“No, this low-oxygen environment completely prevents me from thinking calmly.”
In such a low-oxygen environment deep underground, it was impossible for Zhang Heng to open his mind and think clearly. He felt like he was close to an answer, but something crucial seemed to be missing.
Zhang Heng was unsure whether to enter the Divine Beast Field, but the Magnemite army in the power station above was not something he could handle alone, and he didn't want to lose Zhu Zi, his newly made friend. So, he decided to enter the Divine Beast Field together.
Zhang Heng and Marshtomp walked to the Divine Beast Field, which was covered in surging deep blue electric-type energy. He first extended a hand to test it and found that he could easily pass through. The seemingly violent energy within the field actually had no destructive power.
Zhang Heng asked in confusion, “What’s going on? Before, the Water Blade Gang needed to use a combination of Z-Moves and a ground gem with powerful moves to break through Urshifu’s Divine Beast Field. Why is this Divine Beast Field… just for show?”
Immediately after, Zhang Heng’s entire body entered this Divine Beast Field. Within this space, a powerful Electric-type Pokémon had been guarding it. Its fur stood up like electrified spikes, blue light flickered in its eyes, and it stared intently at the intruder.
The moment Zhang Heng stepped in, his heart instantly leaped to his throat, and his footsteps instinctively halted. He was a bit confused about the situation.
Zhu Zi, however, was excited. He quickly stepped forward and said, “You’re here, Zhang Heng! I thought you wouldn’t dare to come in, haha.”
Zhang Heng’s eyes widened, and he looked at the massive Pokémon in surprise. But then, Zhu Zi extended his hand, and the Pokémon obediently lowered its head, rubbing its head against Zhu Zi’s palm with extreme affection.
Zhu Zi turned to Zhang Heng and explained, “This is Manectric, a Pokémon raised by my grandfather. It has been my playmate since childhood, so it’s very close to me. Don’t worry, it won’t attack you. After my grandfather’s sacrifice, it has been guarding this place for our family. This is also our first meeting after a long time.”
Zhang Heng began to examine the Pokémon. Manectric’s body was blue. It walked on four legs, and it had some yellow mane on top of its head and body. Its eyes were red. He then used his system ability to check it.
Pokémon Name: Manectric
Status: Weakened
Level: 81 (Champion-level combat power)
Tera Type: Electric
Ability: Minus (Hidden Ability)
Held Item: Manectric Mega Evolution ite – S-rank item
It was indeed a Champion-level Pokémon. The sheer oppressive presence of it just standing there made Zhang Heng feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, he came with Zhu Zi; otherwise, even a weakened Champion-level Pokémon would likely be too much for Zhang Heng and Walking Wake to handle.
Legend has it that Manectric’s dwelling is where lightning strikes, making it a very rare Electric-type Pokémon with extreme appeal to electric-type Trainers.
After Zhang Heng saw Manectric’s hidden ability, he understood why his father had always wanted to capture a Manectric.
Zhang Lei Yuan’s ace Pokémon, Ampharos, has the hidden ability Plus. Manectric has Minus. If these two Electric-type Pokémon, both proficient in special attacks, were to battle in a doubles match, with their Plus and Minus abilities activated, it would be like the two Toxtricity Zhang Heng encountered previously. Their special attack would be multiplied by 1.5 times.
Even if they encountered a Ground-type defensive strategy, their excellent move pool could handle it. If not, these two Pokémon are the only two Electric-type Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution. Both undergoing Mega Evolution would create an unimaginable level of strength.
Zhang Heng’s thoughts were jumbled, and he had been focusing on Manectric’s condition, but he then recalled Zhu Zi’s words and said, “Your family still possesses such a powerful Pokémon? Why did you fall to the point where your finances are somewhat strained?”
Zhu Zi looked at Zhang Heng and said, “Well, although we haven’t known each other for long, fighting alongside you feels great, and I feel like I’ve made a friend. This is a long story…”
As Zhu Zi recounted the tale, Zhang Heng’s thoughts returned to the chaotic modern history of the early days of the nation.
At that time, the world order had not yet been fully established. Many powerful nations stood, all eyeing our vast Chinese territories and territorial waters, while our China was in a period of reconstruction and development after internal strife.
Many excellent Trainers had tragically died during the internal conflicts, leading to a scarcity of talent in the early days of the nation. China had continuously conceded on issues of territory and territorial waters, unable to organize effective counterattacks.
Finally, with the support of a series of policies, China crowned its first generation of Champions from eight major regions through a national Tournament.
Under the leadership of these eight first-generation Champions, China not only forcefully reclaimed the territories and territorial waters occupied by the great powers but also severely cut off the extended hands of the aggressors, forming a confrontation with Western powers led by the United States.
However, international confrontations are now not merely battles between top Champion-level Trainers; sometimes, they are even contests between Divine Beasts.
And the contests are not even between the secondary legendary Pokémon or mythical Pokémon that can be captured, but rather those Pokémon with divine duties.
Human nations coexist with Pokémon, so every country, more or less, has certain Pokémon with divine duties residing within them.
These Pokémon with divine duties generally do not participate in human conflicts, but if one side destroys their habitat, they will strike with thunderous force.
Zhu Zi continued, “Before my grandfather’s campaign in India, he had a conflict with South Vietnam. At that time, he led his troops to forcefully reclaim the invaded territory and even directly entered their country, destroying all the previously supplied materials. However, along the way, he accidentally shattered the shrine of a certain Evil-type Pokémon.”
Zhang Heng seemed to be there himself, saying somewhat nervously, “The shrine of an Evil-type Pokémon? So, the troops were eventually attacked by this Pokémon?”
Zhu Zi nodded and continued, “That’s right. Although my grandfather’s main Pokémon were all Champion-level or above, and he also had quasi-Master-level Pokémon, in the face of these Pokémon with divine duties, they were completely helpless and could only passively endure attacks. My grandfather covered the retreat of the main forces, fighting and retreating, eventually returning to our country’s border.”
Zhang Heng said, “These Divine Beasts have no concept of human territorial boundaries, do they? And it’s an Evil-type Divine Beast; it only knows to kill all those who offend it.”
“Exactly. That Evil-type Divine Beast, like a demon, followed my grandfather, deeply penetrating into China’s territory, chasing him all the way from South Vietnam to Dian Province within the country. My grandfather, with his mortal body and six main Pokémon, continuously diffused the Evil-type Divine Beast’s attacks along the way.”
“Were there no reinforcements to assist?”
“Yes, they retreated while calling for assistance from the alliance, but our country’s territory is vast, and support couldn’t arrive instantly. Ultimately, it was another Divine Beast residing in Dian Province that came to my grandfather’s aid…”