After hanging up the call, Peter grabbed Whitney's hand and sprinted toward the Pokémon Center.
He had just requested a Rotom Phone from Teruhiko—and it was already being teleported over.
Which meant—
He could finally start outdoor livestreaming.
…
This world didn't have livestreaming culture.
No donations.
No ads.
But—
Popularity was real.
And in this world, popularity translated directly into battle value and influence.
Peter even had a bigger idea:
Teaching Held Items
Many battle strategies required specific held items to function.
Some combinations even created game-changing "chemical reactions."
So while teaching tactics—
He could also introduce new held items that didn't yet exist in the current market.
Later, he planned to open a shop on the forum, managed by Whitney.
Selling held items.
System price: 200,000 Poké Dollars
His price: 210,000 Poké Dollars
Totally reasonable.
After all—
Devon Corporation's items only sold for tens of thousands.
Too expensive = low sales.
But with millions of followers—
Even if just 0.1% bought something…
That was hundreds of millions in revenue.
Peter's eyes lit up.
"Let's go."
He pulled out his bike and placed Whitney on the back seat.
"Hold tight, babe."
"Mm~!"
Whitney pressed against his back, arms wrapping around his waist.
The soft warmth—
Instantly made Peter grin.
He subtly lifted her slightly.
"Closer… it's more comfortable."
Whitney blushed and bit his back lightly.
"Pervert… just ride!"
"Hahaha—let's go!"
-----
Pokémon Center
Three minutes later—
SCREECH!
The bike stopped at the entrance.
"Miss Nurse Joy, my package please!"
"Of course, Professor Peter. It just arrived."
She handed him a Poké Ball.
Whitney released it.
A small plasma Pokémon floated out—
Rotom
…
Rotom Phone Activation
"Rotom~…"
It stared eagerly at the Pokegear Mate 60 in Peter's hand.
Peter smiled.
He raised the phone.
In a flash—
Rotom merged into it.
The phone transformed instantly.
A heart-shaped electric pulse flickered.
Eyes appeared on the back.
The screen lit up.
"Beep beep… Rotom Phone initializing… Language matched…"
The phone floated upward.
Scanning Peter's iris.
"Owner confirmed: Peter."
"Follow mode activated."
It hovered neatly behind him.
…
Whitney's eyes sparkled.
"That's amazing! It really works automatically!"
The Rotom Phone turned toward her.
"Beep… Whitney. Gym Leader of Goldenrod City. Specializes in Miltank. Girlfriend of Professor Peter."
Then—
It floated closer.
Displayed a cheerful face.
And bowed dramatically.
"Greetings, Miss! Wishing you prosperity and blessings, Rotom~!"
Peter burst out laughing.
Whitney beamed.
"Then I'll call you Roto~!"
"I'll charge you every day!"
"If you don't mind… I wish to acknowledge you as my godmother, Rotom~!"
Whitney froze.
"…Let's not go that far."
"Unable to process… Rotom confused."
Peter shook his head, amused.
Rotom truly had a natural comedic personality.
-----
Heading to Hearthome Gym
After giving Roto basic instructions—
Peter and Whitney headed toward the Gym.
"Reminder: Hearthome Gym specializes in Ghost-type Pokémon. Recommended counters: Normal-type or Dark-type Pokémon, Rotom~."
"Got it, got it."
Soon—
They arrived at a tall building.
A massive door nearly eight meters high.
A hot-air balloon shaped like Drifloon floated above.
The doors were closed.
Peter sighed slightly.
Whitney read the notice.
"The Gym Leader is away developing a new battle style. For inquiries, contact disciple Valric."
"Valric?" Peter raised an eyebrow.
In canon—
Fantina ran the Gym alone.
A disciple?
That was new.
"Let's call him," Peter said.
"Rotom, dial."
"Understood, Rotom~"
After a moment—
The call connected.
A gloomy voice answered.
"This is Valric. Who is this?"
"Hello, I'm Peter. I'd like to confirm Fantina's schedule and book a Gym challenge."
Silence.
Then—
The Gym doors creaked open slightly.
A thin boy stepped out.
Long hair.
Gray robe.
Only one eye visible.
A faint chill surrounded him.
…
Valric Appears
"Professor Peter… I've seen your videos on SNS."
He bowed slightly.
Also greeting Whitney.
His smile felt…
Forced.
His fingers trembled slightly.
He wasn't used to smiling.
Peter grinned.
"Oh, a viewer! Even better."
Valric hesitated.
"If you're in a hurry… I can act as substitute Gym Leader."
"Or you can wait for my teacher…"
Peter studied him carefully.
If Fantina trusted him—
He must be capable.
Peter smiled.
"Sounds good."
"I'd rather get the badge sooner."
"Please come in."
Valric exhaled quietly as they entered.
His body finally relaxed.
Softly, to himself:
"Teacher… this time, I'll prove myself."
-----
Moments later—
They stood on opposite sides of the battlefield.
A masked referee took position.
Whitney sat in the audience, hugging Teddiursa, cheering.
Peter turned his gaze away from the referee.
"Rotom, announce the livestream."
"Roger, Rotom~!"
Livestream Opens
A post instantly appeared:
[Professor Peter livestream: Hearthome Gym Challenge — Click here]
Chat Explodes
"WHAT?! HE'S LIVE?!"
"DROP EVERYTHING—GET IN HERE!"
"Even if you're showering, get out NOW!"
"Peter!! Soft Bed's here! Wanna join the battle!! ♥♥"
"Hearthome Gym?? Fantina battle?? LET'S GOOOO!"
…
The viewer count skyrocketed.
The stage was set.
And Peter—Was about to begin his first livestream Gym battle.
--------------
T/N:
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