Chapter 42: Chapter 42: I Am Just the Background
In Gary's exclusive training room at Celadon University, Caitlin was eagerly watching Gary's Pokémon undergo training.
Three female graduate students conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Gary's Pokémon.
First up was Eevee, a perfect hexagonal warrior, with ideal size, fur color, and overall stamina, intelligence, and explosive power.
Charmeleon was also a gifted performer, boasting impressive muscle mass and bone density, with a fire affinity of ninety points, capable of expertly wielding dual blades.
Growlithe, though joining the team later, had good overall qualities but was exceptional in fire affinity, scoring full marks for its innate talent.
Scyther exhibited excellent agility and flexibility, along with great speed, though it had a slightly high body fat percentage… Lilith suggested switching to low-fat, high-protein Pokémon food.
Rhydon had excellent muscle density but lower bone mass and average health. Its endurance and stamina were outstanding, with top-tier explosive power. Xue recommended increasing the use of supplements while consuming more nutritious energy cubes.
Gengar displayed good psychic strength, excellent explosive power, decent speed, and outstanding short-term acceleration. The three graduate students unanimously agreed that this was a newly captured Pokémon that needed special care.
"Oh my gosh, no wonder these are Professor Gary's Pokémon; their training is just superb," Xue exclaimed as she held the report they had compiled.
"Exactly! Except for Gengar, the other Pokémon have little room to showcase their abilities," July said, shaking her head with her hands on her hips.
"But this concerns our credits…" Lilith reminded them.
The three women's eyes sparkled with determination. Well then, let's implement our specialized training package!
"I'll handle the energy cube portion and physical strength balance training," July adjusted her black-framed glasses.
"I'll take care of recovery after training" Xue nodded in agreement.
"I'll focus on emotional guidance and data recording," Lilith also brought out her professional attitude.
Gary walked in from the side, holding several Poké Balls. "Don't worry; I have these kids to entrust to you as well."
Just now, Gary had called Professor Oak to bring over his remaining Nidoking, Nidorina, and Golduck.
For now, they would be staying at Celadon University.
"Also, Eevee, Charmeleon, Growlithe, and Scyther, come with me; we have a match this afternoon." After recalling these Pokémon, Gary casually reviewed the reports from Lilith and the others.
It must be said that reports made by such high-level professionals were truly pleasing to read.
This is what it means to let professionals do professional work.
"By the way, Nidorina is ready to evolve; I've brought a Moon Stone with me. I'll leave this task to you, Lilith. I hope you can help Nidorina gain as much as possible from this evolution," Gary said as he handed the Moon Stone to Lilith, who nodded vigorously in response.
"Also, Professor Oak, I believe Growlithe's fire affinity is maxed out; you might consider letting it evolve now. I've also applied for a Fire Stone and Charcoal. I'm confident I can help Growlithe evolve perfectly into a Arcanine" July said while brushing her hair back earnestly.
Gary raised an eyebrow. "Then I'll leave it to you; we'll start specific work tomorrow. This afternoon I need to take Growlithe into battle."
July nodded in agreement that she would be fully prepared.
Things were getting exciting—great!
After briefing the three graduate students, Gary chatted with his Pokémon for a moment.
"Guys, Celadon University is a highly professional training base; seize this opportunity to improve as much as you can. We have many tough battles ahead—let's go for it!"
Nidoking and Rhydon nodded seriously in response.
Gengar looked around curiously; are all of them working so hard? No way! I can't be left behind! I must establish good relations with the trainers!
With that thought in mind! As soon as Xue turned around, Gengar happily approached her. "I lick~!!"
This move was learned from Growlithe to express affection; it was said to work every time!
Sizzle~ Xue shuddered all over. "Numb… paralyzed…"
Gengar's face stiffened ╥﹏╥ If she doesn't like it then why is she cursing me…
Gary awkwardly explained, "Uh, Gengar, when you lick someone else don't use your licking tongue technique; it makes them numb. She didn't curse you…"
Gengar covered its face and nodded. Well then… It didn't flatter well and ended up knocking her down instead…
"Pfft~ Hahahaha~" Caitlin couldn't help but burst out laughing at the scene.
"Ahem! So… Caitlin, are you coming to my match this afternoon?" Gary quickly changed the subject.
"Hmm~ I want to go. But after it's over you have to buy me ice cream" Caitlin
said cutely while placing her hands on her hips.
This girl had become familiar with Gary; her spoiled princess personality was slowly revealing itself.
"No problem! Only the best—only the most expensive!" Gary nodded since he was using Lance's card anyway~
"Oh yeah!" Caitlin happily waved her small hand.
"Uh… Lilith, could you grab some Asire Water Grass Juice from the cabinet for Xue? You two should take a break too. I'll head out first." With Eevee on his shoulder, Gary decisively made his exit.
"Bye-bye ladies~" Caitlin tugged at her skirt hem and instantly teleported to catch up with Gary's pace.
Lilith and July exchanged glances and shrugged their shoulders.
"To think he can play so well with the Elite Four; Professor Gary must be quite strong too," Lilith admired.
"Yeah! It would be great to see Professor Gary's main team," July expressed her desire eagerly.
In reality, they didn't know that what they were seeing now was already Gary's main team at present.
Xue lying on the ground thought: are you going to save me or not…
Leaving the office, Gary took Caitlin towards the university's large playground.
As Celadon University's battle venue, the facilities were very advanced and could switch between various attribute fields at will.
The teaching battle arena that Gary reserved was reserved for teachers only and generally not open to students. Only high-level competitions could rent it out for use."What the heck?" Caitlin frowned as she looked at the battle arena surrounded by layers of people; there were too many, and she didn't like it.
Gary scratched his head in confusion; this was not what they had agreed upon.
"Excuse me, who is using this area?" Gary asked a glasses-wearing passerby curiously.
"It seems to be a group of younger students from the Trainer Academy. I heard the security tried to kick them out but ended up crying," the passerby replied with a smirk.
"That's too arrogant," Gary frowned.
If they were just occupying the space, he could easily find another arena. There were plenty of battle venues available, and he wouldn't get into a dispute with a bunch of useless Trainer Academy students.
However, occupying the venue and beating up staff was a different story altogether.
"Sorry, Professor Gary, I'm late! I'll get these troublemaking students out of here right away," Erika rushed over anxiously, having just received the notification.
Just then, the crowd parted, and a girl walked out amidst them, surrounded by attention.
With long brown hair styled in big waves, a beautiful face, and dressed in an elegant JK uniform with white stockings. According to Brock, this girl's image eight years later was worth looking forward to…
"Giselle, this is a teachers-only area. Are you planning to rebel? Do you believe I won't give each of you a demerit?" Erika angrily confronted her.
"Calm down, Ms. Erika," Giselle said nonchalantly while playing with her hair ends. "Thirty percent of the Trainer Academy's sponsorship comes from my family every year. Are you sure the principal would dare to give me a demerit?"
"You!" Erika was furious; Giselle's words were nothing short of provocation.
"Enough, Erika." Gary stepped forward to soothe her. "Little girl, you came here looking for me today, right? What do you want?"
Giselle smirked coldly and raised her voice. "I heard you are the youngest professor at Celadon University. I believe someone who got in through backdoor means doesn't deserve to educate others!
So I, Giselle, have decided to challenge you. If you can defeat me, then today's incident is over; if you lose, you will kneel on the ground and admit that you are unworthy of the title of professor and crawl out of Celadon University!"
Gary raised an eyebrow and stepped closer, staring coldly at Giselle.
"What? Are you scared?" Giselle arrogantly lifted her chin. She had always enjoyed using her status to intimidate others. If she disliked someone, she would simply destroy them!
The next second… slap!!
Without hesitation, Gary swung his right hand and delivered a hard slap!
Holding her face in shock, Giselle exclaimed, "You dare hit me?"
Gary smirked slightly as he surveyed the Trainer Academy students around him. "What's wrong with hitting you? This slap is for your disrespect towards teachers!
So what if your Trainer Academy's sponsors are impressive? The Yutou family is just a second-tier business family in Kanto. Where do you get your confidence to challenge me?"
"You're finished! How dare you hit me! My family has business sponsorships with Elite Four Lorelei; just wait for their revenge!" Giselle shouted frantically and even attempted to rush forward to scratch Gary's face.
Pfft… Caitlin behind Gary covered her mouth and struggled not to laugh…
Forget about Gary hitting you; even if he buried you alive, Lorelei would probably help cover for him…
"Oh, so that's your backing," Gary shook his head as he looked at the flailing Giselle and slapped her again.
"I ask you where you come from! Do you think just because your family has some money that you can do whatever you want? Let me tell you: when it comes to power plays, I—am the power!"
The group of boys from the Trainer Academy were so intimidated by Gary's fierce demeanor that none dared step forward to rescue their goddess.
"I'll tell you!" Gary raised his voice defiantly. "Go back and ask Lorelei if she would be willing to go against me for your sake.
You can also ask your father if anyone dares to mess with me—Gary Oak!"
Not mentioning Lorelei's relationship with Gary, just Professor Oak's long academic career meant that his former students were spread across various high schools throughout the league. No mere businessman could shake that foundation.
Looking at Giselle's face flushed with strange colors as she stared at him intensely, Gary thought: this woman really doesn't know when to back down?
Unbeknownst to him, Giselle was already in another extreme state. She trembled continuously while her mind screamed: Yes! This is it! Sir Gary, insult me more… Oh…
As more students gathered around to watch, Gary knew he had to establish his authority. He spread his arms wide and declared, "Alright! Since you want a chance for a challenge, I'll give it to you.
But remember: if you lose, it won't be just a demerit; I will directly revoke your student status! You'll get to experience how traveling trainers grow!
One minute from now—if any student from the Trainer Academy is still here besides Celadon University students, they will all be expelled! Understand?"
With that command from Gary, a large group of young students immediately scattered away.
"Wow! Professor Gary is awesome!!"
"I've been fed up with these brats for ages."
"Professor Gary forever!!"
The remaining Celadon University students erupted in cheers.
Gary waved at the students as he walked into the battle arena and beckoned Giselle with his hand. "Come on! Let me see what the so-called top student from the Trainer Academy can do."
Giselle's eyes lit up with excitement as she stepped into the arena. "Um… please take care of me, Sir Gary… Oh no! Professor Gary~"
Gary twitched at the corner of his mouth; what was wrong with this woman?
Wait! Suddenly realizing something terrifying, Gary widened his eyes in shock—she couldn't be a yandere type, could she?!