Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command!

Well, well, look at you! So dedicated, you've earned a little extra treat! 🎉

---

"I heard the League was planning to set up a new gym in Dark City, but I didn't expect things to get so out of hand over the competition for it."

On the other end of the phone, Mr. Silph sighed after Luo Yuan recounted everything that had happened in Dark City.

"That's normal," Luo Yuan replied. "Where there's profit, there's conflict."

"Couldn't agree more," Mr. Silph said, nodding.

Reflecting on the journey he'd taken to build Silph Co., he knew all too well the truth in those words.

"So," Luo Yuan continued, "how do you plan to handle the publicity?"

This was why he'd called Mr. Silph in the first place.

As per their agreement, Luo Yuan would provide the newsworthy events, and Mr. Silph would handle the publicity.

Hearing the question, Mr. Silph chuckled.

"If we're talking about Dark City, I do have an idea."

"As you said, Dark City is not only impoverished but now left even more battered after the fights between Kaz and Yas's gyms…"

"That's right."

Luo Yuan wondered what scheme Mr. Silph had in mind.

"In that case, simple promotional strategies won't be enough. If we only use PR, it'll seem too deliberate, and the League would catch on quickly, which could hurt our reputation. Instead, we should focus on practical actions."

"Oh?"

Luo Yuan had a feeling he knew where this was going.

"So, what would you think if Silph Co. were to set up our new Poké Ball manufacturing plant in Dark City?" Mr. Silph suggested with a grin.

"As you know, Silph Co. started with Poké Balls, and they're still a core part of our business."

"Our first plant was built in Black Cloud City, but with its outdated facilities and severe pollution, the League plans to shut down many factories there in the next year."

"The decision has been made to close the Black Cloud plant and build a new one."

"The site selection is still underway, but if Dark City is as poor as you've described, putting the plant there would align with the League's aim to boost Dark City's economy and help cut labor costs for us."

"We'd reduce costs, provide jobs for Dark City's residents, and align with the League's strategy. This way, we can boost your profile without drawing too much attention."

Mr. Silph paused, giving Luo Yuan a moment to consider the proposal.

After thinking it over, Luo Yuan had to admit it was an excellent plan.

Silph Co., the citizens of Dark City, the League, and Luo Yuan would all benefit.

A perfect, four-way win.

As expected of a seasoned businessman like Mr. Silph.

"No objections here."

This plan had nothing but upsides for Luo Yuan.

"Then it's settled. Wishing you the best in the Indigo Plateau Conference," Mr. Silph said, ending the call.

Luo Yuan slipped his phone back into his pocket, a wry smile on his face.

"No wonder he's been able to deal with both Giovanni and the League for so long. Something tells me Silph Co. cutting ties with Team Rocket wasn't as straightforward as it seemed… Mr. Silph doesn't make losing deals, so there must be more behind the scenes."

Luo Yuan made a mental note to ask Giovanni about the deeper reasons behind Silph Co. distancing itself from Team Rocket.

---

The Valley of the Clueless.

This place was originally a desolate wasteland, a rocky landscape devoid of any vegetation or life.

But ever since a fossil had been unearthed here, the valley had become a hotspot.

Archaeologists, researchers, treasure hunters, and curious tourists had all flocked to this site.

Among them was someone Luo Yuan knew all too well…

"Gary!"

Standing under the blazing sun, wielding a shovel with a group of fangirls fanning him, was none other than the spiky-haired Gary Oak.

At the sound of his name, Gary was mid-swing with his shovel.

Luo Yuan's call distracted him just enough to throw him off-balance. The shovel slipped from his hands, and Gary let out a loud yelp.

"My back!"

---

Half an hour later, Gary, wincing as he held his lower back, gave Luo Yuan a resentful look.

"Why'd you have to yell like that?"

"Here, some medicine spray. Want some?" Luo Yuan offered him a bottle of healing spray.

Gary took it gratefully, and after a few sprays, he finally started to feel better.

"Silph Co.'s advanced medicine… You're rolling in cash," Gary muttered, eyeing the bottle in disbelief. One bottle was worth several days of his living expenses.

Even though his grandfather and father sent him a generous allowance, he couldn't afford to use top-grade medicine like this.

Gary shook his head, once again amazed at Luo Yuan's extravagance.

Luo Yuan just smiled. "As a Trainer, some things aren't worth skimping on."

"Well, when you're rich, you get to say stuff like that." Gary rolled his eyes, then asked, "So, are you here at the valley to dig for fossils too?"

Luo Yuan nodded.

He was hoping to find an Aerodactyl with good potential, or even a piece of Old Amber.

Seeing Luo Yuan had come to dig fossils, a spark ignited in Gary's eyes.

After losing to Luo Yuan countless times, he'd finally spotted an opportunity for victory.

He'd been at the valley for days, studying fossil-hunting techniques. He knew exactly how to find fossils quickly.

If he challenged Luo Yuan to a fossil-digging competition…

Excited by the thought, Gary swallowed the pain in his back and led Luo Yuan to his dig site.

Pointing to a hole he'd been working on, Gary grinned. "Luo Yuan, take a look here. What do you see?"

"A hole," Luo Yuan replied.

"And what else?" Gary pressed.

"What else?"

Luo Yuan examined the pit more closely but didn't see anything besides dirt.

"Of course there's more… I'm certain there's a rare fossil buried right beneath us!"

"You're sure?" Luo Yuan asked, trying not to burst Gary's bubble.

With his psychic senses, he could tell there was nothing but dirt within ten meters beneath this pit. But off to the side, under a rocky ledge, he sensed an actual fossil.

"You don't believe me? How about we make it a competition?" Gary finally revealed his true intentions.

"So that's what you're after." Luo Yuan gave him an amused look.

Gary just couldn't resist a chance to one-up him.

"What, you scared?" Gary goaded him.

"Alright, then. Let's see who finds a fossil first!"

As soon as the challenge was set, Luo Yuan watched Gary, still nursing his sore back, furiously resume digging.

---

T/N: I wonder if Ash has a Charmeleon, and I wonder if this is where OUR Charmeleon evolves

This bonus chapter is like an encore after a rousing performance—totally worth staying for, wouldn't you say? Oh, and don't worry, my lyre's got plenty more tunes to play next time!

But for now, it's time to take a bow. Thank you for the applause (and all that wonderful support). If you're feeling extra inspired, you know where to find me—[patreon.com/WiseTL]. Toss a coin, and who knows? Maybe the next bard will sing your praises!

Now, go forth, Traveler, and revel in the wonders of this world. Until next time! 🍃✨