Half an hour earlier — East of the Abyssal Cliff Valley.
Compared to the somewhat chaotic coordination of Haicheng First High and the Awakened Trainers, the Pokémon military corps advanced in perfect formation.
At the moment, they were concealed within a small forest.
"Beyond this point lies the first death beast concentration zone."
"Unlike the west, this region is much more complex—C-rank and B-rank death beasts are mixed together. We'll need to wait for our scouts to return before we know the exact situation."
The city lord's secretary—who had crossed paths with Su Bai several times—was also part of this expedition. Standing beside City Lord Zhu Jianyuan and an S-rank powerhouse, he was pointing at a map and explaining things carefully.
At their feet were the fresh corpses of several unfortunate deathbeasts that had stumbled too close.
Zhu Jianyuan waved his hand dismissively.
"They call it intel, but let's be honest—no one's managed to get this deep into death beast territory for a long time. At best, it's just a reference."
"Once the Corvisquire scouting unit returns, we'll get the real picture. No need to rush."
The S-rank Awakener at his side looked back at the neatly lined-up Pokémon units and couldn't help but exclaim:
"Old Zhu... I never thought you would be the one to take this step first…"
"Back when we were students, who could've imagined humanity would ever reach this point?"
Zhu Jianyuan fell silent for a moment, then gave a carefree chuckle.
"Yeah… If we succeed today, Li Zhi, we'll have to visit their graves and bring them the good news…"
Li Zhi—the S-rank powerhouse—also went quiet.
Both he and Zhu Jianyuan were top students under Master Lu Liangpeng. Stars of the same generation.
In truth, theirs wasn't the only outstanding class—many other talented students had stood alongside them.
But nearly all of them had perished fighting death beasts.
As the first line of defense in the Eastern Divine Federation, Haicheng City had lost countless heroes—quietly, without recognition.
"Do you really think Pokémon... can change the world?"
Li Zhi asked softly, eyes slightly dazed.
"That Abyssal Cliff Valley—was that really caused by Su Bai?"
He had been the S-rank who rushed to the scene after receiving Lu Liangpeng's urgent message. Even now, he still had trouble believing what he saw there.
Zhu Jianyuan chuckled.
"Strictly speaking, not Su Bai himself—but rather a Pokémon he summoned, called Groudon."
"Of course, summoning a godlike Pokémon of that level must cost an immense price. We can't rely on such miracles."
"But as for whether we and Su Bai's Pokémon can change the world…"
He paused, smiling faintly.
"If we don't try, how will we ever know?"
Li Zhi nodded silently.
In all of the Eastern Divine Federation, Zhu Jianyuan's crazy plan to counterattack the death beasts had probably only convinced him—his old classmate—to come along.
But even then, he hadn't placed much hope in it.
His goal was simple: if Zhu got into real danger, he'd at least try to save him.
Just then, a soldier approached them.
Behind him swooped down a massive Corvisquire.
"The scouts are back."
Zhu Jianyuan immediately snapped out of his thoughts.
In Li Zhi's surprised gaze, he handed a pen to the bird.
"Huh? What's the pen for? Don't tell me this bird knows how to write?"
Li Zhi looked utterly baffled.
He had heard these Pokémon were intelligent—but writing? That was ridiculous.
Zhu chuckled.
"No, of course they haven't learned any language in such a short time."
"But who says intel has to be in words?"
He pointed at the Corvisquire.
Li Zhi's pupils widened.
The Corvisquire casually took the pen in its beak, walked over to a sheet of paper, and started sketching—with practiced ease!
What's more, it was shockingly good.
With just a few strokes, it had outlined mountains, rivers, and landmarks. Then it added two neat letters—B and C—to indicate enemy levels, followed by clusters of X marks to represent numbers.
"What the—?!"
Li Zhi's jaw dropped. As an S-rank Awakener, he'd thought he'd seen everything.
This simple map was so clear and effective, even a layperson could easily understand the terrain and enemy distribution.
And it was drawn by a bird!
Since when did gathering battlefield intel become this easy?
Li Zhi stood there in a daze.
He knew well: the dense death energy in these zones rendered all technological devices useless.
Communications were jammed. Radar, drones, sensors—all fried by the interference.
That meant every single bit of reconnaissance had, until now, been gained through blood and sacrifice.
But this Corvisquire? It flew in, drew a map, and strolled back like it was nothing.
"Told you, Pokémon are going to change the world."
Zhu Jianyuan clapped his friend on the shoulder, visibly proud.
Pokémon are badass?
Well of course—they're from Haicheng City!
Su Bai was a local boy—born and raised. These Pokémon were Haicheng's pride!
Thank goodness Zhu had chosen to return and become city lord.
Thank goodness he and Master Lu Liangpeng had insisted on supporting Su Bai.
Otherwise—where would this dream have ever begun?
Now that the intel was in hand, it was time.
The long-prepared Pokémon army would finally face its first real test.
Zhu unfurled a new map and gave his orders calmly:
"Let's do it—just like we practiced."
"This C- and B-rank death beast cluster is the perfect training ground."
"This will be our Pokémon corps' first live combat deployment."
He pointed to a clearing just beyond the forest.
"The Falinks Unit will gather here and draw the enemy's attention head-on."
"Split the Buizel Units into three groups: left flank, right flank, and one in reserve to circle from the rear."
"The Corvisquire Unit will hide atop this ridge. Combine their aerial strikes with rock volleys created by our Ground-type Awakeners."
"Everyone understand?"
The three unit commanders standing beside him nodded in unison, eyes filled with barely restrained excitement.
This was it—the first true mission for the Pokémon military!
Once the final preparations were complete, Zhu Jianyuan rose and stood beside the Falinks Unit's captain.
"Let these deathbeasts witness the power of our Pokémon army!"
"Falinks Unit—CHARGE!"
The commander trembled with anticipation, raised his flag, and gave a mighty swing toward the ominous, death-filled forest ahead!
At once, the Falinks Unit soldiers pulled out their Poké Balls.
In the very next moment—
A hundred perfectly synchronized Falinks burst forth onto the open field, lined up in disciplined formations, their battle cries echoing through the trees.