Gazing at the monitor screen, both Xena and the receptionist were left in a state of bewilderment.
"You're kidding me," Xena stammered.
"We did anticipate something like this," the receptionist replied with a smile.
"Last time, Mr. Luke did defeat the Gym Leader Tang Hui's team," receptionist added.
"But..."
"jie jie~" (What are you two whispering?)
Haunter floated out and, as a supervisor, cast a suspicious glance in their direction.
The two women exchanged glances and immediately bowed, saying, "We'll be on our way!"
"Take care, Mr. Luke!" they chimed in unison.
Teacher Luke froze in place.
I've never seen these two so eager before!
Haunter nodded gravely, holding a bottle of Coke in each hand, and floated out of the battle club.
With a slightly flushed face, Erika stood on her tiptoes and whispered to Luke's ear, "Teacher Luke... Is there a restaurant nearby?"
The scent of food wafted through the air, but Luke remained composed and nodded.
After a morning flight followed by battles, he was starting to feel hungry.
Luke couldn't help but grin.
Finally, an opportunity to treat the guest had presented itself!
"I'll prepare dinner," Luke declared.
"Card, cash, and mobile transfer are all accepted!"
As the sun began to set, Erika, clad in her kimono, walked gracefully through the twilight with her hands folded in front of her skirt.
Luke delved into deep thought.
Recapping the events of the day, he was initially hit by Erika's [Energy Ball] Secret Records and then handed a job offer with an annual salary of 3 million.
Teacher Luke stroked his chin, taking his contemplation seriously.
While the salary was tempting, it was still far from settling his debts. However, gaining a year of experience could be a stepping stone to exploring the global gaming market. Moreover, being closer to Sinnoh would enable him to visit Cynthia more often...
"But that's not the main point," Luke mumbled to himself. "I'm mostly excited about experiencing the culture in Kanto!"
...
"What would you like for dinner?" Luke inquired as they arrived back home.
Erika rested her cheek on her hand, pondering for a moment before replying, "Anything will do."
"In that case, I'll whip something up," Luke said with a determined look.
With leftover chicken soup from yesterday, he could easily prepare a rice bowl. If it didn't suit Erika's taste, he had enough Berries to even appease a Pokémon as formidable as Hoopa!
In the living room, Haunter held up his notebook containing [Energy Ball] notes, seeking Erika's input.
"jie jie~?" Haunter pointed to a row of small print in the notebook with a serious expression.
Erika was taken aback.
Why can Teacher Luke's Pokémon train themselves?
Even Red's Pokémon didn't seem to possess this innate talent. Was this an exclusive training method?
Observing Haunter's studious demeanor, Erika, as a teacher herself, became intrigued.
"In summary, the key points for mastering Energy Ball are somewhat similar to those for Shadow Ball..." Erika explained seriously, retrieving a pair of thin-framed glasses from her bag and putting them on.
"Though it may be somewhat challenging, you can give it a try..."
...
In the kitchen, Luke was startled.
This was Anticipation!
Suppressing the urge to dash out of the kitchen, Luke chuckled nervously, "Haha, Erika is indeed reliable. Haunter wouldn't pick up new moves so quickly..."
Ka-chak!
It sounded like the wall had cracked.
Erika's exclamation echoed from the living room, "This progress is astonishing!"
"jie jie~! Ｏ(≧▽≦)〇"
Eevee lay sprawled on the sofa, watching the crack in the wall with curiosity.
Could it be... Could I ask Haunter about the use of Shadow Ball?
Since both are projectile moves, Shadow Ball and Energy Ball should have similar mechanics.
And Eevee could also learn Shadow Ball.
Eevee, licking its paw, hunkered down and fixed its gaze on the crack in the wall.
Master... Please consider my request.
It's alright if you don't agree.
"vui~!"
I can mimic Haunter and practice with it!
"What's going on here?"
Luke cautiously emerged from the kitchen, bowl in hand, and was met with a surprising sight: spiderweb-like cracks all over the wall.
Taking a deep breath, he asked, "What happened?"
Erika's cheeks still bore a faint blush, and she cleared her throat, saying, "Haunter's innate ability... is quite rare among the students I've taught."
"I merely had it attempt to gather energy," Erika added, glancing at Haunter, who wore an unmistakable air of triumph. "Unexpectedly, its progress has been astonishing. Truly remarkable!"
"jie jie~! (*≧▽≦)"
Teacher Luke looked bewildered.
I know you're a quick learner...
But you don't have to demonstrate it every time so dramatically!
"My apologies, it was my lack of restraint," Erika said, her face still tinged with red. "But... teaching such a talented student is truly inspiring!"
Luke:? ? ?
You're clearly smiling!
"I lost control of myself," Erika admitted, her face flushing slightly. "It's just that... being able to instruct such an exceptional student fills me with delight!"
Luke watched Erika closely, then sighed.
I have a feeling... that you're secretly pleased that my house got damaged.
As expected, the Gym Leader of Celadon City is a prankster!
Luke took out his cell phone and dialed a familiar number.
"Yes, it's about rebuilding the villa again. I'd appreciate your assistance..."
"Haunter's innate ability is quite exceptional."
After ending the call, Erika suggested with a gentle smile, "If you combine some rare Berries, Energy Ball's training will progress even faster."
Luke froze momentarily, his eyes sparkling.
Berries should be obtainable through this system!
Luke: "Yes, there's one more thing."
Erika requested a pen and leaned over to jot down a list of Berries. Teacher Luke nodded frequently.
Grass-types are indeed a friend to the budget-conscious; this cost is much more reasonable than Shadow Ball!
"vui~..." Suddenly, Eevee leaped onto Luke's shoulder and let out a pitiful whimper.
"Why are you looking at me like that? You can't practice Energy Ball," Luke remarked nonchalantly.
"But Eevee can learn Shadow Ball," Erika chimed in. "This way, it can train with Haunter."
"vui~! (≧ω≦)" Eevee displayed its adorable head, its eyes shining.
Teacher Luke and Squirtle were both taken aback.
The tension in the room was palpable; you two need to learn new moves, when will the turtle get his turn!
Luke was filled with deep regret.
Why did I agree to pick up Erika at the airport?
This woman clearly harbors ulterior motives!
Casting a glance at the tearful Squirtle, Luke trembled and muttered, "Do you recognize me, Squirtle?"
"uirt~!" Squirtle choked back its emotions and nodded.
Luke sighed.
In the end, it's just the two of us who are scoundrels, Squirtle!
...
Dinner was a disguised Bibimbap.
The delightful chicken soup jelly was generously poured over steaming Pearl rice, and as it mingled with the heat, it created a rich broth. Combined with scrambled eggs and taken in hearty spoonfuls, it made for a satisfying meal.
"I'll start," Erika said, joining her palms and delicately raising her chopsticks.
She then proceeded to eat with utmost grace and refinement, never once lowering her bowl.
The delectable broth grazed her taste buds, the chicken soup dissolved with each bite, and the scrambled eggs contributed a meat-like satisfaction...
Erika felt as though the warmth from the soup was permeating every inch of her body, coursing through her veins like a comforting current.
Luke coughed lightly, breaking Erika's trance, and said, "It's 50 Pokédollars per bowl."
Setting her bowl down, Erika extended her tongue to capture a stray grain of rice at the corner of her mouth. Blushing profusely, she concealed her face with her sleeve.
Without further ado, she presented her empty bowl with both hands and, still blushing, said, "I'll have another bowl, if you please!"
"Your hospitality is truly exceptional," Teacher Luke remarked with a confident nod.
Another 50 Pokédollars closer to paying off my debts!