[Ding! Mission "Friendly Match with Elite Four" completed]
[Task reward: 1000BP, Premier Ball *1, random orange Item *1
Mission completion: 150%, extra reward: random purple Item *1]
The system notification chimed.
Although the mission required lasting ten rounds, Luke managed to achieve a tie in just three rounds, surpassing the completion rate.
Had he defeated Lance within the ten rounds, Luke speculated that the mission reward would have doubled.
Nonetheless, Lance was a seasoned Champion Trainer, and Luke's actual combat experience was not extensive. Surpassing his own expectations, he managed to perform exceptionally well in this challenging duel.
Just two months after his debut, he held his ground against Dragon Tamer Lance, even though he was using Cynthia's Pokémon and Spiritomb wasn't at its peak condition.
Lance retrieved his unconscious Druddigon, replaying the match in his mind.
He acknowledged his own mistakes and recognized how Luke seized the opportunities accurately.
If it weren't for Druddigon's Sleep Talk randomly triggering 'dragon claw,' things could have turned out differently.
He even risked losing!
Claire and Cynthia also observed this.
Both Pokémon were on par with each other in general.
While Spiritomb belonged to Cynthia, it was primarily a physical shield. Moreover, Spiritomb had just participated in a 6V6 battle, making it difficult to return to its peak state despite Luke's Sitrus Berry Pokeblock.
On the contrary, Druddigon was Claire's trump card, designed for extreme output.
This matchup resembled a warrior against a support class. Despite being at a disadvantage, Luke managed to execute the tactical play of using 'Destiny Bond.'
"It's truly..." Claire's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Absolutely impressive!"
Cynthia smiled gently and remarked, "If the borrowed Pokémon weren't Dragon Type, Mr. Lance would have faced even greater challenges."
Claire pondered Cynthia's words.
Opting for an apparent disadvantage and still managing a tie...
Luke's command ability rivaled that of the Kanto Elite Four and Johto Alliance Champion, Lance.
"Miss Cynthia," Claire couldn't help asking, "How did you come to know him?"
"Why, I got to know him through playing games."
"Playing games?"
"Yes... I even lost to him multiple times."
Even Miss Cynthia lost to him?
Claire's eyebrows shot up, and she looked at Luke in disbelief. If she couldn't beat him, then his other Pokémon must be at least Champion-level!
Instead of capitalizing on Lance's weakened state after the 6V6 battle, Luke had chosen a more balanced loan battle...
Claire nodded, her appreciation for Luke growing. She looked at him with newfound respect.
"A truly outstanding Trainer!"
"The path of a Trainer is endless," Cynthia remarked, nodding gently. "And that's why he's focused on breeding Pokémon again."
...
With the friendly match between Lance and Luke concluded, the curtain fell.
In addition to fulfilling Red's request, Lance had thoroughly enjoyed the exhilarating duel.
While Spiritomb's tactics leaned towards the conservative side, perhaps even overly cautious, this was possibly Luke's personal style as a Trainer.
Lance contemplated for a moment.
Ultimately, the loan battle only showcased a fraction of a Trainer's capabilities.
What if he were to face me with his own Pokémon...
The outcome of that battle would remain uncertain.
Taking a deep breath, his sharp gaze softened, and he extended his hand towards Luke, offering a slight smile.
"I look forward to the day when we can have a full-fledged battle!"
Still recovering his spirits, Luke was invited to another match and had to clear his throat before speaking.
"I've only tamed two Pokémon, so I'm afraid I won't have that opportunity!"
Only two Pokémon tamed?
Lance's eyebrows furrowed momentarily, but then he quickly understood—Teacher Luke intended to form a new lineup.
This was a common practice among Masters. Upon entering a new Region, they'd begin anew by breeding new Pokémon from scratch.
Crossing his arms and wearing his Champion cloak, Lance nodded, his smile growing wider.
"I believe I can wait until the day your new lineup takes shape."
Haunter and Eevee exchanged a knowing glance:
"They're quite determined. I don't think they'll give up until they see you reach the top of the Alliance."
Luke's expression became complex.
Are they speaking human words now?
Before they lead me to the championship, I might go bankrupt first!
However, Lance and Claire were well-intentioned, so Luke sighed:
"Thank you for your kind words!"
...
Lance and Claire departed first.
Before leaving, Claire couldn't help but turn back and give a lingering look to the Trainer who defeated Cynthia and tied with Dragon Tamer Lance.
Her gaze was sharp as she said, "If you ever decide to challenge Blackthorn Gym, I won't hold back."
Claire had a strong sense of pride. She had once contested the position of Elite Four and was highly skilled, ranking among the top Gym Leaders of Johto Region. However, Claire had never managed to defeat or even draw against Dragon Tamer Lance.
For this reason, she saw Luke as a worthy adversary.
Luke smiled slightly, "Don't worry, I definitely won't challenge your Gym."
Claire nodded in satisfaction, but suddenly realized something was off and exclaimed, "Wait a minute..."
However, Lance swiftly changed the topic.
He rummaged through his belongings and apologized, "I returned in a hurry and didn't have time to prepare a formal gift."
"I brought this Dragon Scale, which contains a certain amount of Dragon Type energy. It's a small personal token from me."
"I appreciate it," Luke said, accepting the 'Dragon Scale' with a smile. He added playfully, "So, what kind of gift did you bring?"
This sharp-edged and intricately patterned dragon scale could fetch a high price if sold!
Observing this interaction, Cynthia rested her chin in her hand and nodded.
"Come to think of it, I should also prepare a thank-you gift."
"I gave you the TM 'Return' ... and it happens to be usable for you as well."
Cynthia retrieved a small gray USB flash drive from her bag and brushed aside her blonde hair.
"Return might have an impact on Eevee's evolution."
Luke was momentarily surprised, examining the gray USB flash drive in his hand.
Unexpectedly, this way, he gained the highest potential Normal Type move.
A move that signifies a close bond with a Pokémon, Return boasts a power of 150, surpassing even Hyper Beam.
While TM compatibility wasn't a requirement, Luke gladly accepted it, especially upon learning it would benefit Eevee.
Both of the prominent figures present had brought valuable gifts.
Luke cleared his throat lightly, directing a pointed look at Claire, who appeared clueless.
Your cousin offered a token, don't you have one?
Claire paused for a moment before hastily grabbing her whip, as if a light bulb had switched on above her head.
"I get it now! I have a gift for you too!"
"There's really no need," Luke coughed. "Your kind intentions are more than enough!"
Without saying another word, Claire slipped off a ring that resembled a dragon claw and placed it in Luke's hand.
[Quick Claw: A sharp and agile claw that, when held by a Pokémon, slightly increases the likelihood of moving first.]
Cynthia frowned slightly but remained silent.
It wasn't until they bid farewell to Lance that Luke suddenly slapped his forehead, realization dawning upon him.
"Wouldn't this Dragon Scale be more suited for Garchomp?"
"Since I received the TM 'Return' from you, I feel it's only fair to give you this Dragon Scale!"
Cynthia's eyes showed a hint of surprise.
Could he really present someone else's gift in front of them?
Indeed, this Dragon Scale would offer some benefits to Garchomp.
Cynthia accepted the beautifully patterned Dragon Scale with a touch of reverence and a smile:
"Let's go, it's time to head home."