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As night deepened, the campsite gradually quieted down.

Most people were already asleep, but Lin Dao was wide awake.

He left the camp alone and walked into the depths of the forest under the moonlight.

His footsteps were light, startling several supersonic bats that had just settled nearby. They flapped their wings and flew into the deeper darkness.

After walking for about twenty minutes, he arrived at a secluded clearing backed by a cliff. This was the temporary nest chosen by the Salamence, far from the camp, yet within each other's perception range.

The Flying Dragon was not asleep. When it saw Lin Dao arrive, it raised its head. There was no hostility in its eyes, only deep contemplation.

"I'm going to the city tomorrow," Lin Dao communicated in a way that Pokémon could understand.

"I'll go and talk to human decision-makers. I'll propose establishing protected areas, enacting conservation laws, and promoting Poké Ball technology, but only on the premise of respecting voluntary participation."

The Salamence let out a low growl, as if asking: And then what?

"And then..." Lin Dao looked at the faintly glowing egg, "Your child will be born in this forest. Whether it chooses to stay or travel far away in the future, I hope it can live in a world where humans and Pokémon understand each other."

He took out the last Emerald Ball and placed it on the ground: "This is not a request, but an invitation and a request. I need your power for now."

"If you're willing, this ball represents our contract. I promise to fight for a better future for all Pokémon; and you can witness this process in any way you feel is appropriate."

The Flying Dragon stared at the ball, then looked at Lin Dao.

Under the moonlight, a man and a dragon gazed at each other silently.

Finally, Salamence stretched out its front claw and gently touched the Poké Ball with the tip of its claw.

The ball was launched. A red light enveloped the enormous dragon's body.

The sphere shook violently and emitted air before finally landing steadily.

Successful.

Lin Dao picked up the ball and could sense that the Salamence had not entered a deep rest, but rather maintained a clear awareness.

This isn't about subduing it; it's about the Flying Dragon temporarily trusting Lin Dao.

Lin Dao carefully fastened the Poké Ball to the special buckle around his waist.

When he returned to the camp, He Zhong was waiting for him outside the tent.

"Flying Dragon..." He Zhong hesitated, wanting to say something but stopping himself.

"It made a choice," Lin said calmly. "It made a covenant. This ball is not a constraint, but a token."

He Zhong gave Lin Dao a deep look, then nodded and said, "I will report this truthfully. Also, you need to prepare a speech for the awarding ceremony. What would you like to say?"

Lin Dao looked up at the night sky. The stars twinkled, and the starlight from both worlds shone exceptionally bright at that moment.

"I want to say," he said softly, "that the bridge is now up. Now, it's time to invite people to cross it."

After daybreak, the campsite became busy.

Lin Dao and Li Hao quickly packed their belongings.

Growlithe, Kangaskhan, Pichu, and Zigzagoon gathered around, seemingly aware that Lindao was about to leave temporarily.

Lin Dao squatted down and stroked them one by one, whispering, "Guard the home, help the rescue team, I'll be back soon."

The Growlithe rubbed against his hand, its eyes calm and reliable.

The military off-road vehicles arranged by He Zhong were already waiting at the starting point of the newly opened road.

Lin Dao only brought the Green Poké Ball that had captured Salamence this time.

Li Hao also brought his own, which contained a snake-patterned bear. The little guy had heard that they were going to the city to "see the world" and had asked to come along.

The vehicle started and drove onto a road that had clearly been recently cleared.

Although the vegetation on both sides of the road is still lush, it is kept at a certain distance from the road surface.

He Zhong, sitting in the passenger seat, looked out the window and said, "Thanks to the 'Plant Growth Inhibitor' formula you provided, and Salamence helping to disperse those large Pokémon that were entrenched on the old highway, we were able to open up this lifeline connecting Rongcheng's main urban area so quickly."

His tone was filled with emotion: "Now, Rongcheng is the first major city in the country to have basically restored its main road traffic."

"The research department is working hard to restore the high-speed rail line as soon as possible. Once successful, Rongcheng, as an inland transportation hub, will be able to quickly connect with surrounding cities, forming a recovery zone and radiating to drive the reconstruction of order throughout the entire southwest region."

Looking out the window at the rapidly receding scenery, Lin Dao said softly, "This isn't just my achievement."

"Without the tireless efforts of countless engineers and researchers, without the government's decisive decisions and coordination, and without people like you on the front lines to carry out and protect them, even the best formula and the most advanced concepts would be nothing more than empty talk."

The vehicle moved smoothly and quickly.

About an hour later, the city's outline appeared on the horizon.

When the off-road vehicle passed the last forest checkpoint and officially entered the outskirts of Rongcheng, the scene before them made Lin Dao and Li Hao slightly stunned.

The roadside was packed with people.

They did not crowd in a chaotic manner, but stood orderly behind the designated area under the organization of police and volunteers.

Men, women, young and old, from all walks of life were present. When they saw the military vehicles with special markings approaching, a suppressed uproar of excitement erupted from the crowd.

"It's Lin Dao's car!"

"Here it comes!"

"Teacher Lin! Look this way!"

Thank you!

"Wow, it really is him! He's even more handsome than in the live stream!"

Countless eyes were focused on the car window; many people were taking pictures with their phones, while others simply used their gazes to express complex emotions such as curiosity, gratitude, and anticipation.

Li Hao was somewhat at a loss, while Lin Dao rolled down the car window and waved to the crowd outside, which drew an even bigger cheer.

Many figures were also peering out from behind the windows of the buildings along the way.

Across the country, many more people watched this scene through television and online live streams.

The official media unusually provided live coverage of the entire process of this entry into the city.

The vehicle, escorted by police motorcycles, slowly drove into the city center and finally stopped in front of a solemn and dignified auditorium.

The area around the auditorium had been cleared, and a red carpet stretched from the bottom of the steps all the way to the entrance, flanked by honor guards standing at attention with guns in hand and impeccable military bearing.

The sunlight shone on their epaulets and firearms, reflecting a dazzling light.

Wang Zhao, an elderly man with gray hair and a sprightly spirit, was already waiting at the end of the red carpet with several high-ranking officials.

When Lin Dao and Li Hao got out of the car, Commander Wang Zhao took a few steps forward, extended his hands, and shook hands firmly with each of them. His hands were warm and strong.

"Mr. Lin Dao, Mr. Li Hao, welcome. On behalf of the country and the people, I thank you for everything you have done."

Chief Wang Zhao's voice was loud and clear, carrying the gentleness and sincerity of an elder.

His gaze lingered on Lin Dao's face for a moment, his admiration undisguised.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Chief Wang Zhao personally led the two onto the red carpet and toward the hall entrance.

The honor guard soldiers snapped to attention and saluted, their movements perfectly synchronized and their presence magnificent.

The security personnel on guard all around couldn't help but focus their attention on the seemingly simple Poké Ball on Lin Dao's waist. The presence of it inside was enough to make any security plan seem pale in comparison.