Chapter 393

"However, I'm not very good at teaching. I said I'd teach Lillie, but I'm only at an average level."

Mina remained very humble in her words, and she also had her own concerns. As the Captain here, she had many, many things to do, and it was impossible for her to simply be a painter.

"Well... if I have time later, I'll do some research on it and then we can give it a try."

Mina looked towards Qiao Ran's location. Although she had rejected the proposal, she didn't want to give up completely. The existence of "Otherworld" was almost as Captivate as "legends." There must be many breathtaking sights in Otherworld.

Just then, Mei and Mei, who had gone out for a stroll, returned almost immediately. The two had just gone to the depths of the island to see the Exeggutor.

"Wow... the Exeggutor on this island are really amazing."

"Yeah, it's over ten meters high. We'd have to fly up to see its head!"

Mei and Mei chatted back and forth. Although their relationship had experienced some minor friction before due to certain events, it seemed that they had already made up.

Given their chemistry, they probably wouldn't feel out of place traveling together.

After all, they're all cut from the same mold.

That night, Qiao Ran and the others had dinner at Mina's place. Since he had already revealed that he came from another world, Qiao Ran openly took out the food that was originally stored in the Wild Area. Although eating one meal here wouldn't bankrupt the entire village, he wanted to avoid burdening the Oceanic Residents and also let Mina and the others taste the long-missed delicacies.

"... An... Otherworlder??"

Hapu, sitting at the dining table, was initially quite bewildered by this sudden change in setting, but after eating some of the delicacies that Qiao Ran had specially brought back from the Real World, she quickly adapted.

"Great, this ability is really convenient."

Hapu's amazing Adaptability surprised even Qiao Ran. As expected of Ground-type Trainer has understood the land for generations, this guy completely ignores everything else as long as there is food.

"By the way, do you two live together?"

Suddenly, Lillie asked a question.

She'd been curious about this from the beginning. While wandering around the boathouse, Lillie had keenly noticed some things that didn't quite match Mina. Lillie felt that Mina's color preferences were similar to her own, leaning towards cuteness, while the extra things seemed a bit...

"... I saw what looked like Hapu's clothes in the room."

Clothes."

"Yes, I'll be staying here for the time being. After all, I'm not a resident of the Seafolk Village, so I can only stay here temporarily. Mina's parents gave me their room, and they also happen to have a spare houseboat."

Hapu nodded. Her family originally lived near the entrance to the Grand Canyon; they were farmers who relied on the land for a living, unlike Mina, Oceanic Residents had lived on the water since childhood.

"Hapu wasn't used to resting here at first, so having her stay with me can help her out."

Mina also explained that someone who has lived on land for a long time needs an adjustment period to Rest in a houseboat at sea, and there might be other trivial matters that happen during this process, which Mina could help out with.

As everyone ate and chatted casually, Qiao Ran mentioned her plans for tomorrow.

"We plan to go to the Afterlife Ruins tomorrow. As for you..."

However, before Qiao Ran could finish speaking, Hapu, who had been eating, swallowed his food in one gulp and then interrupted her.

"If it's Ruins on the island, I'll take you there. I'm quite familiar with the area."

Upon hearing this word, she seemed even more excited than Qiao Ran.

"My maternal grandfather was the manager of the Ruins and also the Island Kahuna the island. I often helped him with the preparations for the Ritual, and I even know the dances required for those Ritual."

Hapu talked on and on about herself and the Ruins on the island. She had actually met Tapu Fini, the Island Guardian of Poni Island, when she was very young. It was from that moment that she had the idea of becoming the Island Kahuna and accompanying Tapu Fini for the rest of her life.

The Ruins dedicated to Tapu Fini are known as the Afterlife Ruins. Unlike Tapu Lele, which represents life, Tapu Fini represents death and the end of life. This is the most deserted Ruins among the four islands. Although this is also related to the fact that there are relatively few residents on the island, even during the Ritual, not many outsiders would go here.

Among these people, those with peculiar ideas probably make up the majority.

After all, according to legend, Tapu Fini has the ability to make people see the dead in thick fog. However, no one knows whether they actually saw the dead or were just falling for Tapu Fini's most powerful illusion. But the mere rumor is enough to attract some people who want to try it out.

"Then let Hapu take you to the Ruins tomorrow. I'll stay here and keep watch over the island."

Mina had complete confidence in Hapu's abilities. Apart from the deceased old Island Kahuna, Hapu was the only one on the island who truly understood the matter of the Ruins. Although Hapu had not yet been recognized by Tapu Fini as the Island Kahuna, in Mina's mind, it seemed to be something that would happen sooner or later.

"As for when you go to the Altar of the Moone, that's a place I'm quite familiar with."

As Mina spoke, she winked at Qiao Ran in a suggestive way; she still remembered this matter.

The group quickly arranged their itinerary for tomorrow. The location of the Afterlife Ruins was different from the other Ruins on the islands. This Ruins was built on the rocks by the sea, and one had to enter the interior of the Ruins from the rocks by the sea. The Ruins itself was also carved out of nature, facing the sea, which also represents the end of life.

Therefore, to reach this Ruins, Qiao Ran and his group basically do not need to pass through the island's surface. They only need to start from Exeggutor Island and fly along the edge of Poni Island. The density of Ultra Beast in the sea outside the island is much lower than on the island. At least, the situation of being Beat Up by a bunch of Ultra Beast on Melemele Island last time is definitely impossible.

After having dinner with Mina, Qiao Ran and the others stayed a while longer, getting to know Mina and Hapu better. Afterwards, they returned to the Real World to rest. Unlike other towns, the Seafolk Village lived on their own ships, and space on the ships was usually limited.

Even though Hapu lives here, Mina's parents still need to move to other houseboats, and there are no other vacant houseboats left here.

Although Qiao Ran was somewhat interested in experiencing what it was like to Rest on a boat, this wasn't a trip after all, and besides, even if he wanted to sleep here, there wouldn't be a place for him. Nobody could just sleep on the beach, right?

Back in the Real World, Qiao Ran and the others returned to their respective rooms. Based on their earlier assessment at noon, and to save costs and reduce the expenditure on hotel rooms with their dwindling savings, Qiao Ran and the others had cancelled their extra rooms after lunch and instead booked two triple rooms.

Mei and her friends shared one room, while Lillie Mei Qiao Ran each had their own room. The number of people was just right, no more and no less, which definitely made things much more economical. The team's finances, which had been very tight before, suddenly became much more comfortable.

The price that came with it was that when Mei left Qiao Ran and the others' room, her eyes seemed filled with a strange resentment. She could easily guess, even with her Poké Ball, what those three would do that night.

When trouble comes, she has to deal with two dangerous individuals who might "discover something" at any moment, and she even has to speak well of Qiao Ran and the others to cover for them.

Why did things become so dire for her?

Thinking about this, Mei felt increasingly frustrated. However, she knew it wasn't anyone else's fault. After all, given the current situation, this arrangement was the best possible outcome. Lillie Mei were known to be very good friends, and it wouldn't be good if she Sheer Force her way in and made it too deliberate. Besides... if something unexpected happened, like Cynthia and Acerola sharing a room with Qiao Ran, that would be the result she couldn't accept.

She didn't want the number of people to increase, and on this point, she Mei Lillie and the others shared the same view: in times like these, they should unite.

The next day arrived quickly. Feeling refreshed, Qiao Ran, Lillie, and Mei arrived at the Inn Restaurant. Mei and the others had also gotten up and arrived. Acerola and Cynthia looked like they had rested well, but Mei couldn't help but roll her eyes when she saw Qiao Ran.

Judging from this... something must have happened last night, right??

"Good morning... ah." Qiao Ran felt a little uneasy being stared at by Mei, but he still greeted her—having spent so much time with Mei, he naturally knew what Mei was complaining about, but... nothing particularly special really happened last night.

Qiao Ran was also quite frustrated. He was hoping that something special might happen, but Lillie Mei clearly couldn't let loose in front of their friends. In the end, they just pushed their beds together and slept together for one night.

Of course, this is already a significant improvement compared to before. Qiao Ran even believes that if things continue like this, something will inevitably happen sooner or later. Most importantly, they still have a battle to fight the next day, and Qiao Ran doesn't want to overexert themselves or rush through things. After all, there's still a long way to go.

"Qiao Ran, let's do the same thing today as last time. Hold my hand when we go in."

At the breakfast table, Cynthia instructed Qiao Ran on the tasks he needed to perform after entering the Ruins. Last time, Cynthia was passively drawn into that dark purple substance. Although she didn't know why Qiao Ran was able to release himself from that Poké Ball, the only thing she knew was that the situation must have been extremely dangerous.

She has made up her mind not to intentionally kill herself.

"I may not be able to do it, but... perhaps you could try, actively touch that mist."

Cynthia looked at Qiao Ran and said these words.

"You mentioned it before, right? Every time I entered, I seemed to have the memory of being enveloped by that thing. Every time, I would encounter danger, and when I opened my eyes again, I was already in that world."

"This has happened three times already, which is hardly a coincidence. However... there's always a risk involved..."

As Cynthia spoke these words, she was filled with conflicting emotions. On one hand, she felt that the reasoning was plausible, but on the other hand, she didn't want Qiao Ran to voluntarily conduct the "experiment," after all, what if some unknown risks occurred...?

Compared to those things, she definitely didn't want Qiao Ran to encounter any danger.

"I can try it. If there's any danger, then there's no need to touch it with my whole body."

Qiao Ran thought the suggestion was worth trying. After all, this had happened three times already, and Qiao Ran was quite familiar with it. Moreover, Tapu Koko's words gave Qiao Ran a new idea— Tapu Lele appeared in the Torn World that time because of the mist-like substance left in the Ruins. In other words, that substance could indeed be passed through.

Whether it was Tapu, Cynthia, or myself, all of them had been swallowed by the mist, but they all appeared here unharmed, which proved this point.

"Maybe I can try sticking my little finger in?"

Qiao Ran couldn't help but crack a joke.

"... If you don't have a pinky finger, you won't be able to grip the Poké Ball properly." Cynthia shook her head.

"Don't worry, we've tried so many times already, it's time to just give it a try. It'll definitely be fine."

Qiao Ran comforted the other person; this time, he was quite confident.

After breakfast, they arrived in the Pokémon World and successfully appeared on Exeggutor Island.

The Seafolk Village wasn't very large, but Qiao Ran still explained to them that they came from Otherworld. After all, these Oceanic Residents had been discussing how to arrange their accommodations the night before, even considering asking someone to spare a few rooms in their house. Qiao Ran felt too embarrassed to accept such kindness, so he simply revealed the fact that they could travel to another world. These Oceanic Residents had indeed not seen people from other places for a long time, and...

Let alone being a true visitor from Otherworld.

So, the news caused quite a stir in the village at the time, and it was only suppressed with Mina's help. Now that a night has passed, most people have probably accepted the fact.

After all, when Qiao Ran told them about this, he also provided them with a lot of supplies for food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, which were exactly what they needed most. And the ability to take things out of his spatial dimension with his bare hands was beyond their imagination, which further confirmed that this boy was from another world.

His abilities are truly extraordinary.

"Let's go! Let's all set off!"

On Exeggutor Island, Hapu was already prepared. She was still wearing the same onesie and a headscarf to shield her head from the Sun, her expression incredibly determined.

"... I hope you have a safe journey."

Beside Hapu, Mina also arrived to see everyone off. Accompanying Mina was a dog-type Pokémon with purple skin and a fierce appearance— the Fairy Type Pokémon, Granbull.

It is said that this was Mina's first Pokémon, and it had been by Mina's side since she was a child, when it was still called Snubbull.

Let's go.

Qiao Ran nodded, and everyone present released their flying Pokémon. Their plan this time was to circle around Poni Island from the sea and then reach the Afterlife Ruins of the Other Shore on the shore. Since the Afterlife Ruins Shore were not far from Exeggutor Island, this was the safest route.

"Um."

Hapu also sent out her Flygon. Although she is a Ground-type Trainer, that doesn't mean there aren't flying exceptions among the Ground-type. Besides the flying Flygon, Cynthia's Garchomp is also a Ground-type.

On Qiao Ran's side, she dispatched her most familiar Yveltal, which had now become her most frequently used mode of transportation.

... After all, her abilities are incredibly effective against Ultra Beast, and Oblivion Wing's presence ensures exceptional endurance. Furthermore, Qiao Ran's own Tokiwa Power helps her replenish her stamina, making one Pokémon equivalent to several.

Of course, Qiao Ran wouldn't tell Yveltal that she was a means of transportation or anything like that. On the contrary, as long as she was described as his most trusted combat partner, Yveltal would be quite happy to do such a thing. This is the art of language.

"That is..."

Yveltal's appearance drew gasps of amazement from the surrounding Oceanic Residents. Yveltal tilted its head back, basking in the astonished gazes of these ordinary people. The Oceanic Residents had no idea what kind of Pokémon it was; the isolated villagers had never heard of the legends from Kalos. Only Mina, standing at the very front, stared wide-eyed, as if trying to remember this moment.

"Yveltal... the Avatar of Death..."

Mina, who had traveled to other regions before, naturally recognized Yveltal's identity.

Yesterday, Mina was wondering if she would witness the legendary scene and create a painting that surpassed her previous skills. But unexpectedly, just one day later, she actually saw a legendary Pokémon, and it appeared right in front of her in such a way...

"..."

Yveltal flapped its wings and flew into the sky with Qiao Ran, disappearing into the azure sky. The others followed closely behind, flying towards the east of the island. Mina silently watched all of this from the ground, her gaze drawn to the patterns on Yveltal's body.

Legendary Pokémon differ greatly from ordinary Pokémon in their physical appearance, especially Yveltal, which exists as part of the Rules and embodies an aesthetic that incorporates many natural sensibilities.

"When they get back, I can give it a try too..."

Mina gently closed her eyes. Although it only lasted a few seconds, she had already memorized the image of the Pokémon taking flight. Its black feathers shimmered with a faint red light in the sunlight, a sight she could never forget.

This is already an incredibly beautiful scene.

Let's turn our attention back to Qiao Ran.

No major problems occurred during the flight. The group was already quite adept at clearing Ultra Beast. They simply continued flying along the coastline. Sure enough, it didn't take long before they saw the Ruins built on the reef. From the outside, it was still a "cave" carved into the Rock-type, like the entrance to the underworld, dark and without a trace of light.

Furthermore, near the cave entrance, Qiao Ran and the others saw that familiar substance, and the creepy feeling returned to them, a feeling they still couldn't overcome despite having experienced it so many times.

What are those...?

Unlike Qiao Ran and the others, Hapu seemed to be seeing these for the first time. She and Mina had been to the Ruins before, but neither of them had ventured Ruins; they had only stayed nearby.

They called out Tapu Fini's name, after all, with their strength, they couldn't guarantee that they could withstand the attacks of Ultra Beast for too long in aerial combat. Moreover, their departure would leave the Seafolk Village completely No Guard. It could be said that every second they left would make the situation there more and more urgent.

Most importantly, they didn't actually have high hopes for this exploration, given the serious events that had occurred on the island and the fact that Tapu Fini hadn't appeared. If Tapu Fini were still alive, it certainly wouldn't have stood by and watched all of this happen.

So the two of them only called out from the nearby waters, and as expected, they didn't get a response from Tapu Fini, so they had to quickly retreat back to Exeggutor Island.

Hapu didn't see this strange substance that time; these things seem to have appeared here later...

"That's Monster from Distortion World. It looks like fog, but it could be water, or something else entirely."

Cynthia stepped in to explain. She couldn't really define it herself, but the unsettling feeling alone was enough to tell that it wasn't something from the Real World.

"As expected... Tapu Fini must have encountered some kind of accident."

Hapu nodded blankly. She was convinced that Tapu Fini's absence from the island must be due to some reason, otherwise, given Tapu Fini's personality, she certainly wouldn't have stood idly by.

"Let's deal with the Ultra Beast around here first, then we'll go in together."