Within the Mercedes Arena, a cacophony of voices filled the air. Even though it was just a lottery ceremony, the thousands of spectators streaming into the venue attested to the tournament's immense popularity.
In the guest seat, Tang Hui, neatly attired in a suit with his slicked-back hair, surveyed the stadium anxiously. Lu Jianghai, the Electric Type Gym Leader of Lei Province, remarked, "Feeling stiff in the neck?"
"I'm just wondering why Luke hasn't arrived yet," Tang Hui replied.
"Which one is Luke?"
"The one who defeated your son."
Lu Jianghai's face darkened. The memory of Lu You being swept away during the 'Piplup' cup was still vivid. However, today was different; the son of a Gym Leader couldn't possibly lag behind.
"Hmph!" Lu Jianghai snorted coldly, choosing to remain silent.
Tang Hui wore a perplexed expression. The recent encounter with Gengar's trip had added some weight to his burden. He had unintentionally spoken the truth.
At that moment, a commotion stirred in the player channel, and the reporters' camera flashes illuminated the scene. Like a superstar making a grand entrance, the audience erupted in applause and cheers.
Teacher Luke, who had rushed from the company, wore a bewildered expression. It was just a lottery; was such fanfare really necessary?
"Mr. Luke, I'm a reporter from the Magic City Evening News!" a male reporter exclaimed. "Could you share your thoughts on your tournament goals?"
Looking at the eager ebony reporter in the back row, Luke blushed slightly and responded, "I'll do my best."
The male reporter's eyes lit up as he rapidly jotted down notes:
Teacher Luke's online popularity had made him one of the most closely watched players. After all, his appearance alone carried significant influence, coupled with a record of previous victories. Handsome and powerful, Teacher Luke had earned the nickname 'Little Steven.'
Contestants' gazes, filled with jealousy, hostility, and admiration, converged on Luke. Cecilia Qi, from the Fighting Aristocratic Family, sported a sleeveless black vest, revealing bronze muscles on her arms. As she withdrew her gaze, a hint of blush adorned her heroic face.
"Sister, do you like someone else?" asked her companion.
"What a silly thing to say!" Cecilia Qi hesitated before subconsciously glancing at Gengar, giving a grinning look. "I just think... he's a bit cute."
The top 32 competition in the regional conference followed a 2V2 singles system. Contestants stepped forward to draw lots, and the host announced the final contest category.
"Senior Trainer Zico Yang versus Lei Province Gym's Lu You!"
Seated in the guest area, Lu Jianghai inquired, "Who is Zico Yang?"
Tang Hui replied, "He made it to the top 32 in the Kanto Conference."
"Top 32? That's inconsequential," Lu Jianghai dismissed. "My son is a champion!"
The host continued, "Next group! Contestant Luke—"
As the voice lingered, the entire venue held its breath.
"Fighting Qi Quanliu Fighting Gym's Cecilia Qi!"
The anticipation in the air was palpable. Cecilia Qi, whose father was a renowned Fighting Master, had received authentic training and planned to join the Orient Conference.
Lu Jianghai scoffed, "Isn't this like picking on a child? Seriously? A Game Streamer?"
"Cecilia Qi is on the fast track to becoming a professional Fighting Trainer! A sophomore taking the top spot?"
The commentaries echoed in the guest seat, and Lu Jianghai remarked, "Some people rise too quickly only to fall just as swiftly."
Tang Hui wore a puzzled expression. "Please stop the sarcasm! Your son's face is almost turning blue!"
Once the lottery ceremony concluded, Cecilia Qi approached Luke in the player channel, extending a handshake. "I'm looking forward to our match."
Luke cast a glance at Cecilia Qi's muscular bronze arms, finding it somewhat surprising. If he lost, he owed an explanation to Gym Leader Tang.
Returning to the player's bench, Luke and Gengar each grabbed a bucket of popcorn and a Coke, settling in to watch the Group A players' competitions.
The first match featured Lei Province Gym's Lu You against senior Trainer Zico Yang. Zico Yang, a gentle uncle, tossed out a Poké Ball, unleashing a Sandstorm that garnered gasps from the audience.
"Wait, Tyranitar?!"
"This is incredible!"
Yellow sand filled the sky, and Tyranitar, covered in green armor, let out a ferocious roar.
A bead of cold sweat formed on Lu You's forehead.
The Poké Ball released from his grasp, despite containing the fully evolved Magnezone, seemed rather inadequate in the face of Tyranitar's imposing presence.
Tang Hui hesitated for a moment, then turned to Lu Jianghai and asked, "Lu Gym Leader, does your son have a trump card? With a Champion's appearance, failing to reach the quarterfinals would be unexpected, right?"
Lu Jianghai's expression took on a strange look as he stretched his neck and replied, "Of course he does!"
Tang Hui suddenly realized that Gym Leader Lu's son might be feigning nervousness.
Five minutes later, a frustrated Lu You, defeated by Tyranitar, left the field.
Tang Hui and Lu Jianghai exchanged looks, remaining silent for a while.
Lu Jianghai commented, "Unexpected."
Tang Hui nodded in understanding, "Um... understandable."
"Hmph, next up is Luke... I don't expect him to fare much better!" Lu Jianghai retorted, his neck turning red as he defensively waved his hand.
Tang Hui frowned and involuntarily nodded. Luke was undoubtedly powerful, but his tendency to show off could be dangerous when not playing as the main contender.
As Group B took the stage, the atmosphere once again reached a climax.
"Players from both sides, please step forward!"
Luke patted Gengar's head, saying, "Let's go, it's our turn!"
Cecilia Qi, now in a karate suit with a Black Belt tied around her waist, threw a meaningful glance at Gengar before releasing her Poké Ball.
"Come on, Hitmonchan!"
Hitmonchan, donned in brown warrior armor with bright red fighting gloves, had provocative eyes and powerful fists.
After a brief consideration, Luke opted for the Luxury Ball.
"Ao wu ~~(｀0´)"
As the red light flickered, Growlithe emerged from the Luxury Ball, baring its fangs.
"Tsk tsk, Growlithe with a Luxury Ball, that's quite extravagant!"
"Ah, come on... does anyone really bring the original ball?"
Both sides of the audience engaged in spirited discussions. However, for the Fighting family, facing intimidation was undoubtedly a significant challenge.
Cecilia Qi frowned and commanded, "Hitmonchan, Mach Punch!"
Hitmonchan advanced, swiftly extending his arms, delivering lightning-fast punches at Growlithe's front.
Bang!
Growlithe shook its head, showing its teeth as it gathered Flamethrower in its mouth.
"Detect!"
Hitmonchan folded his arms, withstanding the flames, and countered with a powerful backhand punch.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Invisible punches with incredible speed landed successively on Growlithe. However, Growlithe merely howled twice and wagged its tail.
"???? Why does this Growlithe seem unharmed!"
"This is too resilient!"
Cecilia Qi observed as Hitmonchan, breathing heavily with scorched gloves, struggled.
In the aftermath?
Suddenly, Cecilia Qi's heart trembled, recalling the move that was countered by 'Detect'. The formidable power didn't seem like Flamethrower but rather like... Will-O-Wisp?
After the burn, the continuously attacking Hitmonchan found itself at a disadvantage.
But... I foresaw it!
Cecilia Qi glared at Luke with sharp eyes and sighed, "Hitmonchan, Facade!"
Hitmonchan, disturbed in its breath, unleashed a burst of blinding white light with astonishing speed, landing a powerful punch.
Ka-cha!
The green barrier of Protect shattered, and Growlithe retreated two meters.
"Flamethrower," Luke commanded.
"It's useless!" Cecilia Qi shouted, "Facade!"
With fists breaking through the turbulent flames, Hitmonchan gritted its teeth and delivered a brutal punch.
However, Cecilia Qi suddenly widened her eyes.
"Can it dodge like this too?"
"Did you rely on Dig to evade?"
"No, look up!"
"Body Slam," Luke said indifferently.
Under the dazzling sun, a plump Growlithe materialized out of thin air!
"Ao wu ~~~(｀0´)"
Hitmonchan was overwhelmed!
Hong~ long~!
Dust filled the air, and a sound of swallowing saliva resonated in the front row.
"Why do I faintly see Snorlax?"
"Almost full health!"
At the guest table, Tang Hui intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Lu Jianghai.
Lu Jianghai coughed, "Also, there is another one!"
"As far as I know, that's her trump card!"
Cecilia Qi retrieved the incapacitated Hitmonchan, taking a deep breath.
It felt like she wasn't facing a student but rather challenging a mighty mountain!
Even when she studied at Chuck's Fighting Gym back then, she never felt this way.
Cecilia Qi pursed her lower lip and threw a Poké Ball.
"Go, Swampert!"
"Roar——!!"
A powerhouse, capable of lifting a one-ton rock with one hand and effortlessly pushing several-ton trucks, Swampert with blue arms bent and bulging muscles stood ready, spikes on both sides of its cheeks raised.
This immense oppression momentarily silenced the audience.
'Intimidate' triggered, prompting Luke to recall Growlithe with the Luxury Ball.
"Go, Squirtle!"
"Quirt~ !ヾ(⌐■_■)"
Squirtle, wearing sunglasses, attracted attention for a moment.
"Teacher Luke is truly the 'Not Evolving Alliance'?"
"Ah, it's not the college league, and Attributes aren't dominant!"
Lu Jianghai hummed, "Look, he's in a hurry!"
Tang Hui looked puzzled.
If memory serves...
This Squirtle seems to be Luke's trump card!
"Squirtle?" Cecilia Qi frowned and sternly commanded, "Swampert, Ice Punch!"
A massive ice crystal formed on Swampert's fist, releasing ice fragments into the air.
The bitter chill made several Gym Leaders in the guest seat sit up.
But when Luke's command rang out, everyone widened their eyes.
"Squirtle, Ice Punch."
Are you also using Ice Punch?!
Is Squirtle really going to punch Swampert in the head?
This seemed like a suicide attack!
A biting cold wind swept through.
Squirtle held its breath, emitting a strong Aura, locking onto Swampert firmly.
Afterward, Squirtle lost its sunglasses.
Hong~ long long!
The clash of Ice Punches created a strong wind, freezing the central area.
Ka-cha!
A massive crater formed, mist enveloping the area, and everyone held their breath.
In absolute silence, Lu Jianghai's face turned a shade of pig liver.
In the dispersing cold wind, a small figure stood calmly.
The auditorium fell into complete silence.
Ka-cha, ka-cha...
Squirtle walked across the ice, picked up its sunglasses, put them on again, and nodded slightly at Luke.
Master.
Fortunately, he didn't disgrace himself.
"Amazing!!"
Cheers erupted from the audience.
"He defeated Swampert with Ice Punch in seconds?!"
"Why is this script so different from what I expected!"
Cecilia Qi looked incredulous.
A Squirtle... how could it...
Suddenly, Cecilia Qi's pupils contracted as she looked at Squirtle's back in disbelief.
Only... one scratch?!
Luke's expression was also quite complicated.
In seconds?
He had prepared five alternative strategies.
Going straight in, and Squirtle delivered victory in seconds?
"It's you, Squirtle!" Luke muttered.
Squirtle nodded slightly, glancing behind with a slightly distressed look.
It seems that this time...
Without a hundred and eighty bottles of Max Potion, it won't be better!
...
Teacher Luke secured a spot in the quarterfinals with an overwhelming performance.
Old Capital Principal Sun Huaian specially called Luke, laughing heartily.
"Boy, your Squirtle has the style of the old man!"
Squirtle's Ice Punch, guided by Principal Sun Huaian, a former runner-up of the Orient Conference.
This also left Luke quite helpless.
Gazing at the bill in his hand, and with a small bag full of Max Potions, Squirtle was in high spirits.
Luke had mixed feelings.
Winning the game... losing his life...
In the end, isn't this how it goes?