Chapter 144: Teacher Lu, the Old Pro
Erika, dressed in a kimono with wooden sandals, caught everyone's attention wherever she went.
Although the sight of her left Teacher Lu wanting to flee, he couldn't. This was, after all, a task entrusted by none other than Red himself. Lu Ye still had to rely on Red and Steven Stone for future opportunities.
"I heard from Red that you're traveling in the Donghuang Region?" Lu Ye asked, his tone laced with envy. "Did Celadon University reimburse a lot of the expenses?"
"That's part of it." Erika smiled softly, her dimples forming faintly on her cheeks. "The other reason is to invite you to serve as a lecturer at the Trainer Academy."
Lu Ye, leading the way, stopped dead in his tracks. "The Trainer Academy... a lecturer?"
"Exactly," Erika nodded. "The academy operates under Celadon University and is located near Viridian City in Kanto."
Lu Ye's expression turned odd. Not long ago, a professor at Modu University was urging him to enroll in Celadon University's graduate program. Now, in less than 3 months, he'd gone from a prospective grad student to a teaching position? At this rate, would he be promoted to professor in another 3 months?
"I've never heard of this before," Lu Ye said, scratching his head. "Red never mentioned anything like this to me!"
Smiling, Erika replied, "Compared to a phone invitation, I believe a personal visit shows greater sincerity."
Lu Ye felt conflicted. Sincerity aside, she brought along the rare TM for Energy Ball, yet why did he feel so cold inside?
Sighing, Lu Ye said, "Miss Erika, there's no need for such formality. Just call me Lu Ye."
Their conversation was in Japanese, and while Lu Ye had a high skill level in the language, the constant humility in Erika's tone felt awkward.
"Alright." Erika tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and said gently, "In short, inviting you to become a lecturer is the main purpose of my visit. If possible, I would like to explain the pros and cons at your residence."
Lu Ye rubbed his chin. First it was Lillie, then Mallow, and now Erika… Even without a "Sweet Scent" buff, his house was starting to feel like a guest lodge. "Could it be... I'm just too handsome?"
"Hmm?" Erika tilted her head, not catching what he said.
"It's nothing," Lu Ye replied, pondering. "Alright, let's head to my place first. I'll treat you to lunch while we talk."
"Thank you."
"Card or cash?"
"Excuse me?"
"I'm kidding!" Lu Ye laughed awkwardly before adding, "Mobile payment works too!"
Teacher Lu's financial situation wasn't great. Hosting a league representative meant summoning a ride via "Dodrio Speedy Delivery." Glancing at the app, Lu Ye muttered, "Shouldn't they just call it 'Drifloon Ride'?"
Erika, who rarely visited Modu City, followed quietly, maintaining her composure. Moments later, a taxi honked twice. The driver lowered his sunglasses and exclaimed, "Yo, buddy!"
"Huh?" Lu Ye blinked. "The driver from the airport last time?"
The driver clicked his tongue. "Another one? Second time already? Another international romance?"
Erika tilted her head, looking puzzled.
"We're just friends!" Lu Ye corrected quickly.
The driver gave him a knowing wink. "Who hasn't been chased down two blocks by a girl wielding a knife in their youth?"
Lu Ye: An old pro!
At the security booth near the residential area, the neighborhood uncle noticed Lu Ye approaching with a companion. Chuckling, he pulled out a notebook and scribbled away: "August 23rd, sunny. Resident Xiao Lu brought home his 4th girlfriend. Outstanding temperament—congratulations are in order."
By now, Teacher Lu was unfazed by such things.
"Excuse me," Erika said as she removed her wooden sandals at the entrance and stepped inside in white socks. Seeing her breathable footwear, Lu Ye sighed in relief.
"Hauunter!" Haunter scurried to boil water, one Substitute setting up tea while another tidied the room.
Erika was astonished. "Haunter... doing housework? And with two Substitutes helping?"
"Basic training," Lu Ye said, sipping his tea. "It's also part of Substitute practice."
"Hauunter! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧"
"I see," Erika said thoughtfully. The room was modest yet clean, reflecting Lu Ye's attentiveness. A capable Trainer would undoubtedly be a responsible lecturer too.
Smiling, Erika began, "Let me explain the details. As a Battle Department lecturer at the Trainer Academy, you'd gain recognition under Celadon University's faculty. This would significantly aid your path toward becoming a researcher. Moreover, the annual salary exceeds 3 million, with various allowances and bonuses."
Lu Ye nodded slightly. The salary wasn't astronomical but matched a professor's. Yet, he knew his limits. Casual battles were fine, but gym-level matches? His team wasn't ready.
As he prepared to decline, Erika interrupted. "You don't need to answer right away," she said. "The new curriculum starts next year. If you aim to challenge the Kanto League, you could coincide it with the Indigo Plateau Conference."
"For a Trainer, this is a rare opportunity."
Lu Ye scoffed. "You're talking about the Indigo Plateau? I can barely afford 6 Pokémon, let alone compete!"
"Take your time," Erika said, sipping her tea. Glancing at Eevee, she added, "I believe this aligns with your Pokémon's desires too."
Lu Ye paused as Eevee leapt into his arms, wagging its tail eagerly. "Vee! o(´^｀)o"
Despite his financial woes, Lu Ye's passion for Pokémon was undeniable. Still, becoming a Battle Department lecturer wasn't on his radar. "Allow me to decline," he said, shaking his head. "I only have three Pokémon, and I can't risk anything happening to them."
"Vee?" Eevee blinked its large eyes, gazing up at him.
Erika nodded. Even Champions like Alder and Green had faced misfortunes with their Pokémon. Yet avoiding all risks ignored the will of the Pokémon themselves.
After a long silence, Erika's eyes sharpened. "Teacher Lu, let's battle."
"Huh?"
"Instead of hesitating, settle this with a Pokémon battle. Through battling, the answers will come naturally," she added with a smile. "Isn't that the Trainer's way?"
Lu Ye choked. Trainer, my foot! You're a Kanto Gym Leader! You could wipe my team out!
"I'll use a newly captured Pokémon," Erika said, pulling out a Poké Ball. Smiling faintly, she added, "If you win, consider taking the lecturer role. How about that?"
Lu Ye blinked. Shouldn't the loser be the one forced into the position? What kind of strong-arm recruitment tactic is this?
"Relax," Erika said, glancing at Eevee. "I won't hold back. This is just to prove your Pokémon's resolve."
Lu Ye hesitated, looking down at Eevee. "Go easy on me. There's no need to win," he muttered.
"Vee! ψ(*｀ー´)ψ" Eevee licked its paw, eyes gleaming with determination.
[Inorin Note:
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