Chapter 243: Inter-Academy Exchange Tournament
Tuesday, November 13th.
Lu Ye was in his office, reviewing the curriculum for the semester. "Teacher Lu," a warm-smiling middle-aged woman named Wen Zi said. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask."
Lu Ye nodded and asked curiously, "Are there only elementary and high school students in this academy?" It felt more like a secondary school than a higher education institution.
"That's correct," Wen Zi explained. "Due to Kanto region policies, children as young as ten can begin their Pokémon journey. Aside from challenging Gyms, graduates from Trainer Schools can qualify directly for the League's preliminary rounds. That's why Kanto's Trainer Academies typically enroll students aged 10 to 18."
Lu Ye nodded in understanding. So, this was basically an affiliated academy of Celadon University. "Though, I just turned twenty myself, so I don't really have the right to call anyone young…"
"Besides the Simulation Battle class you'll be teaching, Miss Erika will also be instructing Practical Battle Training," Wen Zi smiled. "With you here, I'm sure Principal Samson Oak will feel a lot more at ease." The principal managed two schools at once and was highly selective when hiring. Lu Ye's arrival definitely took a load off his shoulders.
"You flatter me," Lu Ye chuckled. "I just know a little about battle tactics."
Wen Zi blinked before realizing, "Ah… this must be what they call 'modesty' in the Donghuang region." Before Lu Ye arrived, she had already heard Erika talk about him—a Trainer with unpredictable strategies and a highly adaptable command style. Someone who earned such high praise couldn't possibly be just "average."
"I'll let you get back to work," Wen Zi offered. "Let me pour you some tea."
"No need, Gengar will do it."
"Huh?"
"Gengar! (～https://www.google.com/search?q=%EF%BF%A3%E2%96%BD%EF%BF%A3)～"
Lu Ye took the cup of hot tea from Gengar and continued reviewing the syllabus, his expression growing more complicated. "End-of-semester goal… Inter-Academy Exchange Tournament…" It was a competition among Trainer Academies from various regions. Faculty members would also participate, with schools including Striaton Academy (Unova), Rustboro Academy (Hoenn), and Jubilife Academy (Sinnoh).
Lu Ye's expression turned odd. "So… I have to train students, huh? Otherwise, if they get obliterated, wouldn't that be humiliating? Oh well… as long as Erika's handling things, I should still be able to slack off."
At that moment, Gengar poked Lu Ye's side, signaling that it wanted to explore. "Oh, no problem. Go have fun," Lu Ye nodded. "Send me your location through the Pokédex later. I'll come find you after class."
"Gengar!" it grinned, flashing a thumbs-up.
Watching Gengar holding a red Pokédex, Teacher Wen Zi looked utterly baffled. Even Lu Ye's Pokémon have their own Pokédex?! That's way too extravagant!
Meanwhile, Giselle trudged back to the classroom, dejected. Immediately, a group of boys swarmed her. "Giselle! What did that guy do to you?!" "Don't worry! We'll get justice for you!"
Giselle sat down and sighed softly. If anything... she was disappointed that nothing had happened. Wait, what am I even thinking?! Her face turned red as she shook her head. "Class is starting soon! Get back to your seats!"
A student weakly pointed out, "Uh, Giselle… this is a simulation class. We're supposed to be in the computer lab."
Giselle coughed awkwardly, grabbed a thick stack of paper, and strutted toward the lab with forced confidence. She figured she'd use class time to finish copying the Type Matchup Chart…
In the computer lab, a handsome young teacher with dark circles under his eyes stood at the podium and greeted lazily, "I'm your new instructor, Lu Ye."
The students whispered among themselves. "He's so young…" "Wait, isn't this the guy who wrecked the Student Council?"
The girls in the class turned bright red. Suddenly, class felt way more motivating!
"Eep!" Giselle let out a small squeak, her face instantly flushing. Why… why does it have to be him?!
Lu Ye felt an intense wave of resentment. He glanced toward the source and relaxed slightly when he saw it was just a kid. But Giselle's face turned so red it could bleed. She had clearly seen the way his lips moved. "30." He wants me to copy it 30 times?!
"You might not recognize my name," Lu Ye leaned against the podium. "Hmm… how many of you play Pokémon cards?"
"Of course!" "Teacher, do you play? I can show you the ropes!"
"That's good," Lu Ye nodded. "I'm Teacher Lu from Donghuang… If you're interested, you can look up my Pokémon Studio. You might find a surprise."
The noisy classroom suddenly fell silent. Pokémon Studio? Why does that sound so familiar? Just as Giselle reached for her phone, someone gasped. "Holy crap! He's THE Teacher Lu?!" "No freaking way—he's the guy who created the Pokémon card game!" "I'm done! I play Plants vs. Zombies too!"
The classroom exploded. Their teacher… wasn't just a player—he was the game's creator?!
"Silence." After repeating himself twice, Lu Ye finally knocked on the desk. The room instantly went quiet. Someone timidly asked, "Teacher… can I get a UR card from you?"
Lu Ye smirked. "Study hard. If you do well, the new holographic cards and expansion packs might be within reach."
The classroom erupted again. "Hell yeah!!" "I'm gonna flex this so hard!"
As the classroom buzzed with excitement, a black-haired girl furiously scribbled away. Twenty copies of the Type Matchup Chart… twenty copies… Why is it so many?! Sob!
[Inorin Note:
If you wish to support me so I can continue to survive and afford proper food, you can join my membership on Patreon [patreon.com/InorinTL]. Be sure to check out "The Founding Pillars"—a special, limited-time tier that offers all the benefits of "The Plot Uncoverer" at a discounted price! Slots are limited, so grab yours before they run out. Besides membership, you can also donate via Ko-Fi [https://ko-fi.com/inorintl].
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