The power of Arcanine is still somewhat inferior to Roxanne's trump card, Probopass. However, with the Trainer's commands, the impact of the level difference can be minimized. Moreover, Arcanine has already participated in three battles. While physical strength can be restored with Morning Sun, energy and reaction speed are inevitably reduced. At least for today, there's no need to worry about it tearing down the house.
Luke shook his head helplessly and spoke to the Luxury Ball, "Thank you, I'll reward you tonight." He shook his head as if expecting Arcanine's honest smile.
His attention returned to the field. Roxanne had sent out a second Pokémon, the robust Golem. As a Rock-type Gym Leader, this was also an attribute that Roxanne specialized in. However, facing the charming Sylveon, Roxanne felt a strong sense of anxiety. Gritting her teeth, Roxanne preemptively commanded, "Golem, Rollout!" With the classic Defense Curl and Rollout, Golem's speed continued to increase, and Sylveon was about to be knocked into the air.
But in an instant, the rumbling sound in their ears abruptly ceased. "This, this is!" The commentator's voice got stuck in his throat. Sylveon extended a satin strip to effortlessly halt Golem's Rollout. Could such an operation be possible? The audience was left dumbfounded. However, it seemed too effortless.
Roxanne was momentarily frozen, her focus on Sylveon's metallic ribbon. Using "Iron Tail," it instantly strengthened the power of the ribbon and resisted Golem's Rollout. Wasn't Arcanine supposed to be his strongest Pokémon?
Luke touched his chin, finding this strengthening method oddly familiar. Busoushoku Haki?
Luke lightly coughed, commanding, "Iron Tail!" Sylveon jumped up, overlapping its sharp ribbons. A small noise was heard by the front-row audience, and it seemed as though Golem might be cracked open.
Roxanne was already bewildered. Sylveon's aggression was overwhelming. "Vui~!" Sylveon formed a dark Shadow Ball with a bow. With a roar, the gravelly sound followed, and Golem was blasted out of the field. The audience remained stunned for a while.
"Too, too violent!"
"This, this is the second round?!"
"Vui~!" Sylveon turned around and sweetly smiled at Luke.
Was this their way of communicating?
Observing Golem, who lay on the sidelines, pitted, Teacher Luke experienced a mix of emotions. He had a feeling that if Sylveon ever got jealous, it would be quite terrifying.
Roxanne's third Pokémon was the fossil Pokémon Cradily, a combination of Rock and Grass types. Cradily could indeed learn "Leech Seed" in the eighth generation. However, it was not commonly used in specific matches.
Sylveon used Quick Attack as a boost, smashing its face, with the powerful "Return" hit Cradily head-on. Under the astonishing display of force, Cradily's figure trembled, and slammed to the ground. With a whimper, the referee raised the flag.
"Cradily loses combat capability!"
"Winner, Luke!"
Supporters from both Academies applauded warmly in this brief moment. With his own strength, Luke not only led the students but also overturned an entire Academy. In the main match, he once again achieved the feat of "bestowing a zero score on the opponent." This performance was much better than when Erika Teacher led the team.
In the live broadcast room, online friends had already begun to refresh the screen.
"Teacher Luke is awesome!"
"One against three? Just a walk in the park!"
"Vui~~" Having effortlessly defeated the opponent, Sylveon gracefully walked back to Luke.
"Didn't I ask you to take it easy?" Luke whispered.
"Vui~?" Sylveon blinked.
"Forget it," Luke sighed. "Anyway, I am mentally prepared for bestowing a zero score on the other side."
Roxanne's forehead twitched on the other side.
Is what you're saying even possible for a human?
But upon reflection, as long as the opponent who concludes against Celadon Academy also ends up with a zero score, we won't be humiliated.
With this thought, Roxanne couldn't help but cheer inwardly for Teacher Luke.
...
In the third match, Luke opted not to continue playing.
He had already proven his strength, leaving no room for anyone to underestimate this young teacher.
Furthermore, healing Arcanine was a top priority.
Finally, in the faceoff between Celadon Academy and Rustboro Academy, the student match concluded with a score of 3:0, and the teacher match with a score of 3:1.
However, those with keen insight could discern that if Teacher Luke hadn't held back...
Rustboro Academy might have truly ended up with a zero-point score.
After the game, leaders from both sides exchanged handshakes, and Roxanne handed a metal object to Luke.
"This is the Stone Badge," Roxanne said. "Consider it a Gym challenge souvenir. If you ever come to Rustboro City in the future, there's no need to challenge the Gym."
Roxanne sighed with her hands on her hips. "Anyway... I'm already a bit overshadowed."
Luke was slightly surprised. That's should not be the reason why you gave me the Badge!
Fortunately, this Badge wasn't part of any system task. Teacher Luke accepted it with ease.
"And this," Roxanne added with a smile, handing over a yellow USB flash drive. "Rock Slide... it's a move recorder that comes with the Badge."
Luke looked puzzled. 'Rock Slide,' such a quality move, is really too dirty! Who uses Rock Slide for serious battles?
So, he accepted the USB flash drive.
"By the way, Teacher Luke," Roxanne began, seeming a bit hesitant as she scratched her cheek. "When will the 'Plants vs. Zombies' DLC come out?"
"At Christmas, what's up?" Luke inquired.
"Really?" Roxanne's eyes lit up. "No take backs?!"
Luke looked strange. "Cough! Hard to say. Anyway..." He showed his mobile phone QR code. "There's a group here. Do you want to join and find out?"
Roxanne took the phone and scanned it dizzily. When she joined the group chat, the group friends had already begun to welcome her warmly.
Gold: Enter the group and report your measurements, height, and match situation!
Still a bit confused, Roxanne weakly asked Luke for help: "Is this really necessary?"
"Don't mind him," Luke reassured. "You can report if you want."
Another member was added to the group. Roxanne recognized Ruby and Sapphire, but when she saw Steven, Dragon Tamer Lance, and the others in the group, her eyes widened like bronze bells.
"Damn!" Roxanne glanced at the group name and exclaimed, "No wonder I lost to Teacher Luke!"
...
Celadon Academy versus Rustboro Academy.
Teacher Luke's performance created quite a buzz.
Meanwhile, Unova's Striaton Academy defeated the local Jubilife Academy, securing a spot in the finals.
Erika, having completed the Gym Challenge, is contemplating whether to return to participate in the upcoming finals.
"Perhaps... I should also prepare some gratitude for him?" Erika mused, gazing at the Rainbow Badge in her hand.
...
The preliminary round has concluded.
Teacher Luke plans to treat the students to some entertainment back at home.
"Doesn't it trouble Madam?" Wally hesitated.
"Madam?" Luke's eyes gleamed as he patted Wally's shoulder. "I've got the Pokéblock covered for the next few games!"
Gladion swallowed nervously and quickly asked, "The teacher must be very skilled, right?!"
"Well... you have a share too!"
After enduring some awkward silence, Giselle whispered with a hint of playful sarcasm, "Are you planning to have a son soon?"
Teacher Luke raised an eyebrow in confusion.
The logic is correct, but why does the expression always feel odd?
"In any case," Luke cleared his throat, "take a day off and get ready for tomorrow's finals!"