Here's the translated text:
The second day of N's arrival.
Liu Ge initiated the first step of peaceful evolution—taking over the headquarters building of the Quicksand Team with his people.
Flop had mentioned that this operation would avoid armed conflict as much as possible, so there wouldn't be any need for him to assist.
However, Baimu was truly uneasy, so he straightforwardly brought Wu and stood at the bottom of the building to await their news; if anything went wrong, he could provide support swiftly.
He maintained extreme caution towards the neighboring Crystal Team.
Upon learning from Cang Zhilang that the group leader Chester from the Crystal Team was also heading to rescue the boss, he was incredibly surprised—this was not fitting with Chester's character at all!
Had the realization dawned that the Evil Dog Team, due to lacking a leader, had crumbled, and a guilty conscience made him realize the boss's importance?
Reason told him this was possible; emotion urged him to stay cautious.
However.
Things went smoother than he imagined, or perhaps Liu Ge and the others had made all necessary preparations before this peaceful evolution, as it took less than ten minutes for Quicksand Team's mouthpiece to change hands.
"It's not surprising; for these people, just one reason is enough to switch their allegiance to us."
Flop, going downstairs, said with a smile: "To become a 'normal' Trainer."
"Normal..."
"Exactly, inside this building are people closest yet farthest from Trainers. They possess the knowledge to understand the world, yet they are confined within this building, repeating tedious tasks with no visible future."
Flop said with a sigh.
Pokémon, as absolute power controlled by Quicksand Team's higher-ups, though lower levels have enough money to buy Pokémon, they are strictly forbidden from owning them until gaining official member status.
The former "Baimu" had dreamt of saving enough money to buy a Pokémon, which once misled the Baimu that came afterward. But once he was promoted to an official member, he understood that no matter how much money you had, the upper-level would never allow the peripheral members or administrative personnel an opportunity.
Among the administrative personnel in the headquarters building, a significant portion might not belong to the sunny of people, yet they could only envy others' Pokémon.
On the other hand, not everyone can adapt to plundering, killing, and survival battles; they yearn to become normal Trainers like those in other regions.
Liu Ge or the Rescue Organization brought hope to these people.
No.
It's more accurate to say Cang Zhilang and others' decision first made them desperate; anyone would understand that a force without enough Trainers for protection is nothing more than food delivered into others' mouths.
Though going to Silicon City is dangerous, is staying in Pyrite Town not dangerous?
Yet the Operative Department heartlessly abandoned them, and at this moment, Liu Ge's arrival and promise were enough for them to cling to like a lifeline.
Flop continued: "Merely controlling the headquarters building means controlling Quicksand Team's logistic management, from water and electricity, materials, mines, smelting plants, and even data signals."
"So, is it over?"
"Certainly not; we still need to turn the last batch of Operative Department members of Quicksand Team."
"...What about the Crystal Team?"
"Do you think with Chester's personality, who would stay behind to help him watch over the family wealth? He had long moved everything possible, leaving behind only some children who aren't favored."
Flop laughed, "Rest assured, whether living or dead in the end, Chester was determined not to return to Quicksand Team. The most likely scenario is that he will return with Ergin's forces, waiting for these forces in Pyrite Town to be suppressed, helping his force rise."
This implicitly suggests Chester will betray Cang Zhilang and Yogo, switching allegiance to Ergin's side.
But the critical issue is.
"Will Ergin accept Chester, the backstabber? Assign importance to someone who has already betrayed once?" Baimu was very interested in how Chester established connections with Ergin.
"We also find it unlikely, but believe that before fully understanding Pyrite Town's situation, the commanders of Ergin's forces would see Chester's value, and when the suppression ends, Chester's death sentence will be pronounced."
Flop spoke solemnly of the frightful "disposing of the donkey when it's old."
This filled Baimu with sympathy towards Chester.
Though he had never met this highest officer face-to-face, he had been troubled by him many times. If his opponent meets a bad end, it would resolve one of his lingering issues.
"Alright, rest assured, when I say you don't need to show up, you really don't need to."
Flop patted his shoulder, "Tomorrow our superiors will send reinforcements; they aren't much older than you, also from the Ore Region, you might as well get to know them."
Reinforcements?
Baimu was startled.
——
Due to efforts made by Liu Ge and others beyond Baimu's sight.
The replacement of Quicksand Team's higher-ups was calmer than he imagined.
Cheng Hong and others, until this step came, then realized the big boss had been in league with the Rescue Organization all along; on one hand, they felt melancholy, on another, they complained why he hadn't said so earlier.
Baimu did not respond.
He knew very well that while Liu Ge indeed took advantage of the opportunity to expand, absorbing a large number of civilians in a short time and earning the Rescue Organization's support, clearly most people still belonged to a state of going with the flow.
Regarding the salvation of Ore, their understanding was very shallow, limited to the Rescue Organization allowing them to eat well, receive adequate remuneration, and avoid any tribute fees in aspects concerning their own interest.
Honestly speaking, it's enough just knowing these for a goal to overthrow the old forces, but truly saving Ore is still far away.
Baimu understood Liu Ge and others have many tasks ahead, and aside from enhancing his strength, he could only ensure the people around him understand the future goal.
The core target was Otsuka, who once casually bullied others due to excessive pressure.
This person has been very busy lately.
Due to his need to apologize, compensate, and seek forgiveness from those he used to bully. Luckily, he had yet to commit any severe harm incidents that would significantly impact a victim's life.
But even so, Otsuka must pay the price for what he has done, and apology and compensation are just the initial steps.
Of course.
This task was something Otsuka himself wanted to do, not suggested or forced by Baimu; he merely informed Otsuka.
"People make mistakes, but it's difficult to admit and bear them. The world is changing, and you must change too, Otsuka, learn to do the right things, or you'll never keep up with the new world."
After the chat, perhaps inspired by someone, Otsuka began to correct his past mistakes.
Some were willing to forgive after receiving money, while others refused despite it.
For the latter, Otsuka chose to let them hit back.
After all, besides verbal degradation, his most outrageous act was giving someone a beating; paying money and being beaten back could barely count as tit-for-tat.
Baimu observed the entire process, giving those people the confidence to strike Otsuka.
Without his presence, it would be tough for them to overcome the hurdle of beating the Squad Leader; their hearts were still shackled by class.
Those who had a thorough beating were thrilled; the bruised Otsuka was also filled with joy.
"I no longer have burdens, Baimu."
Otsuka grinned, revealing a foolish smile lacking two teeth, mingling pain with relief.
"No, you're far from it."
Baimu's response left Otsuka with a stiff expression.
"Eh?"
"Go help build houses on Magnetic Barium Street."
He said softly: "That's your deserved punishment."
Seeing his earnest expression, Otsuka agreed without hesitation: "Sure!"
The blond-haired youth didn't know Baimu gave him not only punishment but also an opportunity—a chance to truly blend in with the crowd.
At the same time.
The territory of the Quicksand Team welcomed a new guest.
"Pyrite Town, it's been a while since I've been back." He rode a hoverbike, the Espeon and Umbreon in the sidecar calling out in agreement.