Why is my Pokémon girl a bit strange?

Qiao Ran nodded repeatedly. He didn't want to do this kind of thing in the first place. He planned to challenge Gyms in the future. He couldn't possibly have Lillie fight head-on with an opponent, could he?

Besides, at Lillie's age, if she were really sent out to challenge a Gym, Qiao Ran would probably be arrested by the police halfway through.

"Come back! Nihilego!"

To prevent making the same mistake as last time, Qiao Ran directly shoved the Poké Ball into Nihilego's face with his hand.

"Chua"

A red light shot out, and Nihilego disappeared into the ground without any incident.

"Phew—"

Qiao Ran breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, nothing unexpected happened. Otherwise, he wouldn't know what to do. Everything that was happening now was beyond Qiao Ran's scope of knowledge. With his understanding of Pokémon world theories, there was no way to explain everything that was happening.

This Poké Ball... could it simultaneously accommodate two individuals, Nihilego and Lillie?

Was it because their similarities were too high, leading to a misjudgment, or was there some other reason?

Pokémon anthropomorphism was already astonishing. If there was also human Pokémon transformation... cough cough...

Qiao Ran looked back at Mei, but Mei immediately shrank her body, shielding Lillie in her arms.

"What... what are you doing! I won't let you capture Lillie!"

Qiao Ran: "..."

To be honest, for a moment or two, he really wanted to try if this Poké Ball could hold Lillie after it had already captured Nihilego. However, seeing Mei's protective demeanor, Qiao Ran stopped these rather bold thoughts in his mind.

Forget it... it wouldn't be too late to try after Lillie woke up and he got her opinion.

—This is a serious research endeavor, a sacrifice made to explore the true mysteries of the Poké Ball. Qiao Ran stated that he absolutely had no other strange intentions.

After a while, Mei left with Lillie, saying she was going to clean her up. She warned Qiao Ran several times not to come over.

"Don't come in until we're out! Absolutely not!"

She was genuinely afraid that Qiao Ran would suddenly pull out a Poké Ball and suck Lillie into it again.

Qiao Ran waved his hand, indicating that he never took advantage of others' predicaments. He, Qiao Ran, had always been upright.

Noticing that Mei had left, Qiao Ran started chatting with his Pokémon. After all, there were some things they could only discuss in private.

—And, it seemed like Rotom had something to say to Qiao Ran from the very beginning.

"Master, our mission has actually been completed, and we've also received a reward~ That means we can go back now, Rotto!"

Rotom flew excitedly in the sky.

"As expected, that was the core of the Singularity... but, was it the little girl or Nihilego that was the core?"

"Who knows?" Qiao Ran rolled his eyes. Being able to capture Lillie in the Poké Ball was already an inexplicable accident. As for anything beyond that, he would probably only find out later.

"Also, we can go back now? If we go back now, can we still come here in the future?"

"As long as Master still possesses that key, you can come here anytime, just like going to Pokémon Pioneer Land."

Qiao Ran's expression froze: "Uh...? But that key isn't with you..."

"That doesn't matter, Rotto! As long as Master reaches into me... hehehe... and pulls it out after returning!"

Rotom's cheeks turned red, and it became more and more excited as it spoke.

"..."

Even now, Qiao Ran still couldn't get used to Rotom's lewd jokes. The main point was that this guy didn't even have a real body, so how did she understand these things?

Did she generate it herself?

"It's good that we can come back. We're not in a hurry to go back to our original world. It's not too late to leave after Lillie wakes up."

Qiao Ran didn't plan to leave now. There were still many mysteries hidden here. Lillie hadn't woken up, and Mei's safety issues hadn't been completely resolved. Moreover... there were a large number of Nihilego here, which were excellent Rock Type materials for Qiao Ran!

If he could catch some and take them to the Pioneer Land to complete missions, wouldn't that be great?

"Right, didn't you say there was another reward? What was that?"

"That is... Master, please tap my screen, Rotto."

Rotom suddenly flew in front of Qiao Ran, and a button appeared on its screen.

"This?"

Qiao Ran reached out and poked it. Just like before, Rotom made a strange sound.

Then—the screen began to change, and a line of large text appeared on it.

"Singularity Containment Reward: Ability Acquired—Tokiwa Power (Left Hand)"

"Toki... wa Power!"

It was Tokiwa Power?

Qiao Ran exclaimed in surprise. As a Pokémon fan, he had no reason not to know this incredibly powerful ability. In the Pokémon world, those who possessed this ability were all powerful trainers. This ability could make Pokémon feel close to them and also had the ability to heal Pokémon.

Simply put, it was like a cheat skill for healing and buffs.

"But why is it only my left hand...???"

Qiao Ran raised his left hand. A faint green light was wrapped around it, emanating a sense of peace and reassurance. As he felt the glow, it was as if he could understand everything and forgive all the injustices in the world.

"Skills are divided into left and right hands. Will they start dividing my eyes into left and right too?"

Qiao Ran's mouth twitched as he couldn't help but complain. However, he felt that such a thing might actually happen in the future...

Chapter 80: 078 [Awakening: Stirring]

"So, who wants to experience this power?"

Qiao Ran looked at his Pokémon. Since he had gained new power, he naturally wanted to test it on his Pokémon.

"Awooo!"

"Tee tee tee tee!"

"Qing—"

As soon as Qiao Ran spoke, almost all his Pokémon gathered around. Vulpix and Dianxi, in particular, showed considerable enthusiasm. Even Suicune, who was usually a bit aloof and proud, preferring to watch from the sidelines, quietly shuffled closer.

This power is that attractive?

Qiao Ran was a little surprised. But when he actually placed his left hand on Vulpix, who arrived first, he realized—this power was indeed a treasure in the Pokémon world.

The moment it touched Vulpix's body, she went limp and melted into a puddle of liquid. Then, she excitedly rubbed herself on the ground, emitting incredibly blissful sounds. It felt like she had received a full spa treatment.

"This..."

Qiao Ran was stunned. This wasn't Tokiwa Power at all; it was practically a golden left hand for petting Pokémon!

Vulpix wasn't satisfied with just having her back petted. She even flipped over on the ground, preparing for another round on her front. However, Dianxi, standing nearby, stopped her time-wasting behavior.

"Master, it's my turn!"

Dianxi floated in front of Qiao Ran, closed her eyes, and prepared to feel it with her entire being.

As a Pokémon, she could naturally sense the allure of that power. Just like how cats get excited over catnip, she seemed to feel excited by this power too... Merely sensing it from afar filled her entire body with vitality.

"Ah..."

When Qiao Ran's hand touched her head, Dianxi couldn't help but let out a sound. However, it wasn't a sound of pain. On the contrary, it was filled with extreme pleasure and comfort. Qiao Ran even felt a little embarrassed listening to it; it was the first time he had heard Dianxi make such a sound.

"Tha-that's probably enough."

After petting Dianxi for a while, Qiao Ran announced he was stopping. He saw that Altaria and Suicune on the side were already looking eager to try.

"Mmm..." Dianxi floated in the low air, still wanting more, but her trajectory was wobbly, making her look like she was drunk.

Qiao Ran clearly noticed this and couldn't help but have a few question marks pop up in his mind. This Tokiwa Power is so strange... Does it have a strong after-effect?

"Master... Can you try it on me again when I can turn into a human?"

Suddenly, a voice echoed in Qiao Ran's mind. Hearing the familiar tone, Qiao Ran couldn't help but glance at Dianxi. Dianxi was actually making such a request to him? And she had specifically used telepathy so others wouldn't hear...

Qiao Ran's understanding of Tokiwa Power rose another level. Not only could it be used to pet ordinary Pokémon like Vulpix, but it could also be used on legendary Pokémon like Dianxi. It was truly versatile.

"Who's next?"

After petting Altaria until she collapsed on the ground, trembling with excitement, Qiao Ran turned his gaze to the last one, Suicune.

Suicune stood still. She looked like she wanted to try but was also hesitant.

After a moment of silence, she slowly took a few steps forward. However, in contrast to her steps, she kept her head down, not daring to meet Qiao Ran's gaze, and a faint blush appeared on her face.

"You really are..."

Qiao Ran once again recognized Suicune's tsundere nature. This girl wanted to try, but she couldn't let go of her cool persona and didn't want to show weakness in front of others.

"Just think of it as a good rest. Since I have this power, I should naturally use it on you all."

As Qiao Ran spoke, he also started petting Suicune's mane. In just an instant, he had made the steadily standing Suicune collapse onto the ground.

"Awoh—"

A strange sound echoed.

"Phew. So tired."

After petting the last Pokémon and looking at Suicune, who was lying on the ground with her eyes glazed over in comfort, Qiao Ran couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his forehead. This Tokiwa Power was great for everything, but it was quite draining. If Qiao Ran weren't so young, he would probably have collapsed by now.

However, Qiao Ran ultimately decided not to release the unconscious Nihilego to pet her as well. After all, they were in the enemy's stronghold, and Qiao Ran didn't know what consequences awakening Nihilego might bring. Moreover, Tokiwa Power could at most provide temporary healing and buffs. For Nihilego's injuries, professional medical assistance was still required.

Qiao Ran sat by the bed, waiting for Mei's return. Only when she came back could he know her next plan.

This Aether Foundation definitely hid many mysteries. And since the Aether Foundation had become like this, he wondered what the Alola region outside would become.

Perhaps even the entire Pokémon world... Was it also falling into various crises?

Qiao Ran's mind was filled with thoughts. Recalling some of the things Mei had told him before, he felt that this speculation was quite possible.

"Qiao Ran?"

Suddenly, a voice came from the doorway. Qiao Ran looked up and saw Mei appearing at the entrance. Standing beside her was a girl with long, golden hair.

The girl stood quietly, her hair slightly damp. Her aura was as pure as a budding jasmine flower, completely different from how Qiao Ran had seen her when she was possessed before.

"H-hello... My name is Lillie. Thank you for saving me... Mei told me about you."

The girl named Lillie introduced herself softly. Her every movement exuded the refined upbringing of a young lady, though she appeared quite frail.

"I'm glad you've recovered. While you might already know, I should still introduce myself. My name is Qiao Ran. If you have any problems in the future..."

Qiao Ran raised his hand, preparing to pat his chest to appear more reliable. However—just as he was halfway through, Lillie suddenly lunged forward, bumping her head against his hand.

"?????"

At the same time, a green light erupted from Qiao Ran's hand as if by reflex, instantly dyeing Lillie's golden hair green.

"Ah..."

Feeling the power flow into her, Lillie's cheeks flushed rapidly, and she let out a soft moan as her body went limp and she collapsed into Qiao Ran's arms.

"Huh?"

Staring at the sudden turn of events before him, Qiao Ran was completely bewildered.

Wait... wait a minute, what's going on here???? Why did you suddenly rush over???

And I never heard that this Tokiwa Power could be used on humans!!

It's the end of the month, and there's even a double ticket event going on, so the author is here to ask for votes!

Section 81 079 [Two Beauties: Healing]

In the dim Aether Foundation, only a faint green light emanated.