doing?"

Lusamine also came over and asked about the "Burnet" they were talking about.

Professor Burnet, director of the Alola Space Research Lab, a collaborator with the Aether Foundation, and Professor Kukui's wife, Lusamine, arrived here.

One of his purposes was actually to meet Burnet.

The next challenge she needs to overcome is related to an alternate dimension outside the Pokémon World, and Professor Burnet's assistance will naturally be indispensable.

After discussing the main matters, everyone prepared to leave. Hala began to arrange accommodations for Qiao Ran and the others, as they had arrived unexpectedly and needed some space.

As for Qiao Ran and the others, they planned to travel with Professor Kukui to Professor Burnet's temporary research institute. Although the two doctors were husband and wife in terms of their identities, their research directions were completely unrelated, so their research institutes were located in different places.

Burnet focused on research in the area of "space," so after showing his talent, he was discovered by the Aether Foundation and became a collaborator with the foundation. As for Kukui, he has made great achievements in Pokémon moves. The current Z-Move system and the definitions and names of various Z-Move were basically established step by step by him after visiting many senior Trainer in the Alola Region.

Only by fully organizing its own content and establishing a complete system can Alola reveal its hidden charm to the world and allow the world to hear Alola's voice.

--This is something Kukui learned after traveling to many regions.

Soon, Kukui led everyone to a small building. Since this was just a temporary research site, it didn't have any luxurious features. The official address of Burnet's Space Research Lab was actually in Heahea City on Akala Island, but she couldn't leave here now, so she simply stayed here.

"Barnett!"

Before I even stepped inside, Kukui's voice came through the door.

"Look who I brought back!"

"Who?"

Inside the research room, a woman with white hair and brown skin, wearing a tight vest and black stockings, couldn't help but turn around and glance back.

However, she quickly added a complaint.

"And don't suddenly yell! What if I'm setting up the machine?"

She was holding a marker and writing something on the whiteboard in front of her, while next to her was a woman with long dark brown hair and wearing a long dress.

Burnet really disliked Kukui and easily startled personality. While it was nice to surprise her occasionally, she wondered if Kukui could just stop popping up when Kukui was doing something serious.

"Haha, it's because this is really important. Look over here, who's here?"

Kukui aside, allowing everyone behind her to enter the room. At that moment, Burnet's expression finally changed.

"Hmm...? Lu... Chairwoman Lusamine? Little Lillie?"

At first glance, she spotted the two representatives of the Aether Foundation in the crowd. She usually interacted more frequently with Lusamine, and it was during this time that she met Lillie, who seemed like a little princess. However, in her memory, the relationship between Lusamine and Lillie had always been rather... strange. But now...

It feels like things have changed a lot.

"Mom!" Not only Burnet, but everyone else in the room also immediately found their target. For example, Mei ran straight to the long-haired woman next to Burnet the moment she entered the room.

Are you alright? Is there anything wrong with you?

"Mei? What are you doing here?"

The long-haired woman was Mei's mother. When she saw Mei, there was a hint of disbelief in her expression, but it was quickly overwhelmed by joy and emotion. She stepped forward and hugged Mei.

"Are you alright? I couldn't reach you at all after what happened... I'm so glad you're alright, I'm so glad you're alright..."

"Yes... I'm fine... I've even gotten stronger, now it's my turn to do more..."

The two embraced, both unable to hold back their tears. Although Mei had prepared herself mentally, at this moment, her mental defenses completely collapsed. As for Mei's mother, she probably really didn't expect that her daughter would suddenly appear in front of her. This scene was definitely an unexpected surprise.

"Lillie..." Lusamine and Lillie exchanged a glance, but quickly looked away, somewhat embarrassed. Seeing the close relationship between the other mothers and daughters, they felt a little uncomfortable in this atmosphere.

The joy of reunion filled the room, and Burnet came to Lusamine and Lillie.

"Hmm... it's been a long time, Chairperson Lusamine."

Seeing familiar faces again, Burnet was also a little excited. She even quietly reached out her hand to greet Lillie.

Hi, little Lillie.

"Burnet, it's good to see you're alright." Lusamine greeted him with a smile. Burnet had always been an important collaborator of hers, and they had a fairly good personal relationship. Moreover, in the current situation, Lusamine desperately needed Burnet's help. Whether it was her desire to travel to the world where Ultra Beast resided, or the problems her daughter and Qiao Ran needed to solve, she needed someone who was very knowledgeable about "space."

She could assure that, with the support of the Aether Foundation, Burnet's space research was at the forefront of the world.

Of course, this is also related to the other party's genius. Seeing Burnet marry Kukui, who is also a scientific researcher, Lusamine seemed to see herself in him. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why she takes good care of Burnet.

As everyone greeted each other, several acquaintances were immediately immersed in the joy of reunion. Soon, Burnet put down her work and led everyone to the adjacent living room/meeting room.

She was jotting down some thoughts, but now that such a large group of important people have suddenly arrived, she can no longer continue what she was doing. Most importantly, it's almost impossible to get back to that state now; these people... are indeed that important.

No wonder Kukui to risk getting punished later to bother me; I'll forgive him this time.

Temporary Space Research Lab, Conference Room.

Everyone found their seats and sat down. Then, those who bumped into each other began to exchange information.

Just like before with the Island Kahuna, it was mainly Qiao Ran and a few other "new faces" who introduced themselves. With the precedent of the introductions at Hala last time, this time the introductions were much faster, mainly because Mei and Kukui were there to help explain, and everyone quickly got to know each other quite a bit.

"You solved all the problems on the other islands... That's amazing."

After hearing this, Mei's mother couldn't help but smile and clap her hands. She hadn't expected her daughter to join such a group, and she felt incredibly gratified. Moreover, among this group were not only the Captain of Alola, but also the Champion of the Sinnoh Region.

When did my daughter become so amazing?

Just a short time ago, he was merely a complete novice who had never even trained Pokémon.

"Indeed... if we could get rid of these Pokémon... oh my god, why didn't you come sooner!"

Upon hearing these words, Burnet couldn't help but excitedly slam her hand on the table and stand up.

Her expression was incredibly excited, and her white hair seemed to be floating in the air.

"I have data and equipment in Heahea City... Since you're from Akala Island, there shouldn't be any problems there, right?"

Bane's first thought wasn't to marvel at Cynthia's identity or the other Trainer's abilities, but rather her own research data and equipment; her mind was practically filled with these things.

That was the culmination of her life's work; it was practically like her child.

"Burnet, Burnet, calm down."

Kukui stood behind Burnet and patted her on the shoulder, signaling her not to get so excited and make a fool of herself in front of others.

"Kukui, what do you know!"

Burnet rolled her eyes at Kukui instead.

"Your lab is on the island, so you can just move it here! Mine's on another island, you probably wouldn't understand, right!"

Therefore, human joys and sorrows cannot be shared, and even after becoming husband and wife, the two still have differences in some ideas.

"I know, I know, but look, everyone's here. Your equipment and data will definitely be found."

Kukui patiently persuaded her, and after a long while, Burnet finally calmed down and sat on the sofa to drink some water.

"I'm... sorry, I might have gotten a little too excited. Mainly... you know..."

After calming down, Burnet began to reflect on her behavior with some embarrassment, realizing that it was quite disgraceful for someone of her status as a doctor.

"I know, if you weren't so interested in research, I wouldn't have chosen you in the first place."

Lusamine didn't mind and continued to comfort her. Not only Lusamine, but also Cynthia could understand Burnet's thoughts.

However, as a mythologist, she didn't have any so-called "scientific instruments." Even the things she unearthed were handed over to the Pokémon League's museum for safekeeping, and she would only look at them when conducting research.

She had no intention of keeping it for herself or reselling it. This was probably related to her childhood experiences. Her grandmother was the Gym Leader of a museum, so Cynthia had always had a good impression of museums.

Another reason is that she doesn't have the means to preserve these items. Many of the unearthed items are very fragile and can only survive for a long time under suitable conditions. Cynthia, who has already devoted most of her energy to battles and research, has no time to deal with such trivial matters. In any case, she can freely visit all the museums in the Sinnoh Region, so why not donate them to the museums?

"Lusamine..."

Burnet was also filled with relief. Although she didn't know what had happened to Lusamine, she could sense that the other woman seemed much more "understanding" and easier to communicate with than the Lusamine she had been before.

They might even become...

For better friends.

After the introductions and basic information were completed, Qiao Ran then described their plans for the next day: they would be heading with Kukui to the War Ruins where Tapu Koko was located. The War Ruins were unlike any other Ruins; they were situated atop a towering cliff. Those wishing to pay their respects had to cross a long canyon suspension bridge to reach the other side. This unique terrain made it easy to encounter Beat Up from Ultra Beast if not handled carefully.

However, if everything were to proceed as before, Qiao Ran probably wouldn't plan to take everyone with him.