Luke buried his face in his hands, overwhelmed by sorrow.
He slumped onto the sofa, a heavy sense of hopelessness engulfing him.
It was as though I could see another set of houses sprouting wings and soaring away right before my eyes.
Green's proposal only exacerbated the already dire situation for struggling families.
Luke released a long, drawn-out sigh.
"There are only three Pokémon, and it seems I'm nearly out of options..."
"Am I truly a competent Trainer, or have I failed miserably?" Luke pondered aloud.
Reject any entanglements; it's all a facade.
One can gauge the level of prosperity within the Trainer profession.
However, Squirtle, like Eevee and Haunter, had also become a part of Luke's extended family.
Should he truly ignore Squirtle, Luke knew he'd carry a sense of guilt.
Furthermore...
As long as Teacher Luke put in diligent effort to earn a living, he believed he would eventually free himself from poverty and achieve affluence.
...
Luke made a call to the WILD Group.
Having spent over 10 million customizing Eevee's power anklet support in the past, he had acquired a lifetime VIP card.
VIP meant he could pay in installments, with only a 100,000 down payment.
Luke clenched his teeth, retrieved the money he had won from Cynthia the previous night, and covered the down payment.
"The game should be credited next month," Luke mumbled.
"Why does this feel like a point of no return..."
In the afternoon, a logistics company delivered the items to Luke's residence.
The person in charge, dressed impeccably, addressed him with respect, saying:
"You have remarkable insight. The Trainers who place orders with us are seasoned professionals!"
Luke was taken aback.
"I've only been here twice..."
"If there's a second time, there will definitely be a third," the manager happily proclaimed.
"Your presence exudes authority, as if you were born for championship."
"Whenever you place an order in the future, I'll extend a 10% discount!"
Abruptly, Luke shut the door and instructed, "Haunter, see our guest off!"
Despite being ignored, the manager persisted and continued shouting outside the door:
"You can even enjoy a 20% discount! Let's negotiate!"
Gritting his teeth, Luke placed the delivery on the coffee table.
"There will absolutely not be a next time... I swear on Eevee's roller!"
"Vui~?!"
Eevee leaped up, attempting to reach Luke, but Luke easily caught it by the back of its neck.
"You still have much to learn," Luke remarked with a triumphant smile.
"Vui~! (〃＞目＜)"
Observing Luke reaching for the delivery again, Haunter, followed by Fragrance, approached.
"Jie jie~! (¯﹃¯)"
Squirtle also joined the gathering.
Although it was new to the scene, it didn't seem prepared.
Yet, Squirtle couldn't hide its curiosity.
"Don't be surprised; this is for you," Luke assured Squirtle.
"Uirt~?!" Squirtle appeared taken aback.
"Both your big brother and your big sister have received gifts; now it's your turn."
Luke began to unwrap the package, revealing an elegant wooden box that emitted a refreshing aura.
Inside, a small glass bottle contained 5 ml of Mystic Water, its water gleaming beautifully.
It was said that naturally formed solid Mystic Water fetched a hefty price, starting at a minimum of six figures.
A shiver ran down Luke's spine.
The remaining items included Water Stone powder and a water gem used to enhance water quality, all of which would be beneficial for Squirtle's growth.
"Uirt~..."
Squirtle's eyes widened, momentarily unsure of how to react.
"Jie jie~!" Haunter chuckled, gently nudging Squirtle forward.
Squirtle glanced up at Luke, then sheepishly scratched its head.
"Uirt~ ⁄(⁄⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄⁄)⁄"
foolish blush.jpg
A blush colored its cheeks.
Luke offered a warm smile.
Building a bond with Pokémon often meant living up to their expectations.
Haunter's Dusk Stone and Eevee's power anklet support share a similar sentiment...
They are all part of the same family, and treating Squirtle unfairly would go against their nature.
Despite the suspicion of excessiveness...
But, after all, isn't it a debt of six million?
My Teacher Luke can surely handle it!
"I've purchased these items, hoping that it will peacefully reside in the fish tank at night..."
Luke mumbled, "I've really gone through some trouble!"
Squirtle's eyes glistened with moisture.
Even at the Magic University Breeding House, it didn't feel as warmly embraced as it does now.
Despite being scolded by its older sister...
Squirtle understands that it's all part of helping it toughen up quickly.
And as for Haunter... it's teaching Squirtle about the harsh realities of the world, urging it to act more cautiously.
Even though the boss might seem stingy, he went out of his way to buy such a precious gift...
"Uirt~! (ㄒoㄒ)~~"
I must put in my best effort too!
...
Luke poured Mystic Water into the basin and scattered the water gems on the bottom.
The water sparkled like a multicolored gem at the base of a fish tank.
It's worth mentioning that it's just an ordinary square basin, making it resemble a fish tank even more...
Squirtle carefully circled the basin twice, testing the water's temperature with its paw.
Then, it flipped over the edge of the basin, immersed itself in the crystal-clear liquid, and let out a contented sigh.
"Uirt~! (o≖◡≖)"
It blew out a couple of bubbles and then settled at the bottom of the basin.
This is pure bliss!
According to Green, this concoction can enhance Squirtle's affinity with its Water-type, thereby boosting the power of its Water-type moves.
However, this is secondary.
More importantly, it aids in healing Squirtle's injuries.
Tapping on the fish tank, Luke whispered:
"Becoming stronger is undoubtedly important, but sometimes, it's worth taking a risk to recover from an injury."
Squirtle's determination was somewhat different from that of Haunter and Eevee.
Haunter possesses a strong sense of self-discipline.
Eevee aims to build a strong bond.
Squirtle, on the other hand, has a cautious disposition and an intense sense of persecution, which drives it to continuously enhance its strength.
This might be a result of the fierce competition environment at the Magic University Breeding House...
However, in this new setting, Squirtle doesn't need to be so guarded.
"With me around, no one can harm you," Luke reassured with a smile.
"Just pursue your desires!"
Squirtle poked its head out of its shell, pressed its face against the basin's glass, and released a series of bubbles.
"Uirt~ ヾ(⌐■_■) "
Squirtle nodded in earnest.
Its willingness to follow Luke stems from Luke recognizing its potential.
This is the gratitude of being understood and acknowledged.
Demonstrating its worth to Luke is what Squirtle truly aspires to do.
Despite the world's dangers...
As long as it continues to grow steadfastly, it can undoubtedly fulfill its master's wish!
Luke's genuine sentiments transmitted an aura to Squirtle.
Squirtle narrowed its eyes, a glint of determination flickering within them.
Your noble vision, I will realize it on my own!