Chapter 98

On July 30th, a Thursday, Eevee casually stepped over Luke's face, extending its two small paws and stretching its body before comfortably settling into the bed.

In his dream, Luke found himself being crushed by a Dynamax Eevee, which jolted him awake from the nightmare.

He scanned his surroundings, finding Haunter still clinging to the ceiling above. Satisfied that everything was normal, he looked at the bed and noticed Eevee curled up into a ball, shielded from the sun by a paw, and looking annoyed.

With messy hair, Luke sighed, "Having a morning nightmare... Not a good sign!"

"I hope today's Pokémon-related activities go smoothly," he muttered with a mix of excitement and nervousness, much like Ash did on his first day as a Trainer.

"Getting along with these two little fellows is the most important thing," Luke reminded himself, secretly hoping he wouldn't have to deal with any unexpected surprises that day.

"Don't push yourself too hard. Our family can't handle any more Pokémon-related backstabbing," he thought to himself.

The previous night, Eevee and Haunter had trained in "Reflect" and "Light Screen" until late. While they hadn't mastered the moves completely, they had made some progress in techniques similar to "Protect."

Luke decided to leave the two Pokémon asleep in bed, prepare breakfast for them, and leave a note saying, "I'm going out and will be back in the afternoon. Lunch is on your own!"

Given Haunter's literacy, it wasn't too difficult for it to accompany Eevee to the restaurant for lunch. Luke even suspected that Haunter could handle everything without a Trainer's assistance.

"Well... thanks to my excellent training of Haunter!" Luke confidently nodded to himself.

As August approached, the scorching heat remained unrelenting. A few Pidgey perched on treetops, and the sky was clear without a cloud in sight.

Luke took a taxi to the Pokémon Academy of Magic City University, where he met Zhai Wenyao at the foot of the South Campus, wearing the "Black Glasses" he had obtained in a previous lottery draw. The glasses enhanced Dark-type moves and gave him a villainous appearance. However, they served well as sunglasses and were of good quality.

Luke asked curiously, "Coach Zhai, is this large area all part of the Breeding House?"

It was Luke's first time visiting the Breeding House, and he was impressed by the vast campus dedicated to this specialty.

Zhai Wenyao explained, "While it's called the Breeding House, it covers over 3,000 acres of land. Every year, students from Magic University's Breeding specialty come here for internships."

"There are also many students who host Pokémon here, as well as graduates and faculty members. Pokémon with significant strength is not a rare sight!"

Breeding Pokémon comes with its own set of costs, often rivaling the expenses associated with training. It's said that the Association established the "Six Pokémon Carrying Law" to prevent Trainers from carrying too many Pokémon, which could lead to neglect and abuse.

However, it's not uncommon for confident Trainers with sufficient resources to carry more than six Poké Balls. Many trainers entrust their excess Pokémon to Breeding Houses or known Pokémon Professors.

"Magic University's Breeding House only has 3,000 acres?" Luke looked surprised.

"I watched 'Professor Oak's Backyard' on Bilibili, and it seemed like he had over 30,000 acres!"

Zhai Wenyao chuckled, "Professor Oak is known for his deep understanding of Pokémon, so calling it a backyard doesn't do justice to the vast wilderness he manages."

Following Coach Zhai, Luke entered the garden area. It featured various habitats, including forests, sands, rivers, grasslands, and even... girls' skirts (crossed out). Each habitat was home to various Pokémon species, making it a dizzying sight.

Luke's mouth watered when he saw the Farfetch'd, known for its delicious leek.

Zhai Wenyao led Luke to a wooden house, where a kindly Old Lady with white hair welcomed them. Zhai Wenyao introduced Luke and said, "This youngster made quite a name for himself at Magic University recently."

"We're here to select a Pokémon for him, Senior. I hope you can help us with this task."

Grandma Wu, with a gentle smile, assured them, "Don't worry, selecting a Pokémon from the Magic University Breeding House ensures that it will be hardworking and show great potential."

Luke's expression changed slightly, feeling a bit uneasy.

"Grandma, please don't trouble yourself with such a minor task. I can handle it myself!"

Luke didn't want Senior Wu's assistance; he wasn't entirely confident in her choice. Besides, he couldn't afford to appear uncool in front of her.

Grandma Wu scrutinized Luke for a moment, then nodded with a knowing smile. She thought that this remarkable young man was respectful and polite.

"It seems like I should recommend Professor Wu's descendants to this fine young man," Wu Grandma thought as she chuckled and leaned on her cane.

"Wait a moment, let me prepare," Wu Grandma said, thinking that these Pokémon had decent aptitudes, and it ultimately depended on which one this young man favored.

Luke felt relieved. He had been worried that Senior Wu might choose a Pokémon with great potential for him against his will. His concerns were twofold: first, living up to Pokémon's expectations as its Trainer, and second, ensuring that the Pokémon's personality would align well with Eevee and Haunter. Hence, Luke decided to select a Pokémon with a personality similar to his own, someone who just wanted to be a laid-back "salted fish." In short, he aimed to pick a "scumbag."

Zhai Wenyao patted Luke's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, Grandma Wu 's judgment is absolutely professional."

"But... you can only choose from the ones she recommends to you," Zhai Wenyao added with a serious tone. "After all, some Pokémon are privately owned, and they can't simply allow you to pick whichever you want."

Luke nodded and shared his thoughts. "I was thinking the same. If I could choose freely, I'd just pick the Slowpoke by the sink. It waved at me earlier, and I really like it."

Luke remembered the friendly Slowpoke he saw earlier, and it had left a favorable impression on him.

"But Senior Wu Grandma won't recommend one of the Three Initial Starters to me," Luke said with a smile. "Those are all six-digit Pokémon. Magic University doesn't have that kind of wealth, right?"

Zhai Wenyao considered Luke's words. "Over the years, there have been precedents, but we'll have to see which Pokémon Senior Wu Grandma recommends for you. Overall, her recommendations are undoubtedly the best choice for you, given her extensive experience."

Luke felt more at ease, thinking that Senior Wu must be perceptive enough to recognize his preference for a "scumbag."

...

With her cane in hand, Wu Grandma lightly kicked her husband to wake him from his nap.

"Old man, call the former Principal. I plan to offer one of the Three Initial Starters."

Her husband, still groggy from sleep, asked in confusion, "You want to give away those Pokémon left by the Master?"

Grandma Wu snorted. "I just happen to like the fresh and young ones. What's wrong with that?"

Her husband chuckled and said, "I'll make the call. It's hot outside, so remember to wear your straw hat."

Grandma Wu felt a warm feeling in her heart, but she only snorted and muttered, "There's sour plum soup in the refrigerator; remember to have some later."

"Sure, I'll go take a look at the batch of Pokémon," her husband said, rubbing his hands with excitement. "They all seem brave and skilled in battles. I wonder which Trainer will be lucky enough to have them!"