Chapter 63: Winning the Piplup Cup
July 8th, Wednesday.
The eagerly awaited Piplup Cup final officially kicked off today. This is the most talked-about tournament in years.
The two finalists couldn't be more different:
One is a prodigy from Zhejiang University's Battle Department, already receiving attention from multiple Gym Leaders at a young age.
The other? An unknown rookie who, shockingly, majors in Finance and isn't even a professional battler!
This stark contrast has only fueled the match's growing popularity. Surprisingly, Lu Ye's support rate on online platforms is overwhelmingly dominant!
"Teacher Lu is actually this young?"
"Practicing in a rookie tournament? Teacher Lu is seriously shameless!"
"Beating up kids? That's what it means to have talent but no morals!"
While it might seem like he's lowering himself, with Teacher Lu's shamelessness, joining a rookie event just for the prize money is totally within his wheelhouse.
"Strongly recommend disqualifying Teacher Lu!"
"Isn't Teacher Lu at Master-level? How did the organizers let him in?"
"You're overthinking it! He meets the age requirement, and what's wrong with grabbing some prize money and easy cash?"
"Let him grab it, let him grab it!"
Responding to the online chatter, Modu Gym Leader Tang Hui smiled. "His command skills are certainly impressive... but calling him a Master is a bit much, isn't it?"
Song Pengcheng, the gray-haired Chairman of the Modu Association, hesitated before saying anything.
Masters under 20 years old aren't uncommon. The current World Champion took the League Champion title at just 11.
But if Lu Ye really were a Master, would he be here at a rookie tournament?
Would anyone actually do that?!
"Maybe... he has some special opportunity," Song Pengcheng muttered.
Sitting beside them was a burly man with a thick beard who nodded.
"I've seen his videos—he's good... but it's just a game."
"No matter how well he commands, weaker Pokémon can't overcome a gap in raw power."
The man squinted. "Thinking he can hone his Pokémon by using Lü You? Hmph, he's being naive."
Tang Hui glanced at the Gym Leader of Lei City, Lü Jianghai. Lü You's father, and the Electric-type Gym Leader of Lei City.
He was here both as a guest and to cheer for his son. Guests don't affect the match outcome, but witnessing his son win a title in person would still mean a lot to a father.
"Let's hope so." Song Pengcheng chuckled dryly.
At the Mercedes Arena, the venue was already packed.
Huge banners of Piplup Inc. hung around the battlefield, and Magnemite drones hovered in the air, doubling as aerial cameras.
Unlike traditional drones, the Sturdy-ability Magnemites could withstand residual battle shockwaves—making them perfect tools!
"Go, Teacher Lu!!"
In the top-four, Han Xiaoxiao, a diehard fan, led a professional cheering squad. Another top-four contestant, Feng Shu, joined in with energetic drumming.
In the player tunnel, Lu Ye broke into a cold sweat.
These days, even grabbing some easy cash gets you recognized!
"Gengarrr!" Haunter looked eager to battle.
The Dusk Stone from last night had already been licked clean by Haunter. It tasted more like candy than a stone.
After finishing it, Haunter gave Lu Ye a longing, bashful look.
"That's all there is." Lu Ye shrugged.
Haunter: (°ー°〃)
"Battle well today. Maybe you can earn another one soon."
"Gengarrr! (☆_☆)"
Lü You walked onto the battlefield with a nervous expression.
Facing the smiling young man, Lü You said seriously. "Don't talk to me. I won't listen to anything."
"Huh?" Lu Ye raised an eyebrow. "Not even a greeting?"
"No! You're just trying to mess with my judgment!"
"Hmm... Have you eaten?"
"Not yet... I'll eat after the match."
The announcer, surprised, exclaimed. "Are they trash-talking each other? The tension is palpable!"
"I know a good restaurant. I can recommend it later."
"Really? I don't like sweet Shanghainese food..."
"The match has begun!" The announcer shouted. "This will be a historic final!"
Red light flashed.
Magneton and a grinning Haunter appeared on the field.
Lü You relaxed slightly.
This trainer... seems pretty friendly.
I just need to focus on my commands!
Lü You's eyes sharpened, and just as he opened his mouth, Magneton crashed to the ground.
"An incredible burst of speed! That was Haunter's Shadow Punch!"
In the audience, Feng Shu flinched.
A Master using sneak attacks?
"Classic Teacher Lu..." Feng Shu muttered.
Before Lu Ye realized it, his cheeks flushed.
Purely unintentional!
Haunter just went for it on his own—shameless!
Haunter grinned and vanished, reappearing near Magneton, eyes glowing with Hypnosis.
"Electric Terrain!" Lü You shouted.
Electric currents crackled around Magneton, forming an electromagnetic field.
In Electric Terrain, Pokémon can't fall asleep, and Electric-type moves get a power boost!
In the guest seats, Tang Hui glanced at Lü Jianghai.
So this is the Lei City Gym's secret training method!
Hypnosis failed.
"Thunderbolt!"
Blinding lightning erupted from Magneton's magnets.
Boom!
Just when the tide seemed to turn, the crowd gasped. Another Haunter appeared behind Magneton!
Thunderbolt shattered Haunter's Substitute.
The real Haunter appeared behind Magneton, igniting a Will-O-Wisp.
"Haunter dodged Thunderbolt!" The announcer yelled.
"Will-O-Wisp lands perfectly! Magneton is burned!"
Burning achieved the goal.
Lu Ye rubbed his chin.
Lü You's priority was ensuring accuracy.
Magneton's best status move... Thunder Wave or Supersonic?
With Electric Terrain, Thunder Wave was the obvious choice.
"Haunter, Hex!"
"Magneton, Thunder Wave!"
Black mist enveloped Magneton, leaving it barely standing.
Lü Jianghai pounded the table, shocked by Lu Ye's predictive skills.
"If Thunder Wave hits..." Tang Hui murmured.
Electric sparks paralyzed Haunter.
Lü You's eyes lit up.
There's still hope!
"Haunter, end it with Hex."
Haunter grinned, pulling out a Cheri Berry and chewing it loudly.
"Gengarrr! ヾ(≧∇≦*)ヾ"
Paralysis cured!
With a pointing gesture, black mist enveloped Magneton once more.
Screech!
The referee raised the flag. "Winner, Modu University—Lu Ye!"