Pokemon: The Gameboy Effect

Chapter 660 660: World Champion!

Perhaps just like that Pokemon commentator online said—

Being born in the same era as me is tragic.

Turning to leave, John descended from the battle platform, but in the contestant hallway immediately used spatial movement to return home.

Especially after his Rainbow Rocket battle video was released, avoiding interviews became completely justified.

Everyone believed this was just how the strong operated, independent, on their own terms.

Indeed, as long as you're powerful enough, the world will bend its rules for you.

This also meant John's Eight Masters tournament journey had ended. Because the very next day, John's opponent, also his number one fangirl, Lilith, announced her early forfeit.

Directly sending John into the finals.

On the other side, Magnus defeated his semifinal opponent Gerrard, advancing straight to the finals.

Just as the entire world's trainers awaited the Draconian Champion grudge match's return, they heard that during the post-match reporter interview after Magnus's battle with Gerrard, he publicly announced his early forfeit.

His forfeit was even faster than Lilith's, clearly planned for a long time. If Lilith was John's number one fangirl, then Magnus was his number one fanboy.

In the end, even the World Pokemon Tournament championship cup and medal were collected by Emerald on John's behalf.

The world erupted. Social media crashed from traffic. News stations broadcast nothing but tournament replays.

JOHN - WORLD CHAMPION

One Week Later

John's phone wouldn't stop buzzing.

He sat in his mansion on Trial Island, Emerald having finally left to handle the mountain of sponsorship offers and interview requests. The championship trophy sat on the desk, gleaming gold. John hadn't even touched it yet.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

He glanced at the screen. Ninety-nine-plus notifications.

Most were from strangers, fans, challengers, reporters. But some made him pause.

Mark: Dude! WORLD CHAMPION! Remember when you and I went to catch Pokemon back in the days and how you managed to catch that Froakie in the Cloud Wetlands? Look at you now! Drinks on me when you get back!

John smiled. Mark, his oldest friend from back home, always terrible at Pokemon battles but loyal as hell.

Grace: Congratulations, John! I always knew you'd go far, but this... this is incredible. The whole town's throwing a party. My Vileplume says hi to Togepi! And say hi to Gardevoir for me <3

Grace was one of the people who helped him when he first started his journey as a Pokemon breeder, back in those early days when he was still figuring out this world.

Damian: Junior, you've surpassed all of us now. Well done. When you have time, come visit, I could use some pointers for my own team!

Damian, the senior who'd taught him the basics of competitive battling, who'd shared strategies late into the night. John wasn't sure he'd actually surpassed him in battle theory, but it felt good to read.

Saul: My student has become World Champion. I have nothing left to teach you, John. But remember, strength isn't just about winning. Keep your heart right.

Saul. His mentor. The man who'd taught him that Pokemon were more than just tools for battle, that the bond between trainer and Pokemon mattered more than any strategy. The one who helped him discover Aura energy and Mega Evolution.

Scarlett: Knew you'd make it, troublemaker. Don't let it go to your head. You still owe me that battle we talked about. And yes, I saw your Togepi, absolutely ridiculous. I love it.

Scarlett, teacher and friend. A good person who'd helped him with a lot of opportunities and connections that resulted in several Pokemon on his roster.

He set the phone down and walked to the window.

Outside, the beach stretched out below his balcony, and beyond it the sea reached all the way to the horizon. Somewhere out there, trainers were battling, growing, and dreaming of standing where he stood now.

Behind him, Togepi was napping on the bed, tiny hands still clutching a piece of candy. Shiny Metagross hovered silently in the corner. Gardevoir sat by the couch, meditating. The rest of his team was in their Pokeballs, resting after the tournament and the Rainbow Rocket Doungeon.

"Thanks," he said quietly to the room. "Couldn't have done it without you guys."

Gardevoir opened one eye and smiled.

John pulled the Gameboy from his bag, the strange device that had started everything, that had given him the oppertunity to stand here and ,that still held secrets he hadn't uncovered.

The screen flickered to life.

[NEW FEATURES AVAILABLE]

[STORY PROGRESSION: 47%]

Forty-seven percent.

He'd conquered Legendary Pokemon and entire Regions. Dismantled criminal organizations. Become the strongest trainer in his world.

And he wasn't even halfway done.

The Gameboy hummed softly in his hands, as if waiting for his next move.

There was still so much left to do.