Chapter 76

Mimikyu's voice wasn't loud, but to Qiao Ran at that moment, it sounded like the most beautiful melody.

At that moment, he knew that all his previous efforts had not been in vain, because he had truly understood what Mimikyu was saying.

It was a soft, somewhat timid, yet ethereal and youthful female voice.

Good morning...

Section 143, Page 140 [Special Training!]

Although Mimikyu's voice was very soft, this was a huge improvement, considering that she had always been completely silent before.

Taking advantage of his free time in the morning, Qiao Ran lay in bed and continued to chat patiently with Mimikyu.

"Mi..."

During their conversation, the two gradually got to know each other better.

As his knowledge deepened, Qiao Ran also learned about some of the things that had happened to Mimikyu in the past.

--She had been living in this Western-style Mansion since she could remember. At first, she knew nothing, not even her own identity, and just wandered aimlessly, spreading Curse and misfortune throughout the Western-style Mansion. Finally, other Mimikyu seniors who came after hearing the news told her that she was a member of Mimikyu, and only then did she realize what she was and understand her identity.

"This child knows nothing yet, so I won't blame her. However, this is a one-time exception."

The Western-style Mansion's owner said this, forgiving the commotion she had caused. No one likes Mimikyu exposed to the outside world; whether it's its ugly appearance or its terrible Curse, it's a repulsive existence.

After learning its true identity, even Mimikyu itself might start to dislike itself a little.

So from that time on, she followed the example of her predecessors and wore a Pikachu plush toy to avoid bothering others.

And still, until now—she has no way to leave this protective layer.

"Really... You've had a tough time too."

Qiao Ran reached out and rubbed her head. Unlike the Vulpix, who had been with him since birth, Mimikyu's past experiences were perhaps not so pleasant. In fact, it could be said that she had lived a meaningless life like a "Ghost type."

She had no dreams, no attachments, no treasures, and no people she cherished; all she did was simply to survive.

"But you don't have to do that anymore. I'll take you to see many more things."

Qiao Ran felt that he had to do this kind of thing, and should do this kind of thing. This child was as pure as a blank sheet of paper, and as her Trainer, he also needed to guide her to discover her Ideals and the meaning of life.

Not everyone is born with a mission, but only those who clearly understand their mission can make their lives shine.

If you always hide in the shadows, the world will only have one color.

"Mi..." Mimikyu responded softly. She didn't really understand what Qiao Ran was saying, but she could sense the emotions in this man's heart. Was he... worried about me?

Qiao Ran and Mimikyu's relationship had made great progress, and the atmosphere had gradually improved. However, at this moment, a voice suddenly broke the peaceful silence.

"You guys seem to be making good progress~~"

"Mi...??" Mimikyu trembled and turned around shakily. Only then did she realize that behind her—on the other side of the bed—there was a woman with long Golden hair lying there.

This... this... this guy is...!

"You're awake too?" Qiao Ran smiled, not at all surprised. Lillie had said last night that she was afraid to sleep alone, so she had decided from the beginning that she would sleep in the same bed with Qiao Ran.

Qiao Ran didn't have much of an objection to this. Unlike those Pokémon acted unruly, Lillie always Rest properly and nothing strange ever happened to her.

"Hmm... I've been awake for a while now. It's so great that your relationship has improved."

Lillie chuckled softly, her Golden bangs fluttering slightly on her forehead. Even in bed, her movements carried the composure of a young lady from a wealthy family.

Furthermore, perhaps because she has become a "Pokémon," Lillie can understand some of the Pokémon language. Although she can't translate it perfectly, she can grasp the general meaning.

"Mi..."

Watching Qiao Ran and Lillie chatter so familiarly, Mimikyu let out a soft cry, but her voice sounded a little aggrieved; she really didn't want to be with anyone else...

Even just dealing with Qiao Ran was already her limit.

Getting out of bed, with two days left before the Competition officially began, Qiao Ran was confident that he could bring about even greater changes to Mimikyu.

"So, let's train!"

While Lillie was washing up and getting ready, Qiao Ran brought Mimikyu to the Wild Area and introduced her to the other Pokémon.

Meeting other Pokémon is a process that every one of his Pokémon has to go through, but Mimikyu seemed quite resistant, constantly saying things like, "I don't want to see other life forms, I just want to be alone," and "I'll die if I meet other people." However, after Qiao Ran's repeated requests and his promise to hold her the whole time, she reluctantly agreed.

Qiao Ran had each of his Pokémon meet Mimikyu, but Mimikyu remained stiff and silent the entire time, like a wooden doll.

"So small."

Yveltal glanced at Mimikyu and immediately lost interest. The creature was smaller than the claws on her wings. Although this new companion had the same attribute fluctuations as that silly deer, it was not a reason for Yveltal to be interested.

There are countless Fairy type Pokémon, especially with her trainer, who has them in abundance.

The Altaria also flew down from the sky, wanting to see its new companion, but when it saw the mystery...

When he was making a "Q" gesture, he tilted his head slightly, looking rather naive.

"Master... is this... Pokémon? Or is it just a doll?"

Qiao Ran's lips twitched, but she maintained her smile, "It's Pokémon, a real Pokémon. Don't be fooled by its inability to move; it's definitely Pokémon."

His original intention in coming here was to let Mimikyu meet everyone and let them get to know each other, but—this Mimikyu really didn't give him any face.

As soon as there were a lot of people around, Mimikyu would freeze in place. Even when the friendly Dianxi greeted her, Mimikyu didn't respond at all. Finally, after Qiao Ran and the Pokémon explained Mimikyu's personality a bit, Dianxi and the others finally understood what this new companion was all about.

"I see... Since the new girl is shy, then we won't stay here any longer. We can get to know each other better later."

Dianxi kindly helped Qiao Ran out of the predicament. Qiao Ran didn't know if it was his imagination, but ever since he spent the night in Dianxi's Cave with Vulpix, Dianxi seemed to have become much more sensible and had a strange aura about her.

"Ahem... Anyway, you'll all need to give this new member some special training over the next few days. I'll be troubling you all for that."

Qiao Ran looked at the Pokémon in front of him and coughed lightly.

Although Phoebe, as Elite Four, may have her own trump card, Qiao Ran also has his biggest trump card.

He can continuously raise his Pokémon's level through victories, a terrifying ability that no one else possesses.

As long as he keeps fighting, fighting, and fighting, he will be invincible!

"So, come for special training!"

Section 144, page 141 [Cultivation]

"Mimikyu is currently level 22, and my goal is to raise her level to 25 or higher within the next few days."

"Although Mimikyu isn't good at combat, once you establish a level advantage, everything else becomes much easier."

In the battles Qiao Ran had participated in before, he was always suppressed by the opponent in terms of level. The time with Yveltal, the level difference was even more terrifying, reaching thirty levels. If Yveltal hadn't been so powerful, other ordinary Pokémon would probably have been scared to death by a single look from the opponent when they stepped onto the battlefield.

This is no exaggeration. A level difference of thirty is enough to take a novice Trainer to the level of a top Gym Leader. Could a student in the school withstand even one move from Iron Maiden? Definitely not.

This time, Qiao Ran finally had a chance to surpass his opponent in level, and he was determined to experience that feeling.

Level suppression... what exactly does that feel like? Just thinking about it made Qiao Ran's body tremble with excitement.

"I'll take you to the Aether Foundation for training later. Yveltal, you should come too; you can't fall behind in level."

While Mimikyu's training is important, Yveltal's can't be neglected either, as she is their future guarantee, and she needs to become even stronger.

"Oh."

Hearing Qiao Ran's instructions, Yveltal responded indifferently. She didn't really care about such things. It wasn't like she was going to play Competition, so this kind of training didn't have any special meaning for her.

Mimikyu shrank back, asking, "Are we... really going to fight...?"

"Wasn't this already agreed upon? You and the other Mimikyu are definitely going to have a Competition in two days."

Qiao Ran hugged her to calm her down.

"But don't worry, as long as I'm here, everything will be alright."

"Two days later, let the other Ghost type in the Western-style Mansion see... just how powerful you really are. They might even envy you."

"Mi..."

Although she was still a little nervous, after hearing Qiao Ran's words, Mimikyu felt that she could perhaps trust this man; there was a reassuring power in his words.

Could she... also show the other Ghost type in the Western-style Mansion... her true strength?

Training time passed quickly; Qiao Ran didn't even realize how much time had gone by before it was already a day later—the night before the Competition officially began.

During this short period of time, Qiao Ran trained Mimikyu little by little, and also battled against Mei's Pokémon and his own Pokémon.

In order to focus on training Mimikyu and to give her strength and encouragement, Qiao Ran has been inseparable from her during this period. Whether Rest or doing anything else, he tries his best to keep her by his side.

This is a very important process. It not only cultivates the tacit understanding between the two, but also allows Mimikyu and Qiao Ran to have a higher connection rate, enabling them to perform more effectively in battle.

High-risk command.

Only high risk can bring high reward. A Trainer only operates in a conventional way is destined to never become one of the top trainers. Only by taking high risks in command can one break through one's own limits.

Of course, in order to allow Mimikyu to participate in more battles, Qiao Ran also secretly used some of the Tokiwa Power to heal Mimikyu's injuries and cheer her up. Mimikyu herself probably didn't even notice these small details, because Qiao Ran did it secretly while she was lying in his arms.

Mimikyu was still wondering why she suddenly felt so comfortable.

Do I really enjoy being held that much...? And it's even getting more and more comfortable...?

So this is what Pokémon...?

Mimikyu fell into deep self-doubt.

"The Competition is tomorrow, but we still have a whole day to train, and Mei will be coming tomorrow morning too."

Lying on the bed in the Western-style Mansion room, Qiao Ran released all the fatigue he had accumulated over the past period. Although he was training Mimikyu, as the Trainer, he was also quite exhausted. In addition to needing to transfer the Tokiwa Power, he also had to expend a lot of energy to command it, and he also felt tired.

"Will Mei be coming tomorrow too? Wow, so fast..."

Lillie, standing nearby, couldn't help but sigh as well. She also felt that time had flown by. She had been sleeping next to Qiao Ran for the past few days, and although nothing strange had happened, she felt very safe and comfortable.

Suddenly, Lillie reached out and took a small headdress from beside her pillow, then came to Mimikyu.

--It was a small, cherry-pink flower. Although it was a handmade cloth item, it seemed to have a life of its own.

"...?"

Mimikyu didn't understand Lillie's actions, but Lillie always had a smile on her face.

"Um... this is Present I made especially for you these past few days. I found the materials at the Foundation. I hope you like it. Since it's Qiao Ran's Pokémon, we'll be partners from now on."

As Lillie spoke, she handed the cherry-pink flower to Mimikyu, intending to help her put it on her head.

Lillie had always wanted to improve her relationship with Mimikyu, so during this time, besides studying, she spent her time making this little item, which took a lot of her effort.

"Tomorrow is your Competition day, you're sure to win."

"Mi..."

Mimikyu instinctively wanted to back away, but then, as if she understood something, she stopped thinking about it.

She stood still and did not stop Lillie's actions.

Her experiences over the past few days have brought about some changes in her mindset, and surprisingly, these changes haven't made her feel resentful. On the contrary, she feels that maintaining the status quo seems quite nice.

This girl... had no intention of hurting her...

Lillie took this opportunity to carefully put the little flower on Mimikyu.

Lillie chuckled softly.

"It suits you perfectly, unlike any other Mimikyu!"

Just as Lillie said, Mimikyu now has a cuter feel than before; even the doll's skin can be very beautiful.

"Ah... how about I help you with some other things later?"

But as she looked at it, a light suddenly shone in Lillie's eyes, and a bold idea popped into her head— Mimikyu... it's a plush doll that can be dressed up however you like!

Section 145, page 142 [Revisited]

Lillie loves dolls; she's loved them since she was little.

Her parents were always busy, as leaders of the foundation and scientists, and they rarely had the opportunity to spend time with her. After her father Disappearance, Lillie and her mother Lusamine, had even less time together.

What kept Lillie company during this lonely time was the Clefairy doll her mother had given her; she needed to hug this doll to fall asleep every night.

However, with the appearance of Qiao Ran, Lillie seems to have gradually changed this habit. She even gave the important Clefairy doll to Mei before. This doll not only witnessed the friendship between her Mei, but also represented Lillie's determination to change herself and move forward.

However... after making trinkets for Mimikyu, Lillie seemed to have reopened the door to her childhood memories; she really still loves dolls.

"Ahem... If you like, I won't object to making some decorations, as long as they don't interfere with the battle."