When the group drove through the thick smoke and finally arrived at the riverside campsite, the scene before them made their hearts tighten.

A layer of gray smoke hung over the camp, and the air was filled with the smell of burnt wood and ashes.

The once peaceful camp was now in chaos. Five or six people in special operations uniforms, covered in dust and dirt, were busy using the medical tools left behind by Li Hao to give emergency treatment to the injured and unconscious Pokémon.

The special agents moved somewhat clumsily, but their expressions were extremely focused, and they kept repeating phrases they had learned from the live broadcast: "Disinfect...bandage...don't touch the wound directly..."

A young female team member was cleaning the wound of a Bobo with clumsy but earnest movements, while another team member was trying to apply ointment to a burned Rattata. Although their movements were awkward, their dedication was evident.

The scenery along the stream is even more breathtaking.

Under Growlithe's command, dozens of small Pokémon formed a makeshift firefighting team.

Several mosquito tadpoles and Marill lined up and kept using the "water gun" attack on the approaching flames. Although each water jet was not very powerful, they gathered together to form a water curtain, which barely slowed down the spread of the fire.

Lada frantically dug at the soil with its claws, trying to create a barrier.

The walking grasses use their leaves to carry water from the stream. Although the efficiency is extremely low, they form long lines and pass the water from leaf to leaf, managing to deliver a small amount of water to the front lines.

The mushrooms then shake off spores with restorative effects from behind, providing support to the Pokémon "fighting" on the front lines.

......

It was these Pokémon's spontaneous, seemingly insignificant efforts, combined with the natural barrier of the stream, that barely managed to contain the flames that were spreading to the edge of the camp on the other side, preserving this small, peaceful place.

"They...are trying to save themselves?" Ye Aiguo looked at the scene with disbelief in his voice.

Lin Dao pushed open the car door, and a wave of scorching air rushed in, carrying the acrid smell of burning vegetation.

Seeing Lin Dao and Li Hao jump out of the car, the Growlithe immediately turned its head, its eyes gleaming with joy and eagerness. It rushed over, rubbing its head against Lin Dao's leg and whimpering pitifully and anxiously.

"You've had a tough time, Growlithe." Lin Dao crouched down and quickly checked its injuries. He was relieved to find that it was alright.

Almost simultaneously, the roar of rotors filled the air.

Several military helicopters appeared overhead and dropped several professional firefighting equipment and supply boxes.

Following closely behind, more military off-road vehicles and fire trucks drove in along the route they had come from, and fully armed soldiers and professional firefighters quickly got out of their vehicles and took over the firefighting work.

High-pressure water jets gushed out, professional fire extinguishing bombs were thrown into the fire, and well-trained human forces joined in, quickly extinguishing the last remaining flames near the camp.

However, everyone knew that this was only temporary.

As long as the deafening explosions and terrifying roars deep in the forest continue, and as long as the billowing smoke continues to rise, new ignition points will arise at any time, and even greater dangers are still approaching.

Lin Dao had no time for reflection or rest.

He immediately devoted himself to treating the injured Pokémon.

He first quickly surveyed the area, using the Arceus phone to scan and confirm the injuries and types of each Pokémon, then loudly instructed the special agents and the newly arrived medics present:

"That walking grass is both grass and poisonous. After rinsing the burn with clean water, apply a cooling herbal ointment. Do not use any irritating ointments!"

"Mushrooms are fungi. If the cap is cracked, keep it dry. Gently cover it with sterile gauze and wait for its spores to repair the damage!"

"Lily Root Doll is a pure grass-type creature. It's dehydrated, so give it clean water, preferably stream water containing trace minerals!"

"That little Rattata was just startled and suffered minor injuries; the main thing is to soothe it!"

His instructions were clear and decisive, displaying unquestionable professionalism.

The rescuers, who were initially at a loss, immediately found their direction and followed the instructions.

The injured Pokémon, after their initial wariness, gradually relaxed when they saw Growlithe following closely behind Lindo and felt the peace and concern in his words, allowing the human to help treat their wounds.

Just as Lin Dao had finished treating a group of wounded and was about to ask Growlithe about the situation, the Kangaskhan, who had been quietly guarding the corner of the camp, suddenly let out a rapid growl.

The little marsupial broke free from its embrace, trotted quickly to the forest path, stretched out its tiny paws and tightly gripped his trouser leg, pointing with its other hand towards the direction where the thickest smoke was in the depths of the forest, anxiously calling out incessantly, "Eeya, eeya."

Lin Dao's heart sank suddenly.

He quickly scanned the camp: Oddish, Mushroom, Lilyroot, Growlithe, Kangaskhan mother and baby... wait, two of the most lively figures were missing!

"Where are Pichu and Zigzagoon?" Lin Dao immediately asked Growlithe.

The Growlithe barked anxiously, sniffing the air hard, then barked wildly into the depths of the forest, its tail thumping impatiently on the ground.

Li Hao, who was standing nearby, also realized what was happening, his face turning pale: "Brother Lin! Pichu and Zigzagoon are gone! The Kangaskhan said they ran into the forest?"

"It seems so." Lin Dao's heart sank further.

He looked towards the heart of the forest, where explosions and roars still echoed in the distance—the area where the Salamence were most active.

"We have to go in and find them. And the root cause of the Salamence's rampage must be found and resolved, otherwise this fire will never end." He crouched down and patted Growlithe's head. "Can you track down Pichu and Zigzagoon's scent?"

Growlithe sniffed the air hard, and despite the thick smoke, it still keenly detected the familiar scent.

It called out towards the depths of the forest, its tail held firmly upright.

"Mr. Lin Dao," Ye Aiguo, who had been closely watching the situation, stepped forward with a solemn expression, "My bodyguard Xiao Wang and I will go in with you."

"We need to have firsthand information, and having two more people means more support. Our communication equipment also allows us to stay in touch with the outside world at any time."

Lin Dao looked at the soldier.

Ye Aiguo's eyes were firm, showing no sign of backing down.

Lin Dao understood that this incident had exceeded his personal capabilities, and he needed help, whether it was to find Pichu and the others or to deal with Salamence.

"Okay," Lin Dao nodded. "But once we're in the forest, you'll be under my command. Dealing with Pokémon, especially in this situation, could be fatal with any misjudgment."

"Understood." Ye Aiguo replied without hesitation, turning to his guard, Xiao Wang, and said, "Check the equipment and bring the emergency communication devices. Notify the command center that we will be advancing into the fire area and request real-time satellite support."

"Okay." Lin Dao nodded. "Li Hao, you stay here and help take care of the wounded in the camp and coordinate subsequent rescue efforts."

"Brother Lin! I..." Li Hao tried to argue.

"The camp needs people," Lin Dao interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Many Pokémon here know you and trust you. Your mission is also very important."

Looking into Lin Dao's unwavering gaze, and then at the chaotic camp and the helpless Pokémon around them, Li Hao gritted his teeth and nodded: "...You must be careful! You must bring Pichu and Zigzagoon back!"

Without another word, Lin Dao led the way with his Growlithe, followed closely by Ye Aiguo and his guard Xiao Wang, each carrying a rifle equipped with observation equipment. The four of them and the dog quickly left the relatively safe edge of the camp and, following the scent tracked by the Growlithe, resolutely plunged into the smoke-filled, perilous depths of the forest.

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