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"The high-speed rail project is progressing very quickly," Lin Dao said, looking out the window.

In the distance, rows of massive bridge piers have risen from the ground, like the spine of a giant traversing the mountains and fields.

On construction sites, scenes of traditional machinery working together with Pokémon are a common sight:

Several machok help secure large components, a group of gophers efficiently level the ground, and even a few rumblebees act as temporary "road rollers."

"According to Director Wang of the Ministry of Transportation, the intelligent modules cannot operate remotely because the energy guidance network has not been laid in the areas outside Xinyuan City."

Shen Yu'er pulled up the engineering briefing on the specially made Huaju mobile phone sent by Huaju Company, "But with the assistance of Pokémon and some new material technologies, the construction efficiency is still three times higher than the traditional method."

"It is expected that the laying of dedicated sleepers and new composite tracks will begin next month. If all goes well, the Chengdu-Xinjiang High-speed Railway is expected to achieve its first trial operation before the end of this year."

Pikachu perched on the car window, curiously watching a Grampus resting by a construction site.

The rumblebee seemed to notice the hovercar, raising its rocky arm and waving awkwardly.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu responded happily.

Lindao smiled.

This scenario of humans and Pokémon collaborating on large-scale projects was unimaginable just three months ago, but it has now become commonplace.

It's not just the technology that's changing, but also the mindset—people are beginning to see Pokémon as intelligent beings that can communicate and cooperate, rather than as "beasts" that need to be guarded against.

The hovercar moved smoothly, with the scenery outside the window changing.

As Lin Dao passed through a hilly area with lush vegetation and winding streams, a familiar sense of "watching" came from below.

It wasn't a visual perception, but rather a subtle ripple on the level of the mind—a special sensory ability that had recently become clearer to him.

"Pull over," Lin Dao instructed the autopilot system.

The vehicle slowed down smoothly and came to a silent stop on the widened emergency lane.

Lin Dao opened the car door and got out. Pikachu nimbly jumped onto his shoulder, its ears perked up and its little nose twitching slightly, clearly having also caught some special scent.

Without hesitation, Lin Dao walked straight to the lush grove of trees by the roadside.

Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Deep in the woods, several small figures were vaguely hidden behind the bushes.

"No need to hide anymore, I know you're there, I mean you no harm."

Lin Dao stopped and crouched down to appear more peaceful, while conveying a clear and gentle goodwill through a telepathic connection.

The bushes rustled, and three Pokémon cautiously emerged. A Snivy walked proudly in front, followed by two shy Bubble Squirrels.

Lin Dao crouched down and took out several high-quality energy cubes from his backpack: "I remember you. Last time I passed by, you were wandering by the highway. Was your original habitat affected by construction?"

The Snivy hesitated for a moment, but the pure natural energy emanating from the Energy Cube was very attractive to it.

It stretched out its slender vines, carefully picked up a few grains, and first handed them to the foam squirrels behind it who were watching eagerly, before taking one for itself and putting it in its mouth.

Feeling the comfort brought by the energy spreading through its body, its wary expression softened considerably.

It raised its head and let out a series of soft calls.

Lin Dao focused intently on sensing it and nodded.

"Understood. The berry bushes you liked have been removed due to the route adjustment, and the nearby water source has temporarily become murky."

"They're looking for quieter places with more food, but they're worried about trespassing into other groups' territory or encountering unfriendly humans." After a moment's thought, he offered his advice.

"Newland City is the new city that is under construction. It has a large-scale Pokémon habitat park that simulates various ecological environments, has planted a large number of different kinds of trees and fruits, and has artificial streams and lakes that circulate and purify the environment."

"If you're willing to try to coexist safely with human cities while maintaining a certain distance, you can go there. I'll inform them to arrange for professional conservationists to guide you."

Seeing the thoughtful expressions on the faces of the Snivy and the Bubble Squirrels, he added.

"Alternatively, you could come with us to Chengdu first. A large 'Pokémon Ecological Observation and Conservation Base' has been built in the suburbs of Chengdu. It's more like a purely natural protected area, where human activities are restricted to specific observation routes, mainly for research and conservation. You can get used to it there before deciding where to go next."

After exchanging words with the foam squirrels for a while, the Snivy turned towards the forest path, nodded, pointed to the foam squirrels and itself, and then to the hovercar. They decided to go to the protected area in Rongcheng first.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu ran over happily and gently touched Snivy's vine whip with its tail—this is how Pokémon express friendship.

The vine whip of the vine also gently touched back, with an elegant posture.

When it resumed operation, the hovercar had three quiet and curious little passengers in the back.

Shen Yu'er immediately followed Lin Dao's instructions and sent a message through an encrypted channel to the group headquarters and relevant management departments in Rongcheng and Xinyuan City, explaining in detail the situation of the three Pokémon and requesting them to make seamless arrangements for the Pokémon during the construction process.

The Snivy sat imposingly in its seat, carefully observing the various devices inside the vehicle that it had never seen before.

The two foam squirrels huddled together, initially a little nervous, but the smooth ride, the comfortable temperature, and the peaceful atmosphere of the forest trail and Pikachu gradually relaxed them. They began to take an interest in the passing scenery outside the window, their eyes sparkling with anticipation for their new life.

The second half of the journey was peaceful and uneventful.

Several hours later, the hovercar slowly landed at its destination—the Chengdu Pokémon Ecological Contact and Breeding Park.

This place was originally Lin Dao's campsite. After the "Trainer Project" was launched, it was quickly transformed and expanded, becoming one of the largest and most well-managed "Designated Contact Areas for Novice Trainers" in Rongcheng and even the surrounding areas.

The park simulates various ecological environments and introduces a large number of Pokémon with relatively mild temperaments and stable populations, aiming to provide a relatively safe and selective "first encounter" place for trainees who have passed the basic assessment.

Because of Lin Dao and Li Hao, this place is now second only to the Chengdu residents' past wish to raise a panda in that mountain forest reserve known for its "domineering panda" population and which is also more challenging.

At the entrance to the park’s designated hovercar parking area, He Zhong was already waiting in casual clothes.

Since the Trainer Program was launched, and especially after that tragic incident, He Zhong, who had just been transferred away from Lin Dao, was given a special and important responsibility.

Being stationed in this park serves two purposes: firstly, to coordinate park security and relations with the Pokémon community; and secondly, and most importantly, to take care of the Salamence mother and her cub living in a special area deep within the park, ensuring that no reckless individual dares to provoke this "overlord."

The reckless newcomer with a powerful background attempted to lure the baby dragon with special food, which completely ignited the deep-seated trauma and anger within the salamander. If He Zhong hadn't arrived in time to dissuade him based on the trust he had initially established with the salamander, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Since then, the park's access and management rules have become exceptionally strict.

After getting off the bus, Lin Dao exchanged a brief greeting with He Zhong and then, along with his Snivy and other Pokémon, followed him to a quiet habitat deep within the park, specifically designated for "veteran" Pokémon such as Salamence.

Just then, he noticed a group of about fifty young men and women at the main entrance, wearing matching outdoor vests, being led by several park guides and officials for a final explanation before entering the park.

Their faces were filled with barely suppressed excitement, nervousness, and anticipation, their eyes constantly drifting towards the lush, green world within the park, a world full of unknowns and possibilities.

"These are all newcomers who have gained admission today."

He Zhong explained in a low voice, his tone carrying a hint of relief and a great sense of responsibility.

"Since the last incident, the park has implemented strict reservation limits and time management. Only fifty people are allowed into each major contact area each day, and they must leave on the same day, regardless of whether initial contact is successfully established or the person is subdued."

"Furthermore, in order to ensure that Pokémon are not overly disturbed, and to encourage newcomers to prepare seriously, it is stipulated that each person can only apply once a year in each specific contact area."

"If you can't gain a Pokémon's approval in any contact area within a year... then you'll have to wait until next year to try again. This rule has deterred many people who were just playing around."

Upon hearing this, Lin Dao did not step forward to disturb the young people who were about to take their first important step.

He quietly followed He Zhong, entering the depths of the park through the side employee entrance, avoiding any potential onlookers.

But his gaze toward the group of newcomers was filled with satisfaction and anticipation.

Those young and eager faces, those cautious yet eager postures, are the hope for change, the seeds of countless possibilities for the future.