Making it to the top 32 in the Orient Region is already a remarkable achievement.
Members of the Magic City University team reached out to congratulate Luke.
Curious, Luke asked, "Coach Zhai, how many from our school made it through?"
Magic University, being a significant hub for Trainer talent, has consistently secured multiple slots at the Orient conferences over the years.
The Orient Region, in particular, had Magic University players occupy a substantial number of seats among the top 16 in the previous year's regional conference.
Given Luke's stellar performance in the 'Baby Cup,' it was expected for him to garner attention.
Coach Zhai thought for a moment before responding, "You're the only one from our school who made it to the top 32 this year."
"In the top 32, there are only four seniors and four juniors... You're a big deal. You're the sole representative of the second-year students."
"By the way, this brings glory to the school... Remember to approach the old Principal; he might have some goodies for you."
"Hahaha, Coach, I'll hang up now!"
In haste, Luke ended the call.
"Really, this kid is quite modest..."
Coach Zhai shook his head, finding amusement in Luke's bashfulness.
Feeling remorseful for Luke, Coach Zhai intended to speak to the old Principal on Luke's behalf.
Whether it be secret records, resources, or Pokémon, with the old Principal's involvement, Luke was sure to be pleased!
Back at home, Teacher Luke retrieved the warm Pokémon egg from his bag and cradled it in his arms.
"I hope you grow up well and live up to your father's teachings!" Luke declared firmly.
The Pokémon egg quivered briefly and then fell still.
Sylveon, wanting to nestle into Luke's arms, puffed up.
Luke picked up Sylveon, playing with its pink bow, appearing deep in thought.
Observing Growlithe's progress from today's match, it was evident that the Pokémon had improved significantly.
Given its weight advantage, training 'Body Slam' seemed to be progressing smoothly.
Despite winning another match, Luke needed to be up early the next week. However, he was determined to treat his little companions.
As the night grew late, Luke donned his apron, announcing, "Let's decide what to eat tonight; I'll cook!"
Gengar tilted its head and handed a Petaya Berry to Luke from the cabinet.
"Jie jie~! (¯﹃¯)"
"Craving something spicy?" Luke pondered.
"Well... it's chilly, and some spicy food would be nice."
Squirtle and Growlithe, the two little companions, expressed no objections.
Addressing Sylveon, Luke smiled and asked, "What would you like to eat? I'll make it just for you."
"Vui~ ~~( ≧∀≦)"
By eight o'clock, as lanterns lit up across households, a small lamp illuminated Luke's kitchen.
Luke set up the camera, initiated the live broadcast, and changed the title to "Teacher Luke's Canteen."
Online friends flooded into the live broadcast room, looking bewildered.
"Seriously, Teacher Luke is actually cooking!"
"Who would've thought Teacher Luke, a Master, is actually a chef."
In the video, Teacher Luke gracefully handled tofu with his slender fingers, expertly wielding a kitchen knife to dice it.
"Unbelievably professional!"
"I used to struggle with this."
"This chef! Bisharp is nothing compared to this!"
Only then did everyone recollect after making guesses.
Teacher Luke... Seems to be a gourmet content creator who operates late at night!
"Too casual, I clicked it too easily!"
"I've already thought of the title for the next episode!"
"What's this?"
"Orient food, Mapo Tofu."
Luke explained, "For seasoning, I've added Lao Ganma and chili, giving it a Charizard-level spiciness."
"Hiss——"
As red peppers entered the pot, the firelight illuminated Teacher Luke's refined face.
Everyone swallowed, captivated.
In the wide pool of oil, chopped chili sizzled, and IMDB sauce blended, creating a fragrant and flavorful base. Adding minced beef, the stir-frying process emitted a rich aroma, nearly wafting through the screen.
After clearing the pot, a sizzling sound filled the air as the whole soup turned a flaming red.
"I'm so hungry!"
"My Farfetch'd suddenly doesn't seem appetizing."
"Did the host used to be a cook?"
Following the seasoning, Teacher Luke added the cut tofu, chatting as he stirred.
"Old online friends know that before becoming an anchor, I was actually a chef..."
"??"
"Didn't I say last time that I was selling under the overpass!"
"(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻, leave the live stream, Luke."
Having captured the tofu's essence, Luke began to thicken the soup, adding water starch to enhance its richness.
Gengar sniffed the tantalizing aroma, its tongue whirling around its mouth.
Growlithe licked its tongue, drool covering the floor.
After a while, Luke turned off the heat and served the Mapo Tofu in a white porcelain bowl.
The steaming dish, adorned with crisp green onions, emitted white smoke and red oil sizzling.
The aromatic scent nearly filled the entire screen.
The online friends collectively salivated.
"Who would've thought Teacher Luke not only serves the game but also the food!"
"Teacher Luke is a real gem!"
"Old gem! He started streaming when I haven't had dinner yet!"
As a priest's favorite Orient food (Yanfeng Qili insisted it was), Teacher Luke's Mapo Tofu showcased the skills of a top-tier chef.
Though it didn't glitter, it came remarkably close in terms of taste.
With a melancholic sound, Teacher Luke concluded the live broadcast.
As the Mapo Tofu graced the table, the little companions' expressions turned rather serious.
"Everything rests on my culinary skills?" Luke mused as he settled into his seat, spooning up a mouthful of tofu infused with red oil and diced meat. Blowing on it to cool it down, he mumbled, "Sizzling... It's hot!"
The initial smoothness of the tofu, gliding over the tongue, was succeeded by an explosion of spiciness on the taste buds. However, the heat was softened by the gentle touch of the red oil.
Flushed, Luke found himself in a daze, envisioning Charizard soaring through the air, breathing out a Fire Blast.
Hong long long!
The lava-like heat seemed ready to conjure Groudon with every bite. Reacting swiftly, Luke reached for the ice, took a big mouthful of rice, and took a gulp.
Dinner was indeed ready with the Mapo Tofu!
Observing Luke, Gengar extended its quivering little hand to grab the soup spoon. Starting by licking the red oil at the spoon's base, Gengar widened its eyes and swallowed the tofu in one go.
"Jie jie~!!!"
Flushed with excitement, Gengar covered the Pearl rice with Mapo Tofu, swiftly moving its chopsticks.
Boom.
In a momentary freeze, Luke witnessed Growlithe burying its head in the basin, wagging its tail rapidly!
"Uirt~..." A drop of cold sweat glided across Squirtle's forehead.
The next moment, Growlithe raised its head wide, flames gathering in its mouth. Fueled by the Petaya Berry, Flamethrower was ready to ignite!
Luke wore a perplexed expression.
After over a month of learning, Growlithe didn't acquire a new move but instead developed a skill in consuming a meal?
If Flint were to find out, his lungs might explode!
Quite an accomplishment, Growlithe!
In the critical moment, Squirtle faced the impending flames and countered with a Water Gun.
Bang!
As Growlithe tumbled upside down, creating a large hole in the wall, Teacher Luke appeared bewildered.
Squirtle cautiously pushed up its sunglasses.
"Uirt~!ヾ(⌐■_■)"
Fortunately, he was prepared!
Luke wiped his face, showing a slightly moved expression.
"Water Gun is sufficient. Really, there's no need for Hydro Pump."
Luke nodded, saying, "But thank you, Squirtle!"
"Uirt~."
Squirtle scooped up some Mapo Tofu, inhaling the warmth gradually.
Master.
If you were to use Hydro Pump... it might not be that straightforward...
Growlithe emerged from the mishap, stood up, shook its chubby body, and flicked off the water droplets.
"Ao wu ~~ (｀0´)."
Growlithe howled majestically, exuding pride.
Learning a new move is a breeze!
I'm too powerful!
Meanwhile, on the other end.
"Hello? Yes, it's the same as last time."
Teacher Luke dialed the phone and expressed as usual, "I'd appreciate your help!"