Chapter 81

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Section 153, page 150 [Lakebed Ruins]

A strange force lingered in Phoebe's mind, refusing to dissipate, but as the owner of the Western-style Mansion and the one who had convened the event, she still had to ensure the banquet continued.

"Ahem... Now that the pre-dinner entertainment has concluded, I hereby declare the banquet officially open. Please take your seats."

Phoebe sat in the main seat with an air of authority, trying her best to appear calm, but her heart was still filled with doubts, like cat scratching at her.

So what exactly is it?

Finally, she couldn't help but look towards Qiao Ran.

"... As the winner of the event, you can stay behind alone after the banquet; I will give you a special reward."

"A reward..."

To be honest, Qiao Ran himself had almost forgotten about this. Although Phoebe seemed to have said something like that at the beginning, for Qiao Ran, winning was more important than getting the reward. Besides, he wasn't sure if Phoebe's reward was exactly what he needed.

However, since it's a free reward, he should accept it.

"Thank you, I understand."

With the mentality of "why not take it if it's free," Qiao Ran certainly wouldn't refuse these things. Maybe he could even ask about the "Z-Move" from before. The fact that Alola's Z-Move would appear here was indeed beyond his imagination.

Not only him, but Lillie also wanted to know the answer to this question.

"Alright, then I'll explain the specific details for entering the Ruins tomorrow."

Seeing that Qiao Ran had nodded, Phoebe clapped her hands in satisfaction, drawing everyone's attention to her.

Perhaps due to extreme hunger, some people had already picked up knives, forks, and axes to eat the food in front of them, but Phoebe's words still attracted everyone's attention.

"This Ruins is located underwater somewhere in Zhenze Lake, so please be prepared. Although we will provide diving suits and Water-type Pokémon in the early stages, it's best to bring a change of clothes. Those who are not familiar with diving equipment can get used to it during the day tomorrow. Our operation will begin at night."

"Although this Ruins is underwater, it is dry and contains oxygen. The exact reason is still unclear; perhaps some strange force protects it. Therefore, once inside, everyone must follow my instructions and refrain from any unnecessary movements. This operation will be reported to the Pokémon League, and any misbehavior will land you on the Pokémon League's blacklist."

Phoebe recounted the details, explaining the various points to note to everyone.

Perhaps only at times like this did this guy seem to act like a senior. Even Lillie, who had previously been critical of Phoebe, pulled out a small notebook and started taking notes.

"There's one last thing, which is a certain checkpoint in this Ruins... Qiao Ran, Mei... and..."

Suddenly, as Phoebe was talking, she took out a piece of paper from her pocket and began to read it aloud. After saying the names of Qiao Ran and Mei, she said several more names, all of whom seemed to be among the Assistant.

"You all need to be prepared. You all have the possibility of entering the stage. To be honest, I don't know too much about this stage, but simply put, it will create a mist instance that is the same as the Pokémon you are currently using. The strength of the mist instance will be the same as the strength of the Pokémon you send out... and it may even be stronger."

"...!"

Phoebe's words were like a bombshell to everyone.

"Therefore, as I said, there are not all places where I can solve the puzzle. In a level like this, if I intervene and still cannot Defeat the phantom... then the entire team will suffer a devastating blow."

"Therefore, you must find a solution to this problem yourselves. This is why I have gathered you all here. You are not simply researchers; before conducting this research, you were all trainers to some extent. And Qiao Ran and Mei, you two need to be even more careful."

Phoebe's gaze fell on Qiao Ran and Mei, who had already started eating. She had higher expectations for these two than for the others; they might even have the ability to challenge opponents of higher levels.

This time

The key point may very well lie with them.

Only by resolving one's own illusions can one free up energy to help others; however, most people cannot even resolve their own.

"So... that's how it is?"

Qiao Ran stroked his chin, and suddenly, he seemed to understand why Phoebe had set up this "pre-dinner program" and why she had chosen the same Pokémon to battle with him.

So... this was a rehearsal for this level...?

This battle not only improved his skills but also showed others what they would face next. It has to be said that Phoebe's move was truly brilliant; just one Competition, yet it had so many benefits.

After Phoebe finished her story, the evening banquet continued as normal. The sumptuous food satisfied everyone's appetite, and finally, everyone gradually left to go back to their rooms to rest.

To prepare for tomorrow's work, I need to get a good rest tonight.

After all, once you enter the Ruins, you don't know when you'll come out again. In fact... if you're not careful, some people might pay an even more serious price.

Mei pulled Lillie along, preparing to go back to the room to chat. However, Lillie looked at Qiao Ran with some worry. After all, Phoebe had asked him to stay behind alone, Lillie didn't think it was a good thing.

"How about... I stay too?"

"It's alright, I'll be back right away."

Qiao Ran shrugged indifferently; Lillie was clearly worrying a bit too much.

Phoebe isn't some man-eating Monster.

After much persuasion, Lillie and Mei finally went back to their room, while he stayed behind until a familiar Froslass appeared before him.

"Is this... to lead the way for me?"

Watching the Froslass's hand movements, Qiao Ran gradually understood that the owner of this Western-style Mansion seemed to be planning to send him somewhere.

Qiao Ran chuckled and shook his head, quietly taking a Poké Ball to his side.

He didn't think Phoebe would do anything bad to him, but considering her past actions, it was still somewhat necessary to be on guard against her pranks...

Section 154, page 151: [Let me see?]

Walking through this empty mansion can indeed give you a strange sense of dread, especially when a Ghost Pokémon suddenly appears through the wall at any moment, then opens its mouth wide and makes a face at you.

Perhaps because they had won the Competition, all the Ghost type here knew Qiao Ran. These guys would come over to Qiao Ran's place from time to time to show their faces and make their presence known.

Where exactly are they taking me?

The Froslass led Qiao Ran through the winding paths of the mansion, making Qiao Ran's head spin. There were many forks in the road, and sometimes they had to go up and down stairs. After a long while, the Froslass finally led Qiao Ran to the door of a certain room.

The door to the room didn't look particularly special, but Qiao Ran could sense something unusual behind it.

The Froslass who had led him had already concealed herself and disappeared into the darkness. Qiao Ran had no choice but to place his hand on the door himself—to his great surprise, the door opened automatically as soon as he touched it, before he could even knock.

The first thing Qiao Ran saw was a patch of moonlight as clear and bright as a lake.

In the spacious room behind the door, there is an entire wall of transparent floor-to-ceiling glass. The pure white moonlight shines through the glass and spills onto the floor, like a carpet of moonlight, making it appear holy and ethereal.

On the other side of the room, there is a large bed and a wardrobe and dressing table full of life, all carved with simple patterns and inlaid with luxurious Gem and ornaments.

The person Qiao Ran was supposed to meet was already sitting in a chair, with long white hair cascading down her back and wearing a thin white nightgown.

She lay in the recliner, enjoying the beautiful moonlight, letting its rays bathe her. And, whether it was Qiao Ran's imagination or not, he felt that Phoebe's long hair now had a faint reddish tinge, making her look eerily alluring.

Perhaps it wasn't the moon pouring down, but rather her inviting the moon.

Qiao Ran had seen people sunbathing before, but this guy enjoying moonbathing was truly the first of its kind.

"Why are you only arriving now? I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Upon seeing Qiao Ran appear, Phoebe slightly raised her eyelids and lazily Yawn.

"With such a winding route, I can't speed up even if I wanted to."

Qiao Ran couldn't help but complain. He had come as fast as he could, but he still got criticized.

"... Who told you you can't fly? If you were Ghost type from the Western-style Mansion, you wouldn't be so troublesome. Security here is very tight."

Phoebe gave a soft hum, her gaze drifting out the window. Indeed—flying up would be much simpler than Qiao Ran's previous roundabout method. However, to actually do it...

It also requires quite a few conditions.

"Let's not talk about that for now. Have you decided on a reward for coming here? Or is there anything you'd like to ask me?"

Phoebe straightened up slightly, crossed her legs, and gently rocked on the chair. Her delicate toes, like white Pearl, blended with the color of the moonlight.

"Whether it's money, rare Pokémon, or a job recommendation within the Pokémon League... whatever you want, you can ask me for it."

Phoebe's tone was relaxed, but her words caused Qiao Ran's expression to falter slightly. This level of leniency... it wasn't a reward anymore, it was practically bribery!

Qiao Ran even imagined himself meeting a rich woman who then threw a check in his face and told him to fill it out however he wanted.

"So... what's the price? With so many choices given to me, it can't be that simple, right?"

Although Qiao Ran was most interested in knowing about Z-Move and special powers, he still took the opportunity to ask the question.

After all, he also really wanted money.

There are more and more Humanoid Transformation Pokémon now, and the dresses are all kinds of things and the prices are skyrocketing. He also has to take care of Lillie Mei's food, clothing, and shelter. Even if Lillie Mei share a wardrobe, he can't support such a large group of people by himself.

Trainers... there really are limits.

"Of course, I just hope you'll do well in tomorrow's archaeological excavation. I'm really looking forward to what's inside the Ruins, so this is special treatment just for you, do you understand?"

Phoebe offered her explanation: no one knew how desperately she needed those Ruins; her time was running out, and she had to find Pokémon with that ability before everything fell apart...

Qiao Ran's appearance can indeed solve some of the problems she encountered.

However, besides these reasons, she actually had other reasons as well.

"Actually, you are the first man to come to this room, and the first man to come to this floor. I have never liked anything with too much yang energy; even the Ghost type in the Western-style Mansion have been screened by me. But I don't know why... I always feel that you..."

As Phoebe spoke, she stood up from the recliner, and two tiny wings stretched out from her back.

What are you trying to say...?

As Phoebe drew closer, Qiao Ran's expression grew increasingly tense.

He felt that Phoebe was experiencing something very familiar to him at that moment.

As the other person drew closer, this feeling became more and more obvious, and even... Qiao Ran saw similar shadows of Dianxi and Suicune in her.

Sweat beaded on Qiao Ran's forehead.

"Wait, you wouldn't happen to be...?"

Qiao Ran's heart skipped a beat, and in that instant, he couldn't help but think of Iron Maiden was far away in Jinling.

"Don't speak. I have a very simple question for you—you must answer me properly."

Before Qiao Ran could even ask, Phoebe's finger was already touching Qiao Ran's lips, its touch icy cold.

She flapped her wings and Levitate in front of Qiao Ran. At this moment, she seemed to have completely lost her usual elegance. In Qiao Ran's eyes, she might even look more like a succubus.

"Could you show me that special ability in your left hand again?"

Section 155, page 152: [Don't talk nonsense]

"What... power? How come I... don't know anything about it?"

Faced with Phoebe's question, Qiao Ran could only look away and immediately used a Trainer's exclusive technique—playing dumb.

However, Phoebe, being Elite Four, was already old and shrewd, so how could she be fooled by Qiao Ran's obvious feigned ignorance?

She had her own reasons for letting Qiao Ran come alone.

"Don't even think about deceiving me. Iron Maiden explained everything clearly in her letter. You... possess special powers, don't you?"

Phoebe hooked her arm around Qiao Ran's shoulder, just like Iron Maiden did, and brought her face close to Qiao Ran's.

"This..."

Qiao Ran's eyelids twitched. He knew Phoebe was probably bluffing him, but... he had no idea how much Iron Maiden had actually told her.

Despite Qiao Ran's strong mental fortitude, some of his subtle actions still betrayed him in Phoebe's hands.

Phoebe narrowed her eyes, took Qiao Ran's left hand, and then, to Qiao Ran's astonishment, she stuck out her tongue and gently licked the tip of his middle finger.

"As expected... it smells like a lie."

"...!"

Feeling the Limber, warm, and moist touch, Qiao Ran got goosebumps all over his body; it was the first time he had ever been treated like this.

What is this guy... doing?

The time it took to use the Tokiwa Power was clearly a long time ago... Even so, it shouldn't be noticeable, right?

Qiao Ran asked himself about this kind of thing.

Love was impossible, but the anomalies of this world still exceeded his imagination.

Phoebe... this human... or rather, a being similar to a human, is different from ordinary people.

After tasting the flavor from Qiao Ran's fingertips, Phoebe seemed to have flipped a switch, cupping her cheeks in her hands, her originally snow-white hair turning slightly red, just like her skin tone.

"What is this...? Why...? Why do I...? Why do I feel like I know...? This feeling...?"