Baimu was well aware of Chaitian's stupidity.
But he didn't expect him to be this foolish.
Even though they had Pokémon to assist them, he ignored his current predicament just to vent his anger, and his companions not only didn't stop him but even became accomplices.
"One must taste the bitter fruit of one's actions. It's just unfortunate for my group of brothers."
Hiding around the corner, Baimu sighed.
Not far away, in the remaining passage of the Jade Mine, a spacious space was occupied by many fierce Pokémon.
Chaitian and his companions were trembling, hiding behind a Rhyhorn, with their backs close to a narrow corner, but in their panic, they still frantically squeezed back.
As if they could break through the rock wall and escape safely.
Meanwhile, several other injured and confused individuals lay on the ground, and the numerous bloodstains were clearly visible in the dim cavern, making one's heart uneasy.
Even in the Pokémon World, excessive blood loss or serious injuries still have significant chances of resulting in immediate death, and for now, the Rhyhorn and those Pokémon were in a standoff. Who knew how long it would last?
We have to rescue them quickly...
But who would dare go out in such a situation?
Baimu found it difficult. Although he had some backup plans, it wasn't enough to bring everyone out safely. Not to mention he planned to have everyone pass the assessment to strengthen his team's power.
Sneak in? Stealthily enter without getting spotted?
Get into a fight quickly.
Take advantage of the chaos, at least secure a whole piece of jade to ensure passing the assessment.
Baimu took a slow deep breath, waiting for the opportunity.
He believed that the Rhyhorn wouldn't last much longer, and sooner or later a Pokémon would launch a probing attack, just like a pride of lions hunting.
"Goo."
A crisp call exploded like thunder in his ears.
In that instant, Baimu's heart almost stopped, and he turned his head stiffly to find a slightly familiar small figure not far away.
And from the corner of his eye, he vaguely caught sight of two Loudred in the Jade Mine passage, who heard the call and curiously turned their heads, moving in this direction.
You! Me!
Baimu and the approaching Aron locked eyes, full of helplessness and regret as he took out a purple Pokeball from his pocket.
But before he could do anything, this guy, who ruined his plan, calmly walked past him as if strolling through a market, coming face-to-face with the two approaching Loudred.
"Goo!"
"Gurah?"
The Loudred exchanged glances, scratched their heads, and turned away.
They thought it was a hiding participant, but it turned out to be such a little thing, what a disappointment.
It's more interesting to bully the cowards, they almost wet themselves, haha!
The two Loudred cheerfully ran back and shouted encouragement for the Pokémon at the forefront from the perimeter.
The Aron watched their backs with disdain, its blue eyes flashing with a hint of scorn, then turned back to where Baimu was hiding.
"Goo!"
"..."
Baimu didn't speak and looked at the Aron with a strange expression.
Was this guy just helping him out?
Why?
He quietly moved away from the Jade Mine passage, gesturing to Aron to see if it would follow.
—It really followed!
Seeing Aron approaching slowly like a puppy, Baimu's heart trembled slightly, and he quickly moved to a corner away from the Pokémon, squatting down silently.
Although he didn't understand this guy's intentions, it probably wasn't malicious, so using a Pokeball to test it rashly would be foolish. Better to try negotiating first.
He took off his mask and said, "Thanks for earlier."
"Goo."
The Aron stood in front of Baimu, slightly raising its head, looking even more like a big dog, except for the strange armor it wore.
Baimu thought for a moment, then took out the Iron Ingot hidden in his chest and shook it, "Is this what you want?"
"Goo?"
The Aron was suddenly taken aback, hesitated for two seconds, and then nodded.
With an expression like, "I guess I want this."
Hmm?
Baimu was also stunned and asked, "If you don't want this, why are you following me?"
"Goo!"
Aron pointed its small paw at the Iron Ingot.
Liar!
You looked so confused just now, did you just come up with this reason?
Still, the Pokémon in the animated version had exaggerated IQs, easily understanding what he was saying.
Or was this Aron just talented?
Baimu wanted to ask more questions, but suddenly there was a commotion from the Jade Mine passage, accompanied by slight explosions.
A fight started!?
"Well, um, Aron, I'd like to ask for your help." He quickly explained his request, offering the Iron Ingot as a reward, and promised to buy more if it wasn't enough.
After speaking, he worried he spoke too fast for Aron to understand, so he calmly repeated it carefully.
"...Goo."
Meeting Baimu's hopeful gaze, Aron didn't hesitate much before agreeing.
The two quietly returned to the previous tunnel.
However, the scene inside the Jade Mine passage surprised Baimu. Between the Rhyhorn and the group of Pokémon, there was an additional patterned stone slab depicting a red monstrous snake.
The snake's head was broken off, connected by a black unknown material, emitting an eerie sound.
"Thsss!"
It turned out to be a Death God Plate of Galar... Were they negotiating?
Exchanging a glance with Aron, the latter nodded, moved its short legs, ran in, bit the clothing of someone lying on the ground, and pulled back with effort.
Some of the Pokémon turned to look at it and then turned back as if they hadn't seen it.
The rule was that comatose humans could not be attacked further, as it was pointless to bother with them, especially since they'd have to be carried out later.
Lazily unconcerned.
Just like that.
The Aron successfully dragged the person to Baimu's side.
"You're amazing."
Overcome with emotion, Baimu couldn't help but pat its head, and when he withdrew his hand, he realized his actions were somewhat rash.
Aron seemed startled as well, staring blankly at him, its blue eyes wide.
But that moment only lasted for an instant.
The faint groans of his colleague broke the awkward moment, prompting Baimu to check the situation, while Aron continued moving the remaining people.
The situation wasn't very promising.
Although humans in the Pokémon World had strong constitutions, the group led by Chaitian obviously aimed to cause severe harm, leaving him dazed and entirely unable to regain consciousness.
All Baimu could do was observe his basic condition, check his pulse and breathing, and perform minimal treatment to prevent him from dying below ground.
He hoped the conditions of the others weren't as bad, otherwise, things would become complicated.
Baimu sighed deeply.
Suddenly.
He stopped moving, turned around, and spotted a sneaky shadow.
A participant?
The person seemed hesitant to come over, not having turned on their headlamp, making the scene slightly eerie in the dimness.
Baimu squinted, trying to make out who it was, then glanced at the Jade Mine passage, confirmed that aside from Aron pulling people, no one was paying attention to him, and decisively flashed his headlamp twice.
The figure paused.
Then it quietly and quickly approached, its charge-like stance resembling a ghost.
And as the person closed in within five meters, their appearance became visible.
A face, bloodstained and covered by a damaged mask, with a pair of eyes shining brightly.
"Baimu!"
Cheng Hong exclaimed in a low voice, filled with excitement.
"Shh!"
Baimu covered Cheng Hong's mouth, shaking his head with a serious expression.