This sudden turn of events left Zhang Heng stunned, as he stared blankly at the actions of the Swampert couple before him.
However, Zhang Heng had his own concerns. Although these two little ones had good aptitudes, they carried the hope of revitalizing their entire clan. He couldn't just satisfy his selfish desires like this…
It was Dr. Chen who interrupted Zhang Heng’s worries: “Xiao Heng, do you look down on the aptitudes of the Swamp Monster Clan? Or has your family prepared a starter Pokémon for you? Do you think Mudkip isn’t good enough for you?”
Upon hearing this, the expressions on the faces of the Swampert couple, who were standing nearby, instantly dimmed, and their originally bright eyes revealed a hint of sadness.
Zhang Heng looked at the Doctor beside him, then at the Swamperts, and quickly replied, “No, Doctor, it’s just…”
The Doctor continued, “It’s just that the Swamp Monster Clan is in decline, and you don’t want to take away their vital strength?”
Zhang Heng was taken aback, feeling as if the Doctor was leading him by the nose, and nodded blankly, “Exactly.”
The Doctor then replied, “But their clan is struggling even to survive; they no longer have the ability to nurture two excellent juniors at the same time. If they were to compete among themselves in the future, it would be another disaster. Sending one of them away might be the best choice for their development.”
After all, Dr. Chen was an expert in this Water-type Wilderness Area and had many of his own insights regarding wild Pokémon.
The knot in Zhang Heng’s heart was slowly being untied by the Doctor. The Doctor continued, “And you, whether by coincidentally saving the Swampert leader who was being hunted by a Bombirdier, or by treating the entire clan and assisting in the birth of the pregnant Swampert, you have deeply moved every member of the clan. Entrusting them to you is also their wish.”
Zhang Heng scratched his head, “But…”
The Doctor became a little annoyed, “But what? You’re taking advantage and still playing coy, do you think I can’t tell? Didn’t a wild Elite Four Pokémon move you earlier?”
Zhang Heng looked at the Doctor, “No, Doctor, you haven’t given me capture permission. If I take a Pokémon from the Wilderness Area, won’t I be arrested by the Pokémon Security Squad?!”
The Doctor chuckled in exasperation, “Alright, alright, playing hard to get, are we?! Then don’t take it. Just wait for other newcomers to choose.”
“No, Doctor, I’ll choose now!”
The Swampert couple, meanwhile, were happy for their child. The Swampert mother knew that Zhang Heng was the best choice, not only because of Zhang Heng’s unique Water-type affinity, but also because Zhang Heng had a Water-type divine beast. In the future, he would surely allow her child to see an even wider world.
Zhang Heng no longer hesitated. He took two steps forward, gently stroking the head of the newborn Mudkip with one hand and said, “Little one, you were born very quickly. You also received your parents’ love, so I won’t take you away from them. Go back to your parents.”
Then he scooped up the Poké Ball beside him with one hand and said, “You’re the one I choose!”
Now it was the Doctor and the Swampert couple who were a bit confused. Wait? He wasn’t choosing the Elite Four Mudkip next to him, but was insisting on choosing that egg. It’s not that this egg would be worse than the hatched one, but no one could be sure of the aptitude inside a Pokémon that hadn’t hatched yet.
The Doctor spoke, “Wait, Zhang Heng, I think I made myself clear just now. That newly hatched Mudkip has Elite Four aptitude. A starter Pokémon of this aptitude level is quite sought after even in the entire world. It’s hard to find even with a lot of money.”
Zhang Heng thought to himself, “Then my quasi-Champion Shinny starter Pokémon will surely become my iconic Pokémon as I travel this world?!”
But he said aloud, “Doctor, I’ve already made my decision.”
The Doctor still spoke again, “There’s no equipment here to test a Pokémon’s aptitude.”
Zhang Heng replied, “Doctor, I understand your concerns. I will be responsible for my choice.”
The Doctor shrugged helplessly. Perhaps young people all have their own ideas.
Zhang Heng then performed a series of checks and treatments on the newly delivered Swampert and the freshly hatched Mudkip. It wasn't until past midnight that he finally carried the Poké Ball and, dragging his tired body, headed towards the resting area in the camp.
Zhang Heng fell into a deep sleep, clutching the Poké Ball, his heart filled with anticipation. He knew that this egg would hatch a Pokémon with powerful aptitude, and he would also bear the responsibility of raising it. In the days to come, he would grow with this new life and together explore the mysteries of the Pokémon world.
The night passed without a word. The next morning, the sky gradually brightened. Today was also Zhang Heng’s fourth day in the Wilderness Area.
The Poké Ball, placed next to Zhang Heng’s pillow, began to shake, then rolled and hit Zhang Heng’s face.
“Ow.” Zhang Heng rubbed his nose, wincing in pain, and sat up from his sleeping bag. He looked back and realized the little one in the egg was acting up.
The eggshell was trembling slightly, as if the little one inside was restlessly tossing and turning, seemingly wanting to break free and burst out.
Zhang Heng used his Water-type affinity to gently stroke the smooth eggshell, calming the little one’s agitation. Then he carried the Poké Ball out of the tent.
Outside the camp, he found that the Mudkip born yesterday was already moving freely, following behind other Mudkip and mimicking the actions of other clan members quite accurately.
Zhang Heng began to use his system panel to observe the condition of the newborn little one.
Ding~
Pokémon Name: Mudkip (Healthy)
Level: 5
Zhang Heng: “Goodness, level five?! It went from level one to level five overnight. It’s already at the standard for traveling with a new Trainer. As expected, Elite Four aptitude means fast growth.”
Actually, the Poké Ball in his arms had already reached the hatching standard, but because its aptitude was even better, it needed to remain in the egg longer to stabilize its aptitude and fully absorb the power within.
The Doctor heard the noise outside the camp and also walked out from inside.
Zhang Heng, holding the egg, greeted him, “Good morning, Doctor.”
“Morning, Xiao Heng.”
The Doctor replied, then asked, “So, have you caught it yet?”
Zhang Heng: “Huh???”
The Doctor: “Hmm???”
Zhang Heng tentatively asked, “Can you catch it even if it hasn’t hatched yet?”
The Doctor looked at this young man, as if examining a rare species. Then he said, “This technology is already very mature. Perhaps you usually don’t come across it.”
“Do you have a Poké Ball on you?”
Zhang Heng took a love ball from his waist and handed it to the Doctor. “Will this do? This is the only empty Poké Ball I have on me.”
The Doctor was slightly surprised, “It can, but this ball is not common. It’s a limited edition made by a master craftsman under Ou’s. Are you sure you want to use it?”