Note: Looks like Luke is from East Orient.
.....
November 8th, Thursday.
Following the conclusion of Squirtle's retreat, Teacher Luke officially added "Going to Celadon University for employment" to his agenda.
The Pokémon Trading Card sales are currently booming, but the employment salary is insufficient. However, with Erika's agreement, the travel expenses can be reimbursed by the old Principal.
Teacher Luke, with his stern demeanor, is a man of his word. "Well… Kanto is not far from Sinnoh; perhaps I can persuade Cynthia to establish an underground market there," Luke contemplated.
Another motive is to evade the formidable Red. If Boss Red were to arrive before Luke completes his apprenticeship, it would undoubtedly spell disaster!
Teacher Luke's visa to the Kanto Alliance is under the personal supervision of the old Principal, carrying both the prestige of Magic University and Luke's strategic prowess. Being an Alliance Champion likely makes the process smoother.
However, during the application for the "Trainer Visa," Du Yuanshan noticed an anomaly. "This cheeky brat isn't even a Trainer yet?" Du Yuanshan's expression betrayed his amusement.
Having taken Luke from East Orient Region Champion, was it merely an amateur hobby for him? Ordinarily, students in the Trainers Department would register for the Trainer qualification, an essential credential for Gym challenges and enjoying discounts.
Upon closer inspection, Luke's games thus far have been invitational. Coupled with his finance student status, no one had informed him about registering for the qualification.
Du Yuanshan found the situation outrageous and discussed it with Luke. Luke, looking perplexed, realized he could have registered for the qualification certificate to enjoy discounts at friendly stores. Squirtle's Potion alone could have saved a significant amount.
Expressing regret, Luke asked, "Is it too late to register now?" To which Dean Du assured him it wasn't and explained that his visa required a "Trainer Card" registration. The level didn't matter, as long as he passed the assessment.
According to Dean Du, Orient's Trainer certificate has categories like Primary Rank, Elite, Senior, Professional, Gym, and Master. Due to visa reasons, Luke needed to go to the Trainer Association promptly for the assessment, a process that the Pokémon Association of Magic City could handle in as little as three days.
Considering his options, Luke contacted Chairman Song of the Magic City Association for the assessment.
"Chairman Song, I can come over for an assessment today for the 'Trainer card,'" Luke informed him.
Chairman Song agreed and mentioned that Tang Hui would be free in the afternoon to serve as the examiner. When asked about the level of the exam, given Luke's remarkable performance in East Orient Region, Song Pengcheng assumed Luke was at least a professional player and inadvertently ticked the 'Master Group.'
Confused, Song Pengcheng sought clarification, and Luke responded with confidence, "Primary Rank. Can't it?" Despite the initial surprise, Song Pengcheng decided to arrange the exam for Luke in the afternoon.
Upon hearing a jest about using Gengar for the Primary Rank exam, Luke clarified that Togepi would be suitable for the competition. Despite his initial inclination for Gengar, Luke found the idea somewhat unbearable. Song Pengcheng advised him to relax and assured that he would provide an evenly matched opponent.
...
In the afternoon, Luke hurried to the Magic City Association for the Primary Rank qualification certificate evaluation.
The assessment was straightforward and blunt, involving 1V1 singles in the Contest Category pairs.
Those familiar with Luke were astonished. "The Champion of East Orient Region?" They questioned his presence in the Primary Rank venue. "He's here to play the game!"
This apparent irregularity left the audience wide-eyed. However, viewers familiar with Teacher Luke nodded knowingly. "It truly is Teacher Luke's style..."
Even the examiner couldn't help but cough, urging, "Hurry up!"
Luke's opponent was a freshman from Z-Engineering University named Fan Song, who had chosen 'Magic City University' for the Light of Magic University, Teacher Luke.
Fan Song expressed gratitude when he saw Togepi sent by Teacher Luke. "Thank you for holding back!" he said.
"I won't go easy on you," Luke declared solemnly.
Fan Song, surprised, shook his head and commanded, "Doduo, Fury Attack!"
Doduo, with its two heads, stretched out its neck, aiming to peck at Togepi. However, before Doduo could reach, Togepi swiftly shook its finger.
"Flash!"
With its confusing ability, Togepi used multiple attacking moves, leaving Luke in a subtle mood.
Is a stern expression really contagious?
The dazzling rays of light halted Doduo's movements, causing it to scream in pain. The dispersed light revealed a scorch mark on Doduo's torso.
"The use of Flash to cover up Dazzling Gleam's performance interferes with my judgment..." Fan Song muttered to himself.
"As expected of Teacher Luke!" someone in the audience remarked.
Luke looked perplexed; this was clearly an operation initiated by Togepi itself. As Doduo slowly recovered, a burst of poison mist emanated from Togepi's sharp horn, poisoning Doduo instantly.
The audience gasped at the familiar Substitute-Toxic-Protect-Paralysis style of play attributed to Teacher Luke. Even a cute Pokémon like Togepi transformed into a tactical master!
After several rounds, Doduo fell to its knees in embarrassment. Togepi happily jumped up, turned around, and headed towards Luke with a cute smile.
"kek ke ke ke~~ ~~(⁎˃ꌂ˂⁎)"
Luke gazed at the sky, realizing the familiarity of this style. It was undoubtedly a trick taught by Gengar.
"There are still some small details that have not been handled properly," Luke whispered. "You just failed the second consecutive guarantee. Remember, hold on and stall, that's it..."
Listening to Teacher Luke's instructions, Togepi's eyes slowly lit up.
When Luke commanded Togepi to fight, the bored Gengar went to the professional team next door to watch the game.
Tang Hui, the examiner, spotted the old acquaintance and sat down beside Gengar, asking curiously about Luke's whereabouts.
"jie jie~!" Gengar pointed towards the venue.
Tang Hui, recalling the rumors, had a complex expression. It seemed that the Trainer who "does not do registration" was none other than Teacher Luke.
Seeing Gengar's eager eyes, Tang Hui suggested, "It doesn't make sense to just watch. You can also join the battle!"
"jie jie~?"
"Because someone abstained, another Trainer couldn't participate in the assessment. Luke happened to be able to replace..."
Gengar's eyes shone with excitement at this opportunity to train. Trusting the master, it wouldn't be missed!
As Gengar hurriedly left, Tang Hui laughed and walked towards Miao Hao, who was looking irritable on the sidelines.
...
Miao Hao felt disheartened when he discovered that his opponent had abstained, preventing him from taking the exam on his own.
Upon hearing Tang Hui's suggestion, Miao Hao pretended to be surprised and exclaimed, "Challenge the East Orient Region Champion?"
Tang Hui affirmed, "2V2 Singles is considered a professional-level competition system."
Miao Hao had lost in the final only due to a mistake, and he was confident that he could secure the Champion title in the South Orient if given another chance. As for Luke...
Miao Hao crossed his arms and sneered inwardly. This seemed like an excellent opportunity to prove himself to the media. If he could defeat the East Orient Champion, the endorsement fees would likely surge.
"This is Teacher Luke. Could you please say something?" Miao Hao said with a smile on his face. "I admire him very much and hope to be able to ask for advice!"
Tang Hui nodded, acknowledging that challenging a powerhouse aligned with the young Trainer's aspirations. "Gengar has gone to call Teacher Luke," Tang Hui added with a smile. "Just treat it as an assessment of professional qualifications. You are ready."
...
Summoned by Gengar, Luke hurried to the professional group assessment site.
Everyone observed with curiosity as the legendary East Orient Champion made his way to the assessment area.
Under the collective gaze, Teacher Luke appeared visibly conflicted. Was he planning to clandestinely participate in the professional team?
Tang Hui stepped forward and introduced Miao Hao to Luke. "This is the runner-up in the South Orient. Due to an unexpected turn of events, his assessment opponent abstained."
"It just so happens that you are here. I think you can replace that player, and it can be considered part of the 'professional group' assessment content," Tang Hui explained.
Miao Hao offered a mild smile and shook hands with Luke. "Teacher Luke, I am looking forward to a duel with you!"
Luke frowned. Having already obtained the "Primary Rank Group" qualification certificate, participating in the "professional group" assessment again seemed to offer no additional benefits.
Tang Hui mentioned, "Speaking of which, professional Trainers can also receive a subsidy of 500,000 yuan per year. Although it is small, it is better than nothing."
Surprised, Luke looked at Miao Hao, who wore a somewhat embarrassed smile. In response, Luke asserted, "It doesn't matter whether there's money involved or not. What's most important to me is my willingness to help others!"
"Thank you so much!" Miao Hao responded with a hearty smile, concealing his inner mockery. Winning would undoubtedly make headlines in the media—Champion defeated by the runner-up.
....
The two advanced toward the battleground.
Curious gazes from fellow trainers followed them.
"Is this the East Orient Champion, going up against the South Orient's runner-up?"
"A formidable face-off!"
"The runner-up? Teacher Luke isn't taking it easy on the newbie!"
Miao Hao forced a smile and released the Poké Ball in his hand, saying, "Go, Crawdaunt!"
Crawdaunt, clad in scarlet armor, displayed layers of protective covering on its body. Its menacing giant pincers stood out prominently.
During the South Orient Conference, Crawdaunt had used 'Guillotine' to defeat opponents numerous times. In the 2V2 singles match, Miao Hao revealed his trump card right from the start.
"It doesn't seem strong..." Luke whispered. "It's better to respect the opponent."
"Go, Squirtle!" Luke commanded as Squirtle, donning sunglasses, made an appearance on the stage, leaving the onlookers bewildered.
"No, is he using a beginner Pokémon?"
"Haven't you watched Teacher Luke's games?"
"Damn, I can feel it; this Squirtle is strong!"
The buzzing comments reached Miao Hao's ears, but he sneered inwardly.
Strong? How powerful could a Squirtle be?
Miao Hao thought, "Crawdaunt, Crabhammer!" activating Crawdaunt's 'Hyper Cutter' Ability, causing its Crabhammer to surge with impressive force, aiming directly at Squirtle's face.
Squirtle, without avoiding or flinching, awaited Luke's command with unwavering composure.
It's clearly a lobster, but the move is called 'Crabhammer.'
Luke's mouth twitched. "Squirtle, Ice Punch!"
Regardless of the outcome, facing an opponent of this caliber, direct flight might be the best option.
"Squirt~!"
Squirtle's eyes glowed with determination as ice crystals formed on its fist. It charged towards the approaching Crawdaunt.
Miao Hao mocked internally. Using Squirtle's weak physical attack against Crawdaunt, often regarded as a Machamp, was a questionable decision.
Bang!
A powerful gust of wind erupted. Crawdaunt was sent flying, rolling on the ground before finally stopping.
Miao Hao was bewildered. What just happened? Crawdaunt, hammered by a Squirtle?
"Damn!"
"Is this Squirtle pretending to be a Machamp?"
Squirtle frowned, shaking its fist lightly.
Well, although weak, it was worth putting in effort!
The powerful Aura gathered on Squirtle. The blue energy condensed into a dazzling ball of light in its palm.
Not only did the audience react, but even Gym Leader Tang Hui shouted in amazement.
What made this Squirtle's Aura Sphere so special?!
"Squirt~!"
Squirtle clapped its hands together, unleashing a classic 'Hadouken,' generating a powerful cyclone.
Surrounded by the surging Aura, Crawdaunt let out a panicked growl. The Aura Sphere suddenly exploded with outstanding effects.
Bang!
Crawdaunt was blasted and collided with the guardrail, already fainting. The preliminary Aura Sphere had an incredible impact, rendering the present trainers in absolute silence.
This level of strength would blow anyone away!
Miao Hao's smile froze on his face, turning the situation a bit embarrassing.
Squirtle with Aura Sphere? This was definitely his trump card! Not allowing Squirtle to evolve and using it to surprise opponents—this was the strategy of the East Orient Champion!
The planning runs deep!
Luke appears perplexed.
Crawdaunt, being doubly weak to Fighting, wouldn't just be easily defeated.
I won't be compensated for medical expenses!
"Ah... how do you plan to compete?" Luke dryly reminded him.
Miao Hao swallowed hard and looked at Luke with difficulty.
No, it doesn't matter...
I still have the possibility of a comeback!
Miao Hao took a deep breath and released a Poké Ball.
"Go, Poliwrath!"
Poliwrath's muscles tensed, its eyes fixed on Squirtle.
"Water Absorb Ability?" Luke muttered while glancing at the Pokédex. "No wonder..."
For a regular Squirtle, there really isn't a viable means of combat.
But... how many trump cards has Teacher Luke's Squirtle hidden?
Even Teacher Luke himself isn't sure...
"Squirtle," Luke commanded. "Skull Bash!"
This move comes after Squirtle's retreat and is part of its expanded moveset.
In theory, Squirtle has reached the point where it can evolve two levels consecutively into Blastoise.
But this guy is too cautious... Everstone is still attached.
"Squirt~!"
Squirtle leapt into the air and went into Withdrawal.
Flying towards the formidable Poliwrath.
Like a cannonball, a strong wave of air rippled all around.
This isn't Skull Bash; it's more like an actual rocket launch!
Miao Hao's complexion changed, and he roared, "Poliwrath, catch him!"
Squirtle soared and collided, leaving Poliwrath looking flustered.
Do you expect me to take the lead?
Can rockets be caught barehanded?!
Bang!
A tremendous muffled noise made eyelids jump.
The entire stadium faintly shook.
Tang Hui looked up at the arena where debris was shaking off, quietly wiping away his cold sweat.
Luke's Pokémon...
They really are each more unique than the last!
Looking at the cramping and pale Poliwrath, Miao Hao's lips trembled.
On the other side, is that still a Pokémon?
The two creatures that took me down in an instant...
Is the East Orient Region really this formidable?
And I wanted to use him as a stepping stone...
"The South China runner-up... is that level of weakness?"
"Teacher Luke is just too powerful!"
"And... Teacher Luke is still willing to guide him. He truly is a teacher!"
Listening to the muttering around him, Miao Hao's face turned red, then pale.
Luke took the initiative to step forward, shaking hands and saying:
"It was a good fight."
Miao Hao felt humiliated, but it wasn't easy to show it, so he chuckled twice.
"Squirt~."
Squirtle touched its head, lost in thought.
The shell is injured, and I can use a Max Potion to recover...
Shouldn't you be more cautious with your head?
Luke looked strangely at Squirtle, lost in thought.
For such a weak opponent, maybe Squirtle shouldn't have been let go.
Let Growlithe take over, relying on commands, it could still overpower the Defying Attribute!
"Congratulations, Luke," Tang Hui slightly smiled, handing over a small Badge and a certificate. "This symbolizes your identity as a professional trainer. In other Alliances, it also represents the identity of an Orient Trainer."
Luke nodded, solving the visa issue perfectly.
Luke took the Badge and placed it on Gengar.
"Quiet, it's quite fitting!" Luke said, astonished.
"Jie jie~!" Gengar was momentarily taken aback, then reacted and laughed.
To continue training everyone—was this what the Master expected of him?
"I, Gengar, will continue to work hard!"
"There's also... professional Trainers can apply to the association for a high-level move-learning machine," Tang Hui said with a smile. "I happen to be free, so I'll take you there!"
In the envy-filled eyes of other trainers, Luke's expression changed.
Old Tang, why didn't you mention this earlier?
I've already started applying for a visa. Can you still help me?
Luke thought, "As expected of you, Gym Leader Tang."
Tang Hui laughed heartily. "You're welcome. You deserve it!"