Evan Cross couldn't help but give Carl a thumbs up. "Carl, you're amazing!" he exclaimed, diving back into the game battle.
Half an hour later, Serena came downstairs after getting ready, only to find the two of them seated on the couch, engrossed in their game. She frowned, "Playing games so early in the morning?"
The implication was clear: wasn't this a bit lazy?
Both men looked up simultaneously, their expressions a mix of amusement and something else.
Carl thought to himself, "And you, the one who's been up all night hunting shinies, dare to call me out?"
Evan, on the other hand, was puzzled, "Is it even morning anymore?"
Serena missed Evan's glance but caught Carl's drift. Her face flushed as she explained, "I was just trying to fully experience the game to avoid any misunderstandings about you."
"How's the experience?" Carl asked with a grin.
"It's quite interesting," Serena admitted openly. "It's unlike any game I've played before. The trainer simulation is really innovative."
She continued with a serious analysis, "Playing this game deepens your understanding of Pokémon abilities beyond mere entertainment."
Clearly, she had given it some thought.
True to her word, she wanted to understand Carl better, so she took the time to delve into the game.
"So, is this not considered being lazy anymore?" Carl teased.
Serena hesitated for a moment. "Playing in moderation does have its benefits."
"But it's still not considered serious business, right?"
While the game had its advantages, it was still fundamentally entertainment. Overindulgence wouldn't be ideal for a gym leader.
"Alright, then let's play in moderation," Carl agreed readily.
As the developer, he had long since unlocked everything in the game. Living in the real Pokémon world, he was far less inclined to get lost in virtual adventures.
This game was primarily aimed at students and working adults. If he had the time, he'd rather explore the world outside.
Evan gave Carl a sideways glance, slightly surprised. Making a fortune from game development wasn't something an ordinary gamer could achieve.
Seeing Carl not refuting Serena's comment, Evan speculated internally, "Is he trying to keep his status as a company owner under wraps?"
Indeed, given Carl's circumstances, revealing himself as a self-made millionaire might indeed be overwhelming for others.
Serena seemed to understand, smiling with satisfaction. She was glad her concern was acknowledged.
Evan, observing this, felt even more convinced of his hypothesis. Carl's strategy was indeed clever.
"When are we heading to the gym? We shouldn't keep challengers waiting," Serena suddenly asked.
Carl remained silent, merely smiling. Evan understood and reminded her, "Serena, maybe you should check the time first?"
Serena, puzzled, pulled out her phone and was instantly stunned. "It's already half-past ten?"
"Did you think you only slept for a few minutes?" Carl couldn't help but chuckle.
Serena's face turned crimson. "Has the match already ended?"
"The morning matches are over," Carl nodded, "But there's another one this afternoon."
"Really?" Serena's eyes lit up.
"The morning opponent wasn't too tough. Blaziken can recover quickly, and we can battle again in the afternoon."
Serena was instantly filled with respect. Two gym battles in one day—such dedication was truly commendable.
"I'm sorry!" she suddenly bowed in apology. "I misunderstood you before. You're really working hard."
Evan almost burst out laughing. If she knew Carl was pushing through the ten challenges just to close the gym for a break, what would her reaction be?
The thought itself was amusing.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
In those three days, Carl fought one gym match each morning and afternoon. Including the two matches on the first day, he had defeated eight challengers in a row. His flawless record made both Blaziken and him quite popular locally, frequently trending on local social media. More and more people believed he could firmly hold his position as the gym leader.
However, on a national scale, these achievements hadn't garnered much attention yet. There were always new events happening every day, and his current feats were still flying under the radar. But if he revealed himself as the designer of the XY console and the lead planner for "Pokémon: Green Leaf Red Fire," he'd become an overnight sensation.
The game had taken off like wildfire after its release. With minimal promotion and official support still pending, it nonetheless swept across the internet within three days. Its success was credited to a perfect mix of timing, opportunity, and influence.
The key factor was none other than Professor Oak as the spokesperson. Carl hadn't anticipated how influential Professor Oak was in the Westvale region. The entire Oak family wielded considerable sway locally, with a reputation even more solid than the prominent corporations in the peninsula's Pokémon League. The Pokédex, invented by Professor Oak, had given ordinary trainers a fighting chance, providing convenience to all.
To ensure the million gaming consoles he acquired didn't languish unsold, Professor Oak personally promoted the game in the Westvale region. He genuinely believed it was worth recommending. His endorsement proved potent, selling a million units on the first day, far exceeding the sales figures of many celebrity-endorsed products.
Players discovered the game mirrored the familiar Westvale region, fostering a strong sense of immersion. Many found themselves reminiscing about their past journeys. Rave reviews, combined with the Oak family amplifying the buzz online, led to three million units being sold by the second day, and by the third, the game was completely sold out.
With a population exceeding a hundred million, Westvale had one in ten people hooked on the XY console. As the headquarters of the Kanto League, its influence reached global proportions.
Professor Oak's endorsement, coupled with such widespread adoption, quickly set the internet abuzz.
People from around the country, known for their unity and deep-rooted pride, were thrilled when they learned that a game developed by a Havenport team was a sensation in Westvale. The entire nation was ablaze with excitement.
The top five trending topics were all related: Professor Oak's endorsement, game version choices, an experience rivaling the Pokédex, shiny Pokémon captures, and purchase channel inquiries. Although the last one was a paid promotion, it still ranked fifth, indicating genuine interest.
The marketing budget seemed wasted. Richard Foss sighed in his office.
Evan smirked inwardly—a game console this popular had already seen profits soar, making the promotion costs negligible.
"Let's check the user feedback," Richard said, opening the comments section.
"Why choose Westvale for the map?" someone questioned.
"It's a small company's trial run. Westvale's vast geography makes initial development challenging," explained a helpful user.
"Reminds me of my traveling days," a veteran player reminisced.
"Researchers can enjoy the adventure too!" praised a professional.
"Seeking Westvale travel experts to verify the accuracy!"
"Why always leave it to us 'gifted ones' to explain?" teased a user.
The last comment, expressing a desire to buy a plane ticket to Westvale, received the most likes.
Players couldn't stop praising the game.
"The game Professor Oak recommended is truly impressive. My child has only been playing for a few days and has already memorized all the Pokémon attributes and moves."
"Our country excels even in creating fantastic games."
"Enough talk, XY Company, hurry up and produce more consoles, I can't wait any longer."
"My friend got lucky and caught a shiny Pikachu. I heard the odds are really low. So envious!"
"You guys are slow. I've already completed the Rocket Team storyline and can't stop playing."
Some players found the game's settings intriguing.
"XY Company has some nerve, turning Rainbow City into the Rocket Team's headquarters and making Giovanni the leader. Such creativity."
"Westvale's strongest gym leader is a villain? That's outrageous."
"Isn't Blaine of the Cinnabar Gym also tied to the Rocket Team?"
"That's just a collaboration. If Giovanni is truly the leader, where does that leave Westvale's reputation?"
"By that logic, the founder of the Rocket Team could also be from Johto, right? Clearly, it's just game lore."
The discussion grew lively.
"I wonder how Giovanni feels about being portrayed as a villain."
"I'm more curious about the real Rocket Team leader's reaction."
Meanwhile, inside the Viridian Gym, Giovanni stared at the shattered gaming console, his face stormy.
"My identity got exposed by a mere game?"
Ashura and the others standing by felt the intense pressure. As Giovanni's confidants, they knew he was truly enraged this time.
"Boss, the league has already begun investigating," Ashura reported in a low voice.
Giovanni understood that it wouldn't be long before his secret was out.
With a darkened expression, Giovanni cursed under his breath, "That crafty old fox, Damalanche, acts quickly." For years, he had carefully laid his plans, using the strategy of hiding in plain sight by setting up a gym in Viridian City, right under the league's nose. With spies planted within the organization, no one had suspected the gym leader was the mastermind behind the Rocket Team.
But this new game had thrown a wrench into his plans. Damalanche and Professor Oak, both old hands, might have initially found it amusing, but they would soon catch on. Fortunately, his main objectives in Westvale were already accomplished, so even with his identity exposed, he wouldn't be caught off guard.
"Send out the order," Giovanni commanded decisively. "Cancel or pause all plans except those already underway. Relocate all idle personnel to Johto in phases."
Athena couldn't help but speak up, "Boss, isn't this a bit too hasty? Damalanche is merely suspicious. We could still maneuver for a while."
She was reluctant to see the meticulously laid plans discarded, as each was tied to the organization's substantial profits.