When it came to online games with low technical demands and operational costs, Natsume's mind immediately went to auto chess.
After all, auto chess wasn't originally a commercial game—it was a player-made mod.
Built using Dota 2's map editor, this new RPG map took the world by storm thanks to its strategic depth and addictive gameplay.
For Pokémon Auto Chess, the models could use Devon Corp's open-source card assets, while the battlegrounds could borrow terrain from Pokémon Battle—glaciers, rocky fields, rivers, volcanoes. As long as they were just backdrops with no interactivity, the technical requirements would stay low.
The core of auto chess lay in unit upgrades and synergies.
Pokémon evolution lines fit perfectly with the star-upgrade system.
For example:
Three 1★ Charmander → Charmeleon
Three 2★ Charmeleon → Charizard
Pokémon with two-stage or single-stage evolutions could serve as mid-game supports or late-game carries.
Synergies were even simpler:
"Blaze" synergy (Fire-types)
"Starter Trio" synergy (Bulbasaur/Charmander/Squirtle)
"Early-Route Bird" synergy (Pidgey line)
Or wildcard combos like Shellder + Slowpoke, Onix + Cloyster, Groudon +... Pidgey?
Wait.
Did something absurd just slip in?
Regardless, the mantra "everything can be auto chess" held true.
Making Pokémon Auto Chess the company's first cross-platform online game would solidify their foothold in PC gaming.
Of course, development wouldn't be rushed—a release next year at the earliest.
For now, DLCs for single-player titles like Plants vs. Zombies took priority.
After finalizing the proposal, Natsume called Oleana for a company update.
"The Johto expansion has been well-received, and players are eager for more DLCs," she reported, then frowned. "But staffing issues are slowing new projects."
"No rush," Natsume said. "Just maintain our Tokyo operations."
The Johto expansion had reignited Pokémon Trading Card Game mania, with school stores in Tokyo struggling to keep stock.
The Battle Club was also turning a profit again.
Thanks to the company's stability, Natsume could splurge on Max Revives and Full Restores after millions in training costs.
That said...
Even with earnings, a single Mega Stone would wipe me out.
Wealth was a shield against disaster, not a license to splurge.
For now... Natsume wiped his brow.
Just earn more. If I get that Keystone, I'll cross that bridge later.
"Saffron City is Kanto's commercial hub—ideal for a branch office," Oleana suggested. "Perhaps consult Silph Co.'s central tower? Overseas operations could also expand from there."
Natsume considered it.
Previously, Devon Corp had handled overseas distribution.
While profit-sharing was fine, independence was better.
"Leave it to me."
After hanging up, Natsume dialed Matori.
"Silph Co.'s headquarters must have office space for rent, right?"
Team Rocket had once occupied the tower to research the Master Ball and other oddities—until Red dismantled their base and Giovanni vanished.
Given that history, Natsume figured Team Rocket would know the building inside out...
Matori's eye twitched.
Every Rocket member knew Lord Giovanni still seethed over the Silph Co. failure.
And yet, here was Natsume asking her for real estate tips?
Do I look like a property agent to you?!
"No," she snapped. "Team Rocket has legally withdrawn from Saffron City. We're a legitimate organization now." She stressed legitimate like a threat.
"Ah, right." Natsume scratched his head. "I was hoping for a Rocket discount—or better yet, free rent."
Matori: ???
You preach the 'Rainbow Initiative,' yet you're the real villain!
"Normal channels work," she sighed. "Why do you need it?"
"A branch office."
"If the Trio can't repay their decade of embezzled funds, I'll hire them to work it off."
"How generous of you, Mentor," Matori said icily.
Natsume smirked.
Ten years' worth?
As long as they stop chasing Pikachu, it's easy money.
...Then again, a Pikachu-less Team Rocket lacked soul.
But having them on payroll would make 'supervising' them... convenient.
After negotiations, Matori finally relented.
"Give me two days. I'll secure the location."
...
Two days later...
Silph Co. Headquarters, Saffron City.
An entire floor—polished marble, potted plants, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the skyline—was leased at rock-bottom rates thanks to Matori's connections.
Oleana flew in to inspect the new branch, stunned.
"This efficiency... is unreal."
"Just took some persuasion," Natsume said mildly.
Negotiation was a merchant's sharpest tool.
Oleana's eyes shone with admiration. "I'll expedite overseas operations immediately!"
The Saffron branch would handle card game distribution and global marketing, while Tokyo focused on game development and the Battle Club.
Natsume nodded, lost in thought.
If a certain company could dominate the world... why not us?
...
The branch's launch drained company funds, but Natsume felt nothing.
Money never stuck to him—it all went to his Pokémon.
As everyone knew, a Pokémon's strength correlated directly with funding.
No wonder his team leveled so fast...
Friday evening, Celadon University.
After teaching two classes, Natsume ran into Erika post-lecture.
"Natsume-sensei," she said, tucking hair behind her ear. "If you need my badge, it's yours anytime."
"Hard pass!"
Watching him flee, Erika blinked in confusion.
Saffron Gym.
Natsume arrived to pick up Gengar. Sabrina—mid-lecture on psychic training—noticed him and stepped out.
"Can I learn psychic powers too?" he asked, eyeing the meditating apprentices.
Sabrina studied him, then shook her head.
"No. You're too old—missed the critical window."
"Ah."
The System listed abilities like Aura of Ripple and Aura of Viridian as unlockable through special means.
Psychic powers could be trained, but required talent and years of dedication—time Natsume lacked.
Then again, my 'Cooking' skill might as well be a superpower...
...
Friday Night – Natsume's Apartment.
The workweek ended at last.
Natsume lounged on the couch with Sylveon, watching Togepi giggle as it fed Growlithe chips. The Fire-type's dramatic bites made the egg Pokémon roll with laughter.
"Sylveon~ (p-ω-q)"
The sleepy Fairy-Type yawned, ribbons lazily swatting at lamplight.
From the kitchen, the steamer's rhythmic clatter filled the air with warmth.
Click.
The front door unlocked.
"I'm home~"
Cynthia kicked off her heels, stretching with a yawn.
Natsume met her in the entryway.
"Dinner, bath, or...?"
"Hmm..."
She tilted her head, genuinely pondering.
"You aren't considering the third option, are you?" he teased.
"Third option?"
"Never mind."
"Next time, then," Cynthia said, smiling as her eyes curved into crescents.
"Deal."
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