Under Professor Oak's guidance, Ash and the others soon met the main figure of this visit, Researcher Foster.
This young scholar with black-rimmed glasses had once been a student at Celadon University and had taken Professor Oak's courses as an elective. In a certain sense, he could indeed be considered one of the professor's students.
"It really has been a long time, Foster." Professor Oak warmly shook his hand.
Foster's gaze swept over Ash and the others, and he hesitated slightly. "Professor, these people are..."
"I happened to run into these children on the way, so I brought them along to broaden their horizons." Professor Oak explained gently, his tone carrying a special sense of care toward Ash.
Foster pulled the professor aside and lowered his voice. "As you know, once this discovery is made public, it will cause a sensation in the academic world. That's why our team specially invited you here for a secret discussion..."
Professor Oak laughed heartily. "No need to worry. Ash is a young man I trust very much. Letting them broaden their horizons is a necessary part of becoming excellent Trainers. Oh, and I should add, he is the special assistant who was previously listed under my name."
Seeing how insistent the professor was, Foster had no choice but to compromise. "I see. In that case, I'll make an exception this once."
On the way to the research area, Professor Oak introduced Foster's field of study to Ash and the others.
This scholar, who focused on the history of ancient Pokémon, had proposed a bold hypothesis: the origin of all life came from the ocean.
"That's a very interesting idea," Ash said thoughtfully.
It happened to coincide with the theory of life's origins he had learned in his previous life, but from the looks of it, Foster's research still lacked decisive evidence.
Misty, meanwhile, was deeply drawn in by the words "ocean Pokémon." A woman's intuition told her that the discovery ahead definitely had something to do with Water-type Pokémon.
As they talked, everyone arrived before a metal door marked with a red X-shaped symbol.
"Now, please allow me to lead you all through time and into the world of two million years ago."
Foster pressed the fingerprint lock. The door slowly opened, and a cool breeze carrying the scent of damp soil rushed toward them.
The sight beyond the door was breathtaking. Amid dense clusters of ferns, all kinds of ancient Pokémon were strolling leisurely.
When an Aerodactyl swept through the sky, Ash revealed a knowing yet regretful smile. Unfortunately, he had not brought Aerodactyl with him. It probably would have loved an environment like this.
"This Aerodactyl was recreated using ancient records and the latest animation and electronic technology," Foster introduced.
Although the scene was realistic, to Ash, who had witnessed all kinds of special effects in his previous life, it was not especially shocking.
"This is the Ancient Pokémon Park, an academic entertainment space that recreates an ancient ecological environment," Foster continued explaining. "Because the system still needs time for debugging, it has not yet been opened to the public."
"Being able to achieve this much is already amazing," Ash said sincerely. "I believe that one day, this place will truly realize Dr. Foster's ideal."
Just as they were talking, the virtual volcano in the distance suddenly erupted, and scorching lava flowed down the mountainside.
"I'm especially concerned with accurately recreating the environment," Foster explained. "During ancient times, frequent volcanic activity caused the continental plates to constantly rise and sink."
"And it was precisely those geological changes that drove the evolution of life," Ash added. Behind him, Professor Oak nodded approvingly.
"However, Mr. Foster, I assume your major discovery has something to do with a special species living in this environment, right?"
"Exactly." Foster's eyes lit up. "Next, please witness the most precious discovery in this park."
They arrived beside a small pond that emitted a faint glow.
The rocks beneath the water were covered in luminous moss, making the entire area appear dreamlike.
"During prehistoric times, these glowing rocks were quite common," Foster added. "We reached that conclusion through fossil analysis."
At that moment, ripples spread across the surface of the pond.
Through Aura, Ash had already sensed the secret hidden beneath the water.
"This place perfectly recreates the coastal environment from two million years ago." Foster's voice trembled with excitement. "Please watch carefully!"
As soon as he finished speaking, several spiral-shelled creatures slowly emerged from the water.
They were Omanyte and their evolved forms, Omastar.
"Omanyte and Omastar!" Professor Oak exclaimed in astonishment.
Misty assumed they were electronic projections.
"They look so real!"
"No, these are living Pokémon," Ash said with certainty. His Aura told him that these creatures possessed genuine life energy.
Foster nodded approvingly.
"Just as Ash said, this is indeed our greatest discovery."
However, Ash's expression suddenly turned serious.
"Mr. Foster, I have a suggestion."
"Please, go ahead."
"You must immediately seal off this artificial pond and strictly control its water source."
"Why?" Misty asked. It was the first time she had seen Ash act with such solemnity.
Just then, even more Omanyte emerged from the depths, confirming Ash's concerns. Foster also realized the seriousness of the issue.
After conducting a thorough investigation with his Aura, Ash discovered that the artificial lake was connected to underground water sources. Living within them was an entire colony of Omanyte that had peacefully survived here for two million years.
"Ash, you've truly matured a great deal." Professor Oak looked at the young Trainer with satisfaction.
Everyone reached the same conclusion.
Allowing this ancient colony to continue living here in peace was the greatest protection they could offer.
This astonishing discovery would remain a precious secret, sealed away forever.
As they left the research institute, the setting sun cast its golden glow over the Ruins of Alph.
Ash glanced back at the tightly closed door, his heart filled with reverence for the miracle of life.
His journey still continued, and this experience would become yet another invaluable treasure on his path toward becoming a Pokémon Master.
...
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