In the early morning, Teacher Luke's group gathered at Splash's residence.
Misty had just completed her training at Seafoam Islands, hurried back to Cerulean City, and inquired in the chat group:
"Teacher Luke, did you manage to get the Cascade Badge?" Luke, feeling a bit tired, replied, "Yes, I got it..."
"Fortunately, I contacted my elder sisters in advance," Misty explained, "Otherwise, they might be too busy with performances to handle it and decide to give you the Badge."
A big question mark appeared above Luke's head.
Why would Misty's elder sister suddenly consider the Cerulean Badge as a prize?
It turns out Misty was the mastermind behind this unexpected gift!
"I watched the recording of yesterday's fishing tournament," Green said in astonishment. "It seems to have caused quite a commotion?"
"An accident," Luke coughed dryly.
Thanks to the trio's impressive backing skills, Teacher Luke unexpectedly won the fishing tournament championship. Squirtle also successfully learned "Hydro Pump," advancing further on the path of becoming a formidable Water-type Pokémon.
Calculating the future costs of sending Squirtle into battle, Luke wondered if he'd need to upgrade from "Max Potion" to "Mystic Water."
"How does it feel... as if I've lost a lot?" Luke muttered.
As for giving away a Badge, it could be considered a traditional performance of Cerulean Gym.
Teacher Luke gradually regained his composure, deciding not to put the Cascade Badge inside his clothes.
Looking at the three shining Badges, Luke thoughtfully nodded.
"Don't panic; there are five more chances."
Five Badges!
Five Badges, and if he couldn't secure a second one, would he even stand a chance?
With one hand ambushing, this task might prove impossible for him to complete!
...
On November 29th, Sunday, everyone chose to stay at home and gather around the TV, as it was the weekend. The screen projected a movie starring Diantha, with Gardevoir in a supporting role.
While affectionately rubbing Arcanine's warm fur, Luke voiced a complaint, "I think Gengar could also be the lead."
Although Gengar might not fit the idol genre, it could play a role in a horror movie. Luke even suggested the idea of a "Magic Girl Gengar."
"Jie jie~!" Gengar, chewing on popcorn, nodded vaguely in agreement.
"Vui~ ~" Sylveon lay on Luke's knee, yawning, showing no interest in the movie. It gracefully leaped down and headed towards the cat hole at the door.
"Come back early!" Luke greeted.
"Vui~ " (I know)
Squirtle enjoyed rare leisure time with everyone, munching on specially made Pokéblocks with a serious expression, perhaps fearing the popcorn might be poisonous.
Surprisingly, even Gardevoir from the celebrity movie displayed such strength. Still, caution was necessary, and preparations needed to be made before each battle.
"Ke ke~~ ~"
Togepi, dressed in a Pikachu doll costume, rolled around on the sofa, holding Luke's cell phone and playing "Angry Pidove."
After successfully beating away Grumpig, Togepi kicked its feet happily.
"Kek ke ke ke~~ ~o(*≧▽≦)ツ"
Luke smiled. Gengar also seemed to be having a good time, emphasizing that a true hunk had to take care of Togepi.
In the afternoon, as Teacher Luke began handling work, he received a call from Oleana.
"The mobile game terminal of PTCG is currently under development," Oleana informed. "Additionally, several stand-alone DLCs have been produced, and 'Pokémon Auto Chess' is officially in the construction phase."
"Thanks," Luke nodded. "How much money can I personally use?"
"Considering the progress of other industries," Oleana pondered before saying, "The amount you can personally spend is about 10 million."
Luke was slightly startled. In just a few months, he had accumulated a 10 million deposit? Unexpectedly, Teacher Luke found himself becoming quite affluent.
However, it wasn't a substantial amount. Several phenomenal stand-alone machines had been on the shelf for a short time, and the physical business of the training club was burning money. With this 10 million deposit, buying a house in Magic City seemed difficult.
Even though Teacher Luke had invested tens of millions in little fellows, it was still far from the hundreds of millions needed for Champions, Elites, and Pokémon breeds. These funds couldn't even cover the cost of a Mega Stone.
Luke sighed lightly, recalling his concerns about potential betrayals after obtaining the Key Stone. For now, he didn't have to worry about borrowing money, putting Teacher Luke in a good mood.
He placed Togepi in the basket and went shopping with Gengar, planning to prepare a sumptuous dinner before Sylveon returned.
...
With its white fur, Sylveon stands at the entrance of the Gym.
Sylveon 's eyes express determination.
As the other partners are growing, Sylveon is naturally keeping pace.
Similar to Gengar, it is 'training itself.'
For Sylveon, it's about 'brushing up on its own EXP.'
The Ability "Pixilate" combines with the 'Anticipation' from its Eevee days.
This synergy helps Sylveon better identify a suitable training ground.
"Vui~!" Sylveon's eyes show determination.
For its master, it needs to become stronger!
Using a ribbon, it pushes open the door to the Fighting Gym.
The eyes of all the apprentices focus on Sylveon.
...
Being the sole Gym in Saffron City, the Fighting Gym lost its traditional status after suffering defeat from Sabrina.
However, the Gym's strength remains formidable and shouldn't be underestimated.
The teacher with a Mediterranean hairstyle, representing the fans, is given the nickname "Karate King."
Whether this moniker is an honor or a mockery is unclear.
Now, the Karate King is gearing up to face Bea's challenge when the Gym's door unexpectedly swings open.
"More challengers?" Karate King's expression turns serious, squinting his eyes.
Upon closer inspection, he discovers a girl and reacts dramatically:
"So cute!"
Jumping in front of Sylveon, Karate King leans in and warmly asks:
"What's wrong, little one? Have you and your master been separated? Can I help you find him?"
The apprentices exchange puzzled looks.
Mind your reputation, Master!
In the Dojo, Bea, who came to challenge, folds her arms and ponders.
Why does this Sylveon look so familiar?
"Vui~! (〝▼ д▼)"
Sylveon bares its teeth, extends its ribbon, and points to Karate King's Poké Ball.
Karate King is momentarily taken aback: "You want to challenge too?"
Sylveon nods proudly.
The apprentices look bewildered and murmur.
"A wild Pokémon?"
"No, it seems the Saffron Gym next door got invaded by Pokémon!"
"This is so unconventional!"
A realization dawns on Bea, and she becomes serious.
If... it really belongs to Teacher Luke.
Challenging the Gym by oneself wouldn't be too difficult!
Unable to sit still any longer, one apprentice stands up and declares, "Master, I'll help you take care of it!"
"Don't hurt it!" Karate King says nervously.
"Don't worry." The apprentice sneers. "Go, Machoke!"
Muscles bulging, fists wrapped in whistling wind, Machoke charges toward Sylveon.
Sylveon lifts its head and emits a loud voice!
The shock from the "Hyper Voice," combined with the power of "Pixilate," forces the Dojo's apprentices to cover their ears.
Machoke, hit by the sound waves, is sent flying, crashing into the arena's edge, and promptly falls into unconsciousness.
"Vui~~" Sylveon cutely shakes its head.
This bit of EXP is not enough!
Karate King gulps audibly.
This Pokémon seems even more impressive than Mr. Mime from Sabrina next door!
"So be it." Karate King dons his headband and declares resolutely:
"I accept the challenge!"
...
[Ding! Successfully completed the Gym challenge!]
[Note: Unofficially recognized Gyms do not award Badges. Please be mindful, host!]
Luke is in the midst of preparing dinner, a wry smile forming at the corner of his mouth.
"Do you really think I'm challenging a Gym?!"
The System falls silent once again.
No, this is just absurd...
At that moment, Sylveon returns from the cathole, gracefully leaping onto the sofa.
Luke, with a subtle realization, asks in a questioning tone, "Are you planning to challenge Gyms again?"
"Vui~~" the little Pokémon unconsciously nods.
"But in Saffron City, Gengar is the coach at the Gym, and everyone knows you..."
Luke, rubbing his chin, suddenly remarks, "Are you planning to visit the Fighting Gym?"
"Vui~!" Sylveon smirks.
Teacher Luke experiences a sudden shock.
In Saffron City, there are two Gyms: Psychic Gym and Fighting Gym.
You guys are going to challenge one of them, but without discussing it, you even managed to throw punches in the gym?!
While it is indeed an operation typical of Pokémon, this isn't Magic City, and the Gym Leader is not Tang Hui...
Just allowing Pokémon to storm into a gym... wouldn't that have a significant impact?
Teacher Luke looks perplexed and mutters, "Let's head to the Fighting Gym first and see what's going on..."