I arrived at Goldhill University, and it was already two o'clock in the afternoon.
The bus came to a stop in the shade of phoenix trees, and Sally Han suddenly raised her hand with excitement.
"Coach, can I visit the Qinhuai River at night?"
"I'll be heading back to Magic City tonight... but staying in Goldhill is not out of the question," Coach Zhai replied.
Sally Han's eyes lit up, but Angela Shen beat her to it.
"Teacher Luke, would you like to join us for an evening visit to the Qinhuai River?"
"No," Luke declined, "A gentleman must protect himself when going out."
"vui~!" Eevee stood on Luke's shoulder, baring its teeth menacingly.
Cui Yuanshan, the coach of Goldhill University, came to greet them and shook hands with Coach Zhai.
"The students are already waiting," Cui Yuanshan said with a smile. "They were so excited that they didn't sleep at all last night!"
Zhai Wenyao laughed heartily. "My players haven't slept since the day before yesterday!"
Cui Yuanshan raised an eyebrow. "They haven't slept in three days!"
Luke was taken aback. Were they competing in some kind of sleep deprivation challenge?
"Don't try to fool me, Teacher Cui," Zhai Wenyao said with a wry smile. "Let's save the politeness for later, and may the best team win!"
"After all, you're still the coach of Magic University," Cui Yuanshan replied, "Let's see who wins today!"
Their playful banter was a familiar ritual between old friends.
At the Goldhill Arena, the large circular stadium was ready for the competition. Spectators, as well as some faculty and staff, gathered on both sides of the stadium.
"Eevee is so cute!" one girl in the audience exclaimed.
"Hasn't Eevee evolved yet?" complained another student. "It's not here to just make up the numbers!"
Director Wang of Goldhill University turned back and noticed the silence in the audience.
"Is Magic University still using space tactics?" Director Wang inquired.
"It's hard to say," Cui Yuanshan replied with a shake of his head.
"On the roster, there's no information about that Eevee Trainer!"
"Coach Cui, that's the Champion of Magic City's Piplup Cup!" Feng Zhe chimed in.
Qin Yu smiled. "His name is Teacher Luke, right... It seems he's also a game streamer."
Willy Zhang hesitated for a moment, and a bead of sweat formed on his forehead. He had almost revealed that he was a fan of Teacher Luke!
...
The captains of both teams stepped forward to shake hands. Wright was the first to take the field and began the match.
On the sidelines, Zhai Wenyao frowned and whispered, "The first opponent from the other side is the Rookie King of JS Province."
Luke cleared his throat and said, "Just so you know, the person sitting next to you is also the Rookie King of Magic City."
Zhai Wenyao paused for a moment and said, "You're right... I keep forgetting."
Luke's performance was truly outstanding. He defeated the JS Province Rookie Champion with ease, but it all seemed unreal.
Sven, who was battling on behalf of Goldhill University, had a Scyther, and their battle was exciting and enjoyable.
"Sven's making his debut... Wright's Dusclops is in for a tough battle," Zhai Wenyao commented.
Luke glanced at the list of moves for Dusclops and didn't see any moves like "Thunder Punch" or "Fire Punch."
"I hope Will-O-Wisp can connect," Luke said pensively.
"This Scyther is likely to be equipped with enhancements," Zhai Wenyao added.
As the battle began, Sven took the initiative. "Scyther, use Sword Dance!"
Scyther swung its double sickles, and they gleamed with a sharp metallic luster.
Wright decided not to use Will-O-Wisp immediately but instead set up Trick Room. A purple, tangible light screen enveloped the battlefield, causing Scyther to feel as if it were moving through molasses, significantly slowing down its movements.
"Now, use Will-O-Wisp!" Wright commanded.
However, Luke shook his head unconsciously. Under the influence of Trick Room, the move Will-O-Wisp was less effective.
Scyther flapped its wings, skillfully dodging Will-O-Wisp. Simultaneously, it slashed at Dusclops with its wings, causing a gash and drawing first blood.
The audience at Goldhill University erupted into cheers.
Cui Yuanshan nodded with satisfaction. "Sven's commanding skills are still top-notch."
"He avoided Will-O-Wisp twice in a row; the opposing trainer must be fuming," Feng Zhe commented with a laugh.
Wright was sweating profusely. The sound of the hissing wind and the pressure of the situation had thrown him off balance.
Seizing the opportunity, Scyther took down Dusclops.
"Next," Sven said calmly.
Wright was taken aback, gritted his teeth, and handed the baton to the next team member.
Zhai Wenyao glanced at Luke and said, "You were right... Two consecutive misses with Will-O-Wisp..."
Luke coughed lightly. "It's alright... Gu Zhong's Torkoal has the type advantage."
As Gu Zhong stepped onto the battlefield, he nervously passed by Luke, stuttering, "Lu... Assistant Professor Lu, I... I won't let you down!"
Luke nodded with a smile, momentarily touched by Gu Zhong's determination.
Even if I'm not as strong as others, there are still ways I can contribute!
Gu Zhong gathered his energy as the scorching sun hung high in the sky.
The Trick Room was running out of time rapidly.
Gu Zhong's voice resounded with determination, "Torkoal, use Lava Plume!"
Torkoal responded with a roar, emitting a thick white smoke filled with embers that enveloped Scyther violently. However, Scyther wasted no time and closed the gap quickly, crossing its twin sickles and using its wings to slash through the dense smoke towards Torkoal, as if wielding a knife.
Ka-cha!
A sharp sound echoed as Scyther's attack hit Torkoal. Torkoal let out a cry of pain, but Scyther's relentless assault didn't stop. Its Fury Cutter, infused with the power of the strong wind and rain, battered Torkoal's body, leaving the Goldhill University audience visibly uncomfortable.
"No... the force is too overwhelming," Luke muttered with a frown.
Despite the type advantage, Torkoal's slow speed made it vulnerable to Scyther's swift attacks. Additionally, Gu Zhong's lack of experience put him at a disadvantage against Sven.
Zhai Wenyao anxiously slammed the table, exclaiming, "Why doesn't he just admit defeat?"
Gu Zhong clenched his fists, and determination filled Torkoal's eyes. He remembered the rigorous training he had undergone under Teacher Luke's guidance, staying up late into the night to teach Torkoal Iron Wall, and the precious Pokéblock given to him.
"I can't let him down!" Gu Zhong thought to himself.
"Torkoal, Iron Wall!" Gu Zhong shouted, his voice determined. "Steady yourself and seize the opportunity to use Lava Plume!"
The straightforward command elicited laughter from the audience.
"Why such a basic command?"
"Is the Magic University's school team really at this level?"
Director Wang turned to Cui Yuanshan with a questioning look.
Cui Yuanshan pondered for a moment before replying, "It might be because they're rookies. They haven't had much time to develop."
"But this kid is quite resilient!" Director Wang pointed at Gu Zhong.
"He's putting up a good fight even though he's clearly losing!"
Torkoal, battered and scarred, continued to hold its ground alongside Gu Zhong, hoping for a slim chance of a counterattack. Even when Sven deliberately exposed a vulnerability, Torkoal persisted in its efforts.
"Why are you still holding on after so long? It's a waste of time!"
"Give up already; you're just prolonging the inevitable!"
Gu Zhong clenched his fists tighter.
Despite his relentless efforts, there seemed to be no positive outcome. It felt like he was letting down Teacher Luke, who had invested so much time and effort in his training.
Gu Zhong's eyes welled up with tears, but with so many people watching, he stood there awkwardly on the stage.
"You've already lost; why are you still on the stage?" a student shouted from the audience.
Sven announced the next participant with a furrowed brow.
At that moment, a comforting hand rested on Gu Zhong's shoulder.
Gu Zhong looked up in surprise.
Luke patted his shoulder gently and pointed to Torkoal, who was limping and slowly making its way towards them. Luke smiled softly and said, "People who work hard may not always succeed, but Pokémon will never let them down."
With a reassuring pat on his shoulder, Luke added, "I'm here for this victory."