After facing countless challenges and failing to beat the level, passing it so effortlessly left Cynthia feeling rather surprised. She couldn't help but wonder if they were even playing the same game.
Then, Luke's voice came through the team's voice channel: "Boss, come on, I've obtained a rare material!"
Cynthia was taken aback for a moment, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Hold on, I'm on my way!"
...
The window displayed the dusk's afterglow, while the returning Pidgey created a chorus of Growls.
The sound from the earphones sounded a bit weary and relaxed, resembling a groan one makes while stretching.
"I'm going to log off," Luke announced.
"Alright," Cynthia replied.
Luke yawned and said, "Next time, make sure to schedule in advance. My calendar is quite packed."
Cynthia paused to consider for a moment. Indeed, a Master Rank trainer would likely have a busy schedule and couldn't always be available on a whim.
"Okay," she agreed with a nod. Cynthia brushed away her blond hair from her forehead and said sincerely, "I'll make sure to plan ahead next time."
With a smile, Luke inquired, "By the way, why do you always choose to play as Garchomp?"
Cynthia was about to provide an answer when Luke playfully teased, "Could it be that you're also a fan of Cynthia?"
"Um..." Cynthia hesitated momentarily.
Being the esteemed Sinnoh Champion, why would she bother others with trivial matters like playing games? Not to mention the potential risks of revealing her identity online.
Cynthia managed a slight smile and asked, "Are you a fan of Cynthia?"
"Yes, I'm a big fan of hers," Luke responded with a touch of sentiment. "I've admired her ever since I first saw her, like a rare diamond."
"What do you mean by 'rare diamond'?" Cynthia inquired.
"Ah, it's just another term for the Master League," Luke explained.
Cynthia maintained a calm demeanor as she suggested, "You could challenge her for the Masters League Trophy."
"No, I never intended to become a Trainer," Luke said, glancing at the Haunter beside him. The mischievous Pokémon rubbed its stomach, expressing its hunger.
"Jie jie~…"
Hurry up and start the meal—Luke could sense that Haunter was eager to eat!
Smiling, Luke said his goodbyes. "I'm going offline now. I'll contact you next time!"
Cynthia was about to reply but only managed a soft "um" before Luke signed off.
In her room, an elegant Glaceon leaped onto Cynthia's lap and settled down on her chest.
Cynthia tenderly stroked Glaceon and murmured to herself, "He doesn't want to become a Trainer... a Tactical Master?"
A subtle smile curved Cynthia's lips, blossoming into a radiant expression. "How intriguing."
...
Luke removed his headphones and let out a long sigh.
"I knew it... it couldn't have been Cynthia."
Cynthia's choice of Garchomp had led Luke to doubt once more. To test the waters, he had subtly questioned her identity earlier and even mentioned Cynthia.
Yet, the other party's tone remained unchanged, as if she were the same person.
"As expected, I overthought things," Luke concluded.
He shook his head, acknowledging, "An Alliance Champion wouldn't spend her days playing games."
Regardless of who this wealthy woman was, her generosity was undeniable.
Even if it was an act, it was skillfully executed, leaving a lasting impression.
Luke slapped his cheek abruptly. "You're here to accomplish something significant!"
"Though it's easy... how can you manage with just using your face?"
His mobile vibrated, interrupting his thoughts.
[100 Flavors of Ice Cream: Don't forget to send me the bill; I might forget it.]
[Teacher Luke: Alright.]
Haunter floated by Luke's side, observing the interaction and casting a sidelong glance at him.
"Jie jie~?" (Is that so?)
"Playing games... Is that considered work? It's technical, after all. Can we call it 'soft rice'?" Luke argued.
The ongoing conversation contained phrases that were difficult to comprehend, like "Pokémon costs a lot" and "I never really wanted to be a Trainer."
"Jie jie~ jie jie~ ~! o(*≧▽≦)ツ"
Haunter burst into laughter, filling the room with a cheerful atmosphere.
...
Time flew by, and Luke's review week arrived as planned.
The first episode of "Teacher Luke's Late Night Canteen" had now reached the third position in the living area rankings, with Professor Oak's Backyard taking the lead.
Although Professor Oak himself was not on Bilibili, he had a dedicated team managing the account. They used high-definition cameras to record the daily lives of Pokémon in his courtyard.
"Pancham is so adorable~~!"
"Wow, the Kanto region!"
"Over 40,000 square meters—how is that even considered a courtyard?"
Luke watched Pancham for half an hour and gave the video a thumbs-up in satisfaction.
For lunch, he enjoyed bacon and poached eggs.
Haunter laid a napkin on itself, then elegantly cut the bacon with a knife and fork.
Luke raised an eyebrow, saying, "Remember to grab your luggage later; we're headed to my hometown!"
"Jie jie~?"
Knowing that Luke was visiting his parents during the review week and not planning on going home during summer vacation, he decided to tag along.
Luke's hometown was about two hours away from Magic City, a small county nestled near the mountains and rivers. After packing his bags and preparing gifts for relatives and neighbors, Luke boarded the high-speed rail.
Another half-hour of travel by bus brought him to the outskirts of the village. The smell of soil was invigorating, and the sky cleared up. The sound of a nearby river gently flowed into his ears.
"Be careful not to scare anyone!"
"Jie jie~!"
With confidence, Haunter carried the bulky luggage, nodding along.
As he approached the village entrance, Luke noticed a little girl with horns riding a kick scooter. Spotting him, she abandoned the scooter and rushed over eagerly.
"Big Brother Luke!"
The young girl, still changing teeth, displayed a radiant smile as she dashed into Luke's embrace.
Luke reciprocated with a smile, patting her head gently. "Lucy, have you been missing your big brother?"
"My mom said you'd definitely bring presents!" Lucy's cheeks turned pink as she spoke.
"Here you go— Take it, it's your present."
Luke took a Poké Ball with Minimize from his pocket and handed it to Lucy. "This is for you."
"Is... is this a Poké Ball?"
Lucy stammered, looking at the gift in her hands. "Big brother, isn't this too expensive?"
At a market price of 500 yuan, it was understandable that Lucy hesitated to accept such a gift.
"Listen to your mom. You've always wanted to catch a Pidgey, right? We can head up the mountain together this afternoon," Luke suggested with a warm smile.
Lucy's eyes lit up with excitement, and she threw herself around Luke's neck, planting a big kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you, big brother!"
Haunter followed suit, floating out from behind Luke and playfully poking his cheek.
Lucy was taken aback for a moment, her expression quickly turning rigid before she burst into tears.
"Mom, there's a ghost!"
Caught off guard, Haunter hastily pulled out a napkin from the luggage, but the little girl was already running away in tears.
"Jie jie~ ..."
Haunter lowered its head, feeling dejected, its face a shade of gray.
Luke comforted Haunter, saying, "How about I give you a kiss instead?"
"Jie jie~ (￣へ￣)"
Haunter glanced at Luke with a hint of disgust before grabbing its luggage and floating ahead with a hint of frustration.
Luke suddenly felt a pang of sadness.
You've changed. You weren't like this before you evolved...
As Luke was lost in thought, Haunter had moved farther away, drifting toward the entrance of the village.
"Wait for me! Don't scare the kids again!" Luke called out, hurrying after Haunter.