The weather on Saturday was pleasant, making it a suitable day for activities. Luke was in the kitchen, using one hand to beat an egg. As the frying pan sizzled, he suddenly realized that it was the day of the Piplup Cup Final 16.
"Of all the rare days, it has to be so busy," Luke sighed. He placed the poached egg and French toast on the table and called out to the bedroom, "Breakfast!"
The faint progress bar in front of him indicated his proficiency in [Cooking Lv1].
[Cooking Lv1 (82/100)]
While Luke was observing the progress bar, he was taken aback by the sight that met his eyes. Gastly had a tired expression, with bloodshot eyes, pale complexion, and dark circles under its eyes. It seemed utterly exhausted.
Levitating to the table, Gastly flopped down and slowly maneuvered towards the bread.
Luke pushed the plate in front of Gastly, looking puzzled. "Did you not sleep all night?"
"jie jie~ …" Gastly mumbled as it chewed on the toast, nodding vaguely.
"Did you stay up all night studying or watching videos?"
"jie jie~ ."
Gastly stuck out its tongue, licked the crumbs from the corner of its mouth, and then floated back to the room. It returned holding a wad of damp and crumpled printing paper.
Even though the paper was tattered, the word "Protect" could still be discerned.
This little one must have studied hard all night, Luke thought, feeling a mix of emotions.
If he lost the upcoming match, would he need to wake up early on weekends again?
"Eat slowly," Luke said, placing a poached egg on Gastly's plate. "Winning or losing isn't the most important thing; you are."
Gastly looked down at the poached egg on its plate, its gaze distant. Suddenly, tears welled up in its eyes.
"jie jie~ jie jie~ !ﾍ(;´Д｀ﾍ)"
"Alright, alright, it's okay if you lose. Just give it your all and fight with confidence!"
Gastly nodded, chewing on the bread while pouring Moomoo Milk.
Constantly replenishing its energy, Gastly's eyes held an unexpected determination.
It was determined to win!
—
Although the Piplup Cup was considered a Primary Rank event, it attracted players from various Pokémon Academies, creating a competitive environment. There was also the risk of Gastly getting seriously hurt.
Luke, belonging to the pacifist, still aimed to follow his original plan: to do his best and not have any regrets.
Walking out into the scorching sun, Luke was almost overwhelmed by a wave of heat. Arriving at the intersection's milk tea shop, he found his roommates, Twain and Damien, already waiting.
Luke playfully teased, "You guys are here to support me, but what if I lose?"
Damien, exuding a vibrant energy in his attire, retorted, "Supporting you is just a side benefit. Our main purpose is..."
"To check out the girls!" Twain's eyes sparkled.
"You two are quite laid back," Luke chuckled.
"Let's go, the sooner we finish, the sooner we can relax!"
At ten in the morning, the Piplup Cup's round of 16 officially commenced.
Having received a bye in the previous round, Luke's exposure had been limited compared to others. Yet, as he stepped onto the stage, he still managed to capture the attention of many.
"Luke is entering the arena!"
"The financial school's bully? Trainer is even more handsome in person!"
"Aw, that Gastly is adorable!"
Amongst the bustling chatter, Damien's voice rang out.
"Go, Brother Luke!"
Luke grinned and waved in Damien's direction.
The warm smile immediately caused a few young girls' cheeks to flush, and they lifted their banners to shield their faces.
"Go, Luke!"
In almost no time, Luke gained a few more fans.
"The players on both sides are now ready!"
The commentator's voice echoed, "We can see that Contestant Luke is sticking with his impressive Gastly."
"Player He Yu from Magic City University of Communications has selected the powerful Nidorino!"
Nidorino, with its deep purple skin and a sharp horn atop its head, advanced confidently onto the field.
Facing it was the formidable and imposing Gastly.
Nidorino eyed Gastly warily, hesitating to make a move.
Its Trainer, He Yu, held his breath, watching Luke's every move closely.
"Aren't you going to take the first move?" Luke appeared surprised. "The match has already begun!"
He Yu also seemed puzzled. "Are you... letting me take the first move?"
"No, I'm merely trying to grab your attention."
Luke shook his head sincerely.
Confusion flickered in He Yu's eyes as he looked up, only to see a ghostly figure flash by; Gastly was already right in front of him!
"Nidorino, use Focus Energy and dodge!" He Yu urged anxiously.
A cluster of white Will-O-Wisp projectiles fell, but Nidorino avoided them easily.
However, Gastly remained unfazed, staying close to Nidorino while conjuring cold flames again!
Bang!
The black smoke mingled with white as Nidorino thrashed its limbs, breaking free from the flames' grasp.
Luke squinted, instinctively focusing on He Yu's command.
Double Kick was ineffective against Gastly, and Poison Sting's power was too low. What would be He Yu's next move?
"Nidorino, use Peck!"
"Gastly, retreat behind it!"
Luke's command was quick.
Nidorino, after using Focus Energy, lunged forward with Peck, but Gastly had vanished!
With a loud crash, a familiar explosion resounded again!
"Direct hit with Will-O-Wisp!" the commentator exclaimed. "Nidorino is in critical condition due to the burn!"
In the audience, discussions began to buzz.
"Why did Gastly evade Nidorino's attack just now?"
"Yes, Luke seemed to predict the opponent's move well in advance!"
Among the spectators, Angela Shen's interest was piqued.
This familiarity with predicting the opponent's actions seemed to transport Angela Shen back to the time when she felt controlled by Luke's tactics.
As if he could read her every intention and expose her thoughts!
The smoky mist cleared.
Nidorino's limbs trembled, but it still stood.
Running away wouldn't be effective; He Yu clenched his teeth and commanded, "Nidorino, use Poison Sting!"
A glint of cold light gleamed from Nidorino's horn, and its Poison Sting attack thrust forward, aiming to strike Gastly's eyes.
Luke was slightly taken aback, but he watched as Gastly's wide grin grew, and it swallowed the Poison Sting whole.
"What the...?"
"Gastly swallowed the Poison Sting attack!"
Amidst the audience's astonished gasps, Gastly belched loudly, a mischievous grin on its face.
Luke was somewhat baffled.
You weren't acting like this earlier in the morning.
How did you suddenly become so bold on the battlefield?!
"Gastly, use Night Shade!"
With a flicker of its form, Gastly charged towards Nidorino, and a eerie Night Shade formed behind it.
Ghostly hands extended from the shadow, lifting Nidorino into the air!
With a resounding thud, Nidorino crashed to the ground.
At the same time, the referee's whistle blew: "Nidorino is unable to continue the battle!"
"The winner is Luke of Magic City University!"