Sinnoh Region, Eterna City.

Soft saxophone blues flowed from the phonograph, the unique charm of vinyl adding an extra layer of warmth.

The room was furnished with mahogany furniture. Cynthia lazily reclined on the sofa. Beside her sat a dignified, elegant woman with brown hair and blue eyes. Her aura was regal, and even while sitting on the sofa, her back remained perfectly straight, reminiscent of a graceful doe.

Kalos Champion Diantha extinguished her slender cigarette in the crystal ashtray, a trace of helplessness flashing through her blue eyes.

“If we’re going to battle, shouldn’t you get some proper rest?”

Cynthia shifted into a more comfortable position, resting her cheek on Diantha's lap and murmured softly:

“The research just finished, and I have to catch the next flight... Let me nap for a bit.”

Diantha ran her fingers through Cynthia’s waterfall-like golden hair. “Modu?”

Cynthia nodded slightly, like a contented orange tabby. Her delicate eyelashes fluttered, and soon, her breathing steadied.

Diantha gently stroked the smooth golden strands.

I have work too...

Did you really call me here just for a lap pillow?

But with the World Master Championship schedule being so packed, Cynthia’s participation meant she’d be gone for a while.

A playful thought crossed Diantha’s mind. She tousled Cynthia’s hair until it became a fluffy mess, covering her mouth with a yawn afterward.

The quiet afternoon passed with the two women, so different in style, leaning into each other.

As dusk fell, Diantha groggily opened her eyes. The setting sun streamed through the window. Cynthia had already changed into her familiar black trench coat. Her silky blonde hair cascaded down, every strand glowing in the fading light.

Cynthia smiled. “When I get back, let’s go shopping.”

“Sure, sure.” Diantha smiled wryly. “Safe travels!”

Cynthia stepped onto the marble terrace outside. A red glow emerged from her Poké Ball as Togekiss affectionately nuzzled her.

Feeling a pang of unease, Diantha asked, “The hotel and luggage are ready?”

“The luggage has been sent to the hotel already, but I need to visit a little one first,” Cynthia said with a smile. “A very cute Eevee.”

July 15th, Wednesday.

The development of Plants vs. Zombies had been going on for a week now. Liang Dayou and Lu Ye were working tirelessly. Thanks to the template from the parallel world, progress was remarkably swift.

But Lu Ye had another headache:

Haunter and Eevee were getting stronger just as quickly.

After continuous practice with Mimic moves, Eevee had mastered Yawn and Iron Tail. Meanwhile, Haunter had been named Trainer of the Month at the Battle Club, and his schedule was packed with lessons.

This was good news, but Lu Ye couldn’t exactly feel happy about it.

Everyone knew a Pokémon’s strength was directly proportional to expenses. The stronger they got, the more energy was consumed during battles. Haunter’s part-time earnings at the club barely covered the cost of berries and Pokéblock ingredients.

On the other hand, Eevee didn’t eat much, but Lu Ye always provided the rarest berries and wouldn’t dream of shortchanging the little guy.

All in all, for someone not aiming to be a Trainer, Lu Ye found the rapid growth of his Pokémon a bittersweet burden.

But he never blamed Eevee or Haunter, nor did he force them not to evolve. Humans and Pokémon were equals. Lu Ye loved Pokémon from the bottom of his heart; it was just that the risks and rewards of being a Trainer weren’t balanced for him.

“This is getting ridiculous!” Lu Ye rubbed his temples. “If another big eater joins the team, I’ll be bankrupt!”

Thinking of Coach Zhai’s promise to give him a top-quality Pokémon, Lu Ye shivered.

What if it’s an ‘excellent’ Snorlax? I’d explode on the spot!

“No way. I’ll pick it myself,” Lu Ye gritted his teeth. “I refuse to believe Modu University’s breeding center doesn’t have a slacker!”

That afternoon, Assistant Lu Ye arrived at the school team practice to slack off and ran into Coach Zhai.

Zhai Wenyao grinned from ear to ear. “Lu Ye, those two rookies you picked are great... You really have an eye for talent!”

“Huh?” Lu Ye raised an eyebrow.

I just took the easiest mixed-battle rule. How does that make me sharp-eyed?

Talking about team tactics and defense coordination, Coach Zhai grew excited:

“First, there’s that Shroomish with the Effect Spore ability. It handles single battles like a pro, whether for ambushes or field control.

“And then there’s Gu Zhong’s Torkoal... My gosh, it has the Drought ability! That Trainer’s skill and luck are solid. This could be the core of our team!”

Coach Zhai’s excitement was understandable. Freshmen rarely showed such promise, and he hadn’t expected much. But Lu Ye’s picks turned out to be jackpots—two in one go!

Combined with Lu Ye’s diligent note-taking, Coach Zhai felt he’d truly found a gem of an assistant.

“The league rankings are counting on you! There’ll be a generous bonus!” Coach Zhai laughed, patting Lu Ye’s shoulder.

Lu Ye looked blank.

Is my judgment really that good?

He glanced at the Torkoal on the field, thoughtful.

Torkoal, nicknamed ‘Mini Groudon,’ is a top Sunny Day team member and also shines in Trick Room setups.

Modu University’s strategy traditionally relied on Psychic Trick Room teams. These two rookies would not only strengthen defenses but also fill tactical gaps.

“Not bad, me!” Lu Ye smacked his forehead. “I really did pick the best candidates!”

The intercollegiate league took place in the second half of the year, open to freshmen and sophomores. Juniors aimed for Gym challenges and Donghuang League qualifications, so they couldn’t compete.

Lu Ye’s age and skill made him eligible to participate, but he wasn’t interested. Assisting was fine; competing was out of the question. Losing would mean taking the blame, and he didn’t want his Pokémon hurt.

Hoisting the mischievous Eevee onto his shoulder, Lu Ye was about to leave when Coach Zhai called him back:

“Oh, Lu Ye, are you going to the World Master Championship next Saturday?”

“Each team member gets a ticket. I’ll save you one.”

Lu Ye frowned.

He’d seen the tickets online—¥3,000 each.

Like I need a handout for a measly ¥3,000 ticket?

“Sure,” Lu Ye smiled. “Can I get three?”

Front-row or not didn’t matter. What mattered was taking Eevee and Haunter along!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read