Chapter 170: External Reinforcements

The next day after their arrival.

Master Liu Ge launched the first step of the Peaceful Evolution—leading people to seize the headquarters building of the Sandflow Team.

Flobo had said this operation would avoid armed conflict as much as possible and didn't need his help.

But Baimu couldn't relax, so he simply brought Wu and stood at the building's entrance, waiting for their update, ready to provide timely support if anything went wrong.

He remained deeply wary of the Crystal Group next door.

When he learned from Cang Zhi Lang that the Crystal Group's leader, Chester, was also going to rescue the boss, he was utterly astonished—this didn't fit Chester's rebellious persona at all!

Had he realized, after seeing the Evil Dog Team collapse without a leader, that the boss was important, and had his conscience finally awakened?

Reason told him this was possible; emotion pushed him to stay alert.

Yet.

The situation went even smoother than he imagined—or rather, Master Liu Ge and his team had prepared thoroughly before launching this Peaceful Evolution; within less than ten minutes, control of the Sandflow Team's mouthpiece had changed hands.

"Don't be surprised. For these people, all it takes is one reason to make them side with us."

Flobo smiled as he came downstairs. "Become a 'normal' Trainer."

"Normal…"

"Exactly. Everyone in this building is closest to being a Trainer—and yet furthest from it. They possess knowledge enough to understand the world, yet are forced to remain trapped inside this building, repeating dull, hopeless work."

Flobo sighed.

Pokémon, as the absolute military force controlled by Sandflow Team's upper echelons, could not be owned by lower-tier members—even if they had enough money—until they officially became members.

The former "Baimu" once dreamed of saving enough money to buy a Pokémon, a dream that once misled the later-born Baimu. But only after becoming a full member did he realize that even with enough money, the upper management would never grant outsiders or administrative staff the chance.

Thus, many of these administrative staff in the headquarters building, though not spendthrifts, could only envy others' Pokémon.

On the other hand, not everyone could adapt to plunder, slaughter, and life-or-death combat—they longed to become normal Trainers like those in other regions.

Master Liu Ge—or rather, the Salvation Organization—brought these people hope.

No.

It was Cang Zhi Lang and the others' decisions that first plunged them into despair; everyone knew a faction without enough Trainers to protect it was no different from food placed on someone else's plate.

Going to Silber City was dangerous, but wasn't staying in Huang Tie Town dangerous too?

Yet the Combat Division coldly abandoned them, and when Master Liu Ge arrived with his promises, they clung to him like a lifeline.

Flobo continued: "Controlling the headquarters building means controlling Sandflow Team's logistics—electricity, water, supplies, mines, smelters, even data signals."

"So it's over?"

"Of course not. We still need to turn over the last batch of Combat Division members."

"... The Crystal Group?"

"Do you think, given Chester's personality, the ones left behind are the ones guarding his wealth? He long ago transferred everything valuable out; what's left are just the neglected children."

Flobo chuckled bitterly. "Don't worry. Whether he lives or dies, Chester has already decided not to return to Sandflow Team. Most likely, he'll come back with Elder Ejin's forces, waiting until these Huang Tie Town factions are crushed, then helping his own power rise."

In other words, Chester would betray Cang Zhi Lang and Youge, switching sides to Elder Ejin.

But the key question is.

"Will Elder Ejin accept Chester, this rebel? Will he trust someone who's betrayed once?" Baimu was deeply curious how Chester had even connected with Elder Ejin.

"We also thought it impossible. But until they fully understand the Huang Tie Town situation, Elder Ejin's commander will believe Chester has value. Once the suppression ends, Chester's doomsday arrives."

Flobo spoke seriously, uttering the terrifying phrase: "Kill the ox after the cart is unloaded."

This made Baimu feel a pang of pity for Chester.

Though he'd never met this top official face-to-face, he'd been targeted by him many times; if Chester met a bad end, Baimu would consider it a personal satisfaction.

"Alright, don't worry. I said you didn't need to show up—because you really don't."

Flobo patted his shoulder. "Tomorrow, our superiors will send reinforcements. They're not much stronger than you, also from the Orei region. You might as well get to know them."

Reinforcements?

Baimu froze.

——

Because, in places Baimu couldn't see, Master Liu Ge and the others had worked tirelessly.

The shift in Sandflow Team's upper leadership was calmer than he imagined.

Only now, as this step unfolded, did Cheng Hong and the others realize their boss had been allied with the Salvation Organization all along. They felt a mix of sorrow and resentment—why hadn't he told them sooner?

Baimu gave no response.

He knew that while Master Liu Ge was currently expanding, absorbing large numbers of civilians and gaining public favor, most people were still merely drifting with the tide.

Their understanding of saving Orei was extremely shallow—limited to personal benefits: the Salvation Organization could feed them, pay them fairly, and eliminate all tribute payments.

Honestly, for overthrowing the old regime, this was enough. But truly saving Orei was still far away.

Baimu understood Master Liu Ge and the others had too much to handle; all he could do was keep strengthening himself and ensure those around him understood the future goal.

The primary target was Da Zong, who had once, under pressure, bullied others.

This man had been very busy lately.

The reason: he was using money to apologize and compensate those he had wronged, seeking their forgiveness. Fortunately, he had never committed any major harm—no injuries severe enough to ruin lives.

Still, Da Zong had to pay for his actions; apology and compensation were merely the first step.

Of course.

This was Da Zong's own choice—not Baimu's suggestion or coercion. Baimu had simply told him:

"Everyone makes mistakes. But admitting and accepting responsibility for them is hard. The world is changing—you must change too, Da Zong. Learn to do what's right, or you'll never keep pace with the new world."

After their talk, perhaps inspired by someone, Da Zong began making amends for his past wrongs.

Some accepted the money and forgave him; others accepted the money but still refused to forgive.

For the latter, Da Zong let them hit him back.

After all, apart from verbal disparagement, the most outrageous thing he had ever done was beat someone up, and paying money only to get beaten back in return could barely count as a debt repaid with a debt.

All Baimu watched the whole time, giving those people the courage to beat up Otsuka.

Without his presence, those people would probably have found it very hard to get past the hurdle of beating up a squad leader; the shackles of class still lingered in their hearts.

Those who had beaten to their heart's content were very happy, and Otsuka, who had been beaten black and blue, was also very happy.

"I have no burden now, All Baimu."

Otsuka grinned broadly, revealing a silly smile missing two teeth, his expression a mix of pain and relief.

"No, you're still far from it."

All Baimu's response made Otsuka's expression stiffen slightly.

"Eh?"

"Go to Ciban Street and help build houses."

He said softly: "This is the punishment you deserve."

Seeing his serious expression, Otsuka agreed without a second thought: "Okay!"

This blond young man had no idea that what All Baimu had given him was not only punishment, but also an opportunity — a chance to truly walk among the people.

At the same time.

The Quicksand Squad's territory welcomed a new guest.

"Huang Tie Town, it's been a long time since I've been back." He rode a hovering motorcycle, and the Sun Yin Bu and Moon Yin Bu in the sidecar let out cries of agreement.