After receiving the award, Roy began his media interviews. The first outlet to approach him was the Pokémon League's official publication, Pokémon Daily...
This was the leading media organization worldwide, essentially the global standard-bearer.
A publication of this caliber didn't need sensationalism, so their questions were appropriately formal.
"After your journey to win the chief recommended student qualification at Capital University, how do you feel now?"
"I'm extremely happy, of course," Roy answered honestly. "I must thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to pursue the path of a Trainer. I'm grateful to the university for providing me with a platform for development..."
Roy continued with the customary acknowledgments, almost thanking the "national broadcast" by habit.
After delivering a three-minute testimonial, Roy finally concluded his interaction with 'Pokémon Daily.'
He simply didn't have enough clout at the moment to say anything controversial to such a prestigious publication.
It could cause significant problems.
Moreover, even if he said something noteworthy, it likely wouldn't be published if it might have a negative influence—they would simply edit it out, and he'd lose a valuable opportunity for publicity.
That was the reality, but when Roy considered the enormous fame he could achieve if he could someday make headlines in Pokémon Daily, he felt a pang of regret.
A missed opportunity worth millions.
—Mental note: practice restraint.
Right now, he stood before Pokémon Daily like a mere footnote.
Roy secretly vowed that someday, when he had enough influence to speak freely to Pokémon Daily, they would have no choice but to publish his words.
When the major media representatives departed, reporters from local outlets rushed forward, asking pointed questions:
"Student Roy, how would you evaluate Cade, the Elite's son? Is it somewhat misleading that you defeated him so decisively in the finals?"
"Student Roy, I heard you once boldly claimed on forums that your Riolu has championship potential. Is that true?"
"Student Roy, rumors suggest you're on the Pokémon League's priority training list. Can you confirm this?"
Finally, these provocative questions made things interesting.
The time to cultivate his public image had arrived.
Roy immediately perked up and spoke freely.
"No, no—Cade is an excellent trainer. His impressive command strategy gave me valuable insights. I'm confident he'll succeed in the future and inherit his father's legacy. I was fortunate to win..."
A winner praising their rival actually elevates themselves indirectly.
This was what clever people did.
If you call your rival worthless, your victory loses value.
As Roy spoke, he was setting up future bragging rights: "Do you understand what it means to defeat a future Psychic Elite during entrance exams?"
"Regarding the championship potential claim—yes, I did say that."
Roy smiled gently, his handsome features appearing both soft and confident. His effortless charm momentarily distracted the female reporters present.
"I believe in Riolu's potential. I believe in my future."
"I've heard it said that the small difference between those who constantly strive for the top and those content with mediocrity creates an enormous impact when entering society."
"Whether my championship dream can be realized is one thing, but without the courage to imagine it, the dream itself cannot exist!"
Professor Christian, listening nearby, was surprised. He hadn't expected Roy to speak so eloquently.
Young people and their enthusiasm.
As for the third question about the Pokémon League training list, Roy didn't answer because he was confused by the rumor himself.
Pokémon League priority training list?
What was that?
He hadn't made such claims—who was spreading this?
After consideration, he suspected it was the sailor he'd hired initially.
Roy decided to leave a negative review when he got the chance.
Early the next morning, the interviews were broadcast.
Pokémon Daily was notoriously selective, so Roy purchased a copy specifically to find his mention. After searching extensively, just as he wondered if they'd reported on him at all, he finally found a single sentence in a corner column:
'Capital University Entrance Examination: dark horse freshman wins championship, impressive.'
Nothing followed below... not even his name.
Roy sighed—this wouldn't generate any publicity.
But it was understandable. Why would a global publication like Pokémon Daily make a big deal about a university entrance exam? To occupy significant space in such a newspaper, you needed to represent a country, discover a new region, or identify a new Pokémon species.
However, local Capital City media covered Roy extensively, with newspapers and TV stations reporting his story prominently.
Almost every outlet quoted his statements.
Roy was surprised by the widespread coverage. He called Professor Christian for insight and discovered the reason.
Capital City's economy was highly developed, serving as the financial center of the entire region.
However, its Trainer education system wasn't particularly distinguished.
Among the active Elite Four, only Elite Sebastian had graduated from Capital University.
The remaining three Elites and Champion Frances all graduated from Central University and League University, two world-class institutions.
Whenever high-level members of the Capital City Trainers Association discussed this disparity, they couldn't help feeling inferior to their counterparts from the Central Trainers Association.
Now that Capital had discovered a prodigy like Roy—one who even impressed professors from Central University—they immediately directed local newspapers and TV stations to provide maximum coverage.
Capital City media investigated Roy's background and discovered that this rookie Trainer was indeed worth celebrating:
—Ordinary background, hard work, perseverance, ambition, overcoming odds, success!
Roy's story embodied positive values, and his appealing appearance didn't hurt either.
In recent years, class mobility among Trainers had decreased significantly, making it increasingly difficult for Trainers from ordinary families to achieve prominence. Most "prodigies" featured in media came from established Trainer families...
Roy's emergence became a symbol of hope that "ordinary citizens can still succeed through effort."
With official Capital City endorsement, Roy became popular throughout the eastern region. Parents began using Roy's story to motivate their children.
Many relatives called his parents, praising their child-rearing methods and seeking advice.
Roy felt both delighted and somewhat embarrassed by the persona created by the media.
...Parents, I'm not being entirely honest.
...Those trying to follow my example might be disappointed—please don't!
Roy's original interview goal had been to promote Riolu's championship potential and generate discussion about his Pokémon's talents.
Unexpectedly, Riolu didn't become famous—Roy did, becoming the model child other parents mentioned to their children.
Fortunately, riding on Roy's newfound fame, Riolu's popularity on the system panel rose to 2.4 million overnight, though the upward trend gradually slowed.
—Mission accomplished.
Roy wasn't in a hurry to spend these points. He answered a phone call from Principal Finn, who requested his presence at the principal's office tomorrow.
Most likely, it concerned visiting the breeding house to select a Pokémon egg.
He'd wait for his second Pokémon to arrive before planning how to spend his points.
Roy looked forward to it with anticipation.
"My second Pokémon... what will it be..."