In the square outside the school gate, dust swirled in the air.
Giselle gritted her teeth, casting an unwilling glance at the blond boy before her.
"Your Cubone has been injured," the boy stated indifferently, his gaze fixated on Cubone's wound.
"Get it treated now; it's not too late," he advised.
Giselle bit her lower lip tightly, just as she was about to concede defeat.
"Crack!"
Cubone trembled as it propped itself up from the ground, its eyes filled with rage as it faced the boy.
"Will you continue the fight?" the blond boy inquired, his eyes gradually turning cold.
"Sorry, but there's no other way to become stronger."
"ao wu ——"
The blond boy raised his hand, and the scarlet-eyed Lycanroc roared towards the sky, summoning sharp rocks in front of him.
"Rock Slide!" The boy commanded with a swift wave of his hand.
The rocks rushed towards Cubone, posing a threat of fatal wounds upon impact.
"I admit defeat!"
Although Giselle blurted out, it was too late.
She felt a sense of suffocation as she watched the rocks crashing down.
"Cubone!!!"
Dust filled the air, and a snow-white silhouette swiftly moved like a spark, pulling Cubone out of the Rock Slide's range.
"vui~ ~" Sylveon gently placed the unconscious Cubone down and elegantly shook its ribbon.
"Give chase."
Luke relaxed, surveying the surroundings.
"Is anyone else injured?" he asked.
Others nodded in response.
Observing the scene, Luke had a rough understanding of what had occurred.
Giving Giselle a comforting pat on the shoulder, he said, "Well, there's not much you can do if your skills aren't on par; it's alright."
Although Luke intervened midway, preventing serious injury to Cubone, according to the rules, Giselle still lost the Pokémon Battle.
"Teacher, I..." Giselle's eyes welled up, and she hesitated.
Embarrassed, the words she intended to say were left unspoken.
The blond boy with bangs in front of his forehead, Gladion from Alola, remarked nonchalantly, "Continuing to fight at the risk of serious injury to Pokémon... that's an irresponsible performance toward Pokémon."
"As a Trainer, you're a bit inadequate."
Gladion's words were accurate, but his tone was harsh.
This young man, cold on the outside and warm on the inside, was actually quite gentle with Pokémon. Sometimes, extreme measures were taken for the sake of becoming stronger.
Considering Gladion's character, Luke embraced him.
This young man was indeed an arrogant blond monster.
"I..."
Giselle attempted to say something, but her hesitation during the battle betrayed her immaturity.
In the end, Giselle lowered her head in frustration.
Gladion recalled Lycanroc into its Poké Ball and looked directly at Luke.
"Are you the teacher of their battle class?"
"More accurately, it's a simulated battle class," Luke replied, curious about Gladion's intentions.
"Really..."
Gladion, holding onto the bangs in front of his forehead, seemed to be pondering.
To become stronger, one had to face formidable opponents!
"Let's battle, Teacher!"
The students around were rendered speechless.
"Is this guy... crazy?"
"Teacher Luke won't agree to this!"
An old acquaintance in the crowd, a student with well-groomed hair who played cards, looked puzzled.
Considering Teacher Luke's character, it was indeed possible that it was inappropriate!
Gladion, Ash's rival in the Alola Region, was only about 14 years old. Although he hadn't won the Z-Ring, his strength was still remarkable.
Luke stroked his chin.
While Gladion was a promising candidate, his temperament still needed some adjustment.
"You're not qualified yet," Luke shook his head.
Gladion raised an eyebrow.
"I've defeated everyone here!"
Teacher Luke was taken aback, glancing coldly at the shivering students behind him.
These guys are too inexperienced!
It seems Erika has been too lenient with them!
Gengar will have to train these students, Luke thought to himself.
"How do I challenge?" Gladion inquired.
Luke replied, "It's simple; you just need to defeat Giselle in one more match."
The students present raised their heads suddenly.
Defeat Senior Giselle again?
Haven't they witnessed Cubone losing so dramatically?
If there's another round, it's highly likely to be in vain!
Giselle's eyes also revealed a hint of confusion.
Did Teacher Luke have some other plan in mind?
Gladion glanced at Giselle, then turned his gaze back to Luke.
"If I win one more match against her, will you agree to battle me?"
The strength of that Sylveon... it was powerful, so powerful that Gladion shivered slightly.
However, the excitement of facing a formidable opponent overwhelmed any fear.
Even if he lost, battling a powerhouse would undoubtedly be rewarding!
"Of course," Luke laughed, patting Giselle Sundae on the shoulder.
"Let's go; first, let's heal Cubone."
As the class ended, more and more students surrounded the square.
In the distance,Teacher Wendy and Erika, who rushed over upon hearing the commotion, stood at a distance from the crowd.
"Aren't you going to stop it?" Wendy asked nervously.
Erika shook her head slightly.
"Since Teacher Luke speaks this way, it means he's fully confident."
With Teacher Luke pointing out Giselle, it was not impossible to turn defeat into victory.
More importantly, Teacher Luke was the Trainer known as 'The Tactician.'
With his presence, the situation would soon stabilize.
...
"That Lycanroc excels in melee and Counter, so maintaining distance is the best strategy," Luke advised. "Additionally, remember to leverage Cubone's Bonemerang trajectory and try to use ranged moves…"
Listening to Teacher Luke's explanation, Giselle became increasingly awestruck. How could Teacher Luke grasp all this in just a few minutes? This level of insight might even surpass Teacher Erika.
"Doesn't your Cubone know how to use Protect?" Luke glanced at her. "Hold on and stall; I didn't pay attention to the lecture for nothing!"
You're just catching up now!
Giselle internally criticized herself, swallowing her nerves. Maybe... victory is within reach!
Taking out a Poké Ball, Giselle released Cubone. Despite its wounds, its eyes remained resolute.
"Crack!" Cubone panted, wielding Thick Club as if to prove a point.
Giselle's eyes welled up, her determination growing.
"In essence… trust your Pokémon," Luke chuckled. "It will respond to you."
Giselle nodded gently, suddenly noticing Luke handing her a red square.
"What's this?" she asked, startled.
"I used Cheri Berry and Sitrus Berry to restore energy," Luke explained. He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Gengar doesn't like these."
"Jie jie~" Gengar lazily waved its hand. It seemed entirely uninterested.
I can't look down on him at all!
Cubone stared at the red square, eyes widening, and a hint of drool escaping from the corners of its mouth.
"Crack! (¯﹃¯)"
"Pokéblock can also enhance Pokémon's physical activity, which is beneficial," Luke considered.
Cubone eagerly swallowed the red square, emitting a radiant white light from its body.
Teacher Luke & Giselle: ????
"What's happening here?"
The onlookers were bewildered. Did Cubone just evolve under Teacher Luke's guidance? Such a maneuver was unheard of!
Teacher Luke, after his peculiar cooking-induced evolution, achieved yet another bizarre feat!
Following Marowak's evolution, it swung a hefty Bone Club, eyes gleaming with determination.
Gladion furrowed his brow. This was that man's influence... the improvement in strength was enviable. Despite the evolution, the outcome remained uncertain!
"Lycanroc, Rock Slide!" Gladion commanded.
The rocks shot out rapidly, colliding with the green Barrier erected by Marowak. With a retaliatory counterattack using 'Protect,' Marowak deftly threw the spinning 'Bonemerang' backhand, hitting Lycanroc's knee with a resounding 'boom.'
"Ao wu!" Lycanroc, with scarlet eyes, knelt in embarrassment.
No, Counter isn't effective at this distance!
Gladion gritted his teeth. "Advance and use Crunch!"
"Protect!" Giselle Sundae shouted loudly.
Marowak's 'Protect' once again illuminated, and Crunch emitted a sharp grinding sound.
Cheers erupted from the onlookers, but Gladion's expression slightly shifted.
This style of play... was completely different from before!
Is it all just because of that man's guidance?
Giselle, seizing the opportunity, caught Gladion's momentary confusion and responded swiftly.
In the hushed anticipation of the students, Lycanroc, in its dark night form, crashed to the ground!
Absolute silence enveloped the scene.
The students were slow to react. Was the Lycanroc that dominated moments ago defeated like this? Was this Giselle's true strength?
No, Senior Giselle was almost in tears just a while ago!
Everyone was left stunned.
Observing the composed Teacher Luke standing with his arms crossed, the students were filled with admiration.
Teacher Luke... this live teaching demonstration was too impressive!
Gladion took a deep breath, his fingers still trembling slightly.
Even... he had genuinely lost this battle.
Does this man truly possess the ability to perceive all of his intentions?
Gladion raised his head, holding onto the bangs in front of his forehead. It seemed as though he was making a decision, his eyes gradually firm.
On the other side, Giselle cheered excitedly, spinning around with her Marowak. Not only did it evolve, but it also triumphed over its opponent. All of this was thanks to Teacher Luke's coaching.
Giselle stole a glance at Teacher Luke, her cheeks flushing with gratitude and determination.
Even for Teacher Luke, she was determined to win at this year's exchange competition!
"Alright, everyone, back to class!" Luke directed the students to disperse.
However, after witnessing Teacher Luke's on-site teaching, the students were eager for more practical lessons from him.
Erika strolled over to Luke, wearing a smile.
"It seems the course selection for the little girl has become much simpler."
"That's not enough."
There's no reward for starting a new class...
Luke coughed lightly, looking at Gladion with a conflicted expression.
Next, it was time to deal with this young man.
Erika adjusted her short hair to the side of her ears, appearing more serious.
"If there's no reasonable explanation, the school has the right to involve the police station... Please, clarify your situation."
Gladion glanced around at the two of them. As if coming to a decision, he gritted his teeth and said:
"For some reason... I need to get stronger strength, and I came to Kanto to seek it. That's why I'm here."
"Then why not challenge the Gyms? Why come to Trainer School?" Luke was taken aback.
Gladion fell silent for a while, looking at Erika standing next to Luke.
"I'm sorry," Erika responded apologetically. "I've been busy with substitute lessons lately and haven't had time for the Gyms."
Teacher Luke gazed at the sky.
Erika's substitute lessons were because of his trip to Cinnabar Island...
Once the emotions settle, I'll still have to take responsibility for this!
"Gym challenges are not a problem," Luke stated.
Gladion looked at Luke, his eyes filled with determination. "I just want to know... can I transfer to your class."
In Luke, Gladion saw the potential for becoming stronger. For his mother, for his younger sister, for the father he had been separated from for many years... Gladion needed more power to fulfill his long-held wish. Joining Trainer Academy was an excellent opportunity.
Luke said, "I refuse."
Gladion: "Huh?"
Even if there's a plan to make Gladion a pawn, there's a limit to shamelessness, right?
"I can serve you tea and water; anything to become stronger is fine!" Gladion pleaded anxiously.
Luke replied sincerely.
If I asked for your younger sister's contact information, you might still hesitate to give it to me...
"Go to the police station, complete the statement, and then we can consider transferring you to another school. That's the deal." Luke instructed.
Gladion's face took on a peculiar expression.
As long as he could visit his place...
Thinking of Marowak's evolution and Giselle's rapid improvement, Gladion's eyes lit up.
He took a deep breath and gritted his teeth. "No problem! I'll surrender first and be back soon!"
...
Luke mentioned that he was going to take Gladion to see Officer Jenny, but it turned out to be a jest.
After all, this youngster wasn't involved in any wrongdoing; his methods were just a bit unconventional.
He suggested letting Teacher Wendy handle the necessary admission procedures first.
As if sensing something, Erika inquired, "Do you intend for him to be a contender in the exchange competition?"
"Each teacher can bring three students to the competition," Luke explained. "If things go well, he could be one of my candidates."
"But isn't this child a bit too intense?" Erika questioned with a slight tilt of her head. "At this age, the focus should be on exploring the world rather than an intense desire for victory and defeat. It doesn't seem healthy."
Luke crossed his arms, watching Gladion's departing figure.
For Lusamine and Lillie, Gladion carried a significant burden.
He believed that only by becoming stronger could one safeguard the things they held dear.
"Based on what I've observed of him..." Luke remarked with a faint smile. "He's a remarkably resilient kid."
"Even though it's our first meeting," Erika said, adjusting her short hair with a smile, "your words make you sound like his father."
Luke was taken aback.
"I'm not that old yet..."
"I mean, in terms of mindset," Erika said with a smile. "I always get the sense that Teacher Luke is leading a life that feels much older, yeah."
"Because Pokémon can train on their own, aside from the occasional house demolition, it saves me worry..."
Erika blinked, appearing a bit bewildered.
Pokémon can train independently?
Is this the secret behind Teacher Luke's strength?
After bidding farewell to Erika, Luke sought out Gladion and organized his upcoming learning tasks.
"Really, is it possible?"
Gladion still had some doubts. "Can I really learn from you?"
"Anyway, I'm just imparting some basic tactics," Luke explained. "You can join me for a month until the end of the trial period. How much you absorb is entirely up to you."
Gladion responded with a smile, "No problem."
Witnessing the rare cheerful smile of the blond boy, Luke placed a firm hand on his shoulder, giving it a reassuring pat.
"I'm heading out now. See you in the next class!"
Gladion was momentarily stunned.
As he felt the lingering warmth on his shoulders and watched Luke's departing figure, Gladion found himself lost in thought for a moment.
Memories of his childhood with his father suddenly surged to the forefront of his mind.
Shaking his head to dispel the memories, Gladion stared at the timetable in front of him, deep in contemplation.
A year-end exchange competition...
Teacher Luke, I won't disappoint you!