Shanren aims to make Luozi his target.
While establishing the Pokémon Alliance, he seeks to create an economic system that will bring prosperity to the Ore Region.
This sounds practically like a fairy tale.
After all, with the interest groups led by Ergin yet to be dealt with, Shanren is already focusing on the future after the dust has settled, which inevitably seems somewhat overly ambitious.
Yet Baimu had to admit that what truly drove him to agree was Shanren's identity.
Without money, resources, or connections, everything is like the moon in a mirrored pond; Shanren, as a member of the interest group and the savior of one of the power leaders' descendants, happens to fill those gaps.
In other words, their starting point is much higher than Luozi's.
The previously incredible hypothesis has become much more realistic, although for now, liberating Pyrite Town remains the primary goal.
In the living room.
"Let my father deal with the matters in Silicon City, our base is right here." Shanren continued to paint his vision to Baimu.
Although Pyrite Town is barren, it contains resources coveted by the entire world.
Minerals.
Not only iron, copper, and tin, but also various rare elements, a phenomenon where multiple metals appear in one area, which might only be realized in the Pokémon World.
As long as they can claim Pyrite Town, Shanren believes they've secured half the battle—
It's all about surrounding the commercial city with a resource city.
Baimu mocked internally and then heard Shanren say, "In the current phase, just follow Flop and Liu Ge's orders, and continue according to their strategy."
"What about you?"
"I need to recruit more knowledgeable people; fortunately, both you and I are well-known, especially you, which will greatly aid us."
"Me?"
"Of course, you're from a civilian background and now in the middle tier of Pyrite Town, closer to the hearts of ordinary people and middle-class families in Pyrite Town than I am, so having you is essential, understand?"
This is about setting him up as a model...
Baimu smirked, seeing Shanren's self-assured face, knowing both understood the significance of role models.
People tend to follow blindly, especially those with little education.
Speaking of which.
Over the years, Liu Ge and the others have likely helped more people become literate; without literacy, there's no understanding, and without understanding, it's impossible to reshape the Ore Region from a soul level.
"Can I recruit others?" he asked.
"Of course you can."
Shanren chuckled, "Our relationship is equal, not hierarchical; don't get it wrong."
"Alright."
Baimu nodded.
He naturally hoped to bring in Cheng Hong and the others, and under his supervision, Cheng Hong and others have become literate, as have their families, which is also a form of strength.
Of course, it has to be progressive, letting them gradually embrace the idea of saving Ore and realize they can accomplish great things.
Beside him, Wu was listening in confusion.
"What are you talking about? The more I listen, the less I understand?"
Shanren replied, "Simply put, we're getting ready to fight the bad guys."
That's too simplified.
Baimu helplessly said, "I'm going out for a bit, going to find the big brother, you do as you please."
"Go ahead." Shanren waved his hand.
Soon after.
The office building.
Today he visits again.
Baimu had no hesitation, went straight upstairs, greeted Flop and others with curious faces, and then found Liu Ge in the office, expressing his thoughts.
"I see..."
Liu Ge pondered a bit, then stood up and extended his hand, "Welcome to join us!"
"Th-thank you."
He hesitated for a moment, shook hands, and said, "Aren't you going to persuade me?"
"Nothing to persuade you about. First, as I've said before, you're already deep in, unable to extricate yourself, and you're contributing to the current tide in Pyrite Town. Moreover, since you've realized the weight of responsibility, I shouldn't diminish your enthusiasm."
Liu Ge sincerely added, "If possible, we don't wish any child to be involved; bloodshed is inevitable, and you are the future of this region.
"But when you realize this, it shows you already have the qualities a mature person should have—taking responsibility, making us like-minded partners."
After returning yesterday, Baimu wasn't the only one contemplating; Liu Ge also thought about how to treat Baimu and more people like him.
This world never lacks heroes, and when other regions become aware of what's happening here, countless trainers will lend a hand, contributing to peace.
By then, Liu Ge will face more young people filled with ideals and beliefs.
Baimu gratefully said, "Thank you for your trust, so what should I do now?"
"Continue doing what you've been doing, gathering strength, waiting for opportunities."
"Yes!"
He said, his heart filled with excitement, though he was already aware deep down, he was still worried he wouldn't gain Liu Ge's approval before coming.
Whether doubting his ability to achieve similar things or questioning his age, made him very uneasy.
Fortunately, Liu Ge showed more insight than expected.
"Layohu~"
Not knowing where Gliscor was hiding, he swung down, grinning widely at Baimu.
The latter smiled and rubbed its chin, "Hello there, let's get along."
"Layohu!"
Gliscor cried out, hugged Baimu's head tightly, rubbed twice before slowly letting go, looking proudly at his messy hairstyle.
But the next moment, his head received a solid hit from Liu Ge.
"Stop with the silly pranks!"
"Layo..."
Gliscor held its head, embarrassed.
Baimu stood up to say goodbye, just about to leave when he heard Liu Ge calling from behind, "By the way, take the salary from Quicksand Team, use the resources, don't feel pressured."
"...Alright."
"If you don't use them, others will; do your best to increase your strength; having more combat power is what you should do most, understand?"
"Understood."
He turned to leave, immediately seeing Flop and others grinning as they approached.
"Young man, nice job, high level of awareness."
"With someone like you here, our efforts aren't wasted!"
"Want to try joining the International Police?"
"Don't mess around! There's no time for training now! Besides, he has a more fitting future, much better than the International Police."
"Indeed."
They chattered on, speaking with undisguised closeness.
Baimu was surrounded by them, realizing he was truly accepted, their gaze no longer seeing him as someone needing protection, but as a partner moving forward together.
This made him incredibly happy.
Flop stepped forward:
"Remember the Mightyena I took from you?"
"Yes."
"They were taken by the International Police Headquarters as test samples for researching that special drug; without them, we'd have to find other ways to conduct actual parameter testing. Of course, we've also received more similar Pokémon."
"Does that mean my Mawile..."
"That's right, it comes from the Pokémon Eco Park at the International Police; you'd better take good care of it—this might be redundant from me, but everyone can see how well you care for Mawile."
"As long as I didn't disappoint you, I'm relieved."