Luke and Zhai Wenyao waited outside the house for quite some time.
"Coach, do you think the Pokémon at the Magic University Breeding House is strong?" Luke asked with a hint of concern.
"It's not just about strength," Zhai Wenyao pondered before responding. "There's been a study that shows different Breeding Houses and regions tend to produce Pokémon with different personalities. These personalities often align with the local environment and traditions, creating unique traits. Add to that the specialized breeding techniques... That's why some Breeding Houses gain a certain reputation."
Luke was taken aback for a moment and then asked, "So, what's the characteristic of Pokémon at Magic University's Breeding House?"
"Battle prowess!" Zhai Wenyao said with a touch of pride. "Infernape, Swellow, Houndoom... Magic University's Breeding House is renowned for producing exceptional combat-oriented Pokémon throughout the Orient!"
Luke raised an eyebrow in surprise, wondering why Zhai Wenyao hadn't mentioned this earlier. If he had known, he might have reconsidered his choice.
"If you had told me earlier, I might not have stayed here for half an hour!" Luke thought to himself, feeling a bit frustrated.
Just as Luke was lost in thought, Grandma Wu came out with her cane and a warm smile.
"Luke, you've been given the green light. Come and choose your Pokémon!"
The old Principal of Magic University trusted Grandma Wu's judgment. If she had taken a liking to a Trainer, offering one of the Three Initial Starters was seen as an investment in the future.
However, young Teacher Luke was still unaware of this, holding onto the naive idea of choosing only a Slowpoke. This would turn out to be a tragic mistake!
Following Grandma Wu, Luke walked to another small garden, where the fragrance of Berries was more pronounced. It seemed that rare Berry Trees were cultivated here.
"Sitrus Berry, Lum Berry, Razz Berry..." Luke muttered the names of the passing Berries but suddenly stopped. "Even a precious Ganlon Berry?!"
Luke couldn't help but marvel at the sight of so many valuable Berries. To him, they were all like shiny banknotes.
Grandma Wu noticed Luke's interest and commented with a smile, "I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable about Berries."
Luke replied modestly, "I know a little bit here and there."
Berry experts tend to recognize each other, and Luke's knowledge, coupled with his [Pokéblock Craft Lv5], impressed Grandma Wu even more.
They reached a rocky area where a Tepig was roaring and causing the ground to shake. Luke was taken aback as the Tepig smashed rocks to pieces with a powerful tackle, its rage evident.
Luke hesitated and said, "Grandma Wu, I don't think this one suits me..."
Grandma Wu nodded and pointed to a bruised Cyndaquil nearby. "Take a look at this one. Although it's still inexperienced, it has a strong personality and the Flash Fire Characteristic Trait. When it evolves into Typhlosion, Drought becomes the core of the Sunny Day system."
Luke imagine how Cyndaquil had accidentally set the house on fire and sighed, shaking his head.
Wu Grandma also sighed and said, "It's a bit late now. If you had come earlier, I could have introduced you to a Chimchar."
Luke's expression changed. Fire-type Pokémon were known for their explosive and passionate personalities. If they resembled Ash's first Pokémon, Charizard, it would be a handful.
Luke cleared his throat and said, "Grandma Wu, I don't think Fire-types are suitable for me."
Fire-types and his calm demeanor didn't quite match.
Grandma Wu nodded in understanding and led Luke to a lush Berry forest. There, a Turtwig was displaying its strength by creating a commotion with Bulldoze, sending vibrations in all directions.
"Chespin used a Pin Missile!" The Chespin jumped up and launched a barrage of attacks at the Turtwig, causing the ground to shake even more.
Luke's expression became complicated. The Pokémon at the Magic University Breeding House seemed to have strong and fiery personalities, making his choice even more difficult.
"Why are they all Three Initial Starters?" Luke asked with a perplexed smile. "Isn't there a Pokémon with a more laid-back personality?"
Wu Grandma chuckled and said, "Oh, you want a Pokémon to raise from scratch!"
Luke understood the implication. These Three Initial Starters were undoubtedly strong, but their temperaments might not align with his style. Grandma Wu seemed to approve of his choice.
Grandma Wu was pleased with Luke's discernment. "You have a good eye for these things!"
Luke sighed, realizing that Pokémon selection had become unexpectedly challenging.
Moreover, it appeared that Grandma Wu had her own unique taste, as she seemed to favor strong and spirited Pokémon.
I'm truly embarrassed by the great reputation of Teacher Luke!
"Let me think... Water Type might be suitable. Let me show you one."
Grandma Wu led Luke to a nearby stream, where the soothing sound of flowing water provided a refreshing atmosphere.
Luke surveyed his surroundings, spotting a Froakie diligently training its Bubble technique while casting a somewhat cold glance in their direction.
Honestly, Luke had a soft spot for Pokémon like Froakie. Establishing a bond with it might even lead to some kind of future "backstab" connection. However, Luke was aware that he wasn't the main character, and his self-professed connection might not amount to anything.
Furthermore, Froakie's cold demeanor might not align well with Luke's personality.
Luke sighed and commented, "Grandma Wu , the Pokémon here at the Breeding House are truly exceptional."
Wu Grandma smiled and replied, "You certainly have a way with words."
Suddenly, Luke's attention was captivated by a turtle shell resting on a rock in the river. The brown tortoise shell exuded a sense of security, making it seem impervious to any mishap—even when placed at home.
While other Pokémon were busy with their training, this one enjoyed a carefree slumber, appearing content and relaxed. Curled up in its shell, it embraced its scumbag nature, choosing not to engage in the world's affairs.
Luke was suddenly overcome with emotion, his eyes welling up with tears. Could this be... the Squirtle he had been searching for all along?
His hands trembling with excitement, Luke opened his system's Pokémon Pokédex and scanned the creature. The joy that washed over him was overwhelming.
[Squirtle, Water Type
Characteristic Trait: Torrent
Gender: ♂
Moves: Tackle, Water Gun, Withdraw, Rapid Spin]
Look at its innocuous moveset!
Admire its scumbag demeanor!
No backstabbing tendencies, and no risk of tearing down the house. This was the Pokémon of his dreams!
Luke took a deep breath, pointed at the turtle shell, and exclaimed, "Grandma Wu, this is the Pokémon I want!"
Grandma Wu paused, following the direction of Luke's finger. She seemed somewhat hesitant, as if not entirely satisfied. She felt the need to confirm once more, "Are you certain... that you want this Squirtle?"
"You can choose the other Three Initial Starters if you want. Take your time to consider..."
Luke grinned and replied confidently, "No need, I've made up my mind to choose this Squirtle!"
Backstabbers might be common, but true scumbags were a rare find. Scumbag at the Magic University Breeding House was not an opportunity to be taken lightly.
Grandma Wu examined both Luke and Squirtle once more, then finally made her decision with determination.
"Well... then it is!"
Simultaneously, Squirtle, who had been hiding in its shell, detected their presence with its keen senses and opened its eyes swiftly. In those calm eyes, a glimmer of understanding shone through.
I've concealed myself so well...
But I've been discovered?