The sun rose, golden sunlight pierced the sky, slowly spreading across the land, and the sea surface shimmered with layers of sparkling light.
Jiang Mo stood at the bow, his gaze sharp, fixed on Tan Shan Island gradually appearing in the distance.
The island's outline became clearer, rugged mountains intertwined with dense jungle, and the faint sound of rocks crashing against waves carried a primitive aura.
"Finally here..."
Jiang Mo murmured, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
As the sun rose, everything seemed to enter a new phase.
He turned and gave orders to Lingxi and the other members: "Full speed ahead, reach the target location!"
The ship's engine started again, rapidly approaching the island's coastline.
Gradually, the island's form became clearer and clearer, and the surrounding waters appeared unusually calm, as if the stillness of this sea area complemented the isolation of Tan Shan Island.
The ship finally slowly approached the island's beach, and Jiang Mo led the Dawn members ashore.
Tan Shan Island's coastline was desolate and quiet, with no traces of human activity around.
Some shells and seaweed were scattered on the beach, a gentle breeze carried the salty taste of seawater, and a chilling aura permeated the air.
The island looked barren, as if isolated from the world, no wonder Dr. Bulano chose to establish a research base here.
Jiang Mo's gaze swept around, not surprised to find that communication with the outside world was almost cut off here.
The island was hidden and far from the Divine Land region, yet it allowed for convenient transportation of raw materials, indeed an ideal research base.
"It certainly looks like a secluded place."
Lingxi stood beside Jiang Mo, whispering, her eyes scanning the surroundings warily.
"This Dr. Bulano is truly shrewd, choosing a place almost unknown to anyone."
"Yes." Jiang Mo nodded, his gaze deep.
"However, a secluded place doesn't necessarily mean safety. The North America Alliance's supplies to Dr. Bulano have been cut off for many days, and we don't know if he's still alive now."
"Search carefully, find him as soon as possible!" Jiang Mo commanded.
The Dawn members quickly began searching the island. Jiang Mo led Lingxi, Bing Meng, and Chen Jiaxing ahead, clutching their Poké Balls, ready to deal with any sudden situations.
The island's interior was far more complex than its exterior, with dense jungle and rugged terrain.
Occasionally, a few wild Pokémon moved at the edge of their vision, seemingly unafraid of human presence.
"Watch your surroundings." Jiang Mo reminded, "This place isn't as simple as it looks."
Lingxi followed closely, a slight smile on her lips: "If Dr. Bulano is really here, he must have been prepared. We just need to follow their traces of life to find him."
They hadn't walked long before they discovered several suspected traces of artificial facilities.
Trees in some areas had been cut down, revealing flat stone slabs, clearly prepared for building something.
Jiang Mo's steps paused, he narrowed his eyes slightly, and looked up at the distant mountains.
"Go there."
He pointed to a mountain hidden in the forest.
"The place we're going should be somewhere near there."
Everyone no longer delayed and began to go deeper into the island along a hidden path.
The environment on the island became increasingly desolate, far from human traces.
Suddenly, a slight rustle caught Jiang Mo's attention. He waved for the team to stop.
The surroundings instantly quieted down, and Jiang Mo's gaze locked onto a patch of jungle ahead.
Suddenly, a blurry figure flashed, quickly disappearing from sight.
A sharp glint flashed in Jiang Mo's eyes, and he immediately scanned with the game panel.
The data on the panel flickered, making his heart tighten—it was an Excadrill, and its level had reached Gym Leader Class peak!
This was even more difficult to deal with than the Gyarados and Blastoise they had just faced.
What was even more unsettling was that the Excadrill's eyes, as it stared at them, were full of hostility, as if it was ready to attack at any moment.
Jiang Mo's expression was solemn, and he immediately gave the command: "Prepare for battle! This guy is not easy to deal with!"
With a wave of his hand, he summoned his Pupitar and Goomy.
Lingxi quickly released her Fraxure and Shelgon, while Bing Meng brought out Ninetales and Lapras. Chen Jiaxing also unhesitatingly released Typhlosion and Ursaring.
"It's strong, we need to be careful, get ready to attack!" Jiang Mo commanded in a low voice, his eyes fixed on the Excadrill's movements.
The Excadrill was clearly ready. Suddenly, it burst out of the ground, using Drill Run, and lunged at them.
Jiang Mo didn't hesitate, immediately instructing Pupitar to use Sandstorm to create confusion, while having Goomy use Harden to increase its defense.
Lingxi also commanded Fraxure to use Dragon Dance to enhance its own strength, and Shelgon quickly used Iron Defense to strengthen its own defense.
"Bang!"
Goomy and Shelgon teamed up to block the Excadrill's Drill Run.
Seizing this opportunity, Bing Meng immediately had Ninetales and Lapras both use Psybeam, attempting to lock down the Excadrill's movements.
"Typhlosion, use Flamethrower! Ursaring, use Brick Break!" Chen Jiaxing commanded calmly.
The Excadrill was very calm. One Rock Slide immediately neutralized all attacks, and at the same time, it used Swords Dance, strengthening its own attack.
"Haunter, use Night Shade!"
"Koujie!"
Seeing the Excadrill powering up with Swords Dance, Jiang Mo immediately had Haunter, who had been hiding in the shadows, interrupt its Swords Dance.
Under Haunter's Night Shade attack, the Excadrill clearly felt immense pain and pressure, and its whole body trembled violently.
The fury in the Excadrill's eyes intensified. It let out a low growl, suddenly mustered all its strength, and unleashed a powerful Earthquake.
The surrounding ground began to tremble violently, and the Earthquake waves rapidly spread, forcing Fraxure and Shelgon, who were standing closer, to quickly maintain stable positions to avoid being shaken off balance.
"Everyone be careful!" Jiang Mo shouted loudly, hastily instructing Pupitar to also use Earthquake, attempting to mitigate the impact of the Earthquake waves.
The Excadrill's resistance did not stop. It began to gather surrounding rocks and soil, releasing powerful energy around its body, and once again used Rock Slide.
"It's coming!" Lingxi immediately reminded.
The Excadrill erupted with a burst of intense power. Dozens of huge rocks quickly condensed around its body, and with its strength, it hurled them towards Jiang Mo and his group.
"Now, attack him together!" Jiang Mo shouted loudly.
Pupitar, Goomy, and the other Pokémon immediately unleashed a barrage of moves at the Excadrill.
At the same time, just as the Excadrill was about to throw these rocks at Jiang Mo and his group, Haunter quietly moved behind it and once again used Mean Look.
This time, a black aura like vines quickly wrapped around the Excadrill's entire body, instantly immobilizing it.
Although it was only for a brief moment, it successfully caused all the rocks to collapse in mid-air and fall to the ground with a crash.