Pokémon Auto Chess.
If there was a low-tech, low-cost PC game that came to mind, Lu Ye instinctively thought of this.
After all, auto chess… wasn't even a commercial game to begin with. It was something players created themselves using an editor.
Originally built using Dota 2's map editor, Auto Chess took the world by storm as a brand-new RPG map.
At its core, its appeal came from its unique strategic gameplay and its insanely addictive mechanics.
For Pokémon Auto Chess, the character models could be sourced from Devon Corporation's open-access assets, while the map could use various terrains from Pokémon Battle: Glaciers, rocky fields, rivers, volcanoes—since they'd only be for background visuals with no actual interaction, the technical requirements weren't too demanding.
The key elements of Auto Chess were piece upgrades and synergy effects.
And Pokémon's evolution system fit the upgrade mechanics perfectly.
For example, three one-star Charmanders could merge into a Charmeleon, and three Charmeleons would then evolve into a Charizard.
Pokémon with only one or two evolution stages could serve as transition pieces or key units, depending on their characteristics.
As for synergies, they were even easier to define.
For instance:
Blaze synergy
Starter Trio synergy
Regional Bird synergy
Or even… Shellder and Slowpoke. Onix and Cloyster. Groudon and Pidgey—
Wait a minute.
Something weird got mixed in there.
Anyway, with the philosophy of "Everything can be Auto Chess", making Pokémon Auto Chess the company's first cross-platform online game would be a solid step into the PC gaming market.
Of course, there was no rush to develop Pokémon Auto Chess just yet.
At the earliest, it wouldn't be ready for release until next year.
For now, the company's focus was on developing DLCs for existing games like Plants vs. Zombies.
---
After finalizing the project direction, Lu Ye gave Oleana a call to check on the company's status.
"The response to the Johto expansion has been overwhelming. Players also have high expectations for future DLCs," Oleana reported, frowning slightly.
"But due to a lack of manpower, developing new projects is proving difficult."
"No need to rush it," Lu Ye replied, nodding.
"As long as we hold our ground in Johto, that's good enough."
With the release of the Johto expansion, Pokémon cards had once again sparked a buying frenzy at convenience stores around Johto.
At the same time, Pokémon training clubs in the city were reopening, slowly generating revenue.
Thanks to Pokémon Studio's financial backing, even after investing tens of millions into his own training, Lu Ye still had spare cash to buy Max Revives, Full Restores, and other high-end consumables.
That said…
Lu Ye sighed inwardly.
Even with all this money, it still wasn't enough to cover the cost of a single Mega Stone!
As the saying goes: Wealth is a fortress against disaster, not a license for reckless spending.
All in all… Lu Ye wiped the sweat from his brow.
Better save up more money—Just in case he actually got a Keystone, he'd figure it out then!
"Since Saffron City is the commercial hub of Kanto, expanding our business there would be a good move," Oleana suggested.
"I'd recommend looking into office spaces in the Saffron City Business Tower. If possible, expanding into overseas markets would also be a great option."
Hearing this, Lu Ye fell into thought.
Up until now, Pokémon Studio's international business had been entirely handled by Devon Corporation.
While taking a cut from revenue was nice, being able to run things independently would be even better.
"Leave it to me," Lu Ye finally said with a nod.
---
After hanging up, Lu Ye dialed up Matori.
"The Silph Co. building in downtown Saffron City… There should be some office spaces available for rent, right?"
Back in the day, Team Rocket had taken over Silph Co.
They used it to research the Master Ball and all sorts of other bizarre items.
In the end, Red stormed the place, destroyed their operations, and Giovanni disappeared.
With this history in mind, Lu Ye figured that if anyone knew about Silph Co.'s business affairs,
it had to be Team Rocket.
Matori's expression turned… complicated.
Almost every Rocket member knew that Giovanni had never gotten over his loss at Silph Co.
And yet, here Lu Ye was, asking her about office rentals in that very building?
So, basically… Did he see her as some kind of real estate agent?!
"No, there's nothing available," Matori snapped, clearly annoyed, "Team Rocket has already withdrawn from Saffron City. We're a legal organization now."
She made sure to emphasize the words legal organization.
"Oh, right. I forgot," Lu Ye scratched his head.
"I was thinking that if Team Rocket was still around, maybe I could get a discount… or even a freebie."
Matori: ??? 'You keep talking to your 'Rainbow Plan,' but aren't you the real final boss of Team Rocket?'
Matori sighed, rubbing her forehead. "If you go through the proper channels, you can still rent an office space… What exactly are you planning?"
"Opening a branch office," Lu Ye replied casually. "If those three still haven't cleared their debts, tell them to come work for me. I'll pay it off for them."
"How generous of you, Mentor," Matori let out a cold chuckle, "You do realize they owe ten years of funding, right?"
Lu Ye responded with an equally cold smile.
Ten years of debt?
As long as they stop chasing Pikachu, shouldn't they be fine?
Then again…
A Team Rocket that doesn't chase Pikachu would lose its soul.
Letting them work under him as a formality would also make it easier to, uh… take care of them in the future.
"I got it," Matori finally sighed after a round of negotiations, "Give me two days. I'll get everything settled for your branch office."
---
Two Days Later
Saffron City – Silph Co. Building
Matori had pulled every string possible to secure an entire floor of commercial office space—at the absolute lowest price.
The polished marble floors gleamed under the lights, and lush greenery decorated the corners.
Looking out from the floor-to-ceiling windows, one could see Saffron City's skyline stretching into the distance.
Oleana had taken a special flight to Kanto just to inspect the new branch.
"This is… way too efficient," she muttered in disbelief.
"It's alright," Lu Ye shrugged. "Just a bit of negotiation."
Negotiation and persuasion—The most essential skills for any businessman.
A hint of admiration flickered in Olivia's eyes. She lowered her head and said, "Rest assured, I'll get the overseas branch up and running as soon as possible!"
The Kanto branch would be responsible for Pokémon card sales and international marketing, while the Johto headquarters would focus on game development and physical battle clubs.
Lu Ye nodded, falling into deep thought.
Following a certain gaming giant's model... If things go well, Pokémon Studio might just become… ruler of the world.
---
Friday – Business as Usual
Setting up a new branch had drained the company's liquid assets.
Not that Lu Ye felt anything—After all, money never stayed in his pockets for long…
Most of it went straight to his Pokémon.
As everyone knew, a Pokémon's strength was directly proportional to the amount of money spent on it.
That was probably why his team's power level skyrocketed so fast…
Since it was Friday, Lu Ye headed to the Trainer Academy, finished two lectures, and happened to run into Erika after class.
"Teacher Lu."
Liza tucked a strand of short hair behind her ear and smiled.
"If you need it, I can give you the badge right now."
"...See you!"
Lu Ye bolted.
Erika blinked in confusion, watching his fleeing figure.
After work, Lu Ye swung by the Saffron Gym to pick up Gengar.
Sabrina was in the middle of a psychic training session.
She glanced toward the entrance before stepping out.
"Can I train in psychic abilities too?" Lu Ye asked curiously, peeking at the meditating apprentices inside.
Sabrina studied him for a moment, then shook her head.
"No. You're too old. You've already missed the prime age for psychic training."
"I see…" Lu Ye nodded thoughtfully.
In this world, abilities like Aura and Viridian Power seemed to require special means to unlock.
But psychic abilities, at least, could be trained through sheer effort.
The catch?
It required extreme natural talent.
And Lu Ye had neither the time nor the patience to spend years mastering psychic abilities.
Then again, considering his cooking skills had already reached supernatural levels…
Did he even need psychic powers?
---
Friday Night – Finally Some Rest
After two hectic days, the weekend had finally arrived.
Friday nights—the most relaxing time of the week.
Lu Ye lounged on the sofa, holding Sylveon in his arms as he took a short nap.
Nearby, Togepi snuggled up next to a warm, snoozing Growlithe.
With tiny hands, it carefully opened a bag of potato chips and offered one to Growlithe.
"Arrf!"
Growlithe's sudden wide-mouthed chomp startled Togepi.
But a second later, Togepi snapped out of it, bursting into laughter and kicking its little feet while rolling on the floor.
The moment Lu Ye opened his eyes, he was greeted by this heartwarming scene.
A small smile unconsciously formed on his lips.
"Veeon~ (･ω-q)*"
Still drowsy, Sylveon yawned, revealing tiny fangs.
Its soft pink ribbons lazily stretched, capturing the golden glow of the room's warm lights.
From the kitchen, the rhythmic bubbling of the steamer filled the air, blending with the cozy atmosphere.
---
"Squirtlee!"
Inside the fish tank, now infused with fresh Mystic Water, Squirtle's eyes flashed with vigilance as it stared at the rattling doorknob.
"I'm back~"
Cynthia yawned, lazily kicking off her heels as she stepped inside.
Hearing her voice, Lu Ye emerged from the kitchen.
"Do you want to eat first, or take a bath first?"
"Uh…"
Cynthia tilted her head slightly, looking troubled.
"You're not… considering a third option, are you?" Lu Ye teased.
Cynthia tilted her head again, her beautiful, delicate face showing a hint of confusion.
"What's the third option?"
"Nothing."
Lu Ye sighed.
"Let's save that one for next time."
Cynthia pondered for a moment, then naturally broke into a soft, knowing smile.
Her bright eyes curved as she chuckled.
"Alright."