248 Chapter 249
Long time no see hahaha, and Merry Christmas
Kanto, Saffron Gym.
The spotlight on the ceiling suddenly illuminates the arena. Under the beam of light, Sabrina, with her black hair cascading down her waist, fair skin, and a cold expression, holds a bent spoon. The spoon emits a faint cold light as she points to the Poké Ball floating next to her, spinning it back and forth.
Noticing Luke's gaze, Sabrina explains, "This is the Spoon of Destiny. It helps me choose the Pokémon to battle."
Luke crosses his arms. Even though Sabrina talks about the strength of the Trainer, she still enjoys a Psychic bonus. Besides, Sylveon is back at home, and Squirtle's Dive Ball hasn't been brought out. Which Pokémon will be the chosen one?
"ao wu (O_o)??" Luke sighed and said, "Don't look, it's you."
Growlithe wagged its tail in excitement and leaped onto the field proudly. Facing a formidable opponent, it's entrusted with the first battle by its Trainer. What an act of trust!
"ao wu!!" Growlithe barks, showing determination not to shame its owner.
Luke inwardly sighed. Those who lose to Psychic are forgivable. The plan is to support for a while, ensuring not to be defeated by Sabrina.
The referee blew the whistle. "2V2 mode, Gym Challenge, Limit Four duel–"
The "Limit Four duel" means both Pokémon can only use no more than four moves. This rule enhances the tactical aspect of the game and adds to the excitement of the battle. In the Limit Four duel, Trainers might employ unexpected moves for a comeback.
In this case, Luke, with the assistance of the system, can practically read the opponent's moves with his eyes closed. It's like having the answers provided for an overachiever checking their homework.
"Both players are in place!"
Sabrina squinted, and a blue Poké Ball floated automatically. "Let's go here!"
The white light flickered, and Mr. Mime emerged, making playful gestures. It bowed towards Luke.
[Mr. Mime, Psychic
Characteristic Trait: Filter
Moves: Encore, Light Screen, Barrier, Psybeam]
Facing Mr. Mime, Luke frowned. The apprentices on both sides of the battlefield exclaimed.
"No, this is a challenging difficulty for Gym Leaders!"
Gyms usually choose Pokémon based on the Trainer's strength. Sabrina, however, used Mr. Mime when battling the Karate King next door.
"Is this his final Gym?"
"I just checked his Trainer registration," the receptionist said solemnly. "This is the first Gym he challenged in Kanto…!"
Luke had some recollection of this Mr. Mime. Although it's not Sabrina's common starter, she used it to defeat the Bug Type Gym Leader Bugsy in Azalea Town during Gym Challenges in Johto and Kanto Regions.
Despite Growlithe's experience, Luke remained cautious. "Crunch," Luke commanded. Growlithe, with its fat and sturdy body, lunged forward. Its sharp fangs aimed for Mr. Mime, but the attack was effortlessly blocked by Mr. Mime's Barrier.
"Mime~" Mr. Mime shook its head, playfully sticking out its tongue.
Sabrina's eyes glowed with a faint blue light, and without speaking, Mr. Mime began to act. The transparent Barrier unfolded in front of Mr. Mime, effectively blocking Growlithe's attacks.
"Flamethrower!" Luke commanded.
There was a loud explosion as flames engulfed the battlefield. Growlithe, despite not having evolved yet, displayed destructive power with its Flamethrower.
The apprentices were shocked as the air surged with black smoke. When it cleared, they saw Mr. Mime on the ground.
"What happened? Even Gym Leader Sabrina's Mr. Mime got injured?"
Luke's expression turned more solemn. "Leave the place just now!"
"Hmph, you noticed it quickly," Sabrina sneered. "But the cage has been built."
Enduring the Flamethrower, Mr. Mime created a transparent cage next to Growlithe. No matter how Growlithe struggled, there was no escape from the cage.
In the cage, Mr. Mime stood on a transparent platform, grinning at Growlithe.
"Let's go here!" Psybeam shot out from Mr. Mime's hand. The collision of Psybeam caused Growlithe to fall heavily against the transparent wall, leaving numerous scars on its body.
The apprentices watching the battle couldn't help but exclaim.
"Gym Leader's classic tactics!"
"This time, Growlithe is in a difficult spot!"
In a cage made of light walls, Growlithe continued to struggle, akin to a stranded beast. Sabrina maintained her composure, but an uneasy feeling crept into her heart.
"Snarl," Luke said in a cold voice. "The exit is directly below Mr. Mime."
The sound waves roared, and the wall reflected and intensified the impact.
"Mime!" The effect was overwhelming; Mr. Mime covered its ears with an ugly face.
The apprentices were surprised.
"Obviously at a disadvantage... but he managed to turn it around using Gym Leader's tactics?"
"How did he discover the exit of Light Screen?"
Sabrina felt surprised. Indeed, Teacher Luke had found the exit of the cage. But did he have a follow-up tactical intention to let Growlithe escape?
Two choices lay in front of Sabrina.
Continue the pursuit or reinforce the cage's defense.
Sabrina's elegant black hair enhances her enchanting appearance, and the blue light in her eyes intensifies.
"Mime!" Mr. Mime's Psybeam blasts directly towards the exit!
However, Growlithe doesn't move towards the exit, as if there's a slight delay in its reaction before following Luke's instructions.
"Snarl," Luke purposely delays a few seconds. Treating Psychic players like Sabrina, he aims to interfere with her judgment. Consuming Mr. Mime's health is Teacher Luke's ultimate goal!
For two consecutive rounds, Sabrina fails to gain any advantage. The apprentices cast incredulous glances at Luke.
Who is this Trainer?
Not only can they hold their own against the Gym Leader, but they also seem to be dominating the battle!
Bang!
Growlithe is hit by Psybeam again, trying its best to stand, but its legs are shaking. Even the endurance-type Growlithe, it's strength is slightly inferior at the moment.
Luke attempts to recall Growlithe with a Poké Ball, but the red light is cut off by the transparent Light Screen. Luke curses inwardly.
Forget it!
It's rare to see Teacher Luke expose a vulnerability. Sabrina casually remarks, "Psybeam."
The light gathers in Mr. Mime's hands, but Growlithe suddenly opens its mouth.
"Roar!"
Faster than the speed of sound, Mr. Mime is forced back into its Poké Ball, turning into white light.
Sabrina holds the Poké Ball with a "pop" and stares at Luke coldly.
Was "Roar" hidden to prevent the previous situation?
It's not an exaggeration to say that Teacher Luke boasts deep plans and far-reaching thoughts.
Luke retrieves the scarred Growlithe, and Sabrina simultaneously sends out a Pokémon.
"Come on, Gengar!"
On the other side, Sabrina's Poké Ball opens to reveal Saffron Gym's signature Alakazam!
Seeing Luke's complex expression, Sabrina clarifies, "My father's Alakazam, not mine."
Luke relaxes.
Sabrina's Alakazam, even without Mega Evolution, is close to the Elite level and beyond Gengar's current capabilities.
Wait!
As if realizing something, Teacher Luke's complexion slightly changes.
Your father's Alakazam—isn't that the kind of Pokémon that could be considered ancestral?!
Seeing Alakazam, the former Gym Leader, the apprentices are left speechless.
Sabrina, the Gym Leader, is truly making a move this time!
Even without Mega Evolution, this battle is inevitable!
"Could it be that... the Gym Leader really has her eye on this kid?"
"It's not impossible. The old Gym Leader seems really keen on finding a son-in-law..."
"Don't be ridiculous! Sabrina, the Gym Leader, is a celebrity with a spotless reputation!"
Luke pays no attention, maintaining a serious expression.
Gengar versus Alakazam—whichever is faster can potentially defeat the opponent in seconds.
Firepower is life.
And Gengar's Speed Stat... theoretically, it is inferior.
In both hands, the Shadow Ball and Psychic rays of light shine simultaneously.
Alakazam acts first.
"Gengar!" Luke shouts immediately, "Imprison!"
At the crucial moment, Gengar lightly taps its forehead, and both sides fall into the 'Imprison' state simultaneously.
The Psychic in Alakazam's hands dissipates but instantly turns into a substantial shockwave.
Psyshock!
In this brief one-second gap, Gengar manages to avoid it, gathering dark Ghost-type energy in its hand.
"Do you think my Alakazam can't take a Shadow Ball?" Sabrina coldly smiles. "Under Imprison, your Shadow Ball can't be used either."
Luke doesn't answer but looks up at the levitating Gengar. "Shadow Claw!"
Though it is a physical move, Alakazam's physical defense of only 45 makes it a killer move!
It's completely unexpected.
Sabrina's normally icy face reveals a trace of astonishment.
In just a few rounds, Teacher Luke has broken tactical conventions multiple times.
This is... the Tactician?!
In adversity, the corners of Sabrina's mouth raise slightly.
Very interesting!
Boom!
Alakazam is recalled from its Poké Ball, replaced by Mr. Mime, who blocks this Shadow Claw!
Luke frowns.
Psychic, silently switching Pokémon is annoying!
Onlookers are shocked by this lightning-fast confrontation, feeling the suffocating intensity of the commands.
Is this the command of... Gym Leader's strength?
No, it's even more powerful!
Neither Sabrina nor the Trainer can be compared to ordinary Gym Leaders!
As Imprison dissipates, Gengar's Shadow Ball blasts out, knocking Mr. Mime into a coma.
Alakazam, back in action, uses Teleport to avoid the Shadow Ball, which it read beforehand. With its flickering body, it appears behind Gengar. "Psyshock" is even faster!
It's over.
Everyone closes their eyes with regret.
Despite putting forth her best efforts, she still lost the race for speed and the opportunity to strike...
In this fleeting moment, Sabrina's eyes subtly flickered. Gengar bared its teeth in a snarl, seemingly mocking the norm, and a dark shadow connected the two Pokémon.
Luke couldn't help but feel a twinge, yet his gaze remained profound.
"Destiny Bond!"
Under the Limit Four rules, Gengar played its final trump card!
Bang!
The damage from Psyshock transmitted through the shadow to both Pokémon, and a surging shockwave rippled through the air.
Dong!
Alakazam and Gengar both collapsed to the ground simultaneously!
The referee raised the flag.
"Both Pokémon are incapacitated at the same time!"
"Since Contestant Luke still has one Pokémon left, Contestant Luke emerges victorious!"
A hushed silence enveloped the stadium.
In the eyes of all the apprentices, astonishment prevailed.
"Did he really defeat Gym Leader Sabrina?!"
"This... this Trainer just made his debut, is he a prodigy!"
"Too, so impressive!"
Amidst the buzz of the crowd, Sabrina sighed, raising her black hair helplessly.
Even with Psychic abilities, victory eluded her...
As expected of Teacher Luke...
"You've done exceptionally well."
Luke gazed at the bruised and fallen Gengar, a faint smile of concern on his face.
"The victory you desired, I've secured it."
"Jie... jie..."
Gengar grinned wearily.
With a trembling hand, it offered Luke a thumbs-up.
.....
In just ten minutes.
"Jie jie~? (*⊙~⊙)"
Gengar munched on a Max Revive, radiantly, and tilted its head toward Luke.
"I told you, one piece is enough! Throw a bit for Squirtle!"
Luke observed Gengar chewing, sighed, and raised his forehead:
"Forget it… you can eat it, I'll buy more later."
The apprentices stared at Luke in awe.
Sabrina approached Luke, her waist-length black hair flowing as she wrapped her arms around him, and the scent of shampoo wafted through the air.
"I agree to let Gengar be the coach," Sabrina said.
Luke nodded.
Whether as a coach or not, becoming a Gym Leader doesn't matter.
"Jie jie~ !(ﾉ≧∀≦)ﾉ"
Gengar reached into its fourth-dimensional abdomen, retrieved a large gift box, and handed it to Sabrina.
Sabrina was slightly startled, pointing to herself.
"For me?"
"Jie jie~!" Gengar laughed and nodded vigorously.
[Present: Pass opponent a trap box to attack, and it is possible to reply to opponent HP.]
Luke hadn't grasped the seriousness of the situation.
After spending so much time with Teacher Luke, Gengar's luck had always been peculiar...
Bang!
The gift box exploded, leaving Sabrina and Gengar covered in dirt, staring at each other in bewilderment.
"Jie jie~ …" Gengar blushed, scratching his head in embarrassment.
He got it wrong; he accidentally used Togepi's Present.
Sabrina was stunned for a while, looked at Gengar, and couldn't help but chuckle.
The chuckle gradually evolved into hearty laughter.
"Pu... hahahaha ~"
Observing the Gym Leader, whose composed image had crumbled, the apprentices sweated.
Never underestimate Gengar's antics!
Crack!
The spotlight of the photo illuminated, and the apprentices gazed at Teacher Luke in horror.
How could he be so audacious?!
Luke took a picture and scrutinized it.
"Haha, look at this one, it's really amusing!"
Sabrina's face momentarily turned cold. "Are you sure?"
"Why not?" Luke scratched his head. "Gengar, whose face turned gray... isn't it amusing?"
Sabrina was taken aback.
Beside the photo, Gengar grinned, and his expression did indeed look somewhat adorable.
In an instant, Sabrina's ears turned red.
"Don't... don't send it to the group."
Bzz Bzz —
Teacher Luke: [Picture]
Teacher Luke: Look at my Gengar, how cute!
Sabrina:? ? ?
Gold: Puff...
Sabrina: I'll get you. (Smiling face)
[The owner withdrew a message]
Yellow of Viridian Forest: What happened just now?
Lorelei: It was posted too fast; I didn't see it at all!
Gold: Don't worry; I've already recorded the screen!
Sabrina laughed icily.
On the maglev train, a swift journey would bring them to the Johto Region immediately…
It didn't seem challenging to trace the network cable.
Sabrina contemplated with dangerous thoughts, falling into deep thought.
"Is there anything else, or should I go now?"
As if sensing the danger, Teacher Luke gave a dry cough.
"Also, your Badge," Sabrina said coldly.
With a flick of her finger, the Badge fell into Luke's hands with a crisp metallic sound.
"I heard you like to attend Alliance conferences to indulge in food… Whether it's true or not, I only have this."
Luke lowered his head instinctively, examining the Badge in his hand.
[Saffron Badge: The round Marsh Badge, the shape of the two inner rings, seems to be imitations, slightly precious. (Made of pure gold, you can sell it for money when you can't continue being a Trainer.)]
This concise introduction felt like it was hinting at something!
Wait a minute!
Luke's face changed.
Receiving the Badge, does it mean…
She threw this Badge to me; system, you need to explain!
[Ding! Task progress update]
[Task progress: Badge collection (1/8)]
[Task reward: Key Stone]
Looking at the dazzling 'Key Stone' reward, Luke's figure trembled.
If he accepts the Key Stone… Does he still need to fight for the Mega Stone?
Isn't this a step closer to the achievement of millions in debt?
"Don't thank me," Sabrina lightly said with a smile.
"This Badge is available in many Gyms."
Teacher Luke's breath almost didn't come up.
Silently, he noted it in his mental notebook.
November 13th, sunny: Sabrina awarded me the Badge.
This grudge, Teacher Luke took note of it!
