Chapter 701

Loz!?

Baimu's spirit trembled, but after staring closely, he realized he'd been mistaken.

The middle-aged man before him had the same bronze skin, a neat, attractive beard on his chin, and a sharply tailored gray suit.

But he lacked Loz's flowing bangs and his protruding belly.

Most importantly, Baimu recognized him.

"Dennis… Uncle?"

"It's been half a year since we last met, Baimu. I never expected it would take this long to finally see you in person."

Dennis wore a warm smile.

In the past six months, the man stationed in Silicium had only visited Huang Tie Town once—on official business—and by then Baimu had already left on his journey, vanished without a trace.

The only time the two had "met" was during a conference call about the Rainbow Team, but the setting was too formal and the situation too urgent for any private conversation.

Baimu didn't know how to respond, so he merely smiled and glanced behind Dennis.

A tall, slender man with an intellectual air stood there; upon meeting Baimu's gaze, he immediately bowed respectfully.

Dennis smiled and introduced: "This is my secretary, Albert. I originally planned to come alone to find you, but he found out."

"Chairman, if we can't reach you in a crisis, everyone will be in trouble," Albert murmured, his expression unreadable.

The title "Chairman" came from the full name of the Rescue Organization—

【Ore Regional Rescue Alliance】.

As the current leader, Dennis was naturally addressed as Chairman.

He laughed heartily, helplessly spreading his hands: "As you see, I'm not even free myself—there's too much to do. Every morning I wake up worrying."

"Shannian says the same thing often. You two are truly alike."

Baimu said politely.

But Dennis, upon hearing this, seemed delighted: "You think so too?"

Huh?

What's going on?

Baimu had never imagined such a ordinary remark would trigger such a strange reaction from Dennis—he'd barely ever heard Shannian talk about Dennis…

Not talking about it seemed normal?

After all, who talks to their best friend about their dad? They just want to be their dad!

Suddenly,

Albert spoke: "Chairman, this place is too crowded. Perhaps you and Mr. Baimu could find a quiet spot to sit and talk at length."

"You're right. A busy street isn't suitable for casual chat," Dennis agreed.

Baimu calmly deferred to his host's choice, while pondering why Dennis had summoned him.

Official business?

It didn't look like it.

Who discusses official matters in private? Don't tell me he just wanted to chat like family…

The three arrived at a nearly empty café on the street corner.

The owner wasn't Ore-born—he spoke with a distinct Carlos accent—yes, although the Pokémon anime world bizarrely used only one language everywhere, regional accents still differed.

For example, the people from Johto spoke with an accent as obvious as Northeastern Chinese.

Dennis and Baimu took their seats in turn.

Albert had intended to stand, but was reminded that it would draw too much attention, so he quietly sat elsewhere.

Clearly, he had no intention of eavesdropping.

"I'm sorry to make you come all this way, but there simply haven't been any opportunities here," Dennis showed none of the arrogance of Ore's top leader—he acted exactly as Baimu addressed him: a kind uncle.

He said softly: "I know you're busy, so I'll get straight to the point. There are several important matters I wish to discuss with you. First: your commendation—"

"Commendation?" Baimu blinked in surprise.

Dennis nodded: "Yes. Didn't Shannian assign you the mission to find the lost Lugia? You performed exceptionally well—you brought back the darkened Lugia, and even brought two additional Lugia."

"Especially these two new ones—the weather bureau told me Ore's climate has improved due to their repeated rains; daytime temperatures have noticeably dropped recently."

He smiled: "And as Ore's flagship, you've drawn in massive external aid and business partnerships. The mysterious scientific device you seized—all of this is tangible contribution."

Baimu was internally astonished, but outwardly said: "But…"

"Don't refuse. The Organization never neglects any member who has contributed. We've seen every effort you've made for the region. Besides, I heard you even invited special agricultural talent?"

Dennis clearly knew about the people from Genesis Valley, and sighed: "When you chose to travel, many suggested dissolving the Rainbow Team outright, fearing a fourth-generation Shadow Team might emerge from it."

"But Shannian stood firm and kept the Rainbow Team alive—and thank goodness he did, or we wouldn't have known how to place you."

Baimu didn't know what to say, silently sipping the coffee brought by Albert.

Who could have imagined the reason the Huang Tie Town Special Security Office never disbanded was because of him? No wonder he did nothing yet held the title of president—no one in Silicium ever criticized him.

"Of course, position is position, and reward is reward. If you have any requests, mention them to Shannian—the Organization will fulfill what it can."

Baimu nodded slightly in understanding.

To be honest, he had long considered himself Ore's Champion and never once thought about what the Rescue Organization—full name Ore—would give him in return, since in his view, Ore would eventually be his and Shannian's territory.

But the Rescue Organization clearly didn't think so, and believed the mere title of Rainbow Group president couldn't offset his achievements.

"Second matter: I assume you've learned about it since returning—I'd like you to help persuade N."

When Dennis mentioned N, his brow slightly furrowed, and he whispered: "I understand wild Pokémon, due to poachers, aren't ready to accept humans yet."

"But complete isolation won't lead to a good outcome. At least give them a chance to interact…"

Baimu replied: "This is my personal opinion—please don't take offense. I think N believes the Pokémon have no retreat, which is why he refuses."

"Retreat…"

"Hmm, the Ore people's lives are thriving, yet wild Pokémon struggle even to survive independently. All current changes seem to indicate that wild Pokémon cannot survive unless they become human dependents, and rejecting humanity's olive branch leads only to extinction. This reality makes N distrust any promise—just as the weak cannot gamble that the strong won't act on personal desire through their inherent power."

Baimu saw Dinesi's brow tighten further, knowing he had never once considered this from the other side.

Mutual understanding.

Indeed, it was a massive challenge.

Fortunately, like Shan Nian, Dinesi was accustomed to solving problems, not silencing those who raised them. After thinking, he said: "What he needs is an equal standing?"

"Yes. Only when wild Pokémon can live freely will N have the bandwidth to consider harmony between humans and wild Pokémon."

Baimu stated plainly: "My main reason for inviting people to the Valley of Creation was also to ensure wild Pokémon can achieve self-sufficiency in food."

Dinesi sighed only once: "I assumed too much. Baimu, you've thought more thoroughly than I have. Then let's wait a little longer."

"Uncle, you flatter me too much. You decide far more every day than I do, and I only side with N slightly because I know him well."

He dared not take undeserved credit.

Besides, humans aren't machines—it's normal to overlook things, as long as no major mistake is made and corrections come in time.

Suddenly.

Dinesi's brow slowly relaxed, a faint smile appearing: "Third matter—perhaps you'll find it interesting. In Silicon Beir City, there's a Trainer Center whose Gym Leader is named Zhengyi. He now also serves as the Silicon Beir Arena's Arena Master. He heard of your battles outside and wishes to issue a challenge: a battle at the Silicon Beir Arena."

He nodded in reply: "Sure."

Seeing his swift answer, Dinesi chuckled: "Of course—battles between Trainers are commonplace. I'll give you his contact details; you two can arrange the specifics yourselves?"

"Thank you very much."

Baimu was delighted to obtain the Silicon Beir Arena Master's contact so easily, then added: "If possible, could you give me the contact details of every Arena Master currently in the Ore region?"

Dinesi paused, startled: "Every single one? Are you planning to…?"

"I intend to challenge all Arenas in two months. If possible, I'd also like to visit Battle Mountain." He admitted frankly.

Dinesi asked solemnly: "Do you… have confidence in this?"

But Baimu said: "It's not about confidence. If I lose, I might even be happier. I'm afraid only of winning too easily."

This sounded arrogant, yet concealed his worries.

Dinesi, of course, knew nothing of his inner thoughts—he only thought: no wonder this Trainer aims straight for the Ore Champion title; his spirit is sharp indeed!

"Alright. I'll have Albert send you the contacts… but don't rush too much, Baimu. You're still young. You have plenty of youth ahead."

He seemed to sense Baimu's hidden urgency and spoke gently to soothe him.

Baimu nodded in agreement, yet inwardly understood: many things wait for no one. Delay only leads to failure.

After finishing the main matters.

Dinesi shifted to lighter topics: Silicon Beir City's specific development direction, the impact of outsiders on Ore locals, and the Alliance Conference, which he cared about most.

"The current decision is to convert Battle Mountain into a competition venue. But due to safety concerns, the construction workload won't be small—so you still have plenty of time to strengthen yourself."

Battle Mountain.

The only active volcano in the Ore region. In the past, Battle Mountain Trainers were so fearless they built arena platforms from the base all the way up—exactly one hundred levels.

The topmost platform sat directly at the crater's edge, with metal platforms flanked by seating for ten thousand, beneath which flowed slow, molten lava—

Who in their right mind would set a battle arena here? And who would come to watch?

The Ore people would come.

In fact, every battle held at the summit once drew full crowds—until Elder Ejin tried to seize control of the Battle Mountain Trainers, forcing them to scatter and flee.

Baimu found it strange: yes, it was unique, and yes, it was genuinely dangerous.

What if it erupted?

All one could do was pray the Ore's black tech was reliable enough.

From his conversation with Dinesi, Baimu also easily sensed that his relationship with Shan Nian was poor.

The reason: to prevent Shan Nian from being tainted by Elder Ejin, Dinesi had long ago sent Shan Nian and his mother out of Silicon Beir City. Elder Ejin, unwilling to lose his leverage over Dinesi, secretly sent people to track them down and attempt to kidnap Shan Nian.

During this process, Shan Nian's mother died in an accident.

Too young to discern truth, Shan Nian came to hate Dinesi. Fortunately, he later learned the full truth and avoided becoming extreme.

Yet their relationship never improved—it remained cold and distant.

Now, father and son seemed locked in competition, each striving to outdo the other in city development, leaving the organization's members helpless before these two leaders.

"Shan Nian never had many friends growing up. I'm glad you stand by his side."

Dinesi gently patted Baimu's shoulder: "Forgive me—I have little free time. I must take my leave. Feel free to keep exploring Silicon Beir City."

"Alright."

Baimu watched Dinesi and Albert leave the café.

Too bad.

He had no intention of meddling in the father-son relationship, so the unspoken hope in Dinesi's words would ultimately go unfulfilled.

Besides, how close could father and son possibly be?

Should Shan Nian greet him with "Daddy"?

Ew!

He checked the time, pushed open the door, and stepped out. Rarely visiting Silicon Beir City, he ought to buy something to take back: "Gulpin!"

Thud!

"Kee-doo~"

Gulpin landed, glancing around.

"Let's go! Shopping! Pick out what you like—and things everyone else likes!" Baimu urged loudly. Gulpin's expression instantly brightened.

Gulpin loved shopping—even if she bought nothing, she was happy.

And—

"Breezi?" Munchlax pointed at its own thin bangs.

Baimu knew it was asking whether Silibey City had any Pokémon beauty salons. "There should be… we'll know once we look around, or we could have Porygon-II gather some info online."

"Breezi!"

Munchlax happily leapt up, sat on Baimu's shoulder, and hugged his head.

The two headed straight for Silibey City's shopping streets and malls.

——

Several hours later.

Baimu sat on a bench outside a street-side beauty salon. Inside, Munchlax, a shiny Milotic, a shiny Gengar, and Blissey were receiving beauty treatments.

"It's twice as expensive as Hoenn… is the rent high? The costs high? Are they charging a premium because it's rare?"

He watched the professional techniques of the beauticians inside. If he didn't know the relevant knowledge himself, he would really have suspected he'd been scammed.

To be honest.

Those people knew skills he also knew — in fact, having studied under Adam, he might even do it better.

But Munchlax really loved the salon's atmosphere, so he could only play the sucker.

A千金 couldn't buy a Pokémon's willingness!

He idly scrolled through his phone. The hubbub in the distance caught his attention, and looking over he saw a crowd packed together in a long rectangle.

"A Pokémon battle?"

Baimu's interest was piqued. He left a message for Munchlax and the others inside the salon, then squeezed into the crowd with keen interest to look at the field.

He suddenly saw inside a blond giant of a man no less imposing than Silverback, commanding a ferocious Pinsir, battling against a youth in standard Trainer attire.

The youth's Pokémon was Johto's water-type starter Feraligatr — over two meters tall and quite ferocious.

But it was no match for Pinsir at all.

One Seismic Toss, followed by a Cross Chop, and Feraligatr was forced to retreat again and again.

"Not bad…"

Baimu looked at the blond giant, suddenly feeling he looked a bit familiar. He pulled out his phone to search, then suddenly thought: "Butras!"

The Battle Mountain Battle Master, Butras!