Chapter 144

As the evening sky was illuminated by the glow of Chinese lanterns, the lights in thousands of houses created warm silhouettes of both people and Pokémon.

Luke proudly placed a steaming plate of Fragrance's rich curry rice on the table and removed his apron. With a hint of complexity in his expression, he poured himself a cup of tea and took a seat beside his Pokémon companions.

Squirtle was lying on the coffee table, engrossed in reading "Blastoise's Breeder's Handbook." Eevee, with half-closed eyes and a nearly transparent Dawn Stone beside it, activated and deactivated the stone, filling the room with soothing Psywave energy. This was the wonderful effect of the Dawn Stone, enhancing Psychic abilities.

Haunter, acting as a teacher instructing elementary school students, levitated in the air and gently tapped Squirtle's head, making a "bang bang" sound.

"Jie jie~!" Haunter encouraged Squirtle to continue learning.

Squirtle, in a somewhat drowsy state, scratched its head and giggled.

Luke rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Perhaps training Squirtle after a nap might yield better results. However, he wondered if his house could withstand another energetic training session.

Breaking the studious atmosphere, Luke cleared his throat and announced, "Dinner is ready!"

In an instant, all three of his Pokémon abandoned their books and rushed excitedly to the dining table.

Luke shook his head, amused by their enthusiasm.

A knock on the door interrupted their dinner. Sister Liu had come to visit, her smile warm and inviting. "Are you adjusting well to your new place?"

Luke nodded, looking somewhat bemused. "I just moved here recently. Sister Liu, you don't need to worry."

"I've heard that this house isn't in the best condition," Sister Liu expressed concern. "That's why I brought Mr. Mime to cook some soup for you. I hope this helps."

"Come in!" Mr. Mime proudly carried a casserole dish forward, grinning broadly. The milky-white sea bass head soup, accompanied by tender tofu, emitted a mouthwatering aroma.

Luke, his mouth watering, reassured Sister Liu, "Although this house might not be in the best shape, it did collapse on my first day here. But don't worry, I'll treat it like my own!"

Indeed, Luke was proving to be a reliable tenant.

The night grew darker, and Luke decided it was time for a shower, accompanied by Eevee.

"Vui~!" Eevee excitedly jumped around the bathroom, but Teacher Luke effortlessly lifted it up by the back of its neck.

"Sometimes I think, with a bit more practice, I might become a true mega rookie in the future," Luke mused as he contemplated.

The next shift for training would involve Haunter and Squirtle.

"Jie jie~ jie jie~!" Haunter, covered in bubbles, hummed a tune and playfully bumped Squirtle's shell.

"Uirt~!" Squirtle, happily releasing Water Gun in the bathroom, submerged its head in the tub, leaving only its eyes to focus on a Psyduck plush toy bobbing up and down in the water.

Suddenly, an idea flashed in Squirtle's mind. If it released water in the tub, it could create a mini vortex, possibly helping with Aqua Tail training. Combined with Water Pulse, the results could be even more impressive. Squirtle grinned and nodded in satisfaction.

No wonder Teacher Luke insisted on bath time; it was all part of his grand plan!

With a bathrobe draped around him, Teacher Luke received a call from Red.

"Yes, I'm aware. Erika is coming tomorrow," Luke acknowledged.

"Don't worry, I'm a pro at hosting her!"

At the same time, the Pokémon Association in Magic City received an application from Celadon University. They were looking for talents to serve as trainers in their Trainer School, which would benefit both parties.

Magic City Association was confident in their ability to recruit talent. After all, Celadon University was known as the Trainer's Holy Land, and the trainers they produced would contribute significantly to Orient's success.

"I don't know which professor of Magic University you are planning to invite?"

"I have negotiated with Magic City University, but it seems…there is no such professor "Erika apologized.

"He is a young Tactical Master, everyone else is calling him Teacher Luke."

"Teacher Luke? A young Tactical Master?" Chairman Song Pengcheng pondered, forming an image of a handsome young man in his mind. While he considered Luke's tactics to be quite sophisticated, so sophisticated that makes people feel a bit horrible.  Obviously it was the battle with same level Pokémon, but he just defeated Tang Hui 3:0…

He wasn't sure if he could be classified as a Tactical Master.

Song Pengcheng looks strange.

Song Pengcheng found the situation rather peculiar. First, it was a Champion in Sinnoh Region, and now a professor at Celadon University. It made Song Pengcheng wonder if Luke was doing well in other Alliances and felt the need to return to Orient to support his family.

If it weren't for his mental preparation, he might have assumed Luke was an ordinary undergraduate student!

Song Pengcheng cleared his throat. "I think I know who you're referring to. Don't worry, Teacher Luke from Magic City should be the only one."

Erika smiled politely and replied, "Thank you."

After ending the call, Erika prepared herself and her luggage for her trip to Orient. Even without Teacher Luke's mention, she had prepared a generous gift for him. Money was too commonplace, and Teacher Luke wasn't someone who could be easily swayed by material possessions.

The only thing capable of grabbing his attention is the invaluable Move Secrets.

According to Red, it appears that Teacher Luke has successfully bred a Haunter. From a tactical perspective, inheriting the move [Energy Ball] from Rainbow Gym would undeniably be the best choice for broadening its attack range. Additionally, this Move Secret can be used repeatedly—a truly precious gift!

Erika smiled warmly, her lips forming a slight pearlescent vortex. "Teacher Luke...I believe he should be very pleased!"

..............

August 23rd, Sunday.

The Qixi Festival was drawing nearer and nearer.

Luke also planned to find a suitable moment to inquire with Cynthia about the specific arrangements.

Yet, Teacher Luke couldn't help but wonder.

How would the legendary Fighter Red spend the festival in his typically fierce and intense style? Could he truly be considering presenting Green's gifts that can make you "moved to tears"?

However, today's main agenda was to welcome the arrival of Erika.

According to Red, Erika was embarking on a journey to Orient, and her expenses would be reimbursed by Celadon University.

Teacher Luke couldn't help but feel a touch envious.

When would he ever get his travel expenses reimbursed by Magic University?

Luke, standing in the VIP section of the airport, had already taken this flight once before, so he was quite familiar with the surroundings.

Erika was easy to spot.

She wore an elegant Daisy dress with fluttering sleeves, a headband adorning her curly short hair, her eyes scanning the area with curiosity.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up.

Wearing white socks and wooden clogs, she slowly approached Luke and executed a graceful bow.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Teacher Luke."

"Hello," Luke responded with a warm smile. "Let me assist you with your luggage."

"No need," Erika replied, her smile gentle. She rummaged in her handbag for a moment before retrieving a thick notebook, which she handed to Luke with both hands.

"This is a gift I've prepared for our meeting."

Luke chuckled and shook his head. "You really shouldn't have brought a gift just for visiting."

Despite his several attempts to decline, Luke eventually accepted the fragrant notebook, his curiosity piqued.

"What's this?"

"Move Secrets for Energy Ball," Erika answered with a faint smile. "I thought it would be perfect for your Haunter."

"Jie jie~ !(✪ω✪)" Haunter emerged from its Poké Ball, its eyes gleaming with a crimson light. It extended its tongue and playfully licked the notebook.

"Jie jie~! (๑´ㅂ`๑)" It confirmed the taste—fragrant!

Teacher Luke was left bewildered, and his hand holding the notebook quivered uncontrollably.

"What's wrong with you?" Erika inquired, puzzled.

"No...nothing," Luke replied, taking a deep breath. He gazed down at the notebook, which was now damp from Haunter's saliva, and his heart began to race.

"It seems... your Haunter has taken a liking to this notebook," Erika remarked with a faint smile.

"Jie jie~!" Haunter circled around Erika, flying about with delight.

Luke felt his breath catching in his throat.

Erika had even applied perfume to her notebook...

Erika, you certainly know how to catch someone off guard!

"Thank you, thank you so much, Erika!" Luke stammered.

"It seems like it suits your Haunter just perfectly..." Erika replied with a smile.

"That it does!"