"Except for researchers…"
"When it comes to cultivators and coordinators, my skills are still blank..."
"It's all because the Gou System focuses all its skills on entertainment!"
Takumi had a wealth of theoretical knowledge, but in practical aspects, he had to keep up with skill cards. Otherwise, his secret would be exposed. The fastest way to improve his skill level was still the system's store manager Ten Consecutive Draw.
Takumi checked his mission log:
""Pokémon Auto Chess" has been released."
"It's only a matter of launching the open beta, gaining popularity points, and completing the mission to unlock the next ten draws!"
The top priority was to assess how well the Adventurers' Association had absorbed the Pokémon Manual technology.
He sent a message to the high-level group chat of the Adventurers' Association. After thinking it over, he also messaged Jean, the group leader and a busy individual, to ask if she required foster care and training services.
Jean replied, "Hey? Does your institute still provide services in this area? What, Ningguang has already sent over the shiny Beldum?"
Jean continued, "Alright, could you also take care of Eevee? The cost isn't a concern!"
This was the confidence of the Gunnhildr family; centuries of accumulated wealth were no joke.
Takumi responded, "I have a request for you. Could you help me attract and recruit some scholarly talents in the Mondstadt area? Let's say 10 people for now, or even higher-educated individuals if available."
He then copied and sent the same request to Ningguang, allotting Liyue a quota of 20. Takumi's vision was to first build a solid personnel framework, and his current resources could support a large-scale academy. However, opening an academy for trainers wasn't feasible yet due to a shortage of elite teachers across various departments.
Meanwhile, the Adventurers' Association high-level group chat brought news.
President: The assembly and testing of the first simple Pokédex are now complete.
Takumi: Its official name will be Pokémon Phone.
President: Understood, Minister Takumi. We'll send you a Pokémon Phone test machine via internal transmission channels as soon as possible. If it meets requirements, our factory in the Winter Solstice Kingdom will be fully engaged in production, first supplying Mondstadt and Liyue...
The following morning, the main store in Liyue opened for business, and the Adventurers' Association's courier delivered the test device to Takumi. After installing and testing "Pokémon Auto Chess," he found that the game ran smoothly. Notably, the technology wasn't a direct copy of Pokémon world's tech but had been modified and adapted to Teyvat's advanced technological standards, with a strong hint of Khaenri'ah's unique style.
"This technological aura likely originates from the same source as Katheryne's tech..."
Takumi wasn't concerned about where the Adventurers' Association sourced its tech. Allowing them access to certain Pokémon technologies was no great loss, as it was a simplified version—far below the advanced tech levels of the Oak Research Institute's first and second-generation devices.
However, even the basic illustrated guide would help each aspiring trainer take their first step. Advanced tech, like Poké Balls, navigation devices, and fossil restoration machines, represented the pinnacle of the Pokémon world. Some of these Takumi planned to share to popularize Pokémon, while others he intended to retain as exclusive technologies.
The Adventurers' Association's quick mastery of the basic Pokédex tech impressed him. They were now eligible to become major shareholders in the future Pokémon tech company. After testing the device thoroughly, he sent a message to the high-level group chat:
Takumi: All systems go! Let's begin large-scale distribution! Pricing should be as affordable as possible for civilians. Don't prioritize wealth now; let's drive the new era of Pokémon integration at the grassroots level. Everyone will board this train of progress and embrace the advancements...
He was aware that some executives might try to profit excessively. Though new to the top ranks, his authority and influence were undeniable.
Minister of Environmental Protection—and a champion-level authority within the Adventurers' Association—his word was final. If anyone tried to interfere, he'd have no problem bringing Lugia, Meloetta, and Cresselia to Winter Kingdom's headquarters. His absolute authority and power were clear: everything would proceed according to his arrangements.
Soon, the Pokémon Phones would be a household item. As "Pokémon Auto Chess" was set to be the first online game to boost its popularity, it was time to create a promotional video. Takumi envisioned himself as the era's centerpiece, and he humorously assigned Cresselia as his cameraman.
As he walked through the living room, he noticed Klee on the sofa, focused on the Pokédex screen. Moving closer, Takumi saw that Klee's auto chess game was nearing its final round. Her ultimate Dragon team was complete, with Charizard as the main champion, equipped with a mega evolution stone and the Galar Dynamax device from rare loot drops.
The battlefield shook as Charizard, now massive and powerful, crushed the opposing lineup. Takumi noted the player ID of her final opponent: Zhongli. Third place belonged to Wendy, and Klee's ID displayed her real name.
Congratulations, Klee, on winning! Takumi said, amused to see her calm despite the victory.
"What? You're not excited? Are these opponents too easy?" he teased.
Klee returned to the game's matching interface and swung her feet on the sofa, "Oh, Brother Takumi, these players are weak!"
"Why don't you join and challenge me, Brother Takumi?" she asked playfully.
Her words revealed a lot. It seemed Klee, a young girl around 8 years old, had defeated both Zhongli and Wendy, formidable champions in their own right.
Takumi chuckled, "Looks like even champions can't beat a primary school student!"
He had previously gathered the beta testers into a group, including Wendy, Zhongli, Klee, Lisa, Mona, and Albedo.
Takumi: Wendy, Zhongli, what happened? How did Klee defeat you so easily?
Zhongli: In theory, no current lineup could withstand a Charizard equipped with divine gear and a Dynamax device.
Wendy: Agreed! Her equipment drops were absurdly lucky. Each wild monster seemed to drop amazing loot.
Lisa: Yes, Takumi, playing against Klee felt impossible. Every piece of her equipment was top-tier!
Mona: Klee's luck is something else, but this is on another level!
Albedo: ...I'll be taking a break from the game for now.