Friday, October 16.
The bright sun illuminated the surroundings as it was already ten in the morning. Luke lay on the bed, swiping his phone with one hand and holding Sylveon with the other.
"I thought I could catch a bit more sleep, I didn't expect to have a match," Luke sighed.
Thanks to Growlithe's exceptional performance, Teacher Luke's 'lucky' streak had secured a spot in the top 64. According to the schedule, there was another 2V2 match scheduled for noon, making Luke, who initially had no plans to participate, a bit vexed.
"vui~ ~~"
Sylveon, resembling a creamy roll, lay on the bed sheet. It shook the ribbon tied to Luke's arm from time to time, its thoughts unclear.
"Forget it... let's get up!"
Luke yawned. "Gengar has fetched breakfast. Let's eat before the game!"
"vui ~ ~(*･ω-q)"
Sylveon rolled over on the bed sheets, imitating Luke and cutely yawning.
After washing up, Luke entered the living room, where he found Gengar holding the Pokémon egg with caution.
"You didn't hold it all night, did you?" Luke teased.
"jie jie~? Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"
Luke glanced at Gengar, equally surprised. He had just asked casually—was Gengar already practicing prenatal education?!
Luke & Gengar:...
"ao wu ~~(｀0´)"
Growlithe's howl shattered the awkward silence. It darted around the coffee table, leapt on the sofa, chewed on the table legs—full of energy.
"Stop it!"
Luke reached out and angrily rubbed the dog's head. Watching Growlithe's movements, Luke was taken aback.
It had been nearly a month, and Growlithe still hadn't learned 'Flamethrower'... Why did this intelligent creature seem incompatible with the standard timeline?
Well, it was charming!
"It seems that only you understand me, Growlithe."
Luke happily patted Growlithe's head. "I'll make you a small steak tonight!"
"ao wu ~~(¯﹃¯)"
Growlithe wagged its tail and moved its chubby Doduo-like cheeks.
Because of the abundance of food, it was evident that Teacher Luke's Growlithe was just putting on a front. Although 'Intimidation' was a bit intimidating, it seemed like a good choice to pull full HP and endure a few hits in battles.
When he didn't feel like cooking in the morning, Gengar took care of breakfast. Despite waking up almost at noon, the soy milk fritters were still warm, aligning perfectly with Luke's awakening time.
With fritters in his mouth, Luke placed the Pokémon egg in his backpack, ready to head to the Orient Region battle arena.
Nearly noon, the venue was still bustling with people, and multiple matches were simultaneously determining who would advance.
"Which venue is Teacher Luke?"
"Venue 15."
"Have they finished playing over there?"
"Come on… I heard Teacher Luke's methods are extremely ruthless!"
Luke was currently facing a junior from Goldhill University named Bao Sheng. Bao Sheng, with two years of Gym training, felt a hint of disdain upon learning that his opponent was just a finance sophomore.
Over the years, many players tried their luck in the league, but only a few managed to enter the top 64. How could these non-professional players compete with those from a professional background?
However, upon stepping onto the battlefield and hearing the overwhelming cheers and support from both sides, Bao Sheng's jaw dropped.
"The other side is so popular?!"
Not being much of a video watcher, Bao Sheng cautiously asked, "Brother, what's your background? Why do you have so many fans?"
"It's probably because of my incredible handsomeness," Luke pondered and replied.
Bao Sheng sighed in relief. Although he didn't want to admit it, the guy was indeed quite handsome. As long as his strength wasn't overwhelming, Bao Sheng could accept it.
But the next moment, the commentator's announcement left Bao Sheng dumbfounded.
The commentator proclaimed loudly, "Luke, the MVP of the National College League, is facing off against Bao Sheng that zero-score match was guaranteed!"
Bao Sheng's expression turned peculiar.
A zero-score match?
How could he end up against this kind of opponent?!
Bao Sheng bitterly muttered, "Big brother, please go easy on me later."
"Consult Gengar," Luke instructed.
"Uh?" Bao Sheng was taken aback.
He witnessed Gengar tossing a Poké Ball, dressed as a coach with sunglasses and a whistle.
Observing Gengar and Luke exchanging glances, Bao Sheng swallowed nervously.
Who's the Trainer?
"The game begins!" Bao Sheng gritted his teeth and declared, "Come on, Golduck!"
[Golduck, Water Type
Ability: Cloud Nine
Moves: Aqua Tail, Zen Headbutt, Disable, Hydro Pump...]
The system, dormant for a while, suddenly made its presence felt. In the Limit Four match, having the advantage of anticipating the opponent's moves first was crucial.
Luke touched his chin, eyeing Gengar beside him.
"Jie jie~!"
Gengar let out a loud shout and threw the Poké Ball in hand.
It was decided, it was Growlithe!
In the audience, some spectators were lying down as if they hit the jackpot.
"Why is Gengar throwing Poké Ball?"
"Teacher Luke doesn't even bother to handle the battles anymore!"
"Gengar will never let him take control, hahahaha!"
However, a few seasoned friends of Teacher Luke wore complicated expressions upon hearing this.
In the Rookie match, Teacher Luke was outplayed by Gastly... It was a classic move!
"ao wu ~~(｀0´)"
Growlithe, majestic and proud, let out a fierce roar, and its pale yellow forehead hair swayed in the wind.
Luke was slightly startled.
A pure Fire Element facing a pure Water Type...
Is this guy also a Defying Type Advantage Master?!
On the field, Growlithe ignited a flame, and Flame Charge soared towards Golduck.
But Golduck countered with Hydro Pump, a surging force colliding with the fiery charge.
"Jie jie~!" Gengar waved its little hand.
Growlithe slammed on the brakes, avoiding the Hydro Pump that exploded on the ground. It rushed towards Golduck from the side, fangs ready to deliver a bite.
"Damn, Gengar is really taking charge!"
"No, no, this might be an exclusive training method, similar to Saffron City's Psychic Gym!"
"Oh! I get it; Teacher Luke is actually a Psychic!"
Bao Sheng's expression changed. "Disable!"
Golduck's eyes glowed blue, and Growlithe staggered momentarily. However, with the assistance of Take Down, Growlithe knocked Golduck to the ground.
Luke stroked his chin.
If Teacher Luke were controlling it, Bao Sheng's Disable wouldn't stand a chance. However, if Gengar trained and played in future matches, no mouth-opening would be necessary!
"Keep going, thrash it," Luke lazily commanded.
Growlithe lunged, trampling over Golduck. A powerful Headbutt swung hard, leaving Golduck dizzy with blurred vision.
This substantial tonnage acted like a Body Slam, leaving Golduck no room to retaliate.
"If this were Gardevoir, it wouldn't even be aired!"
"I wonder if the kids can handle this."
After a brutal pummeling, Golduck spun in circles before being recalled into its Poké Ball.
With the disappearance of the 'Disable' status, Bao Sheng's next Pokémon, Alakazam, succumbed to the previously predicted 'Crunch.'
The referee raised the flag in less than five minutes.
"Winner, Contestant Luke!"
Restlessness swept through the auditorium.
"Is this for real?"
"I suggest letting Gengar play on his behalf."
"Gengar, seize control!"
In the midst of the clamor, Luke gazed up at the display with a complicated expression.
It seemed like he just crossed an ocean...
Does this mean he's in the top 32 now?