After calming down, Teacher Luke regarded the matter with solemnity.
Agatha's Ghost-Type Elite Secret Records included techniques for Double Team and Dream Eater. In terms of practicality and significance, these records were legendary, akin to Koga's "Toxic Experience." However, Teacher Luke felt a complex mix of emotions.
I don't actually need these things!
With a cautious tone, Luke inquired, "What's the total cost for all of this?"
Blue took a moment to ponder before responding, "For Grandma Agatha's Gengar, the breeding cost is around 50 million, not too much."
Luke found it rather strange. An Elite Gengar for only 50 million was not only reasonably priced but even quite affordable. Yet, an inexplicable discomfort gnawed at his chest.
Luke sank back onto the couch, using his hand to restrain Growlithe's overexcitement.
Rubbing the dog's head with a tinge of annoyance, Luke muttered, "I feel better now."
"Ao wu (O_o)?"
Upon further reflection, these were just small expenses. The energy invested in one's career would eventually yield returns. Furthermore, once Gengar learned Double Team, there might be more part-time job opportunities.
And so, Ghost-Type Elite Agatha's Secret Records was officially added to Gengar's extensive textbook collection.
Gengar eagerly accepted the textbook, and his expression shifted from bewilderment to surprise, and then to excitement. With a wide grin, he extended his long, scarlet tongue toward Luke.
Luke leaned aside, coughed lightly, and said, "Remember to get some rest... Work and rest should go hand in hand."
Gengar nodded, smiling with bared teeth.
During his rest, he would head to the Magic City Gym for some challenges!
On October 10th, a Thursday morning, Teacher Luke was awakened by the sound of rolling wheels, "oh la la," filling the room.
Running his fingers through his disheveled hair, Luke made his way to the living room, where he found Sylveon gracefully prancing around on its snowy white limbs.
Well, the key to a productive day lies in a good morning.
Yawning, Luke commented, "First, we should have breakfast; otherwise, you'll have no energy to lose weight."
"Vui~..." Sylveon was taken aback. This suggestion seemed to make sense!
Sylveon leaped down, gazing at the kitchen and gesturing with its ribbon, tilting its head, as if to say, "Then get cooking!"
"Am I a cook now?" Luke said, sighing and donning an apron.
He turned on the stove, ignited the flames, and set the pot in motion, producing the sizzling sound of oil.
The little Pokémon had a hunch that Teacher Luke's family may not be rich, but their dining conditions were always excellent. This might explain why the Engel coefficient hadn't taken a nosedive.
"Jie jie~ (￣～￣)", Gengar giggled as it nibbled on its bread, perusing Grandma Agatha's Secret Records with the utmost concentration. It was as if it were an eager high school student preparing for college entrance exams who didn't forget to study even during breakfast.
Gengar's daily schedule now included morning Psychic training, part-time work in the afternoon, and Double Team practice in the evening.
Luke's feelings about this transformation were indeed quite complicated. "This is quite demanding!"
He rubbed his chin and pondered, "Perhaps I should consider supplements for him."
Maybe Gengar's newfound sense of self-discipline could serve as an inspiration to the other members of the group.
In the afternoon, Squirtle, too, found it challenging to extricate itself from the house, and it followed Gengar to the club for training.
Despite having only joined recently, Growlithe also wanted to learn from Big brother and opted to complete a hundred or even a hundred and eighty laps around the field first.
The large house suddenly fell quiet, making Teacher Luke feel like an empty nest old man. Just when he was about to sigh, his attention was captured by Sylveon, which was napping.
"En?" Luke rubbed his chin.
No wonder you've gained weight, little Sylveon!
With Sylveon by his side, Teacher Luke's mood improved once again. He leaned down, burying his face in the soft, white fur on Sylveon's belly. The sensation was marvelous.
"So soft! And it smells so good!" Luke sighed contentedly.
After a while, he looked up and saw the flushed expression on Sylveon's face.
"Vui~!!! (ノ｀Д)ノ"
"No, don't... you mustn't use Iron Tail!"...
Magic City Gym.
One by one, Gengar's apprentices saw their Pokémon being taken down by Growlithe, who used Crunch.
Gengar stood before Gym Leader Tang Hui, tossing his Poké Ball with a cheeky grin. Beside him, Squirtle stood with caution, adjusting his sunglasses.
Tang Hui's mood was complicated. Gengar visit this gym every so often...
Am I weaker than the other Gym Leaders? But Tang Hui couldn't assess Gengar's true strength.
To be honest, even if he brought out his best Pokémon, Tang Hui wasn't confident in winning. Furthermore, there was Squirtle standing beside Gengar...
Tang Hui's expression was peculiar.
It was evident that Squirtle hadn't been harmed at all, so why was it spraying potions on the turtle shell incessantly?
Potions weren't free, were they?
Observing Gengar's cheerful grin, Tang Hui sighed, "I get it... Begin promptly, thank you."
"Jie jie~!" Gengar responded while shaking his finger, indicating that it wasn't his turn to challenge this time.
Tang Hui appeared puzzled, looking at Squirtle. "That's...," he began, directing his attention to the timid Squirtle.
"Uirt~," Squirtle mumbled, taking a half step back.
It seemed that Gym Leader Tang Hui had a formidable ace up his sleeve, and Squirtle was hesitant about taking the plunge.
"Let's fight Growlithe this time. Ha!" Tang Hui chuckled, rolling up his sleeves. "Don't underestimate me!"
He called out his Pokémon, saying, "Go, Swoobat!"
"Jie jie~!" Gengar responded with a mischievous glance.
Growlithe barked, its sharp fangs glinting as it lunged at Swoobat. With a crunch, Growlithe bit down on Swoobat's wing.
A loud thud followed as Swoobat plummeted to the ground, and Tang Hui found himself taken aback.
What just happened? In a matter of seconds?
What kind of Pokémon nutrition is Luke using?
Ten minutes later, Tang Hui, though surprised, retained his composure. Well... as long as I stay silent, no one can ridicule me!
Tang Hui pondered for a moment and stroked his chin. Even this Growlithe appears to possess the strength required for the regional championship.
If Luke were to join, it might add another champion from Magic City to the region.
"Oh, by the way," Tang Hui asked casually, "Has Luke signed up for the tournament yet?"
Gengar was pointing at Growlithe when he suddenly had a realization.
Could it be that he hasn't signed up yet?
Tang Hui looked slightly surprised. "The registration deadline is tomorrow!"
"Jie jie~?! Σ(° △°|||)︴" Gengar's expression revealed a sense of urgency.
Observing Gengar's reaction, Tang Hui nodded in understanding. "If he doesn't have time to sign up in person, I have a Gym Leader's invitation letter here, and he can complete the registration form..."
"Jie jie~! (Trouble you!)" Gengar responded gratefully.
Tang Hui had reservations. "Aren't you going to bring it back for Luke to fill out? What if he has no intention of participating?"
Gengar shook its head. No one understood Teacher Luke better than it did.
Becoming the Champion was more of a commitment for Teacher Luke than anyone else. Otherwise, why would he spend the entire night chatting with the Sinnoh Champion yesterday?
Becoming a Champion in the regional division was the first step toward becoming a Legendary Trainer. Gengar completed the registration form with Luke's name and glanced at it.
"Jie jie~!" it exclaimed.
Gengar patted his own shoulders, baring its teeth in a smile. It was all too easy to help alleviate the owner's burdens.
That's you, Gengar!