Early in the following morning.
Cynthia is still asleep in the bedroom.
Luke prepares a hearty breakfast and turns around, saying:
"Let's go, it's time for the game."
"Do we need to wake up the landlady?" Wally inquires.
"Let her rest a bit longer; she's quite exhausted," Luke sighs.
Balancing the roles of a Champion and a myth researcher comes with immense pressure for Cynthia, who appears carefree while fishing but is actually under considerable strain.
That's why a fatigued Cynthia fell asleep unexpectedly last night.
"Oh...alright," Giselle blushes, her face flushing, and she weakly nods.
Is Teacher Luke truly this incredible?
Even the Sinnoh Champion can't match up to him?
...
The finals of the Academy Exchange Competition are approaching.
Gladion flexes his wrist, his eyes determined, saying, "Today, we must win convincingly!"
Even though Wally remains silent, his eyes convey the same determination.
Luke's mood is nuanced as he remarks, "Winning is good, let's salvage some pride."
"Don't worry!" Giselle, turning her broken love into fighting spirit, declares with flames burning in her eyes. "We will definitely make you proud!"
Is that what I meant?
Luke pauses for a moment and helplessly adds, "In short, just give it your best shot and avoid getting hurt."
In the preliminary round, Teacher Luke's team showcased an amazing performance, and Striaton Academy is likely to have made targeted preparations for the finals, increasing the overall difficulty.
Fortunately, Erika, who successfully completed the Gym challenge, has arrived.
"Leave the role of the main commander to you," Erika smiles and says. "This little girl can assist you."
Luke thinks, "I thought you were here for fishing!"
Regardless, securing the title of Champion would still be a favor to Principal Earl. Teacher Luke's work as a teacher throughout the school year has been impeccable.
The stadium in the center of Jubilife City buzzes with excitement, with tens of thousands of spectators pouring into the venue for the finals. The outstanding performance of Celadon Academy has significantly boosted the ratings, breaking records for on-site spectators in the finals compared to previous years.
In the lively venue, aerial cameras hover above, and the host announces, "This will be the most-watched matchup in recent years! The teams from both sides have entered the stadium in advance. Let us eagerly await the victor!"
In the auditorium within the stadium, Roxanne from Rustboro Academy is also watching the game. Joining the group chat, she was taken aback by the interactions between Champion and Elite. Teacher Luke, who can casually chat and laugh with such prominent figures, is certainly not as straightforward as he seems.
"Coming to the Novice Cup to fry fish," Roxanne mutters, "This is Teacher Luke's style..."
Under the focus of tens of thousands, the final of the inter-school exchange competition officially begins, pulling open the heavy curtains.
Giselle is the first to appear as the starting player.
"Let's go!"
In Striaton Academy, Cheren, with a delicate and pretty face, furrows his brow slightly, commenting, "The team led by Teacher Luke."
Sitting next to Cheren, Takuki smiles and says, "You've already figured it out. Will that girl be the first to appear?"
"Braviary is not afraid of Ground-type Bonemerang!"
"Logically, that's correct."
Cheren crosses his arms, taps his fingers on the bridge of his nose, and frowns. "But I can't help feeling a little uneasy..."
On the field, Braviary flaps its wings, and the sharp Wing Attack collides with Marowak head-on.
"Detect!" Giselle commands.
Marowak lifts the Bone Club, resisting Braviary's Wing Attack. It retreats a few meters, remaining unharmed.
The next moment, Marowak spins the Bone Club, gathering Yellow Earth energy, and sharp rocks fall from the sky!
Rock Tomb!
"The effect is outstanding!" The announcer exclaims. "This is a classic defensive counterattack!"
Luke contemplates, touching his chin.
Similar to the effect of 'Protect,' Detect can also resist opponent attacks, but it is more offensive, and the risk of failure is higher. Theoretically, the same 'hold on and stall' effect can be achieved. Luke nodded with satisfaction. Braviary, suppressed by Rock Tomb, was once again carried away by Marowak using Bone Club. Students from Striaton Academy wore serious expressions, while those from Rustboro Academy were jubilant. This scene is all too familiar to them. Losing together wouldn't be as embarrassing.
However, Cheren's pre-reading played a vital role. Despite their victory, Giselle had two Pokémon that lost their combat capability in the 3V3 duel. Giselle returned to the team in frustration, admitting, "Teacher Luke, I know I was wrong."
"Where did you go wrong?" Luke asked, slightly puzzled.
"I should have turned the opponent 3:0," she lamented.
"Don't worry," Gladion stood up confidently, his aura bursting. "I will bestow zero score on them!" The second Gladion, once again showcasing his Lycanroc, displayed an almost outrageous frankness. It used "Counter," and a Toxicroak was sent flying with a hammer.
Off the court, Cheren held down the frame with a trembling hand but fell into a void. Counter spam? This move is obviously illegal, right? Gladion's violent style of play caused a burst of noise in the audience. "Where did these monsters come from?" exclaimed some spectators. "This team is too terrifying!"
The final player to appear was Wally, who moved towards the camera, laughed shyly, and then hardened his gaze. "It is Teacher Luke who gave me this opportunity to prove myself. I can't let him down!"
"Magnezon, Flash Cannon!" Scorching white light gushed out of Magneton's magnet, and Zebstrika was blown away by a beam of light with a sharp sound.
The students of Striaton Academy turned deathly pale. The commentator swallowed and trembled, "This is the most disparate matchup in the history of the finals!"
In the live broadcast room, viewers were already expressing their amazement. "Coach, I want to play too!" exclaimed one. "Teacher Luke has elevated Celadon Academy to a height that does not belong to him!"
In Striaton Academy, Takuki wiped his cold sweat and looked at Cheren. "Master, what do you think?"
Cheren sighed, closing his eyes and rubbing his temples. "There is no way. In the teacher's game to be held, don't lose too ugly!"
Takuki, nervous, asked, "Which one of us will play first?"
"I will," Cheren replied, unbuttoning the first button on his collar. Even for a data-conscious player like him, there are times when the blood surges. And tactics and command are exactly what he excels in. Besides, judging from Teacher Luke's performance yesterday, there is still a possibility of winning. "It's up to me to save the last face of Striaton Academy!"
In Celadon Academy, Erika suggested, "General, shall I go first?"
Luke lightly coughed. "Erika, as the Gym Leader, you are the senior. But when you're not here, the guys seem to perform even better!"
Erika blinked innocently. "You are holding a grudge!"
Luke chuckled. "Anyway, I'll do my best. The little fellows should also perform well." He groaned, looking down at Squirtle. "Squirtle, give it your all!"
Squirtle pushed up its sunglasses, its eyes gleaming. "Squirt~!"
On the other side, a formidable opponent was waiting. Luke sighed, determined to spare no effort.