Wednesday, October 28.
A crisp autumn morning greeted Luke as he opened his eyes, the refreshing scent of fall permeating the air outside.
Soft melodies filled the room.
Luke noticed the snow-white Sylveon standing by the window, gazing at the morning sun in the distance.
"Were you singing just now?"
"Vui~~" Sylveon proudly raised its chest, shaking the pink ribbon, its default response.
Luke chuckled, rising from bed, and said, "Let's go. After breakfast, we'll head to the final!"
A hearty breakfast awaited them.
Luke pondered today's lineup as he nibbled on bread. "Last time Sylveon took the lead; let it rest this time... Growlithe? Come on, boy, you're joining us!"
With preparations complete, Gengar strapped an air bag carrying the Pokémon egg to its back and adjusted the straps. The trio, sporting sunglasses and a determined spirit, set out for the finals.
The stadium buzzed with anticipation.
Aerial cameras soared overhead, and fireworks painted the sky above the arena.
The narrator's energetic voice filled the space, "Welcome to the Orient Region Finals, ladies and gentlemen!"
The venue erupted with cheers.
"Go, Teacher Luke!"
"Luke, show them what you've got!"
In the guest seat, Shi Jian, Chairman of the Orient Region Organizing Committee, couldn't help but admire, "Luke truly stands out as an individual player."
Song Pengcheng from the Magic City Association nodded with a smile, "He's a well-known Trainer on the internet, after all."
"Who do you think will win this game?"
"They're both veterans with multiple conference participations." Song Pengcheng mused for a moment, "But Luke's experience is still limited. A breeder's Tyranitar... the odds might not be in his favor."
"That's not necessarily true," Shi Jian remarked, scanning the stadium. "Let's see what this so-called Tactical Master can do!"
As both teams took the stage, excitement peaked once again.
Zico Yang smiled, extending a hand to shake with Luke. "You're quite popular. I envy you."
"All fans, not a big deal," Luke modestly replied.
Zico Yang hesitated for a moment and coughed, "Anyway, let the game begin!"
Returning to their command seats, the audience held their collective breath, eyes fixed on the center of the venue.
This game had captured the attention of universities across Orient.
In the college league, Luke had dominated one out of five, overpowering opponents. Now, facing the formidable Tyranitar, could he pull off another miracle?
The referee raised his whistle and signaled the start.
Uncle, the backpacker with a beard and a simple smile, suddenly sharpened his gaze.
"Go, Scizor!"
"Zico Yang is introducing a new Pokémon for the first time!" The commentator exclaimed, "Steel Type boasts impressive resistance, suppressing both Poison Type and Fairy Type effectively!"
Metal wings hummed, bright red armor glinting. Scizor lifted two large pincers, a faint cold light emanating from them.
Zico Yang smiled, his eyes fixed on Luke.
"He'll undoubtedly send out Sylveon to counter my Tyranitar. But my trump card is something he'll never see coming!"
"Contestant Luke sends out Gengar!" the narrator announced.
Zico Yang paused for a moment.
Had his prediction come true?
However, Scizor was immune to Poison Type. The advantage of type matchup was still on his side.
"Sword Dance!"
Zico Yang's attempt to utter these words got stuck in his throat.
As Scizor began its dance, overlapping its pair of tongs, Gengar laughed and provocatively gestured towards it.
"Gengar's Taunt hits!" The narrator exclaimed in surprise. "Is it a coincidence? In the first round, Contestant Luke discerns the opponent's tactical intent through foresight!"
As the crowd erupted in cheers, Luke couldn't help but feel amused. What was all the fuss about? Besides luck, wasn't this as simple as defeating elementary school students?
Unaware that his standing in Teacher Luke's mind had shifted from 'baby' to 'primary student,' Zico Yang remained focused on the battle. "Now, focus on attacking! Bullet Punch!"
Pa!
The wind-breaking sound accompanied Scizor's fist as its red giant tongs rushed towards Gengar. A faint blue light appeared in Gengar's eyes, but Bullet Punch hit directly, causing Gengar to spin 180 degrees in the air.
"Jie jie~~~(ﾉ≧∀≦)ﾉ," Gengar chuckled before being recalled into its Poké Ball in a burst of red light.
The audience was bewildered. "What just happened?"
"Teacher Luke's trump card was defeated directly?"
Zico Yang, too, was taken aback. How could it be so weak? It didn't make sense!
Luke promptly sent out the next Pokémon. "Ao wu~~~"
Growlithe, majestic with its forehead hair flowing in the wind, fixed a menacing gaze on Scizor.
"Scizor is four times weaker!" The commentator exclaimed. "This is a significant disadvantage!"
Zico Yang's expression soured. How could this be? He had researched Luke before the game, and Growlithe was supposed to be his weakest Pokémon. Moreover, as a Sandstorm team, Scizor's type advantage had not been revealed. Why would Luke bring Growlithe?
Desperately searching for a clue on Luke's face, Zico Yang found nothing. Luke's acting skills were top-notch, and he appeared genuinely solemn.
Gritting his teeth, Zico Yang retrieved Scizor with his Poké Ball. Luke snapped his fingers. "Flamethrower!"
Growlithe unleashed a fiery pillar towards Scizor. Thankfully, Scizor was withdrawn in time.
Zico Yang sighed in relief, but his eyes widened suddenly. The red light failed to return Scizor to the Poké Ball. A shadow extended from beneath, firmly grasping Scizor's ankle.
"This is..." Even the commentator was astonished. Mean Look! The move Gengar had used after being knocked into the air in the previous round.
Luke pushed down his sunglasses, nodding in satisfaction. It seemed that meticulous pre-match planning details could make a significant impact.
"With the help of subtle actions and a deep understanding with Pokémon, the command is executed," Shi Jian marveled in the guest seat. "Truly a trainer with innovative ideas!"
Bang! Flamethrower engulfed Scizor, causing it intense pain. The burning armor turned red, and Scizor fell to its knees.
"Second one, second one?!" The crowd erupted in cheers. "Teacher Luke pulled off a brilliant move, allowing Growlithe to appear!"
Zico Yang, once again faced with the unexpected, gazed at the young opponent before him. This sophomore student seemed far more mature than expected, perhaps even a bit cunning.
Frowning, Zico Yang released his next Pokémon. "Go, Tyranitar!"
The absolute trump card, the core of the Sandstorm team, Tyranitar, emerged—a rare beast-like Pokémon.