By the time they arrived at Jinling University, it was already 2 PM.
The bus pulled up along a tree-lined path filled with plane trees. Suddenly, Han Xiaoxiao excitedly raised her hand:
“Coach, can we go to Qinhuai River tonight?”
“We’re heading back to Modu tonight… but if you want to stay in Jinling, it’s not out of the question,” Coach Zhai replied.
Han Xiaoxiao’s eyes sparkled, but Shen Tingzhi was already one step ahead with an invitation.
“Mr. Lu, want to check out Qinhuai River tonight?”
“Nope,” Lu Ye declined. “Boys have to protect themselves when they’re out and about.”
“Bu-yi!” Eevee bared its teeth fiercely, perched on Lu Ye’s shoulder.
They were greeted by Jinling University’s coach, Cui Yuanshan, who shook hands with Coach Zhai.
Coach Zhai laughed heartily, “My team hasn’t slept since the night before that!”
Cui Yuanshan raised an eyebrow, “Mine haven’t closed their eyes for three days!”
Lu Ye was momentarily stunned.
Are you two seriously competing over something so trivial?
“Who are you fooling, old Cui?” Coach Zhai smirked coldly. “Enough with the pleasantries. Let’s settle this on the field!”
“Hah! And you call yourself Modu's coach? Come on, let’s see what your rookies are made of!”
When old rivals meet, tensions flare. This playful banter was just their unique way of greeting each other.
Inside the Jinling Battle Center, the massive circular arena was ready for action.
On both sides, a smattering of spectators, including some faculty members, had gathered.
“Eevee is so cute!” a young woman exclaimed.
“That Eevee hasn’t evolved yet?” a student grumbled.
“Is it just here to fill the numbers?”
Mr. Wang from Jinling University turned back with a glare, and the crowd fell silent.
“Is Modu still using Trick Room tactics this year?” Mr. Wang asked.
“Hard to say…” Cui Yuanshan shook his head.
“There’s no info on that Eevee Trainer in the lineup.”
“Coach Cui, that’s the champion of the Modu Piplup Cup!” Feng Zhe interjected.
Qin Yu smiled, “He’s called Mr. Lu, right…? Isn’t he also a gaming streamer?”
Zhao Xianyong’s lips twitched, and a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.
He had almost revealed that he was a fan of Mr. Lu!
The captains from both teams stepped forward to shake hands.
Wang Rui took the field first, kicking off the match.
From the sidelines, Coach Zhai frowned and whispered:
“The first opponent is Jiangsu’s Rookie King.”
Lu Ye coughed, “Just saying, you’re sitting next to Modu's Rookie King, too.”
Coach Zhai blinked, “That’s true… I always forget…”
Lu Ye’s performance had been so astonishing that his Rookie Champion title felt almost unreal.
The opponent, Su Yu, sent out a Scyther, a Pokémon known for its speed and flair in battles.
“Su Yu leads off… Wang Rui’s Dusknoir still has a chance,” Coach Zhai mused.
Lu Ye glanced at Dusknoir's moveset. There was no Thunder Punch or Fire Punch in the list.
“Let’s hope Will-O-Wisp hits,” Lu Ye murmured.
“That Scyther is probably going to buff up.”
The battle began, and Su Yu took the initiative: “Scyther, Swords Dance!”
“Chak-cha!” Scyther brandished its scythes, the blades gleaming with a metallic sheen.
Wang Rui didn’t use Will-O-Wisp immediately but set up Trick Room.
A purple, tangible forcefield covered the arena, and Scyther's movements slowed down.
Hearing Wang Rui’s command, Lu Ye shook his head.
Setting up Trick Room but not activating Gravity…
Kid, you’re still too naive!
Scyther fluttered its wings, dodging the Will-O-Wisp while slicing toward Dusknoir, leaving a deep gash.
Cui Yuanshan nodded in satisfaction:
“Su Yu’s command skills are sharp.”
“Dodged Will-O-Wisp twice—his opponent’s probably losing it!” Feng Zhe laughed.
Wang Rui’s forehead was slick with sweat. The jeers from the crowd were shaking his focus.
Sensing his chance, Scyther took Dusknoir down with a final blow.
“Next,” Su Yu said calmly.
Wang Rui froze, gritting his teeth, his mind blank.
Coach Zhai glanced at Lu Ye, sighing, “You called it.”
Two missed Will-O-Wisps…
Is my mouth cursed or something?
Lu Ye coughed, “It’s fine… Gu Zhong’s Torkoal has the type advantage.”
No sooner had he spoken than Gu Zhong walked onto the field, his face set in determination.
As he passed Lu Ye, he stammered, “Coach… Coach Lu, I won’t let you down!”
Lu Ye paused, then smiled and nodded.
Gu Zhong took a deep breath, his gaze firming up.
Even if I’m not the strongest,
There are still things I can do!
A blazing sun appeared over the field.
“Torkoal, Overheat!” Gu Zhong shouted.
Torkoal roared, a thick plume of smoke laced with sparks surging toward Scyther.
But Scyther darted forward, slicing through the smoke and striking Torkoal hard.
A sharp sound made everyone wince, and Torkoal cried out. Scyther kept up the relentless assault.
“This isn’t good… The gap is too wide,” Lu Ye frowned.
Coach Zhai slapped the table, “Why doesn’t he just forfeit?!”
Gu Zhong clenched his fists as Torkoal’s eyes burned with resolve.
Coach Lu stayed up late, taught TorkoalIron Defense, and gave me that precious Pokéblock…
I can’t let him down!
“Torkoal, Iron Defense!” Gu Zhong shouted. “Hold strong, then use Overheat!”
The straightforward command drew laughter from the crowd.
“Who fights like that?”
“Is this really Modu's school team?”
Mr. Wang glanced questioningly at Cui Yuanshan.
Cui Yuanshan sighed, “Maybe he’s just too green.”
“But that kid’s so stubborn!” Mr. Wang pointed at Gu Zhong.
“He still won’t surrender?”
Torkoal was battered and bruised, but it and Gu Zhong waited for a chance to strike.
Finally, Su Yu left a deliberate opening.
Torkoal charged with Flame Wheel but was swiftly struck down by Scyther.
The crowd murmured in disappointment.
“What a waste of time.”
Gu Zhong hung his head, defeated.
Even after all this effort, there was no result…
Coach Lu worked so hard for me, had Eevee train with me…
I still let him down.
Tears welled in Gu Zhong’s eyes, but with so many people around, he just stood there awkwardly.
“Why’s he still on stage? He lost!” someone shouted.
A hand suddenly rested on Gu Zhong’s shoulder.
He looked up in confusion.
Lu Ye smiled at him, then glanced at the limping Torkoal crawling back.
“Hard work doesn’t always lead to success,” Lu Ye said gently.
“But Pokémon will never betray your effort.”
Lu Ye patted his shoulder.
“I’ll win this one for you.”