The group returned to the starting point.
"How did it go?" Ying Ma asked impatiently, and Boss Ying Yuan also showed a hint of expectation.
Baimu, deep in thought, shook his head subconsciously: "Not really... ahem, well, everyone's level is decent, just needs improvement."
Although he quickly corrected himself, the three people next to him weren't fools.
The Ying Yuan brothers didn't expect there to be no Trainer who could catch his eye, Ayana pointed to the bald man drinking water in the distance, who was frequently looking over this way, and said, "What about that person?"
Ying Ma hurriedly introduced: "Kendall is the big brother's deputy and the second strongest Trainer in the arena!"
Second strongest?
Baimu was at a loss for words. In his opinion, this Trainer named Kendall was no different from Ying Yuan in one way—
Attacking straight on without thinking of any tactics, only knowing about attribute restraint but not considering the synergies between Pokémon.
Easily giving up on battles, it seemed they never thought about some situations being recoverable.
Even when the Pokémon itself still had the will to fight, they prematurely accepted defeat and surrendered.
Clearly, the judgment of the Pokémon is also very important during battles.
No.
It's not just him.
The Trainers of the entire arena were the same, just like novice Trainers from mainstream regions, as reckless as Ash Ketchum during the No Seal era.
"...All I can say is they also have great potential for growth."
Baimu said tactfully.
Ying Ma was just about to respond when he suddenly remembered the scene yesterday where Ying Yuan was one-sidedly defeated by Baimu, and his smile faded into silence.
Ayana's eyes flickered, she considered her strength similar to Kendall's, not significantly stronger even if stronger at all.
But in Baimu's eyes, they could only be described as having potential for growth.
Ying Yuan glanced at his brother and asked, "Then in which aspects does Boss Baimu think everyone should improve?"
"I think we might as well start from all aspects."
Baimu thought for a moment and said, "Could you first gather everyone together, Boss Ying Yuan?"
Boss Ying Yuan cooperatively called all the arena Trainers over.
The crowd gathered cluelessly, standing in scattered clusters and whispering.
Trainers not belonging to the arena gazed from afar, their eyes full of curiosity.
Baimu was surprised and asked, "Boss Ying Yuan hasn't told them yet?"
"I've only informed Kendall for now. I planned to announce the rest after you arrived." Boss Ying Yuan responded, arms crossed, looking toward the more than fifty people ahead.
At its peak, the two arenas boasted over four hundred combat personnel, each with at least three Pokémon, a formidable force that allowed the brothers to establish themselves in Pyrite Town.
But after Pyrite Town's liberation, most combat personnel were scrutinized by the Rescue Organization, either imprisoned or reassigned to other jobs, some even lost their Pokémon due to N's intervention because of their harsh treatment.
Ultimately, those continuing to follow the Ying Yuan brothers, who were clean enough not to end up in Southeast Prison, only left the fifty or so in front.
Initially, there were over a hundred, but the changes in Pyrite Town over half a year made life rich even without Pokémon.
In addition, Pyrite Arena was barely maintained, leading to a gradual exodus.
Baimu thought there might be a massive exit today as well.
Sure enough.
When Ying Yuan loudly announced his plan to travel out of town with his brother Ying Ma, entrusting arena management to Baimu, the arena Trainers erupted in disbelief, turning into a hubbub.
Some said they wanted to go with him.
Others pleaded for Ying Yuan to stay.
Kendall, the deputy, remained silent, simply gazing at Baimu, contemplating something.
Ying Ma shouted for everyone to calm down, but to little effect.
After closing the Underground City arena, almost all underlings went their separate ways, only a few peers remained willing to follow, but they soon left to work elsewhere at their families' urging and Ying Ma's suggestion.
"Quiet!"
Ying Yuan coldly barked, bringing the large arena to silence.
He addressed everyone: "The times have changed, Mayor Shanren's recent announcements are known to you; Pyrite Town and the entire Ore region will integrate with the world. Being too weak will result in elimination! Remember, we are Trainers, strength comes first!"
"But how can you casually hand the arena over to 'Demon Wood' for management? This guy might have made a name outside, but that doesn't mean he can overrule us! The Rainbow Team's been arrogant enough!"
Someone shouted.
This immediately drew a lot of agreement from others.
Ying Yuan stated calmly: "Yesterday afternoon, I battled Boss Baimu... and suffered a crushing defeat! Against Boss Baimu's Pokémon, I was powerless, which is why I've entrusted him with arena management."
"Impossible!"
"Crushing defeat? Boss, you're lying!"
"Ying Ma, were you the one who incited this? You're always full of tricky ideas!"
Some turned their focus to Ying Ma.
Baimu, seeing them about to argue endlessly, grew a bit impatient, patted Ying Yuan's shoulder, and stepped forward: "Everyone, I know you have many opinions, but Boss Ying Yuan's decision will not change.
"Moreover, I'm only temporarily managing the arena for him, without any intention of taking over this place, so I hope you don't have unnecessary misunderstandings."
He scanned the crowd in front of him, every person who met his eyes would, in the next second, nervously look away, their voices also turning smaller.
Ying Ma was left speechless, not expecting this group to immediately become "obedient" once Baimu spoke up.