Chapter Summaries

Qiao Ran discovered that combining Aura Power with Tokiwa Power created an unusual energy that left Mei feeling euphoric and physically refreshed rather than causing harm. After Mei considered using the ability to help her Pokémon, Qiao Ran, Mei, and Lillie advanced directly to the Performance Competition finals, and Qiao Ran learned Sabrina had withdrawn.

• Qiao Ran combined Aura Power with Tokiwa Power and fired the resulting energy, accidentally hitting Mei when she and Lillie appeared in front of him.
• Mei recovered without injury, and the others realized the energy had given her an intense, full-body massage.
• After a sleepless night, Mei found that her soreness had vanished and she felt healthier and more energetic, then wondered if Qiao Ran could use the power on her Pokémon.
• Qiao Ran, Mei, and Lillie received notice that they had advanced directly to the city finals after placing among the first-round qualifiers.
• Qiao Ran called Sabrina and learned she had withdrawn from the competition, which explained how the others had qualified directly.

Sabrina used the advancement ceremony to boost her public image, then explained that she needed to win the Performance Competition to improve her standing in the Magic City Gym Leader election. Qiao Ran accepted the lodging key she secretly gave him, but resolved to train seriously for their next contest.

• Sabrina appeared as a judge at the advancement ceremony, where the host praised her kindness and the crowd celebrated her.
• At a café, Sabrina told Qiao Ran, Lillie, and Mei that she was only near the cutoff in the Gym Leader election vote and needed the competition championship to advance.
• Sabrina made clear that her partnership with Qiao Ran would wait until she had handled her own affairs, then challenged him to beat her in the competition.
• Sabrina vanished from the café, and Qiao Ran and his companions escaped the fans using Latias's Teleport.
• Qiao Ran found a key and note from Sabrina offering him a place to stay, then joined Lillie and Mei in the Wild Area for training.

Qiao Ran traveled to Modu City with Mei and Lillie, hoping to visit the Gym and meet his younger cousin, Xia Fei. After Xia Fei arrived and found him shopping with the two women, Qiao Ran recognized her and invited her and her friend to sit with them.

• Xia Fei and her friend watched Sabrina's Performance Competition video at a milk tea shop, while Xia Fei complained that her cousin had stood her family up.
• Qiao Ran decided to visit the Modu City Gym and reflected on how Aura and Tokiwa Power might interact with psychic powers.
• Qiao Ran reached the station with Mei and Lillie, but Xia Fei told him she would be an hour late, so they went shopping nearby.
• Xia Fei arrived early and learned that Qiao Ran had left the station to shop, then found him with Mei and Lillie in a dessert shop.
• Qiao Ran recognized Xia Fei and invited her and her quiet friend to sit with them.

Qiao Ran took Xia Fei and Nian Xiaoxiao shopping with Lillie and Mei, then revealed that Sabrina had arranged his lodging in the Magic City Gym’s Trainer Community. Xia Fei doubted his claim, while Nian Xiaoxiao grew curious about him.

• Qiao Ran offered to buy Xia Fei and Nian Xiaoxiao anything they wanted, and the girls gradually became more familiar as they shopped.
• Qiao Ran let Nian Xiaoxiao approach Nebby, but Nebby hid against him instead; he explained that Nebby belonged to Lillie.
• Xia Fei chose a Sabrina collaboration lipstick, while Nian Xiaoxiao picked a Munna plush cushion.
• Nian Xiaoxiao recognized Qiao Ran’s lodging as an apartment reserved for Ace Trainers at the Magic City Gym’s Trainer Community.
• Qiao Ran said Sabrina had lent him the place, but Xia Fei refused to believe him; Nian Xiaoxiao watched him with growing curiosity.

Qiao Ran brought Xia Fei, Mei, and Lillie to Sabrina’s apartment before joining Xia Fei’s family for dinner, while Xia Fei began to believe he really was close to Sabrina. At the Magic City Gym, Sabrina left for an outing, and a fellow psychic Trainer called Xiaoxiao to say she was coming home.

• Nian Xiaoxiao revealed that she lived in the same Elite Trainer community as Qiao Ran and went home on her own.
• Qiao Ran opened Sabrina’s furnished apartment, where Xia Fei recognized the performance boots Sabrina had worn and began to believe his story about their friendship.
• Lillie and Mei admitted they were nervous about meeting Qiao Ran’s relatives, then prepared to go to Xia Fei’s home with him.
• Sabrina checked her improved Gym Candidate vote ranking, then left the Gym with Alakazam to do something different.
• A black-haired Trainer noticed Sabrina’s bag and called Xiaoxiao, saying she planned to come home that night.
• Qiao Ran arrived at Xia Fei’s modest family home, where Aunt welcomed him as Ranran and asked who Mei and Lillie were.

Qiao Ran and his companions shared dinner with Xia Fei’s family, where his aunt teased them about marriage and arranged for Qiao Ran to tutor Xia Fei. Sabrina returned to her apartment expecting to find the group there, but discovered it was empty; meanwhile, Xia Fei asked Qiao Ran to get her Sabrina’s autograph.

• Qiao Ran introduced Mei and Lillie to Xia Fei’s family, and they ate a home-cooked dinner while Xia Fei’s father asked about their Trainer ambitions.
• Mei and Lillie helped clear the table, prompting Xia Fei’s aunt to praise them and embarrass them by talking about marriage.
• Xia Fei’s aunt sent her to do homework and asked Qiao Ran to help, so Xia Fei took him to her room to talk privately.
• Sabrina returned to her apartment and used Teleport to enter, but found the rooms dark and no one there.
• As Qiao Ran’s group left Xia Fei’s home, Xia Fei reminded him of their agreement that he would get her Sabrina’s autograph.

After Qiao Ran’s aunt teased him about choosing between the girls, Lillie and Mei grew uneasy about their future together and their responsibilities to the world. When they returned to Sabrina’s house, Qiao Ran accidentally sensed Sabrina in the bath with his Aura and was caught trying to flee her anger.

• Qiao Ran’s aunt teased him about the girls and offered to speak to his mother, leaving Qiao Ran, Lillie, and Mei embarrassed.
• On the walk home, Lillie and Mei wondered whether they could ever have a peaceful life with Qiao Ran while carrying their responsibility to the world.
• At Sabrina’s house, Qiao Ran sensed her in the bathroom with his Aura, which Sabrina destroyed after feeling it touch her.
• Sabrina recognized Qiao Ran as the source of the Aura and angrily threatened him.
• Qiao Ran tried to leave, but Sabrina used Confusion to stop him and confronted him in a trench coat; Lillie and Mei watched in alarm.

Sabrina restrained Qiao Ran after he used Aura Power to scan her in the bathroom, then punished him by making him sleep on the living room floor while she talked with Mei and Lillie. Their conversation led Sabrina to suspect that Lance and other Champions might know something about the changes affecting the Pokémon World.

• Sabrina tied up Qiao Ran and used her psychic powers to keep him pinned down after he scanned her bathroom with Aura Power.
• Mei and Lillie misunderstood Sabrina's accusation as something far worse before learning what had actually happened.
• Sabrina sentenced Qiao Ran to sleep on the living room floor beside an Alakazam while she, Mei, and Lillie spent the night talking together.
• Mei explained how she and Lillie had met Qiao Ran, while keeping the details of his ability and the Wild Area secret.
• Sabrina connected past crises in Galar, Alola, and Unova with Lance's visit and wondered whether other Champions had received similar warnings.

Qiao Ran and Sabrina agreed to a one-on-one Pokémon battle at a Trainer community after Sabrina revealed that she was the Gym Leader of Saffron City. The match began before a crowd, with Sabrina sending out Alakazam and Qiao Ran choosing Dianxi.

• Qiao Ran abandoned his plan to challenge a Gym because his back and waist hurt, and he planned to train at the community instead.
• Sabrina asked Qiao Ran to battle, revealed her identity as Saffron City's Gym Leader, and challenged him for the Golden Badge.
• Trainers and spectators gathered at Training Ground Three after hearing Sabrina had arrived to battle.
• Nian Xiaoxiao recognized Qiao Ran as her classmate's older cousin, surprising her black-haired older sister.
• Mei refereed the one-on-one match as Sabrina sent out her level 53 Alakazam.
• Qiao Ran sent out Dianxi to face Sabrina's Alakazam.

Qiao Ran and Sabrina began a battle that revealed Dianxi’s strength and their shared ability to Mega Evolve their Pokémon. The match continued with both Pokémon in their new forms as Sabrina ordered Mega Alakazam to copy Dianxi’s Ability.

• Dianxi captivated the audience, then matched Alakazam’s Psychic attack with a growing Diamond Storm without Qiao Ran giving a spoken command.
• Dianxi advanced inside her storm, and Sabrina used Teleport to reposition Alakazam behind her.
• Sabrina revealed a rainbow-colored gem and Mega Evolved Alakazam, while Qiao Ran used his necklace to Mega Evolve Dianxi.
• Mega Alakazam and Mega Dianxi revealed their new forms as the spectators watched in confusion and Sabrina laughed at Qiao Ran’s matching preparations.
• Sabrina ordered Mega Alakazam to use Trace and copy Dianxi’s Ability.

Qiao Ran and Dianxi struggled against Sabrina and her Mega Alakazam, whose invisible psychic attacks and spoon-based ambushes kept them on the defensive. Qiao Ran secretly coated the spoons with Eternal Diamond, disabling Alakazam’s control and creating an opening for Dianxi’s strongest Diamond Storm as the battle reached its climax.

• Alakazam activated Magic Bounce, and Qiao Ran and Dianxi attacked with a synchronized Diamond Storm before Alakazam dodged and countered with powerful Psychic attacks.
• Sabrina revealed that Alakazam could launch invisible psychic attacks from anywhere a spoon was placed, and Qiao Ran used Aura to locate the spoons and guide Dianxi’s counters.
• Alakazam attacked from multiple directions, while Dianxi’s Stone Edge missed his rapidly teleporting body and the pair continued taking damage from the invisible assaults.
• Qiao Ran had Dianxi coat Alakazam’s spoons with Eternal Diamond, which blocked his Confusion and made the spoons fall from the air.
• Qiao Ran poured his energy into Dianxi and ordered her to unleash a full-power Diamond Storm while Alakazam and Sabrina were caught off guard.

Qiao Ran and Dianxi defeated Sabrina and Alakazam in a grueling battle, and the match drew attention from the spectators. Afterward, Nian Hongyu arrived and introduced herself to Qiao Ran, setting off a tense confrontation with Sabrina.

• Dianxi's diamond storm tore through the court, and Alakazam eventually fell from Mega Evolution, making Qiao Ran the winner.
• Qiao Ran caught Dianxi and used Tokiwa Power to help her recover, while Sabrina congratulated him and promised to give him the Golden Badge another time.
• Spectators recorded the battle, and Sabrina said the attention could help with their plans; she also reassured Qiao Ran that the Pokémon League would cover the ceiling repairs.
• Qiao Ran and Sabrina returned to rest, and later Nian Hongyu arrived and clasped Qiao Ran's hands, saying she had watched his battle.
• Sabrina and Nian Hongyu clashed until Nian Xiaoxiao emerged and explained that she and her older sister had come to see Qiao Ran.

Nian Hongyu visited Qiao Ran with an invitation from her grandfather, the Magic City Gym Leader, to exchange ideas with him. Sabrina and Nian Hongyu argued over who would handle Qiao Ran’s visit, but Nian Xiaoxiao quietly got his contact information, and the sisters left with plans for him to contact them about visiting the Gym.

• Nian Hongyu introduced herself and Nian Xiaoxiao as Gym Trainers at the Magic City Gym and explained that her grandfather wanted to meet Qiao Ran after seeing a recording of his match.
• Qiao Ran agreed to visit the Gym in the next few days, and Nian Hongyu offered to arrange the visit and exchange contact information with him.
• Sabrina and Nian Hongyu argued over who should handle Qiao Ran’s contact details and accused each other of interfering.
• Nian Xiaoxiao quietly asked Qiao Ran for his contact information and exchanged numbers with him.
• Nian Xiaoxiao showed Nian Hongyu that she had obtained Qiao Ran’s number, and the sisters left after Nian Hongyu invited him to contact her about the Gym.

After their battle, Qiao Ran and Sabrina discussed a viral video of the match, and Sabrina encouraged him to stop letting fear hold him back. Qiao Ran decided to pursue victories in both the upcoming Gym Battle and Performance Competition, while Sabrina vowed not to go easy on him.

• After Nian Hongyu and the others left, Qiao Ran, Sabrina, Lillie, and Mei rested from the morning's battle before Lillie and Mei returned to training.
• Sabrina showed Qiao Ran a video of their battle that had topped a video site's real-time rankings, and Qiao Ran noticed that prominent Pokémon figures had commented on it.
• Qiao Ran teased Sabrina about her cute Abra profile picture, and she warned him not to pry into her private interests.
• When Qiao Ran worried that the viral video would attract unwanted attention, Sabrina told him that strength and authority had helped her endure becoming Gym Leader at twelve, and urged him to be more willful.
• Qiao Ran admitted that he feared losing his Pokémon, and Sabrina offered to help him whenever he needed support.
• Qiao Ran decided to win the Gym Battle the next day and the Performance Competition a few days later, while Sabrina insisted she would not lose to him in the competition.

Qiao Ran and Sabrina discussed their match’s sudden online popularity while Nebby escaped training to rest in Qiao Ran’s arms. As the Pokémon League took notice of the match and Mega Evolution, Phoebe learned about the new power and spotted Nebby, feeling drawn to it.

• Nebby teleported away from Lillie’s training and settled into Qiao Ran’s arms, where Sabrina petted it and briefly experienced a forgotten vision of loneliness.
• Lillie returned with Mei, reclaimed Nebby, and saw that Qiao Ran and Sabrina’s match had reached the main site’s rankings.
• Sabrina warned Qiao Ran that the Pokémon League wanted an explanation about the match and advised him not to capitalize on the attention yet.
• Phoebe called Qiao Ran, met Sabrina over video, and learned that the match had showcased Mega Evolution.
• Phoebe noticed Nebby behind Qiao Ran and Sabrina and felt an unexpected urge to hold it.

Qiao Ran and Sabrina told Phoebe and Nian Hai about the special power that allowed Pokémon to evolve during battle, while Qiao Ran arranged for Phoebe to help him. The group arrived at the Magic City Gym, where Nian Hai listened to their explanation and asked about the power.

• Phoebe warned Qiao Ran that the Pokémon League was paying attention to him, then agreed to help with a favor he could arrange from her room.
• Qiao Ran told his mother about recent events, and she urged him to make an effort with the foreign girls.
• Sabrina said she had to return to the Gym, and Qiao Ran decided to accompany her and challenge the Magic City Gym.
• Sabrina drove Qiao Ran, Lillie, Mei, and the others to the Gym and led them to its Leader, Nian Hai.
• Qiao Ran and Sabrina explained that special stones could trigger a Pokémon's evolution during battle, and Nian Hai asked Qiao Ran to clarify how the power worked.

Qiao Ran accepted Nian Hai’s invitation to a public three-on-three Gym Battle that afternoon, then spent the morning relaxing with his Pokémon and Xia Fei. As the crowd anticipated Nian Hai’s final public match before stepping down, Qiao Ran wondered whether Nian Hai and Nian Xiaoxiao were related, but Xia Fei didn’t understand his question.

• Nian Hai challenged Qiao Ran to a public three-on-three Gym Battle that afternoon, and Qiao Ran accepted.
• Qiao Ran asked Sabrina for an autograph addressed to Xia Fei, then Sabrina left to train for the upcoming competitions.
• Qiao Ran and the others went shopping, where Yveltal found an outfit and angrily reacted when a passerby called her a little girl.
• Qiao Ran had lunch with Xia Fei, who asked him about the video of the battle with Sabrina, and he agreed to tell her what had happened.
• People discussed Nian Hai’s last public match before stepping down, and Qiao Ran asked Xia Fei whether Nian Hai and Nian Xiaoxiao’s similar names seemed strange to her.

Qiao Ran invited Xia Fei to watch his Gym Challenge against Nian Hai, and she discovered that Nian Xiaoxiao and Nian Hongyu were the Gym Leader’s grandchildren—and that Qiao Ran was her cousin. As Nian Hai and Qiao Ran entered the arena, Nian Hai prepared to face the young Trainer whose connection to a mysterious being had drawn his interest.

• Qiao Ran gave Xia Fei Sabrina’s autograph and invited her to watch his afternoon Gym Challenge against Nian Hai.
• Mei and Lillie learned their challenges had been postponed, while Sabrina asked Qiao Ran about his Pokémon lineup; he confirmed Dianxi would battle and left for the arena with Rotom.
• Xia Fei entered the spectator stands and met Nian Xiaoxiao, who revealed that Nian Hai was their grandfather and Nian Hongyu was her sister.
• Nian Xiaoxiao told Xia Fei that Qiao Ran was her cousin and had also battled Sabrina, leaving Xia Fei stunned by her family’s unexpected connections.
• Nian Hai entered to a hushed crowd, then watched Qiao Ran approach and reflected on the mysterious figure whose attention he sensed through the young Trainer.

Qiao Ran faced Gym Leader Nian Hai in his farewell match, and the four-Badge challenger silenced the skeptical crowd by accepting Nian Hai’s challenge with confidence. Nian Hai sent out his Elite Four-level Galarian Rapidash, and Qiao Ran answered with Zacian; the battle began as Rapidash prepared a Psychic blade of light.

• Qiao Ran entered the stadium as Nian Hai’s farewell-match challenger, prompting spectators to question why a Trainer with only four Badges had been chosen.
• Nian Hai told the crowd that Qiao Ran had battled Sabrina and suggested his strength exceeded his Badge count; Qiao Ran agreed and exchanged a fierce challenge with him.
• Xia Fei watched Qiao Ran and silently hoped he would win.
• Nian Hai reflected on giving up a chance to reach the Elite Four to lead the Gym, then sent out his level 53 Galarian Rapidash.
• Qiao Ran chose Zacian instead of Yveltal, and Zacian’s Intrepid Sword ability raised her Attack as she entered the field.
• The referee started the match, and Nian Hai commanded Rapidash, whose horn formed a blade of Psychic light.

Qiao Ran’s Zacian battled Nian Hai’s Rapidash, overpowering its sword attacks and outmaneuvering its controlled Psycho Cuts. The chapter left Rapidash battered after Zacian unleashed Behemoth Blade, with the outcome of the match still unresolved.

• Rapidash charged Zacian with Psycho Cut, but Zacian drew her hidden sword and transformed into her King of Sword form.
• Zacian broke Rapidash’s horn-blade and pressed the attack, while Rapidash used Dazzling Gleam to retreat and then clashed with Zacian again.
• Rapidash revealed that it could control the trajectories of its Psycho Cuts, but Qiao Ran used Aura Power to warn Zacian of incoming attacks.
• Nian Hai lured Zacian toward a trap of more than twenty stored Psycho Cuts, but Qiao Ran ordered Behemoth Blade.
• Zacian’s expanded blade swept around her, shattered the Psycho Cuts, carved a trench into the court, and left Rapidash battered.