Interlude

The time passed slowly

Ace accepted challenges and worked on the Speed Battling format with Grace and Cynthia but it was a bit difficult to introduce the new format. Ace still had to make modifications to the RotomRunners, so it wouldn't be finalized for a while.

In the meantime, Ace was listening to music and decided to make a Pokemon version of Guitar hero. Anyway, it was still a videogame and he was a bit bored sitting in Oreburgh all day.

The game was relatively simple, even Pokemon could play. He put Toxtricity on the cover and shaped the Guitar attachment based on the animation of G-Max Toxtricity's attack. In this way, from start to finish, it only took a week.

Since basically all the music was free use because Ace pasted them online, there were literally countless songs. He released the game and did a Livestream to promote it, playing 'Shoot to Thrill' before failing miserably.

He scratched his head and continued trying for an hour before beating it, finally he looked at the Toxtricity, who gave him a 'So-so' gesture… Ace's lips twitched and he ended the livestream.

At the same time, he spoke to Serena a few times and started to plant ideas of being a Champion and Performer at the same time, mentioning Ash here and there.

She seemed convinced?

Anyway~

A month later

Ace looked at the little melon head, ahem, Matori. She pushed up her glasses, making them shine, "The Headquarters Specifications are excellent and it will be operational by tomorrow. I'm here on Boss' orders to collect your so-called Plan of Operations." Ace looked at her and asked, "You came all the way here to collect a folder?"

Matori snorted, "Are you stupid? I came to assess the new Headquarters. If it wasn't up to par, then it would be knocked down and rebuilt!" Ace's lips twitched and Matori sneered, "You're lucky it's up to standard."

Ace rolled his eyes, retorting, "More like 'supasses expectations' right? That was originally going to be my company building, you know!" Matori snorted, pushing up her glasses, "Well, consider yourself lucky you made the right decision in this regard. Everything should be devoted to the Boss' great cause!"

Ace's lips twitched as Matori continued, "That being said, you will be responsible for funding the Headquarters." Ace was dumbfounded, "What?! Why?" Matori frowned, "Because I said so!" Ace complained, "YOu're abusing your power, right? I'm super poor!" 

Matori rolled her eyes, "Please! The revenue from the most recent game alone is in the millions and it hasn't been a month since release! The Headquarters running at maximum efficiency only costs at most 1 Million a month, during the first year period, you will have to support it before it can stably operate on its own."

She pushed up her glasses, "Also. Since you funded the building and business, you will be given 30% of Silver Radio's profits for the first Year, afterwards the percentage will drop to 20%" Ace was speechless as Matori looked at him, "Any questions?"

Ace opened his mouth as she nodded, "Good. You can keep those funds for your future Missions and operations. In addition to collecting the File in your hands, and assessing the Headquarters, I am responsible for populating the new Headquarters and managing all its business expenditures. Tonight, our people will arrive in Oreburgh and start arranging tasks in the Silver Radio building. Please make sure there are no hazards in this endeavor otherwise it'll simply take longer."

Her face darkened, "The longer I have to look at your face, the more upset I am. I will be returning to the Boss with your plan as soon as everything is settled, which will be done at 8o'clock tomorrow evening at the latest." she held out her hand, "The Folder."

Ace was dazed, she said so many words in one go, he didn't even listen… He handed her a folder in a daze and Matori nodded, "Finally. Now get out of my sight, your lackadaisical attitude is really loathsome." as she waved him away.

Ace looked at Matori speechlessly, no wonder Jessie didn't like her… She's really a SUPER Stickler! He felt his head was buzzing and rubbed his temples, "No matter what you should at least be respectful, right?" Matori looked up and frowned, "You're still here?"

Ace's lips twitched and he slammed the wall next to her head, Matori was startled but pushed up her glasses, calming down, "Technically, I'm half your boss." Ace ignored it, "I don't like your attitude, quite frankly." Matori looked at him, "Likewise." He snorted, "I think you should apologize."

Matori frowned, apologize? This was worse than killing her. She thought about it and said, "I was a bit rude. I recognize this. Now can you please let me go, my shoulder hurts." Ace blinked and let her go, Matori rubbed her shoulder.

Ace felt bad, he rubbed his nose and pinched her shoulder. Matori blinked, "Thank you." Ace nodded and walked out of the Silver Radio building, waving over his shoulder, "Just hurry up and get out of here." Matori snorted and walked away.

The faster her work here is done, the faster she leaves…

The next night, Matori left.

Ace let out a breath, finally. That woman was too uptight! It's like having a mom around you all the time! Other stories made her a funny character… why was his so business-like and strict?!

He wanted to cry.

But there were more important things to do!

Elesa was calling him more often than usual, Ace didn't know why but he was happy about it.

Though, even as all these things happened, nothing really new happened.

Ace took Gym Challenges easily while training Noivern and the rest.

Fortunately, 3 months later something did happen…

But it wasn't necessarily a good thing…

________

The Gym Leader Arc is drawing to a close, it's going to get a bit chaotic from the next chapter on, so make sure you're keeping up... which means read carefully before posting comments that are clearly said in the chapter with that gotcha attitude that everyone just LOVES smh.

Yes, I'm salty some of you never were taught Read Comprehension...

Not most of you though~ Mwah~

________