If Carl's abilities fall short, the Summit Gym could face closure or be replaced by another gym in two years. However, if he proves strong enough, the gym can continue operating, and his skills will only grow, increasing his chances of success.
For professional trainers seeking badges, the league has set various requirements. Some involve type restrictions, while others target younger trainers. The league's true aim is to select outstanding trainers, so the rules aren't rigid. Earning a badge isn't solely through gym battles; gaining the gym leader's approval is also a viable path.
Each gym leader has different standards for granting recognition—it might be based on potential, appreciation of progress, or even financial factors. But this recognition method has its limits to prevent chaos.
Badges are categorized as temporary or permanent. Temporary badges can be collected, but are reclaimed for competitions. Permanent badges can be retained and used indefinitely; collecting eight of them allows a trainer to bypass further gym challenges. Only Elite and Master-level gyms can award permanent badges upon defeat, while other gyms can only grant temporary ones.
Recognition-based awards are limited annually: lower-tier gyms can give out 10, mid-tier 20, high-tier 30, with no limit for Master-level gyms. Yet, the prestige of Master-level gyms means leaders don't hand out badges lightly.
This time, Carl used one of his slots to award a badge to Hop. "Thank you, I won't let you down," Hop said, accepting the Summit Badge from the referee robot without further protest. As Carl suggested, if he felt undeserving, he'd strive to become worthy of it.
"Today's gym match is concluded. See you tomorrow," Carl announced.
As Carl waved goodbye to the audience and left the stage, the stands erupted with chatter.
"Carl is amazing!"
"Why is he leaving so soon? I wanted to ask about the Free Spirit ability."
"Just look it up yourself?"
"I did, but I wanted to hear the leader's analysis during battles."
"Do you think you're a gym apprentice?"
"Speaking of apprentices, isn't Summit Gym recruiting?"
"Forget it, the registration is long closed."
"Such a pity!"
"I recorded the match; I'll study it later."
The audience continued their discussions as they left in clusters.
In the break room, Serena took Carl's coat and said sheepishly, "Carl, I owe you an apology."
"What for?" Carl asked, puzzled.
"I misjudged you before, thinking you were someone who didn't want to improve," Serena admitted earnestly. "I now see I was wrong."
Carl couldn't help but laugh. This girl was refreshingly straightforward, saying whatever was on her mind. But she wasn't entirely wrong.
"So, that's how you've always seen me? An apology alone won't cut it," Carl said, feigning seriousness.
Serena lowered her head. "What do you want me to do then?"
"Make me a midnight snack as an apology, how about that?" Carl suggested immediately.
The mention of a midnight snack reminded Carl of the previous night. He had stayed up gaming, got hungry, and asked Serena to make something, only to be refused. The contract only covered three meals, and snacks counted as overtime requiring extra pay. He had begrudgingly resorted to instant noodles, but now he saw an opportunity.
"Alright, but only three times at most. You pick the times," Serena agreed, seeing through Carl's intentions.
"Three times is too little. How about a month?" Carl bargained persistently.
"Dream on! I'll add two more times at most," Serena replied firmly.
"How about fifteen times?"
"Forget it then. I'm not that guilty anymore anyway."
"Seven times! Just seven, and I promise not to press further," Carl quickly conceded.
Serena counted on her fingers, then reluctantly nodded. Carl internally regretted not specifying terms in the contract earlier.
Just as he was about to continue, the door swung open. A rotund figure burst in.
"Boss, the gaming console is ready!" The newcomer excitedly handed over a customized console.
Carl's eyes lit up, and without a word, he dragged the newcomer out, more thrilled than he ever was commanding a Pokémon battle.
Watching the door slam shut, Serena clenched her teeth in frustration. What about the important matters? Off to play games again!
In the villa's front yard pavilion, Serena bustled around.
"Carl, have some tea."
"Try the puffs I just made."
"I'll wipe the table; it's dirty."
"Want some watermelon?"
"Lift your feet; I need to mop."
Finally, Carl couldn't take it anymore and slammed the gaming console onto the table. "What are you trying to do?"
Serena blinked her innocent big eyes. "The contract specifies my duties clearly; I'm fulfilling them." Carl was at a loss for words.
This girl held grudges well. This wasn't service—it was clearly just causing trouble.
"Boss, is this your apprentice? I thought she was your girlfriend," the chubby guy beside Carl commented, stuffing food in his mouth and admiringly flattering Carl.
Serena was an exceptional girl he had never seen in real life. Compared to her, other girls seemed plain, no wonder Carl wasn't interested. Having such a girl as an apprentice, Carl deserved the praise.
"What are you talking about!" Serena blushed at the comment, stealing a glance at Carl. No way would she ever fancy someone who games so much. Absolutely not!
The chubby guy nonchalantly continued, "Not now, but definitely in the future. I know Carl best; he wouldn't let a catch slip away…" Before he could finish, Carl clamped a hand over his mouth.
"Keep talking, and I'll send you to work as a club promoter," Carl whispered threateningly in his ear.
"I'm too chubby for that!" the guy protested, muffled.
Carl sneered, "Sounds like you need a weight loss plan from your dad."
"No, please!" The guy panicked, quickly begging, "Carl, boss, please spare me."
"Do you know how to talk now?" Carl asked with a stern face.
The guy wanted to retort but immediately changed his tone seeing Carl's expression, "I promise I won't say nonsense anymore."
Carl gave him a knowing look, then turned to Serena, "How did I offend you?"
Serena was momentarily speechless. She couldn't just say she was annoyed by his gaming habits, could she? That would be overstepping.
"Maybe… I feel like you're deceiving me," she murmured, avoiding his gaze. Asking for a snack as an apology and then gaming wasn't exactly honest.
"This isn't playing games," Carl explained, sensing Serena's genuine feelings despite not fully understanding her. "I'm handling important matters."
"Important matters?" Serena eyed him skeptically.
"You'll see when you try it," Carl said, about to hand over the console when Evan Cross beat him to it.
"Miss Serena, there are brand new ones here for you to choose from." Evan Cross pulled several SY gaming consoles from his belt and neatly arranged them on the table.
Carl glanced at him inquisitively.
"These are prepared for you, to give out," Evan Cross winked at Carl.
Carl nodded, understanding, and turned to Serena. "You'll see if it's serious once you try. At least give me a chance to prove it."
Still doubtful, Serena picked a pink console. "Thank you, uh…"
She realized she didn't know his name.
"I'm Evan Cross, Qian as in humble," he introduced himself. "Carl usually calls me chubby."
"He's the friend I mentioned yesterday, competing with Ethan Cross's family," Carl added.
Serena nodded, realization dawning. "So it's you. Nice to meet you, Evan Cross." She smiled politely, shooting Carl a discreet glare.
Unfazed, Carl began explaining patiently. "The power button is here; the controllers detach. Just log in with your league card. There are currently two games…"
He was describing a classic game that was wildly popular in his previous life.
This game told the story of a boy's adventure on Silver Mountain, affectionately known among players as the Legend of Red. Overseas fans even created fan animations. Though the original was limited by the GBA platform's technical constraints, in this world where Pokémon and reality coexist, developers opted for more advanced visuals similar to the Pikachu Special Edition style, while retaining the classic storyline of FireRed and LeafGreen.
Though they considered an open-world format, to ensure the series' long-term development, they chose a traditional mode. Given this world lacked Pokémon-themed RPGs, the field was a vast, untapped market with immense potential.
"Let's start by creating a character." Serena deftly started the game, choosing the FireRed version. The opening animation showed a fierce battle between Blastoise and Charizard, followed by Professor Oak's appearance. Recognizing the familiar figure in the game, Serena asked in surprise, "You actually got Professor Oak's image rights?"