Friday, December 11.
The Trainer Academy's exchange competition officially came to a close.
However, discussions about this tournament continue to linger.
In previous years, while the duels were exciting, they didn't evoke the same overwhelming emotions as this year.
Whether it was the student matches with their consistent of bestowing zero scores or the remarkable dominance displayed by Teacher Luke in the teacher competition, this year's event left a lasting impression.
The unrelenting and remarkably familiar bestowing zero score approach perfectly embodied Teacher Luke's consistent style.
"Hey, is this a new strategy?!"
"I get it, Togepi is genuinely adorable!"
Despite the somewhat unorthodox strategies, Teacher Luke's charming appearance, coupled with the cuteness of Sylveon and Togepi, won over the audience.
After the games, reporters interviewed Celadon Academy's students and teachers. Interestingly, whenever the students spoke about their impressive performances, they never failed to mention one name.
"It's all thanks to Teacher Luke's coaching that I could showcase my full potential," Wally acknowledged with a non-evasive gaze and a smile. "Thank you very much, Teacher Luke!"
Transferring to Celadon, obtaining a Pokémon Pokédex, and forming new partnerships—all of this became possible for Wally due to Teacher Luke, helping him overcome various challenges.
Gladion, standing with crossed arms and playing with his golden bangs, simply stated, "There's nothing to say… just fulfilled Teacher Luke's requirements." The audience, as well as students from other academies, found the atmosphere at this moment to be somewhat complex.
Teacher Luke, the one responsible for the three consecutive 3:0 victories, raised questions about his intentions.
"Teacher Erika, what do you think about Teacher Luke replacing you as the chief general?" asked a reporter, directing the question to Erika, who sat quietly on the side.
After pondering for a moment, Erika, with a slight smile, pulled her short hair to her ears and replied, "In terms of strength, this is indeed the most suitable choice."
This response left the reporters momentarily stunned. Erika was the main general of Kanto's union, and while Teacher Luke had defeated Aspertia Gym and Rustboro Gym, there was still a gap when compared to Erika.
However, Erika admitted personally that she was a bit weaker. This raised questions among the reporters—was Teacher Luke here to level up?
Among the crowd, a reporter from the "Magic City Evening News" found inspiration. Scribbling notes, the reporter wrote:
[A Master of Kanto: I'm not as good as him! The team gradually formed, and Teacher Luke pointed at Kanto Alliance!]
With the events concluded, Teacher Luke's feelings were complex. Once again, he had acquired a rainbow-colored Badge. Playing the role of a Gym Leader was not something he had anticipated, yet the collection of Badges at home continued to grow. Notably, the Saffron Badge and Magic City Badge could be sold for money.
"Don't panic, there are four more chances," Luke reassured himself while rubbing his forehead.
Additionally, as the recipient of the 'Best Coaching Award' and the 'Best Individual Award for Faculty and Staff' in the exchange competition, Teacher Luke gained the opportunity to receive two resource rewards.
TM acquisition was off the table, considering that he had already obtained "Rock Slide" from Roxanne. Items like 'flame orb' and 'Electirizer' appeared dangerous upon closer inspection.
After reviewing the list multiple times, Teacher Luke finally settled on a challenging goal.
"For the first one, give me the Soothe Bell."
The Soothe Bell was not just a personal preference; it was more suitable for the little fellows. The first one would go to Togepi, as it could increase intimacy and be useful if it ever needed to evolve in the future. Though there was already a Soothe Bell at home, it belonged to Sylveon.
"ke ke~~~" With the Soothe Bell tied to its eggshell, Togepi emitted a crisp sound as it walked.
'kek ke ke ke~~~(≧∀≦)♪'
Togepi happily ran around, with Arcanine and Gengar following suit.
Luke chuckled helplessly and let the little fellows enjoy their playtime.
"For the second Items, I choose this," Luke informed the staff.
The second award was the 'Best Individual Award,' the most lucrative reward in the exchange competition. Even Gym Leaders found these rewards enticing, which explained why Roxanne and Cheren, as Gym Leaders, participated in the teacher competition.
"Life Orb?" the staff remarked with a smile. "You have a good eye!"
The Life Orb contained life energy that could significantly enhance a Pokémon's power. Whether used for carrying or directly extracting internal energy, it offered a variety of applications.
For Teacher Luke, it was more about its pink and cute appearance rather than its functionality.
"Cough!" Luke cleared his throat, contemplating, "This pink orb hanging on Sylveon should look pretty, right?"
"Life Orb" did cause a certain amount of recoil damage, a fact that Teacher Luke was well aware of. However, using it discreetly in daily life could strengthen a Pokémon's physical fitness through life energy.
It was an item once again prepared for Sylveon after a long time.
"vui~?" Sylveon, with its white fur, shrugged its ears, showcasing a crystal clear pink-purple jade stone hanging on its slender neck.
"Very cute," Luke said with a slight smile.
"Vui~? o(´^｀)o" Sylveon, with a slightly confused expression, tilted its head.
Luke patted its head. "Let's go; it's time to go home!"
"Vui~~"
...
The "Soothe Bell" is designated for Togepi, while the "Life Orb" is allocated for Sylveon.
Adhering to Teacher Luke's principle of fairness, it is only natural to reward each member of the team after every match.
Online, Luke placed orders for two Dusk Stones for Gengar, Mystic Water for Squirtle, and two Fire Stones for Arcanine.
As he looked up at the sky, a thought crossed his mind—why does it feel like he lost something after the game? Nevertheless, it's a minor issue, and these expenses are considered negligible at 6 million. For now, Teacher Luke decided not to dwell on it.
On Cynthia's end, she still had research work to attend to. Luke conveyed a message to her upon returning to Saffron City.
"Sure," Cynthia replied. "See you in Saffron City."
Incidentally, both houses are owned by Cynthia.
Luke rubbed his chin, wondering when he might be rewarded with a house by the landlady.
Upon boarding the train back to Saffron City with the students, Luke leaned back in his seat and opened the system's reward interface.
Upon careful consideration, Luke realized that not only could he receive rewards from tournaments, but the system also provided its own set of rewards.
This could be considered double happiness, leading Luke to have an odd expression as if contemplating something.
"It's not a backstab combo!" he muttered.
[Do you want to receive task rewards?]
"Yes," Luke said silently.
[Ding! Congratulations on receiving Scope Lens *1, Ability upgrade coupon *1, Love Ball *1!]