As soon as the giant fried egg entered his mouth, Baimu understood why this thing was so popular.
It's really delicious!
He almost swallowed the fork along with it.
He thought he'd get sick of the fried egg the size of a basin after a couple of bites, but after eating the whole thing, he still wanted more.
"Just a sprinkle of salt..."
Baimu glanced at the plate, resisting the urge to lick away the crumbs, and turned to look at the Lairon and Chansey beside him.
Little did he expect, the two had already gobbled up their eggs completely clean. Lairon's plate was spotless, possibly not even needing a wash.
"Grunt~"
Lairon laughed heartily and carefree.
Chansey glanced at the empty plate, rubbing its little hands bashfully, looking slightly embarrassed. Watching Lairon gobble down the egg, it intended to eat less so it could share some leftovers.
But after just one bite, it couldn't stop itself.
Just how greedy am I?
Chansey thought guiltily.
"Haha..."
Baimu smiled slightly, placed the plate on the ground, and reached out to stroke the soft, round head of Chansey lightly covered with short hair.
Their different personalities were clearly displayed at this moment.
Lairon is calm and gentle, with a good temper and intelligence, like a loyal guardian, never disappointing Baimu;
Whereas Chansey is more timid and introverted, yet kind-hearted and naturally interested in caring for others, though lacking confidence.
After stroking Chansey for a while, he moved on to pat Lairon's head.
"Grunt~"
Lairon showed a content expression, though its steel armor slightly blocked the feel on its skin, it always cherished such moments.
Pokémon can live without trainers, but the warmth of snuggling together felt like the most precious thing in the world, leaving them longing for more.
"Let's head out."
Baimu didn't forget he had money to collect.
"Grunt!" "Lucky~"
The two Pokémon responded softly.
——
In the Quicksand Team, a Squad Leader Level position undoubtedly represents an upper-mid level of status.
The position and income far exceed that of regular members.
Aside from a base annual salary of around five million, each Squad Leader is given a portion of a street by direct subordinates as their territory to oversee.
All the "settling fees" for the stores and facilities within the territory are collected by the Squad Leader, with these additional incomes being derived from this source, as long as they're not overly greedy and ruining the sustainable operation, the leadership rarely intervenes.
Then there's task bonuses, tribute money from junior members, and some under-the-table bribes among other things.
The myriad open and hidden incomes are enough to instantly transform a pauper into someone of status.
Of course, the expenses aren't low either, Squad Leaders have to pay tribute to direct officials and top cadres, various membership fees, holiday gifts, party envelopes, and more, also a considerable amount.
The saying of big fish eating small fish and small fish eating shrimp applies here.
Yet many long to become the small fish, it's not an easy feat.
Therefore, when Baimu arrived at the headquarters to collect his bonus, official insignia, and new team uniform among other things, the few respectful administrative staff were green with envy.
Jealousy certainly exists, but they dared not show it, their status is not even as good as regular members, letting alone daring to offend anyone.
Baimu paid no mind to their thoughts, carefully counting the money.
The amounts this time included 2.97 million for live stream rewards—rounded off directly, 400,000 for defeating the enemy, 600,000 for total opponent wipe-out reward, and 1 million for eliminating a significant member of the Evil Dog Team!
A total of 4.97 million, plus the 3.03 million in his pocket, exactly 8 million!
This part is done.
Still need to count the collected and recovered Pokémon.
Six collected Pokémon, whose trainers lie on hospital beds, likely unconscious for a while, and Baimu collects 200,000 each.
Three recovered Pokémon, whose trainers unfortunately died, are forcibly reclaimed by the Quicksand Team for 100,000 each, with possible future negotiations with their families.
Otsuka's Pokémon...
"100,000 each."
Baimu felt he was soft-hearted since not charging might lead Otsuka to waive the 1 million debt, he thought the young man could pull that off.
To stick to the principle of transparency among close brethren, the basic fee must be charged.
Thus.
His wallet swelled significantly, totaling 9.8 million, just 200,000 short of reaching the realm of a millionaire.
Though purchasing power doesn't reach the millionaire status.
Thinking this, Baimu shifted his gaze elsewhere——
The Squad Leader foundational benefits included: a latest model hoverbike, a ground-based two-story independent house, an underground independent house, and a certificate to open large-scale businesses either on the surface or within the Underground City.
Not discussing the surface for now, though the Underground City is expansive, not many are allowed to open shops inside.
Behind any booming business usually stands a Squad Leader or higher, and the Quicksand Team often uses this as a benefit for Squad Leaders.
With this certificate, they can legitimately earn money.
However, not many Squad Leaders have the acumen, hence these certificates are often leased out, generating an extra revenue stream.
Overall, the upper echelon of the Quicksand Team is generous, but human nature is greedy, especially in such a filthy environment, the more given, the less satisfied.
Baimu stowed these items away, pondering that he had to move again in less than a week.
Wondering if Lairon and Chansey could adapt.
Hmm.
Might as well go spend a bit.
——
Neutral Dungeon.
His second visit here felt different from the previous time.
At that time, to quickly familiarize with his Pokémon, he hadn't really explored, and now was a perfect opportunity to look around.
Honestly.
The Underground City is practically indistinguishable from various commercial streets and pedestrian streets from his past life, aside from various shops, there are also market stalls and roaming vendors similar to night markets.
Perhaps due to approaching nighttime activities, the Neutral Dungeon is lively.
Baimu wandered around briefly and chose to enter a digital appliance store.
Five minutes later.
He walked out holding a black cell phone.
According to the store clerk, this item is the latest technological development, with numerous fun and diverse functionalities. If he could obtain a Rotom and let it enter, it could endow the phone with greater intelligence and utility.
Preached so sensationally, the price was exorbitantly outrageous, costing 80,000!
This is already a discounted rate, the clerk said phones in other regions start at 100,000, leaving Baimu stunned.
"Now, there's another monthly expense."
He sighed, the cell phone operators in the Ore Region are undoubtedly in Silicon City, with costly monthly fees.
But for better connecting with the outside world, this expense is necessary.
Subsequently.
Baimu purchased some miscellaneous items and stood at the alley's end contemplating, "Next... should ask Lairon and the others what they want?"
Bam!
With the Pokeball opened, Lairon landed, catching a few sideways glances from passersby, which quickly dissipated.
"Is there anything you want?"
He asked quietly, "Like wanting to eat some precious metal or anything you'd like to do."
Lairon thoughtfully understood its trainer's words and after scanning the surroundings, began heading in a certain direction.
Baimu hurriedly followed.
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