After receiving Dr. Chen Chunjiang's promise, Zhang Heng and Yi Shu were overjoyed, knowing that a large part of their mission was complete.
After some discussion, it was finally decided that they would depart promptly at 9 AM tomorrow to enter the Wilderness Area and search for a suitable habitat for the Swamp Monster Clan.
After a brief conversation and expressing their gratitude to Dr. Chen Chunjiang, Zhang Heng and his group politely bade farewell and left.
Due to time constraints, they could only stay overnight at the Pokémon Lab tonight.
After all, it was nearly a hundred kilometers from Feng City center to here, and if they rushed back now, it would probably be dawn by the time they arrived.
So, Zhang Heng, Yi Shu, and Luo Hong followed Chen Xue to Building No. 4.
This thirty-story building was specifically for researchers to reside in.
Upon entering the building, the spacious and bright hall made one feel exceptionally comfortable.
They took the elevator to their pre-arranged rooms, which were fully equipped, quiet, and tidy.
Zhang Heng and the others, who had been on the go all day, could finally get some good rest.
However, Zhang Heng tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.
This was his first night after arriving in this different world full of Pokémon.
Everything around him seemed so illusory, as if it were just a dream.
He couldn't help but wonder if he would return to his original plane when he woke up tomorrow morning.
To dispel his doubts, he wanted to see those lively Pokémon.
Zhang Heng dressed neatly and walked out towards the Swampert's treatment room.
Zhang Heng gently pushed open the door to the treatment room and saw the Swampert lying quietly on the bed.
Its breathing was steady, and its physical condition looked much better than before.
Zhang Heng walked to the Swampert's side, squatted down, and gently stroked its scales.
The Swampert seemed to sense Zhang Heng's arrival, slightly opened its only remaining One-Eyed Marshstomp, looked at him, and then closed it again.
Zhang Heng looked at the Swampert, feeling an inexplicable sense of closeness.
He remembered the pet dogs he had in his original world; they always depended on him in the same way.
“Perhaps, this is my mission in this world,” Zhang Heng murmured to himself.
He decided that if he had the ability, he would take good care of these Pokémon and help them live better lives.
Just then, Zhang Heng's phone rang.
It was a call from Yi Shu.
“Zhang Heng, I just passed your room and found you weren't there.
Haven't you gone back to rest yet?” Yi Shu's voice held a hint of concern.
“I just went to see the Swampert; I’ll be right back,” Zhang Heng said.
“Alright, then hurry back and rest; you have to get up early tomorrow,” Yi Shu said.
Zhang Heng hung up the phone, turned and left the treatment room, and found a quiet wilderness, tightening the Poké Ball in his hand.
He tossed it into the sky, a white light streaked across, and Walking Wake appeared before him.
The rich Water-type energy around made Walking Wake very comfortable, and its guard was lowered considerably.
Zhang Heng sat quietly beside Walking Wake, his gaze fixed on the vast starry sky above.
Stars twinkled like brilliant gems embedded in the dark night sky, a breathtaking sight.
At this moment, time seemed to freeze; only the two of them and this endless universe were companions.
Walking Wake seemed to sense the tranquility in Zhang Heng's heart; it silently lowered itself, gently using its soft tail to shield Zhang Heng from the cold night wind.
This small gesture revealed a hint of its recognition and closeness to Zhang Heng.
In this quiet moment, a special connection was established between human and Pokémon.
They admired the beautiful starry sky together, enjoying each other's company.
And this emotional bond might become a solid pillar in their future adventures.
Zhang Heng looked deeply at Walking Wake and found that their intimacy had reached 60, which made him feel much lighter, as if he had found his sense of belonging in this world.
Zhang Heng believed that with ample preparation, tomorrow's expedition would proceed smoothly.
And could the nearly shattered Swamp Monster Clan seize this last chance at survival?
All answers would be revealed tomorrow...
— — — — — — — —
The next morning, the sun had not yet fully risen, and mist permeated the air, bringing a mysterious atmosphere to the entire city.
Dr. Chen Chunjiang and Chen Xue, along with four forest rangers, had already arrived early in the lobby of Building No. 1 of the Research Institute; their expressions were serious and exceptionally earnest.
At this time, Zhang Heng, Yi Shu, and Luo Hong also arrived shortly after, and their appearance slightly eased the somewhat tense atmosphere.
Dr. Chen Chunjiang looked at Zhang Heng and Yi Shu, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and said with a smile, “Xiao Heng, you came really early.
I thought you would arrive just in time as usual.”
Zhang Heng smiled and replied, “Being able to contribute to Huaguo is also something to be thankful for—thankful that I have the ability, and thankful that the country needs me.”
Dr. Chen Chunjiang nodded in satisfaction, then introduced the day's itinerary to everyone.
“In this operation, we will enter the heart of the Wilderness Area, an area that our researchers rarely enter because, deep within, the Water-type energy is more concentrated.
Not only will the wild Pokémon encountered be more powerful, but what’s even more concerning is that those wild Water-type Pokemon could reach Quasi-Champion or even Elite Four level.”
In this Pokémon world, the combat power of Pokémon has clear and strict standards.
According to their aptitude and potential, they can be divided into multiple levels.
First are the infant-level Pokémon; these little ones have just embarked on their growth journey, their strength is relatively weak, and their level is generally between 1-10;
Next are the ordinary-level Pokémon; they already possess a certain combat ability but still need to constantly strive to improve themselves, corresponding to a level range of 11-20;
Further up are the rare-level Pokémon; these rare species have learned to use their unique talents and skills and are usually in the 21-30 level stage;
Then there are the lord-level Pokémon; as overlords of a region, they possess powerful dominance, with levels between 31-40;
Gym level Pokémon represent the ace power of various Gyms, with extraordinary strength, corresponding to levels 41-50;
Quasi-Champion level Pokémon are the Superior of the Superior, qualified to challenge the Elite, with levels between 51-60;
Elite Four level Pokémon are at the pinnacle of existence in the world, with terrifying combat power, with levels between 61-70;
Quasi-Champion level Pokémon are just one step away from reaching the top, their strength can be called top-tier, corresponding to levels 71-80;
And Champion level Pokémon are true kings, possessing immense strength, with levels between 81-90;
Finally, Quasi-Master and Master level Pokémon are legendary existences; their strength has surpassed imagination, corresponding to levels 91-99 and 100 respectively.
For example!
The One-Eyed Marshstomp mentioned earlier has a Gym level potential aptitude, capable of reaching a maximum of level 41-50.
Its current level is 37, possessing Lord-level combat power, and has not yet reached its peak strength.
However, its peak can only reach Gym level, which is level 50.
Therefore, aptitude determines the height a Pokémon can reach, but aptitude does not represent its current actual combat ability.
Aptitude needs time and opportunity to grow and realize its potential.
Ou Yishu couldn't help but gasp, “Hiss… Elite Four?!
The Pokémon in this Wilderness Area actually possess such astonishing strength.”
Luo Hong, on the other hand, waved his hand dismissively and said, “Alright, alright, Old Chen, stop scaring the children.
Just talking won't lead to any results.”
With that, Luo Hong casually threw the Bastiodon's Heavy Ball towards Zhang Heng.
Zhang Heng steadily caught the Heavy Ball with one hand and held it.
Immediately after, Luo Hong patted Zhang Heng's shoulder and said, “This mission is just a piece of cake for Bastiodon.
Having it with you is enough to handle any situation.
I'll be waiting at the entrance for your triumphant return.” As soon as he finished speaking, Luo Hong turned around and left the scene with light steps.
He deeply understood Bastiodon's powerful strength and firmly believed that it would be able to protect Zhang Heng and Ou Yishu's safety.
At the same time, this was also an excellent opportunity for Zhang Heng to train himself and deal with different environments and crises.
Dr. Chen Chunjiang looked at Luo Hong without speaking; they seemed to have a deep friendship, after all, the address “Old Chen” would only be used with a certain level of familiarity.
After the small interlude, everyone began to do the final preparations.
Checking equipment, organizing luggage, everything proceeded in an orderly manner.
The forest rangers exchanged experiences with each other, discussing how to better complete this mission.
Zhang Heng silently observed everything around him, mentally preparing himself for the upcoming challenges.
When all preparations were complete, the group embarked on their journey to the location of the Swamp Monster Clan.
They carried responsibility and mission, determined to contribute their strength to protect these rare creatures.
On this morning, they set off towards the rising sun, full of confidence to face the unknown challenges.
The group arrived at the entrance of the Wilderness Area, and the Swampert had already removed its bandages and stood quietly, observing the group.
With a soft “creak,” the heavy five-meter-high gate of the Wilderness Area, forged from special metal, slowly opened.
Behind the gate, a lush, vibrant primeval forest scene unfolded before their eyes.
Green leaves swayed in the wind, as if beckoning to welcome them; sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows that added a touch of mystery to the land.
From the forest came the pleasant sound of gurgling water, like a symphony played by nature.
Crystal-clear streams meandered through, their ripples shimmering with translucent light.
Flowers and plants thrived by the stream, and colorful butterflies danced gracefully, a scene of tranquility and peace.
Dr. Chen took the lead, cautiously guiding everyone into this mysterious realm.
They trod on the soft earth, feeling the breath of the land and the rhythm of life.
Every step was filled with anticipation and reverence, as if they were entering the gateway to an unknown world.
Not far from the forest, a pair of ill-intentioned eyes were staring at the group... as if a fat stream of students at the elementary school gate were intently watching you as you walked out of school.