Chapter 251

I'd like to discuss a terminal game with low technical complexity and minimal operating costs.

Luke instinctively considers auto chess.

Auto Chess, in essence, is not a commercial game; it's created by players with the aid of the editor. Utilizing the "dota2" map editor, Auto Chess, a brand-new RPG map, gained worldwide popularity upon release. Its success stems from its unique strategic gameplay and captivating mechanics.

The texture model of Pokémon can utilize Devon Corporation's open-source materials, and the map can incorporate various terrains from "Pokemon: Battle" like glaciers, rocks, rivers, and volcanoes. As mere backgrounds without interaction, these elements have low technical requirements.

Auto chess's characteristics, the rising stars, and the fetters of the chess pieces align perfectly with the evolutionary sequence of Pokémon. For instance, three one-star Charmanders can evolve into Charmeleon, and the final stage is Charizard. Pokémon with fewer evolution stages can serve as transitional pieces in the game.

The fetters in auto chess can be simpler and clearer, such as the "Blaze" fetter, "Three Initial Starters" fetter, or "Bird Family" fetter. Combining Pokémon like Shellder and Slowpoke, Onix and Cloyster, Groudon and Pidgey creates interesting combinations.

Following the "everything can be auto chess" gameplay, Pokémon Auto Chess will be Poké Company's first online game product launched on both platforms, marking a solid step into the end-game field. However, the production of "Pokémon Auto Chess" will take some time, with the earliest release expected next year.

Before that, the company's immediate focus is on producing standalone DLCs like "Plants vs. Zombies." After setting the plan's direction, Luke called Oleana to inquire about the company's status.

"The response to the Johto expansion pack is overwhelming, and players have high expectations for DLC," Oleana reported, but she expressed concerns about manpower affecting new projects.

"No rush," Luke assured her. "Keep the Magic City basic supply steady."

With the Johto expansion pack's release, Pokémon Trading Card once again triggered a frenzy in Magic City's small shops, and the training club started generating revenue. Teacher Luke, backed by Poké Company, had tens of millions of dollars for expenses, including purchasing top-rank medicines.

Yet, Luke sighed inwardly. Even with money, it felt less valuable than obtaining a Mega Stone. Wealth, as the saying goes, is a city wall against disasters, not a permit for squandering. In short, Teacher Luke wiped off his cold sweat, deciding to make more money first before considering the Key Stone.

"As Kanto's commercial center, Saffron City is very suitable for expanding Company Branch's business," Oleana suggested. "I recommend consulting the central building of Saffron City. If possible, handling overseas business is also a good choice."

Upon hearing this, Luke pondered for a while. 

"Leave it to me," Luke nodded and said.

......

After ending the call, Luke immediately dialed Matori's contact.

"There should be available office space for rent in the Silph Co. Building at the center of Saffron City."

Team Rocket once took control of the Silph Co. Building to study various items, including the Master Ball. However, Red destroyed Team Rocket's base, and Giovanni's whereabouts became unknown.

Considering this history, Luke pondered why Matori was reaching out about the rental business of the Silph Co. Building. After all, Team Rocket had a troubled history with Silph Co.

Matori looked perplexed. Almost all members of Team Rocket knew about Giovanni's sorrow regarding Silph Co.'s failure. She wondered why Luke, of all people, was being consulted for rental business.

"No," Matori responded with irritation. "Team Rocket has withdrawn from Saffron City and is now a legal organization."

She specifically emphasized the term 'legal organization.'

"Oh, right," Luke scratched his head. "I thought if Team Rocket was involved, it might be cheaper or even free."

Matori raised an eyebrow.

"Speaking of the 'Rainbow Project,' you're the biggest villain of Team Rocket!"

Matori sighed and asked, "So, what do you want to do?"

"I want to open a Company Branch," Luke explained. "If the trio can't repay the funds, they can work at my place, and I'll pay them back."

Matori sneered, "Your generosity knows no bounds. They owe a full ten years of funding."

Luke coldly smiled. A mere ten-year funding wouldn't matter as long as Team Rocket refrained from capturing Pikachu. However, a Team Rocket without Pikachu captures lacked the essence of the organization.

"I understand," Matori conceded after some negotiation. "Give me two days, and I'll handle the company branch business."

Two days later, at Saffron City's Silph Co. Building, Matori had managed to secure the right to use commercial land through various channels, ensuring a large, well-furnished space with marble floors and greenery placed strategically around.

Oleana, who had flown to Kanto, visited the Company Branch in Saffron City and marveled at its efficiency.

"This is... incredibly efficient," Oleana remarked.

"It's alright," Luke nodded. "It just required some persuasion."

Communication and negotiation skills are paramount for a successful businessman, and Oleana regarded Luke with a hint of reverence.

"Don't worry; I'll initiate the overseas Company Branch business soon!"

Kanto Company Branch would handle the sale of Pokémon Trading Cards and overseas game marketing. Meanwhile, Magic City would focus on developing new games and the physical aspects of the battle club.

Luke nodded, lost in contemplation. Following the model of a certain successful venture, it didn't seem impossible for Poké Company to become the "Sovereign of the world"...

....

Establishing the Company Branch will lead to a reduction in the company's liquidity, but Teacher Luke doesn't feel much about it personally. After all, he has never been good at saving money; most of it goes towards taking care of his Pokémon companions. The strength of Pokémon is, to some extent, proportional to the investment in resources.

Since today is Friday, Teacher Luke hurried to Trainer Academy. After two classes, he coincidentally met Erika who had just finished her work.

"Teacher Luke," Erika pulled her short hair behind her ears and smiled, "If you need it, I can give you the Badge now."

"Goodbye!" Watching Teacher Luke swiftly leave, Erika blinked in confusion.

After work, Teacher Luke went to Saffron Gym to pick up Gengar. Sabrina was teaching a Psychic training class, and upon seeing Teacher Luke, she walked out.

"Can I train Psychic too?" Teacher Luke asked curiously, observing the apprentices practicing Calm Mind in the room.

Sabrina looked Luke up and down and shook her head. "No, you're too old, and you've missed the golden age for Psychic training."

"I see," Luke nodded slowly.

In the system, abilities like Aura Force and Viridian Force seem to be unlocked by special means, but Psychic can be obtained through personal cultivation. However, it is also a significant test of innate talent. Despite not having enough time, Teacher Luke spent a year and a half cultivating Psychic. On a side note, Teacher Luke's "cooking" ability falls into the category of abilities.

After two busy days, finally, the weekend arrived. Friday night reached the most relaxing moment. Teacher Luke lay on the sofa, cuddling with Sylveon for a nap. Togepi nestled beside the warm Growlithe, tore open a packet of potato chips, and carefully handed the chips to Growlithe.

"Ao wu!" Growlithe's open mouth startled Togepi momentarily. However, Togepi quickly recovered, leaned forward with a smile, and lay on the ground with its little feet.

Upon opening his eyes, Teacher Luke witnessed this heartwarming scene and couldn't help but smile. "Vui~ (*･ω-q)," Sylveon yawned sleepily, extending its pink ribbon lazily, catching the light with an orange-yellow glow.

In the kitchen, the rhythmic sound of a steamer and the aroma of something delightful filled the air. "Uirt~!" Squirtle, vigilant, glanced at the door lock with a ka-cha sound.

"I'm back," Cynthia yawned, squinting, casually kicking away her high heels. Hearing the sound, Teacher Luke walked out. "Eat first or take a bath first?"

"Uh..." Cynthia tilted her head, looking a bit distressed. "Aren't you thinking about the third option?"

Luke teased, and Cynthia, with a light tilt of her head, displayed a trace of confusion on her beautiful face. "What's the third option?"

"Nothing," Teacher Luke sighed. "Let's choose the third one next time."

Cynthia thought for a moment, then naturally raised a smile, arching her eyebrows in a beautiful arc.

"No problem."