For the members of Magic University's school team, having Luke as their assistant coach was both a blessing and a mixed feeling.
The good news was that the teaching assistant's training methods were quite scientific and didn't force any of them to overexert themselves. However, there was one big concern: Luke's Eevee was overly aggressive, constantly challenging other Pokémon to battles.
As a result, the workload at the Pokémon Center's infirmary had doubled, and the consumption of Potions had increased several-fold compared to normal.
During a break, Wright approached Captain Jiang Ran with a complex expression.
"Do you know what, Captain Jiang Ran? I can't help but feel like... Teacher Lu's training methods are even better than Coach Zhai's."
Jiang Ran hastily whispered, "Shh! Don't let Coach Zhai hear that. Keep it down!"
But to be honest...
It wasn't just Wright who felt this way; even Jiang Ran, as the team captain, shared the sentiment. In just two days, their strength had improved to the point that it would have taken a week or two with their previous training regimen.
Looking at Luke, who was taking a nap, Jiang Ran spoke with respect, muttering to himself, "Everyone's training has been improved significantly. Is it because the assistant coach has been staying up late thinking about strategies for Calm Mind?"
"Let's not disturb him and just focus on our training!" Jiang Ran suggested.
Wright nodded in agreement and sighed with emotion, "I really envy Coach Lu... He's not only handsome but also incredibly skilled at training!"
...
Luke had indeed stayed up late.
However, his late-night activities weren't related to the school team's training.
Instead, he spent his late nights playing games with Cynthia, often contemplating both the game and his thoughts.
Staring at the five-million-Pokédollar promissory note in his hand, Luke sighed, feeling reluctant to part with the money he spent on playing games.
"Oh... I'm too familiar with this game, but I'm sorry!"
Luke sighed with a pout.
"I wonder if Cynthia will realize on her own and reimburse me for the bill..."
The school team's training method was relatively straightforward.
Qualified coaches focused on tapping into each team member's potential and imagination, tailoring their training accordingly. This made everyone feel as if Luke's training methods were more effective.
Zhai Wenyao, while watching the rigorous training regimen, felt somewhat concerned.
"Is it really okay to have such intense training?" he asked Luke.
"You've got to be tough to build strength," Luke responded with a smile. "These students come from well-off families, and their resources match their training intensity."
"I don't worry about that," Zhai Wenyao replied. "But what about Gu Zhong?"
"I'll figure something out," Luke assured him.
Gu Zhong, hailing from a modest mountain village, was quiet by nature, and his family wasn't well-off. Following in the footsteps of his more affluent teammates had left Gu Zhong drained of energy.
He worked hard day in and day out, even if it didn't yield any significant results. It was the only way he could contribute.
At that moment, Gu Zhong was training silently, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. When he looked up and saw Luke holding a small bottle, he was taken aback.
Luke shook the bottle and offered it to Gu Zhong, saying, "Here, this is for you."
Gu Zhong stammered in surprise, "I-I can't accept this!"
"It's just an ordinary Oran Berry Pokeblock," Luke explained, "used to treat Torkoal's internal injuries. After all, Eevee enjoys battling it, so it ends up needing some medical attention."
Perhaps because Torkoal had become quite tough, Eevee preferred challenging it. Torkoal had to be taken to the Pokémon Center's infirmary every three days.
However, Gu Zhong was extremely grateful to Teacher Luke for this kind gesture. Sally Han approached, mimicking Dong Jin's eccentricity.
"Teacher Luke! I want some Pokéblocks too!"
Luke glanced at her and chuckled. "Sure, if you let Breloom give Eevee a beating, I'll give you one too."
Sally Han suddenly coughed, as everyone knew that even Torkoal, the sturdiest member of the school team, couldn't withstand Eevee's relentless attacks.
Thus, Teacher Luke's Pokéblocks were highly coveted, but no one dared to take them!
Gu Zhong hesitated before speaking. "I..."
"We have a game tomorrow," Luke said with a smile. "Get a good rest and aim for a strong start."
Gu Zhong accepted the Pokéblock, his eyes shining with gratitude as he mumbled a few words of thanks.
He couldn't let Coach Lu down!
...
One day later, they rushed to Goldhill University on the high-speed rail.
"Coach, can I take another look at the starting lineup?"
Zhai Wenyao nodded, handed the folder to Luke, and spoke seriously, "Goldhill University is formidable, and the JS Province Rookie King is no pushover either, so we must be cautious."
Magic City University and Goldhill University were old rivals, and their rankings were almost identical.
In an individual competition with a ring system, the arrangement of the teams is of utmost importance.
"I remember that in the ring system, the order of play can't be changed, right?" Luke inquired as he scanned the list of starting candidates.
"Jiang Ran, Wright, Sally Han, Gu Zhong, Angela Shen..." Luke began listing the names before his expression turned peculiar.
Zhai Wenyao pretended not to understand and cleared his throat, saying, "Friendly matches also serve as a training ground for our team, so it's reasonable to send two freshmen."
"But why is my name on this list?" Luke pointed to his own name and raised an eyebrow. "I'm not a teaching assistant; why do I need to play?"
Zhai Wenyao chuckled and replied, "I was thinking the same thing. Just in case we have to lose, it's good to have a backup."
"As we agreed beforehand, I'm here as an assistant," Luke retorted with a wry smile. "I don't see any reason for me to play."
"Are you sure about this?" Zhai Wenyao inquired, seemingly taking Luke's words lightly.
"I'm serious, I'd rather not play."
"Luke, hear me out, it's just..."
"I insist on not playing!"
"But I was going to offer you some extra compensation!"
"Huh?" Luke was taken aback, thinking Zhai Wenyao was joking. He smiled and asked, "What's the deal?"
"That's the thing... In early August, you can choose a new Pokémon from Magic University's Breeding House," Zhai Wenyao said triumphantly. "I thought, after the friendly match, we could go pick one out together."
Luke was taken aback. "Didn't you say we could only choose after summer vacation?"
Zhai Wenyao grinned. "For those who make significant contributions to the school, the school won't hesitate to reward them!"
Luke sighed suddenly. He felt like this whole conversation was a well-planned setup, waiting until they were on the high-speed rail to spring it on him.
"So... Who am I going to play against?" Luke asked, changing the subject.
"Jiang Ran is the first player, and when he leaves the ring, Gu Zhong's Torkoal will enter," Zhai Wenyao explained as he pointed to the tactical board. "You are the third player, so your role will be to steady the team."
Luke considered briefly. He had the urge to say he could skip to the last player, but he decided against it. After all, he had just joined the team, and there was no need to risk harming Pokémon for a friendly match.
Glancing at Haunter, who was curiously looking out the window, Luke thought about his strategy.
"Eevee, you need to perform well," Luke whispered to Eevee, who was baring its teeth playfully and chasing its tail on Luke's knee.
Eevee responded by perking up its ears, standing up, and nodding seriously at Luke.
"vui~! ψ(*｀ー´)ψ"