Chapter 280: Chapter 280

Dust and smoke filled the battlefield. When the thick smoke cleared, Porygon2 was clearly down for the count.

Over at Sanyao Academy, both teachers and students fell into stunned silence. They’d expected an evenly matched showdown. Black had even been a well-known Gym Leader in Unova, famed for his command skills. But in front of Teacher Lu... he was completely powerless?

Meanwhile, from Kanaz City Academy and the surrounding stands, loud cheers erupted.

“Teacher Lu is f***ing awesome!!” “3:0! It’s a 3:0 sweep!!”

Du Juan nodded in satisfaction. Looks like… Black isn't much better than me after all! It’s not that we’re too weak—Teacher Lu is just too strong!

The match was already decided. Black sighed in resignation. But at least... getting the chance to battle a Trainer of Teacher Lu’s caliber was a valuable experience.

His Long Fur Dog with its long beard and coffee-colored fur re-entered the field. Lu Ye, on the other hand, sent out an unremarkable Squirtle.

“Rooar—” The Long Fur Dog bared its teeth, trying to intimidate, but its roar weakened into a whimper. It met Squirtle’s calm, unwavering gaze. The Long Fur Dog shrank back, feeling like it had just been locked down by Mean Look!

Sharp stone spikes suddenly jutted up from the field in front of Long Fur Dog. Any switch-ins or aggressive charges would be shredded by them.

Lu Ye called out, “Rapid Spin!”

Squirtle retracted into its shell, spinning like a helicopter rotor, kicking up a whirlwind!

“That’s... that’s Rapid Spin?” the announcer gaped. Are you sure that’s the right move?!

The spikes were instantly cleared. Like a spinning blade, Squirtle’s shell slashed across Long Fur Dog’s neck, leaving a long, bloody gash!

Black swallowed hard. Data analysis meant nothing against this Squirtle! This is f***ing ridiculous!

Before Long Fur Dog could get OHKO’d, Black tried to stall for time and drain some stamina from Teacher Lu’s team. Otherwise... this final might seriously turn into a triple sweep!

Roar—a key move in hazard-based tactics, it forces the target Pokémon back into its Poké Ball.

The Pokémon replacing Squirtle was… none other than Teacher Lu’s third Pokémon! From within the flash of light, the shape of an egg-like creature emerged.

“Huh?” Lu Ye blinked. “Why are you the one coming out?”

“Chagi dooyi!” Togepi waved its tiny hands with fierce determination. I want to fight for my Trainer too!

The adorable Togepi instantly drew gasps from the crowd.

“Ahhh, so cute!” “Teacher Lu truly is a real man!” “Cute, sure, but…”

Gladion asked in confusion, “Can that Togepi even fight?”

“If he could raise a Squirtle to that level,” Manchong nodded, “who’s to say that Togepi isn’t even stronger?”

“I see!” Gladion said, enlightened.

Back on the field, Black froze for a second—then realized this was his chance.

“Long Fur Dog, Crunch!”

The Long Fur Dog hesitated but still lunged forward, baring its fangs.

Lu Ye calmly said, “Protect.”

Shing! A green shield shimmered around the egg-like creature. Long Fur Dog bit down hard—right onto the barrier.

In the next instant, a purple mist flowed from the spike atop Togepi’s head. Long Fur Dog couldn’t dodge in time, its body turned purple—it was poisoned!

The stands erupted in disbelief.

“Even Togepi—this cute little thing—can pull off Substitute-Protect-Toxic?” “Teacher Lu’s tactics are downright dirty!”

Black looked conflicted, but deep down, he couldn’t help but admire him. Teacher Lu… is the true Tactics Master!

Using Protect and Substitute, Togepi successfully stalled for two turns. Now Long Fur Dog, with barely any HP left, was breaking down under the relentless poison.

Togepi waved its tiny hands, hurling chunks of rock at Long Fur Dog. And its aura—was steadily rising!

“That’s the stat-boost effect from Ancient Power!” The announcer shouted, “Togepi’s stats just got boosted across the board!”

“Dooyi!” Togepi shook its finger.Metronome activated!

It rolled Karate Chop! Togepi leapt forward, tapping Long Fur Dog lightly on the forehead with its tiny hand.

Dust flew everywhere. Long Fur Dog whimpered and collapsed to the side.

Everyone’s eyes widened in unison. Not only did he send Togepi out in the finals… He actually won with it?!

You’ve really outdone yourself, Teacher Lu!

After a moment of stunned silence, the referee blew the whistle.

“Victory goes to Lu Ye!”

The crowd erupted into wild cheers.

“Chagi dooyi~~” Togepi turned around and beamed at Lu Ye. Hehe! I brought glory to my Trainer again!

Lu Ye’s emotions were all over the place. He gave a helpless smile. “As long as you’re okay.”

“Dooyi!” Togepi patted its eggshell shyly. Looks like Trainer is happy too!

After Black was carried off in a 0-3 sweep, Teacher Lu left the stage to rest.

Lillie, who came on afterward, carried on Teacher Lu’s will—securing another 3:0 victory.

“The winner of this year’s Exchange Tournament has been decided!” The announcer shouted, “Let’s congratulate Yuhong Academy!”

The cheers rolled in like waves.

At the same time, Lu Ye received a notification from the system.

[Ding! Quest ‘Inter-Academy Exchange Tournament’ Complete! Reward: Orange Item ×1, Skill Upgrade Ticket ×1, Random Apricorn Ball ×1]

Not bad. Lu Ye figured he’d redeem the random rewards later when he got home.

“This lady didn’t embarrass you, right?” Back in the stands, Lillie smiled as she asked.

Lu Ye had a complicated look. “It’s a friendly match… with a score this lopsided, is that really okay?”

“Exactly because it was lopsided, the Best Performance Award is a lock this year.”

“Guess who’s getting the grand prize?”

Lu Ye paused. “Wait, the Best Performance Award comes with a prize?”

“Of course!” Lillie handed him her phone. “You can even pick from a list of items offered by the organizers.”

Lu Ye glanced over. Hmm... nothing too dangerous. Even if he won, no big deal.

At that moment, Du Juan walked over with Black in tow.

“Teacher Lu!” Du Juan waved. “This guy says he wants to see you.”

“Well…” Black scratched his head and gave an apologetic smile. “If Senior Du Juan hadn’t reminded me, I’d have totally forgotten the Gym Leader rule.”

“Even in unofficial battles, if a Gym Leader loses in a formal match, they should still show respect.”

Black opened his palm and held out a metal badge.

“This is the Basic Badge of Aspertia City. Please accept it.”

There was no mention of this badge in the quest, so Lu Ye took it without hesitation.

“Thanks.” Lu Ye smiled. “You fought pretty well yourself.”

Black gave a sheepish chuckle. After chatting with Du Juan earlier, he’d learned of Teacher Lu’s title—

The kind of Trainer who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the legendary Trainer Red…

“Just getting to battle you was already a huge honor!” Black said sincerely.

Lu Ye looked up at the sky. Why does every Baby Cup… end up feeling like a fan meet?

Lillie tilted her head as she looked at the badge in Lu Ye’s hand. Suddenly, she poked his shoulder.

“Teacher Lu, I’ve got something for you too.”

“Huh? What is it?” Lu Ye took it instinctively, still chatting with others.

[Ding! Quest Progress Updated!] [Badge Collection: (4/8)]

“It’s the badge from Yuhong Gym.” Lillie smiled sweetly. “Since you took the lead position for me earlier... consider this this lady’s thank-you gift!”

Lu Ye felt a pang in his chest.This is your way of saying thank you!?

I busted my *ss leading the team through the whole tournament… And now you’re giving me another badge?!

“Feeling happy?” Lillie grinned. “Now you’re one step closer to the Quartz Conference~”

Lu Ye twitched a smile. “Haha…”

In his heart, Teacher Lu silently pulled out his notebook. December 10th, cloudy. Lillie gave me a badge. This grudge… Teacher Lu will remember!