Thursday, September 9.
After a three-day trip, Luke boarded a plane and headed back to the Orient region. In his possession, he had a 200k check and the [Blue Flute] hanging around Haunter's chest.
In the cabin, Growlithe was sticking his face to the window, standing on his hind legs, and wagging his tail. Luke couldn't help but wonder why he had a Pokémon in first class. Without a doubt, the air ticket could be reimbursed!
Curious about a Pokémon with its head out the window, Luke opened the group chat and mentioned everyone.
Teacher Luke: Does anyone have a Growlithe breeding guide? I've got one here, and it's showing signs of being high-spirited!
Blue was slightly surprised: "Have you started practicing your tactical siege again?"
Like the previous Perish Song Squad, Teacher Luke had reassembled a team with a Gengar. This time, he was practicing his own siege tactics, and he was using Arcanine for training.
Luke looked at Growlithe, "No, it's Growlithe's Ability; it has Intimidate."
Blue touched his chin, deep in thought. "I see… I'll create a plan for you, and you can adjust it according to the situation."
Luke happily agreed, "No worries, I trust your expertise!"
As the grandson of Professor Oak and known as 'The Breeder,' Blue was undoubtedly a reliable senior.
Gold chimed in: "Crystal also has an Arcanine; I'll ask her for you."
Green added, "Teacher Luke, hurry up and come buy a Fire Stone. We're offering a 20% discount!"
Luke couldn't help but feel his mouth twitching. Why would he need to buy a Fire Stone from them when he had Steven, who was a collector of such stones? Besides, he still owed Steven a debt.
He considered his options for a moment, muttering to himself, "If worst comes to worst, I can always borrow an Eternal Evolution Stone from Red."
Brock, squinting in thought, pointed out, "Pokémon evolved using evolution stones can learn most of their moves before evolving. This way, breeding costs can be significantly reduced."
Teacher Luke agreed, "You're right; I was thinking the same thing."
Brock, who usually kept his emotions in check, actually smiled.
In reality, Brock had developed this practical theory due to his own humble background. Luke's idea resonated with him, and he nodded slowly. This might be the silent understanding shared by men.
Luke received the breeding information about Arcanine from Crystal, sent by Gold.
[The file 'Arcanine's Breeding Manual' has been received]
Luke was touched by this kind gesture, "Thank you, Gold!"
Gold shrugged it off, "It's no big deal."
"When you evolve into an Arcanine, we can have a showdown with my Exbo," Gold suggested.
Luke gazed at the sky, considering the current timeline and game data. Red's Snorlax was probably at level 90 or higher, while Gold's Exbo had Elite Four level strength.
Unfathomable encounters with old rivals made Luke sigh silently, "Next time for sure!"
Once back home, Haunter donned an apron and started cleaning the room. Luke placed a curious Growlithe on the floor and rested his hands on his hips.
"Well… it seems like I'll have to find some time to build a kennel."
Growlithe took a firm step forward, sniffed the ground, and a grin spread across its face.
"ao wu (＾ω＾)!"
It seemed to relish the scent of its new home.
Sylveon approached the exercise wheel gracefully, flames flickering in its eyes.
"Vui~!" (I'm starting to lose weight!)
"Oh, don't worry, we'll have supper later. You can play for a bit now," Luke said casually.
"Vui~..."
Sylveon immediately settled down, flowing onto the carpet like a liquid and letting out a lazy yawn.
Tomorrow... well, tomorrow wouldn't be too late!
Luke entered the kitchen to prepare tonight's dinner.
"It's perfect timing since we have a new member... time to update the video," Luke mused.
He turned on the camera, entering his 'cooking mode.' As he carefully washed his hands and arranged his kitchen utensils, he seemed like a culinary master, as if an Azure Dragon hovered over him.
"Today's recipe is... a Kalos classic, the Burgundy Red Wine Beef Stew!"
This dish was considered to be Elite Four Siebold's signature dish, requiring specific ingredients like Kentro's grain and wine from a particular region.
However, the budget-conscious Teacher Luke had to make do with ordinary ingredients, making up for it with his culinary skill and seasoning.
He took out beautifully cut beef shanks, patted them dry, and evenly brushed honey on the surface. The butter sizzled in the pot as the steak was fried, releasing a delightful aroma, and the surface gradually turned saffron.
He added carrots and onions as ingredients and stewed them with the steak, along with spices like thyme and Bayleef slices. The mixture was completed with the addition of red wine, and the saucepan was placed in a preheated oven. The stew required at least three hours to cook.
Once the video was edited, it would be too late to release it tonight.
Luke nodded with satisfaction as the scent from the simmering stew grew richer.
Suddenly, his concentration was shattered.
Kang Dang!
The sound of a falling cup echoed through the house.
Luke emerged from his room, his heart pounding.
Ten minutes earlier, Growlithe had sat obediently on the sofa, looking around. Seeing everyone occupied, it started to feel restless.
"Jie jie~!"
Haunter levitated closer and patted Growlithe's head, chuckling. It was part of its job to help new members fit into the group.
"Ao wu?" Growlithe tilted its head in confusion.
Haunter grinned, and a Substitute emerged from its body, flying around in the air.
Growlithe opened its mouth in astonishment, watching the figure pass by. Sylveon gracefully landed, flicked its ribbon, and effortlessly pierced the Substitute.
"Jie jie~! (*⊙~⊙)"
Haunter chewed on a Pokéblock to regain its energy and invited Growlithe to join in the fun.
Wanna play together?
"Ao wu!"
Growlithe grinned and nodded enthusiastically.
The four of them frolicked and played, with Growlithe at the heart of the excitement.
When Luke looked at the footprints on the wall, the broken sofa, and the damaged floor, his heart sank.
He wondered what had happened to the previously docile Growlithe. How had it managed to cause all this chaos on its very first day at home?
Luke gazed at the exuberant Growlithe and had mixed feelings.
This was indeed the rightful heir of Husky.
The little fellows stopped when they saw Luke and looked at him sheepishly. A somewhat tense atmosphere hung in the room for a while.
But for some reason, Luke couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"You guys are something else," he exclaimed.
Luke sighed and said, "Haunter, the renovation expenses will be deducted from your salary."
"Jie jie~!" Haunter laughed and nodded proudly.
Growlithe, who had just become a little stiff, wagged its tail happily.
Luke spoke with a wry smile, "Alright, let's clean up and get ready for dinner."
"Vui~!"
Sylveon leaped into the air and threw itself into Luke's arms, blinking its vibrant blue eyes.
"What are you up to?"
Luke was momentarily stunned, then he realized what was going on and lifted Sylveon onto the table.
...
The steak was richly colored and soaked in the deep-red sauce, exuding a mouthwatering aroma.
"Don't move your lips; I'm recording this," Luke instructed as he set up the camera.
"Ao wu..." Growlithe was taken aback, shyly shaking its ears.
Haunter, with a napkin draped over itself, held a knife and fork, expertly slicing the steak.
"Uirt~!" Squirtle looked at Luke and nodded cautiously.
Luke was lost in the delectable flavors of the beef. The beef dish, with its deep red wine broth and flavorful spices, was like a beautiful, mature woman.
He mused to himself, "Next time, we should try a dual dish."
Ka-ching!
Luke was abruptly startled when he noticed that Growlithe had bitten a plate in half!
"Ao wu?"
With soup on its face, Growlithe looked up, its eyes filled with understanding.
Luke's feelings were complex. It was just a dinner, and yet all his Pokémon seemed to be learning the move Bite.
Glancing at the camera, Luke muttered, "I always feel there's new content!"