Roxanne unconsciously bit her lip, her legs in pink stockings slightly drawing closer.
"This new teacher is just too powerful..."
"It's not only leadership skills, but his personal strength is absurd!"
Whispers circulated among the seated audience from Rustboro Academy.
Roxanne descended from the stage, wearing a bitter smile.
"It seems like this might be worse than when Teacher Erika led the team."
They had anticipated that without Erika, Celadon Academy would be the underdog this year. Little did they expect that not only the student competitions, but even the teacher competition would lead to this situation.
This Teacher Luke... is truly extraordinary!
Another teacher, Zaoshu, directed his gaze towards Roxanne at the forefront.
"Roxanne Teacher, should I take the next game?"
In the end, it seemed they would resort to a rotating roster strategy.
Zaoshu sighed inwardly. However, this approach also instilled greater confidence in Roxanne Teacher to face the formidable opponent.
In a desperate situation, Zaoshu raised his head to look at the spirited youth dominating the field.
The rays of light from both academies were completely overshadowed by this teacher.
"You can't defeat him."
Unexpectedly, Roxanne shook her head with a serious expression.
"I'll play in the next game."
The two teachers from Rustboro Academy were frozen in surprise.
This marked the first time they witnessed Roxanne displaying such a serious demeanor.
This also implied that Roxanne regarded this game as a contest at an equal level.
The young teacher, Iwamura, was astonished.
Could he be the Gym Leader of some city in Orient?
"We just received the news," the commentator announced, "the next Trainer to represent Rustboro Academy will be Roxanne Teacher."
Instantly, the audience erupted in chatter.
Roxanne stepping in so early?
In previous years, Roxanne faced Celadon's main player, Erika, usually being the final contestant.
This year, with Teacher Luke alone, Rustboro Academy had reached this point?
Roxanne, though not as seasoned as Pryce and other veteran Gym Leaders, was still a rising force among Gym Leaders.
It was intriguing to see her face Teacher Luke so early in the competition.
"It's worth the ticket! This is a showdown!"
"Let the fire-type medicinal aroma become even stronger!"
In the official live broadcast room, a multitude of viewers expressed their excitement.
Many online friends in Teacher Luke's group were also keenly watching this game.
Erika, who had just concluded a Gym assessment, wiped the sweat off her forehead, her hair now black and damp.
Adjusting her breath, Erika tied her short hair behind her ears and tuned into the live broadcast.
Observing the score on the field, Erika couldn't help but feel a sense of amazement.
Without even participating, the score was leading by so much?
Winning might not be terrifying, but falling short would be embarrassing!
In the Hoenn Region, Ruby and Sapphire, friends of Roxanne, were also following the game closely.
Sapphire, resting at home with her feet on Ruby's lap, blinked and commented, "Roxanne vs. Teacher Luke. Do you think she'll lose miserably?"
"Don't worry; Teacher Luke will show restraint," Ruby assured.
Ruby, while massaging Sapphire's white feet, suddenly smiled and remarked, "Wally... I feel like he's a lot more cheerful!"
The camera shifted to the contestants' seats, where Wally was engaged in lively conversation with Gladion. Gladion, adopting a casual posture, covered his forehead with his blond hair, nodding occasionally.
"That's Teacher Luke's personal charm!" Sapphire hummed.
Pride, akin to Ruby, merely curled his lip and whispered, "Well, he's a little more handsome than me..."
The lens returned to the exchange match scene during the intermission.
Upon learning that Roxanne would be playing in the next game, Tenzi and Wendy from Celadon Academy were quick to offer assistance.
"Teacher Luke, do you want me to play first and help warm up the battlefield for you?"
"Teacher Luke, how about some Sitrus Berries? Take two more, and let's give her a hand!"
A wry smile played on Luke's lips.
You're playing dirty!
Nevertheless, facing Roxanne, he couldn't afford to be careless. Even if he claimed he would go easy, he had initially intended to send Squirtle into the battle.
In the 3v3 format, the final spot remained undecided.
"Vui~?" Sylveon stood by his side, wrapping a ribbon around Luke's arm, and blinked with its big blue eyes.
"Let's exchange friendship."
Luke pondered for a moment before saying, "Do you... understand what I mean?"
Sylveon nodded, saying, "Vui~!(▼ ▼#)"
You simply don't get it!
Luke looked bemused, but having a little companion by his side felt more reassuring.
Sylveon returned to its Poké Ball, and Luke stepped onto the battlefield.
The cheers intensified.
The narrator proclaimed, "This will be an early clash between the leaders!"
Now, no one doubted it anymore.
This young teacher was the true mastermind behind Celadon.
Roxanne, of nearly the same age as Luke, would also wager her Badge and Rustboro Gym's honor.
Roxanne, with double ponytails, shook hands with Luke.
"Please advise, Teacher Luke."
"Likewise," Luke replied with a slight smile.
"I will treat this game as a Gym challenge!" Roxanne's eyes exuded determination.
Luke's expression changed.
No, this was unnecessary!
"Both players are in position!"
The referee hoisted the flag high.
"The game begins!"
As the flag descended, Roxanne tossed a Poké Ball.
"Go, Probopass!"
Roxanne's signature Pokémon, Probopass, emerged, covered in a magnetic field and resembling a one-meter-high stone head. Three small parts surrounded it, serving as formidable weapons.
[Probopass, Rock/Steel
Ability: Sturdy
Hold item: leftovers
Move: Stealth Rock, Thunder Wave, Magnet Rise, gravity, Rock Slide, Earth Power…]
Luke furrowed his brow slightly.
In the exchange competition, moves were unrestricted, significantly amplifying the challenge of predicting the opponent's actions.
From another perspective, Probopass, a robust Pokémon capable of inducing Status Conditions, became an even more formidable adversary.
"Be cautious, Arcanine," Luke cautioned solemnly. "If it becomes too overwhelming, we'll concede!"
"Ao wu!" Arcanine responded with a majestic nod.
Roxanne paused for a moment.
Could this be... the most assertive and compelling statement?
No way. Roxanne shook her head.
This was evidently his way of engaging in trash talk!
"Probopass, Magnet Rise!"
To mitigate its four-times Ground weakness, Magnet Rise allowed Probopass to avoid vulnerabilities to Ground-type moves.
The resonant vibrations filled the air as electromagnetic energy surrounded Probopass, causing it to levitate.
Luke directed his gaze upward and commanded, "Arcanine, Flamethrower!"
Arcanine opened her mouth, and a torrent of flames gathered within.
The scorching light illuminated the eyes of the entire audience.
"Flash Cannon!" Roxanne declared in a cold voice.
However, the three small Magnets on Probopass's side gathered, forming a triangle shape.
The magnetic force continued to converge, and with a resounding boom, the hot white light clashed with the pillar of fire.
Bang!!
Dust and smoke filled the air, the three small Magnets disintegrated automatically, homing in on Arcanine within the smoke.
Consecutive explosions echoed, and three Magnet Bombs detonated directly on Arcanine.
Luke furrowed his brow.
"Arcanine, Morning Sun!"
A ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds, bathing Arcanine in its warm glow.
"Ao wu! !(｀0´)"
Arcanine raised her head and whimpered, every mane bathed in sunlight, and her injuries visibly healed at a rapid pace!
Even the composed Roxanne couldn't help but feel the urge to explode at this rare opportunity to chip away at Arcanine's health.
Did he use Morning Sun to completely restore his status?!
In the live broadcast room, viewers expressed their opinions.
"Stay true to your style!"
"This is how Teacher Luke plays."
"Go, Roxanne! Don't lose to Teacher Luke!"
As a Gym Leader, Roxanne quickly regained her composure.
"Probopass, use Thunder Wave up close!"
Arcanine exhibited remarkable speed, but under the influence of the magnetic field, Thunder Wave accurately targeted Arcanine's body.
The resonant vibrations filled the air as Probopass slowly approached Arcanine in midair.
Thunder Wave in the face? Isn't this futile?
Luke wrinkled his brow but still commanded, "Arcanine, Fire Blast!"
"Gravity!" Roxanne unleashed her ultimate move.
An unseen force of gravity exerted itself fiercely on Arcanine's body.
The converging flames distorted and exploded in a different direction.
Now's the chance!
Roxanne's eyes gleamed. "Probopass, Earth Power!"
With a thud, Probopass descended from the sky.
The powerful shock transformed into a wave of Earth Power, radiating outward from its body.
Under the influence of gravity, Arcanine had no room to evade!
The narrator couldn't help but exclaim, "Super effective move, Arcanine faces Earth Power. This is Roxanne's decisive move!"
With this powerful strike, Arcanine was bound to lose the ability to resist!
Even Ruby, watching the match, couldn't help but sigh with admiration. "Roxanne clinched this game."
"No!" Sapphire exclaimed in surprise. "Ruby, look at this!"
Luke maintained his composure and calmly said, "Arcanine, Snarl!"
"It's futile!" Roxanne shouted. "Even if its Special Attack is reduced, Arcanine will still be seriously hurt!"
"You're correct."
Luke furrowed his brow, casting a concerned gaze at the distressed Arcanine.
However, what I intend to utilize is Reversal!
[Reversal: Put forth maximum effort to attack. The less health you have, the more powerful your moves become.]
"Arcanine, Reversal!"
Oops!
Roxanne's heart skipped a beat.
Arcanine, engulfed by Earth Power, cried out in pain, yet there was a glint of determination in its eyes.
The lion-like giant dog roared and bit into Probopass with "Reversal," leaving a dent in the steel body!
The fourfold restraint yielded remarkable results!
"No, there's still a chance!" the commentator exclaimed. "Probopass's Ability saved it for this round!"
Seizing the opportunity, Roxanne commanded, "Magnet Bomb!"
The small Magnets zoomed toward the wounded Arcanine, ready to explode.
The audience, who had glimpsed a ray of hope, suddenly felt a chilling reality.
Had Teacher Luke, who had done everything he could, made a mistake in the end?
This was understandable.
In a matter of seconds, the pace of the game had escalated beyond human anticipation!
A miscalculation?
Do you still dare to accuse me of scheming against you?
Luke sneered and said, "Arcanine, Extreme Speed!"
Launching a preemptive attack, Arcanine swiftly knocked Probopass to the ground with Extreme Speed!
Roxanne felt a tightening in her chest.
Observing Arcanine, whose breathing was erratic, as it triumphantly overcame Probopass, she couldn't help but be impressed.
Just moments ago, didn't Probopass have the upper hand?
How did it get defeated in the blink of an eye?
"Damn, this Arcanine is unleashed!"
"The reaction speed is unnaturally fast!"
The audience gasped collectively.
Roxanne regarded Teacher Luke with a mix of complex emotions.
In a match with no move restrictions.
The strength he exhibited... was simply astonishing!
"There's still a chance," Roxanne murmured to herself, raising her hand to release Graveler.
On Luke's side, he patted the weakened Arcanine.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Luke affixed the Poké Ball to Arcanine's forehead.
"Next, leave it to me."
"Ao wu ~~" Arcanine extended its wet tongue, licking Luke's cheek.
With a Poké Ball, Arcanine was restored.
Luke sent out Sylveon.
The elegant and charming Sylveon, as soon as it appeared on stage, garnered enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
Teacher Luke, accustomed to such reactions, cautioned repeatedly:
"Understand the concept of exchanging friendship?"
"Vui~! (#｀д´)" Sylveon nodded.
No worries!
No one understands the art of friendship better than me!