While confirming participation in the P1 Championship, the current main focus is on preparing for the Academy Exchange Tournament.
The school experienced a few near-bombings before, causing Teacher Luke to feel a bit remorseful. However, Principal Earl didn't take it too seriously and advised Luke to prioritize education.
Given the significant favor received, it's only right to show more concern and dedication to the educational responsibilities.
...
November 30th, Monday.
Luke stood on the balcony of the villa, observing Togepi in the courtyard with mixed emotions.
"kek ke ke ke~~!"
Togepi twirled its finger, and a multitude of rocks materialized around it before crashing down with a resounding bang.
Bang!
The rocks created sizable craters in the ground upon impact.
"ke ke~~!" Togepi clapped its tiny hands in excitement.
Learned~~Finally learned!
"jie jie~!" Gengar, holding a handkerchief, had a tearful expression as it blew its nose.
Togepi's strength had once again advanced.
The master must be as delighted as I am!
Luke leaned against the railing, sighing deeply.
This is Togepi, mastering the Rock-type move on its own—Ancient Power.
[Ancient Power: Attack with Primal's Rock power to increase all your abilities with a certain probability.]
Luke couldn't help but marvel at the large pitted hole in the courtyard.
With Togepi's small stature, its formidable power was indeed quite impressive!
Ancient Power, in the hands of the Luck Emperors, could enhance all abilities.
With Togepi's [Serene Grace] Ability, it could even double the probability, although Luke wasn't overly confident about triggering additional effects.
Though I don't have much confidence in triggering additional effects…
Teacher Luke acknowledged Togepi's luck, truly living up to the name of 'Serene Grace.'
It's just that my bad luck is too strong, sometimes overshadowing it…
"ke ke~~!" Togepi lifted its head, beamed its smile, and glanced up at Luke on the balcony.
Luke forced a smile and said:
"Thanks for your hard work…take a break and continue training!"
Togepi wiped the sweat from its forehead with a little hand, smiled, and waved.
Keep working hard! ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ
Luke's emotions were delicate.
While Togepi currently lacked battle strength compared to several seniors, it was diligently trying to catch up.
Although I am a little touched... why do I feel so inexplicably exhausted!
"Training is over!"
Luke nodded.
"I didn't expect Togepi to become so strong... just aiming for a safe growth!"
As he spoke, Togepi once again unleashed "Ancient Power."
Rocks surrounded Togepi, levitating in the air before crashing down.
Dong!
This time, the entire villa began to shake.
A surge of red light enveloped Togepi, fully enhancing its attributes!
"ke ke~~!" Togepi's eyes gleamed!
A bead of sweat trickled down Luke's forehead quietly.
I almost forgot.
Unlike Gold's Togepi, it's only level 6!
"kek ke ke ke~~~(❁´◡`❁)✲ﾟ"
Fortunately, the enhanced attribute effect wears off after training.
Togepi reverted to its adorable self.
Gengar looked at the blue light and used Psychic to transport Togepi from the courtyard to the balcony.
"ke ke~~~" Togepi joyfully bounced around on the railing, eager to play 'lifting high' again.
Luke gazed at the disorderly courtyard, silently took out his phone, and made a call.
"Yes, it's me. Um, as soon as possible."
...
Once again, the leader of the Kanto-themed interior decoration team shook hands with Luke in a gesture of utmost respect.
"You have been exceptionally accommodating to us!"
Luke made a perplexed expression.
It's not like I had a choice!
However, Luke pondered, surveying the courtyard restored to its original state, and couldn't help marveling at the advanced technology of the Pokémon world.
Who would have thought... Besides communication and transportation technology, even infrastructure has advanced so rapidly!
After attending to these minor affairs, Teacher Luke focused on preparing for the impending inter-school exchange competition.
In the afternoon, Luke rode Arcanine to the Trainer Academy.
The primary purpose of this visit was to encourage the students to intensify their training.
This encompassed providing training techniques to Giselle and Gladion.
Allow Lycanroc to be hit?
Gladion held the document in his hand, his refined face revealing a hint of astonishment.
Can this really... work?
Observing Gladion's skepticism, Luke spoke with determination:
"Your Lycanroc is exceptionally well-suited for the 'Counter' move."
"Gengar will elucidate the specific training regimen. Take Lycanroc with you when you find it."
Gladion raised his head, slightly taken aback.
He saw the majestic Arcanine, displaying a fierce grin.
"jie jie~!" Gengar stood beside Arcanine, also grinning.
For me, Teacher Luke even provided Arcanine as a sparring partner...
We can't let him down!
Gladion took a deep breath, his gaze sharpening.
"Let's go, Lycanroc, we're going to train Counter!"
...
As dusk settled, the sun slanted westward, casting a warm glow across the training ground.
In the expansive training area, the imposing Arcanine had Lycanroc in a tight hold, its teeth bared.
"Woo—" Lycanroc emitted a muffled sound.
"Let's call it a day here," Luke couldn't help but let out a dry cough. "We'll continue tomorrow."
Realizing their limitations, Gladion, with his blonde hair drenched in sweat, nodded vigorously. "Certainly!"
On the other side, Giselle appeared fatigued. "Teacher Luke, how many more boomerangs do I have to throw..."
"Don't let your guard down," Luke advised with a glance. "Marowak's boomerang packs a punch comparable to Earthquake... Just focus on perfecting this move."
"Understood~"
...
The sun had set.
Despite being sparring partners throughout the day, it was not without its benefits.
In the heated exchanges with Lycanroc, Arcanine's understanding of Fighting moves had significantly improved.
Though there was still a considerable journey ahead to master "Close Combat," Arcanine had now grasped the technique of "Reversal."
This move allowed it to unleash greater power when near defeat. In a Limit Four duel, concealing a move like "Reversal" might catch an opponent off guard.
This was the current physical attack configuration for Arcanine, along with fort and station types.
However, in practice, the definition of effort values remained somewhat nebulous.
The strategy was to max out all attributes first and then adjust the configuration as needed.
This was a tactic endorsed by a certain "advertiser," Leon, whose dual-blade Charizard sported moves like Brick Break, Thunder Punch, Flamethrower, and Air Slash.
It seemed Teacher Luke had a kindred spirit.
With the day's training concluded, the two students were dismissed to rest, and Teacher Luke made plans to return to Saffron City.
Just as he contemplated leaving, Luke received a call from Erika.
"Teacher Luke, could you come to the Principal's office now?"
"Why?"
"We have a transfer student from Hoenn, arranged by Professor Oak."
"A transfer student from Hoenn?" Luke was slightly surprised.
"Professor Oak will provide more details in person."
Erika continued, "If you're free now, you could give Professor Oak a call... He tried reaching you through your Pokédex, but he couldn't get through."
The special edition Pokédex also served as a mobile phone.
Luke cleared his throat awkwardly. The reason he couldn't be reached was probably because he had thrown the Pokédex to Gengar, and it likely remained in his stomach.
After dialing the phone, a person appeared on the video call—a spirited old man with white hair.
"Oh, it's Luke!" Professor Oak exclaimed, as he put away an alcohol lamp and greeted, "Long time no see!"
...
Luke found himself in a sensitive situation.
If I make this call now... is Professor Oak about to grill me over this?
"How many badges have you collected?" Professor Oak inquired first.
"Three, three..."
"Wait! This is less than a month; the progress is impressive!" Professor Oak exclaimed.
Luke felt a twinge of anxiety. Please, don't twist the knife!
"That's not the issue," Luke coughed lightly. "I wanted to ask you about the situation with that Hoenn transfer student."
"Ah..."
At the mention of this, Professor Oak's expression became somewhat complex.
As if carefully choosing his words, Professor Oak whispered, "Do you happen to know... Wally?"