A water-type trainer who specializes in dragon-type water.

At that time, the scientific research team was in a deadlock and had no way out.

The fundamental goal of this expedition into the wilderness was to find the Swampert population, completing the initial phase of the mission. However, the more important task was to find an ideal habitat where the Swampert population could reproduce and thrive.

Dr. Chen broke the silence: "We have finally found a Swampert tribe, and someone must stay behind to protect them. Whether it is poaching gangs like the Water Blade or harassment from other Pokémon tribes in the wilderness, the current Swampert tribe has no way to deal with it. But we seem to be being targeted..." The atmosphere suddenly felt heavy.

Chen Xue took over Dr. Chen's words and said, "So our best approach now is to split up. Some people will guard the camp, while the others will go to the island in the middle of the lake to find a habitat."

Zhang Heng: "Why haven't reinforcements arrived? With our current manpower, we're struggling to withstand the pressure from the poaching gangs, find habitats, and protect the Swampert population."

Zhang Heng was puzzled. The Pokémon Research Institute had gone to great lengths to create a suitable habitat, even negotiating a deal with Ou Yishu's family to obtain S-rank ground gems. Why were there so few reinforcements? There was even a traitor who was leaking information and hiring the Water Blade Group to target the research team.

Suddenly, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward and uncomfortable, and no one was in a hurry to speak. Ou Yishu, noticing Chen Xue's eyes dimming slightly, nudged Zhang Heng with her elbow, signaling him to stop discussing the topic.

After all, Chen Chunjiang has been famous for a long time, and he is relatively calm and composed when facing many things.

With a hint of helplessness in his voice, he said, "Research also has different factions. I tend to favor the conservative faction that allows Pokémon to grow naturally in the wild. Of course, there are also those who are eager to achieve quick results by breeding rare Pokémon in the park."

Zhang Heng probably understood the key point and said, "So they want to change the inherent model of the Wild Area, eliminate most of the Pokémon with poor qualifications, and only raise rare Pokémon?"

Dr. Chen nodded slightly, confirming his correctness. He continued, "Currently, Blastoise, Croaker, Squidward, and Seahorse in this watery wilderness area are the rarest and most sought-after Pokémon, making them prime targets for captive breeding."

After hearing this, Zhang Heng also understood that the Swampert group was the abandoned group. Although it was one of the three starter water-type Pokémon along with Blastoise and Croaker, it was the perfect starting Pokémon for a new trainer.

As mentioned earlier, due to the lack of Ground-type Pokémon in this Wild Area, the dual-ground and water-type Pokémon from the Swampert clan were not very promising and were therefore not highly sought after. Furthermore, the training and raising costs were significantly higher than those of the single-water-type Blastoise, Tyranitar, and the potentially powerful Squirtle, so they were abandoned.

Zhang Heng thought, "It seems the authorities or other researchers at the institute are dissatisfied with Dr. Chen's research, sparking a factional struggle."

Chen Chunjiang continued, "Okay, for now, your and Yishu's mission ends here. You've come to rescue the Swampert tribe, and you've done a great job. Don't worry about finding a habitat; we'll take care of the rest. I'll also complete what I promised you."

Bang! With a flash of white light, Dr. Chen released the Flashing Big Monster, ready to use instant teleportation to leave, make preparations, and arrange manpower.

Zhang Heng raised his eyebrows and looked at Chen Chunjiang and his daughter. He said solemnly, "Two doctors, when it comes to saving Pokémon, I'm on the same page with you. As someone from a medical family, I can't and won't let Pokémon fend for themselves. I'm not one to stick with the status quo. I only do things for the sake of understanding my thoughts and never regret anything. Please treat me as a member of the team and assign tasks to me."

Hearing Zhang Heng's statement, Dr. Chen once again recognized this 17-year-old young man. Yishu, having been repeatedly surprised, was no longer immune to it. Zhang Heng was no longer the trouble-making rich boy, but a responsible man. Chen Xue's eyes lit up.

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Luo Hong leaned against the moonstone that was emitting strange fluctuations, hiding his body and breath, and secretly observed Zhang Heng from a nearby stone mountain.

Luo Hong made a call and the call went through. "It seems Xiao Heng wants to accompany the research team to the island, and he's very determined."

The man on the other side thought silently for a moment and said, "Let him go. If I stop him, it will defeat the original purpose of letting him go out to gain experience. The authorities should send people to the island soon."

Luo Hong: "Are the guys on the island coming out?"

Opposite party: "There is no definite news yet..."

Luo Hong: "It seems I still need to go to the island in advance and clear some obstacles..."

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On the research team's side, as they were about to set off, Zhang Heng conducted another detailed inspection of the giant swampert tribe.

Finally, we checked to see which one it was, a pregnant female Swampert.

Zhang Heng narrowed his eyes and used the system's ability to check the fetus in the belly. He saw a light pink egg already formed in the giant swamp monster's belly, and it should be born within a week.

Zhang Heng was stunned. Wait! A light pink eggshell? That's...

At this moment, Yi Shu suddenly interrupted Zhang Heng's thoughts and said, "Zhang Heng, have you checked it out? It's time for us to set off!"

Zhang Heng: "Oh, okay, right there." He agreed, his gaze still fixed on Swampert's belly. Then, concentrating, he used his water affinity to try to establish a tenuous connection with the Pokémon egg within. This way, he could gain a deeper understanding of the fetus's condition.

The group arrived at the lake's edge, watching the sunlight shimmer across the surface, creating a shimmering effect like a golden veil covering the water. A gentle breeze blew, bringing fresh air and a joyful mood. The lake was as calm as a mirror, reflecting the sky and the surrounding scenery. From time to time, a Magikarp leaped from the water, sending up a splash that brought a touch of life and energy to the surface.

This time, a total of five people embarked on the journey to the lake island. They were Chen Chunjiang, Chen Xue, Zhang Heng, and two other highly skilled scientific researchers. These two were experienced, agile, and had a keen sense of danger. Their presence enhanced the team's combat effectiveness and preparedness for emergencies.

Each of them carried a heavy equipment bag filled with various experimental instruments and research materials.

At Chen Chunjiang's signal, a researcher pulled a dazzlingly bright Poké Ball—the Ultra Ball—from his waistband. He pressed a button, and a brilliant white light flashed, followed by a deafening roar: "Bang!"

Amidst the turbulent waves, a gigantic, jaw-dropping Pokémon slowly emerged. Standing nearly three meters tall and weighing approximately 180 kilograms, its immense bulk towered over the lake like a mountain—a Howler!

With its huge body, the lake surface suddenly raised a surge of surging waves, like a powerful torrent, violently slamming against the shore of the island in the middle of the lake. This is a riding Pokémon raised by the research institute, used for daily outdoor research, and has weak combat capabilities.

The five people climbed onto the back of the whale one by one, waved to their companions, and the whale began to swim towards the center of the lake.

They carefully avoided places where danger might be hidden on the lake, and at the same time remained vigilant and kept an eye on the movements around them. Every step was filled with caution and care to ensure that no potential crisis would be triggered.