I Really Don't Want To Be A Trainer

Starting from Generation 5, regardless of which generation of Pokémon games, the option to challenge restaurants in battle has been introduced. Trainers can engage in battles against these establishments to earn rewards and exemptions. Luke finds this feature to be quite cleverly designed.

The concept of "Customers are God" is very apt. When you come to enjoy a meal, the last thing you'd expect is to be challenged to a battle. However, in this alternate world, people are extremely enthusiastic about Pokémon Battles as a sport, leading to the emergence of various exhibition competitions.

Even in restaurants, one can witness Pokémon Battles taking place, making it a unique dining experience. Pokémon Battles have truly become an integrated part of daily life and entertainment.

Out of respect for the ongoing performance, Angela Shen returns to her table. Luke, too, takes interest in watching the battles unfold on the stage. Since these are performances, they incorporate elements of grand spectacle.

Primarina's enchanting singing, coupled with Floatzel's vibrant water curtain, garners rounds of applause from the audience. Following the qualifying challenges, many hobbyists eagerly take the stage to showcase their skills.

Glancing at Gastly, who's savoring a chocolate soufflé, Luke playfully asks, "Do you want to give it a shot?"

"Hiss!" Gastly, chocolate-covered mouth and all, shakes its head reluctantly.

"Guess we're saving a thousand yuan," Luke laments. "But hey, your happiness matters most."

Amidst the applause, Angela Shen steps onto the stage, exuding an air of confidence. Though familiar with her Granbull, its fierce presence has grown more imposing since Luke first encountered it.

Demonstrating the skills befitting a member of Magic University's school team, Angela Shen defeats three opponents in succession. Amid cheers from the crowd, she gracefully retreats.

With a stretch, Luke says, "Time to head back, Gastly."

"Jie jie~~~~~" Gastly, clearly a bit plumper now, lazily sprawls on the table, uninterested in moving.

Having taken part in numerous Master Rank battles in the Asura field, Luke no longer finds these lower-level battles engaging. As a spectator, he can easily predict the moves both sides will make, with outcomes rarely deviating from his expectations. Naturally, this is also due to his high-ranking position in the system.

On the system interface, Luke's [Cooking Lv1] has a transparent progress bar displaying his proficiency.

[Cooking Lv1 (67/100)]

Due to enjoying star-rated dishes, his proficiency has slightly increased. Appraising delectable dishes is an essential step toward becoming a top chef. Even if he doesn't pursue a career as a Trainer, Luke could potentially open a restaurant someday.

As they reach the checkout, the waiter remarks with a smile, "Sir, someone has already settled your bill."

Luke raises an eyebrow, surprised. "Really?"

"It's the lady who just participated in the battle. She used the privileges she won to cover your bill."

Luke's ranking decision not to vie for the school team spot allows Angela Shen to retain her place. This act is a gesture of gratitude on Angela's part.

Swift on the uptake, Luke immediately comprehends the reason and nods appreciatively at Angela Shen.

What luck! Over a thousand yuan saved!

The night breeze rustles as Gastly floats along the well-lit streets of Magic City.

The round of 16 for the Piplup Cup is scheduled for this Saturday. In preparation, Luke decides to put in some extra work and finalize "Teacher Luke's Battle Instructions 05: Perish Song Squad." With the video having reached millions of views, creative incentives are sure to flow in. Moreover, he can also redeem Gastly's "Protect" TM using the BP points earned through video influence.

This will complete Gastly's early tactic of "Substitute-Toxic-Protect-Paralysis." The more unconventional strategies can wait for Gastly's evolution.

At that moment, Gastly, levitating in the air, displays a mildly uncomfortable expression.

"Jie jie~ ..."

"I did warn you not to indulge so much."

Gastly: Σ(°△°||| )︴

"Please... don't vomit on me!"

Back at home, Gastly lethargically hovers on the ceiling, taking a rest.

After finishing his shower, Luke turns on his computer and starts editing the video on the Perish Song Squad strategy.

The footage is already available, featuring battles against powerful Pokémon like Garchomp from the Master Rank group. It's easy to predict that once this video is released, it will trigger another frenzy in the Bilibili gaming community.

However, having just one set of material is still insufficient. Luke ponders for a moment and reopens the game interface.

The profile picture of the ID "100 kinds Ice Cream" still appears gray. Even though Luke doesn't know the owner of this ID, it has certainly left a lasting impression on him.

"She mentioned playing with me and paying extra... Could I earn some more money this way?"

Rubbing his chin in thought, Luke suddenly realizes, "No, we're professionals. Once we've received payment, we can't ask for more!"

Looking at his friend list, he sees that only Gold is online. As the main character of "Special Chapter: Gold and Silver," Gold may be an excellent wild Pokémon battler, but his formal combat tactics are lacking.

"Pokemon: Battle" places a heavy emphasis on strategic command, where Luke's 7th world ranking showcases his tactical prowess compared to Gold.

While he may not be able to defeat Luke, Gold's persistence in wanting to play the game makes sense; people have a tendency to become addicted.

A small smile forms on Luke's lips as he thinks, "This might just be perfect material…"

Opening his friend list, Luke sends a private message to Gold.

[Teacher Luke: Ready? What's your trainer ID?]

[Gold: Hang on, Young Master is here!]

After half an hour.

[Gold: This round doesn't count!]

After an hour.

[Gold: Today's not my lucky day!]

Two hours later.

[Gold:...I'm done playing (bye-bye emoji)]

[Teacher Luke: Thanks for trying, even actors couldn't achieve this kind of program effect.]

Gold: ???

I was giving it my all, directing so seriously... How can he say I'm the one using dirty tricks?

Frustrated and teeth clenched, Gold vents his frustration in the chat group.

[Gold: Perish Song tactics are just too dirty!]

[Gold: Rotation becomes impossible, and even joint defenses are ineffective!]

[Blue: Lorelei of Sevii Islands excels with this strategy.]

[Gold: Σ(°△°|||)︴]

[Blue: Red knows about it; he fought Lorelei before.]

After ten minutes of silence, Red chimes in.

[Red: Perish Song tactics are rare and a specialized strategy of Sister Lorelei.]

[Red: Did you encounter a Trainer with a Perish Song Squad?]

[Gold:...No, it's from a new video Teacher Luke plans to release.]

[Blue: ?]

Even Blue, who's skilled herself, is surprised.

Substitute-Toxic-Protect-Paralysis, Shrink Squad, Perish Song Squad... This is already the third tactic Teacher Luke has introduced?

These commands are quite advanced and come with a proportional level of risk and reward. What's more striking is that all of these tactics share a common trait.

They're all quite underhanded!

What sort of Trainer is Teacher Luke, and how can he master so many high-level tactics?

Red isn't too surprised, though, as he regards Luke as a potential rival.

"As expected of Teacher Luke," Red chuckles.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Luke finishes editing the footage into a video and stretches his arms.

Clicking the "upload" button, a mischievous grin spreads across Luke's face.

[Video uploading... Your new video has been published!]

[Click to watch "Teacher Luke's Battle Instructions 05: Perish Song Squad"!]