Chapter 278

Wednesday, December 9.

The preliminary round of the Inter-School Exchange Competition has concluded.

Nearly all spectators who witnessed the games were impressed by Celadon Academy's remarkable dominance.

Notably, the most attention-grabbing figure was Teacher Luke, who led the team to crush Rustboro Academy.

On one hand, the coach's tactical formation influences at least half of the game's direction.

On the other hand, the coach himself possesses great strength.

Even before the warm-up, he defeated the Gym Leader of Rustboro City...

This move, it's like casually fishing while playing a Gym battle!

Jubilife City is already draped in darkness.

The downtown radio station's iconic large screen is broadcasting the morning's matchups once again.

"Bestow zero score, bestow zero score again!" The narrator's enthusiastic voice resonates.

"This is the most significant score disparity in years!"

Passers-by glance up at the screen.

"This year's Celadon Academy is truly formidable."

"Is it because of the new leader?"

"That Sylveon is genuinely adorable!"

On the streets, Teacher Luke is leading three students, heading towards a private villa.

To avoid recognition, Luke slightly lowers the brim of his hat.

Suddenly, an idea strikes Luke.

No wonder Lord Red always adjusts his hat before taking action.

It's quite distinctive!

"Can I have a customized hat too?"

Luke rubs his chin, lost in thought.

Jubilife City experiences a significant temperature difference between day and night.

Gladion lets out a sigh and turns to Wally.

"Is there a problem?"

Wally shakes his head, smiling slightly. "Still immersed in the morning game, my blood is still boiling."

"I might... no, I could engage in another friendly match."

Luke coughs lightly. "In the next game, which Academy has advanced?"

Giselle takes out her phone, checks the status, and says, "Jubilife Academy lost... tomorrow we'll be up against Striaton City's Trainer Academy."

"Very well," Luke responds. Striaton City triggers some memories.

Being the location of Unova's first Gym, Trainer Academy, and the hometown of Cilan, the sommelier.

In "Black and White 2," Unova's first gym moved to Aspertia City, and Cheren became the gym leader of Aspertia City.

Similar to Roxanne.

Cheren, too, is of a young age, serving as both a teacher and gym leader.

Luke contemplates this with mixed emotions.

So, to win the baby cup, do I have to earn two Badges?

However, Erika will return tomorrow and assume the position of the leader.

With her, the risk of betrayal is significantly reduced.

"The issue is not significant," Luke coughs lightly. "Let's head back first; I'll treat you to dinner!"

...

Sinnoh, Jubilife City.

A soft orange glow emanates from the chandelier, casting a delicate light on the golden strands of Cynthia's hair as she leans on the sofa, engrossed in flipping through mythological materials.

At this moment, the doorbell chimes at the entrance.

Upon receiving the hostess's permission, Indeedee, the villa steward, elegantly opens the door.

A rush of warmth and a fresh fragrance fill the house as Luke feels a welcoming breeze.

The three students behind him nervously take in the splendid and majestic interior decor.

Gladion remains composed, being the noble son of the Aether Foundation.

Wally asks, "Should we change our shoes?"

Luke chuckles, "No need to be formal; treat it like your own home."

Giselle , eyeing the shoe cabinet and her elegant high heels, is momentarily distracted.

Ka-cha!

Startled, she hears Gengar happily darting towards the living room.

After a brief moment, movement is heard from the living room.

The three students unconsciously hold their breath.

Blonde hair cascades, brushing against fragrant white shoulders. The delicate and gentle cheek follows the snow-white arc of the swan neck.

Deep gray pupils sparkle with a smile.

"Welcome," Cynthia greets with a smile.

The three are left speechless, their voices caught in their throats.

"Hey, hey..."

"Cynthia, Sinnoh Champion," Luke remarks, astonished. "Didn't you guys know?"

Nonsense!

The students exchange peculiar glances. Knowing each other, they couldn't possibly have guessed!

This is Sinnoh Champion Cynthia!

Could it be...

Gladion glances between the two and gradually comprehends everything.

With Teacher Luke's charisma... this isn't surprising.

Ka-cha!

The crack in their hearts has now shattered into pieces.

Giselle fights back tears.

So, this is the hostess of the house!

A total loss... There's absolutely no chance of competing!

After a three-second mental blackout, Wally is the first to react.

"Hi, Madam!" he bows deeply.

Teacher Luke is taken aback.

Young man, you're too forward!

"Jie jie~?! ∑(っ°Д°;)っ"

Gengar freezes for a moment, then instinctively looks up.

The blonde beauty first shows a hint of surprise, then smiles lightly and gestures for them to come in.

It was just a misunderstanding.

Besides, she often host Caitlin and others as guests at home.

Cynthia regains her composure, but not without a sigh.

"Hi, Madam!" the three students bow and greet.

"Cough!" Cynthia playfully nudges Luke with her elbow.

Did you rehearse this beforehand!?

Luke shrugs.

Kids are sharp!

Cynthia puts on a "defeated" expression and sighs.

"There are three rooms; Indeedee will show you there."

"Thank you, Madam!"

"Just call me Cynthia..."

"No problem, Madam!"

Cynthia shakes her head again, amused, and smiles unintentionally.

Forget it.

Too lazy to argue.

Giselle almost instantly realizes she has no chance whatsoever.

Thankfully, the house has excellent sound insulation.

No more heartbreak at night.

Wally and Gladion are shocked by the connection between Teacher Luke and Cynthia.

Not quite friends...

When it comes to lovers, the two aren't that close.

"I get it!"

Gladion slaps his palm on the stairs to the guest room.

"What?" Wally inquires.

"Teacher Luke is wooing this lady!"

"???"

...

Three of them head to the guest room to check in.

Now, only Cynthia and Teacher Luke remain in the living room.

Sylveon, unafraid of Cynthia at this moment, allows her to comb its hair docilely.

Togepi pitter-patters and waves in front of Lucario:

"Ke ke~~!" (Let's play together!)

Play together?

Lucario, with a cold expression, crosses his arms.

How can I have free time to play?

Togepi, rejected for the first time in its life, is struck by a bolt, and tears well up.

"Ke ke ke ke~~!!!"

Togepi suddenly looks up to the sky and wails, tears streaming like a fountain, innocent and distressed.

Shua~ shua~ shua~, countless dangerous glares shoot towards Lucario.

"Click!" Garchomp's eyes gleam as he places his scythe across Lucario's neck.

For my lady, play with him!

Lucario's expression stiffens; he stretches out his arms and hugs Togepi.

"Luca!"

Hold up!

"Ke ke ke ke~~~ (ﾉ≧∀≦)ﾉ"

"The bonding is so heartwarming," Cynthia leans on the sofa, her two slender legs crossed, smiling.

"Aren't we both."

"Not so much yet."

"In what way now?"

Cynthia puts down one leg and wears a serious expression while contemplating.

"You can stay together overnight."

Oops!

I got counter-killed!

"Let's play a game!" Cynthia adds with a smile.

"Yes, sure…"

"Why the regretful expression?"

"Nothing," Luke sighs, "I need to rest early for tomorrow's game."

Luke gets up and takes out two Trainer cards from his pocket.

"This should be yours."

On the Trainer card is a beautiful blonde.

The imposing Garchomp stands beside her like an invincible war god.

Cynthia is slightly startled but wears a sweet smile.

She reaches out and hands one of the cards to Luke.

"I'm giving it to you."

"How can I accept something and return it."

"Would you like it?" Cynthia asks coolly.

"Yes!"

...

The night deepens, and a gentle evening breeze stirs.

Cynthia lies wearily on her side on the sofa, her blond hair scattered on her waist, breathing steadily.

Luke closes the book with mixed emotions.

Just read a few myths. Can hypnosis be that powerful?

Lying on the sofa, Cynthia resembles a large orange cat, her breathtaking profile enhancing her beauty.

After gazing for a while, Luke helplessly smiles and says, "Lucario, can you assist?"

"Lucario!" Lucario nods, picks up Cynthia, and prepares to escort her back to the bedroom.

Suddenly, Lucario hesitates.

Wait, why should I take orders from this guy!