Hoenn League Studios—the undisputed number-one film company in the Hoenn region. It was the place every aspiring filmmaker dreamed of joining. Essentially, it was a state-owned enterprise of the entertainment industry in Hoenn.
Another major player was Dream Century Entertainment, established even earlier, known for excellent employee benefits and a roster packed with star directors, screenwriters, and actors.
It, too, was a coveted destination for anyone in the industry.
Though Edward had risen to prominence as a breakout star, his company still couldn't compare to those giants. His personal fame didn't necessarily mean his company was famous too.
Compared to those well-established studios, Ghost Film Pictures still lacked the time and track record to earn deep industry recognition.
"I decided to apply because I watched your Sherlock Holmes, Director Edward. I thought it was a brilliant film!" Monica said excitedly.
Edward was momentarily surprised. He hadn't expected this girl to actually be a fan of his work. Still, he didn't refuse her. Instead, he smiled and signed the contract with her.
Just like that, Monica officially became a member of Ghost Film Pictures.
"Monica, would you be interested in directing this film yourself?" Edward asked, flipping through the script in his hands. It really was a solid screenplay.
However, Edward had already committed to shooting A Wicked Ghost as his next project, with the script for that already in development.
That meant he didn't have time to direct The Dollhouse himself.
When Monica heard the suggestion, her face turned beet red. She shyly admitted that she had no experience in film direction.
But from the way she reacted, Edward could tell—she wanted to try.
"If you're willing to direct it, I can assign some assistants to help you," Edward said warmly.
He had plans for Ghost Film Pictures.
He couldn't turn it into a one-man production house where only he made all the films. Training new directors was essential.
After all, it wouldn't make sense for such a big company to have just one director, right?
"I—I'll try!" Monica eventually said, gathering her courage.
Edward smiled, then instructed Zoroark to take Monica downstairs.
He also had Deck arrange a professional team to support her.
The production of The Dollhouse was now officially underway.
As for Edward himself, he left the office.
He was planning to visit Headmistress Lillian—and Ruckus.
During the Tom Tree Contest, both Headmistress Lillian and Ruckus had shown up to cheer him on.
It had been a while since he last visited the care center.
Even though he'd been donating regularly, he still wanted to drop by, relax a bit, and check in on them personally.
Carrying Q and bringing Fortune, Edward left his studio building.
Just outside, he saw three fashionable young women walking toward him, laughing among themselves. He didn't pay them much attention and just gently patted Q's head.
He took Q and Fortune to a fruit tea shop and bought three cups of berry tea, then pre-ordered a group lunch to be delivered to the care center.
When he arrived, he saw Big Bear munching on lunch while Headmistress Lillian stood nearby, distributing food to the Pokémon.
"Headmistress Lillian," Edward called out with a smile.
She looked up, waved cheerfully, and smiled back.
"Kyuuu!" Q perked up as well, excitedly gazing at the steel gate.
Then, a scar-covered head poked out—it was Ruckus.
He looked a bit older than before, but the scars across his body remained. They were permanent, destined to stay with him for life.
Edward approached and chatted briefly with Headmistress Lillian about the fruit tea, then reached out to rub Ruckus's head.
Ruckus closed his eyes in contentment, enjoying the affection, then opened them again—staring intently at Q in Edward's arms, eyes filled with eager anticipation.
"Ruckus… just forget it. You're still quite a bit behind Q," Edward said helplessly.
Right now, Q was on a strict regimen—one Fear Candy a day, without fail.
Edward had done the math—it was nearly at full dosage.
Once the dosage was complete, Q would have an additional +200 to all stats.
Forget Ruckus—even Lance's Dragonite wouldn't survive a hit from Q's Dazzling Gleam.
The "Awakening Candy" system was only found in side games like Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee.
Since those weren't considered part of the main series, balance wasn't a top concern—hence the ridiculously OP mechanics.
"Rooooar!" Ruckus let out a defiant growl, his scars trembling slightly.
Edward sighed, then gently set Q down and specifically reminded him to hold back.
"Is Q really that strong now?" Headmistress Lillian asked in surprise, standing beside him.
She'd heard what Edward said and found it hard to believe.
She knew Ruckus's strength well.
Despite growing up at the care center, he wasn't lacking in battle experience.
As a former Gym Leader, Lillian had personally trained him—teaching him strategies, feeding him proper moves, and even conducting reverse-type matchups to toughen him up.
Right now, Ruckus was nothing like a regular wild Salamence.
But to hear Edward speak, it sounded like Ruckus would be crushed instantly.
"Headmistress Lillian…" Edward gave her a complicated look.
He really wanted to say it:
"Normal Pokémon can't beat a cheat."
It's like playing Counter-Strike—Ruckus is a seasoned pro player.
But he's facing off against someone flying through the air with an aimbot, wallhacks, and loud EDM playing in the background.
How do you fight that? You can't.
Ruckus roared again, filled with pride and determination.
In his mind, he was no weaker than any other Pokémon!
And in the very next second, Dazzling Gleam flashed—
—and Ruckus collapsed.
"Ah… youth," Edward smacked his lips. Just as expected.
Q's power level had reached a point where even he couldn't quite make sense of it anymore.
It was genuinely a little broken.
"…" Headmistress Lillian opened her mouth but said nothing.
She had even invited Fairy-type specialists to train Ruckus in resistance techniques.
As a former Gym Leader, she understood reverse-type matchups very well.
The idea was that repeated exposure to super-effective moves would gradually build up resistance over time.
It was a well-established method used by seasoned trainers.
But even with all that training, Ruckus had zero resistance.
One hit—and he was down.
No wonder Edward was so confident.
(End of Chapter)