Chapter 52

Eevee had just finished taking a bath. Its once dirty fluff was now sleek and revealed a light yellow coat with pale white fluff around its neck. The fur on its forehead glistened with dew. Eevee shook its head, looked at its reflection in the mirror blankly, and took a few steps back in surprise.

"Hey there, little one," Luke greeted with a broad smile.

"Vui~!"

Eevee shot Luke an intense glare, but its attempt at fierceness only made it look cuter and more endearing.

Luke playfully tried to hold one of Eevee's soft paws to give it a gentle trimming, but he had to give up after encountering fierce resistance.

"I'm afraid I'll accidentally cut into your paw," Luke chuckled.

At this moment, Eevee had regained its cute appearance that Luke remembered, and its eyes sparkled with a newfound alertness.

In order to ensure a smooth feeding process, Luke touched his chin and opened the chat group.

"Can anyone tell me about Eevee breeding?"

The first person to respond was Brock: "Hey, Luke, did you get yourself an Eevee?"

"Yes, I'm clueless about breeding, and it's giving me a headache."

Brock empathized with Luke's plight. "Eevee has eight different evolutionary forms, each requiring a distinct breeding method. It can indeed be quite challenging!"

"Little Eevee! (Eevee rolls and sells cuteness.jpg)," Yellow from Viridian Forest chimed in playfully.

"Oh, Luke, which form of Eevee are you planning to evolve?" Green asked, a smile in his voice.

"If you need an evolution stone, I can sell you one at a discounted price."

Luke looked up at the sky, thinking about his feisty little Eevee.

Flareon, with its fiery mane, seemed like a great option. He could envision cuddling up to Flareon for warmth during the winter, using its fluffy fur as a scarf, or even keeping his feet warm with its radiant heat.

The possibilities were exciting!

"How much is the evolution stone?"

"Well... normal quality ones go for about 600,000 Pokédollars, and the more premium ones can cost a few million. Which one would you like, Luke?"

Luke opened his mouth, but the words caught in his throat. I can barely afford anything, please!

Lorelei interjected, "Evolving through bonding is also a good option. Red's bonding with his Pikachu turned out well."

Blue's eyes twitched.

Pikachu, who could easily create a small explosion with Thunderbolt, was considered a bonding success? Seriously?!

Luke coughed lightly, steering the conversation back on track. "I believe that Eevee's own desires should be respected."

Brock nodded somberly in agreement, understanding the value of respecting a Pokémon's wishes.

Respect a Pokémon's desires...

Was this Luke's philosophy on breeding?

Indeed, compared to methods that solely prioritize battle prowess, this perspective was quite advanced and profound.

"Though it's a small matter, I can still share some breeding cases involving Eevee," Brock offered.

Brock was known for his quiet integrity. Now that he had Luke's acknowledgment, he didn't expect anything in return.

Luke's eyes lit up. "That would be much appreciated!"

[Received file "Eevee Breeder's Guide"!]

Brock's provided examples outlined various common breeding methods for Eevee, including dietary habits and living conditions. However, there was no mention of training content. After all, each Eevee had a unique evolutionary path and distinct focus.

With a focused expression, Luke read through the document, occasionally nodding in understanding.

"Well, I'm clueless about all this..."

The content was quite intricate and challenging to grasp based on Luke's reading comprehension.

Nevertheless, he did manage to glean some insights—

Eevee was an omnivorous creature, and its diet included Berries, raw meat, grains, and more. A responsible breeder would carefully prepare Eevee's meals, while some might opt for using Pokéblocks for feeding.

"Hmm? Do Pokéblocks really work?"

Luke raised an intrigued eyebrow.

"Then I can feed Eevee with more confidence!"

In other aspects, Luke might not have much expertise, but when it came to Pokéblocks, he might be on par with even Brock!

Breeding techniques were covered, but training methods were still pending.

However, Luke had no intention of becoming a full-fledged Trainer.

It wasn't feasible to train Eevee on his own like Haunter, right?

How could he manage that?

One Pokémon was already quite a handful, but two?

Confidently exiting his room, Luke froze in his tracks.

...

Haunter was giving Eevee a lesson.

"Jie jie~!"

Haunter had produced a blackboard out of nowhere, covered in hastily drawn sketches that were nearly indecipherable.

"Vui~?"

Eevee nodded earnestly, occasionally posing rhetorical questions.

"Jie jie~ jie jie~!"

Haunter nodded, adopting a teaching demeanor that seemed surprisingly out of character.

Luke sipped his tea and sat nearby, his expression a mix of intrigue and complexity.

What was going on?

Eevee wasn't training on its own...

But now Haunter was training with Eevee? !

An ache began to creep into Luke's chest.

He held his forehead and let out a deep sigh.

"It's alright, these are just small things..."

"But what's the point of Haunter teaching Eevee? Can Eevee even learn new moves?"

"Vui~!"

At that moment, Eevee suddenly lifted its head.

A faint shimmer detached from its body, gradually forming another identical Eevee.

Luke's eyes widened.

Could it be?

Was this truly the Substitute move? !

"Vui~ ..."

Though it lasted for less than two seconds, it was undoubtedly the "Substitute" move.

Eevee was panting and sweating, yet its eyes radiated excitement.

"Jie jie~ ..."

Haunter nodded with a sense of accomplishment, a touch of melancholy in its gaze as it wiped a tear from the corner of its eye.

This is the Substitute technique I've mastered so adeptly.

And now I've passed it on to you, little Eevee!

Luke was lost in thought, uncertain of what to say.

"It's a bit too challenging for me..."

While it was true that Pokémon could teach each other moves, how could Eevee master the "Substitute" technique in just one afternoon?

Was it due to Master's excellent teaching, or was Eevee inherently gifted in this aspect?

Setting aside the one that backstabbed me earlier...

Was there really another one now? !

"Vui~!"

Spotting Luke, Eevee dashed over with excitement, eager to demonstrate its newly learned move.

Luke mustered a faint smile and ruffled Eevee's head. "Well done!"

"Vui~ ('▽`〃)"

Suddenly, as if realizing something, Eevee stiffened and turned away with a hint of disdain, though its wagging tail betrayed its true feelings.

Luke let out a long sigh.

I never intended to be a Trainer...

So why are my Pokémon more enthusiastic than me?

While Luke was lost in contemplation, Eevee cast a secretive glance at him.

For different Pokémon, the meaning of battling held distinct significance.

On the mountainside, Eevee had to engage in constant battles to survive.

Now, Luke was guiding Eevee toward a new life, helping it find its own purpose.

A life of continuous struggle...

To become stronger and the sharpest tool in Luke's arsenal.

Superior to even Haunter, and surpassing all other Pokémon.

Eevee gazed at Luke silently, determination filling its eyes.

I must make my master the most formidable Trainer!