Should we let Lairon learn Power of the Earth?
The answer is yes.
This Power of the Earth, just like a gift from the skies, isn't something Baimu would skimp on. He immediately delivered that level three knowledge to Lairon.
Having learned the Ground Attribute move [Power of the Earth], Lairon's understanding of moves like Earthquake and Heavy Slam will improve faster too.
After all, it's already experienced in transforming energy into the Ground Attribute.
Even if one is Physical Attack and the other is Special Attack, in theory, they share a common understanding.
Although evolving to level forty-five can maximize Mawile's benefits, continuing to level up will only widen the gap between it, Lairon, and Chansey, thereby reducing its say in front of Mawile.
Pokémon being overly confident in their strength, looking down on trainers, and refusing to obey commands is quite common in other regions.
Such predictable things surely can't be left to their own devices.
Mawile still listens to him for now, and by continuing on this path, Baimu can ensure its whole-hearted trust by simultaneously strengthening Lairon and making Mawile realize its own importance.
Affinity gradually increases.
After all, the simulator is used once a week, fighting more battles can shorten the time, and Baimu thinks nothing of it.
Speaking of which, the simulator has only been activated five times so far, taking less than a month. Although the feedback hasn't propelled him upwards right away, he believes that little by little it will be enough to let him stand proudly in the Trainer field.
It's not necessary to force miracles like Ash Ketchum's legendary journey, returning after twenty years of travel still at the age of ten.
The night was dark.
Baimu released the already sleeping Chansey from his embrace and once again accessed the Miniskirt's Fighting memory.
This thing is a hundred times more effective than singing; as long as no one disturbs from outside, closing and reopening your eyes gets you to the next day.
Feeling particularly refreshed, not tired at all.
That night.
Lairon, under the bed, inexplicably had a sweet dream.
It dreamt of transforming into a Big Monster, with just a stomp, bringing down a heap of buildings, and with a howl, the ground erupted with volcanic fiery red lights.
In an instant Pyrite Town was devastated into ruins, and the Trainer laughing heartily atop its head while Mawile carried Chansey flying around.
Hmm…
It's indeed a sweet dream, after all, it really dislikes Pyrite Town.
"Grrr... grrrr..."
A joyfully content Lairon unwittingly snored lightly.
——
The next day.
Baimu got up early, riding a sidecar hoverbike, taking Mawile to meet up with Cheng Hong and others on Copper Mill Street.
The month-long course was finally over, and they officially became not-so-honorable members of the Quicksand Team.
From their spiritual appearance, it's easy to conclude that Cheng Hong and others endured a lot during the training—
This is "normal."
Cheng Hong and the others are poor guys with pockets cleaner than their faces, handing over salaries to their families, their instructor not getting any kickbacks, obviously venting his frustrations accordingly.
As long as it doesn't cause disability or death, it's all fine.
But according to Cheng Hong, ever since they decided to join Baimu and let it be known, the instructor rarely hassled them anymore.
Baimu was surprised his name had such an effect, despite the opponent being just an elite member technically half a level below a Squad Leader, coming from the Stone Team and not the Sand Group, yet still showing deference?
In fact.
He didn't know how well-known he was within the Quicksand Team, or how his performance at the charity event had shown many people that this young little ghost was not to be trifled with.
Even the matter of Liu Ge choosing him as a Squad Leader had already spread throughout the Quicksand Team.
The Stone Team stands in between the always at odds Crystal Team and Sand Group, not worth offending Baimu over a bit of bribery to impact alliances.
"So cool!"
"I want a bike too~"
"Then start saving money. I'm telling you, I've already contacted a second-hand car dealer..."
Baimu dismounted, letting the teammates surround the hoverbike to make comments, even generously handing them the keys to give it a try.
Sadly, none dared to ride it, but climbed on for a couple of swaggering poses instead.
Mawile hid in the sidecar, instinctively wanting to punch anyone unfamiliar getting on board, but the Trainer stopped it.
"Come on out, don't just stay in there."
He pulled the unwilling Mawile from the sidecar, turning to Cheng Hong, saying, "Are you all ready?"
The aim for today was to successfully negotiate with people from the Copper Mill Street enterprise area about the price and respects to be paid. This could be done by one person, but having Cheng Hong and others made it more convenient.
If those people don't cooperate.
Then he'll have to light three fires as the new chief.
"Ready long ago!"
Cheng Hong nodded vigorously, as most of the extra income for the usual Quicksand Team members came from those shops. They had been broke for over a month, no wonder they were eager.
"I'll say it upfront, if they aren't excessive, neither should we be."
Baimu raised his voice slightly.
The team encircling the bike all responded in understanding.
Mawile looked at the teammates' loud and confident replies, then at Baimu's calm expression, eyes shining.
Not knowing what was happening, but thinking the Trainer seemed very commanding.
This reminded it of those head Pokémon leading their flocks in the Eco Park, similarly commanding everyone then proudly parading around.
"Chi doo~"
It wanted to have that kind of stature too~
"What?"
Baimu leaned down, seeing Mawile's eyes bright but unsure what it was looking at, puzzled.
"Chi doo."
Mawile quickly shook its head, indicating nothing was wrong, but it bred a certain idea.
Since these humans obeyed the Trainer's orders, if the Trainer obeyed it, wouldn't that mean these humans also indirectly listened to it?
As expected.
It needed a way to make the Trainer obediently listen to it.
Upon this thought, Mawile tugged on Baimu's sleeve, flashing a cute smile when he looked over, "Chi doo~"
"What's up?"
"...Chi doo."
Mawile turned its head, pondering why its previously foolproof cute smile didn't work. Every breeder and doctor had squealed "kawaii, so cute" whenever it smiled, but not Baimu?
Frustrating!
Looks like it will have to take things slowly.
Recalling various ways breeders rapidly increased goodwill with Pokémon in the Eco Park, it made a decision.
On the other hand.
Baimu watched the odd Mawile, wondering if he upset it by taking it off the bike, or if it was uncomfortable around so many strangers.
"Alright! Stop gawking! Prepare to head out!"
Clapping his hands, he decided it was best to finish this task soon.