Chapter 84
It might not have been noticeable when she was dressed, but Lillie's figure was still quite youthful overall, not at all like Phoebe or Dianxi. However, compared to Vulpix, she was far from being Mei large.
While the group was still in a state of panic, several Trace shrouded in black energy attacked. Each Trace seemed to have chosen its own target, launching an attack on its original form. The Dianxi Trace attacked Dianxi, the Vulpix Trace attacked the Vulpix, and Lillie... was also attacked by the Trace.
"Aiya ya ya ya ya ya!"
Lillie reached out to block the Trace's tiny fists, and to her surprise, she managed to block them.
"Huh? It doesn't seem to hurt?"
Lillie tried to retaliate again, but it didn't seem to do any damage to her opponent.
The one person and the Trace became entangled in this endless struggle, neither seeming to be able to do anything to the other, and could only punch each other with their little fists.
Seeing this, Phoebe frowned.
"This level is so clever... it actually uses Trace method to restrict one of the Trainer... I didn't encounter such a vicious trick when I came here last time, it's terrifying..."
Restricting Trainer is like cutting off half of Pokémon's body; if this continues, they will inevitably fall into a disadvantageous position.
Entangled with the Trace, Lillie had already been eliminated. For the sake of the entire team, Phoebe had no choice but to grit her teeth and make a difficult decision.
"There's no other way. I can only take on the role of Trainer and command her Pokémon... Vulpix!"
Phoebe bent down and uttered strange words, actually communicating with the Pokémon. Vulpix seemed to understand her words, and after a moment of thought, Vulpix nodded gently.
"Alright then, I'll be your Trainer for now!"
Phoebe smiled and stood behind the Vulpix.
At this moment, she returned to the battlefield once again. Although she wasn't commanding her own Pokémon, and she might very well be defeated again, but... as long as she could hold on until the other two brought back good news, that would be enough.
As for Vulpix —under normal circumstances, Vulpix would absolutely not want anyone else to command her, but this is now a special case, and everything is urgent. Besides, she has been hoping to finish this scientific expedition as soon as possible, after all... Qiao Ran promised her and Dianxi that he would give them a huge surprise after this mission was completed.
This is also their driving force for participating in this battle; they've been looking forward to it for a long time!
Therefore, we must win this battle!
On the other side, Qiao Ran, along with Dianxi, was also engaged in a Trace battle with the clone.
This Trace not only Trace the Pokémon's appearance, but also completely Trace its skills and combat power. In fact, it seems to be even stronger than the original Pokémon in its normal state.
"Dianxi, have you noticed?"
"Um."
Dianxi nodded. After some back and forth, she also discovered a rather terrifying characteristic.
That guy... can't feel pain.
Yes, the opponent felt no pain and did not back down; all their movements and techniques were executed with the precision of a perfect machine.
Furthermore, the Trace seemed to be able to use even Dianxi's signature skill, "Diamond Storm." However, when the Trace used...
When they came out, the diamonds were shrouded in a terrifying black aura.
Dianxi reached out and used a Diamond Storm to negate the opponent's skill. The two completely different storms collided in the air, showering down a red and black rain.
However, Dianxi frowned.
"How strange... my energy has decreased."
"What's wrong?"
Qiao Ran quickly asked a question. They hadn't caused any real harm to each other yet; on the contrary, various situations had caught them off guard.
"I don't know either... It seems like they were collecting my energy, which is why they used a skill that only I can use..."
A look of worry appeared in Dianxi's eyes.
"If this continues... then things will be terrible!"
"This Trace has such abilities?"
Qiao Ran's expression grew increasingly somber. He had previously assumed that the other party was indeed an honest and Trace clone, but in reality, this battle had never been fair from the very beginning.
The opponent's basic abilities are stronger than ours, and they can even absorb the energy we use. With this disparity in strength, their defeat is only a matter of time.
"No, we can't delay any longer; we have to finish this quickly."
Qiao Ran gripped the necklace around his neck tightly, and a surge of energy began to gather around him.
The bond between Trainer and Pokémon brings new power, and as this bond strengthens, the Pokémon will also exhibit new forms.
This power is something these Trace could never possess.
This is his and Dianxi's trump card!
Swanna
Section 160, page 157 [The Belief in Winning]
No one wanted to lose here, not even Dianxi, who hoped to end this battle as soon as possible.
--That's right, only by winning can she get what she wants.
Two Covet for victory intertwined in their hearts, and the bond between Qiao Ran and Dianxi reached its peak.
The power emanated from Qiao Ran's body and merged into her, causing her figure to undergo a tremendous change amidst the dazzling light.
"This..."
Phoebe, standing to the side, had never seen anything like this before. This was... evolution? It evolved right after the fight started???
Specifically, Phoebe's idea wasn't wrong. Mega Evolution is indeed a form of evolution. Compared to ordinary evolution, Mega Evolution has a time limit, but in return, it can gain extremely powerful combat strength.
Now, Dianxi is not only wearing a pink diamond-studded gown, but two white ribbons are also fluttering behind her. Her unique aura as Diamond Princess makes her the center of attention no matter when she appears.
Even though this isn't Performance Competition or a beauty Battle Court, everyone has a longing for beauty. Even Phoebe has to admit this beauty.
"Dianxi, Diamond Storm!"
"Diiiiii!"
Under Qiao Ran's command, Dianxi, Levitate in mid-air, folded her arms. Almost instantly, a violent pink storm was brewing in front of her and launched towards her opponent.
At this moment, Dianxi is filled with powerful energy. Compared to her usual self, after Mega Evolution, she will gain the strongest attack power. The power she originally used for protection will also transform into the most solid blade, piercing through the opponent's chest.
"Boom!!!"
As the storm raged, the diamond Whirlwind roared violently within the narrow Cave. Qiao Ran and Dianxi overwhelmed their opponent with their overwhelming aura, and the Trace could only struggle to withstand the catastrophic wind pressure.
Even though it has the same appearance as Dianxi, in the presence of the real princess, it is ultimately just a temporary imitation made of clay.
"It's not over yet, Dianxi, keep attacking!"
Adhering to the principle of Pursuit while the iron is hot, Qiao Ran gave Dianxi the order to press his advantage. The time for Mega Evolution is not long, and he must make good use of every minute and second.
"Diiiiiiii!!!!"
Another Diamond Storm erupted from Dianxi's hands. Not only did Qiao Ran Covet victory, but Dianxi herself Covet for it more than ever before. She had waited far too long for this day; if only this expedition could end, she...
So hurry up and collapse!!!!! This mission has to end as soon as possible!!!!
A surge of power erupted from Dianxi's body once more, exceeding even Qiao Ran's wildest expectations. He simply couldn't understand why Dianxi was so concerned about this victory. Could it be... that his training during the day had paid off?
The Trace shrouded in black mist also unleashed Diamond Storm similar to Dianxi's. However, unlike the previous result where the two forces canceled each other out, Dianxi's storm directly and overwhelmingly devoured the opponent's jet-black diamonds, crushing all the imitations.
After Mega Evolution, both her strength and aura rose to a new level, even her unwavering belief in victory...
It was also shining brightly with an imposing aura.
"Boom!!!!"
The roaring sounds echoed throughout the cave. Finally, under Dianxi's relentless attacks, the Trace opposite was crushed into pieces and fell back to the ground, seemingly beyond repair.
"Hmph... How dare you Mimic me? Disgusting."
Dianxi raised her head, snorted, and clapped her hands lightly, giving her assessment of her opponent this time.
"Alright, alright, let's go help the others now."
Qiao Ran shook his head, both amused and exasperated. He simply didn't understand why Dianxi was suddenly so proactive and harbored such resentment towards her opponent. But in the end, the result was good. Dianxi's burst of energy turned the battle into a one-sided affair, which Qiao Ran was happy to see.
Okay~
Dianxi nodded and began to drift towards other battlefields. With the remaining time of her Mega Evolution, she wanted to do more.
With Dianxi freed and deployed as fresh troops, the battlefield became largely one-sided after she entered other areas. Except for Mei's Serperior, which was locked in a tight struggle with its opponent and took a little time to defeat, Dianxi easily dealt with all the other opponents.
Especially when dealing with the Trace Lillie — Qiao Ran couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat as he watched the Trace Lillie being blasted into pieces.
Just how desperate are they to win?
Qiao Ran felt that he was already quite a slut in his daily life, but the current Dianxi was even more slutty than him, and she could be as ruthless as she wanted.
However, this outcome was still very good; all the battles were contained in a very short time, preventing the Trace from continuing to absorb the power of the originals. If that had happened, the battle would likely have dragged on to a very dangerous point.
"That's... all?"
Phoebe stared blankly at the battlefield before her, which had been wiped out by Dianxi alone.
The thing she had been so worried about was solved so easily?
She worried for so long, only to find it was so simple???
"?????"
Phoebe looked at Dianxi, and gradually, the question marks above her head disappeared one by one; she seemed to have thought of something.
"So... as long as one evolves during battle and gains power surpassing their original level, this level can be easily overcome...?"
Phoebe seemed to have a sudden realization. If the previous fog was a test of adaptability, then this Trace was a test of the bond between the Pokémon and its Trainer. Only those extremely special Pokémon could stand out in the battle.
This man...
Phoebe couldn't help but glance at Qiao Ran again. She had thought that this guy might become an important fighting force this time, but she didn't expect that... they would turn the Cave upside down and solve this difficult problem so easily.
"So... what's next?"
The path leading to the back had been opened, and through the long corridor, Qiao Ran and Phoebe seemed to be able to see the scene beyond.
--In the light mist, in a place resembling Altar, a rusty Long Sword was stuck straight in the ground, its blade reflecting an ancient light.
"That is..."
After seeing the strange sight, Phoebe didn't seem to feel much, but Qiao Ran's heart skipped a beat, and his whole body felt as if he had been Thunder Shock, leaving him stunned on the spot.
He not only saw the sword, but also a Key that gleamed with golden light hanging on its hilt.
So, this thing really exists here too?!
So... which Singularity will this represent this time?
Tsareena
Lunala
Section 161, Chapter 158 [The Sacred Sword]
--Key.
These peculiar beings have always been something Qiao Ran cared about deeply. Their origins are unknown, and they emit an extremely obvious golden light, as if afraid that someone might miss them. Moreover, it seems that only Qiao Ran and his Pokémon see them.
However, in contrast to this mysterious appearance, they can also bring extremely powerful effects. The Key, representing Anomaly 037, allowed Qiao Ran to open the gate to Alola. It was there that he met Mei and also recruited Nihilego, Type: Null, and Lillie.
Without that Key, things might have been completely different.
"What will this Key represent this time?"
Qiao Ran's heart gradually became excited. This feeling of opening a lottery box could make anyone's heart surge.
Even though he knew that Singularity represented endless danger, every crisis has its opportunities. Since he had decided to become a Pokémon Trainer and the strongest Pokémon Trainer, he shouldn't be afraid of these things.
"Wait, let the other team members come over first, we'll continue later."
"
The precious treasure seemed to be within reach, but Phoebe played it safe. She sent her Gastly back into the thick fog and used Gastly to bring the team members trapped inside.
"What...? The battle is over?"
"Impressive, no wonder he's Elite Four..."
Upon hearing the news that the battle was over, the team members expressed their sincere admiration; they had previously thought it would be very difficult.