Arriving at the entrance of the long Flame Valley Grand Canyon.
A few Magma Team captains dressed slightly differently from the regular members stand at the canyon.
Magma Team, like most underground forces, generally divides its members into several levels: top cadre, cadre, elite captain, squad leader, and ordinary member.
Similar to Rocket Team, it's unclear whether it's a mutual understanding among leaders of various forces or if they all "stole" this structure from Rocket Team.
The strength of ordinary members varies; some might have just become Trainers with their first Pokémon, while others might already possess one or two elite-level Pokémon.
However, the members dispatched by Magma Team this time are all quite strong. Even ordinary members usually have one to two elite-level Pokémon.
The distinction between squad leader and ordinary member isn't very clear.
For example, now Natsuhiko, Nanmu, and Ishino have formed a squad, making one of them the squad leader.
At the elite captain level, there are strict requirements.
One must have at least three elite-level Pokémon.
But this is the minimum requirement; in competitive situations, elite captains typically are stable with five to six elite-level Pokémon.
Some elite captains might even have Gym Leader-level Pokémon.
Then there's the cadre level, which is the high rank within Magma Team.
The main Pokémon of cadres are all Gym Leader-level, and possibly one or two Elite Candidate Level Pokémon. For instance, the one in charge of the "Flame Valley" operation is the cadre "Nether Fire."
The top cadre, second only to Leader Flarepine, are trusted subordinates of Flarepine, with a strength of at least Elite Candidate Level, perhaps even one or two Elite Trainer Level Pokémon.
This is a general overview of the hierarchical structure of Magma Team members, which is similar to that of Ocean Team.
But for a top underground force like Rocket Team, which spans two large regions, the requirements for member levels are higher, and the strength requirements for each level are more defined.
At this moment, standing at the entrance of the Flame Valley canyon is the elite captain Three Tails, a subordinate of cadre Nether Fire, responsible for registering the members entering the canyon to facilitate the calculation of contributions and distribution of rewards after the mission ends.
Contribution Value is a form of currency within Magma Team, usable to exchange various Pokémon, materials, items, or other things within Magma Team.
Actually, different forces have similar systems to better stimulate the members' momentum.
Like Rocket Team, which claims "anything can be exchanged," attracting a large number of members.
Compared to the favoritism shown by the alliance toward direct heir Trainers, underground forces like Rocket Team and Magma Team undeniably appear more "friendly" to Trainers from ordinary backgrounds.
At least, you reap as much as you sow.
The three walked to the entrance.
Nanmu twisted her waist and stepped forward to explain the situation to the three elite captains.
Natsuhiko saw that Nanmu seemed to have a good relationship with them, even allowing one of the captains to take advantage of her while she still smiled and drew closer.
It must be admitted that women who skillfully use their bodies might be more favored and find it easier to get by in such underground forces.
After glancing at Natsuhiko a few times, they registered the trio's numbers before casually waving them in.
When Nanmu returned, she had an extra detailed map in her hand.
"Alright, let's go. We are responsible for the F12 area. Capturing Pokémon and gathering materials follows the original Contribution Value setup," Nanmu said, pointing to the mapped-out area.
To maximize the advantage in numbers, Magma Team divided Flame Valley into numerous sections and assigned areas based on the squad members' strength.
Judging by Nanmu's relationship with the three, the allocated area probably isn't bad.
Regarding identity checks for Natsuhiko?
Countless Magma Team members die every day after entering the alternate space, so checking everyone one by one is too time-consuming and troublesome.
Having Nanmu and Ishino "testify" means no one will care about him as a regular member.
Especially as a "soon-to-die" member.
It seems Nanmu and Ishino's duo is quite "notable" among the Magma Team members entering the alternate space this time.
Thus.
Natsuhiko smoothly infiltrated Magma Team and successfully entered Flame Valley.
"Brother Zhenwu, don't your Pokémon need some recovery before we start clearing tasks in the designated area later?" Nanmu asked "concernedly."
"We'll recover once we get there; there's time," Natsuhiko replied.
Having nearly figured out what Nanmu and Ishino are up to, Natsuhiko goes along with her probing.
Nanmu displayed a troubled expression at Natsuhiko's words but reluctantly nodded, "Alright then, but if danger arises, we might not be able to spare a hand to protect you."
Natsuhiko glanced at her and said blandly, "No need."
During some intentional or unintentional conversations, they arrived at the designated "F12" area.
The main body of Flame Valley is a huge canyon, but it also spreads across various smaller canyons, and the "F12" area assigned to them is one of these.