Thursday, November 5th.
Three days after the release of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the craze had already spread to the outskirts of Tokyo.
School stores on campus were initially hesitant about stocking this seemingly ordinary new tabletop game.
However, the overwhelming sales quickly had the vendors grinning from ear to ear.
The issue of piracy followed closely behind.
The anti-counterfeit markings on the cards were one of the measures to prevent theft.
Thanks to supportive policies, the cost of piracy was too high.
Moreover, the Pokémon Trading Card Game was designed to be a high-volume, low-margin product.
The quality of the few pirated versions available was easily distinguishable.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game had almost taken over the school market.
Of course, since the battle rules were somewhat complex, most people preferred to play a simpler version of the game, where the goal was to flip over the opponent's cards...
"Everyone has been working hard lately."
In the studio, as Oleana announced a holiday, everyone erupted in cheers.
Upcoming projects included the Christmas DLC for "Plants vs. Zombies" and the Johto Expansion Pack for the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Of course, these projects weren't urgent.
In the now-empty office, Oleana sat in her chair and continued working.
The phone rang, and Oleana answered, "This is the Pokémon Company."
"Hello, I'm the representative of Devon Corporation in Tokyo. I'm calling to report on the overseas distribution situation..."
The Pokémon Trading Card Game was even more popular overseas.
With the help of Devon Corporation, several well-known Trainer Schools had caught the card game fever.
Despite rejecting the acquisition offer, the Pokémon Company and its founder, Natsume, had become highly valued business partners of Devon Corporation.
"To release so many phenomenal works in just half a year," the representative couldn't help but say, "is truly the mark of a rare business genius."
"Indeed," Oleana nodded, though her thoughts were elsewhere.
For Natsume-sensei, whose goal was to become a Champion, this was just a side hustle.
Like the actress Diantha and Wallace, who organized glamorous contests, making money was just a means to better breed Pokémon.
For his dream, I must work even harder.
A cold breeze sent a shiver down Natsume's spine.
Glancing at the "Dazzling Gleam" in his hand, he couldn't help but shudder.
Natsume knew the Pokémon Trading Card Game was a hit.
But due to the high-volume, low-margin strategy and the recent release, there wasn't much in his personal account yet.
Training "Dazzling Gleam" required a significant amount of in-game currency.
Sitting back on the sofa, Natsume-sensei was in a delicate mood when his phone vibrated.
"Did you receive the items?" Cynthia asked.
"I thought about it, and this seems perfect for you," Cynthia said. "I remember Sylveon's ability is Pixilate."
"Although Dazzling Gleam's power isn't as strong as Return, it can enhance Sylveon's sensitivity to Pixilate."
"As for Togepi," Cynthia smiled, "combining it with a flash should make it easy to learn."
Natsume was slightly taken aback.
The reason Natsume's Sylveon was attack-oriented was precisely because of its Pixilate ability.
This unique ability would cover Sylveon's snow-white fur with a special aura.
Even the soft pink ribbons would become sharp in an instant due to this aura.
In a way, Pixilate was somewhat similar to Armament Haki.
After all, Armament Haki was also known as Ryuou, which fit Sylveon's appearance quite well...
And Dazzling Gleam could enhance this ability, improving Sylveon's ranged attacks.
Just from the perspective of increasing self-defense capabilities... Natsume-sensei was tempted.
"So... how much would it cost?" Natsume asked.
"Bright Powder can increase the training efficiency of Dazzling Gleam, and then there's the Fairy Gem..."
Cynthia thought for a moment. "For one Pokémon, it would be around 1 million Pokémon Coins. Not too expensive."
After spending so much time with the big shots, Natsume-sensei had gradually come to understand their sense of pricing.
Since they used the top-tier training methods, they naturally opted for the best resources.
Natsume's expression changed.
After a moment of reflection, he nodded. "Indeed, it's not expensive."
Ever since he paid off his debts, he had become a bit more carefree.
A mere 2 million Pokémon Coins... He could always ask Steven for an installment plan!
"By the way, can the card game be played online?" Cynthia asked.
"Not yet, but we'll develop an online version later."
"Is that so?" Cynthia sounded slightly disappointed.
"How about... another battle?"
Cynthia looked up, her spirits lifted. "Let's do it!"
Training Dazzling Gleam was actually quite easy.
Just hand Dazzling Gleam over to Gengar.
Let it figure it out and then teach the other Pokémon.
Since the original Gastly was born from optical pollution, it had a natural affinity for such moves.
Moreover, Gengar could already learn Dazzling Gleam, so the progress was rapid.
After finishing his stream that day, Natsume stopped by the Bull Club.
There, he saw Gengar training Togepi and Sylveon in Dazzling Gleam.
As Gengar cried out, a dazzling ring of light burst from its eyes.
The near-laser-like Dazzling Gleam swept across the target, leaving a row of scorch marks.
Watching this, Nanami couldn't help but gulp.
These targets were recently installed and could withstand professional-level move power.
In just half a year, Natsume-sensei had bred a Gengar with gym-level strength.
This level of breeding skill was definitely not something a novice could achieve.
Remembering how the regional champion had pretended to be a newbie, Nanami couldn't help but grit her teeth in frustration.
Sylveon's Dazzling Gleam could enhance the sensitivity of Pixilate.
The light from its bow could not only damage and blind opponents but also buy Sylveon time to close in...
The little one clapped its hands happily, glowing softly like a little angel.
Although its power wasn't strong, Togepi had only just been born.
This incredible talent made Natsume sigh.
"Just like Gold's Togepi, this one is a 6V Togepi..."
At that moment, Natsume's gaze fell on Sylveon.
After Dazzling Gleam, its snow-white fur was coated with a faint glow, making it look stunning.
This was why Dazzling Gleam was often used in Coordination contests.
Natsume smiled, but when he looked at Gengar, his smile froze.
Gengar was grinning, its body glowing pink.
It hopped up and gave Natsume a peace sign.
Its bulging white eyes, filled with blood, blinked mischievously.
If you put a bow and a magic wand on Gengar, it could easily cosplay as a magical girl!
"I can understand Sylveon and Togepi..."
Natsume was stunned for a moment before shouting, "But what the heck is Magical Girl Gengar?!"
"Your bulging white eyes are falling out! Are you okay?!"
Natsume glanced at the move list, now including Dazzling Gleam, and sighed.
Although Togepi hadn't learned it yet, with its talent and Gengar's guidance, it was only a matter of time.
Natsume looked up at the sky.
Magical Girl Gengar, along with Sylveon and Togepi, could form an idol group!
To become a Champion, why not debut, Gengar-chan?
Natsume stopped his strange thoughts.
He looked at Gengar beside him, his expression complex. "You've worked hard, Gengar!"
For Gengar, every training session was a joy.
Not only did it get to eat top-tier Pokéblocks, but it also felt the joy of helping its Trainer achieve his dreams.
Just making everyone stronger...
Such a small thing didn't require the Trainer's thanks~!
🌟 Join My and Unlock Exclusive Pokémon Content! 🌟
👉.com/PokemonStoryWeaver
Are you a fan of the Pokémon series? Become a member today and enjoy amazing benefits!
🌟 Membership: Pokémon Series - Gold Champion
Unlock access to 40 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 2 new chapters every day!
🌟 Membership: Pokémon Series - Platinum Legend
Unlock access to 280 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 5 new chapters every day!
Join now and immerse yourself in the exciting world of Pokémon like never before! Your support means the world to me!