Chapter 225: Today, We Play Cards
Monday, November 2nd.
The workweek had begun, but Teacher Lu's daily life remained as peaceful as ever. Thanks to his championship win in the regional tournament, Lu Ye had automatically completed all his Trainer Department credits at Modu University. Technically speaking, he was now free to decide whether to stay enrolled or not.
A message from the academic office arrived. Lu Ye glanced at it and let out an "Oh." Only then did it hit him. "Wait… I'm in the Finance Department, aren't I?" He scratched his head, utterly confused, then rolled out of bed.
Pulling open the curtains, the gentle autumn sunlight streamed in. "Bui~~" Sylveon curled up in its cat bed, using its feeler to block the sunlight. "Still jealous of Togepi, huh…" Lu Ye sighed. It hadn't even crawled into his bed last night.
Looking around, Togepi was curled up like an egg, leaning against a drooling Growlithe. Wartortle had retreated into its shell, floating in the water tank as if in a deep meditation. The occasional bubbles surfacing were the only proof it was still breathing. Lu Ye's eye twitched. It's just move training… does it really need to be this dramatic?!
In the living room, Gengar had already started cleaning. Seeing his trainer awake, it greeted him and floated into the bedroom to check on Togepi. The little one had just hatched, so it definitely needed more care.
Lu Ye made himself a cup of black coffee and yawned lazily. Last night, after clearing his debt, he'd spent another two hours battling Cynthia. Pokémon: Battle was fun, sure, but it was also exhausting.
"I need to hurry up and get the card game out," Lu Ye muttered. "Playing cards is way easier than battling…"
According to the weekly report from Oleana, the mechanics and stats for the Pokémon Trading Card Game had been finalized. Mallow had also submitted her illustrations—though, as expected, every single one came in at the last second. Lu Ye reviewed the final artworks and called Mallow.
"The artwork is approved. No need for revisions."
On the other end of the line, Mallow's pen clattered to the floor. She almost cried. "Thank you, Uncle!"
"…Forget it. I won't dock your pay this time." Lu Ye coughed and changed the subject. "By the way, when your Granbull gets angry, how do you calm it down?"
Sylveon had just gotten a new exercise wheel, but that trick wouldn't work this time. Though it would probably get over its jealousy in a day or two, Lu Ye figured he should still make an effort.
Mallow thought for a moment. "For me… I either use Alolan Honey or a White Herb."
"That actually works?"
"White Herb gives off a scent that Pokémon really like," Mallow explained. "If you're camping, playing with your Pokémon while using it helps build stronger bonds."
"Hold on, I'll send you a picture…"
Lu Ye looked at the image and froze. This is just… a cat toy stick.
Adding it to the list along with catnip, cat wheels, and massagers—yep, Sylveon's premium collection was complete. Wasting no time, he placed an order through Rocket Express. Same-city delivery, arrival in two hours.
During the wait, Togepi sat on the couch, happily swinging its little feet while playing Plants vs. Zombies. In front of it were a giant bottle of cola and assorted potato chips—all courtesy of Gengar. Could this be considered corporate theft? Well, as a manager at the club, Gengar had the authority for minor employee benefits. "As long as it's not slacking on move training, it's fine," Lu Ye nodded in satisfaction.
Two hours later, the White Herb toy arrived. Lu Ye tied it to a stick and dangled it in front of Sylveon. "B-Bui!" Sylveon huffed, swatting at it angrily. Don't underestimate me! Yet, even as it turned its back in defiance, one of its feelers quietly reached out… "Bui! o(≧▽≦)ツ"
After playing for a while, the little one was back to full energy, happily dashing onto its exercise wheel again.
Togepi still required high friendship to evolve, and the Soothe Bell was the perfect item. But Lu Ye had already given his to Sylveon. "If needed… I'll just buy another one for Togepi later." He smirked. Being debt-free really did make a man more confident.
That afternoon, Lu Ye swung by the company and picked up the first set of Pokémon TCG decks. Oleana, ever the professional, reported, "We've built three starter decks based on Kanto's Fire, Grass, and Water types—easy for beginners. As for pricing, we settled on 1 Pokédollar per booster pack and 5 per starter deck."
Lu Ye paused, experiencing a nostalgic flashback to elementary school. "Have the review copies been sent out?" he asked.
"Yes," Oleana replied. "They've been shipped to unboxing YouTubers, gaming influencers… and the Trainer Academy professors, including the Professor Oak you mentioned. However, the academy teachers didn't seem interested in our paid reviews."
"That's fine," Lu Ye chuckled. "I happen to know a few people there… Overall, excellent work, Oleana!"
For the first time, Oleana's normally stoic expression wavered. Her pupils dilated, and her heart pounded. D-Did he just… compliment me?! Taking a deep breath, she pressed her clipboard against her chest. "It's my honor."
Lu Ye waved a hand. "Once this project wraps up, let's give everyone a few days off…" It wasn't just Dayou—every employee seemed to be getting stronger. Wait a second… is baldness contagious?!
Holding the new card deck, Lu Ye played around with it at home and soon found himself getting hooked. Unfortunately, the rules weren't widely known yet. Losing interest, he set the cards down. At that moment, Togepi picked up one of the scattered cards, its eyes sparkling. "Chaki-prii~~(๑＞ڡ＜)☆"
Looking at the type matchups on the card and recalling Gengar's morning lesson, Togepi giggled. So… battles are all about type advantages! I think I'm starting to get it~~!
Kanto, Pallet Town.
"Aaaah, Muk, you're too heavy! Don't hug me!" "Muuuuk~~ヾ(o´∀｀o)ﾉ"
Professor Oak, wearing a gas mask, was trying to clean up Ash's Muk—only to be swallowed whole once again. Fortunately, his aging Kangaskhan yanked him out.
"Professor Oak!" his assistant, Crystal, called out. "You have a package today. It's from a gaming company!"
"A gaming company?" Oak scratched his head and shook the package.
"Yes, from Donghuang. The company that made Angry Tranquill," Crystal added. "It's from Teacher Lu's company."
Oak nodded. He had some impression of the name. "That handsome young man also makes games?"
"You know him?"
"Ah, I heard about him from Professor Elm at a research summit." Oak opened the package and found a handwritten letter from Lu Ye. After reading it, he couldn't help but laugh.
"He wants me to help promote this card game," Oak explained. "Well, gaming isn't really my field…"
"I heard that Teacher Lu's games all help teach Pokémon knowledge~~"
"Hmm?"
"Ah, that's what Gold told me," Crystal blushed.
"Teaching Pokémon knowledge through a game?" Oak stroked his chin. "Hmm! That sounds pretty good!" The reason he hosted lectures was to help more people understand Pokémon. But could a game really teach that?
"Games are considered the ninth art form, after all," Crystal smiled. "Even trainer academies now use battle simulations."
Oak nodded and unpacked the three card decks: Fire, Grass, and Water. Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. Type advantages and weaknesses—the foundation of all Pokémon battles. He paused, picking up a Pikachu card, and burst into laughter. "So that's how he dares to claim this game teaches Pokémon knowledge—he literally printed Pokédex entries onto the cards!"
Crystal cautiously asked, "You… aren't mad about that?"
Oak shook his head. "Pokédex descriptions are public knowledge anyway. Using these cards to spread information… that's exactly what I want to do." Things like Ekans not being venomous while Arbok is highly toxic—more people learning these facts was a rare and valuable thing. And who knows? Maybe these cards would even help nurture the next generation. If it's just for promotion… why not?
Crystal looked at Professor Oak with admiration. Teacher Lu… really knew how to appeal to Professor Oak's heart.
The phone rang. Meanwhile, across the world, Lu Ye had managed to get Professor Oak's contact information. He was ready to invite Oak to promote the game, but before he could even finish introducing himself—
"Lu Ye, is it?" Oak interrupted. "I read your letter and checked out your cards… Very nice. I can't officially endorse a game, but on my personal accounts, I'll do what I can."
"Personal accounts…?" Lu Ye was confused.
"My video channel," Oak laughed heartily. "Or as you kids call it—sponsored content. I can feature it on Professor Oak's Backyard!"
Lu Ye blinked. Holy crap… is this what they call a dream collaboration?!
"If that's fine with you, I can promote it in the next episode," Oak smiled. "I hope more young trainers can benefit from this!"
Even after hanging up, Lu Ye was still stunned. I had a whole script planned out… and he just agreed right away?! I barely said anything… Suddenly, he understood. This is what it means to be a self-starter!
That night, Professor Oak's Backyard and Teacher Lu's Midnight Diner launched a dream collaboration. The sight of a Tauros herd galloping across a sunset, followed by juicy steak sizzling on a grill, left viewers baffled.
"Tauros, run!"
"Two-fandom fusion hype!"
Thanks to three successful single-player titles, Pokémon Studio had an excellent reputation. With Professor Oak's endorsement, Pokémon cards officially launched in schools around Modu.
Day 1: Only a few fans showed up.
Day 2: Word spread.
Day 3: Stores ran out of stock—every new shipment sold out instantly.
For international distribution, the Devon Corporation took the reins. Soon, a Pokémon TCG craze swept through Rustboro City in Hoenn. "Let's have a Pokémon battle!" "Hmph, beat me in cards first!" On their way to and from school, kids sat on sidewalks, dueling with their decks.
And in the gaming industry, one name once again sparked heated discussions—the genius game designer, Teacher Lu.
[Inorin Note:
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