“That’s a Pokémon with an owner; we can’t capture it.” Hearing Dr. Qiu’s words, Zhang Heng realized he had misunderstood something.
Zhang Heng then explained, “No, Uncle Qiu, there should be a certain Electric-type Pokémon item here that would greatly enhance my father’s Ampharos.”
Dr. Qiu replied, “Try not to pay attention to that Electric-type Pokémon. Its electricity constantly reverberates throughout the entire prison, and it monitors every move within the prison. Any internal rebellion or external threat will be immediately suppressed by it.”
Zhang Heng was in a difficult situation. After entering this prison, he had no ideas because the security was too strict.
He shared his thoughts, saying, “Based on my hypothesis, the place capable of nurturing powerful electric-type items should be relatively close to this Electric-type Pokémon. If there’s an opportunity, I’d like to explore it. Uncle Qiu, you mentioned this Pokémon has an owner; do you know any information about it?”
Dr. Qiu’s thoughts were pulled back to the 1970s and 80s by Zhang Heng’s question. In his childhood memories, there was a hero who, despite not being physically imposing, carved out immortal achievements in the long river of time with extraordinary wisdom, fearless courage, and deep love for the country.
Zhang Heng saw Dr. Qiu lost in thought and didn’t dare to disturb him, just waited quietly by the side.
Dr. Qiu snapped back to reality, looking at Zhang Heng’s direct and knowledge-seeking gaze. He couldn’t help but feel a little awkward, clenching his hand into a fist and placing it over his mouth, letting out a light cough.
“Cough, getting old always makes one nostalgic. Xiao Heng, do you know which provinces are included in the Southwest region?”
“The Southwest region? It should be the four provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Tibet, as well as the Fog City.”
Dr. Qiu nodded and continued, “That’s right. The Southwest region is rich in resources and has a mineral resource base. The environment is very suitable for the growth of Steel-type and Rock Pokémon. Therefore, under the advantageous regional environment, the first Southwest Champion was born—Mr. Jiang Yonggang, who excels in Steel-type Pokémon.”
When Dr. Qiu said this, his eyes were filled with fanaticism and admiration. Perhaps figures who struggled through that difficult era all possess a profound power of faith.
“Mr. Jiang, I know him. He is one of the first Champions of the eight major regions, a very powerful Steel-type Champion Trainer. But what does he have to do with the Electric-type Pokémon in this prison?”
As Zhang Heng spoke, his eyes also showed enthusiasm, but it wasn’t the fanaticism of following a pioneer; rather, it was a passion for Steel-type Pokémon. Compared to Water and Dragon, he actually wanted to become a Steel-type Trainer more…
Qiu didn’t pay attention to Zhang Heng’s question but spoke to himself, “Mr. Jiang’s ace Pokémon are Gholdengo and Magnezone.”
Like a bolt from the clear sky, ideas flowed through Zhang Heng’s mind, and he thought, “Holy crap, Hua Country actually has Gholdengo! Why wasn’t it mentioned in the original owner’s memory? I can’t even imagine how powerful I’d be if I had Gholdengo.”
Gholdengo is Pokémon number 1000, with full prestige, possessing the divine ability Good as Gold. Its body, made of gold, is immune to all status moves from other Pokémon, and it also has its exclusive powerful Steel-type move, Make It Rain.
It can be said that it is a T0-level existence among Steel-type Pokémon, with excellent effects whether for offense or defense.
Hmm? Zhang Heng, who suddenly came to his senses, seemed to have connected it to other possibilities.
He said, “No, Dr. Qiu, did you say Magnezone? Could it be that the Pokémon guarding this prison is the Southwest Champion’s Pokémon—Magnezone?! Champion Jiang and Magnezone aren’t already…”
Dr. Qiu continued to recall those glorious years, saying, “That’s right, the Champion has sacrificed himself. Back then, Mr. Jiang was stationed in the Tibetan region, where herdsmen were constantly harassed by other neighboring countries, who plundered many Tauros, Bouffalant, Miltank, and other livestock resources from Hua Country, always eyeing our territory. Champion Jiang defied all opposition and led a team to Sucker Punch India.”
Zhang Heng also knew about this battle. India was forced to turn an invasion into a capital defense battle.
It is said that Mr. Jiang used a team of Aggron as a vanguard to clear the way, a squad of Bronzong as long-range artillery, and special drones composed of Magnemite and Magnezone.
This extremely advanced integrated air-ground tactical system, using a steel torrent composed of Steel-type Pokémon, utterly shattered India’s defense system.
They pushed straight to India’s capital, thoroughly humiliating it, but did not occupy the neighboring country’s capital. Instead, they retreated back to their country, delivering a powerful deterrent while still preserving its last shred of dignity.
Dr. Qiu sighed and continued, “However, during the retreat, upon reaching our country’s border, they were ambushed by India and other countries’ Champions. To cover the army’s retreat, he and all six of his Pokémon fought four Champion Trainers alone, slaying two enemy Champions and severely wounding one. He ultimately ordered Magnezone to use Explosion, sacrificing himself heroically, leaving no remains.”
Although Zhang Heng had transmigrated from another world, the patriotic sentiments of these great figures are always worth praising.
“Most of the Magnemite drones currently used by the Hua Country Alliance are descendants of Champion Jiang’s Magnezone. Finally, when Champion Jiang’s descendants sorted through his belongings, they found a will that had been written long ago. He hoped his descendants would change their names to avoid retaliation, and he also hoped his remaining Pokémon could guard various fortresses in Hua Country, exerting their last bit of warmth.”
Dr. Qiu’s expression was moved, yet also regretful, as he finished narrating the entire story, which also gave Zhang Heng a deeper understanding of the true value of the first Champion.
Zhang Heng then asked, “So this Pokémon guarding the prison is one of the Magnezone that inherited the Champion’s will?!”
Dr. Qiu first nodded and then shook his head, saying, “It is, or it isn’t. The Pokémon species cannot be confirmed. But what is certain is that it is the Southwest First Champion’s Pokémon.”
This was troublesome. He didn’t expect the Electric-type Pokémon guarding the prison to be the First Champion’s Pokémon. Zhang Heng didn’t think he had the strength to contend with it, let alone seize the it from its grasp.
Dr. Qiu continued, “It is rumored that where his Pokémon guard, the secret to Gimmighoul evolving into Gholdengo might be preserved. However, within Hua Country, only the Champion’s descendants possess Gimmighoul.”
Zhang Heng wasn’t interested. Not to mention whether he knew how to evolve Gimmighoul, due to the system’s existence, he couldn’t capture a pure Ghost-type Gimmighoul, let alone evolve it.
He then asked the question he cared about most, saying, “Do you know its location?”
Dr. Qiu stomped his foot, saying it all without words.