McKen pulled out a Poké Ball and called out, "Go, Pinsir!"
The sharp-clawed Pinsir, also known as the "Giant Horn Beetle," had claws so powerful they could snap a tree trunk in half. This particular Pinsir, with its Moxie ability, had already secured two consecutive victories and was riding a wave of momentum.
Lu Ye nodded thoughtfully.
It seems that in reality, Moxie boosts morale so effectively that even recalling the Pokémon doesn’t cancel its effects.
"Use Guillotine!" McKen commanded.
Pinsir’s massive pincers gleamed coldly as the snapping sound sent chills down everyone’s spines.
With Dark-type double effectiveness, if this move hit, Haunter might be torn apart!
Summer Quan’s face paled as she was about to intervene, but Lu Ye remained calm.
"Dodge left," he instructed.
Summer’s pupils contracted.
Can he even predict Pinsir’s attack trajectory so precisely?
Haunter drifted gracefully to the side, avoiding the attack with ease. It sneered menacingly, conjuring a surging Shadow Ball in its hands.
In an instant, Pinsir was hurled backward by an immense force, letting out a piercing cry.
McKen gritted his teeth. "Pinsir, Thrash!"
Pinsir’s claws swung wildly, ready to retaliate.
But Haunter seemed to have anticipated this. Its eyes glowed with hypnotic blue light.
McKen’s throat tightened as realization dawned.
Every move… it’s all been seen through!
This Haunter’s combat awareness far exceeded anything McKen had imagined.
It didn’t even need Lu Ye’s instructions.
Haunter lightly flicked its finger, sending a purple stream of venom hissing toward Pinsir. The acidic smoke sizzled as Pinsir let out a groan before collapsing to the ground.
The room fell silent, save for Haunter’s eerie laughter echoing through the air.
As an elite trainer, McKen had bested numerous skilled opponents. But against this Haunter, he couldn’t even last three rounds.
It wasn’t a lack of skill—it was the sheer brilliance of this Haunter’s training!
Summer Quan exchanged a look with the receptionist, both seeing shock mirrored in each other’s eyes.
"Coach Quan," the receptionist said with a smile, "looks like you don’t need to switch jobs after all!"
Summer coughed and muttered, "The manager position still needs to be filled. I won’t feel at ease otherwise!"
Haunter’s performance in the challenge earned it a wave of admiration.
It was no exaggeration to call it the savior of the Bull Club.
Later, Lu Ye joined the club for Haunter’s victory celebration.
The receptionist poured Haunter a glass of orange juice, saying, "Drink slowly!"
Others chimed in, "We’re so grateful to Coach Haunter!"
Lu Ye rested his chin on one hand, lost in thought.
I mean… sure, I didn’t do much, but couldn’t they acknowledge my effort at least?
Summer Quan, her face flushed from alcohol, slammed the table.
"I propose we appoint a new manager!"
"If the boss doesn’t agree, we’ll all go on strike!"
"Good idea! I vote for Coach Haunter!"
"Haunter! (′▽`〃)" Haunter chuckled gleefully.
Two hours here, and you’re already the manager?
At this rate, next time you’ll probably be the owner!
As expected of you, Haunter.
That very night, Summer and the others called the club owner. Under their fervent insistence, Haunter was officially promoted to manager of the Bull Club.
It had taken less than two months to rise from coach to manager.
And judging by Haunter’s popularity, calling it the de facto owner wasn’t far off.
In just one evening, Haunter had mastered Venoshock and nearly taken over the Bull Club.
Lu Ye stroked his chin.
Why do I feel like my role as a trainer doesn’t even matter anymore?
As the celebration wound down, the receptionist helped a tipsy Summer Quan out the door. She waved and said with a smile,
"Goodbye, Coach Haunter!"
Lu Ye thought she was addressing him and replied with mixed emotions,
"Let me walk you back."
"Oh, no need. The dorms are right behind the club," the receptionist said, bowing. "Thank you so much for your help!"
A groggy Summer blew Haunter a kiss and waved.
"Goodbye, little guy!"
The night was quiet, and it was already late.
"They’re probably asleep by now," Lu Ye murmured, shaking his head with a smile.
"Never mind. If they’re awake, I’ll just cook something fresh!"
Back at Lu Ye’s new home.
Eevee, now Squirtle’s second teacher after Haunter, was demonstrating the Dig technique with remarkable efficiency.
This… this was the torch being passed!
Squirtle nodded, deep in thought.
So, I can dig… and then just stay underground?
Then it’s just a matter of outlasting my opponent.
However, these were merely video-based theories. Without practice, true mastery was impossible.
When Squirtle attempted to head to the courtyard for training, Eevee stopped it.
Eevee smacked Squirtle on the head.
What are you thinking?!
This is our new home! Don’t just destroy it on a whim!
Squirtle froze, realizing the truth.
Ruining this beautiful courtyard just for a new move?
Both little ones, feeling a sense of responsibility for their new home, decided against reckless behavior.
But how could they train without damaging the house?
Eevee drooped its ears in frustration, curling into a dejected ball like a mochi.
Squirtle retreated into its shell but then, a spark lit up in its eyes.
Is this… my master’s first trial for me?
Just as Squirtle was deep in thought, the lights suddenly flicked on.
"You two aren’t asleep yet?" Lu Ye asked, surprised.
Eevee & Squirtle: Σ(っ°Д°;)っ
Lu Ye’s eyes narrowed as they landed on the laptop screen.
A cold sweat trickled down his forehead.
The Dig TM… they’d found it!
You spent all night studying this while I wasn’t home?!
Cautiously, Lu Ye inspected every corner of the house, even the courtyard.
There wasn’t a single trace of digging.
He blinked in surprise.
So, this time, you actually showed restraint?
Lu Ye had mentally prepared to pay thousands in damages and give a stern lecture.
But the house was intact, and neither Eevee nor Squirtle had acted recklessly.
After a long pause, Lu Ye picked up Eevee, placing it on his lap and rubbing its little head.
"You two really cherish this new home," he said with a smile.
Eevee blushed, but its tail wagged involuntarily.
It’s not my fault Squirtle couldn’t learn it! Blame its clumsiness!
Their newfound maturity made Lu Ye reflect on whether he’d been too indulgent.
But now… they were thinking about the family too.
Lu Ye’s eyes grew misty.
"It’s okay. If we can’t train here, we’ll go to Haunter’s club!" Lu Ye declared.
"All their facilities are free anyway!"
Haunter’s spirit surged.
Master… could it be that everything tonight was part of your plan?!