Chapter 70

The development of "Plants vs. Zombies" is progressing smoothly.

With Damien's assistance, Luke's progress has significantly accelerated.

However, maintaining a balance between work and rest is crucial. Besides enduring long coding sessions, it's also essential to take breaks and relax.

Haunter's "Hypnosis" move had a side effect of causing dizziness.

But after Eevee learned "Yawn," Luke's sleep quality improved drastically, and even his dark circles faded significantly.

On the other hand, Damien's hairline suffered, and he was one step closer to becoming stronger...

Saturday, July 11th.

Luke woke up with a yawn, turning off the alarm clock. However, he noticed that Eevee was no longer in its cat litter by the bed.

Luke was momentarily puzzled.

Looking down, he found Eevee curled up on the bed, breathing evenly.

"Meowth, the chairman of the winter bed, I get it..." Luke scratched his head.

"Is Eevee going through a growth spurt in the summer?"

However, seeing Eevee looking tired, Luke decided not to wake it up.

With a smile, Luke gently poked the sleeping Eevee's face. When he received a paw slap in response, he reluctantly vacated the bed.

In the morning, he played some games, enjoyed some entertainment shows, and then had a hearty breakfast with laughter and cheerful voices.

Afterwards, he logged onto Bilibili and spent some time browsing.

The most popular topic of discussion was the upcoming Magic City Masters League Trophy. While the participants had not yet been officially announced, rumors were circulating that Kanto's Dragon Tamer Lance would make an appearance.

"Dragon Type Elite? It's clearly the Flying Type Elite!" Luke chuckled.

Unintentionally, he watched Elesa's Lumiose Fashion Week catwalk for a while.

Dawdling through the morning, it was already noon.

Luke resumed working on programming the game.

However, his peaceful weekend was interrupted by a call from Coach Zhai, the head of the school's Pokémon battle team.

"If you're available this afternoon, come over to the school," Coach Zhai said.

"We have a few freshmen here who are interviewing for the school team, and we need you to help with their practice."

Although the college entrance exam results hadn't been announced yet, the newly accepted Battle Department freshmen were already reporting to Magic City University. Coach Zhai hoped to scout potential talent for the school team.

After some consideration, Luke agreed. After all, he had taken on the role of a teaching assistant, and he could easily combine training and programming by using his tablet.

The summer heat was oppressive.

With Eevee resting on his shoulder and Haunter floating beside him, Luke took the bus to the campus.

...

Magic City University Athletics Center.

Coach Zhai, holding a clipboard and wearing a sun hat, stood by the bleachers and waved to Luke.

"We've got five freshmen this time," Coach Zhai pointed towards the Pokémon and students warming up on the field.

"Can you keep an eye on them for me? The school team is practicing on the nearby field."

Luke was surprised. "What do you want me to do?"

"Out of these five, choose two to advance," Coach Zhai grinned, patting Luke's shoulder.

"We have limited spots on the school team. It's okay to be a bit ruthless!"

These freshmen were from reputable high schools, and a certain level of arrogance was expected.

In essence, Luke was playing the role of the "bad cop" this time.

"Fine, let the kids practice more," Luke mused, stroking his chin.

He walked onto the field, and his appearance garnered a burst of exclamations.

"Teacher Luke!"

"The one who won the Piplup Cup?"

"Is he here to interview us?"

Sally Han, a student from Magic University, waved excitedly, "Teacher Luke, you're actually our assistant!"

Luke glanced at Sally Han, a fellow online friend enthusiast, and cleared his throat. "Sally Han, step aside!"

Sally Han quickly complied, her curiosity about Luke only intensifying.

Luke took out his tablet and assumed a serious demeanor.

"You'll lead the warm-up, and then we'll start assessing the school team."

"Sure thing!" Sally Han replied with a smile, then blinked playfully.

"Teacher Luke, what's the assessment's format?"

"It's a Pokémon battle among the five of you... and the top two will advance," Luke replied.

The students were momentarily taken aback before their eyes lit up with determination.

Magic University's team selection adopting a battle format was certainly unexpected...

It would put their commanding skills and battle awareness to the test!

"Don't worry, Teacher Luke, we won't disappoint you!" Sally Han exclaimed.

Luke nodded, his gaze shifting from the motivated freshmen to his tablet.

Um... there should be no problem with multitasking like this!

Five freshmen gathered at the sidelines and issued commands to their Pokémon in the field.

Observing Coach Zhai from a distance, Luke couldn't help but nod approvingly.

Though a bit unrefined, this battle format was indeed a more comprehensive assessment of a Trainer's overall skills.

It covered strategy, Pokémon species, commands... all aspects could be observed.

Of course, battle format had its drawbacks...

Next, it was time to test the assistant's judgment!

Seeing Luke engrossed in the tablet, Zhai Wenyao smiled and whispered, "Even his note-taking is so focused... looks like I've found a gem in this teaching assistant!"

...

Luke was in the process of building the framework for "Plants vs. Zombies."

[Programming LV3] had failed several times.

Luke felt a faint tingling sensation in his scalp, likely a side effect of the failed attempt.

"I can't believe this... Is there really no side effect to this Ability? Why do I always feel something's off..."

He scratched his head, looking up just as the battle on the field concluded.

Only Brèloom, owned by Sally Han, and Torkoal, owned by Gu Zhong, remained on the field.

The three defeated competitors wore expressions of frustration, but they still looked at Luke with hopeful eyes, yearning for another chance.

After a brief consideration, Luke had an idea.

Luke scanned the Pokémon of the three participants using the system's Pokédex.

Based on their moves, it was clear that their Pokémon's strength was not on par with the other two, and the outcome of the melee reflected that as well.

Giving them another chance would also be unfair to the remaining two competitors.

"Please step back," Luke said with a slight smile.

"Of course, if you manage to defeat me, you still have a chance to join the school team."

Sally Han couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in disbelief.

Is he speaking like a human?

To defeat him would mean surpassing the strength of a Champion in the Piplup Cup.

"This is truly... Teacher Luke's style!" Sally Han muttered.

The three participants exchanged glances, and eventually the Trainer of Sandslash, Du Zhuo, gritted his teeth and spoke up, "I'll give it a shot!"

As Luke was contemplating his next move, Eevee had already hopped onto the field.

"Vui~!" Eevee squinted at Sandslash, curling its lip in a disdainful manner.

Du Zhuo was taken aback, a tinge of red coloring his face.

You're a Champion, why are you sending out Eevee to battle?

Moreover, Eevee hasn't even evolved yet...

Du Zhuo hesitated, then commanded, "Sandslash, Iron Tail!"

Luke's expression seemed to change slightly, as if he had just realized something. His attention shifted to Eevee on the field, which was already taking action on its own.

Judging from its excited expression, it seemed ready to perform another move effortlessly!

Internally, Luke felt a sense of impending disaster, but Eevee had already closed the gap between itself and Sandslash in a spark of sparks.

Mimic!

Both Pokémon executed the same Iron Tail move, but the radiance emitted from Eevee's tail was even more dazzling!

Dong!

Caught off guard, Sandslash was struck by Eevee's Machamp-like attack. In an instant, it fainted and left a deep hole in the ground upon impact.

Du Zhuo was left in shock, and after a moment of bewilderment, he hastily recalled Sandslash with trembling hands.

"My apologies!" Du Zhuo stammered.

The Trainer of Torkoal, Gu Zhong, watched all this unfold with wide eyes and a hushed silence.

This teaching assistant... he seemed strict at first glance.

Definitely not someone to be offended!

In the midst of absolute silence, the freshmen gazed at Luke with newfound respect.

"Why are you all looking at me like that?"

Today, Luke had come to observe a training session, yet he found himself in an unexpected situation.

"I'm actually quite friendly!"

Another silence followed.

"Well, never mind." Luke waved his hand helplessly.

Apparently, his ability to discern was lacking...

Shaking his head with a mix of amusement and frustration, Luke consulted Eevee's move list.

A move called [Iron Tail] was faintly visible, suggesting that it might be unlocked through training.

Luke couldn't help but sigh.

Although he had prepared himself mentally for such situations...

The innate talents of my Pokémon are simply too overpowered!