Chapter 78

Looking down at the group of people who had been frozen into ice sculptures, Phoebe's mischievous smile remained unchanged; it seemed she still had some pranks in mind.

Qiao Ran watched from the sidelines, feeling a pang of pity for these guys.

Luckily, I arrived early enough to avoid being messed with to that extent.

What followed was another chaotic scene, with Phoebe switching Pokémon to attack the other side, and finally—the group of Assistant who had been summoned sat down at the table in a state of utter disbelief.

"So? Still questioning me?"

No, no, no, no.

"No, no, no."

Hearing Phoebe's question was like hearing a voice from hell; the men and women all quickly shook their heads. If they dared to say no, they would probably be played for a fool again.

The suppression of this power was truly terrifying, to the point that they were unable to resist.

The Assistant couldn't help but think of a rumor: the legendary place where the oldest Elite Four lived in seclusion was a treasure trove in China, specifically for storing treasures unearthed from Pokémon Ruins. They might not have believed it before, but now they completely changed their minds.

The Ghost Pokémon in this Western-style Mansion... could practically form an army.

Anyone who dares to cause trouble here is practically asking for trouble. Besides... the owner of this place has a very strange personality; he can only be described as capricious.

"Very good. Those who agree with my ideas will be my loyal allies. I will reward them handsomely after this archaeological excavation is completed."

Seeing the "wholeheartedly convinced" looks around her, Phoebe nodded in satisfaction and crossed her arms with an air of authority.

"I'm sure you're all ambitious researchers, otherwise you wouldn't be here. I can assure you that the results this time will exceed your expectations. If you have any academic questions, I'm happy to answer them. And if you achieve significant results... I can also help recommend you to the Pokémon League."

"This..."

"Really?"

"Oh my god..."

With just a few words, Phoebe silenced her resentful Assistant. These things were indeed extremely important to these researchers, especially for someone like her, a former Elite Four and researcher.

A recommendation from a senior member... that's priceless!

"This guy... he's really got some skills." Qiao Ran couldn't help but smack his lips. It seems that Phoebe's actions weren't just a spur-of-the-moment decision.

"Yeah, so I think she's dangerous." Lillie still felt wary of Phoebe, though she couldn't explain why; it was probably just a girl's intuition.

Phoebe continued speaking.

"Now that we're here, I'll assume you understand that what we're about to do involves a certain degree of danger."

Before the banquet even started, Phoebe had already explained the dangers of this mission. Listening to her description, Qiao Ran couldn't help but think of his previous trip into the Ruins. It was impossible for it not to be dangerous.

If Yi Ruoyun hadn't been there, Qiao Ran would probably have been in real trouble.

"Of course, we all understand."

"When we came to this line of work, we all knew..."

The men and women present exchanged glances, their smiles a mixture of bitterness and helplessness. As archaeologists specializing in "Otherworld Ruins," they were well aware of the dangers of their profession. Whether entering the Ruins or transporting the excavated artifacts, they had to be extremely vigilant.

Not only are there "mechanisms" in the Ruins, but there are also far too many people in the outside world who covet the treasures.

"Very well, I won't concern myself with this matter any further. After I communicate and report to the Pokémon League tomorrow, we will begin our operation tomorrow night. I will explain the specific action plan to everyone at the banquet later."

Phoebe stood up, and amidst gasps of surprise, tiny red wings unfurled from her back.

"As a small entertainment before the banquet begins, I have prepared a few Present for everyone."

The candles in the Restaurant went out with a snap, and when they came back on, a field resembling a Battlefield appeared not far away on the other side of the table—surrounded by a large group of Litwick.

"This is an indoor Battlefield, a perfect Battle Court for Ghost Pokémon. I will be battling alongside a challenger, commanding our Pokémon. Please note that our Pokémon were roughly at the same level two days ago, and were of the same Pokémon."

"The same type of Pokémon at the same level..."

"I've never seen a battle like this before..."

What's the point of this kind of battle?

"A strange program..."

The Assistant began to whisper among themselves, clearly puzzled by Phoebe's words.

However, Phoebe acted as if she hadn't heard him. She came to Qiao Ran's side and extended an inviting hand to him.

"So? Are you ready?"

Qiao Ran knew she was asking him a question. This battle had been planned beforehand, and he had no intention of running away.

Although there were no stakes like "Badge" in this battle, Qiao Ran had no intention of losing.

A person who is indifferent to losing is not worthy of winning. And he will win; he will keep winning.

"Of course, I was already prepared."

Qiao Ran stood up, gripping the Poké Ball containing Mimikyu tightly in his hand.

Next—let everyone see what we've accomplished these past few days!

Section 148, page 145 [The Battle of Proof]

"The Competition is one-on-one. If one side falls and cannot continue fighting, then the other side wins the match. You have no objection to this Rules, right?"

"Certainly."

Qiao Ran shrugged. These were the standard Rules of the Competition, and he certainly had no objections. Besides, he didn't think someone as arrogant as Phoebe would exploit loopholes in the Rules to trip him up.

"Then, this time the Referee will be... you."

Phoebe looked at Lillie beside her, and Lillie stared in astonishment, pointing at herself, even wondering if she had misheard something.

Why her?

"I...?"

"That's right, I think it's fairer to let you take on this role. Do you have any objections?"

Phoebe's lips curled up slightly, making it impossible to guess what she was up to.

However, after Lillie and Qiao Ran had a discussion, Lillie finally agreed to the request. After all, she had no reason to refuse, and besides, she wanted to witness the battle between Qiao Ran and Mimikyu, so being Referee would be even better.

Moreover, while at the Aether Foundation, she also served as Qiao Ran Mei's personal Referee on many occasions.

--She had long since mastered the role of Referee.

"Well then, let's get ready to begin, everyone."

Phoebe clapped her hands, and the Ghost type in the hall floated to the edge of the Battle Court, finding a good spot to watch the battle. The other humans followed suit and came to the edge of the Battle Court as well.

Lillie stood in the center of the Battle Court. Although she had agreed to the job, her legs trembled slightly when she actually stood Battle Court. Being watched by a bunch of Ghost type... was simply torture.

"Whee."

She even

You can hear the laughter coming from those Ghost Pokémon; just listening to it gives you a creepy feeling.

"It's alright, don't worry, I'm here too." Qiao Ran walked to her side, took her hand, and gave her a hug.

Lillie is a strong girl, but she still needs time to adjust. Her childhood experiences have instilled a timid nature in her, which is hard to erase. All Qiao Ran can do is encourage her when she needs it and give her a push from behind.

"Thank you... thank you..."

Lillie buried her head in Qiao Ran's chest, and only after a few seconds did she finally lift her head. This time, her expression was much more determined.

--She is the last hope of the Aether Foundation and a scientist dedicated to reviving Alola; she can't be so intolerant of such a small matter.

Seeing Lillie's expression gradually harden, Qiao Ran felt relieved and walked to his seat, looking at Phoebe across from him.

"Have you finished what you needed to do?" Phoebe looked at Qiao Ran's face with interest, observing the interaction between the two; it was quite interesting.

"Hmm." Qiao Ran nodded noncommittally.

On the other side, Lillie coughed lightly and began to fulfill her duties as Referee.

"Well... um... the Competition is about to begin. Please send out your Pokémon."

"As the hostess of the banquet, let me make my entrance first."

Phoebe took out a Dusk Ball and gently tossed it towards the center of the Battle Court. A black beam shot out, and a Mimikyu appeared on the ground.

Mimikyu is a very special Pokémon. Not only can you not tell how well it has been raised from its appearance, but you also cannot know its true strength. Qiao Ran could only take out the Rotom Dex and secretly check its level.

Level: 24

"Level 24... Does that mean you only leveled up two times during this period?"

A subtle smile played on Qiao Ran's lips. Both he and Phoebe's Mimikyu started training at level 22, but Qiao Ran had his own trump card—his Mimikyu was now far beyond that level!

"Come out, Mimikyu!"

Qiao Ran threw out his Poké Ball, and his Mimikyu appeared on the Battle Court.

However, slightly different from what Qiao Ran had imagined, Mimikyu, upon arriving on the Battle Court and taking in its surroundings, made an embarrassing sound and ran all the way to Qiao Ran 'Qiao Ran feet, clinging tightly to his shoes.

"Mi... Mi???"

This was the first time she'd ever been surrounded by so many Ghost Pokémon... and humans...

So... so scary... so scary...

"It's alright, Mimikyu. Your opponent is no longer as strong as you, and besides, I'm still here."

Qiao Ran bent down and touched Mimikyu's body, trying to put her at ease.

Like Lillie, Mimikyu also has her own inner constraints. However, unlike Lillie, who has gradually overcome them, Mimikyu has not completely broken free.

What she lacks is precisely this battle today.

Therefore, Qiao Ran was determined to help her win.

Only by achieving success and experiencing the feeling of success can a person build true self-confidence, instead of living a muddled and aimless life.

"It's okay, it's okay..."

Qiao Ran stroked her, and secretly applied some Tokiwa Power to his hand. Qiao Ran did not use too high a concentration to avoid causing any unnecessary trouble. Besides, this concentration was enough to soothe Mimikyu's fear.

This is a power that can bring peace to Pokémon's heart. Feeling Qiao Ran's touch, Mimikyu gradually recovered.

"Mi..."

She blinked her small eyes, looking at Qiao Ran in front of her.

"Go on, don't you believe in our efforts these past few days? You're not the same person you used to be."

A smile appeared on Qiao Ran's face. He believed in Mimikyu's abilities; they had worked together little by little these past few days.

No one knew how much she had sacrificed, but Qiao Ran saw it all. She might not be a "likable" Pokémon, but she was the most obedient and hardworking.

Deep down, she also had thoughts of changing herself.

"Miiii!"

Mimikyu nodded. With Qiao Ran's support, a sense of "power" stirred within her previously empty heart.

She tried her best... Yes... She'll definitely be fine...

Qiao Ran gave her support, enabling her to move forward.

Mimikyu stepped onto the battlefield, standing far away from the Mimikyu on the opposite side. However, unlike her opponent, the cherry-pink flower on her head looked even more beautiful in the dim light.

"Mi..."

She is no longer the person she used to be.

"Oh? You actually mustered up the courage to stand on the battlefield, well done."

Even Phoebe on the other side couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. To be able to muster the courage of a timid Pokémon in such a short time was quite a test for the trainer.

"However, the battle isn't just about this! Do you think it's over yet?"

"Let me see your strength!"

Section 149, Page 146 [Mimikyu vs. Mimikia Q]

"Both players are ready. The first battle... is officially beginning!"

Referee Lillie looked at the contestants on both sides and announced the start of the Competition.

Qiao Ran... Mimikyu... You guys have to win!

The moment she waved her hand, Qiao Ran and Phoebe gave the same command.