Squirtle's "Torrent" condition remained in effect until the end of the game.
The remaining Raichu and Ludicolo from the University of Communications also met their doom.
Ludicolo was the primary damage dealer for the Rain Dance team, and Fake Out was an excellent support move. However, Squirtle deftly dodged Ludicolo's sparkling Energy Ball with a sliding move, leaped towards Ludicolo's lily pad crown, and seized the opportunity to land a critical hit.
"Teacher Luke can also land critical hits?????"
"Who are you again?"
Thunder Hill followed a similar pattern. Squirtle avoided Raichu's Thunderbolt with a well-timed Dig and then sent Raichu flying into a billboard in the stands with a powerful Headbutt…
Luke responded with a grin, "I can't help but feel that learning Skull Bash is just around the corner."
As Raichu was defeated, the stadium erupted with applause.
"Three opponents in one go, why does Squirtle still look untouched?"
"Well, it just appears that way. After all, it only activated Torrent a moment ago."
"That makes sense…"
Squirtle's remarkable performance inspired the rest of the Magic University team, who delivered outstanding performances in the team competition. Amidst the cheers and shouts, the commentator announced:
"The final spot has been claimed!"
"Congratulations to Magic City University!"
Flags waved on both sides of the stadium, and the cheers threatened to bring the roof down. Pokémon battles had rarely attracted so much attention, even in the Youth Cup.
As the hot topic of discussion, Teacher Luke took Squirtle to the Pokémon Center after the match.
…
Despite having no serious injuries, Squirtle was insistent on having its shell wrapped in layers of bandages.
"uirt~! (≖ᴗ≖)✧"
Covered in bandages like a mummy, Squirtle nodded in satisfaction.
Luke raised an eyebrow. Was it really necessary to be this cautious for just a few shell bruises?
At that moment, Squirtle's eyes were drawn to a nearby convenience store.
"uirt~!"
Squirtle pointed towards a shelf with deep, purple eyes filled with eager anticipation.
Following its gaze, Luke spotted the elegantly packaged Super Potions.
Luke found it curious. This time it was an upgrade from Top Rank Potions. But considering the more serious injuries this time, it made sense.
He sighed and waved to the salesperson at the convenience store.
"Pack up everything for me!"
The salesperson was astonished. "Everything? All of it?"
Luke gave them a stern look. "Is there a problem?"
The salesperson, now excited, swiftly removed the Super Potions from the shelf, packaged them, and handed them over to Luke. Then, the salesperson bowed deeply.
"Thank you for your patronage!"
Luke took a look at the bill and realized he had spent quite a bit. He left a 50,000 yuan deposit and shook his head as he looked at Squirtle's joyous expression.
"As long as you don't start hoarding Revival Herbs and Max Revives, we're good!"
…
That night, at the Budew Hotel.
The entire varsity team gathered in Teacher Luke's room to play cards and enthusiastically discuss the morning's game.
"That turtle is incredibly powerful!"
Torkoal, who was sitting quietly in a corner, was struck on the head by Sylveon, causing it to gaze up in confusion.
"Sorry," Wright said, scratching his head. "I meant Squirtle."
Torkoal's face fell.
"Let's give it our best tomorrow," Luke said with a smile. "You're the star player of the Sun Team."
Torkoal lifted its head, eyes gleaming with renewed determination.
Angela Shen added, "Teacher Luke, you might even compete for the MVP in tomorrow's game."
Luke stroked his chin, deep in thought for a moment.
Originally, his plan was to casually participate in the game, as he was mainly here to relax and enjoy fishing. However, now that they've made it to the finals, he couldn't just be a bystander; it wasn't his style. Even though the personal prize is 2 million yuan and a Mystic Water, he found the prize a bit too trivial. The main goal is to bring glory to Magic University.
"I'll give it my all," Luke coughed lightly, affirming his commitment.
At that moment, Coach Zhai Wenyao knocked on the door and entered the room.
"Luke, do you remember the move I mentioned last time?" Coach Zhai said with a smile. "I discussed it with the former Principal, and we think the move 'Iron Defense' is highly suitable for your Squirtle."
"Iron Defense can boost its defense by two stages, combined with its Withdraw ability, it can turn Squirtle into an impregnable fortress."
Luke seemed puzzled. He had a nagging feeling that Squirtle had already learned Iron Defense, and this move was all about beefing up defense points.
He weakly inquired, "But what's the cost of training Iron Defense?"
"It's not an expensive move at all. All it takes is training your Pokémon to enhance their defensive capabilities," Coach Zhai explained. "Gu Zhong's Torkoal learned it easily with your Eevee as the sparring partner."
Gu Zhong, with an innocent smile, scratched his head in gratitude.
Luke paused for a moment. The training seemed to involve taking hits, which Squirtle had endured a lot of today. He glanced at Squirtle, still bandaged, and Sylveon, who appeared quite displeased.
He thought it over and decided it was time for Sylveon to step into the limelight.
"I've got this," Luke nodded with determination. "I'll make sure we win."
…
On Thursday, September 17th, the finals of the college league kicked off in Phoenix Nest. Helicopters hovered above the venue, and numerous media outlets covered the event.
A male reporter from the Magic City Evening News glanced at his prepared questions for the game and mumbled to himself, "Teacher Luke is here at the Youth Cup for leveling up... it certainly matches his style."
The stadium was packed with tens of thousands of spectators, predominantly supporters of both Capital and Magic University. They wore team uniforms in the respective colors of red and blue, and the cheers from both sides echoed like a tidal wave.
"Go, Magic University!"
"Capital University is going for its fourth consecutive championship!"
While Luke's fanbase wasn't as vast as Pokémon Academy's, all the Magic University supporters knew that this year, their university had given rise to a formidable Trainer: Luke, a second-year student from Magic City University.
Both teams made their entrance, accompanied by flashing spotlights and deafening cheers.
The enthusiastic commentator announced, "Welcome to the finals of the Orient Conference College League!"
"Magic University and Capital University, two prestigious institutions with a century of history, are about to begin the final match."
"Stay tuned to see who emerges victorious!"
In the guest seating area, the two former principals of Magic University and Capital University were in attendance. They were joined by the Imperial Capital's Dragon Type Gym Leader, Ji Shiyin, and Orient's Master Trainer, Tu Yong.
Ji Shiyin, a relatively young woman with long, flowing blue hair, appeared pale and delicate. Du Yuanshan, his hair floating as if charged with electricity, playfully teased Sun Huaian, who was seated nearby.
"You know," Du Yuanshan said with a hearty laugh, "you said the same thing back in 2009 at the Orient Conference, and we still managed to grab second place!"
Sun Huaian replied coldly, "It doesn't matter if we win or not. I'm mostly here to see how embarrassed you'll get."
Du Yuanshan continued to chuckle, while Sun Huaian remained silent. Ji Shiyin and Tu Yong, being more reserved individuals, fixed their gaze on the bustling center of the stadium. It was clear that the grand finals had commenced.