Let you make a game, what the hell is Pokemon?.

Chapter 262 Cynthia's Second Playthrough Livestream!
Almost the instant the live stream screen lit up, a tsunami of comments surged forth, instantly filling one side of the screen's comment section:

[Aaaaaah! Cynthia's Champion stream is back!!! The missing person has returned!]

[Good morning, Lady Zhulan! What have you been up to these past few days? We've missed you so much!]

[Did you secretly go play Rescue Team? I saw it! The streamer's Rescue Team progress is maxed out!]

What should I do today? Continue with Rescue Team or go back to Emerald?

[Brothers, check out the announcement! Emerald is launching its second playthrough! Streamer, show us what the second playthrough is all about!]

[Yes, yes, yes! Second playthrough! Sister Zhulan has already finished her first playthrough so long, she must be getting bored by now!]

[I'm really curious and want to see it played through to the second time!]

What happens after the first playthrough?

Seeing the enthusiastic comments on the screen, Cynthia smiled a long-lost smile and waved at the camera.

"Good morning, everyone. Well, I've been playing Rescue Team a lot these past few days. It's a really great and deep game. I recommend you all give it a try."

She changed the subject, clicked the mouse on the screen, and brought up the Emerald login page.

"However, as you can see, Emerald has just received an update, opening up 'New Game Plus' content. I'm also very curious to see what new content this so-called 'New Game Plus' will bring."

"So let's go back to Emerald together today and see what else is there after we become champions."

【Great! 】

[Championship Journey Season 2! Let's go!]

[Get your snacks and drinks ready, front row!]

[Looking forward to it! The ending of the first playthrough left so many questions unanswered!]

Amidst the enthusiastic response from the audience, Cynthia skillfully started the game.

The screen loaded and appeared directly at the location she had saved after completing her first playthrough—the entrance to the Hoenn region's Champion Hall.

Golden sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the Hall of Champions in a warm glow.

The character controlled by Cynthia—also the young Hoenn Champion—is sitting atop the Champion's Throne, symbolizing the highest honor.

A hint of novelty flashed in Cynthia's eyes as she watched the game on screen. After all, she had never seen such a fixed "throne" since becoming champion in the real world.

If I remember correctly, it was only my first day as champions, and that afternoon I was sent away on a business trip by the league.
The difference in treatment is a bit too big, isn't it?

Just then, Watari walked over on the screen.

With a smile on his face, he spoke to Cynthia:

[Strawberry Ice Cream, congratulations on successfully reaching the top of the Hoenn League. According to the League's new rules, the new champion will have a two-month rest period. You are free to act as you see fit, and there will be no challengers for the time being.]

Watari paused, then continued, his tone teasing.
[Oh, to add to that, it's said that this rule originated from some unlucky guy who, having just taken the champion's seat, hadn't even had a chance to experience what it felt like to sit there before being defeated on the spot by the next challenger. He was also the shortest-serving champion in the history of that region.]

The barrage suddenly became happy:

【Ha ha ha ha! 】

Which unlucky soul is this?!

[This kind of thing doesn't happen in real life. Champions aren't like cabbages; there aren't that many of them.]

[Sister Zhulan, quickly ask him what that person's name is, lol.]

The dodo bird is telling another lame joke...

A massive amount of bullet comments instantly flooded one side of the screen.

Cynthia's lips curled up slightly, but she then gently shook her head.

In the real world, a championship title is far more than just a symbol of strength; it also signifies a responsibility and obligation, and it is not something that can be easily replaced.

She herself has been in Sinnoh for many years, with very few challengers, and no one has ever been able to truly shake her position.

Sometimes, when she's so busy she's exhausted, she can't help but think that if someone could defeat her and take over the responsibilities, things might be easier for her.
Of course, this thought only flashed through my mind.

She has never wavered in her duty to protect Sinnoh and guide trainers.

My thoughts returned to the game screen.

Watari's reminder was crucial—it marked the official start of the game's so-called "second playthrough."

So, what should we do next?

She had already explored most of the Hoenn region during her first playthrough.

Cynthia paused slightly, lost in thought.

Open up new areas?
This is probably the most likely development, since I've only been to Hoenn so far, but the Pokémon in the game obviously come from more than just Hoenn.

As if to confirm her thoughts, the game screen shifted, and her character was back at her home in Unwhite Town.

Qianli immediately came forward, his face beaming with a proud smile.

[Child, you did it! That's amazing!]

He handed me a ticket with a picture of a luxury cruise ship.

To celebrate your victory and to broaden your horizons, here is your ticket to other regions. Go and see a wider world!

Sure enough.

A knowing glint flashed in Cynthia's eyes; the world this game created was indeed more than just Hoenn.

However, if other regions were the same size and had the same amount of information as Hoenn...

She couldn't help but take a deep breath.

This means that her previous dozens of hours of exploration may have only revealed a small part of the whole game.

Wow! A new map!

I knew it! We were definitely going to go to another region!

[If that's the case, then the amount of material contained in an emerald is enormous!]

The viewers in the live stream clearly caught this information as well, and the chat was instantly filled with anticipation for the new map.

Just then, the protagonist's mother from the game also came over and congratulated Cynthia.

The TV screen in the living room suddenly lit up, playing an emergency news broadcast.

[Urgent Report! Witnesses claim to have seen a gigantic Pokémon, as magnificent as a rainbow, flash across the sky! Its divine form is unlike anything ever seen before...]

The mother looked at the television screen, turned to the main character, and spoke with concern.

[Strawberry ice cream, did you see that? That streak of light across the sky... Do you think it leans more towards a fiery red, or a deep blue?]

The live chat immediately refreshed:

[Letting the streamer choose a color? What does that mean?]

[Red? Blue? What do they represent?]

[Could it be Groudon and Kyogre? But aren't they all on land and in the sea? Would they fly?]

[Rainbow-like? Rayquaza? But Rayquaza is green, isn't it?]

The live chat erupted in heated speculation. Cynthia's thoughts raced.

Red and Blue Groudon and Kyogre?
No, the news described it as being as beautiful as a rainbow, and flying across the sky.

Those two don't look like they can fly at all.

Could it be... that they have acquired the ability to fly?

Or perhaps two other legendary Pokémon unrelated to them?

Judging from the current situation, this choice will likely determine which legendary being she will encounter next.

She frowned slightly, quickly considering the symbolic meanings of the two colors and the Pokémon they might be associated with.

However, Cynthia couldn't figure it out in the end, so she just picked one randomly.

She moved the cursor and decisively selected red.

The moment the choice was made, the protagonist's mother seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, or perhaps she had received some kind of confirmation.

She continued, "By the way, Dr. Tomato just contacted me, saying he has something important to show you and wants you to go to his research institute as soon as possible."

Cynthia then controlled her character to leave the house and head straight for Dr. Odori's research lab.

There, she encountered her rival from the game again—but this time, the other person didn't mention fighting again. He simply greeted her and then excitedly congratulated her on becoming the champion.

Professor Oda Birch, however, seemed exceptionally excited.

[Haha, congratulations! To celebrate your outstanding performance and to support your future journey, I've upgraded your Pokédex to the National Version! Now, it can recognize Pokémon from all regions!]

As he spoke, he handed over two brand-new illustrated guides.

The appearance of the National Pokédex undoubtedly confirms Cynthia's speculation about the new region.

She already had a plan in mind—to use the tickets to explore those unknown areas first. Although the location of the Sky Pillar where Rayquaza is located was clearly marked in the game, it was obviously not possible for her current team to challenge Rayquaza.

So let's check out the situation in other regions first, and while we're at it, upgrade our team's level and strength, and make sure we're ready before we come back.

She also intends to do the same for Rayquaza in the real world.

However, just as she stepped out of the research institute and prepared to use her flight magic to head to the docks in Kaina City, a sudden change occurred!

Several people in uniform suddenly appeared and blocked her way.

The leader was a man with short purple hair.

He produced an identification badge bearing a distinctive emblem, his voice deep and authoritative:
[Hoenn Champion, please wait a moment. This is Mordan from Interpol. We have noticed your rapid increase in strength in a very short period of time... Given the unusual energy fluctuations currently occurring in the Hoenn region that closely match signs of 'Ultra Cave' activity, we need your cooperation in the investigation.]

Please demonstrate the source of your strength through your actions.

The moment the words were spoken, the battle request interface popped up instantly!

[Holy crap? Interpol?]

The Ultimate Hole storyline is back...

So, is this the main storyline for the second playthrough?

[Na Jie is suspected of cheating, haha!]

[If I were in their shoes, I'd also doubt the streamer. It's only been less than a week, and he's gone from a newbie to a champion? It's hilarious! I'd believe you if you said the streamer was the daughter of the Ultimate Hole.]

The comments were joking and didn't seem to care much, but Cynthia perked up!
The ultimate hole!

The matter of the Ultimate Hole has always been one of the biggest questions in her heart, and she never expected that opening the door in the second playthrough of the game would actually unfold the related plot.

This means I'll definitely be able to learn more about the Ultimate Hole.
At this moment, the game has entered the battle phase.

The Pokémon sent by Modan were Krookodile, Incineroar, and Bewear. Although their levels were not low, they did not pose much of a challenge to Cynthia, who was currently at a higher level. In fact, they were not at all.

In just two minutes, Merdan was defeated.

After the battle ended, Modan recalled his Pokémon, and the faint smile on his face seemed to become more genuine.

[Hmm... formidable strength, a steady and solid fighting style, and clean energy signature. It seems we were indeed overthinking it.]

He confirmed his identity again. "[Let me formally introduce myself. I'm Mordan, head of the Interpol Ultra Cave Special Investigation Team. We are currently investigating the recent Ultra Cave phenomenon in the Hoenn region. Perhaps... you've already heard of, or even encountered, anything about Ultra Caves?]"

"Then I'll get straight to the point. The reason I've come to you is not only to ascertain the source of your power, but also to invite you to join us in our fight against the Ultimate Void."

A dialog box popped up on the screen again: [Accept Merdan's assistance request?]

Cynthia didn't hesitate and immediately chose yes.

The problem of the Ultimate Hole in the real world still awaits her resolution, so there's no reason for her to miss any information about the Ultimate Hole.

The comments section also began to continue the discussion:
[Interpol's Special Investigations Unit sounds pretty impressive.]

So what exactly is this Ultimate Cave? There's already a lot of content in the first playthrough.

I don't know, but everyone who comes out of there is incredibly talented, absolutely amazing.

Merdan nodded after receiving Cynthia's reply.

[A wise decision. Mr. Daigo is waiting for you at his villa above Champion Road on the left side of Soothing Rainbow City. He will give you more details later.]

He paused and added.

[The caves there... seem to be exhibiting some unusual energy patterns. If possible, could you please go and take a look?]

Okay, see you at the villa.

After saying that, the group of criminal police officers left.

Cynthia immediately opened the map and used the Fly spell to fly directly to Rainbow City.

Just as she landed at the entrance of the Pokémon Center in Celadon City, preparing to head to the location that Mordan had mentioned, the in-game navigator rang again.

A round-faced man wearing sunglasses and sporting a hearty smile appeared on the screen.

[Hi! The newly crowned Hoenn Champion! I'm Ashida!]

The man enthusiastically introduced himself, "[Congratulations on reaching the top of the alliance! However, the path to true strength is endless! Interested in testing your limits? In the southern seas, there's a place called the 'Battle Frontier Zone,' where seven exceptionally powerful pioneering minds have gathered!]"

If you have absolute confidence in your abilities, you're welcome to come and challenge yourself anytime! We believe it will help you become even stronger!

After Ashida finished speaking, she ended the call.

A notification also popped up on Cynthia's screen.

[The Battle Frontier can now be reached using the Flying ability on the map!]

[If something can make a champion stronger, then what kind of person from this district is stronger than the champion?]

[I think so. Otherwise, a streamer of this level wouldn't be able to level up by grinding monsters, right? There must be a dedicated leveling area.]

【Reasonable. 】

The viewers in the chat were full of curiosity about this new location, but Cynthia simply noted it down.

Because right now, things are obviously more important for Merdan and Daigo.

She controlled her character to leave Rainbow City and head upwards along the fork in the Champion Road. Sure enough, at the end of the path, which had been blocked by rocks but was now clear, she discovered a new cave entrance.

(End of this chapter)