novelraw Chapter 776: Fighting the Baby? Teacher Lu VS. Karuno!
Chapter 776: Fighting the Baby? Teacher Lu VS. Karuno!
Chapter 776: Beat the Baby? Teacher Lu VS Karine! 7
[This is reporter Malva bringing you live coverage of the Lumiose Conference.]
Around the Lumiose Conference venue, people swarmed, the atmosphere buzzing.
Trainers walked alongside their Pokémon, eyes down, glued to their phones.
The screens showed the news feed from the Holographic Imaging Communicator.
The reporter was a red-haired woman wearing red sunglasses — none other than Kalos’s Fire-type Elite Four member, Malva.
“We can see the spectators are steadily arriving.”
Malva stood in front of the venue facing the camera and explained:
“This year’s opening ceremony attendance has broken historical records, including a large number of fans and Teacher Lu’s supporters.”
“It’s reported that Professor Sycamore, an authority in the field of Mega Evolution, will also attend as a guest.”“The opening ceremony will begin in ten minutes. Let’s all look forward to it!”
In a corner of the camera shot, a black-haired young man who didn’t understand Pokémon battles walked past, talking with the man beside him.
“Mr. Siebold, thank you for your help.”
“It is my honor to serve as your guide,” Siebold said in his white chef’s coat, slowly, “Please follow me to the backstage area to rest for a while… The champion and the professor will arrive shortly.”
They entered the guest passageway, the hall ringing with cheers, excitement in full swing.
Walking in silence, Siebold suddenly said:
“To be frank… I have an impertinent request.”
“What is it?”
“After the opening battle, I would like to ask for your guidance on the art of cooking… I hope it won’t trouble you.” Siebold hesitated.
“Of course it’s fine.” Lu Ye replied hoarsely.
Among Kalos’s Elite Four, Siebold was the chef and Malva the reporter.
Even the champion’s main profession being a movie star fit right in with Kalos’s culture.
Gratitude shimmered in Siebold’s eyes. Footsteps came from ahead, and both looked up as a laughing professor waved from around the corner:
“Teacher Lu, Mr. Siebold, looks like I arrived first.”
“Professor Sycamore.” Siebold nodded lightly, “Where is the competitor who came with you?”
“You mean Alain? He and his little companion went to the competitors’ formation.”
Professor Sycamore laughed heartily. “When someone has someone to protect and the desire to win, Alain’s will to take the championship is very strong.”
“My students are the same,” Teacher Lu said with a flicker in his gaze and a smile. “This will test them after traveling the whole alliance… the final exam is right now!”
Outside the venue, Team Rocket had once again set up a booth.
This time their plan was to raise funds for a trip to Alola, to make dreams come true at a luxury resort and golden beaches!
“Haunter plushies, Sylveon plushies, don’t miss out, meow!”
“Official PTCG booster packs, authorized — you might get Teacher Lu’s signed card~”
“Exclusive intel! Competitor directory! Veteran Ash, rookie Shota, beauty Junka, big leaks on team info!”
Visitors stopped and chatted.
“Ash… I remember he participated in Unova’s conference a few months back.”
“The beauty doesn’t matter to me, I mainly want to criticize the business of peddling intel!”
Not far from Team Rocket’s stall, The Girl nearly collapsed into a puddle of Ditto, sulking under the counter.
Damn it… being assigned to this area attracts no customers at all!
The stall displayed stat-boost items, defense-boost items, Evolution Stones, and other goods.
The Girl had once scammed Red with those counterfeit items.
However, the Evolution Stones she sold were good quality, because she refused to cheat in her professional domain of “evolution.”
Even shady merchants have standards!
A gray-haired teen with deadpan eyes, hands in his pockets, walked past the counter.
He glanced at the items, a Poké Ball at his waist shaking. Paul inspected the Aggron inside, eyes filled with desire.
“All junk items, no need to buy.” Paul said coldly.
The Girl: ?
Sir, your manners!
Aggron lowered its head dejectedly.
“However.” Paul said quietly, “if I win my match, I might consider buying.”
Aggron’s fighting spirit ignited, Paul’s mouth curved faintly, the Keystone bracelet on his wrist faintly glowing.
“All competitors are in! The cheers are deafening, the stadium is alive!” Malva hosted.
A drone flew above the stadium. The trainers on the green field looked up. Ash grinned and tipped his head, waving at the drone.
“Ash!” Delia sat at home and recognized him at a glance.
On the dais, Professor Sycamore scanned the big screen, looked at the young man in the black jacket, and nodded:
“Alain and Ash both have very good eyes.”
“Alain trained under Steven Stone for a while,” Teacher Lu said with a smile, a spark of competitive desire burning inexplicably, “and Ash trained with me for a while.”
Professor Sycamore looked at Teacher Lu in surprise, then at the big screen.
The screen showed other competitors, such as the protagonists from Pokémon X and Y: Tierno and Trevor and their group.
Lu Ye rubbed his chin.
XY’s protagonist team had the most members across the games — five in total — yet they tended to lack presence… they’ll likely be cannon fodder.
“Next, please welcome the Alliance Champion, Karine, to deliver the opening speech!”
The atmosphere surged with cheers.
On the dais, a gray-haired woman in white rose, her looks reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn, poised and elegant, a white ornament at her back.
On the big screen, her eyes were deep blue as she leaned to the microphone and smiled:
“I am honored to give the opening address for this Lumiose Conference.”
Her soft, charming voice filled the venue;
the arena fell silent. Karine continued:
“The trainers here and their partners have fought together to reach this point. Noble-souled trainers and graceful Pokémon make up this Lumiose Conference.”
Paul kept his hands in his pockets, deadpan eyes flickering faintly.
“You are not fighting alone. Today, you and your Pokémon still shine brightly.”
Alain and Manon stood together and looked up at the dais.
“Your efforts, sweat, tears — all the treasures accumulated, please display them without reservation on this stage—”
Ash’s eyes blazed. Pikachu rested on his shoulder as he clenched his fist.
“Now, I declare the Lumiose Conference officially open!”
Karine waved high as a shower of fireworks erupted, golden sparks blanketing the sky, cheers exploding.
The main platform rose, clanking to a halt, revealing a rock-and-water battlefield.
On either side of the main platform, two walkways extended, connecting to the trainers’ command platforms.
Two figures walked out slowly along the platform walkways.
Seeing familiar faces, the audience widened their eyes, excitement barely contained.
The host announced:
“Opening the Lumiose Conference with the inaugural battle, we have Champion Lu Ye from the Donghua Alliance!!”
Lu Ye stepped from the competitors’ passageway and offered a small smile to the camera.
In an instant, the stadium roared with thunderous applause.
“He’s here — the league’s special guest competitor!”
“Who’s the home crowd for here?”
“Oh no, Teacher Lu in the opening match, this could break the live stream!”
“Teacher Lu: is this beating up the baby?”
On the other side, Karine arrived at the competitors’ passageway from a backstage elevator, graceful and slow, shining like a star.
“And on the other side, Kalos Alliance’s Champion Karine!!” the host declared.
“Go Karine!!”
“Looking forward to Gardevoir’s Mega Evolution!”
“I’ve seen this episode, Teacher Lu’s methods are extremely ruthless!”
They took positions in their command zones.
The opening match was an exhibition format, lasting ten minutes, similar to a Contest battle.
“It has to be entertaining, but I can’t defeat Karine within ten minutes…” Lu Ye muttered, “this is really tough.”
The battlefield was rocky terrain with a river flowing down the rock as the dividing line.
The referee waved the flag and called:
“Battle start!!”
Karine threw a Poké Ball. “Please, Gardevoir!”
A red light burst, Gardevoir’s white dress fluttered, movement light and composed, red eyes glistening: “Saa~~”
Gardevoir was always the embodiment of elegance and beauty.
The crowd gasped.
As Karine’s signature Pokémon, Gardevoir was perfectly suited for the opening match!
“Go, Arcanine!” Lu Ye threw a Luxury Ball.
Arcanine landed steadily;
its mane flowed, reflecting sunlight, noble and imposing:
“Argh! (｀0´)”
The intimidating aura of Intimidate spread, the crowd holding its breath, eyes locked on the field.
“Gardevoir,” Karine extended her arm, “Dazzling Gleam!”
“Saa~~”
Gardevoir clasped her hands, the heart-shaped breastpiece glowing as light converged.
In the next instant, Dazzling Gleam split into several brilliant beams that shot forward!
“Flamethrower!” Lu Ye called.
“Argh!!”
Arcanine spewed orange-red flames. The blast swallowed the beams in an instant.
Boom!!
Heat waves rolled. Gardevoir teleported beside Arcanine, extending both palms as blue light shone.
“Psychic!” Karine ordered.
“Saa~~” Gardevoir concentrated, the blue light forming a closed psychic orb that enveloped Arcanine, trying to control it.
“Argh?” Arcanine twisted its head, confused by the blue psychic field.
Is it trying to lift me up?
Suddenly, the blue psychic field turned into hundreds of psychic spikes that shot out like a storm!
“Flare Blitz!” Lu Ye called swiftly.
Whoosh!
Arcanine’s mane burst into blazing fire. It smashed through the psychic shield with a crack, a war machine dripping with orange flames, roaring as it charged!
The crowd hissed.
It was like seeing a mammoth charging from the frozen wastes, an avalanche of momentum.
Scorched paw prints trailed the ground, billowing heat, the two sides closing to a breath’s distance!
“Teleport!”
Karine calmly took off the pendant hanging at her chest and closed her eyes. The Keystone glimmered, and she opened her deep blue eyes.
“Gardevoir, Mega Evolve!!”
“Saa!!”
Gardevoir flashed to one side of the field. The heart-shaped breastpiece blossomed in rainbow light. A tide of radiance formed a protective mantle, streaming colors weaving together.
The white light receded, and the rainbow symbol of Mega Evolution lit up on Gardevoir’s forehead.
Mega Gardevoir’s dress became more voluminous, transforming from a simple gown into a ball gown — grand and elegant. The heart-shaped breastpiece split in two.
“Gardevoir has completed Mega Evolution!! This is the true psychic queen!!” the commentator cried.
“How beautiful!” Bonnie’s eyes shone.
“Gardevoir and its trainer share a mental link, so there’s no need for words — commands are given through telepathy.” Clemont explained.
Arcanine burned and stepped across the boundary river. The water hissed and steamed, white mist curling up.
“Stop.” Lu Ye ordered. “Use Heat Wave!”
Arcanine opened its mouth and exhaled flames into the sky. The scorching airflow twisted the air, a rolling heat sweeping from all sides!
Even with Teleport, Arcanine couldn’t escape Heat Wave’s range!
Karine’s eyes flickered. With telepathy she commanded: “Light Screen!”
“Saa!” A glass-like barrier appeared in front of Mega Gardevoir. Heat Wave struck and began to melt the Light Screen. Gardevoir strained to hold.
“Argh…” Arcanine panted.
“Now,” Karine’s gaze hardened. “Shadow Ball!!”
“Saa!!”
A black Shadow Ball formed at Gardevoir’s chest and blasted forth, exploding on impact in a smoky wave.
Boom!!
The crowd erupted.
“Shadow Ball hit!”
“That was Mega Gardevoir’s full-power strike!!”
Lu Ye raised an eyebrow.
The black smoke cleared. Arcanine shook its mane;
the wounds were minimal and, under the burn of Holy Fire, quickly healed.
“Argh! ᕦ(･ㅂ･)ᕤ” Arcanine grinned.
“Not enough power, sis!”
Karine’s expression froze. “How could this be…”
Flame can be ferocious, but it also symbolizes life’s persistence.
Ho-Oh’s Holy Fire enhanced Arcanine’s life energy. Passively speaking, Arcanine’s recovery speed and maximum stamina rose dramatically!
“Ten minutes are almost up…”
Lu Ye glanced at the big screen and narrowed his eyes.
Time to finish this.
“Arcanine, Iron Head!!”
“Argh!” Arcanine charged, crashing through the Light Screen with a crack. Its forehead struck Mega Gardevoir’s heart-shaped breastpiece head-on.
“Saa…”
Mega Gardevoir momentarily flickered into black-and-white lines, stunned as the violent impact reverberated through its body.
Karine frowned tightly, realizing Arcanine did not continue the assault. She woke to the truth and called:
“Teleport!”
Arcanine did not press the attack further. Gardevoir teleported behind Arcanine and fired a dazzling Dazzling Gleam from her palms!
Boom!!
The multicolored brilliance exploded at the center of the field, scattering into glittering fragments like fireworks.
Lu Ye and Arcanine looked up as time precisely hit zero.
Beep——
The host stepped in just in time:
“Thank you to both champions for a spectacular performance!!”
The audience cheered wholeheartedly as the falling sparkles drifted down.
“Is all this stage design?”
“Both sides did their best…”
“Teacher Lu, expert at playing dumb!”
In the competitors’ area, Manon looked up and asked:
“Alain, how does Arcanine compare to Malva’s Mega Houndoom?”
Alain replied seriously: “They are not comparable at all.”
“Huh?” Manon blinked.
Alain said no more and gazed at Teacher Lu on the field, recalling the first time they met.
Wiped out by Mega Blastoise with a single blow. Alain took a deep breath, his eyes firm.
Teacher Lu… since then I’ve improved a lot!
Meanwhile, two other gazes held their own convictions.
Paul, hands in pockets, showed a flicker of light in his eyes.
The meaning of bond… I still don’t understand it, but that doesn’t stop me from getting stronger… Teacher Lu.
Ash adjusted the rim of his cap.
Teacher Lu isn’t competing in this Lumiose Conference… I must seize this opportunity!
The battlefield descended and the green turf rose.
The two champions stepped forward and shook hands.
“Thank you.” Karine said softly.
Her words implied gratitude to Teacher Lu for holding back at the last moment and letting Arcanine show restraint.
“You’re welcome.” Lu Ye answered graciously.
It was only an exhibition match, there was no need to leave either side humiliated.
Besides, beating the Kalos champion alone wasn’t much of an achievement…
“Next, please welcome the competitors for the first-round match!”
The host announced:
“Alain will face Trevor!!”
…
The opening ceremony and first day’s matches of the Lumiose Conference came to a close.
The champions’ opening bout remained the talk of the town.
Many people came just to see Teacher Lu;
today’s admission was worth it.
When the first day ended, Alain and Paul had both advanced to the top 64.
Mega Charizard X completed a classic one-versus-three sweep.
Surprisingly, Paul’s Aggron also Mega Evolved and shut out his opponent to advance.
Teacher Lu enjoyed seeing Paul’s change… both he and Alain were Ash’s fierce rivals, and Ash had driven them to grow.
On the second day, Ash’s Greninja appeared and displayed an astonishing Bond Transformation.
“A special form of Greninja has appeared! Ash has prepared a trump card for this tournament!” the commentator cried.
Alain leaned against the rail overlooking the battlefield, burning with fighting spirit.
Paul, hands in his pockets, watched the big screen.
“I’m Ash from Pallet Town, and my dream is to become a Pokémon Master, and—”
The boy with Pikachu on his shoulder raised his hand to the sky, eyes fierce, grinning:
“To win the Lumiose Conference championship!!”
The crowd went wild. The commentator trembled: “Ash has declared his aim to win!”
Lu Ye: “……”
That gesture feels so familiar, as if he learned it from me…
“Hope he doesn’t set a flag like I did.”
Teacher Lu recalled the original story’s disasters, his expression complicated.
“Being beaten mercilessly in your own execution theme, Greninja was the first!”
…