Pokemon: The Gameboy Effect

(A/N: Big shoutout to our new Patreon, Elijah Hibbert! Here's a bonus chapter, at this rate, I'll need a stockpile for my stockpile just to keep up!)

"I heard you have a Blaziken and Hariyama? We should spar sometime in the future," Riley Lin greeted, wine glass in hand. His voice carried an immediately recognizable boldness.

Elite Victor Stone studied John with intensity.

"Your strength is impressive, young man. If you have time, visit me sometime."

"However, compared to Pokemon battles, I'd prefer a real hand-to-hand match with you."

Elite Victor Stone's weathered eyes gleamed with subtle intensity as he raised his cup, tea substituting for wine.

"Absolutely," John quickly agreed, raising his own glass.

Elite Victor Stone hadn't earned his lethal reputation through Pokemon alone. Daring to personally spar with him required confidence, confidence the three orbs had granted John.

Everyone chatted for a while before the three Elites departed one by one. John's age made integration into their circle difficult; even Damian, despite being younger than the other two, struggled to communicate extensively with the veteran Elites.

However, all parties agreed to meet at the next "Summit Conference", a gathering hosted by the Champion where all five Elite-level trainers finalized major national Pokemon-related decisions. These meetings occurred irregularly, perhaps once or twice yearly.

Just as the three Elites left, Saul Badman approached with several companions.

"John, let me introduce you. This is Jack Hoff, president of the Breeders Association and my longtime friend," Professor Saul Badman announced, his smile flushed and tone proud. Before seeking John out, he'd entertained old friends over drinks.

For any teacher, nothing compared to student success, especially a first-class genius like John. Why shouldn't he show off to old buddies?

'This isn't just a celebration dinner for my Elite Four promotion,' John realized. 'It's a networking social gathering.'

Despite his internal observation, John maintained his smile and quickly raised his glass in greeting.

"President Hoff."

"No need for formalities, just call me Jack," Jack Hoff said, clearly wanting to establish rapport with John.

"Then I'll call you Mr. Hoff," John replied diplomatically. Since Jack Hoff belonged to his teacher's generation, addressing him too casually felt inappropriate.

Jack Hoff nodded approvingly and announced loudly, "Your teacher has commissioned your Greninja bond evolution research paper for publication through our association. We'll review it as quickly as possible and publish it in the International Pokemon Breeding Journal. However, over the next few days, you'll need to cooperate by answering content-related questions and performing bond evolution demonstrations with your Greninja. Keep your phone available."

"Of course, contact me whenever necessary," John agreed readily.

"This is Lillian Grant, vice president of the Trainer Association. Her father is my close friend. You can consult her regarding Elite Four business matters in the future," Professor Saul Badman continued, introducing a professionally-dressed woman with a confident bearing.

"We meet again, John," Lillian Grant greeted with a professional smile.

"Director Grant, it's been a while." John had last encountered Lillian Grant at the Gym Leader conference, where she'd addressed a gathering of regional Gym Leaders.

"Please reserve tomorrow afternoon. I'll represent the Trainer Association in discussing your Elite contract details," Lillian continued.

"Absolutely," John confirmed. Upgrading from Gym Leader to Elite Four naturally required contract modifications.

Subsequently, Professor Saul Badman introduced several other prominent figures: the Pokemon Coordination Association president, an S-level Pokemon Coordinator, the Pokemon Hospital director, and others. John could contact any of them for specialized assistance.

Professor Saul Badman rarely facilitated networking for John ordinarily, but when he did, he provided access to top-tier connections!

Though John felt uncomfortable at such gatherings, these contacts were necessary, especially since he was tonight's guest of honor. He patiently accompanied all visitors.

Only at 11 PM did guests finally disperse.

Professor Saul Badman, who'd made an exception by drinking tonight, was escorted home by Harisson.

John could finally return to his hotel room for rest.

"Phew~" John exhaled deeply, heading for a shower to wash away the alcohol scent clinging to his clothes.

'The next goal should be the Championship', John thought while showering.

This Elite battle had clarified his current strength level.

He'd easily defeated an Elite without deploying Zeraora, Garchomp equipped with the Life Orb, or Mega Shiny Gardevoir wielding the Lustrous Orb.

While not quite Champion-level, he'd far surpassed Elite standards.

For a Champion battle...

"Raise my Pokemon team's overall level to 80, and I should be ready to challenge the Champion," John mused, then remembered, "Actually, I could complete Victory Road in the game first as Champion challenge practice."

In-game Victory Road allowed unlimited attempts, failed challenges simply reset at the Pokemon Center. Reality offered Elite trainers only one Championship challenge per year.

With the New Year approaching, this year's challenge window had closed. Failing next year's attempt meant waiting another full year.

Success required absolute preparation!

Emerging from the bathroom wrapped in a bathrobe, John prepared a glass of milk and settled onto the bean bag sofa by the window, reaching for his Gameboy.

In-game, his character remained on the Isle of Armor, building reputation with Master Mustard's dojo.

Originally projected to require six months for maximum reputation, progress had accelerated significantly. After promotion from ordinary disciple to core disciple, more challenging missions occasionally appeared, rewarding two reputation points instead of one.

While difficulty increased, John's completion times remained consistent, effectively doubling reputation accumulation speed.

Current status...

(5980/6000)

"Huh? Only 20 points remaining?" John stared at the panel data in surprise.

He'd been grinding so intensively that he hadn't monitored the numbers closely.

He was incredibly close to obtaining the legendary Pokemon Kubfu!

Twenty reputation points required at most five hours, potentially less if several two-point missions appeared. He might not even need to stay up all night!