As the awe-inspiring visions of creation slowly faded, the white light screen suspended across the skies of the entire world did not disappear. Instead, it emitted a crisp ding.
Immediately after, lines of clear text surfaced upon the screen, accompanied by a cold, emotionless mechanical voice that echoed across the globe:
[Pokémon World Live Broadcast Room officially online.]
[This broadcast will randomly feature major events, hidden anecdotes, and peak battles from the past, present, future, and even multiple timelines of the Pokémon world.]
[During the broadcast, Q&A and interactive segments will be opened from time to time. Participants may obtain generous rewards, including but not limited to rare items, move manuals, and even clues related to Legendary Pokémon.]
This barrage of information left an already-shocked world even more bewildered.
"Live broadcast? Rankings? The future?"
Indigo Plateau, Pokémon League Headquarters.
Chairman Goodshow's expression shifted from shock to deep gravity. Just moments ago, a semi-transparent blue interface had suddenly appeared before his eyes.
At the top of it were clearly marked words—
[Pokémon World Chatroom].
As the supreme authority overseeing both the Kanto and Johto Leagues, Goodshow did not speak rashly. Instead, he immediately used his privileges to inspect the member list of this so-called "chatroom."
One glance was enough to make even this battle-hardened veteran inhale sharply.
[Member List:]
[Lance (Kanto Champion)]
[Lorelei (Kanto Elite Four)]
[Bruno (Kanto Elite Four)]
[Agatha (Kanto Elite Four)]
[Steven Stone (Hoenn Champion)]
[Wallace (Hoenn Gym Leader)]
[Sidney…]
[Phoebe…]
[Caitlin…]
If these names—League executives, Champions, and Elite Four members—were still within the bounds of his understanding, then the names that followed completely shattered it.
[Raikou]
[Entei]
[Suicune]
[Ho-Oh]
[Lugia]
[Mew]
[Mewtwo]
[Rayquaza]
[Groudon]
[Kyogre]
...
That long list of names glowing with golden light—each one represented a force capable of leveling cities or even reshaping continents!
"T-This… how is this possible?"
Goodshow's hands trembled slightly as he immediately initiated an emergency video call to Professor Oak in Pallet Town.
On the other end of the screen, Professor Oak looked just as serious—clearly, he was seeing the same interface.
"Oak, you see it too?" Goodshow went straight to the point, his voice low. "This light screen, this chatroom… even those legendary beings are inside it!"
"I see it, Chairman," Professor Oak replied solemnly, pushing up his glasses. "I've already confirmed that the light screen covers the entire globe. Every resident of Pallet Town can see the images on it. But—"
He paused, his tone turning razor-sharp.
"This interactive 'chatroom' seems to be accessible only to a very small group of specific individuals—and powerful Pokémon. Ordinary people can only watch. They cannot speak."
"And even worse," Goodshow added, pointing at several glaring names on the list, "Maxie, Archie, and even… Giovanni. Those extremely dangerous criminal leaders are in there as well! We know they're inside, but we can't track their locations through the light screen at all."
"This kind of technology is absolutely not something Team Rocket—or any evil organization—could achieve," Professor Oak said firmly. "It exceeds our current level of science. It may even involve the laws of space and time."
Just as the two heavyweights exchanged grim looks, and the entire chatroom remained deathly silent—no one daring to be the first to test the waters—
A message suddenly popped up, abrupt and jarringly out of place, right before everyone's eyes.
[Ash: Hello? Hello?? Is anyone there? What is this thing? Pikachu, look, there are words on it!]
The entire world seemed to go quiet for a full second.
On the forest path outside Pallet Town, Ash was curiously poking at the air, completely unaware of just how fearless his action had been.
"Ash! What are you clicking randomly for?!" Misty shrieked in terror, trying to cover his mouth. "What if this is an alien trap?!"
The very next second, the chatroom responded.
[Lance: …Ash? Is that the Ash from Pallet Town?]
The moment she saw that name, Misty's eyes went wide, and her scream nearly shattered Ash's eardrums.
"Ahhh! It's Mr. Lance! Champion Lance!!"
"Huh? Who's that?" Ash scratched his head in confusion.
"Idiot!" Brock burst out with frantic enthusiasm, even his perpetually squinted eyes opening wide. "That's the strongest of the Kanto Elite Four—the invincible Dragon Master, the current Champion, Lance!"
With Ash the reckless rookie breaking the ice, the atmosphere in the chatroom instantly came alive.
[Diantha (Kalos Champion): Since even Mr. Lance has spoken, it seems this interface isn't an illusion. What an elegant way to begin.]
[Bruno (Kanto Elite Four): Hmph. Compared to idle chatter, I'm more interested in the images of those three titans. That kind of power… is the ultimate pursuit of a true martial artist!]
[Wallace (Hoenn Gym Leader): Oh my, what a truly splendid gathering. To exchange words with everyone upon the same stage—it's an honor indeed.]
[Goodshow (League Chairman): Everyone, please remain calm. The situation is still unclear. I ask that you refrain from revealing too much personal information or your locations in this public space.]
Meanwhile, somewhere in a hidden underground base in the Kanto region—
Giovanni, dressed in an orange suit, sat quietly within the shadows. His long fingers gently stroked the Persian resting on his knees, the Pokémon purring contentedly.
As he gazed at the floating light screen and the chatroom before him, a sharp glint flashed through his deep-set eyes.
"To instantly connect the entire world… even pulling those legendary Pokémon into it…"
Giovanni murmured softly, the corner of his mouth curling into a cold, intrigued smile. "This is far beyond what those League fools are capable of. The power of space-time, perhaps? Interesting… Until I uncover the principle behind it, acting rashly would only expose Team Rocket. For now, I'll remain a quiet observer."
At this moment, the gazes of the entire world—be they the righteous Pokémon League, the shadowy criminal organizations, or the lofty Legendary Pokémon themselves—were all focused on that single light screen.
Then, the emotionless mechanical voice rang out once more, this time carrying an electrifying sense of anticipation:
[Ranking System fully activated.]
[Now commencing the first ranking feature.]
[In this world, Legendary Pokémon often represent the pinnacle of rules and power. But there are always extraordinary existences—beings of mortal flesh, yet possessing the strength to slay gods.]
[First Ranking: Ordinary Pokémon Whose Power Rivals—or Even Surpasses—Legendary Pokémon!]