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

"Sizzle—hiss—"

The sharp sounds of high-temperature magma blades clashing fiercely with divine beast metal, mixed with the faint hiss of metal vaporization, echoed repeatedly in the vast and magnificent underground research institute, like an endless industrial concerto.

Zhang Heng stood quietly to one side, watching the two duck-billed fire beasts intently and almost mechanically repeat their cutting motions.

This process may seem simple and straightforward, but it actually requires extremely high precision in energy control and is incredibly tedious and complicated. It tests not only the Pokémon's power but also its amazing endurance and concentration.

"As expected of a Fire-type Pokémon with the 'Enthusiasm' ability, its stamina and focus are incredible..."

Zhang Heng couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, gaining a deeper understanding of the characteristics of drive.

"Thump...thump thump..."

Against this monotonous background of noise, a series of heavy, rhythmic footsteps approached from afar, attracting Zhang Heng's attention.

He turned his head and saw a peculiar "transportation team" slowly approaching from the other side of the research institute.

Leading the pack were two Bossdoras. They were massive and mountain-like, their silver-gray armor reflecting a cold, somber light under the overhead lamps.

At this moment, they are using their strong and powerful arms to steadily embrace several tightly sealed metal boxes. With each step they take, the solid alloy ground vibrates slightly.

Following closely behind was a nut-shaped dumbbell, which cleverly balanced a relatively small, precision instrument on its head, firmly supported by a flexible tentacle, while the other two tentacles alternately braced against the ground, moving forward in a slightly clumsy yet remarkably stable manner.

At the very end of the procession was an aluminum-steel dragon, equally enormous with a streamlined body that gleamed with the distinctive bluish-gray luster of aluminum steel.

It seemed to be in charge of bringing up the rear, its gaze steadily sweeping across the surroundings.

This scene, depicting Steel-type Pokémon working collaboratively with human researchers, each fulfilling their respective roles, is filled with a strange sense of harmony.

"Boom..."

Just then, a slight thud came from Zhang Heng's waist.

A flash of white light, and his partner—the Duraludon, which was noticeably smaller—jumped out of the Poké Ball on its own.

Its red eyes were fixed on the large aluminum-steel dragon at the end of the transport convoy, and its body leaned forward slightly.

The metal tail swayed gently, emitting a deep metallic hum that was a mixture of excitement, dependence, and affection.

Almost simultaneously, the large aluminum-steel dragon also suddenly stopped. It turned its head in disbelief, its gaze precisely locking onto the small aluminum-steel dragon next to Zhang Heng.

Its massive body trembled noticeably, and the supplies it was holding almost slipped from its arms, which it instinctively tightened its grip on.

It emitted a series of rapid, low sounds from its throat, like the grinding of old gears, yet carrying an indescribable gentleness.

No words are needed; the connection of blood, the intimacy born of the instinct for life, speaks for itself.

"Go."

Zhang Heng said softly, a knowing smile on his face.

Once given permission, the little aluminum-steel dragon immediately took off running towards the large aluminum-steel dragon.

The two aluminum-steel dragons, which were vastly different in size, quickly came together. The larger one carefully lowered its head and gently nudged the smaller one's head with its hard forehead, as if it were touching a fragile treasure.

The smaller one affectionately rubbed its cheek against its mother, its strong forelegs emitting a satisfied "gurgling" sound.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the dome, casting warm edges on their large and small, dark and light-colored metal bodies. The scene of them snuggling together was filled with a profound maternal love that transcended species and the joy of something lost and found.

Researcher Mo Tieshan also noticed this scene and cast a slightly surprised glance at it.

Zhang Heng explained at the right moment: "Elder Mo, my Duraludon is of the same lineage as the Duraludon family in the park. My father once mentioned that it hatched from a Pokémon egg found among a batch of Steel-type Pokémon."

His words were subtle, but they understood each other implicitly.

Upon hearing this, the serious lines on Old Master Mo's face softened considerably. He adjusted his glasses, looked at the large aluminum-steel dragon, and spoke with a gentle, human touch.

He said, "I see. Aluminum Steel Dragon, thank you for your hard work. Now that the child is here, why don't you take him to his habitat in the park to rest and catch up? The moving work here can be handed over to others for now."

Upon hearing this, the large aluminum-steel dragon's eyes immediately revealed immense gratitude. It lowered its head and let out a short, sincere cry to Elder Mo and Zhang Heng, as if expressing its thanks.

As a mother, the guilt she felt was indescribable.

Looking back, it had encountered that powerful human, Zhang Leiyuan, on the cargo ship. When he took away Xi Cui Nian Mei'er and the Aluminum Steel Dragon elf egg, he made a promise to their race.

It will provide a better environment and ensure that the mother and child will be reunited in the future.

Now, the promise has been kept.

It was able to make its home in this paradise, but it was never able to stay by its hatchling's side and witness its growth.

This regret and longing have finally found solace.

The little aluminum steel dragon also turned to look at Zhang Heng, its eyes filled with inquiry and expectation.

Zhang Heng smiled and waved: "Go on, have a good time with your mother, don't stay out too late, and remember to come back."

Having received the trainer's reaffirmation, the two Duraludon, one large and one small, rubbed against each other affectionately once more, then walked side by side toward the exit of the research institute, their heavy footsteps sounding much lighter now.

As he watched them leave, Zhang Heng's thoughts drifted in another direction.

He turned to Elder Mo and casually asked, "Elder Mo, you have been studying Steel-type Pokémon for many years. Have you heard of any new discoveries from the British League?"

"I think I've seen some informal discussions mentioning the possibility of further evolution for the Aluminum Steel Dragon race?"

Upon hearing this, Mo Tieshan's eyes flashed with surprise. He looked Zhang Heng over again and spoke with a hint of admiration in his tone.

He said, "Oh? I didn't expect that someone so young would not only be so capable, but also pay attention to such niche scientific research trends. Your information network is quite impressive."

"Indeed, several research groups in the UK have published related academic reports and put forward such conjectures, but so far, they are only at the 'conjecture' stage."

Zhang Heng was naturally well aware of this. In his original understanding, Duraludon had an evolved form called "Duraludon," which was a typical example of "young and promising" among all Pokémon.

However, in this world, the Pokémon evolution system seems to have encountered some unknown obstacles or differences, and the key may very well be the lack of that specific evolution item—composite metal.

Not wanting to reveal too much, he followed up on Elder Mo's words and asked in a curious and inquisitive tone, "Why have you been stuck in the conjecture stage? Have you encountered some insurmountable bottleneck?"