Chapter 382

It seems... that's indeed an option?

The next day.

To prepare for the upcoming operation, everyone went to Hala's house as usual. Although Mei was not participating in the upcoming battle, she still came with her mother and listened to everyone's discussion.

Kukui also arrived at the Hala family's house early with Burnet. The doctor was still the same as before, shirtless, wearing only a thin white coat, showing no sense of urgency about participating in the "battle". The only possible change was that he had changed his slippers for sneakers.

"The future of Melemele Island rests in your hands."

Looking at the group of people sitting in front of him, Hala, nodded solemnly.

"To prevent the city from being attacked by Ultra Beast, I cannot go with you, but... I hope the Island deity will protect you."

As the Island Kahuna, he cannot leave at will, and the future of this island rests on the shoulders of these young people.

"Rest assured."

Qiao Ran responded seriously; he wouldn't joke about something so formal.

Having been in Alola for so long, he had fallen deeply in love with this land, and after leaving Akala Island, he had even more reasons to restore Alola to its former vitality.

"Kukui."

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

Burnet and Kukui shared a parting hug and kiss right in front of everyone, once again publicly displaying their affection. However, almost everyone present could understand their feelings, after all, this operation... no, it should be said that every operation carries unpredictable risks.

Burnet wasn't Trainer, but she certainly knew these things. If she could, she would definitely hope that Kukui wouldn't go; however, that was impossible.

For Alola, or for Melemele Island, Kukui will definitely take this path. After returning to Alola, this man had already decided to dedicate his life to this land. Even if... he had to make the most difficult choice, he probably wouldn't hesitate.

As his wife, Burnet was well aware of this.

After bidding farewell to Hala, Mei, Lillie, and the others, Qiao Ran and his group embarked on their long journey.

Unlike Akala Island, where the Tapu Lele Ruins right next to Konikoni City, Lana and the others didn't walk very far before reaching their destination. However, on Melemele Island, to get to the War Ruins, one had to leave the city, walk through the suburbs, pass by Mei's house, and then arrive at a place called Iki Town.

Only at the very end can one get close to the Ruins.

This distance almost spans the entire island. Normally, it wouldn't be much of a problem, as Pokémon and it wouldn't take too long. However, with Ultra Beast everywhere, it's clearly a bit "difficult to handle".

"I remember there weren't this many Ultra Beast when we came here the day before."

Mei commanded her Serperior and Amoonguss to withstand an attack from one direction, but she could clearly feel that the pressure of going out today was much greater than yesterday.

It couldn't be that she did something last night that made her lack fighting power, could it?

"It's probably because you came from outside yesterday that you disturbed some Ultra Beast."

Kukui offered his assessment, while simultaneously directing his partner Pokémon —a fiery red tiger that walked upright and was covered in Sturdy muscles.

"Incineroar! Darkest Lariat!!!"

"Roar roar roar roar!!!"

Upon hearing Kukui's voice, the giant tiger roared and spun around like a fiery top with outstretched arms, charging into a group of Ultra Beast.

A large portion of these Ultra Beasts are Pheromosa and Buzzwole, these Ultra Beasts are covered in...

It couldn't hold out for long against the Incineroar.

Several Pheromosa lay dead to one side, while several muscular mosquitoes and a muscular tiger wrestled together, the air thick with the smell of burning tension.

"What a powerful Incineroar!"

Professor Kukui's displayed strength impressed Qiao Ran and the others. This strength... even compared to the "Elite Four" they had seen, it was estimated that he would not be inferior, and might even be stronger!

It's hard to imagine that such a person is just Pokémon Professor in a remote area.

"Although Ultra Beast than yesterday, as long as we fight together, there shouldn't be any problems."

Cynthia had a lot of confidence in this team. After all, they had overcome so many difficulties time and time again. Even she was starting to believe that as long as Qiao Ran was still there, they would definitely succeed.

Moreover, in such ordinary battles, her strength is enough to cover the entire team. The reason why it is difficult to become Champion is that this position not only requires completely Defeat one's predecessor, but also requires the entire team to reach the level of Champion.

Of course, the idea that "the whole team can Champion"Champion is only theoretical. Generally speaking, it's not enough to become Champion with only six Pokémon at Champion level. To deal with various challengers, even Champion need some "reserve Pokémon to train," and these Pokémon usually need to reach a sufficient level as well.

Just like Cynthia herself, besides her six main Pokémon, she also has some backup Pokémon has entrusted to her grandmother to take care of, but she doesn't have them with her at the moment.

"Cynthia is right. We've come this far already, so adding a few Ultra Beast wouldn't be a big deal."

Qiao Ran reached out and directly caused Dianxi in front of him to enter Mega Evolution mode.

"After all, we ourselves are gradually becoming stronger."

After a tough battle, Qiao Ran's Pokémon gained a lot of experience. Even Mew, which joined last, was leveling up rapidly. What he told Cynthia before—to use it to gain experience in battles in Alola —was not just a joke.

Starting from downtown Hau'oli City and passing through the suburbs where there weren't many tall buildings, Qiao Ran and the others finally arrived near Iki Town. However, even just walking this distance took them about an entire morning plus noon, and the physical exertion was extraordinary.

"Hahaha..."

Kukui also panting heavily. Other Trainer, such as Qiao Ran, tried to use the power of their Pokémon when moving, but Kukui seemed to be more confident in its strong physique and ran on its own two legs most of the time.

"I even went to the Ruins of Tapu Koko with the Island Kahuna before. How exactly did I get there back then?"

At this moment, he finally realized the limits of his body. As a human being, it's better not to push yourself too hard.

Iki Town is another place on Melemele Island with a large population. However, due to the rise of Hau'oli City, the population of Iki Town has been slowly decreasing, and most of those who remain are elderly people like Hala.

However, this is still the "oldest" town in Alola. Judging from the structure of the houses and the festival stage in the center of the town, it is a town that carries the traditions of ancient times, and it is also the closest place to Tapu Koko on Melemele Island.

"Unfortunately, has this place already been taken over by Ultra Beast too?"

Kukui helpless. Although he wanted to drive these Ultra Beast away right now, he knew that now was not the time to do so. They didn't have extra time to deal with the ever-increasing number of Ultra Beast. What they should do now was to quickly move to the War Ruins.

Continuing up the mountain behind Iki Town for a short distance, the group soon came to see a bottomless canyon. Above the canyon, a suspension bridge stretched across the ground, looking so unstable that it seemed as if it might collapse at any moment.

"Qiao Ran?"

Acerola glanced at Qiao Ran, asking for his opinion, and Qiao Ran threw out the Poké Ball without hesitation.

A huge, jet-black eagle-shaped Pokémon appeared in front of him, and then he flipped over and climbed onto its back.

"Fly over there."

Following his voice, the other girls immediately took out their flying Pokémon as well. They had tried their best not to use these flying Pokémon along the way, in order to conserve their energy in this situation and also to attract less attention from Ultra Beast on the road.

"Then I'll..."

Kukui somewhat surprised by the teamwork of these people. It was one thing during the previous battles, but now they could act in perfect unison just by exchanging glances. This was definitely not something that could be developed overnight.

However, no matter how envious and surprised Kukui sent out her main Flying type unit.

"Braviary!"

As Kukui, an eagle-shaped Pokémon with white feathers on its head and Dual Wingbeat of about 1.5 meters also appeared in front of it. Kukui skillfully grabbed the other's feet and then let it lift him up.

Simply hooking onto clothing wouldn't guarantee a smooth flight, and besides, Kukui was only wearing a simple white lab coat, so even if she wanted to hook it up, it would be impossible.

"That... it really is Yveltal."

This was the first time Kukui had ever seen the real Kalos, the God of Death, appear before her. Coupled with the Legendary Pokémon Qiao Ran had sent out earlier, to be honest, Kukui was starting to become somewhat desensitized after seeing all this along the way.

--Qiao Ran probably wouldn't be surprised what Pokémon he sent out next, unless the opponent pulled out an Arceus, but that's definitely impossible, right?

To cross from one end of the cliff to the other, Qiao Ran and the others chose a relatively safe method. However, even so, they were still attacked by some Ultra Beast while in mid-air.

Most of these Ultra Beast weren't the ones that followed the group up the mountain. Instead, they appeared from all directions of the valley and began to gather in the center. Just like we discussed at Hala's house yesterday, the location of the War Ruins was inherently an easy "Beat Up point," since Ultra Beast gathering from any direction would eventually end up in this location.

The name of this Ruins is indeed worthy of being called War Ruins.

After defeating some Ultra Beast blocking his way, Qiao Ran landed on the other side of the valley. However, he did not immediately recall his Pokémon, but instead released as many other Pokémon as possible.

Cynthia did the same, immediately dispatching her entire team, and then exchanged a glance with Qiao Ran.

"Cynthia and I will help you hold off the first wave of attacks!"

Qiao Ran took a deep breath and said loudly.

"From now on, we'll proceed as planned. I'm leaving the situation outside in your care!"

The Ultra Beast gathering continues to increase. In addition to the initial wave, Ultra Beast from other places are also constantly converging on this location.

If Qiao Ran and Cynthia hadn't helped to resist this most intense first wave, Mei and the others, while not necessarily suffering a complete rout, would most likely have met with dire consequences. Even with Kukui's assistance, he alone probably couldn't have changed the course of the battle.

Therefore, even though Qiao Ran and Cynthia needed to enter the Ruins, they did not go there immediately. Instead, they sent out all their Pokémon, trying to give these Ultra Beast a taste of their power—a quick and decisive battle!

Yveltal, Oblivion Wing!

"Dragon Rush!"

Qiao Ran and Cynthia's combined full-force skills tore a gap in the Ultra Beast's Beat Up. Even those Ultra Beast after wave hesitated for a moment in the face of this situation. Although they were more obedient to their "superiors" than Pokémon, it didn't mean they had lost all their intelligence. Faced with two such formidable opponents, any Ultra Beast would probably hesitate, but soon—after seeing more and more of their kind arriving, their courage began to grow again.

This island was far more abundant and prosperous than where they had lived before. Having tasted such deliciousness, how could they possibly give up what they had already obtained?

Even among their own kind, they are equally fierce, let alone "outsiders" like Qiao Ran.

An unprecedented war unfolded directly around the War Ruins. At the heart of the valley, at one end of the cliff, on these Ruins originally intended to commemorate the Great War of Alola, another war broke out once again. However, this time the two sides were no longer the various forces within Alola, but rather the survival rules of two different planes.

"Latias! Mew! Suicune! Go protect the Ruins and don't let the attack affect them. Dianxi, go help Silvally!"

Qiao Ran his best to command all his Pokémon. The difficulty of this battle was no less than that of the battles he had experienced before. Although the previous battles also required commanding many Pokémon, at least they all had the same goal. But this time... they not only had to Defeat those Ultra Beasts, but also had to be constantly on guard against any attacks hitting the Ruins. Although the War Ruins were not outwardly surrounded by the "strange fog," Qiao Ran could see from the corner of his eye that strange substances were seeping out from the cracks in the Stone Blocks.

Qiao Ran remembered what Tapu Lele had told her: the reason the fog hadn't spread was because she had managed to control it. Did that mean that Tapu Koko was making the same effort in this Ruins?

Meanwhile, Professor Kukui seemed to have also noticed these subtle clues, having been a child...

The native inhabitant of the island had seen this Ruins countless times and spent countless springs, summers, autumns, and winters here, but he had never seen anything seeping out from inside the Ruins.

Even that thing made him feel incredibly... terrified.

After that, are Qiao Ran, Cynthia, that boy, and that Sinnoh Champion really going to go inside?

The fierce battle continued, but as time went on, the intensity of the fighting was gradually decreasing. Most of the Ultra Beast that were knocked down had lost their ability to fight. Normally, Qiao Ran's Psychic Pokémon would immediately take action to trap them in a Poké Ball to prevent them from launching another Sucker Punch after recovering their strength. However, at present, Latias and the others were focused on protecting the Ruins behind them, so they didn't have time to do such things.

"Qiao Ran, you guys go in now! We can hold out for now!"

"Yes! You should go in now!"

After some time, when it was almost time, Mei and Acerola both looked at Qiao Ran and Cynthia. They both felt that now was the best time. The number of Ultra Beast was already within their control, and even if Qiao Ran and Cynthia left, they could hold on.

Now is the best time for them to get in.

After all, Mei and the others have limited stamina, and no one knows the limits of the Ultra Beast that are coming. The better Qiao Ran and Cynthia can go in and come out a second earlier.

"Good!"

Trusting their judgment, Qiao Ran and Cynthia ran towards the entrance of the Ruins, recalling several Pokémon. To prevent any unexpected events from happening outside, Qiao Ran and Cynthia deliberately left about half of their Pokémon and the Mei. Although the absence of their Trainer would inevitably affect the Pokémon's performance, as mature Pokémon had already reached a certain level of strength, their combat power should not be underestimated even without their Trainer.

"Qiao Ran, hold my hand tightly."

"..." Qiao Ran was stunned for a moment, but still nodded and held the other person's hand tightly.

This time, Cynthia chose the same method, but unlike before, she and Qiao Ran stood even closer together.

"When you go inside, if you feel anything strange, remember to tell me immediately."

She was on high Garchomp and Lucario close to Qiao Ran so she could react immediately. If she, as a human, lacked the necessary sensitivity, surely Garchomp Pokémon -Dragon-type Pokémon, and Lucario, skilled in Aura, couldn't possibly be completely oblivious?

"... Um."

Although Qiao Ran wanted to admit she was incredibly nervous and pressed too closely together, she couldn't help but let her imagination run wild, even when she tried not to think about it. Besides, Mei had come to see her Cynthia night, and Mei from that feeling... Mei's figure was about even?

No, no, no, no, no, that's not right.

Qiao Ran quickly shook her head, banishing the strange thoughts from her mind. Wait, what am I doing?!

"No... wait, am I being influenced?"

This... it must be because of that Monster that I became like this!

Pushing open the heavy stone door, Qiao Ran and Cynthia saw everything at the entrance. The entrance to the War Ruins, like the Life Ruins, was also a long and narrow passage.

However, unlike the narrow and crowded Life Ruins, the passageways of the War Ruins are significantly wider, and faint lights emanate from within.