The round of 16 in the Orient Region concluded, officially propelling Teacher Luke into the quarterfinals. Following the matches, numerous discussion threads surfaced on major forums.
"Is this command style meant to challenge the seasoned veterans of the new Alliance?"
"Judging by the lineup, it seems like... Squirtle hasn't evolved yet!"
"Zico Yang from the quarterfinals, winner of the Kanto Alliance 32 top results, I wonder how he compares to Teacher Luke."
"Don't you know? Teacher Luke is clearly a player in the Master group!"
The posts grew increasingly mysterious, delving into topics like Galar Alliance, Raihan's tactics, and the even match with Dragon Tamer Lance. While some of these were speculative, a few contained authentic information.
For instance, there was a high probability that Teacher Luke was previously a cook before becoming a Trainer, utilizing Pokémon moves and evolution through cooking—a skill considered superior.
In the eyes of certain professional Trainers, the specific techniques displayed, such as Ice Punch, and the demonstrated tactical acumen were beyond what a rookie who debuted half a year ago could achieve.
This set the stage for an exciting Orient Conference, featuring both veterans and new Alliance players.
...
As late October approached, despite effortlessly defeating opponents, Teacher Luke's mood was complex. Each bottle of Max Potion cost 5000 yuan, and Squirtle required at least 10 bottles per game. Luke contemplated the expenses.
"Don't tally it up at all," he said. "This was an unavoidable event."
Although he regretted the competition, abandoning it without reason could lead to more unnecessary trouble.
"Luke pondered two more games," he mused. "It doesn't make sense for it to defeat every pokemon in every game, right?"
With two days left before the next quarterfinal round, Luke utilized this time to design Pokémon Trading Cards. He also sought information from Green regarding Squirtle's evolution.
Under the influence of Aura Force, Squirtle's innate talent matched that of 6IV Gengar and Sylveon. Additionally, its cautious nature hinted that Squirtle had not revealed all its strength yet.
In the previous game, after defeating Swampert, Squirtle emitted a faint white light. To be safe, Luke decided to consult Green, known as "The Evolver," about Squirtle's evolution.
Green, upon hearing Teacher Luke's concerns, nodded slowly.
"Some Pokémon resist evolution," he explained with a smile. "After all, not every Pokémon is eager to grow up. Like my Ririri, which refuses to use a Moon Stone."
"Ririri?!"
"Yes, it's my nickname for Jigglypuff."
Luke gave a dry cough. Pikachu, like Ash's, refused to evolve from the bottom of its heart, but Squirtle didn't seem unwilling—maybe it felt the timing wasn't right?
Looking at Squirtle doing one-arm push-ups, Luke found it steadily growing.
"Forget it... I think it's fine as it is," Luke typed. "Anyway, not evolving works for me."
Respecting Pokémon's preferences was a valuable quality in a Trainer. Green nodded in agreement.
For trainers like Teacher Luke, Species Strength wasn't the key limiting factor. This attitude of "It's the same whether you evolve or not" was what Luke referred to as an approach that made no significant difference.
"Then... let Squirtle continue carrying the Everstone," Green suggested.
"Teacher Luke, I look forward to Squirtle's new emoticon pack!" Green added with a smile.
Teacher Luke: [It's pretty good.jpg]
In the emoticon pack, Squirtle gave a thumbs up to confirm.
...
In the afternoon, Gengar, accompanied by Growlithe, actively prepared for the quarterfinals. Even Sylveon joined the preparations.
"Vui~! (`□´)"
Today, they must defeat Tang's main force!
As a lonely Teacher Luke held the Pokémon egg, he opened a live broadcast room to showcase an entertainment lineup. Without a Pokémon with 'Flame Body,' Luke had to use his own warmth to incubate the egg.
Similar to Misty on TV, who held Togepi's Pokémon egg, Luke playfully said, "Do you still dare to intimidate me? Eat my Iron Head with Iron Head!"
Though it was an entertainment team featuring Lapras with a one-strike kill theme, the high-caliber player, Teacher Luke, had just completed the top lineup for the entertainment team.
"This wave, this wave is the iron slaves!"
"Isn't it common knowledge that the entertainment team scores points and the upper team deflates?"
Flint, Sinnoh's Fire Element Elite with an explosive head of red hair, cried without tears as he hugged his hair.
"Did you even read on Arcanine?"
"What floor is this guy on!"
"Your tactics are so underhanded!"
"Why does a Scizor get to have a handsome Shell Smash?"
"No Sylveon, my lord, my youth is over!"
Luke cleared his throat.
"Sylveon is going to train, and I have a match in two days. I'll livestream for a bit now, and we'll have battles tomorrow!"
"????"
"Teacher Luke, do your Pokémon train by themselves?"
"I've never seen such a shameless person!"
The Pokémon egg in his hand suddenly vibrated.
Luke was slightly startled.
He relaxed upon hearing the movement.
Well, it shouldn't hatch this early.
According to Professor Elm, a Trainer's heart will be passed on to the Pokémon egg, nurturing it for robust growth. Teacher Luke paid special attention to the situation of Pokémon eggs.
At the moment, there were no cracks on the surface of the eggshell, but there was a faint movement.
Luke gently stroked the Pokémon egg in his hand, his eyes deep.
If it can grow up safely, that would be great...
Anyway, there are already a lot of problematic Pokémon at home, and one more won't hurt!
...
October 22, Thursday.
The quarterfinals of the Orient Alliance officially began.
As Luke arrived at the venue, the stands on both sides were already packed with spectators.
Flags and banners adorned the auditorium, predominantly displayed by female fans.
"Teacher Luke, go for it!"
"Luke, we love you!"
Male spectators stared at Luke, their eyes seeming to compare him to a celebrity.
Hey, he's just a bit more handsome than me!
With the quarterfinals, the rules shifted from 2V2 singles to 3V3, offering players more possibilities for rotation and defense.
Amid the cheers, the game commenced.
"The red player is senior Trainer Kuizo from QL Province Gym."
"The blue player, a Seeded Contestant of the tournament, Luke, who has not lost a point so far!"
Senior Trainer? Luke pondered. It seems weaker than the quasi-professional female Fighting family from last time. As for Teacher Luke, he doesn't have a trainer title yet. He can barely be considered an amateur enthusiast.
Kuizo, as his name suggests, is half a head taller than the 1.83 meters tall Teacher Luke.
Kuizo smiled genuinely and shook hands.
"Teacher Luke, I'm also your fan!"
"Nice to meet you," Luke replied with a slight bemusement.
Just now, there were at least three players who greeted him similarly. Are half the contestants came from chat?
Kuizo understands Teacher Luke's strength well. This tactical gap can't be bridged with level differences.
"Try not to get swept away!" Kuizo advised in a low voice.
"Go, Nidoking!"
Bang!
Nidoking emerged from the Poké Ball, kicking up dust. Deep purple skin, Toxic-tipped long horns, and rows of spikes extending along the back gave Nidoking a formidable appearance. The tail of Nidoking is said to be able to snap a telephone pole.
This Nidoking had a massive body and an imposing presence.
"Roar—!" Nidoking thumped his chest, releasing a resounding roar.
At the guest table, Duan Yan, Gym Leader of QL Province Gym, spoke solemnly.
"This Nidoking is Kuizo's trump card. It seems he intends to determine the outcome directly."
Tang Hui remained silent.
Li Chunhua, wearing a cheongsam, from Goldhill Gym with gray temples, looked at Tang Hui.
"Have you not been sleeping well? Your face looks bad."
Tang Hui shook his head, sighing.
He got kicked by a Sylveon in the gym this afternoon, and he couldn't even defeat the main force. Coming to the gym every day to level up, it was becoming unbearable.
"Let's just watch the game," Tang Hui said with a sense of defeat.
Duan Yan nodded, understanding that Tang Hui lacked confidence in Luke.
However, the moment he set his eyes on the venue, he was suddenly bewildered.
A Growlithe was in combat against Nidoking?
Growlithe's body gleamed with a white light, signaling the use of 'Take Down.'
Bang!
The two Pokémon collided, and Nidoking staggered back half a step.
Duan Yan pursed his lower lip.
There's already such an impact before evolution...
Wait for Arcanine, wouldn't it be possible to directly overthrow Nidoking?
"Flamethrower," Luke instructed.
Growlithe opened its big mouth, and a scorching flame swept out, engulfing Nidoking like a prison.
Zi zi!
White smoke emanated from Nidoking's skin.
"Roar!" Nidoking struggled, roaring angrily.
Kuizo was still immersed in the shock of Nidoking being knocked back just now, unable to react at this moment.
Just a second of loss.
But by the time he gave the command, Growlithe had already emerged from the ground, and Headbutt slammed into Nidoking's abdomen.
Dong!
"Roar!" Nidoking let out a cry, panic evident in its scarlet eyes.
As it lifted its head, Flamethrower, pressed against its face, had already engulfed Nidoking.
"This... what a stunning combo!"
"This command is too aggressive!"
"Is Teacher Luke also a coordinator?"
There was no time left for Kuizo to react.
The battle was over!
"The dual-spec Growlithe transforms so effortlessly..."
Duan Yan muttered, "Old Tang, what level of Trainer is Luke?"
Tang Hui thought for a while, gave a dry cough, blushed a little, and said, "Fifty-fifty with me."
Oh! Tang Hui's heart felt dark and refreshing.
Although he can't beat him, he still has to pretend!
Li Chunhua smiled slightly, "Everyone says he has traveled to other Alliances; it seems true."
In the morning game, Zico Yang of Group A also delivered a crushing performance.
Now, Luke was displaying a sweeping gesture.
"Crunch."
It's about to win again, and Luke can't bear to watch.
He always feels that after Growlithe goes back...
It's so excited to demolish the house!
Tore Fearow's thin neck with a Bite, and Growlithe had Kuizo's face turning blue with fright.
The third one, Gloom, which was meant to restrain Squirtle, was instantly engulfed by flames.
Not a point was lost.
Easily entering the semi-finals.
"Ao wu~~ (｀0´) ."
Growlithe squatted on the ground, head up, whining, and the flowing mane rustled in the wind.
Although still a husky, there was a bit of dominance.
The audience on both sides fell silent for a moment, then suddenly waved flags and shouted.
"Teacher Luke is awesome!"
"The sword points to Champion; Luke will kill him!"
Kuizo gradually calmed down, his face returning to its normal expression.
Well... everyone is 0:3.
It's still acceptable!
At the guest table, Duan Yan also didn't expect his friend to be defeated so easily.
But upon reflection, even if Luke enters the Orient conference, he is likely to be a ranked player.
At the local conference, such a performance is reasonable.
"Strength-wise, I really matched you evenly," Duan Yan said with a smile, looking at Tang Hui.
Tang Hui gave a dry cough, his old face blushing.
The scene of being 3:0 is still vivid.
But now, even if he is the main force, he may not be able to beat Luke's new lineup...
Amidst the enthusiastic cheers, Luke stared at Growlithe with a complex expression.
Growlithe: Ao wu~(O_o)
Can you make it into the semifinals?
If you lose the next two games and don't get the bonus, wouldn't it be even more explosive?
"You have to be a little serious..."
Luke rubbed his chin and sighed.
"At least some bleeding must be stopped!"
...
Orient Alliance's regional conferences in various regions have concluded one after another.
The winners either continue to participate or move to other Alliances.
The Orient Region, still in progress, has naturally garnered a lot of attention.
Netizens checked Luke's data and were left speechless.
Since the competition began, he hasn't lost a point, which doesn't align with a Rookie's expected performance.
Luke's true strength also sparked heated discussions.
"Isn't Teacher Luke a Master player?"
"Claiming the Baby Cup prize, it's indeed a classic operation by Teacher Luke!"
"Let him cook, let him be cook!"
The outside world is filled with public opinion.
But getting ready for battle isn't Teacher Luke's style.
It took a lot of effort to stop Growlithe's antics and rubbed his head in exasperation.
Luke held the Pokémon egg, sat on the sofa, and engaged in a game of 'see who laughs first' with Gengar.
Gengar: _(:3」∠❀)_
Luke: Pu!
The Pokémon Trading Card project is also proceeding steadily.
In the evening, Alola's Mina called and asked Luke to take a look at the initial card design.
"I don't think it will work."
Luke said, "It's better to mark the rarity more clearly. R, SR, UR, silver fragments, red fragments, holographic... "
"One card can earn more than ten versions of money... Do you understand what I mean?"
Mina's mouth hung open, and the paintbrush in her hand dropped to the floor with a click.
Can a person be this black-hearted?
Mina opened her mouth and swallowed the swear word back.
"As expected of Teacher Luke!"