Chapter 61

A New Mission: Publishing Works?

Takumi laughed out loud.

So this was the meaning behind this hint?

He had already guessed the system's nature, throwing so many skills at him on purpose. Its intentions were quite clear.

"'Pokémon Auto Chess' will be launched next week."

"Isn't this mission practically free delivery?"

"Well…"

However, that one-million popularity requirement was no small feat.

Takumi's expression grew thoughtful.

There's no way, right? Could the number of registered game players actually exceed one million?

His mind spun.

If that's the case, the "Pokédex" would need to be supplied and sold in massive quantities.

After all, with enough popularity in the terminal equipment, more trainers would be attracted to register as auto chess game players.

"Looking at it this way, the Mondstadt branch really needs to stay open."

"I can't just close up when I move to Liyue!"

The selection for branch manager will have to be made in the next two days.

Takumi considered this and, taking Cresselia along, returned to the Pokémon House store in Mondstadt.

But he had just arrived and hadn't even closed up for the day when the store door opened, the sign above bearing the name of the establishment.

A bearded, middle-aged man in adventurer's attire entered.

Upon seeing Takumi, the man greeted him politely:

"Hello, I'm Cyrus, branch head of the Mondstadt Adventurers' Guild."

Behind Cyrus were several members of the Mondstadt Adventurers' Guild: Bennett, Fischl, and several guild executives.

Takumi observed Cyrus's classic adventurer outfit. Aside from the more well-known members, most guild members wore the uniform dark green and white attire.

Of course, Teyvat's Adventurers' Guild has branches across all seven nations, initially established as a support organization.

With Catherine's slogan, "To the Stars and the Abyss."

One can imagine how players were taken aback when they discovered that the receptionist in each city was always "Miss Catherine."

This setup bore a striking resemblance to Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny from the Pokémon world.

However, it was later confirmed that Catherine was a doll, or robot.

Given that the Adventurers' Guild's headquarters was in Snezhnaya, it was no surprise they possessed such advanced technology.

Takumi pondered:

"An automaton manager like Catherine wouldn't be too bad. A perpetual worker — no wages, no overtime, no sick leave…"

"Should I consider exchanging technology with the Adventurers' Guild?"

Ahem.

Seeing that Takumi was deep in thought, Cyrus, the bearded man, coughed and continued in a respectful tone:

"Club Manager Takumi, your reputation has reached the Liyue area. Sister Lan, the head of Liyue's branch, has shared information about you."

"In fact, our Mondstadt branch has been closely following your store's opening here these past few days!"

Takumi nodded:

"I remember the Adventurers' Guild has a specialized intelligence department, right?"

He glanced at Fischl, standing quietly behind Cyrus.

He recalled that Fischl's background was as an investigator associated with the Intelligence Department. Were it not for her eccentric personality, she might have become a significant figure in the guild.

Beside Fischl stood Alfric, another intelligence operative.

And Bennett — well, he was a six-star talent.

The leader of "Benny's Adventure Team," and, unfortunately, its only remaining member.

All other members were driven away by Bennett's bad luck, unable to withstand the stress and eventually quitting one by one.

Takumi was quite curious to see what kind of Pokémon this notoriously unlucky adventurer would draw.

"So, does your visit today mean you're ready to embrace the era of Pokémon?"

Cyrus nodded solemnly:

"That's right!"

"This is a directive from headquarters!"

"Fortunately, you're currently in Mondstadt, allowing our branch to benefit directly. I've brought the executives and elite members of our Mondstadt branch…"

Cyrus, known for his somewhat comedic reputation in the game, was, in reality, quite accomplished.

He had slain three evil dragons, dismantled two transnational robbery organizations, and, some say, even saved the continent of Teyvat.

Naturally, Takumi welcomed the guild's goodwill.

He even hoped to establish a deeper cooperation.

After all, if he could work with the Abyss Order, then partnering with the Adventurers' Guild posed no issues at all.

This guild, spanning seven nations, was a powerful organization. Even without considering the famous characters associated with each country, the guild's elite agents alone would be a huge asset for promoting Pokémon.

"Deeper cooperation?"

"Providing all our members with a free 'Pokédex'?"

Cyrus was stunned by Takumi's proposed terms of cooperation.

Takumi smiled. "I'm even willing to offer a limited production version of the Pokédex technology."

Cyrus hadn't expected this well-known store manager to make such a generous offer right from the start.

What a bombshell!

Could the upper ranks at headquarters possibly sit idle after this?

"Then, what are your conditions…?" Cyrus asked cautiously.

"Cooperation, mutual benefit, and a win-win situation."

"To be frank, my goal is for every person in Teyvat to have access to a Pokédex."

"Hm… At the very least, a simplified version."

The simplified version, in Takumi's mind, would strip away trainer-related functions and leave only mobile functionalities.

Such a device could be more aptly named a "Pokémon Phone."

It would allow for auto chess and card games, even a selection of small, well-crafted RPG games.

Its performance would certainly be sufficient! Most importantly…

Takumi planned to launch live-streaming software and a platform called Ganbei Video, where every user could watch the upcoming First Pokémon Trainer Battle Conference.

Never underestimate the power of visuals, audio, and video to spread influence. After witnessing one exciting trainer battle after another, countless young people would be inspired to embark on the path of Pokémon mastery.

"Take these Pokédexes back to your guild's senior officials," Takumi instructed.

Cyrus left swiftly, taking the devices and leaving behind the guild members he'd brought along.

Takumi then looked at Fischl, Bennett, and the remaining guild executives, handing out Pokédexes one by one.

"Will it work like this?" Bennett wiped his hands nervously, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead as his finger hovered over the "Start" option on the screen.

"Yes, go ahead and tap it."

Fischl and the other guild members leaned in, eager to watch Bennett's first draw.

The phantom of a Pokémon flickered on the Pokédex screen.

"Who am I?"

A Pokémon with thick white fur appeared.