Chapter 161

You're a member of Unova's Elite Four.

Caitlin owns villas all over the world, with Cynthia as her trainer.

For this prideful and haughty young lady, only Cynthia is the trainer she acknowledges and pursues.

However, Cynthia has been busy playing games recently and declined Caitlin's invitation to join her.

Caitlin was extremely angry, and within a day, she climbed to the top of the Master Group rankings in "Pokemon: Battle."

Sinnoh's two elite fishermen couldn't stop complaining.

A gloomy-haired man named Aaron shouted, "It's not bad enough that we have to deal with Teacher Luke, but now Caitlin is here too!"

Flint, with his fiery red hair and afro, held his head and said in frustration, "This is a disaster... I just can't catch a break."

"Caitlin is just like Lucian, always playing with those space teams!" Aaron  clenched his teeth. "I'm tempted to join them!"

Lucian, who wore rectangular glasses, pushed them up and said with a sigh, "When you're a guest in someone else's home, you should refrain from criticizing the host."

Aaron  was taken aback and smiled awkwardly, saying, "My apologies, old habits die hard..."

Lucian smiled gently, but his knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists.

Flint quickly intervened before Lucian could react and said, "By the way, today is Teacher Luke's livestream. Let's go watch and copy his team lineup!"

Lucian contemplated for a moment and eventually nodded.

As they tuned into the livestream, they were suddenly stunned to see that Caitlin, who was making waves in the Master Group, was about to face off against Teacher Luke.

In the "Sinnoh - Johto" Frontier Region at the Battle Chateau, Caitlin owned a private building distinct from the one with the same name in Kalos (which belonged to Diantha).

Her room was lavishly decorated with tassels and lace, and she lay on a luxurious velvet bed, her face contorted with frustration.

"How irritating... Why not just surrender outright?"

Caitlin's ultimate goal was to challenge and defeat Cynthia in a game and have her praised.

Even in a game, she was an Elite of Unova and had no intention of losing.

Caitlin, though pampered, had an exceptionally strong sense of arrogance, much like a princess.

On the bedside table's walkie-talkie, the voice of the castle manager, Darach, chimed in:

"Miss Caitlin, your opponent's record is quite impressive. Please be cautious of their tactics."

"...So long-winded."

Darach fell silent for a moment and then added, "By the way, your opponent defeated Miss Cynthia and had her record tarnished throughout the night."

The walkie-talkie emitted a loud 'bang,' and then there was silence.

Darach sighed as he hung up the now non-functional walkie-talkie, muttering, "Was it blown to bits by Psychic powers again?"

Caitlin's long, wavy golden hair floated mysteriously under the soft blue glow in her room.

Taking a deep breath, Caitlin turned her attention to the battle interface, her eyes reflecting a growing bitterness.

The Doubles Battle officially began, with Dragapult taking flight and Amoonguss assuming a defensive stance.

Gothitelle used Shadow Ball to link with Amoonguss but failed to predict the gliding trajectory of the ghost dragon.

Simultaneously, a well-aimed Thunder Wave struck Gothitelle.

"And Dragapult is holding a Wide Lens?"

"Teacher Luke's luck is incredible. Even with paralysis on the opposing side, Trick Room will still be initiated!"

Luke was slightly taken aback as he watched the paralyzed Gothitelle persistently activate Trick Room after struggling.

"Is this the connection between a Trainer and their Pokémon?"

"Hahaha, Teacher Luke's expression is priceless!"

Things took an unfavorable turn.

With Trick Room in effect, Musharna unleashed a Moonblast!

"U-Turn!" Luke whispered, "Spore, Spore!"

Moonblast erupted on Dragapult.

Dragapult slashed, transformed into red light, and returned to its Poké Ball.

However, the spores from Amoonguss were released and landed on the Gothitelle.

Luke furrowed his brow.

A triumphant smile crept onto Caitlin's face.

Ally Switch!

"Can the opponent be paralyzed and still move?"

"Teacher Luke's expression is priceless! I love it!"

Luke sighed.

While he could predict Caitlin's moves, probability was still a tricky thing to predict.

"But that's not a problem!"

Luke raised his hand and threw a Poké Ball. "Hold on and stall them, Whimsicott!"

With the assistance of Whimsicott's Protect and Focus Sash, Teacher Luke managed to stall for a few rounds.

Caitlin scrutinized the situation carefully.

She swapped out Gothitelle for Metagross, which flew like a comet towards Amoonguss!

"Amoonguss!"

Amoonguss fell asleep instantly with a mournful wail.

Luke nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, Amoonguss!"

In the next moment, Arcanine, with its flowing mane and distinctive orange and black coat, leaped forward, letting out a resounding Howl!

Teacher Luke transformed his face comically, offering a slight smile. "This is the classic combination of a siege team, Whimsicott and Arcanine!"

With the aid of the previous two Pokémon's maneuvers, Caitlin currently had no Pokémon with the "space" attribute on her team.

By utilizing Whimsicott's Tailwind to increase his speed, Teacher Luke instantly gained the upper hand!

"This is Teacher Luke's classic speed control!"

"Woohoo, it's time to shine!"

Caitlin clicked her tongue in frustration, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease.

It was as if an overwhelming feeling of powerlessness was washing over her, and she couldn't pinpoint its source, making the girl increasingly flustered.

"Go, Bronzong," Caitlin commanded, "Trick Room."

However, at that very moment, Caitlin was taken aback and instinctively looked up.

Whimsicott's dark type move was directed at Arcanine, and the audience was taken aback.

Arcanine's "Justified" ability had been triggered, equivalent to a double Sword Dance boost, and its imposing presence had skyrocketed!

"ao wu!"

Fiery flames engulfed Arcanine as it sprinted forward, turning its four legs into blazing wheels.

Flare Blitz crashed into Bronzong, instantly defeating it!

Caitlin was momentarily stunned and muttered, "That's it, Metagross!"

However, Arcanine abruptly turned around, its teeth clenched in determination. It embedded the X-shaped mark of Metagross!

In just a few seconds, it completed an instantaneous double kill!

The chat section of the livestream exploded.

"Wow, what kind of damage is this!"

"Teacher Luke's new strategy is so OP?!"

Arcanine moved with incredible speed, crashing into Musharna like a gust of wind. Then, it lifted its head and let out a fierce roar!

Musharna was knocked out of the battle by Extreme Speed within seconds.

Only the drowsy Gothitelle remained on the battlefield, struggling to move as a last resort!

Question marks filled the entire chat section.

"Is it possible to defeat an Elite member on the other side?"

"This thing is unstoppable!"

"Did someone accidentally swipe the question mark key while Teacher Luke was making a breakthrough?"

After a moment, Arcanine let out another triumphant howl, its fiery mane billowing in the wind!

Teacher Luke gazed at the "victory" displayed on the screen, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.

"That was a close call; I almost lost."

The viewers in the livestream chat were accustomed to Teacher Luke's playful demeanor.

However, this time, Teacher Luke had used his own tactics to achieve a victory while sporting a dark expression.

"Everyone is baffled; is this really a win?"

"Is this guy a newcomer? These are basic moves, after all."

"This guy is clearly strong, but his expression is so dark!"

The viewership in the livestream room soared past 4 million, and the donation count continued to rise.

After the intense battle with Caitlin, Teacher Luke couldn't help but feel a bit worn out.

He gently petted the napping Sylveon in his arms and smiled.

"Alright, let's wrap up today's livestream here!"

At lightning speed, he ended the stream, leaving the viewers with a screen filled with question marks.

"This guy sure knows how to end things in a flash!"

"Goodbye, Teacher Luke!"

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

Caitlin stared at the shattered screen, biting her cherry-red lower lip.

The word "defeat" displayed on the screen felt like a badge of shame, etched deeply into the young girl's heart.

It seemed that she could only lose to Cynthia...

With a loud "bang," the entire LCD screen shattered, and even the host computer released plumes of black smoke.

Hearing the commotion, Darach gently knocked on the door and cautiously pushed it open.

He saw Caitlin with her back to the door, seated on the velvet bed, her long blonde hair cascading down as if sulking.

Darach let out a sigh of relief.

"Miss Caitlin, it's just a game. You don't need to take it so seriously."

Darach had also watched Teacher Luke's livestream. In terms of strategy and tactics alone, Teacher Luke was no less skilled than Miss Cynthia.

Without Psychic-type Pokémon to support her, how could Miss Caitlin stand a chance?

That's what Darach thought.

Caitlin's frustration probably stemmed from the feeling of powerlessness when facing Teacher Luke, despite her Elite status.

With her back still turned to the door, Caitlin whispered as if talking to herself, "Darach... I'm helpless without Psychic-type Pokémon."

"You say that every time."

Darach responded with a faint smile. "Even without Psychic-type Pokémon, you're still the esteemed Eldest Miss of the Battle Chateau."

Her arrogance stemmed from her inner vulnerability.

Darach let out a sigh.

Even though Eldest Miss had been concealing her vulnerabilities, she would curl up like a hedgehog when faced with setbacks.

Caitlin wiped her eyes and let out a gentle sigh. She turned her head and spoke in a blank tone, "I'm tired."

"Yes, I'll leave you to rest for the night," Darach replied, bowing respectfully and inwardly thinking, "Teacher Luke managed to make Eldest Miss cry while playing a game. If I ever get the chance to meet him, I must ask for his autograph!"

In Sinnoh Region, Canalave City:

"Who would've thought that Teacher Luke could actually defeat Caitlin..." Aaron remarked.

"It's just a game after all," Lucian responded nonchalantly. "Caitlin's power lies in her uncontrollable Psychic abilities, and the game restricts her."

"Teacher Luke is quite the strategist!" Aaron argued.

"Yes, if Teacher Luke can defeat Caitlin, then it's no shame that we lost to him!" Flint added with a serious nod.

Lucian sighed and rubbed his temples.

"To save face, you're all starting to flatter Teacher Luke..."

"But..." Lucian continued, resting his chin on his hand in thought, "Although it might not be practical in the Champion battle, siege tactics could have miraculous effects in other fields."

"What fields?" Aaron asked as he unwrapped a bag of potato chips and started munching.

"Let's just say that you guys wouldn't understand," Lucian replied with a faint, enigmatic smile.

Lucian adjusted his blue-tinted glasses and thought to himself, "Last time, Teacher Luke's Rock Slide tactic indirectly contributed to the Pokémon Central Medical Reform in Sinnoh Region... I believe his development of this new tactic carries a deeper meaning, one that aligns with my own..."

The night grew darker.

After ending the livestream, it was already early morning.

Although the little Pokémon was drowsy, its ribbon was still wrapped around Luke's arm, refusing to let go.

Luke smiled gently and placed Sylveon into the cat bed. The little creature let out a sleepy "vui~?"

"I won't be long; I'll make supper for the three of you," Luke said with a helpless smile.

Sylveon pouted but reluctantly loosened the ribbon.

Luke prepared a meal for the three Pokémon and then yawned as he continued to edit the video.

He was working on "Teacher Luke's Battle Instructions 09: Siege Team," which required the help of his old friend, the "material man" Gold.

Upon receiving Teacher Luke's invitation, Gold promptly logged in.

Gold: Sure thing! Let me show you my new Sunny Day relay team!

Luke was momentarily surprised.

Even Gold, with his strong personality, had started experimenting with tactics?

Teacher Luke: Well, let's both stay healthy!

An hour later, Luke asked somewhat apologetically, "Are you coming?"

Gold let out a long sigh.

"Forget it, I'm not feeling well today. Let's reschedule."

Luke understood and nodded sympathetically. "Thanks for your efforts. Get well soon, and drink hot water!"

"By the way, remember to change your Trainer ID next time; otherwise, people might think I hired an actor!"

Gold went into his usual quiet mode, but then Cynthia logged in.

After chatting with Cynthia for half an hour, she suddenly brought up a topic.

"Did you... encounter Caitlin today?"

Luke's heart skipped a beat.

Of course, she had to ask!

"Oh, just a casual game," Luke replied with a dry cough.

"Darach mentioned something about you making someone cry," Cynthia added playfully.

Luke was momentarily stunned.

Did he make a member of the Unova Elite Four cry?

Was there a new achievement unlocked after the "Dragon Tamer Lance and I are 50-50" incident?

"I'm done for..." Luke muttered.

"You won't be getting any sleep tonight," Cynthia said with a slight smile.

"It just so happens that I wanted to see your new tactics," she added.

August 30th, Sunday.

The first rays of morning sunlight entered the house.

Teacher Luke, with thick dark circles under his eyes, finished editing the video and yawned.

While waiting for the upload, he couldn't resist the drowsiness and ended up falling asleep at the computer.

Haunter fetched a blanket and draped it over Teacher Luke, Squirtle went to the street's convenience store to buy breakfast, and Sylveon, using its ribbon, sensed Luke's body temperature and slipped into his arms to ensure he wouldn't catch a cold.

The room fell into silence, and suddenly, a computer beep sounded.

[Video upload successful!]

[Click to watch the new video, "Teacher Luke's Battle Instructions 09: Siege Team!"]