Pokémon: Did you play Pokémon today?

Chapter 204 Ice Queen: You wretched A-Du! You deserve to die!!!

"Little Assistant reminds you: The Perfect Skill Experience Scroll has been used, and the Energy Cube Crafting Technology has been upgraded from Lv.3 to Lv.5."

"Energy Cube Crafting Technology Lv.5: With your unparalleled knowledge and masterful skills, you are now able to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, creating theoretically flawless and absolutely perfect Energy Cubes!"

A vast, profound torrent of knowledge, seemingly containing countless experiences and inspirations, exploded in Bai Zhou's mind in an instant.

Surge, Reorganize!

Having had similar experiences several times before, he was mentally prepared and unlike the first time, he wasn't overwhelmed and drooled, which was a sign of his "wisdom".

He closed his eyes and quickly absorbed and processed the massive amount of information.

When Bai Zhou fully mastered this Lv.5 skill, which had already reached the limits of human capability, he couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

This goes far beyond the scope of "manufacturing" and is more like the ultimate art of creation and giving!

It's a perfect fusion of Pokémon nutrition, energy science, materials science, and even philosophical understanding!

He has absolute confidence that he can now use only the most ordinary and common tree fruits from the roadside.

With his help, energy cubes can be made with effects far exceeding those of top brands on the market!

But that's not the most crucial point.

The key is that when using rare and precious special tree fruits as raw materials, he has the ability to create the theoretically ultimate product.

"Absolutely Perfect" Energy Cube!

Energy Cubes are not Pokémon's daily staple food in the conventional sense, but rather a high-end nutritional supplement used to efficiently replenish energy, regulate physical condition, and stimulate potential abilities.

The most direct and incredible effect of the "absolutely perfect" level energy cube is that it enhances the Pokémon's innate energy and physical attributes without any side effects!

In layman's terms, it can reliably increase the experience points of Pokémon!

Although the effect of a single one is not as good as the "magic candy" in the game that levels you up with just one.

However, its effect is comparable to or even surpasses that of "Experience Candy L", only the increase per use is relatively small.

However, this so-called "drawback" is overshadowed by the two huge advantages: "no side effects" and "can be consumed repeatedly and for a long time".

It's utterly insignificant!

In theory, as long as there are enough resources, even if a Pokémon just lies around eating and sleeping all day, it is not impossible for it to accumulate energy level (experience) to the champion level by simply eating these blocks over time!

Of course, practical experience and skills are another matter entirely.

This is just the basic effect!

Even more terrifying is that, depending on the type and proportion of raw materials used, stable empirical values ​​are provided.

This "perfect" energy cube can also gently and specifically stimulate a Pokémon's potential talents in a particular area!

In other words, it can slightly and permanently increase a Pokémon's individual value (IV)!

This effect is simply incredible!

"It seems it's time to update the daily menus and extra meal plans for the 'princes, princesses, generals, and prime ministers' in the family."

Bai Zhou stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming with eager anticipation.

However, there's no rush. We'll have to wait until the next proper mealtime to study the specific recipe and preparation.

After calming down his initial excitement about acquiring a new skill, he suddenly remembered that he had to work overtime that evening to stream and advance the game's progress, and his expression stiffened slightly.

With a sigh, he resignedly picked up his phone and opened the group chat called "Pokémon Game Exchange Group".

The group chat was much livelier than usual because of the official release of Pokémon Trading Cards.

Everyone seems to be very interested in the exquisite craftsmanship and rich gameplay of the final version of the cards.

"Battle Man: Pokémon cards are so popular! I went to several specialty stores today and was told they were out of stock. If it weren't for Xiaohuang giving me a basic pack, I don't know when I would be able to play them."

"The one who nurtures: Nonsense, you trained until the specialty stores were almost closing down before you went there, how could there still be any in stock? These cards are practically the standard introductory teaching tool for trainer schools in the Kanto region now, there's simply more demand than supply."

"Ice Queen: It's not 'almost done,' it's 'already done.' It's been officially included in the new school year textbook procurement application that was just submitted below, and I've already approved it."

"Dragon Messenger: What?! You didn't even consult with me, the champion, about such a big matter?!"

"Ice Queen: Discussing with you? @Dragon Messenger, you, the champion of Guandu, all you do is slack off in other regions all day long! Do you even care about the Guandu Alliance?!"

"Ice Queen: That's bad enough, but you've dumped all the league's affairs on me! Do you really think I'm a perpetual motion machine?! I shouldn't have let you win the Championship Series!"

"The Dragon-Riding Messenger: —"

Bai Zhou looked at the screen and almost burst out laughing.

The mighty Kanto Champion and Dragon Messenger, Lance, had absolutely no face in front of Lorelei, who was both an Elite Four member and the de facto manager of the League, and was completely overwhelmed and unable to fight back.

However, Lorelei's words, though blunt, are not without merit. If she is determined to go against Lance, she has the strength of an Ice-type Elite Four member and her deep-rooted influence within the League.

This will definitely make this Flying-type (pseudo-Dragon-type) champion, who is often elusive, suffer a terrible defeat.

However, his gloating lasted only a few seconds before a few messages popped up below, instantly freezing his smile on his face.

"Evolved Ones: How did you guys know I just opened a card pack and got incredibly lucky, pulling a UR Jigglypuff?"

"Evolved Being: UR Jigglypuff.jpg"

Ice Queen: No! Who asked you?! Tell me who asked you! I'm so angry! First it was that bastard Watari!

And then it's you!

"The one who nurtured him: ?"

"The one who raised it: UR Charizard.jpg"

"The Healer: That—"

"The Healer: UR Pikachu.jpg"

"The Fighter: —"

"Fighter: Why am I the only one without one? Are you deliberately isolating me?"

Ice Queen: ??? Am I even human?! You damned Crimson! Don't let me catch you in the Alliance Hall!

"Ice Queen: I've almost spent all my salary this month! Forget about a UR Articuno, I haven't even seen a single regular UR card!"

Bai Zhou, who was secretly watching the screen, suddenly twitched his eyebrows.

When did the drop rate for UR cards become so high?

The drop rate seems off!

Could this be the result of the "Destined Protagonist Group" being plagued by an invincible destiny?

Tsk, it seems the card rarity settings and card pack probabilities are still too lenient.

The operations department needs to "optimize" the drop rate again to maintain a "healthy ecosystem" for the game.

Just as he was figuring out how to "secretly change" the odds, he received three private messages that came almost simultaneously.

"Evolved One: Are you there? Big item sale! Water Stones and Fire Stones are all included, all for just one UR Jigglypuff Card. Interested?"

"Breeder: Uh, um—are there any channels to sell UR Pokémon cards separately? If so, I'd like to order a UR Charizard from you."

"Fighter: Shirazuki-kun! I want a Pikachu UR card too! Do you know any ways to increase the chances of drawing a UR card?"

Bai Zhou looked at the three private messages and immediately understood.

One is clueless, two are unlucky.

Well, after all this time, it turns out that only Little Yellow is probably the truly lucky one.

The "shipping" that Xiao Lan and Qing Lü were talking about actually meant "shipping" their goods from him, the "source."

what--

Look how easily the simple-minded Crimson has been fooled, truly believing that everyone is a born lucky charm.

Instead of replying to each private message individually, he went directly back to the group chat and used the @all members tag.

"Rainbow People: @All Members"

"Rainbow Man: Regarding Pokémon cards, to thank everyone for their continued support, I will be sending everyone in the group a set of 'Founding Commemorative Special UR Cards' with individual serial numbers. Consider it a special perk for our little group."

"A fighter:!"

"Fighter: Thank you, Brother Bai Zhou!"

"Evolved Being: Thank you, Brother Bai Zhou!"

"Nurturer: +1"

"The Healer: Thank you—"

"Ice Queen: I love you to death!"

"Ice Queen" retracted a message: "Ice Queen: Hmph, a barely acceptable gift, I'll accept it reluctantly."

"Rainbow People: I should thank you."

"Rainbow Man: Gengar grinning.jpg"

With Bai Zhou's announcement, almost all the members who were lurking in the group chat were brought out, except for a few gym leaders who were probably busy with gym affairs.

"Ninja: You've been a huge help! Ah-Xing just happened to want a UR card for Ariados! I'll remember this favor!"

"Iron Fist: What a wonderful gift! But I don't think I've made any outstanding contributions. Is it really appropriate for me to accept such an expensive gift?"

"Rainbow Man: @Iron Fist, Elite Four member, please don't mind, this isn't a very valuable item, it's just a small token of my appreciation, representing our shared love for Pokémon. Please accept it without worry."

"Psychic Girl: Are UR cards really that hard to get? I can just use my telekinesis to scan the card packs and sense which packs contain special cards—"

"Rainbow People: ???"

"Rainbow Man: @SuperpoweredGirl, please immediately stop this cheating behavior using superpowers! Otherwise, I will dispatch my (non-existent) strongest legal department in the Eastern Hemisphere to severely punish you!"

"Superpowered Girl: Hmph~"

Bai Zhou didn't continue arguing with Na Zi in the group about whether "superpower card drawing is compliant with regulations." After half-jokingly "condemning" her a few times, he brought up the serious business for the evening.

"Rainbow Man: @Crimson Fighter, don't forget to stream as usual tonight. I plan to finish the remaining gyms and Elite Four in one go and complete the first playthrough of the game."

"Fighter: Huh? Is the first playthrough already over so soon? I feel like there are still so many hidden caves and NPC storylines I haven't explored—but okay, whatever you say."

"Ice Queen: Live stream? Count me in! Count me in! I also want to see what level the Four Heavenly Kings in the game are at!"

Does it capture even a tenth of my domineering aura?

"Rainbow Man: Uh—Lorelei, don't you have a mountain of League affairs to handle? Do you really have time?"

"Ice Queen: You wretched Wataru! You deserve to die!!!"

Seeing Kona groan again because of her workload, Bai Zhou smiled, shook his head, and put away his phone.

He stood up, stretched comfortably, and prepared to go back to his dormitory for a good afternoon nap to recharge for the evening's live stream.

Stepping out of the office area, we entered the living area.

He was surprised to find that Lance, Sakaki, and Daigo were huddled around the coffee table playing cards together.

Lance and Giovanni are engaged in a tense Pokémon card battle, both with several white slips of paper representing the penalties for defeat stuck to their faces, clearly indicating a very "fierce" battle.

Daigo, meanwhile, sat to the side watching the battle with great interest, fiddling with a beautiful, shiny stone that he had somehow pulled out of nowhere.

Bai Zhou had little interest in joining their "noob-fighting" style of card game.

It's not that he's bragging, but with his current understanding of card game mechanics, plus a little bit of "advanced" card-playing concepts from the original world...

If it really comes down to it, he could take on three opponents without any pressure.

He smiled and shook his head, not wanting to disturb the three "big shots'" rare leisure time, and headed straight for the elevator.

"I feel like—I've forgotten something?"

As Bai Zhou rode the elevator downstairs, he rubbed his chin, feeling uneasy as if he had overlooked something.

Then, the elevator doors opened with a "ding" on the first floor.

He immediately spotted the familiar figures of Zhi and Mingyi sitting by the roadside at the entrance of the Pokémon Building, seemingly waiting for someone.

Bai Zhou: "——"

He immediately switched to a slightly apologetic and hurried smile and quickly moved closer to the two of them.

"Xiao Zhi! Ming Yi! I'm so sorry! I was dealing with an urgent technical problem upstairs and I was so busy that I completely forgot about the time! Have you been waiting long?"

Fortunately, neither of them is particularly serious or vengeful.

Xiao Zhi is oblivious, and Ming Yi has a gentle personality. Although she was still a little angry, she was easily fooled by Bai Zhou's sincere expression, and after a few complaints, it passed.

Of course, the plan to go back to the dorm to sleep and rest was completely ruined.

After all, I haven't done the favor of taking them on a tour of The Pokémon Company yet, and as the person in charge, I can't go back on my word.

So Bai Zhou had no choice but to pull himself together.

He personally took the two on a long tour of The Pokémon Company, and even let them experience the online card battle platform, which was still in the internal testing phase.

After the tour, Shirashu took out two boxes of "Founding Commemoration" special UR card sets that he had prepared beforehand.

They were given to Xiaozhi and Mingyi respectively, as compensation and as a surprise promised beforehand.

Mingyi is a girl, and she is rather shy and introverted. Upon receiving this unexpectedly valuable gift, she stood there blushing furiously.

His hands, holding the card set, were trembling slightly. He couldn't utter a complete sentence, only muttering softly, "Ah—this—Salted Fish Teacher—thank you so much—"

Xiao Zhi doesn't care about all that; his emotions are expressed directly and passionately!

He shouted excitedly, leaped forward, and clung to Bai Zhou, tears welling in his eyes as he cried out:

"Master! You're so good to me! Meeting you in this life is the greatest fortune I've ever had! I will definitely train even harder from now on! I will never let you down!"

Such passionate declarations.

Even Pikachu couldn't stand it anymore, feeling that its trainer's appearance was too embarrassing, so it emitted a few sparks from its cheek sacs and gave him two electric shocks.

This calmed him down a bit. He slid off Bai Zhou, his frizzy hair giving him a silly grin.

It was already evening when I got back to the dormitory.

"Haa"

I yawned for nothing; my eyelids felt like they were about to droop.

There's simply no time to rest!

He had no choice but to force himself to wash his face, turn on his computer and live streaming equipment, despite his exhaustion.

He doesn't plan to have Xiaozhi stand in for him this time.

After all, this is the final chapter of the main storyline of Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen. Guan Ping has to personally oversee and take it seriously regarding the overall reputation of the game and the player experience.

The live stream started promptly at 8 p.m.

Accompanied by Bai Zhou's lazy yet friendly voice, Xiao Bai, who hadn't appeared in a live stream for a long time, appeared on the game screen.

"Long time no see, did you all miss me?"