Upon Luke's request for a revision, the artist let out a frustrated "Oh."
"It's okay, change it a few more times if needed," Luke reassured.
"Goodbye!" Mina gritted her teeth.
After hanging up, Luke clicked on the picture and examined it closely.
"Well... there's still something."
Mina's card design, tailored to Luke's specifications, followed a classic style resembling playing cards.
The upper part of the card displayed the Pokémon's name, attributes, and illustrations, while the lower part detailed the Pokémon's moves, Pokédex introduction, and weaknesses.
For example, the card for Pikachu looked like this:
[Pikachu, Electric Type
Moves: Thunder Wave, Electro Ball, Thunderbolt
Introduction: Small power bags on both sides of the cheeks that discharge when in danger.
Weakness: Ground]
This educational card style was intended for Professor Oak, and Luke believed he would be pleased with it.
To make the gameplay more intuitive, Luke introduced magical changes to the original PTCG rules.
Cards were now divided into three categories: "Pokémon Card," "Items Card," and "Energy Card."
Each "Pokémon card" had an associated HP value, with rarity directly proportional to strength to some extent.
By drawing the "Energy Card" and equipping it, the moves listed on the "Pokémon Card" could be used to damage the opponent's "Pokémon Card."
The "Items Card" could be likened to a combination of magic and traps.
Here's a specific demonstration:
[I attack, summoning a Pikachu, equipped with three Electric Type Energy Cards, go on, full Thunderbolt!]
[It's useless! I play the Items Card "Insulated Glove" from my hand to neutralize an Electric Type attack from the opponent!]
[Nani?!]
As the small theater in his mind concluded, Luke nodded in satisfaction.
Though still in a rudimentary form, a board game that could be played between classes and wasn't afraid of being confiscated by teachers was a treasure for kids.
Teacher Luke vaguely remembered that in his previous life, many children enjoyed collecting various "Ultraman cards," "Yugioh," and the like.
Of course, this world also had its own card series.
However, compared to renowned companies like Bandai and Nintendo, this one seemed a bit insignificant.
Even this set of "PTCG" cards was expected to be the first step for "Poké Company (The Pokémon Company)" to explore other fields.
"All set for launch!" Luke cheerfully declared, nodding with satisfaction.
...
The project continued to progress steadily.
For the art part, Mina had the challenging task of creating 149 card illustrations on her own.
Fortunately, Mina had Granbull, her Pokémon assistant, to help...
After all, it wouldn't be a Poké Company without Pokémon staff.
In a special chapter, Lt. Surge used Raikou to power the maglev train.
Luke pondered, thinking that using the dignified god to supply power proved that Lt. Surge was indeed an Electric Type Master.
In terms of making actual cards, the highly efficient Oleana had already contacted the printer. After the designs were finalized, samples could be printed.
One step closer to building a family.
Luke smiled contentedly.
Wearing an apron, he personally cooked up a sumptuous dinner for the little ones.
Even in front of the Pokémon eggs, a pot of Pokéblock was placed neatly.
Luke and the little ones exchanged glances, then swept through the dining table like a strong wind scattering the last clouds.
...
"Vui~~uh~!"
Sylveon jumped off the seat, suddenly burped with a fullness of fragrance, and its forehead displayed 'Tic Tac Toe.'
Gengar and Squirtle were ignored.
"Ao wu~~" Growlithe grinned, smiling innocently.
Gengar and Squirtle took a half step back, sucking in a breath of cold air.
Little sister, what's wrong with you!
"Vui~!ヽ(#`Д´)ﾉ"
Ding, bang, bang...
Sylveon pushed Erha around with an expression of despair.
Luke sat on the sofa, calmly sipping his hot tea.
Well... this might be Teacher Luke's family's daily routine!
At the same time, it seemed like Teacher Luke could feel something.
The Pokémon egg leaned on the mat.
Ka.
A small crack appeared on the surface.
...
The semi-finals of the Orient League were still ongoing.
Calculating the time, Luke agreed to Erika's invitation and would go to Kanto next month.
Turning on the phone, Luke spent some time in the chat group.
Blue ponytail, dressed in a tight outfit, the Dragon Type Gym Leader controlled by the brother.
Claire bit her lower lip and apologized privately, but whenever she typed on the public screen:
"@Dragon Tamer Lance, were you here on New Year's Day?
Brock squinted his eyes and provided an explanation:
"The Dragon Tamer Clan holds a family gathering every year, and it's rumored they use it to select a new Elder... I'm not sure if it's true."
"It is true," Lorelei chimed in, pushing down her glasses frame and smiling. "But the new Elder... seems to be scared of me!"
Dragon Tamer Lance: @Claire, don't come back.
Dragon Tamer Lance: @Lorelei, that's because I wasn't in the clan at the time.
In the Champion Alliance's Champions League, the winners of the Road to Champion would challenge the Elite Four. Unfortunately, the Dragon Tamer Clan's Chosen had all been defeated by Aunt Lorelei over the years. Dragon Type against Ice Type... a tragic match-up!
Claire inquired, "Why didn't you reply?"
"I was investigating the situation regarding Team Rocket recently," Lance responded, frowning. "Team Rocket has been consolidating a lot lately... Last time I saw, they were actually fighting with a criminal group."
Silver questioned with a frown, "Black eats black?"
Dragon Tamer Lance: No... According to the local old man, the Pokémon they snatched was returned by Team Rocket members.
A moment of silence enveloped the group.
For what reason?
This was inconsistent with Team Rocket's typical behavior.
Even more puzzling was their motive.
Silver, deep in thought, finally spoke in a cold tone:
"I'll continue to investigate the Johto side; don't worry."
Dragon Tamer Lance: Thanks.
Staring at Lance's message, Teacher Luke gazed up at the sky.
It had only been half a month...
Had Team Rocket already begun a business transformation?
Giovanni's efficiency was truly reliable!
Busy filming Sabrina, the little elder sister.
Glancing at the phone, Luke rarely saw a topic of interest.
Sabrina: Maybe it's just a shift in Team Rocket's concept. There might not necessarily be a change.
"As a former Executive of Team Rocket," Blue stated coldly, "You don't seem very convincing."
Sabrina smiled, evoking a knowing expression but choosing not to argue.
"People change; no one is an island," Sabrina asserted. "As long as they're emotional creatures, they're no exception."
The group fell silent for a while.
Silver frowned, looking at Sabrina's message, staying silent.
Teacher Luke: [Angry Luke on the dog's head]!
Sabrina:?
Teacher Luke: Sorry, my hands were trembling.
This atmosphere was too solemn!
As the group's owner, it was his duty to bring back a light-hearted atmosphere for everyone!
Gold followed up: [Rubbing the dog head upstairs]
[Group member 'Gold' is muted by"Teacher Luke" for five minutes]
Gold:???
What's the meaning of this?
If group members can be rub, why can't the Admin?
With Gold being banned, laughter and cheerful voices once again filled the group, restoring a lively atmosphere.
Silver squinted his eyes, remaining silent.
Do people really change?
What fate awaited those who abandoned their families in pursuit of power?
...
After going offline, Luke specifically asked Matori about the current situation.
"There are still many troublemakers within the organization," Matori reported. "These scoundrels will only tarnish Team Rocket's reputation and Master Giovanni's unsullied vision."
Luke froze for a moment.
Sure, he could understand that Red's wish was innocent.
But Giovanni's vision...
Well, if he was looking for his son, that was fine!
After discussing it, Luke persuaded Matori to soak her feet more.
Matori, with a hint of embarrassment, said, "You're not exempt. Participating in this low-level competition is degrading for someone of your status!"
"Low-level competition?" Luke retorted. "But... I'm the real deal!"
He was so agitated, and yet, he was speaking the truth...
Matori, feeling awkward, nervously mumbled, "Sorry, I understand you're in it for the bonus... please forgive me!"
Luke:???
"Even Leon has to participate in many promotional events," Matori added. "I can empathize!"
Empathize my foot!
But...
Luke stroked his chin.
He had four victories. That made him stronger.
If he couldn't become a Champion, the time investment would be higher.
Of course, rewards and bonuses were secondary.
Besides, he had companies and a few more problem children; he could afford it.
The most important thing was to ensure the little ones wouldn't get hurt and could enjoy the battles.
After ending the call, Luke patted Sylveon on the thigh.
"Vui~~"
Sylveon squinted its blue eyes and let out a soft snort.
"Come on, tomorrow," Luke said with a slight smile.
Sylveon's eyes suddenly gleamed.
"Vui~! ! (▼д▼#)"