Vincent Stone was a horror movie enthusiast. From his childhood days watching The Ring and A Wicked Ghost with his family, to later films like Ju-On, One Missed Call, Dead Silence, and The Conjuring, each horror film filled his heart with delight.
That sensation of being immersed in endless fear, only to suddenly break free, was a thrill no other genre could replace.
But the Pokémon world lacked outstanding horror films.
So, Vincent had a sudden idea. Since that was the case, why not be the one to start it? Why not bring fear to this world?
"Brilliant!" Joseph Stone was thrilled. This story was bound to be a hit. It was like splashing a bold stroke of ink across the dull canvas of the film industry.
Joseph had built Devon Corporation into the leading enterprise of the Hoenn region through his sharp business acumen. There was no doubt in his mind that this horror film, Dead Silence, was a masterpiece.
"So…" Vincent rubbed his hands together. It seemed like his proposal had been approved?
"I'll give you a card. The password is your birthday. Use the funds however you like." Joseph smiled as he handed Vincent a card. He had long prepared financial support for his youngest son, whether he chose to become a Trainer or start his own business.
But now, it seemed his son's first step was already extraordinary.
"Thanks, Dad!" Vincent accepted it happily. In his past life, getting a project approved required internal discussions, meetings, and even the risk of rejection by upper management. But this time, it was surprisingly simple.
"Should I handle the company setup for you?" Joseph was in high spirits. Both of his sons had found their paths in life, and he could rest easy.
Vincent thought for a moment and agreed. Though he had watched many horror films in his past life, he knew little about film production or running a company.
Leave professional matters to professionals. That was Vincent's philosophy.
Joseph nodded. His youngest son was quite sensible. Still, as he recalled the proposal, he couldn't help but think of Kalos's champion, Diantha, who was also a famous actress.
Could his son walk a similar path?
"What do you plan to name the company?" Joseph smiled as he looked at Vincent. He only intended to oversee the company's establishment and necessary supervision, leaving everything else to his son.
After all, for a wealthy giant like Devon Corporation, it wasn't an issue.
"Hmm… let's call it Phantom Films." Vincent gave his ideal company name. He only planned to produce horror films, though he might branch into suspense later. But horror would remain the focus, so a simple, recognizable name like "Phantom" fit perfectly.
"Agreed." Joseph had no objections.
Nearby, Butler James swiftly stepped forward, took the proposal, and left to handle the company setup.
A competent butler never needed to be told what to do.
"Vincent, was the inspiration for this film your Mimikyu?" Joseph thought of the Pikachu doll in his son's story.
A Pikachu doll gifted to a child, the terrifying tale behind it, the eerie Pikachu doll, and its creator, Mary Shaw…
It reminded Joseph of the special Pokémon Vincent had asked for at age ten—Mimikyu.
A Ghost-type Pokémon from Alola, always cloaked in a tattered Pikachu doll disguise, and somewhat timid.
To fulfill his son's wish, Joseph had even paid a hefty sum to acquire an offspring of a Totem Mimikyu.
"Yeah." Vincent admitted it outright. His only Pokémon was that Mimikyu, which he had raised well, though he rarely battled with it.
Across different lifetimes, he had already been Champion enough. Now, he wanted a new path.
Becoming a director and bringing horror films to this world was the life he chose.
"I look forward to your film, Vincent." Joseph laughed heartily. He couldn't wait to see what his son would create.
With his father's approval, Vincent felt even more motivated. With ample funding, his next step was to transform the horror stories in his mind into films and shock the entire Pokémon world.
[Initial Mission Issued: The Food Called Fear]
[Use your horror films to collect Fear Points. Rewards will be granted based on the amount of Fear Points obtained.]
[Minimum Reward: 10,000 Fear Points grants a Fear Food Maker.]
[Fear Food Maker: Input Fear Points to produce special food only consumable by Ghost-type Pokémon. Increases Awekening Values of Ghost-types.]
"?" Vincent slowly typed a question mark in his mind. Seriously? A cheat system?
He glanced at his father, who was happily eating breakfast, completely oblivious. Then he looked back at the floating text box before him.
Yes, this was definitely his cheat system.
He just hadn't expected it to activate today. But what exactly were "Awakening Values"?
Vincent suddenly recalled a Pokémon game he'd played—Let's Go, Pikachu!—where repeatedly catching the same species dropped candies that boosted all stats when consumed. Those were called Awakening Values.
Extremely overpowered. Extremely broken.
Later game generations scrapped the mechanic, sticking only to Effort Values.
If this was the same thing, then Awakening Values were beyond broken.
They enhanced all stats indiscriminately, unaffected by nature or base stats. Maxing them out seemed to grant +200 to every stat.
"Is this pushing me toward becoming a Ghost-type Elite?" Vincent found it both amusing and ironic. The cheat system's arrival was oddly timed, but since it required horror film production to function, it aligned perfectly with his career choice.
It might even help him grow stronger.
Vincent's mind wandered, but now wasn't the time for distractions. He focused on finishing breakfast. Afterward, he'd visit his company and start planning his debut film—Dead Silence.
(End of Chapter)