Luke's brow furrowed as he shook hands with Lance, his mind preoccupied with what had just been proposed.
So, Red is asking me to engage in a friendly match?
Does that mean facing off against an Elite Four-level opponent isn't enough? Perhaps I'll be pitted against a world Champion in the future?
I'm just a newcomer who's barely been a Pokémon Trainer for less than two months! Luke coughed discreetly. "Mr. Lance, I must clarify that I'm not a typical Trainer."
Lance crossed his arms and nodded in agreement. "I heard from Red that there's a Master who specializes in breeding and tactics, a rather rare skill indeed."
The term "Trainer" encompassed various fields, such as training, breeding, tactics, commanding, and coordination. Luke's reputation as "Teacher Luke" stemmed from his proficiency in these areas, particularly his mastery of tactics like Spikes, Perish Song, and Minimize.
Lance admired this type of Trainer, who dared to explore new strategies through breeding diverse Pokémon combinations, pushing the boundaries of battle beyond the conventional pursuit of brute strength.
"Are these your newly-raised Pokémon?" Lance's gaze shifted to Haunter and Eevee by Luke's side, his eyes alight with interest.
Luke was caught off guard. "You can tell?"
Claire chimed in, explaining, "Lance has been blessed by the Viridian Forest, endowing him with the ability to sense Pokémon's emotions. This ability is known as..."
"The Viridian Force?"
"Yes, you're aware?"
Luke felt somewhat troubled. He had assumed that this world was merely a fusion with the Pokémon world, but apparently, some individuals possessed supernatural powers.
The Viridian Force was a gift bestowed by the Viridian Forest, granting the ability to heal, perceive, and empower Pokémon. Even this inexplicable ability was a reality here. Could some Trainers actually engage in physical combat with Pokémon using these abilities?
The dangerous nature of the Trainer profession suddenly struck Luke.
Sighing inwardly, Luke accepted that this was the way of this world.
[Ding! 'Viridian Force' and 'Aura Force' are restricted abilities that the host cannot unlock, purchase, or obtain.]
"Oh, well," Luke murmured.
"Would you mind if I perceive these two Pokémon?" The red-haired man's voice held a hint of uncertainty.
Lance sensed intense emotions emanating from Luke's two Pokémon. This indicated that Luke was indeed a trustworthy Trainer, a conclusion that pleased him.
"Of course."
Lance gracefully vaulted over the railing, a movement that indicated his involvement in apprehending Team Rocket members was not an isolated incident.
As he touched Haunter's forehead, the Ghost-type Pokémon tilted its head curiously.
"Jie jie~?" (Who are you?)
A soft radiance enveloped them, and Haunter shivered before closing its eyes in comfort.
Lance nodded in confirmation.
His initial assumption was spot on. Haunter's current weakness was a result of recently evolving. Luke had likely restructured his team in a bid to grow stronger within a short span of time.
Lance silently commended Luke for his breeding techniques and personal charm as a Trainer.
As for Eevee...
"Vui~! ╰（‵□′）╯"
Upon Lance's approach, Eevee promptly seized his hand in its mouth, drawing startled gasps from those present.
Eevee dared to bite someone who exuded a Dragon-type Pokémon's formidable aura? Even Lance himself was taken aback by Eevee's audacity, although he was quick to discern Eevee's intentions.
"I see…" he murmured, understanding dawned. Eevee was likely concerned that Lance might harm its Trainer.
The genuine bond between Trainer and Pokémon was a rarity, and this display of concern only deepened Lance's respect for Luke.
A rare smile graced the usually serious red-haired man, strengthening his resolve to challenge Luke.
Cynthia, however, was less than thrilled. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she questioned, "Are you battling now?"
"I'm still waiting for him to prepare a meal..."
Lance intervened, saying, "It won't take long. We could start with a 1v1 match. If Teacher Luke agrees, we can begin now."
Luke sighed, massaging his temples. He couldn't escape this now; he'd simply treat it as a normal match.
"Of course, we can start anytime."
Claire couldn't help but glance at Luke, her gaze searching for any hints of his true strength.
This guy... he's actually capable of sparring against my cousin?
No wonder he was babbling on earlier.
Claire sighed, worried that her cousin's reputation would be at stake if he lost.
"Your Pokémon have all been incapacitated!" she reminded, a note of concern in her voice. "Even if they recover, it'll take at least an hour."
"But we still have your Pokémon!" Lance interjected with a cheerful grin. "Using borrowed Pokémon is an essential aspect of testing a Trainer!"
A "loan battle" referred to a Trainer temporarily using another Trainer's Pokémon in a battle. This format was common in facilities like the Battle Factory and Battle Tent. Due to the unfamiliarity with the borrowed Pokémon's characteristics and moves, loan battles tested a Trainer's adaptability and decision-making under dynamic circumstances.
In the "Special Emerald" storyline, Emerald, a peace-loving character, excelled in loan battles. He even achieved an impressive record of 100 consecutive victories against Ruby in the Frontier Region.
Lance's suggestion caught Luke off guard momentarily, but soon he realized this was a great opportunity for Haunter.
Finally, Haunter, you won't have to step into battle and take the lead!
"Jie jie~? Σ(°△°|||)︴"
Although I'm not sure what you're thinking, there's definitely nothing positive in it!
Claire chimed in, "You're borrowing my Pokémon? Then he..."
"Use mine." Cynthia lifted her blond hair beside her ears and approached Luke with a gentle smile.
"Feel free to choose any Pokémon from my team."
"Your Pokémon are completely out of energy?" Luke was surprised.
Cynthia remained silent, retrieving a can of Pokéblock from her delicate shoulder bag and giving it a light shake.
"I brought this from your place. I gave them a piece before the match... and it worked quite well."
This was another Pokéblock crafted by Luke – a Sitrus Berry Pokeblock. It was specially prepared for Cynthia prior to the game, and its effects surpassed even the Oran Berry Pokeblock. Its essence was concentrated, but its recovery efficiency was improved.
Lance, noticing this, was slightly taken aback. "This Pokéblock's quality is quite remarkable..."
Cynthia replied, "Sorry, it's not for sharing."
Lance chimed in, "We're all borrowing Pokémon, so it's only fair."
Luke gazed at the sky, his heart moved by Cynthia's kindness.
It appeared Cynthia was an angel in Haunter's eyes!
"Jie jie~? (*⊙~⊙)" Haunter held the jar and chomped on a cube of Sitrus Berry block.
"Hey, save some for others!"
...
[Task: Friendly match with Elite Four
Mission Objective: Engage in at least ten rounds of loan battle with Lance.
Task reward: 1000BP, Premier Ball *1, random orange Item *1
Task description: Commence a match against an Elite Four member (Johto Champion)? Awaiting online; anticipation is high!]
Luke raised an eyebrow as he read the task details.
At least ten rounds?
Did they really underestimate me?
Facing a renowned Dragon Type Elite and the Johto Champion, I can't believe I can't last five rounds!
Luke cleared his throat and confidently devised his battle strategy.
Stay put!
As long as I can make it through ten rounds, victory will be mine!
...
Lance secured a venue from the organizers for the match.
Claire lined up her Poké Balls and crossed her arms, declaring, "This is my backup team; my main lineup is still safeguarding the Gym."
"That's fine... it'll suffice."
Lance chose a Poké Ball, closed his eyes, and connected with his Pokémon's emotions. His gaze sharpened gradually.
On the other side, Luke stroked his chin as he regarded the six Pokémon before him.
Garchomp was strong, but the fierce look in the woman's eyes seemed to say, "Choose an old lady, and you'll get a taste of my power."
Lucario stood beside her, emanating a cold aura.
Glaceon and Togekiss appeared friendly, but their tactical prowess didn't align with Teacher Luke's style of play.
After a moment of contemplation, Luke cleared his throat. "Your time to shine, Spiritomb!"
"Crack?"
Me? Are you really choosing me?
Spiritomb appeared surprised, and the fan-like face adorned with seven or eight green eyes seemed close to tearing up.
Cynthia offered a gentle smile. "Seems like it's really happy to be chosen by you."
Luke stared at the formidable Spiritomb for a moment, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"I mean... after spending so much time with Haunter, this type of Ghost Pokémon seems pretty adorable."
Cute, you say?!
"Crack... o(*▽*)q"
Spiritomb's fan-like appendage curled up as the lines on its body turned a faint shade of red.
[Spiritomb, Ghost + Dark
Gender: ♀
Ability: Infiltrator
Moves: Hypnosis, Dream Eater, Curse, Sucker Punch, Foul Play, Destiny Bond, Pain Split, Will-O-Wisp, Shadow Ball...]
Luke's expression turned complex, and he muttered, "Indeed... it suits my playing style!"