N from Unova wants to stay in the Ore Region.
This was something Baimu hadn't anticipated, but Shanren completely supported his decision with both hands and feet.
"Developing Pokémon is an unavoidable topic for the region. There's a huge difference with or without Wild Pokémon."
Shanren said, "N's understanding of Pokémon surpasses ninety-nine percent of the people in this world. With his help, the Ore Region is sure to prosper."
Baimu tugged at the corner of his mouth and said, "…You don't intend to completely transform the environment in the southern part of the Ore Region, do you?"
"Of course! Saving the Ore Region by improving the environment is a crucial step! What's the point of only improving the surroundings of the cities?"
The wealthy young man on the other end of the line made no secret of his ambition. "Remember the first mayor of Silicon City being hailed as a hero just for building canals to bring water to the city.
"Now that we are transforming the southern environment of the Ore Region, shouldn't we go down in history? Moreover, this land can be fully utilized by us without worrying about occupying Pokémon territories or affecting other humans' livelihoods; it's truly a blank canvas!"
Indeed.
In the southern Ore Region, there are only two cities: Pyrite Town and Silicon City. Beyond that is endless wilderness and vast ocean.
It is a very suitable place for environmental transformation.
But, while it's easy to say, it's extremely difficult to do.
"Five years, give me five years, and I can create a green Ore."
Shanren seemed to understand what he was thinking and said without hesitation, "Perhaps in ancient times, transforming the environment was difficult, but in modern times, you can boldly trust in the power of technology, not to mention that we have the support of De Wen Company."
"Does De Wen Company know you're using their resources to transform the region?"
"We'll discuss that later... I believe once they see the green Ore lands, they'll definitely agree. They're currently committed to researching a clean energy to replace the old, polluting ones. I'm also protecting the environment; our goals align."
Hearing Shanren's words, Baimu suddenly realized he might indeed idolize Luozi.
Recall that Luozi used to gather investments and sponsorships for the Galar Region's development, likely deceiving quite a few companies.
Baimu sighed, feeling like he'd boarded a pirate ship.
Before anything is settled, Shanren is already thinking about transforming the southern Ore Region's environment to leave a legacy in history; it's utterly absurd.
——
Magnetic Barium Street.
The fervent reconstruction work was underway.
Since the Quicksand Team's main force left, Liu Ge brought in large engineering machines to assist with the reconstruction, even temporarily halting the smelting plant and turning it into a brick kiln factory.
Baimu had most of the Evil Dog Team Members under his command participate in the work, living and sleeping together to eliminate class perceptions and as a form of punishment for their past actions.
Whether the punishment is sufficient can be set aside for now, it can be gradually increased later. The important thing is that steps are being taken.
"Has anyone come to cause trouble today?"
Baimu asked the Quicksand Team Members on duty in the street adjoining a neighboring force.
"No!"
The two from Cyan Iridium Street exclaimed with confidence.
"Alright, keep it up."
He nodded.
When the Quicksand Team's main force left, it was a grand departure; there's no way the surrounding forces haven't noticed, so why didn't they take the opportunity to invade?
What are they waiting for?
While Baimu pondered, Liu Ge suddenly called.
"The main forces have engaged with the Ergin Forces!"
It's finally happening!
His heart tightened, realizing that the neighboring forces didn't invade because they didn't understand why the Quicksand Team's main force left, so they didn't dare to act rashly.
But once they hear about the Quicksand Team's main force being defeated in Pyrite Town, those people will naturally make a move.
He hung up the phone and looked at the seemingly tranquil street, his heart in turmoil.
A myriad of emotions surfaced in his mind.
Will Cang Zhilang die in this battle? How many will safely return to Pyrite Town? Will the Ergin Forces use the captured as cannon fodder to suppress Pyrite Town?
Is there a chance of victory?
All these speculations made Baimu's breathing gradually become more rapid.
Half an hour later.
Liu Ge called again, "It's over, the Quicksand Team's main force has been utterly defeated, many members captured, and the remaining troops scattered."
"What about the top officials?"
"Chester was captured, Yogo confirmed dead, and Cang Zhilang was taken away with someone, condition unknown."
"Surely the Ergin Forces suffered some losses, right?"
"Naturally, they did, but the specifics are unclear. It's expected they'll camp at the site for two days, so we have to withstand external invasion for two days and welcome the returning remnants."
"Alright."
Baimu hung up the phone.
Cang Zhilang's whereabouts are unknown...
He felt a kind of complicated, pua-like attachment to his boss.
You could say he wasn't good to his subordinates, but Baimu's rise from a foot soldier to an officer in a few months was thanks to him. Yet, he liked to bully the weak.
Honestly.
The two punches Baimu received from Machamp at the beginning, not counting the usual boxing matches with Cang Zhilang, were repaid on the day he obtained Steelix.
So when he heard Cang Zhilang was saved, he felt a bit relieved.
The complexities of human emotions.
Just hoping that after this incident, he could abandon some of his past beliefs, either spending the rest of his life in prison or living incognito, never to surface again.
If he resurfaces, there will inevitably be conflict.
"Don't think too much."
Baimu slapped his face, waiting for the external forces to invade.
——
The news that the Quicksand Team's main force encountered unidentified individuals and engaged in fierce battle quickly spread throughout Pyrite Town.
The entire town was abuzz.
After all, after annexing the Evil Dog Team, the Quicksand Team reached a significant size.
What force could possibly contend with them?
Could it be someone from Silicon City?
The leaders of the various factions knew that Silicon City wouldn't allow Pyrite Town to remain chaotic, so they planned to annex the smaller surrounding forces quickly to safeguard their interests once the people from Silicon City arrived.
But with the sudden arrival of this group, they couldn't remain idle. They sent people out to the field and went to the Quicksand Team's territory to figure out what happened.
But the Quicksand Team was refusing visits from any foreign forces, driving away messengers from other factions.
Meanwhile, news of the battlefield's harsh conditions returned to Pyrite Town.
The major forces in Pyrite Town realized that people from Silicon City were indeed involved, causing widespread anxiety.
However, there were also those who sought wealth and risk, intending to target the Quicksand Team's remaining members.
The Toxicroak team, adjacent to the former Evil Dog Team's territory, was the first to have ideas.
They had long coveted the truckloads of resources brought in, and hearing of the Quicksand Team's defeat outside town, they couldn't wait to seize the territory.
"Move! Move! Use the most brutal methods to warn any who resist! Move!"
The officers roared, and the grunts let out furious shouts.
Assembled into a band, they looked at the very near Magnetic Barium Street, at the "frightened" faces of those guarding the territory, and shouted even more fiercely.
The officer led on a hoverbike, with grunts following, accompanied by their Stunky and Skorupi, like marching ants.
Yet.
Just as they crossed the line marking the division of territories.
Boom——!!
The smooth ground erupted, blinding silver light nearly blinding everyone; a terrifying dragon the size of a high-speed rail blasted forth from the ground!
In a deafening roar, the leading Toxicroak officer and grunts were sent skyward, like raindrops, rising and then falling.
They lay scattered, continually wailing, with bits of motorcycles everywhere.
The remaining Toxicroak grunts gazed in terror at the massive behemoth that emerged from the ground, casting a colossal shadow that pinned them in place, clutching their brakes in fear of advancing further.
"What is that?"
Someone said with trembling voice.
"A Steelix! That's a Steelix!"
"There's no Steelix that big! Boss, come back, boss!"
They shouted, losing all earlier enthusiasm.
Suddenly.
The Mega Steelix lowered its head, revealing a person standing atop it.
He said:
"No passage here."
"Roar——!!!"
The roar of the Mega Steelix turned into a literal storm, sending the Toxicroak grunts trembling in fear.