Twain hesitated for a moment.
"Didn't Ivysaur just use Hidden Power with a fire attribute?"
"Given that I chose a battle of attrition, direct confrontation wouldn't be wise."
Luke explained, "Magneton has a strong ability, but Ivysaur's strength isn't sufficient. However, it does have a weak spot that can be exploited."
Among the panel of judges, Champion Guo Ming from the South China Division shared the same sentiments as Luke.
"It was still a bit reckless," Guo Ming frowned. "The Hidden Power Fire card should have been played later."
"Youngster, it's understandable," Chairman Song Pengcheng added with a faint smile.
"Who's up next?" Guo Ming flipped through the list and raised an eyebrow.
"A student from the Department of Finance? Making it to the semifinals is quite impressive."
"He's the dark horse of this competition," Song Pengcheng remarked with a smile.
"To reach the top four despite joining midway…"
Guo Ming's tone turned somewhat cold, "I feel the true value of the Piplup Cup is diminishing."
These non-professional Trainers often adopt amateur breeding and training methods in pursuit of battle strength.
Guo Ming has witnessed numerous instances of this, which has led to his perception of amateur players.
However, Song Pengcheng smiled and said, "This one is not an ordinary amateur…"
"Their commanding skills are even superior to some elite Trainers I've encountered!"
Guo Ming's brows furrowed, his expression unyielding.
Song Pengcheng chuckled and added, "You'll see for yourself!"
...
In the contestant waiting area.
"Pick up the pace; I have a bad feeling about this!" Luke clenched his teeth.
Eevee was alone at home, so there shouldn't be any problems.
But the issue is that my Pokémon defies common logic!
Sitting in the player's lounge, Luke grew increasingly uneasy as he thought about it, causing a cold sweat to form on his palms.
I must finish the match quickly, return home, and check on things.
"jie jie~!"
Sensing Luke's emotions, Haunter nodded solemnly.
From an unknown source, Haunter procured a cube of Petaya Berry and tossed it into his mouth, swallowing it whole.
In an instant, Haunter's eyes widened, seeming to be bloodshot.
"jie jie~!"
Luke regarded Haunter with a puzzled expression.
I had checked, and there was not a drop of stimulant!
...
Luke strolled out of the contestant waiting area, and cheers erupted from the sidelines.
"Cheer up, Teacher Luke!"
"Look, Luke is taking the stage!"
In fact, even his own group of supporters in the audience were holding up banners.
Luke felt quite embarrassed.
Glancing back, he noticed that even his friends from the opposing side seemed excited.
"Lu... Teacher Luke," Sally Han blinked, "Go easy on me…"
"I'll try to be gentle," Luke nodded cautiously.
He released a Poké Ball, causing a red light to emanate. Haunter grinned and levitated onto the battlefield.
A flurry of discussions erupted in the audience.
"Gastly has evolved!"
"Evolution deliberately saved for the semifinals? That's some cunning strategy!"
"Is this also part of Teacher Luke's plan?"
Guo Ming observed Haunter with particular interest and exclaimed softly, "This Haunter seems... well-bred."
Song Pengcheng nodded in agreement. "It hasn't been a week since its evolution; I wonder how it's adapting."
Sally Han also released her Brèloom.
Brèloom resembled a kangaroo, with a mushroom cap-shaped hat on its head. Its body primarily featured shades of green and yellow.
Extending the sharp red claws from its arms, Brèloom emitted a piercing Growl.
Simultaneously, the system's Pokémon Pokédex displayed Brèloom's data.
[Brèloom, Grass + Fighting
Ability: Effect Spore
Moves: Mach Punch, Mega Drain, Stun Spore, Leech Seed, Spore, Bullet Seed, Substitute, Headbutt]
The Effect Spore Ability posed a challenge, possessing the potential to inflict random status conditions on the opponent.
Based on the move and Ability synergy, it seemed that it follows Teacher Luke's dirty routine.
Luke pondered briefly, and the referee's whistle resounded.
"The match is about to begin!"
"Go, Brèloom!"
Sally Han displayed a mix of excitement and determination as she faced off against Teacher Luke.
"Use Spore!"
Numerous soft Spores floated from Brèloom's neck, and any contact would likely induce sleep.
Due to Brèloom's Effect Spore Ability, evading this tactic became even more challenging!
Sally Han sported a confident smile, eager to secure victory. However, her expression suddenly shifted as her eyes widened.
A dim-blue Will-O-Wisp ignited on the field, transforming the sky filled with Spores into a cascade of blue butterflies!
This enchanting spectacle elicited cheers from the audience.
Guo Ming displayed astonishment. "Luke... Could he also be a Pokémon Coordinator?"
Song Chengpeng was left speechless.
Looking at Luke, he couldn't help but be impressed.
This kid always manages to come up with new strategies!
A multitude of phosphorescent fires danced in the air, emitting dazzling rays of light – Haunter's Confuse Ray!
Brèloom felt a momentary dizziness, causing its steps to falter.
Luke spoke with gravity, "Haunter, use Hex!"
"jie jie~!"
A dense haze emanated from Haunter's form.
The Confuse Ray gradually faded as the haze expanded, swiftly enveloping Brèloom!
Amidst Haunter's triumphant laughter, the haze absorbed the wails of Brèloom...
The stadium fell into complete silence.
Twain and Damien exchanged bewildered glances.
Is this the Luke we know?
In just one month, Luke has become so formidable!
The haze cleared, revealing a battered and trembling Brèloom, still standing despite the injuries.
Sally Han exclaimed anxiously, "Brèloom, use Mega Drain!"
Yet, the moment Brèloom managed to rise, the dim-blue Will-O-Wisp ignited on its body once again!
Bang!!
Among the panel of judges, Guo Ming appeared astonished.
Despite Sally Han being a third-year player, the strength disparity between the two was glaringly apparent from start to finish!
Moreover, the player named Luke left Sally Han no room for a counterattack whatsoever.
There was no need for deliberation; this rapid and fierce style of attack seemed to flow naturally from his strategic instincts!
"I retract my earlier statement," Guo Ming exclaimed. "This is a Trainer with a stylish and highly offensive approach!"
Song Pengcheng was taken aback.
Are we discussing the same player?
Wasn't the Luke from the quarterfinals reliant on his Substitute-Toxic-Protect-Paralysis strategy and cautious tactics to secure victory?
Could a mere novice Trainer seamlessly switch between two contrasting tactics?
"Youngsters nowadays are truly becoming more remarkable," Song Pengcheng mumbled.
Brèloom fell to the ground in defeat, and the referee blew the whistle.
"The winner is Luke from Magic City University!"