In the Kanto Region, at Celadon University, a poised woman adorned with a Daisy headband, elegant fluttering sleeves, and kimono embroidered with blooming flower motifs was present.
"Erika, are you going to be one of the judges for the Grass Type expert competition tomorrow?" inquired a faculty member.
Erika, with her short hair and soft voice, replied, "Yes. I plan to finish today's classes and leave for the competition tomorrow."
Aside from being the Grass Type Gym Leader of Celadon City, Erika also held a professorship at the university. She was not only proficient in flower arranging, perfumery, and martial arts but also excelled in archery and the tea ceremony. Erika embodied the qualities of a Yamato Nadeshiko – gentle yet possessing a sense of responsibility and resilience, a perfect blend of capability and integrity.
"Is your afternoon class focused on Grass Type's style and restraint?" inquired the faculty member.
Erika nodded and whispered, "Some time ago, some students developed a keen interest in 'Plants vs. Zombies,' so I introduced another course."
"Ah, isn't that a game?" the faculty member remarked.
Erika chuckled and said, "Teaching through fun and games is an effective approach to education."
Erika had tried the game herself after it gained popularity on social media thanks to Cynthia's promotion. She noted that the game's developer seemed to have a deep affinity for Grass Type Pokémon, as evidenced by the tower defense game inspired by them. While the game's mechanics were simple, it was a rare instance of attribute strengths and move effects being incorporated into gameplay.
Erika was also aware of the developer's reputation as a sophomore who excelled in clever tactics and strategies, earning recognition from Red himself. She stepped out of her office in wooden clogs, her soft smile reflecting her kind nature.
Next year, Celadon University planned to introduce a simulated battle course within its Trainer school. The name "Teacher Luke" had gained prominence in the field of simulated battles. Inviting him to join the faculty might be a win-win proposition.
"But it ultimately depends on his actual strength," Erika thought, her smile faintly visible. "Teacher Luke... I'm sure he won't disappoint."
As the day's classes concluded, Erika departed for Sinnoh to fulfill her role as a judge in the Grass Type Attribute Expert Cup.
Monday, August 17.
The three-day Grass Type Attribute Expert Cup was finally reaching its climax. Erika, seated as a judge, exchanged hushed words with an energetic and kindly elderly man beside her.
"Gardenia and Galar's Milo are the final contestants," Erika remarked.
Ramos, known as the "old tree still in full bloom," served as the Grass Type Gym Leader in the Kalos Region. Though both he and Erika were Gym Leaders, their strengths lay in different domains. Erika and Ramos were experts in the field of Grass Type Pokémon and were among the closest to being Elite Trainers.
Ramos, sporting a round cap and a slight hunch, nodded thoughtfully. "Milo is undoubtedly strong, but without Dynamax, I believe Gardenia has the upper hand."
The battle began between the orange-haired girl and the tall man.
Breloom faced off against the Appletun.
Mach Punch attacks were unleashed relentlessly, while Dragon Pulse roared ferociously.
"Breloom, use Protect!" Gardenia called out.
Breloom, resisting the Dragon Pulse, took on a faint purple hue. It used Substitute to withstand the damage and followed up with Mach Punch.
Ramos's eyes lit up. "She's mastered Poison Heal completely..."
Erika smiled gently. "With the help of Substitute, she's managed to control the toxicity of the Toxic Orb to such an extent... Gardenia has made significant progress."
Without Dynamax at his disposal, Milo scratched his head with a smile. "I concede."
Gardenia breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes shining with excitement. She knew she wouldn't have been able to employ the Poison Heal tactic without Teacher Luke's inspiration.
Gardenia took a photo with her trophy and shared it in their chat group.
Gardenia: I did it! I won the championship! [Picture]
Gardenia: Thank you, Teacher Luke, for your inspiring guidance!
Luke scratched his head, wondering if he had any real influence on her victory.
But encouragement was in order, so Luke typed his response thoughtfully.
Teacher Luke: Keep up the great work!
Gardenia: Absolutely!
Erika approached Gardenia with a smile, patting her on the back.
"Your progress is evident to everyone, so don't underestimate yourself," she said kindly.
Gardenia nodded and suddenly brought up a topic.
"Erika, did you hear about the Trainer school considering adding a simulated battle course?"
Erika responded with a gentle nod and a slight smile. "Yes, that's correct. Do you have any recommendations?"
"I suggest Teacher Luke!" Gardenia exclaimed. "He's a Trainer from the Orient Region, and his skills are at least at the Master level!"
Erika paused for a moment and then smiled. In the preliminary list of potential candidates, Teacher Luke had already secured a spot. Gardenia's recommendation had undoubtedly given Teacher Luke's candidacy a boost.
"Is he currently in Magic City?" Erika inquired.
"I plan to visit next week and negotiate with the Magic City Association to extend the invitation," Gardenia replied.
Erika raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Do you intend to go to Magic City in person?"
Gardenia nodded in confirmation.
"Talented individuals often require personal invitations to truly recognize their worth," Erika explained. She blinked mischievously and added, "Besides, you could also consider it a paid trip!"
Gardenia scratched her head, secretly impressed.
Indeed, Teacher Luke's reputation was such that even Celadon University, a renowned Trainer institution, was willing to send a professor personally to extend an invitation.
Teacher Luke and Damien discussed the concept of "Gold Miner."
Damien seemed momentarily perplexed. "Just using the directional buttons—up, down, left, and right? Isn't that too simple?"
Luke shook his head. "The simplicity is the beauty of it."
He continued, "Imagine you and your girlfriend sitting side by side, each occupying half of the computer to play together..."
"Oh, right," Luke chuckled, "I almost forgot that you don't have a girlfriend."
Damien: ???
"Regardless, I'll try to code the game based on your idea," Damien replied. Then he had another idea. "Brother Luke, I was thinking, maybe we should get some help?"
Even though the project was named "Pokemon Studio," Luke was currently more of an assistant. Art couldn't be outsourced easily, and Luke would gradually need to focus on other aspects, like promotion.
Luke agreed with Damien's suggestion. "I'll reach out to a headhunting agency to help us find a skilled artist. You can continue working on the code."
The art style of a game could significantly impact its success, so Luke wanted to ensure they hired a qualified artist. That afternoon, he visited a headhunting agency in Magic City to discuss his requirements.
When Luke handed over his business card, the agency's boss suddenly became more respectful and personally escorted Luke to the door.
Luke was taken aback but soon received a call from Matori.
"The boss of that headhunting agency used to work as an intelligence officer for Team Rocket," Matori informed him calmly. "Team Rocket has always been active in the talent market across regions."
Luke: Seriously?
Matori: Of course, they still charge a headhunting fee, but they'll introduce you to suitable candidates. I've heard there's an artist in Magic City whose skills are exceptional. You won't be disappointed.
Luke couldn't help but roll his eyes. Even a retired Team Rocket member found a way to continue in the same line of work.
"By the way," Luke added, "I heard that drinking traditional Chinese medicine can help with foot odor..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Matori abruptly hung up, clearly embarrassed.
"Don't make me say it," Luke mumbled, shaking his head. He trusted Matori's judgment in the talent market.
After all, members of Team Rocket, such as the infamous trio, had a wide range of unusual skills beyond just criminal activities.