Chapter 47: Logan: The Name on Everyone’s Lips
"Unbelievable Truths—A Trainer from Pallet Town, Logan!"
"Was It Real or Rigged? Pewter City Gym Leader Brock's Fast Defeat"
"What's Logan's Connection to Lance of the Dragon Clan? Our Reporter from Ecruteak Brings You the Latest Scoop"
"Professor Oak Speaks: 'He's an Exceptional Trainer…'"
"Exclusive Feature: The Untold Life of Logan"
…
By the very next morning, newspapers and digital media across the Kanto region were flooded with reports, spreading like wildfire. As it turns out, no matter the world, once the media catches a whiff of news, reporters always run faster than anyone else. Logan clearly remembered that his Gym battle had taken place a little after six in the evening. After eight consecutive matches, barely ten hours had passed before sunrise, and yet—this many articles had already been published. Even Logan had to admit it: the media really didn't mess around.
Some reporters had already made it all the way to Ecruteak City in the Johto region to investigate Lance's origins. Others were seen rushing to Pallet Town, pestering the region's most respected figure—Professor Oak—for interviews.
Professor Oak had even personally called Logan, grumbling that he'd been woken up in the middle of the night and was forced into an exclusive interview just to quiet them down.
As for those attempting to dig into Logan's past, well... they were going to come up empty-handed. Before being taken by Team Rocket, Logan had lived as an ordinary orphan in Viridian City—no close relations, no deep social ties. His life had been so uneventful it was almost suspicious. That brief stretch of time where no records could be found? That was precisely the period he'd been captured by Team Rocket.
To cover for him, Professor Oak concocted a believable story: that Logan had set his sights on becoming a Trainer and moved to Pallet Town for mentorship. As for the mysterious "Dragon Force" within him, Oak used his prestige to suppress public discussion. Though online sleuths were speculating about Logan's surname and potential ties to the Dragon Clan, without solid proof, all they had were hunches. Even if those hunches were uncomfortably close to the truth.
Logan's backstory—simple, resilient, and filled with struggle—aligned perfectly with the values the Pokémon League loved to promote: orphaned youth, working hard, chasing dreams, overcoming adversity. So far, the public image of Logan was a pristine one—almost saintly—and the League eagerly jumped in to fan the flames. It was clear they were grooming him to become Kanto's next superstar.
Of course, such widespread coverage wasn't just spontaneous—it had the League's full backing. They were pouring fuel on the fire, hoping to mold Logan into a national icon. It didn't matter if the hype risked suffocating him.
And Logan? All he could do was sigh. All he wanted was a quiet life under the radar. How did things spiral into worldwide attention so quickly? In this hyper-connected age, even a flicker of news could turn someone into an overnight sensation.
And maybe... just maybe... he had himself to blame. In his eagerness to relive the game-like memories of his past life, he'd assumed that Gym battles would be quiet affairs in small, private arenas. Nobody had warned him that, in this world, Gym challenges were massive public events—virtual festivals for entire cities. Caught up in the moment, he had only wanted to look cool... and now here he was, the unwilling center of national celebration.
'I bet Team Rocket's losing their minds right about now.'
Sitting in the second-floor cafeteria of the Pokémon Center, Logan enjoyed a simple breakfast of toast, eggs, bacon, and porridge. Despite the many fantastic creatures and technologies in this world, the food remained comfortingly familiar.
He put down his tablet, eyes cold but heart amused. Though his outward demeanor was distant, inside, he was absolutely glowing. He wasn't all that different from the average person—maybe just a bit more determined, more ruthless when it mattered—but like anyone else, he found the spotlight intoxicating.
He wasn't some jaded celebrity who'd had enough of the cameras. He loved being in the center of attention, basking in admiration, drawing every gaze in the room. Sure, staying humble had its merits, but what was the point of youth if you never enjoyed the limelight? He could choose to be low-key later—maybe when he got bored. But right now? Right now, he was going to revel in this new life to the fullest.
The only real downside… was Team Rocket.
Back when Logan was a nobody, the criminal syndicate didn't care what he did. Even with Mewtwo in his possession, he had stayed under the radar. But now? Now that he was becoming someone, they would definitely start paying attention.
A rising star like him—who had Mewtwo and the potential to build a strong team—could pose a serious threat to Team Rocket's ambitions. Logan knew that the road ahead wouldn't be so smooth anymore.
'Well, if I've chosen a high-profile path, I might as well embrace it.'
Finishing the last bite of porridge, Logan wiped his mouth and stood. With one badge now under his belt, he was eligible for various league-sponsored benefits. His next destination was Mt. Moon. He knew that if he stayed in Pewter City any longer, reporters would eventually hunt him down for interviews.
Logan might enjoy the spotlight, but he was also aware that this fame was only built upon one thing—strength. Without power to back it up, popularity was just an illusion. If he got complacent and stopped training, it wouldn't be long before those same reporters who sang his praises today would be publishing hit pieces tomorrow.
"Look! Isn't that Logan?!"
"Ehehe, you just noticed? Every Trainer in here's been sneaking glances at him while eating. You're the only one who missed it—you were too busy stuffing your face."
Two young female Trainers whispered to each other in the cafeteria, unaware that Logan—thanks to Mewtwo's psychic bond—could hear them clearly, even from a distance.
"Oh stop it~ You make me sound like a glutton! Wait—he's looking this way!"
"Why are you getting shy all of a sudden? Maybe he thinks you're cute. Go ask for his number!"
"You go! I don't have the guts… but wow, in person he's even more handsome than his photos online. I watched yesterday's match like five times. The way he commanded his Pokémon—so cool…"
Logan glanced briefly at the two girls before looking away. Not particularly stunning, but definitely cute. Still, what was the harm in walking over and saying hi? He wouldn't mind signing an autograph or two.
With that thought, Logan left the Pokémon Center behind.
It was time to set off toward Mt. Moon
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