Invitation from Team Magma

It was three in the afternoon.

For no apparent reason, he had been tricked into the mountains, fought a pointless battle with Courtney, and then boarded Team Magma's airship with her.

At last.

Led by Courtney,

Baimu met Maxie, who probably had some equally inexplicable ideas of his own.

He remembered how the anime had given the Team Magma boss tiny eyes and a squarish face, making him look somewhat comical. Unlike Giovanni, who was also something of a joke character but still retained a measure of intimidating presence.

In reality, Maxie looked much more like his appearance in the Pokémon remakes.

He wore a pair of high-tech-looking glasses, his crimson hair meticulously combed back. Wrapped in a black-and-red coat that covered most of his body, he appeared to be in his early forties and gave off a serious, proper first impression.

Their gazes met.

"Seeing you in person is better than hearing about you, Mr. Baimu. Thank you for teaching my incompetent subordinate a lesson."

Maxie stood up. His very first words were courteous, and he even extended a hand.

Baimu was slightly surprised. He had not expected the man who had proactively sent Courtney to cause trouble to greet him so warmly. Given the difference in their ages, it would have been perfectly normal for Maxie to be a little less polite.

But since the other man was all smiles, Baimu could only shake his hand despite not knowing what he was up to. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Maxie. Team Magma's land development across Hoenn is something everyone has seen for themselves."

"Oh? I didn't expect Mr. Baimu to know Team Magma so well."

Maxie's eyes flickered.

"You flatter me. I've merely watched a few more news reports. Also, just call me Baimu." Baimu did not show