Chapter 70: Have You Learned It Again?
The development of Plants vs. Zombies was proceeding smoothly. With Dayou's help, Lu Ye's progress had sped up considerably.
However, balancing work and rest was equally important; while overworking was necessary at times, slacking off a bit was equally vital.
Haunter's Hypnosis caused grogginess as a side effect. But after Eevee learned Yawn, Lu Ye's sleep quality improved dramatically, and even his dark circles faded significantly!
On the other hand, Dayou's hairline suffered dearly—one step closer to the road of becoming stronger...
Saturday, July 11th.
Lu Ye yawned, turned off his alarm, and noticed that Eevee's bed next to him was already empty. Lu Ye blinked in confusion.
He looked down to see Eevee curled up in his blanket, breathing steadily.
"I know beds grow Meowth in winter…" Lu Ye scratched his head. "But do they grow Eevee in summer too?"
Seeing the little guy's tired expression, Lu Ye didn't have the heart to wake it up. Smiling, he poked the little one's sleeping face, only to get swatted away by a paw. Lu Ye obediently vacated the blanket.
He streamed some games that morning, playing a fun team composition. Amidst a chorus of laughter, he rushed towards the kitchen for a meal.
Afterwards, he logged into Bilibili (B Station) and browsed through updates. The hottest discussion topic was next week's upcoming World Master Championship in Modu.
Although the participants weren't officially announced, rumors said Lance from Kanto would be attending the battle.
"Dragon-type Elite Four? He's clearly a Flying-type Elite Four!" Lu Ye scoffed.
He couldn't help but watch a bit of Erika's Lumiose Fashion Week runway show.
Procrastinating until noon, Lu Ye resumed his game programming work.
A phone call from Coach Zhai of the school team broke the rare weekend peace.
"If you're free this afternoon, come to the school," Coach Zhai said. "There are a few freshmen trying out for the team. I need you to put them through their paces."
Although the entrance exam results hadn't been released, early-admission freshmen for the Battle Department were already reporting to Modu University. Coach Zhai wanted to see if he could spot any potential talent for the school team.
Lu Ye thought for a moment. "No problem."
After all, he'd already taken on the role of teaching assistant. Besides, he could bring his tablet and work on programming during training.
The summer sun blazed overhead. With Eevee napping on his shoulder and Haunter floating beside him, Lu Ye took the bus to campus.
…
At the Modu University Battle Arena, Coach Zhai stood by the stands, holding a clipboard and wearing a sunhat. He waved at Lu Ye.
"There are 5 freshmen in total," Coach Zhai pointed at the students and their Pokémon warming up in the field. "Keep an eye on them for me. The school team is training on the adjacent field."
Lu Ye hesitated. "What exactly am I supposed to do?"
"Pick 2 to advance," Coach Zhai laughed, patting Lu Ye's shoulder. "Slots for the team are limited; putting them in their place won't hurt!"
These freshmen were from prestigious high schools and inevitably a bit arrogant. Lu Ye's job was to play the bad guy.
"Well, a little experience never hurts the young," Lu Ye rubbed his chin and stepped into the field, drawing gasps of surprise.
"Teacher Lu!"
"Isn't he the Piplup Cup champion?"
"Is he the one evaluating us?"
Han Xiaoxiao, who had a guaranteed spot at Modu University, waved excitedly. "Teacher Lu, you're the teaching assistant?"
Lu Ye glanced at this familiar viewer and cleared his throat. "Han Xiaoxiao, step forward!"
Han Xiaoxiao did so eagerly, her eyes shining with curiosity and excitement.
Lu Ye took out his tablet and said seriously, "You'll lead the warm-up, and then we'll start the evaluation."
"Got it!" Han Xiaoxiao beamed and blinked. "So… what's the evaluation?"
"You 5 will have a Pokémon battle royale… the last 2 standing advance."
The students blinked in surprise, their eyes soon blazing with determination.
The Modu University team tryouts using a battle royale format? This would truly test their command skills and their Pokémon's battle instincts!
"Don't worry, Teacher Lu! I won't let you down!" Han Xiaoxiao shouted.
Watching their eager faces, Lu Ye nodded and discreetly opened his programming files.
Yes… this would be a good chance to slack off!
From the stands, Coach Zhai nodded in approval. Though the method was harsh, a battle royale revealed a Trainer's comprehensive abilities—reflexes, Pokémon training, and command skills.
Of course, it also had its shortcomings…
Now it was up to the teaching assistant to catch those details!
Seeing Lu Ye focused on his tablet, Coach Zhai chuckled softly, "Taking such diligent notes… I really lucked out with this assistant!"
…
Lu Ye was setting up the framework for Plants vs. Zombies. His Programming Lv3 skill had failed several times.
He scratched his head, feeling his scalp tingle. Was this a side effect of the failed checks?
"Seriously… does this skill have hidden side effects?"
He looked up to see the battle royale ending. The last 2 Pokémon standing were Han Xiaoxiao's Shroomish and Gu Zhong's Torkoal.
The 3 losing students looked dejected but hopeful for another chance. Lu Ye considered their Pokémon's moves and performance, concluding the results were fair. Giving them another chance wouldn't be fair to the winners.
"You're dismissed," Lu Ye smiled. "Of course, if you beat me, you can still get on the team."
Han Xiaoxiao's eye twitched.
Did he just say beating him would be enough? That's like asking them to beat a Piplup Cup champion!
"Classic Teacher Lu style…" Han Xiaoxiao muttered.
The 3 exchanged glances before the Sandslash Trainer, Du Zhuo, stepped forward. "I'll try!"
Lu Ye was about to decide whether to go easy on him when Eevee jumped into the field on its own.
"Eevee!" It glanced at Sandslash and smirked.
Du Zhuo blushed. Really? Sending out an unevolved Eevee?
"Sandslash, Iron Tail!" Du Zhuo commanded.
Lu Ye's expression shifted. Eevee had that excited look, like it was about to copy another move!
Before he could intervene, Eevee dashed forward in a flash, mimicking Iron Tail. Its tail glowed even brighter than Sandslash's!
Wham!
Sandslash took a powerful hit and collapsed, leaving a crater in the ground.
Du Zhuo gaped before withdrawing his Sandslash with a shaky hand. "I was too presumptuous!"
Gu Zhong swallowed nervously. This assistant looked strict—best not to get on his bad side!
The field fell silent as the freshmen stared at Lu Ye in awe.
"Why are you all looking at me like that?" Lu Ye sighed. "I'm really nice!"
Silence.
"…Forget it," he waved helplessly. Was it really that hard to go easy on them?
He checked Eevee's move list, where Iron Tail shimmered, ready to unlock with a bit more training. Lu Ye sighed. He'd expected this, but still…
His Pokémon's talent was just too broken!