The story should kick off when Teacher Luke is still taking his exam.
Back at home, Haunter eagerly grasped a copy of [Toxic Experience] with both of his hands. He extended his scarlet tongue and carefully licked each row of small characters from the inside out.
"Jie jie~ (*⊙~⊙)"
Haunter looked pensive and nodded, ready to share his experience with Eevee. However, he realized that Eevee was confined in her Poké Ball.
Floating over to the Poké Ball, Haunter scratched his head and suddenly turned into a blank sheet of paper in frustration, falling slowly from the air..
Suddenly, Haunter's eyes lit up, and he swelled with excitement with a 'bang,' eagerly moving towards the house that was floating outside.
"Jie jie~ ! (Take a look at home!)"
From inside Haunter, Eevee's voice called out to the Poké Ball.
Eevee angrily scratched the inner wall of the Poké Ball with her paws.
Training secretly without including me!
Eevee: ヽ(`Д´)ﾉ
In comparison to Luke, Haunter was much more acquainted with the training facilities in the area.
The construction site next to the community was like a low-level dungeon—a place where Eevee could train without getting injured.
Thinking about facing a formidable opponent, Haunter immediately recalled the elite Poison Type Trainer he had encountered before.
The thought of that terrifying Arbok sent shivers down Haunter's spectral spine.
Haunter: (¯﹃¯)
That Arbok was simply too terrifying!
Haunter couldn't wait to arrive at the [Bull Training Club].
Entering through the glass door, Haunter's sudden appearance left the young lady at the front desk completely dumbfounded.
"Um, hello...are you here to play or train?"
"Jie jie~!" Haunter pointed at the [2888 training package] on the counter.
I ordered this package last time when Master brought me here.
Hmm... I should be fine!
"Jie jie~! (ノ￣▽￣)"
The penniless Haunter displayed a confident smile.
This was the first time someone at the front desk had received a Ghost Pokemon. Suppressing a smirk, the receptionist inquired curiously, "Little fellow, which Pokémon are you planning to train?"
Haunter pointed at himself and laughed.
The receptionist retrieved a tablet and spoke with a smile while swiping through it.
"Here, you can reserve a Trainer. After making your selection, you can check out online later."
"Jie jie~!"
Haunter nodded, rubbing his chin, as if he were making a careful decision.
Walking past in tight-fitting attire, Xena, with a fiery figure, carried a water bottle. She glanced at the reception desk in passing, and suddenly her expression changed.
This laughter... so familiar!
She remembered—it was the Gastly that had almost sent Arbok to the hospital last time!
Evolved?!
Xena glanced around nervously, confirming that the handsome young man wasn't around before allowing herself to relax.
"Thank goodness he's not here to train... He probably won't bother me again."
"Coach Xena! Perfect timing; there's a student who's been looking for you."
"Hm?"
"Jie jie~!" Haunter grinned and scratched his head bashfully.
...
Haunter followed Xena to the training ground.
"This is the first time I've seen Pokémon so active during training..."
"Jie jie~ jie jie~!"
"But it seems you don't have any money." Xena frowned, "If you can't pay, you might end up on the blacklist!"
Haunter: Σ(っ°Д°;)っ
Haunter's face turned pale like a Nether Soul. With his head hanging down, he moved towards the exit, floating away as if the word "Grudge" was written on his forehead.
Xena was taken aback for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "Never mind! I have a solution; come back!"
"Jie jie~?"
Haunter immediately switched his expression to a Sichuan Opera face and looked at Xena with a touch of disgust.
Is this the solution you were talking about earlier? Thanks for putting me in this embarrassing situation!
"Your strength is enough for you to be a part-time coach here."
Xena raised an eyebrow, "In addition to free training, you can also take part-time jobs...think about it?"
"Jie jie~ !o(*≧▽≦)ツ"
Haunter laughed and patted Xena on the shoulder.
You should've mentioned this earlier, so we wouldn't be in this predicament!
Xena looked puzzled.
It's often said that a Pokémon's personality becomes more like that of its Trainer...
It's quite apparent just how shameless this Trainer can be...
"Jie jie~ !"
Haunter put on an eager expression, waving his fists in excitement.
Xena gave him a complicated look and called the front desk to add a coaching request on the tablet.
"Is this really okay?" the astonished receptionist asked.
"What's the harm? I need to apply for more than one card anyway."
Haunter forgot about the time; Luke's exam should end in about an hour.
This also meant that he had an hour of part-time work.
Haunter's eyes gleamed at the thought of contributing to the family once again.
"Jie jie~ jie jie~ (๑`▽´๑)۶"
...
Xena stood on the sidelines, observing Haunter's instructional session as he took first place.
To be honest, even an elite Trainer like Xena was unable to fully grasp the extent of Haunter's capabilities at this moment.
Considering its breed, the dietary preferences it had were possibly luxury supplements that were beyond Xena's imagination.
And in terms of training skills, Haunter's expertise in Toxic moves clearly surpassed what Xena herself had achieved.
Xena couldn't help but furrow her brows.
Just what were the conditions at that young man's home?
How was he able to raise Haunter to this level in just one month?!
However, that young man was indeed quite handsome...
Maybe I should give it a try next time?
"Tsk." Xena blushed slightly as she took a sip. When she looked up again, Haunter had already won his first coaching match.
This was true coaching prowess.
The opponent's Nidorina hadn't even survived two moves against Haunter.
But oddly enough, this only further showcased the coaching abilities on display.
"There's a new coach in the club, and I hear it's still a Pokémon!"
"Is that for real, or just another Mr. Mime scenario?"
"No, it's a Haunter! Apparently, it's much stronger than your typical elite trainer!"
An hour went by.
Haunter floated over to the vending machine on the sidelines and casually inserted its hands. Without needing any coins, it retrieved a bottle of Happy Water and drank contentedly.
"Jie jie~!"
Not only could it relish in treats, but it could also train and even earn money!
Was there a happier job out there?
"Come here, little fellow. This is your Member Card. Take it."
"Jie jie~!" Haunter happily received the card.
Moving towards Xena, who was leaning against the wall with her arms folded, Haunter waved goodbye before drifting away with joy.
Xena was slightly taken aback, instinctively raised her hand to wave back, then awkwardly ruffled her bangs, her face reddening slightly.
"Also... he's cute..."
...
Luke raised an eyebrow.
Comparing the card to Haunter's goofy ID photo, he said with amusement, "You really didn't spend any money?"
"Jie jie~!"
"So, how did you manage it?" Luke's tone carried a hint of surprise.
Haunter chuckled and raised its head proudly.
"It's all thanks to you."
Luke sighed with emotion. "Well, if you ever run low on funds, just let me know. I can still cover your training expenses."
A deal's a deal, and Luke wouldn't let his generosity turn into a financial burden.
Even if these two little troublemakers were a step away from demolishing his house, Luke couldn't bring himself to reprimand them.
Trainer and Pokémon, they were equals.
Respecting Haunter's intentions, and Haunter striving to contribute to the household—this was the understanding they had reached.
"Jie jie~ ('▽`〃)"
Haunter grinned and scratched its head.
"Alright, thanks for your hard work," Luke smiled and affectionately tousled Haunter's head.
"Now, let's eat. I've prepared your favorite dishes."
"Jie jie~ !(✪ω✪)"