Due to Baimu's strong suggestion.
Zheng Fang released the Garchomp he had just recalled.
"Garchomp~"
The fine scales reflected a faint glimmer in the slightly dim cave, and the dragon with shark elements let out a joyful low growl.
It was clear that it was very comfortable in this environment, and it was likely born in Meteor Falls.
"Do you see these two oval-shaped things? These are the sensory organs of Garchomp, capable of easily perceiving any disturbance no matter the distance."
Zheng Fang proclaimed rather smugly, "Just the Rocket Team—"
"Stop! I already know how powerful Garchomp is; you don't need to say anymore." Baimu interrupted him, preventing the inadvertent setting of a flag, and glanced at Mawile, which had inched closer to his feet, staying away from Garchomp.
"Uh!"
Zheng Fang's planned words were swallowed back.
He had originally intended to praise Garchomp to Baimu, but ultimately, the other seemed more focused on the Rocket Team, which left him somewhat thoughtful.
However, Zheng Fang couldn't help but feel puzzled, "Baimu, you seem to be really afraid of the Rocket Team?"
"It's not fear, it's caution."
Baimu shook his head, "Objectively speaking, the fact that the Rocket Team has been able to stir up trouble in Johto and Kanto for so long without being dismantled by the Alliance Prosecutors proves that their power is extremely strong and covert, not to be underestimated.
"Moreover, what I am particularly wary of is the technological power they hold... It might sound vague to you."
He shot Mawile a reassuring glance, took a step back to stand in a higher, more open spot, took off his backpack, and shouted, "Let your Garchomp attack me with Dragon Claw. Aim for my clothes, because they're considered one of the strongest protective garments currently available."
"What's a protective garment... Eh? Wait! Isn't that too dangerous?"
Zheng Fang was taken aback, ready to refuse without a second thought.
"It's alright, don't worry, just let Garchomp attack!" Baimu beckoned sincerely, "Really, trust me!"
Zheng Fang muttered, "Even if you say so..."
"I just want to show you the results of technological advancements. Do you really think Garchomp's attacks can penetrate this garment's defense?" he said confidently.
"No way! Just that thin garment?"
"Try it!"
"But... alright, Garchomp, use Dragon Claw!"
"Garchomp..."
Garchomp hesitantly glanced at its Trainer, who nodded and gave it a look, then had to lower its body, straighten its glowing green shark fins, and charge fiercely at Baimu!
As a Supersonic Pokémon, its shark fins can create air blades while running at high speed that can cut trees in half, and right now, it dared not use full force.
But even with reduced power, the impact was still terrifying.
Bang!
The shark fins struck fiercely at Baimu's chest, and under the explosion of Dragon Attribute Energy, he was instantly sent flying!
Mawile's figure disappeared in an instant, rapidly heading towards the spot Baimu landed, but stopped in its tracks, its tense face relaxing slightly.
Garchomp stood there, looking a bit confused, as the sensation of the hit didn't feel right...
"Baimu!"
Zheng Fang yelled in panic, but in the next moment saw Baimu expertly perform a backflip, land on his feet against the rock wall, then roll forward to land with ease.
"Hoo~ Didn't use full force? But it should already be quite evident."
Baimu stood up, dusted off his clothes that didn't even have a scratch, and smiled at the somewhat resentful Mawile, "See, nothing happened."
"Che!" Mawile turned its head, not wanting to acknowledge him.
Baimu was helpless as he faced the stunned Zheng Fang and Garchomp, "As you can see, Garchomp's Dragon Claw didn't do much damage to me."
"Huh? Why! That's impossible?"
The young Dragon Tamer could hardly believe his eyes. After all, Garchomp's Dragon Claw can cut through rocks, so how could it not harm a person, let alone a piece of clothing?
Zheng Fang came over, pinching Baimu's clothes, examining back and forth, "Just this thin layer? For real?"
"The facts speak for themselves. This special protective garment, called the Molten Rock Armor, greatly reduces the attribute energy and impact I bear; what's left isn't much to me."
He handed the coat over, "This is the power of technology, and the technology in Rocket Team's hands might not be inferior, possibly even surpassing it."
The speechless Zheng Fang, holding the garment, had nothing to say.
It's evidently beyond his understanding, as the rapid development of technology outside is something the secluded Meteor People can't comprehend, and isolating themselves would only make them lag further behind the times.
In Baimu's view, Meteor Village could establish a Gym like Yanmo City to enhance their connections with the outside world.
Dragon Land may remain detached from worldly struggles, but it still has a mayor and Gym Leader in Shuanglong City, and even a Unova Champion, Alice, in its future.
The Meteor People, however, don't have such an influential figure in the outside world.
"In short, never underestimate the Rocket Team, even just their technology." Baimu earnestly patted Zheng Fang's shoulder.
Da Wu and Lei Gong will, of course, deal with this matter, but who knows when the Rocket Team will act, and whether these formidable figures will be around. Hopefully, nothing unfortunate will occur.
Patrolling resumes once more.