Chapter 72

Phoebe changed into a gorgeous dress once again and sat upright in the main seat, looking like a doll placed on a chair.

Her gaze fell on Qiao Ran and Lillie, and she scanned them meaningfully.

Please take a seat.

"Now, let's talk about the upcoming archaeological excavation, my two young guests."

Welcome to [Xi'er's Library]!7.4!6'0'9;4!0,,7!6"! Outer Group,:10.9:0"25:'1!;5,7',6

Section 135, page 132 [Early Bird Privileges]

Archaeological excavation—in fact, was one of Qiao Ran's most important purposes for coming here.

However, unlike the others, what Qiao Ran really wanted was the "Key" that might exist in those Ruins. But if Qiao Ran wanted the Key, entering the Ruins would be an unavoidable thing.

"We can put aside the matter of that Pokémon for now. Let me first tell you about the Ruins we are about to explore."

Phoebe took a sip of the liquid in her glass and gazed into the distance.

"The Ruins are located near Zhenze Lake, buried under the silt at the bottom of the lake. I discovered them by chance during a recent idle night stroll. However, due to some special mechanisms inside, even I cannot directly penetrate them."

"Even you can't do anything about it?"

Qiao Ran frowned slightly. The Cave he'd gone to before—it was Yi Ruoyun who had helped him out of danger. As a newly Elite Four, Yi Ruoyun's performance had already left a deep impression on Qiao Ran. But this time... even this so-called oldest Elite Four was helpless?

"Strength alone is not enough. There are times when even I am powerless to do certain things. The situation at that Ruins is rather complicated, so I have gathered some Assistant this time. I will discuss the specifics with everyone before the official mobilization. You were the first to arrive, which can be considered somewhat preordained."

When it came to serious matters, Phoebe's attitude became much more proper, showing no trace of her previous teasing of Qiao Ran and the others. Perhaps, only now did she truly possess the authority befitting a senior.

"... Are we too early?"

Qiao Ran couldn't help but glance at Lillie beside him, and shrugged helplessly.

This feeling is as absurd as rushing around in fear of being late, only to find out upon arrival that you were actually the first one there.

"It's the same whether you come early or late, so you might as well say that coming earlier has some special advantages."

Phoebe narrowed her eyes again. For some reason, she felt that there was something special about the man in front of her.

Hmm... what exactly is it?

The conversation at the table continued, and after enjoying the delicious food and tomato sauce, Phoebe brought up the issue that had been put aside earlier.

--Celebi

"It's about time you two told me about that Pokémon. I've been waiting for quite a while now."

Phoebe rested her chin on her hands, leaned forward slightly, and looked towards where Qiao Ran and Lillie were. She had been waiting for this answer for some time, and now she was showing enough patience.

"Lillie, you tell us."

Qiao Ran winked at Lillie, signaling her to tell these things. As a "visitor from Otherworld," Lillie was indeed better suited to explain than Qiao Ran. After all, what Qiao Ran knew was different from what Lillie, a native, possessed.

If you ask him to talk, he'll most likely start by mentioning things like attributes, base stats, coverage, and Egg Group.

"Ah... okay."

Lillie nodded and politely put down her cutlery.

As the heiress of the Aether Foundation, her manners were always impeccable, even Phoebe would often glance at her sideways; Lillie truly possessed a special aura.

"I don't actually know much about that Pokémon, because it doesn't appear very often in my area. Its name is Celebi, and it's a Pokémon that often appears in Forest, like forest...

Pokémon that are like little elves in the forest...

Lillie, speaking from her perspective as a scholar, shared a great deal of information about Celebi; however, she did not mention the legends about special powers to Phoebe.

"So... it's just a Pokémon looks cute but has great power? Is that all?"

As Phoebe listened, she frowned for some reason, seemingly not very satisfied with the answer.

"As for the others... well... I don't know, since this kind of Pokémon has never appeared in my area."

Lillie promptly began to play dumb, Qiao Ran saw perfectly. Even an innocent girl like Lillie was quite adept at acting when it came to it.

"Alright. Since there are still mysteries, there's still a chance... I will continue to keep an eye on things. If you have any relevant information, please inform me immediately."

Phoebe closed her eyes, which could be considered an acceptance of the answer.

Then, her gaze fell on Qiao Ran.

"W-what's wrong?"

Qiao Ran shuddered, wondering why this guy was staring at him like that.

If the other person were a muscular hunk, Qiao Ran would have to worry about his own physical safety.

"While strength isn't the primary factor for exploring this Ruins, a certain level of strength is still necessary. Since you arrived relatively early, I can offer you some extra assistance."

Phoebe tapped the table lightly, signaling the Froslass Maid behind her to hand her two Poké Ball.

Then, she opened the two Poké Ball, and two Pokémon, also resembling Pikachu plushies Pokémon very small bodies, appeared on the dining table.

--Mimikyu.

Without a doubt, Qiao Ran recognized this Pokémon.

"These two Mimikyu are new members of my Dusk Western-style Mansion. Their strengths are almost equal; even if there are slight differences, they are negligible."

"This... indeed, it all looks... well, you can't see anything at all."

Looking at the two Mimikyu in front of him, Qiao Ran wanted to exchange compliments and praise each other's training. However, looking at these two Ghost Pokémon dressed in mascot costumes, Qiao Ran realized that he couldn't see their true forms underneath the costumes at all.

"None of that matters. I will now give you one of them; you can choose whichever you prefer."

"Gift to... me?"

Qiao Ran pointed to himself, his expression slightly dazed.

What's going on??? Why are they suddenly giving away Pokémon??

"Yes, that's right. I will give you one of them, but you will need to raise it diligently. I will also do my best to raise the other one."

Before she knew it, Phoebe was Levitate in mid-air, her little red wings flapping behind her.

"Three days from now, I will fight you with another one."

"If you are able to win... it wouldn't be impossible for me to grant you some extra rewards."

"Of course, if you lose, I will Punishment you too..."

Section 136, page 133 [Selection]

"You mean... we'll each raise one?"

Upon hearing the proposed solution, Qiao Ran was somewhat incredulous.

Raising a Pokémon that's just starting out might not seem like much to a novice Trainer. But for Phoebe, a seasoned Elite Four, it undoubtedly means giving up her greatest advantage—her level.

"Do you think Defeat me is an easy task? Hmph... Even with the same Pokémon, I have my own unique methods of training them."

Perhaps sensing Qiao Ran's thoughts, Phoebe crossed her arms and snorted coldly, indicating that she didn't care about these things.

Her chin was held high, and she looked very confident. Her white pigtails were almost standing on end.

Even under such circumstances, could she still maintain such confidence?

"Since you've put it that way, I certainly have no reason to refuse."

Qiao Ran focused his attention on the two Mimikyu. He certainly wouldn't miss such an opportunity to "Defeat the opponent."

Phoebe's talk of "rewards" was actually secondary. For Qiao Ran, Defeat his opponent and showing them his prowess was Heavy Slam.

Due to the difference in their levels, there was still a significant gap between Qiao Ran and Phoebe, but since the other party had voluntarily given up their greatest advantage, Qiao Ran naturally had no reason to object.

Since the prey was already in his grasp, Qiao Ran certainly wouldn't give up.

"Then hurry up and choose yours."

Phoebe glanced at Qiao Ran and urged him on.

Hearing her words, Qiao Ran simply shook his head. "Don't rush."

Instead of making a judgment immediately, he reached out to the two Mimikyu and gently stroked their bodies.

Feeling Qiao Ran's caress, one of them, after getting used to it for a while, began to rub affectionately against Qiao Ran's hand.

The other one, however, trembled from the very beginning, and after sensing it for a while, it even quietly...

They created distance between themselves.

"So? Have you made a decision yet?" Phoebe observed the situation and, seeing the smile on Qiao Ran's lips, she felt that this man already had a plan in mind.

"Certainly."

Qiao Ran withdrew her arm and made her judgment.

"My choice is this one over here—"

Qiao Ran pointed to one of the Mimikyu --

Following the direction of his finger, Phoebe was slightly surprised when she saw what he was pointing to.

"Wait... are you sure you chose this one?"

She could clearly see that Qiao Ran had chosen the one that was trembling and was quietly distancing itself from him.

Something's not right here...

According to her previous thinking, a normal Trainer would definitely choose the clingier one, which would be easier to train. However... to her surprise, the man in front of her made a choice that went against the grain.

Phoebe put on a stern face.

"Why?"

"... There's no reason why, I just feel this is the right way."

Qiao Ran answered calmly, but couldn't help rolling his eyes inwardly—if he were to choose another clingy Pokémon just create more trouble for himself? He hadn't even sorted out the relationships between the Pokémon in his own home yet!

So right now, the one he should choose is definitely the more indifferent one!

Bringing back another clingy pet would only reignite the fragile relationship that had just been salvaged. Qiao Ran didn't want to see anything bad happen.

"What a weirdo," Phoebe couldn't help but mutter.

On the other side, the Mimikyu that Qiao Ran pointed at was also stunned, blinking its little eyes in confusion.

She had initially thought she definitely wouldn't be chosen; her previous performance had been so poor.

Compared to other Ghost Type Pokémon, she is naturally more shy. As Ghost Type Pokémon that is born to scare people, shyness is almost an incurable disease.

A Ghost type that dares not scare people is as useless as Koffing that can't spray poison.

However—this human actually chose himself????

"Then, please guide me from now on, Mimikyu."

Qiao Ran took out Poké Ball and gently touched it to her head. Mimikyu turned into a beam of light and was absorbed into the ball.

--Even after being captured and put into the ball, Mimikyu didn't realize what was happening, with a series of question marks still above its head.

"???"

My performance should have been worse, right?

What's wrong with this human???

"Since you have made your choice, then the other one will be my companion."

Seeing that Qiao Ran had already accepted one of them, Phoebe took out a Dusk Ball and put the other Mimikyu inside.

"Our battle is scheduled for three days from now, and the banquet three days later will also be the time for all my Assistant to gather, so—you should prepare well. Quite a few people should come to watch."

"Three days..."

Qiao Ran glanced at the Poké Ball in his hand and silently cheered himself up. Although it wouldn't be long, he believed he could do a lot and get back at this guy.

Of course, underestimating the opponent is also a mistake. As the oldest Elite Four, Phoebe must have some trump card, just like the strange move he encountered before, Old Lady Ouyang. Perhaps it has an inexplicable relationship with this "loli" in front of him.

"Prepare carefully, and I will use all my strength to crush you—so enjoy your life as it is now, hehehehehe~~~"

Phoebe covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

She spread her blood-red wings and disappeared into the Restaurant in a short while.

Along with her, a whole bunch of Ghost Type Pokémon disappeared, and the once bustling Restaurant suddenly fell silent.