In this world, knowledge about Pokémon is incredibly valuable, with strict copyright protections. Icons like Professor Oak command astronomical fees for the use of their likeness, out of reach for most games.
"Oh, did I forget to mention that Professor Oak is the spokesperson for this game?" Carl mentioned casually.
Serena looked puzzled. "When did you say that?"
Professor Oak endorsing a game? This revelation piqued her interest greatly. A game that earns his approval must be extraordinary.
Meanwhile, over in Pallet Town, Professor Oak sneezed abruptly. "Must be catching a cold," he muttered, rubbing his nose before pulling out a black gaming console. "Not the best time for research, might as well take a break."
His assistant sighed, watching him. This was the professor's tenth excuse to play games.
The game's design was inventive, and as he played, Oak analyzed, "The types of Pokémon, power settings, and experience systems are comprehensive. This helps trainers memorize Pokémon attributes and move characteristics."
"Plus, the base stats, effort points, item systems, and skill machines are cleverly devised. Players can challenge gyms and collect badges. I wonder if gathering them all leads to a league championship or a direct battle with the Elite Four?"
"Interestingly, out of dozens of gyms in Kanto, the game only features eight: Pewter, Cerulean, Vermilion, Celadon, Fuchsia, Cinnabar, and Viridian. Pewter and Cerulean rank low, Viridian is first, Cinnabar second, and Fuchsia third…"
How did that kid manage the licensing for all these gym leaders? Not everyone is as agreeable as I am, Oak mused, chuckling to himself.
Holding the game controller, Oak maneuvered a fully evolved Charizard through the game map, deep in thought. Transitioning from champion to Pokémon researcher, his gaming wasn't just for fun. He only tried it because of Carl's invitation, initially just to fulfill his spokesperson role.
But as he delved deeper, the game's intricate settings caught his attention. The Pokémon stat designs, skill combos, and attribute interactions were a revelation. These innovations rivaled his own Pokédex. The captivating storyline fueled his desire to complete the game.
I wonder how Ash is doing with this, whether he's grasped these techniques. Oak mused to himself. If Ash could understand these concepts, the game's value would soar. He couldn't help but admire Carl's talent.
Meanwhile, by a creek in Pallet Town, a group of cheerleaders practiced their chants. "Gary is the best! Gary is the coolest!" they shouted in unison.
In their center stood a boy in a purple coat with striking red-brown spiky hair. As Professor Oak's grandson, Gary always attracted attention. But today, he was in a foul mood.
The usual crowd of admirers was gathered a little distance away, surrounding a boy with a hat and a lightning bolt scar on his face, focused intently on a game console.
"Lost again! Why do you keep using Pikachu in a rock-type gym?" someone in the crowd shouted.
"Yeah, training Squirtle would make it a breeze," another chimed in. "Can't even beat the first gym, that's pretty sad."
"Why did Gary even give you a game console?" the kids taunted, eyeing Ash's screen that went black once more.
Ash just chuckled. "I think the Pikachu I caught in the Viridian Forest is both cute and strong. I'll start my journey with it in a few days."
"Do you even know the basics?" a boy shook his head. "Pikachus are everywhere, only girls like them."
"To be a great trainer, you need to catch powerful Pokémon."
"Sure, evolving Pikachu into Raichu can be okay."
"But it's not as good as the starters, and it needs a Thunder Stone to evolve, which is a waste of money."
"The funniest part is, he really wants Pikachu as his starter!"
"Ha! Ignoring the starters for an electric mouse."
"Professor Oak would never have such a mediocre Pokémon; only a fool would pick one."
Listening to this chatter, Gary felt increasingly irritated. He had indeed given Ash the console, which was originally a gift from his grandfather, Professor Oak.
He was interested at first until the game's story required the protagonist to choose a starter Pokémon and then challenge the in-game version of Professor Oak's grandson, Green.
Though the character was named Green, it was blatantly him. Seeing Green in the game consistently pick the starter that counters the protagonist's choice made him proud; it seemed the game understood him well.
But soon, he couldn't continue playing. The game required the protagonist to defeat Green after the initial battle, repeating until successful.
It felt too awkward. Role-playing games are about immersion. More troubling, the protagonist's design was eerily similar to Ash, the one person who never fawned over him.
This game was unplayable. In frustration, Gary tossed the console to Ash, declaring, "Anyone can play this lousy game; I'd rather lose all my girlfriends than touch it again." Yet, Ash managed to draw Gary's friends to him through the game.
What irked him more was that, if not for the girls' disinterest in games, they might have been swayed by Ash too.
This damned game… The more Gary thought about it, the angrier he got.
At that moment, a red-haired girl approached Ash. Dressed in a black dress and sneakers, with white gloves, she urged, "Don't dawdle, restart the game. This time, listen to me and use Squirtle for the first gym."
"But…" Ash hesitated. He still wanted to use Pikachu, believing with enough training, he could defeat Geodude.
"Don't be stubborn." The girl nudged him. "Even if you like Pikachu, you can't rely on one Pokémon. You can carry six, just like in real life, so use them wisely. Squirtle is perfect for the first gym, and you can use Pikachu for the second water-type gym."
Ash considered her advice, finding it reasonable. Handing his phone to the girl, he said, "I'll be right back; I need the restroom. Play for me a bit?" With that, he dashed off.
The girl was momentarily startled, then broke into a smile, which completely infuriated Gary.
"To hell with it! I'm playing now, and no one's stopping me!"
With a bang, Gary kicked open the lab's door, storming in.
"Where's my grandfather?" he demanded from a researcher sipping water.
"In the lounge," the researcher replied.
Without a word, Gary headed straight for the lounge. Professor Oak was engrossed in his game, mumbling, "Seems like you can encounter a Zapdos at the Power Plant... Catching a legendary Pokémon, how intriguing. I wonder what stats Carl gave Zapdos."
Oak was so focused that he didn't notice Gary standing there.
Smack! The game console was suddenly turned off.
"What are you doing, you brat!" Oak jumped up, glaring furiously at Gary.
Startled, Gary had never seen his grandfather so angry. Clearly, this game was important. He originally intended to borrow Oak's console, as his progress was faster than Ash's. Now, he hesitated to ask.
"Grandpa, do you have any extra consoles?" Gary asked cautiously, emphasizing "extra."
"Just for that you interrupted my game?" Oak suppressed his anger. "There's a box on the shelf in the storage room. Help yourself."
Gary turned to leave but was stopped. "You're setting off on your journey soon. Have you decided which starter to choose?"
"Isn't it Dratini?" Gary was surprised. He knew his grandfather had some promising Dratini offspring.
"Dratini isn't suitable for beginners," Oak explained. "It grows too slowly. Come back for one when you're a professional trainer. For now, choose a starter capable of MEGA evolution, like Charmander."
Disappointed, though understanding, Gary nodded and left.
Watching him go, Oak shook his head. "That boy is so stubborn. It's not like we're short on funds; raising a Dratini wouldn't hurt. He could take a starter too."
"But some hard lessons wouldn't be bad for him," Oak mused, returning to his game.
"Thankfully, I didn't lose my progress. Better save it."
Elsewhere, Gary carried a whole box of consoles to the open space by the creek.
"Come and get them, everyone!" he shouted.
The surrounding trainers stood stunned before excitedly rushing over.
"Thank you so much!"
"Gary, you're cooler than ever."
"Didn't think you could be more perfect."
"Gary, the eternal legend!"
Amidst the rising praises, Gary felt his spirits lift. When he finally came back to reality, the box held only one console, and before him was the red-haired girl who had just helped Ash beat the first gym.
"Wait!" Seeing her about to take the last console, Gary quickly stopped her. It was the last one, and if she took it, he'd have none left.