Monday, July 27th arrived.
It had been a week since Cynthia's departure.
Eevee's proficiency in 'Return' had noticeably increased, and Haunter, now sucking on one Dusk Stone after another, had started on the next one.
Luke observed Haunter's flexible, scarlet tongue with a complex expression.
Every bite costs thousands!
"Plants vs. Zombies" had entered its final testing phase and was scheduled to be launched in early August.
Before this, Luke received a call from Coach Zhai and hurried to the Magic University campus.
"This time, it's mainly a friendly match against Goldhill University," Zhai Wenyao explained. "The major universities have already begun preparations for the college league, and we need to do the same."
Luke inquired, "What do you need me to do?"
After all, he was earning a salary now, so it wasn't all about leisure.
"It will mainly involve pre-match training and on-site coordination for the friendly matches," Zhai Wenyao replied. "Goldhill University this year is exceptionally strong. They even defeated the JS Province Rookie Cup champions in their proposal. If you join us in the ring, it will be a tough challenge."
The college league featured both individual and team competitions. Individual matches used singles and ring battles, while team matches were 5v5 battles, testing both the players' individual skills and the coach's tactical strategies.
Upon hearing Zhai Wenyao's concerns, Luke couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Didn't he forget that he had a Piplup Cup champion by his side?
Although it was a business competition, he couldn't simply underestimate him as a winner.
"We will be away for this game and head to Goldhill in two days. We should prepare thoroughly," Zhai Wenyao emphasized. "In the afternoon, I will introduce you to someone from the school team who you might find familiar."
As an assistant for nearly half a month, Luke felt somewhat embarrassed for not even recognizing the members of the school team.
Friendly matches were a way of honoring one's alma mater after all.
Clearing his throat, Luke assured them, "Don't worry, I'll take care of the training!"
Luke had always been known as a 'training genius.' While it may seem like self-praise, training a group of young and inexperienced trainers was actually quite straightforward.
...
In the afternoon, the time had come.
Magic University Athletics Center.
"Teacher Luke!" Sally Han excitedly waved her hands, while the reserved Gu Zhong simply moved his lips but refrained from speaking out loud.
Luke patted Gu Zhong on the shoulder, showing his fondness for the young boy from the mountain village who had managed to get into Magic University.
"Don't be too nervous during training, just play your best," Luke encouraged with a smile.
Gu Zhong was taken aback for a moment but nodded gratefully.
Besides training, the afternoon's task also included selecting the starting lineup.
The freshmen had two members, both of whom Luke had interacted with before. Among the six sophomores, he recognized Angela Shen with her distinctive single ponytail.
Juniors and seniors majoring in Pokémon Studies were usually absent from school, either challenging Gyms in the Orient Conference or honing their Pokémon. The college league held little significance for them.
"This assistant professor, Luke, should already be familiar to you all," Zhai Wenyao announced solemnly. "Our upcoming matches are crucial, and we need to prepare diligently."
"To actually need a complete novice to teach us," a voice, full of mockery, suddenly came from the crowd.
Angela Shen furrowed her brow and subconsciously took a step back. Sally Han clenched his teeth and turned around to look, but the instigator had already blended into the crowd.
Zhai Wenyao frowned and sternly instructed, "Dong Jin, come forward!"
Reluctantly, Dong Jin, a short individual, stepped forward. He mumbled with hesitation, raised his eyes, and locked onto Zhai Wenyao. "Coach, I..."
Dong Jin was known for his eccentric behavior, and he often tried to provoke others whenever he encountered non-professional students.
Little did he know that the coach held his assistant in high regard.
"A novice?" Zhai Wenyao smiled coldly. "If a so-called novice is at Luke's level, none of you would stand a chance even if he was in the ring!"
Luke had turned down Zhai Wenyao's invitation three times before finally agreeing to become an assistant. With Zhai Wenyao's sharp judgment, he had assessed Luke's capabilities accurately.
If Luke were to leave, it would be a massive loss for Magic University!
Luke didn't mind at all.
In preparation for the friendly match, it was essential to maintain discipline.
With a smile, Luke took out a Poké Ball and turned towards Dong Jin. "I may be a novice, but would you be willing to spar with me?"
Dong Jin couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.
Luke was known as the Piplup Cup Champion, but that doesn't automatically imply his defeat...
"Let's go!" Dong Jin clenched his teeth. "Golem, I choose you!"
Without even glancing at the battlefield, Luke raised his hand as the red light flashed from his Poké Ball. "Eevee, use Iron Tail."
Eevee's movements were nearly imperceptible.
Ka-cha!
A swift, white flash pierced the air, accompanied by the sound of rocks cracking. Golem let out a cry of pain.
Thud!
With grace, Eevee landed gently, having taken mere seconds from the moment Golem was released to when it hit the ground.
The field fell silent, with even Captain Jiang Ran of Magic University raising an eyebrow involuntarily.
Determining Golem's landing spot the moment it was released from its Poké Ball and then landing a critical hit with Iron Tail... That was Eevee's skill!
Despite the double type disadvantage, how could Eevee so effortlessly defeat Golem?
Coach Zhai Wenyao remained unfazed by the scene, focusing his gaze on Dong Jin.
Sally Han, trying to imitate Dong Jin's eccentricity, exclaimed, "Is it even possible for anyone to beat this amateur? No way!"
Dong Jin's lips trembled as he stared blankly at Golem lying on the ground.
"Now, take Golem to the infirmary; it should still be open. Get it treated first," Luke suggested. "Good fight."
Dong Jin was unsure whether to laugh or cry. He withdrew Golem and hurriedly headed to the infirmary.
Luke turned to Zhai Wenyao. "We've narrowed down our starting lineup by one."
Zhai Wenyao nodded in response, seemingly content with Luke's humble attitude.
Luke addressed the rest of the crowd, coughing softly, "If any of you disagree with the selection, feel free to challenge me."
"After all, if you're not satisfied, our training will likely be ineffective..."
"I'll continue to use Eevee, and you can do the same."
Vui~! Eevee stood proudly at Luke's feet.
Luke's words were sincere, but the audience remained utterly silent.
From the release of the Poké Ball to the end of the battle, it took less than a second...
Who would dare to challenge this assistant?
Captain of the school team, Jiang Ran, smiled and addressed Luke, "Lu... Coach Lu, you continue with the training; we'll ensure there are no complaints."
Luke's eyes lit up.
He was addressed not as an assistant but as Coach Lu...
Indeed, he was on the starting lineup!
Luke earnestly sketched circles on the paper, clearing his throat. "So, let's begin today's training content..."
"We'll start with two-on-two category battles as part of our combat training. I'll pair up with you..."
For the sake of Magic University's honor, Luke, who had been out of practice for quite some time, was deeply moved to be conducting training again.
On the other side, Eevee greeted Torkoal with a friendly smile as they were paired together.
Vui~!
Torkoal shuddered, as if recalling the fear of being defeated...
...
Coach Zhai Wenyao nodded in satisfaction as he observed the organized training taking place.
"Luke... is truly a skilled trainer!"