The company is currently responsible for the DLC production and subsequent development of three games. As it enters the field of online games, operations, maintenance, updates, etc., additional personnel will need to be recruited. Despite this, Teacher Luke remains confident in Oleana's abilities. With the company's affairs entrusted to Oleana, Luke began preparing for the regional conference.
"Be that as it may," Luke observed the scene indoors. Gengar was gearing up, Squirtle was doing push-ups, and Growlithe had a bewildered look. "It doesn't seem like anything to me at all," Luke whispered.
The Orient Region conference was set to hold a knock-out competition on October 15th in Magic City. As an invitational Seeded Contestant, Teacher Luke only needed to win one more game to advance to the top 64. While the title of reaching the top 64 sounded powerful, upon careful consideration, it wasn't as grand. The scarcity of Trainers and the varied strengths of the contestants made the top 64 achievement commendable.
Teacher Luke, upholding the heart of an apprentice, was satisfied with reaching the top 64. "Okay... Ready to go to the competition!" Luke checked the equipment and confirmed its correctness before heading to the Mercedes stadium.
At this time, a Crystal video call popped up. "Teacher Luke, I'll be in Magic City in the afternoon."
Crystal, with a large red and white hat, hair braided to the sides, and shorts with suspenders, resembled the mushroom in "Super Mario."
"No problem, I will pick you up this afternoon," Luke replied, suddenly taken aback. Was there any other arrangement this afternoon?
"I will send you the location later," Crystal informed. "Then I will trouble you!"
"Wait, wait a minute!" Crystal had already hung up before Luke could finish. Luke looked at Gengar, ready to go with a bag.
Well, it's a coincidence! There's a competition this afternoon!
Though the chance of winning the championship was unlikely, losing in the first round wouldn't be a big problem. Teacher Luke faced two choices. First, let Gengar pick up the plane, and Teacher Luke would lead the team. Second, Teacher Luke would pick up the plane, and Gengar would play in the knock-out competition. While Luke preferred the latter, it was not realistic.
Crystal had booked a ticket a week ago, and an accidental participation in the competition led to an itinerary conflict. Opening the chat page of Heaven Realm, Luke typed: "I'm going to participate in a competition this afternoon, Gengar will pick you up, and I made a pick-up card for it."
Crystal was a bit surprised. Could Teacher Luke's Gengar pick up the plane alone? Luke assured her, and Crystal replied, "No problem. I'll come over after the game."
Teacher Luke explained the pick-up plan to Gengar, who bowed his head in frustration. "No game to play, and I'm not happy~o(╥﹏╥)o." Luke patted Gengar's head. "Trump Card is always going to be the finale," he said.
"jie jie~!" Gengar regained his vitality again, earnestly nodded.
In order to be able to enter the finals…
During this period, we have to continue training everyone!
..............
In the stadium on October 15th, Thursday, the aerial camera captured the flags fluttering, the open-air dome, and the rising flames. The narrator on the big screen explained, "After three days of fierce competition, the top 128 contestants of this Orient Region Conference have been decided! Among them are top students from colleges and universities, experienced veterans, and Seeded Contestants invited by Gyms. Who will take the lead to get tickets to the top 64? Let's wait and see!"
The camera focused on a particularly handsome player, and the comments in the official live broadcast room flooded with remarks.
"Teacher Luke is here again to gather wool for the tournament bonus?"
"Can't we do something with people, even just a bit!"
"Who is this celebrity invited to help out?"
Luke was facing a Trainer Academy graduate student on the battlefield, who had achieved good results in the semi-finals of the college league (Baby Cup) and was currently returning from the Unova Alliance study tour. This Senior Sister with an apple face had a nervous flush.
"After battling, can I add you on WeChat?" Xiao Tong yelled.
Luke replied, "Speak louder; I can't hear you!"
"Um..." Xiao Tong blushed and hesitated for a long time before finally throwing out the Poké Ball in her hand. "Go, go, Combusken!"
The commentator's eyes lit up: "The Combusken with the 'Speed Boost' ability has a great advantage in speed!"
As Teacher Luke's Pokémon took the stage, the live broadcast room buzzed with excitement.
"Teacher Luke can still use Growlithe?!"
"Do you still dare to intimidate me?"
"So handsome!"
The majestic Growlithe, with its yellowish mane swaying in the wind, exuded an expert temperament. Fangs bared, Growlithe roared: "ao wu!! (｀0´)"
The cheers grew even more vigorous. Growlithe's dominance perfectly stirred the emotions of the audience.
Luke licked his lips, his expression complicated. Are our perspectives different? It's just two Pokémon!
The 'Intimidate' ability activated, causing Combusken to stiffen. "Combusken, Double Team!" Xiao Tong commanded.
Combusken, with 'Speed Boost,' jumped across the field, creating multiple illusions with Double Team. But as Double Team was in progress, Growlithe, as if divinely guided, lunged towards one of the illusions.
"What?! Combusken was seen through!" Xiao Tong's expression froze.
Without hesitation, Growlithe's jaws closed around Combusken's arm. With each struggle from Combusken, Growlithe's grip tightened.
"ao wu! (*⊙~⊙)" Crunch! The audience swallowed their saliva.
"I'm a little hungry."
"Look at how happy it is to chew!"
"Is this why Teacher Luke let Growlithe start eating and start broadcasting?!"
A few minutes later, Xiao Tong, unable to bear it, recalled Combusken and released the second Pokémon, Shellder.
Growlithe had not yet mastered 'Flamethrower,' but it had started taking shape. Luke, observing the grilled Shellder, remarked, "It smells so..."
If you sprinkle some garlic and pepper noodles, it seems to be more fragrant...
After all, it was only the first round of the knock-out competition. Luke easily advanced to the top 64, even feeling a bit lost.
"Is that it?"
I've been worried for so long. So, I'm just worried for nothing?!
Nevertheless, preparing for the next round made Luke a bit tired. "Next time, let Gengar take care of it," Luke muttered.
In other venues, many famous players also advanced, such as Cecilia Qi and experienced Trainer Zico Yang.
Luke's perspective on himself was clear: prioritize the safety of the little fellows, and battle if possible. If they lose, they go home and have a supper to reward everyone. Becoming the Champion was not realistic.
On the other side, Gengar carried Crystal back to the community. The security guard recognized Gengar and let them pass without questioning. The sight of the young and beautiful girl with a white hat left the old man intrigued.
Returning home, Gengar prepared tea for Crystal. When Luke arrived, Gengar playfully stuck out its tongue and gave a 'big tongue flogging.' Luke, unfazed, took out a Cheri Berry from his pocket and greeted Crystal.
"So fast?" Crystal, who had just taken her seat, was surprised.
Master's games were time-based, and since Teacher Luke developed the 'Minimize' tactic, the duration of the matches had shortened. Had Teacher Luke easily swept the other side?
"Yes," Luke nodded.
Crystal blinked, gaining a new understanding of Teacher Luke's strength.
"Anyway, I came here to fulfill Professor Elm's appointment."
Crystal stood up and handed the Pokémon egg on her chest to Luke, saying with a smile, "I believe that under your influence, this little Pokémon will hatch to be brave and kind!"