Chapter 63

Wednesday, July 8th.

The eagerly anticipated final of the Piplup Cup is set to kick off today, marking the most highly anticipated event in recent memory.

Both sides of the competition feature a contestant with intriguing backgrounds. One is a young prodigy hailing from the Z-University Battle Department, who has managed to capture the favor of several Gym Leaders. The other is a relatively unknown Rookie, surprisingly hailing from the finance department and not a professional player!

This clash of strong personalities has fueled the intensity surrounding the match, further amplifying the attention it has garnered.

What's even more astonishing is that, on the Internet platform, Luke's support rate has exhibited a completely overwhelming dominance!

"Teacher Luke is really that young?"

"Teacher Luke's participation in a Rookie event like this is a bit questionable!"

"Defeating newcomers? It seems more like an abuse of power and talent!"

Despite the skepticism being voiced, it's characteristic of Teacher Luke's audacious style to participate in a Rookie event and potentially claim the prize money.

"It's highly recommended that Teacher Luke be disqualified!"

"Is Teacher Luke truly a Master? How can the organizers allow him to participate?"

"Let's not overthink it! Teacher Luke is of the same age, and who wouldn't grab the opportunity to earn extra money?"

"Let him be, let him be!"

In response to the online rumors, Tang Hui, the guest Magic City Gym Leader, chimed in with a smile:

"Although his command skills are commendable... it's still quite bold to claim he's a Master."

The chairman of the Magic City Association, Song Pengcheng, sported a contemplative expression and refrained from responding immediately.

While it's not unheard of for someone under twenty years of age to be a Master, winning the title of Alliance Champion at the tender age of eleven, the notion of Luke being a Master participating in a novice event left Song Pengcheng pondering.

"Perhaps... he might have a chance," Song Pengcheng mused vaguely.

Sitting alongside them was a burly man with a muscular build and a rugged beard, who nodded and added:

"I've seen his videos, they're quite impressive... But it's still just a game."

"Even with excellent commands, if your Pokémon are weak, you can't bridge the gap in raw power," the burly man squinted his eyes.

"Using Lu You's match as a platform to refine and strengthen Pokémon seems a bit presumptuous."

Tang Hui exchanged a contemplative glance with the Electric Type Gym Leader from Lei Province, Lu Jianghai, who also happened to be Lu You's father.

Lu Jianghai had joined as a guest to support his son during the competition. While the guests wouldn't influence the outcome of the match, it was a meaningful gesture for a father to witness his child's victory firsthand.

"I hope so," Song Pengcheng forced a smile and said.

At the Mercedes Athletics Center, the venue for the final match, the seats were already fully occupied.

The battle arena was centered around Piplup Company's expansive horizontal bar. Suspended in midair was a Magnemite, which also served as an aerial camera.

The Magnemite, known for its Sturdy Ability, was an ideal choice for an aerial camera due to its ability to withstand the recoil of attacks.

"Go for it, Teacher Luke!!"

A row of dedicated fans, consisting of Teacher Luke's top four players, passionately rallied in support. Another top four contestant, Fang Shu, echoed the enthusiasm with his spirited cheering.

Luke, in the player's area, blushed at the overwhelming show of support.

It wasn't easy to find individuals who would stand by someone even in their pursuit of mischief throughout the years.

"Jie jie~!" Haunter appeared eager to join the excitement.

The small Dusk Stone that Haunter had licked the night before seemed to have a peculiar effect.

Despite its rocky exterior, Haunter seemed to savor it as if it were candy.

After consuming the Dusk Stone, Haunter continued to gaze at Luke with a longing and affectionate look.

"It's truly gone now," Luke shrugged.

Haunter :(°ー°〃)

"Perform well tomorrow, and perhaps you'll be able to earn another one in two days."

"Jie jie ~ !(☆_☆)"

...

With a stern expression, Lu You stepped onto the battlefield.

Facing the cheerful young man before him, Lu You maintained a serious demeanor as he uttered, "I'm not interested in exchanging pleasantries with you."

"Really?" Luke raised an eyebrow, somewhat taken aback. "Can't I even say hello?"

"No! You're just trying to mess with my focus!"

"Hmm...have you eaten?"

"Yes, but I plan to eat after the match."

The commentator looked intrigued as he remarked, "Both players seem to be engaging in some trash talk. And that fiery medicinal scent is quite potent!"

"I know a great restaurant, I could recommend it to you later."

"Really? Shanghai cuisine might not suit my palate. I'm not much of a fan of sweets..."

The commentator exclaimed, "The match is underway! This final is set to make history!"

A red light flickered.

Magneton and the grinning Haunter took the stage simultaneously.

Lu You's tense demeanor relaxed slightly.

This Trainer... seems quite talkative...

I just need to stay focused and direct the battle properly!

With keen eyes, Lu You wasted no time before Magneton launched a fierce attack on the field.

"Behold! Astonishing speed! It's Haunter's Shadow Punch!"

Fang Shu in the audience raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Even though he's a Master now, he's still resorting to sneak attacks?

"As expected... Teacher Luke..." Fang Shu mumbled.

Luke's reaction to this tactic was instinctual, leading to a slight blush on his face.

It was an accident, just a coincidence!

Haunter had taken the initiative to strike; it was certainly quite sneaky!

With a sly grin, Haunter retracted its fist. In the blink of an eye, it darted towards Magneton, its eyes radiating the mesmerizing blue glow of Hypnosis!

"Activate Electric Terrain!" Lu You shouted with fervor.

Gym inheritance truly shone through in this split-second maneuver, displaying Lu You's remarkable agility and expertise.

Electromagnetic currents crackled from Magneton, swiftly forming an intricate electromagnetic field that enveloped the Pokémon.

[Electric Terrain] prevents Pokémon within its range from falling asleep, while boosting the power of Electric Type moves!

At the guest table, Tang Hui cast an intrigued glance at Lu Jianghai.

The Electric Type Gym Leader from Lei Province City... who would have thought he'd possess the knowledge of this move?

Haunter's Hypnosis was rendered ineffective.

"Thunderbolt!"

In the very next moment, a dazzling surge of electrical energy surged forth from the magnets flanking Magneton, coalescing into six clusters of Spark that converged into a formidable Thunderbolt!

Bang!

Just as the tide seemed to be turning, a collective gasp echoed throughout the audience.

Behind Magneton, another grinning Haunter emerged!

Thunderbolt obliterated Haunter's Substitute, yet the original Haunter had stealthily circled around and ignited a cluster of Will-O-Wisp flames at the tips of its fingers, which spread across Magneton's screws in a continuous burn.

"Haunter cleverly dodged Thunderbolt!" the commentator exclaimed.

"Will-O-Wisp hit its mark from close range, leaving Magneton burned!"

Avoiding Hypnosis using an electric field was a smart move. Moreover, the primary goal of inflicting a burn was accomplished.

Luke stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Given Haunter's speed advantage, Lu You's main objective should be maximizing the accuracy of his moves.

Considering Magneton's moveset... he could choose between Thunder Wave and Supersonic.

With Electric Terrain in effect, Thunder Wave was the optimal choice!

"Haunter, use Hex!"

"Magneton, unleash Thunder Wave!"

The burn gradually sapped Magneton's vitality.

And with Hex at this juncture, it could deal double the damage!

A misty Haze enveloped Magneton as it became shrouded in it. Magneton let out a mournful cry as it plummeted from the sky, its stamina depleted to a mere sliver.

Lu Jianghai, the Gym Leader of Lei Province, pounded the table in astonishment, his expression hard to conceal.

What sort of foresight was this... to predict Lu You's moves with such precision?!

What level of strength does this individual named Luke possess?

"There's still a chance," Tang Hui's eyes narrowed, "If he manages to inflict paralysis..."

Instead of opting for the strategy of Protect to save energy, Luke chose to launch a Hex attack.

However, Magneton wasn't taken down immediately.

If Thunder Wave hit, and luck wasn't on Luke's side, it could foreshadow his defeat!

The sparks crackled, and a solid Thunder Wave struck Haunter with a sharp snap, leaving it momentarily paralyzed.

Haunter was immobilized!

Lu You's eyes widened abruptly.

There's still a chance!

"Haunter, use Hex to end this," Luke suddenly declared.

Haunter grinned and stuck out its tongue, revealing a Cheri Berry that nullified its paralysis. In front of a captivated audience, Haunter chewed on the berry openly, then emitted a mischievous laughter akin to that of a cunning old fox.

"Jie jie~ jie jie~ !ヾ(≧∇≦*)ヾ"

The paralysis was dispelled!

Haunter playfully flicked its finger at Magneton, and a surge of Haze swept over it once more.

Bang!

The sound of corroding metal reverberated as the referee raised the flag:

"Victor, Luke of Magic City University!"