The current squad of Quicksand Team is ten-member.
Led by a cadre, the platoon naturally also consists of ten members.
But appearing in front of Baimu, counting himself as the Squad Leader, there are only eight people.
Liu Ge's subordinates are actually not fully staffed... Wasn't it said that the benefits are generous and everyone is flocking to it?
He still remembers the envy on that old member's face at that time. If the person wasn't pretending, there should be many who want to be under Liu Ge.
In such a situation, still not fully staffed, it can only be said that Liu Ge is really strict.
"Hello."
"Let's communicate more in the future."
"I'm flattered, it's rather my honor."
"Compared to you, I'm just a greenhorn, please take care."
Baimu, with Flop's introduction, shook hands and acquainted himself with the other six Squad Leaders, exchanging friendly words.
Regardless of what thoughts were in mind, both sides were showing a very courteous demeanor at this moment.
Indeed.
A reliable boss will have reliable subordinates. If it were under other bosses, just being divided onto a resource-rich land can attract cold sneers from some impatient and easily angered colleagues.
Unlike now, regardless of interest in good locations, everyone displays basic manners.
So Baimu behaved very politely.
When he had met all his colleagues, he chatted with Flop again.
"Speaking of which, you surely haven't toured the entire Pyrite Town, right? Let me introduce you to a good place!"
"A good place?"
"Yes, you'll definitely be satisfied."
"Uh..." Looking at Flop's expression of 'you know what', he said, "Well, I'm not much into casinos and bars..."
Seeing his sheepish attitude, Flop was first startled and then burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! What is the kid thinking? I'm talking about a place for Trainers to battle! Haha, you youth not even mature yet!"
Baimu felt somewhat helpless, receiving several slaps on the back from the other while laughing.
Can't blame him for misunderstanding, you being all mysterious like this.
"Alright, back on track, you must be feeling stagnant again now, right?" Flop wiped away his laughing tears, "Isn't it the case that simple training isn't improving your strength any faster, but you can't find opponents?"
Baimu nodded.
These days, he often went to places where he used to battle, yet saw no one, unable to engage in Pokémon battles.
While wandering elsewhere, he rarely found anyone battling.
It's as though the Trainers of Sand Group only know to indulge daily, completely oblivious to enhancing oneself through combat—
Of course, this idea isn't entirely wrong; most Quicksand Team members live quite decadently, living day-to-day.
Ultimately, he wanted to go to the Neutral Dungeon to find opponents for battles.
Unexpectedly, having someone present a pillow when he was feeling sleepy.
"Go to Pyrite Arena!"
Flop pointed the way.
——
Pyrite Arena.
Connected to the Underground Arena in the Dungeon, it forms one of the biggest forces within Pyrite Town.
Its owner, Ying Yuan, is the most powerful Trainer in town, bar none. Just so happens, his younger brother Ying Ma is the second strongest, managing the Underground Arena.
The brothers are truly dominant figures in Pyrite Town—
Well.
Truthfully, these two rarely appear publicly, let alone occupy the territories of other forces, nor have any thoughts of running for mayor.
Resulting in Pyrite Town's mayor being someone from Silicon City.
But undoubtedly, no one dares provoke them.
Under their names, the two arenas are rare neutral grounds, provided to all Trainers for battles. Occasionally holding contests with rich prizes, quite popular indeed.
"Arena Master, huh..."
Baimu followed Flop to the entrance of Pyrite Arena, seeing the grandiose semi-circular ultra-large building, his thoughts churning.
Unlike the Gyms established in mainstream regions.
The Ore Region provides places for Trainers to challenge, primarily a special building type called Arena.
The Arena owner is akin to a unique Gym Leader.
"In the past, Ore Region mainly hosted two-on-two matches, but ever since connecting with the major regions outside, it has changed to one-on-one singles."
Flop talked while walking inside with Baimu.
The latter responded, observing the surroundings.
Pyrite Arena is highly favored by various major forces; this from the dazzling array of team uniforms alone is obvious, not just Quicksand Team and Evil Dog Team, but other assorted forces can also be seen here.
There are even many unattached, lone Trainers.
They are either from other towns or have uncommon backgrounds, more affluent.
The upper and lower classes in Pyrite Town are extremely segregated; the upper-middle class enjoys a high-tech environment at the town's center, while the lower class resides on the edges, enduring sandy hot winds daily, struggling for basic survival.
The culprit of all this undoubtedly is the various forces.
Baimu knows what kind of organization he's in—Extreme Path, violent gangs, criminal groups, just wrapped in a thin façade likely pierced.
"Registration."
Flop led him to register at the counter.
Pyrite Arena has no thresholds; as long as you own Pokémon, you can participate in battles here.
The internal Pokémon Center is better equipped than the outside ones.
Additionally, there's also provision for Pokémon massages, Pokémon food purchases, and various peripherals.
It looks quite prosperous.
Not long after.
Registration completed.
"From now on, you can use this card to battle here, the arena's system will help you randomly match opponents, there are certain safety measures, and you don't need to worry whether you win or lose."
Flop smiled, "Although Ying Yuan hardly manages things, he dislikes anyone causing trouble in his territory, even a mayor."
Baimu thanked him profusely.
He's not completely ignorant of the arena, but it's located in the deepest part of Pyrite Town, passing through several other forces' turfs, not a place he could casually visit before.
"Want to try it?"
Flop raised his brows at Baimu, "Since you're here, no point in just looking and leaving, I'll wait for you here."
"...Alright."
The latter was indeed eager to try.
Register at the counter for random battles.
He initially thought he'd have to wait a while for an opponent, but as soon as he registered, someone was already leading him inside.
After passing through a dim and narrow metal tunnel, he entered a rather large battling space.
On the wall beside it, a large number displayed its code.
Baimu looked across and immediately saw a rogue with his forehead dyed an array of colors, shaking his head drunkly on the other side.
The team uniform on this person proved he was a member of some force as well.
"Yo yo yo yo—my opponent arrives♬, the defeated cometh♪, stepping forth he arrives, yo yo yo yo—"
This person suddenly started singing like he was carrying speakers with his own bgm.
Baimu: "...???"