The Decisive Battle Begins

With the situation urgent, Shan Ren gave up on hosting Steven and Drake. The moment he learned the Ejin Force was on the move, he set out for Pyrite Town with his convoy.

Every second counted now.

The sooner they returned to Pyrite Town, the sooner the Champion and an Elite Four member could bring their formidable strength to bear.

On the road,

he tried calling Baimu in Pyrite Town to share the good news. But when he found the signal was down, he realized the Ejin Force might already have arrived.

What was done was done. Shan Ren's earlier impatience gave way to calm.

Even without the Champion and an Elite Four member, their original plan still had a good chance of success with Leo at its core.

Besides, Liu Ge and the others chiefly needed to keep the Ejin Force tied down in Pyrite Town, not defeat it outright.

Victory ultimately depended on Dinis and the other Orre locals in Silicon Beryllium City launching their crucial coup. They could then use it to purge Ejin's entire power bloc from the top down.

With a Champion involved this time, though, they might be able to ensure that none of the Ejin Force in Pyrite Town escaped.

Shan Ren had absolute faith in Steven's strength.

Steven and Drake could not help wondering why he had gone from anxious to composed.

"Before the enemy arrived, I wanted to get back to Pyrite Town as quickly as possible. Now that they're there, I have no choice but to trust my companions."

Shan Ren managed a smile and explained quietly, "Knowing him, a little trouble like this won't bring him down."

The founding of the Rainbow Team had also thrust Baimu into the spotlight.

Once the Ejin Force reached Pyrite Town, they would