Chapter 68

Looking at Dianxi lying in his arms, Qiao Ran was momentarily at a loss for where to look, especially the Limber touch between his hands, which made Qiao Ran feel rather distracted.

After exiting her Mega form, Dianxi reverted to her loli form, but her charm remained undiminished.

"Hmm... the clothes used to fall to the ground when they changed, Master... could you please pick them up for me? They're over there in the bushes..."

Dianxi curled up shyly and told Qiao Ran some things she knew nothing about. Qiao Ran had no idea that this mechanism had such an effect.

And... this guy actually threw away his clothes before running over here?!

Qiao Ran nodded, somewhat amused and exasperated. Knowing this was like realizing that even swans struggle to swim underwater. Dianxi had even thrown away her old clothes to maintain her beautiful image after her Mega Evolution.

"Okay, I'll pick it up for you later, it won't take much time. But let's get you to your room first."

Qiao Ran looked at the Cave behind him. This was a space that Dianxi had created for herself. Her ability could reshape the underground world and make minerals appear underground. Although Dianxi couldn't do so many things in the Real World, in the Wild Area, she seemed to have gained some kind of authority and could do these things with ease.

Inside the Cave, there were many Illuminate crystals, which were used by Qiao Ran's other Pokémon as a light source for nighttime illumination. They were not only useful but also very beautiful.

"Vulpix, come in too. How about we stay together tonight?"

Before entering the Cave, Qiao Ran glanced at Vulpix, who was still in a daze. Mei's advice was still echoing in his mind, so he didn't forget to treat everyone equally.

"Ah... um."

Vulpix trembled and hurriedly nodded.

As long as she could stay by Qiao Ran's side, she would almost never refuse such a request. Besides, Dianxi's actions had also stimulated her in some way.

Each with their own thoughts, the group entered the Cave one after another. After a while, a figure with purple hair finally appeared outside the Cave, floating and ethereal.

Her expression was blank, and she was holding a set of clothes in her hand. However, she did not go directly into the Cave. Instead, after thinking for a while, she folded the clothes neatly and placed them at the entrance of the Cave.

"Dianxi... was she stripped naked by her master? That's so strange..."

Hatterene

Section 128, 125 [Equilibrium]

No one knows what exactly happened that night, only Qiao Ran, Dianxi, and Vulpix understand—they have actually reached some kind of tacit understanding.

Qiao Ran also told them his thoughts and repeated to Dianxi what he had said to Vulpix.

He would surprise them, and that would be the moment their relationship truly took the next step.

He will create the best memories for them.

"Master... you actually want both of us together, how greedy of you..."

Dianxi blinked her bright eyes. When she first heard Qiao Ran's idea, she was a little surprised, but after thinking about it for a while, she did not raise any objections.

From the very beginning, she understood that she could never have Qiao Ran all to herself. Their identities had already dictated that.

After all, he's Trainer, someone revered by other Pokémon. Even if she could truly have Qiao Ran all to herself, she wouldn't be able to withstand the pressure of becoming the target of everyone's criticism. Rather than hesitating here, it's better to be more magnanimous from the start. Besides, building your own Pokémon League is always more advantageous than fighting alone.

As the princess of the underground kingdom, Dianxi had no reason not to know these principles.

--This is where she truly excels.

"Both together..."

Vulpix was still in a daze, lost in thought.

Finally, after Dianxi took her hand and whispered something to her, Vulpix seemed to understand something and nodded gently.

"Um... I... I agree too..."

"You..."

Qiao Ran watched their little interaction with some surprise, and Dianxi even winked at him playfully.

When did Dianxi become so sensible?

"Okay, anyway, I'll treat you all well."

Qiao Ran embraced them. Their relationship was developing in a positive direction, and all Qiao Ran had to do was continue on this path that he wouldn't regret.

"Thank you for telling me this. I won't let you down."

He may not become the "broken window," but when everything becomes clear, he won't let anyone down.

Qiao Ran gently touched each of their cheeks, bringing a blush to both girls' faces.

"Shouldn't we take a break?"

It was late at night, and Qiao Ran's biological clock kept reminding him to Rest. He still had to go to see Lillie tomorrow, and then set off to see that Elite Four. He couldn't Rest any longer.

"Hmm... I'm tired too."

"I'm Rest..."

Dianxi and Vulpix exchanged a glance, then smiled and nodded, everything seeming perfectly natural and harmonious.

However, this harmonious situation did not last long. They soon started arguing over "who should sleep on Qiao Ran's left," and even began to "fight."

"Wait... wait, please stop fighting!"

Qiao Ran smiled wryly, looking at the two girls rolling around on top of him with a bit of a headache. Luckily, Dianxi's bed was big and Sturdy enough, otherwise, there would definitely have been a problem long ago.

"No, we need to clarify who's on the left!"

"Yes, this is very important!"

Vulpix and Dianxi both glared at Qiao Ran at the same time, and then used a lot of force to press Qiao Ran back onto the bed.

"Master, don't move! We'll handle it ourselves!"

"Master, please don't speak!"

Qiao Ran: "..."

These two guys... they really don't have a very good relationship.

The next day, Qiao Ran woke up in their arms.

After spending some time in Dianxi's Cave, he went to the Aether Foundation in the Pokémon World.

Last night's battle didn't last long, ending in Dianxi's victory. However, to maintain balance between the two, Qiao Ran announced a rotation Rules —meaning that if there's a next round, Vulpix will be on the left.

Vulpix agreed with the system, after all, if she were to directly compete with Dianxi, she would definitely lose to her.

"Master, you seem to have had a very happy night, Rotom."

Seeing Qiao Ran's energetic appearance, Rotom

She couldn't help but make a joke, as the mastermind behind the events, she still keeps her achievements hidden. Apart from Dianxi, probably no one knows how much of a role she played.

"If you're happy, then be happy. Don't overthink things, and don't say anything carelessly, understand?"

Qiao Ran rolled his eyes. He could now basically guess what Rotom wanted to say, but he wouldn't allow it to happen until all the fighting was over.

Hehehe.

Upon hearing Qiao Ran's words, Rotom chuckled. Unlike before, Qiao Ran no longer argued with him.

It must be said that this is an excellent trend.

Rotom is happy to see this development, as it is something she has been hoping for.

"Send me to the Aether Foundation, I still need to find Lillie and the others."

Okay~~~

Rotom responded, and a burst of light enveloped Qiao Ran, teleporting him to the Aether Foundation in another world.

"Here it is..."

Upon opening my eyes, the first thing I saw was a bright light—emanating from the ceiling.

The familiar environment of the Aether Foundation suddenly felt somewhat strange to him.

The source of this sense of unfamiliarity lies precisely in the light that is everywhere.

"Lamp?"

Is there electricity here now?

He hadn't been to this Otherworld facility for a long time, but during his absence, it seemed that a great deal had changed...

Perhaps noticing Qiao Ran's presence, Mei and Lillie quickly appeared in the room. Moreover, Lillie was wearing a white lab coat with a researcher's style, just like her father and mother.

"Qiao Ran!"

Upon seeing Qiao Ran in the room, Lillie's face lit up with excitement, and she ran up and jumped into Qiao Ran's arms.

"..." Mei could only stare in astonishment at Lillie's reaction, which was like a swallow returning to its nest. She hadn't seen her friend so excited in a long time. When had the usually quiet and gentle Lillie ever made such a move?

Besides, this man just happened to be here; is it really worth her getting so worked up...?

"Snort."

Mei could only let out a soft snort to express her dissatisfaction.

Anyway, she was quite unhappy.

Section 129, Chapter 126 [ By the Zhenze Lake]

Has the power been restored here? Did you do it?

Releasing Lillie from his embrace, Qiao Ran turned his gaze to the two girls in front of him. He had to admit that this was indeed a pleasant surprise. Everything they had done had brought light back to the dilapidated Aether Foundation, a groundbreaking achievement that could be described as a pioneering first step.

Only with electricity can most of the facilities on this Artificial Island be powered. This is a technological Aether Paradise, and everything here is built on the foundation of abundant and sufficient electricity.

"Of course Lillie did that. I don't understand any of this stuff."

Mei didn't try to claim credit for these achievements. After all, she had watched Lillie busy herself these past few days, and it was thanks to Lillie's efforts that the systems were repaired. As for herself, most of the time Lillie directed her, and she Pokémon to help with the physical tasks.

"Well... I did some simple things as described in the book, and only part of the power has been restored yet. It will take more time to restore more..."

Lillie looked at Qiao Ran with some shyness, and was very humble about what she had done.

However, as she spoke, her emotions began to stir.

"Although achieving this is difficult, the Aether Foundation's electricity has always come from sunlight, wind power, and the temperature differences and tides of the ocean, all of which are renewable natural energy sources. We can be completely self-sufficient. If everything is fully restored, the Aether Foundation's ecosystem can also be revitalized! And my mother too..."

Lillie grew more and more excited as she spoke, feeling an unparalleled sense of accomplishment as she watched the Aether Foundation regain its Hustle in her hands.

Furthermore, the Aether Foundation had previously been dedicated to building an independent Artificial Island, simulating its own natural ecosystem within it. They even established a complete Pokémon protection facility on the island. These are Lillie's future goals; if she can activate and put them all into use, the Aether Foundation could exist as a completely independent little world.

"My own little world..."

Qiao Ran looked at Lillie with some emotion. He could sense a similar feeling to the girl in front of him. After all, his Wild Area had also gradually improved in the same way.

"Keep going, I'll always support you—no matter what."

Qiao Ran couldn't help but rub her head. He had to admit that Lillie looked quite intellectually charming in her research suit. She might not become a great Pokémon Trainer, but she could certainly become a great scientist and scholar.

"Oh... thank you."

Lillie squinted and made a kitten-like sound. Although she hadn't seen Qiao Ran for a long time, she couldn't control her feelings whenever he touched her.

"I will work even harder, Aether Foundation will get better and better!"

Lillie pumped her little fist with Vital Spirit.

In fact, not only Qiao Ran, but even Mei, looking at Lillie's Vital Spirit back, couldn't help but think of Lusamine, the chairperson of the Aether Foundation.

Lusamine is Lillie's mother and the leader of this huge conglomerate. As the daughter of such a person, Lillie naturally bears considerable pressure, but she is not crushed by this pressure and endures it all alone.

Her future will surely be even brighter than it is now.

"By the way, Lillie, I came to see you today because I have something to tell you... If you have some free time later, could you come with me to that other world for a while? I've already arrived near the Elite Four's residence."

Qiao Ran inquired about Lillie's situation; he had actually come here for this very purpose.

"Hmm? Hmm, of course I'm free."

Lillie laughed. Reviving the Aether Foundation was not something that could be accomplished overnight. Besides, she was actually growing through learning. Even if she went to another world with Qiao Ran, she could still bring books with her to study.

The group didn't talk for long before Qiao Ran left with Lillie. Lillie didn't take much with her, just some clothes and books.

As for Mei, she must remain here to guard the flame of civilization in the Alola Region. If the Aether Foundation can truly revive and they can break through this strange spatial confinement to reach other islands, then this place will become extremely important.