Chapter 86: Can't I Just Buy It?
While Lu Ye was home alone, Cynthia was rigorously training the two little ones.
The Bull Training Club was closed today, but somehow, Haunter had found a wire and expertly picked the lock.
Cynthia blinked. "Are you sure this is okay?"
"Hauunter!" Haunter patted its chest confidently and waved its coach ID, signaling its professionalism.
Cynthia smiled. "Just like Teacher Lu's style."
Cynthia's training methods were top-notch. Even one afternoon could deeply impact the two Pokémon. This was also her way of thanking Lu Ye.
Cynthia glanced at the excited Haunter and nodded. "Let's start with the moves you can learn…"
A red flash lit up as the chilling aura of Spiritomb spread out, making Haunter shiver. Pokémon could teach each other moves, too. Cynthia planned to have Haunter learn the techniques for Shadow Ball from Spiritomb.
One afternoon wouldn't be enough to master it. Proper execution would take at least 6 months and plenty of resources suited for Ghost-type Pokémon. But Cynthia could teach Lu Ye the training method and give Haunter a foundational grasp of Shadow Ball. The rest would depend on resource investment and Haunter's practice.
"Training Shadow Ball costs… around 3 or 4 million," Cynthia nodded lightly. "I'll let him know later."
A cold light flashed as Spiritomb appeared, an eerie aura wafting out. Haunter shivered again. To it, this Dark-type Spiritomb seemed terrifying.
But thinking of Lu Ye's determination to be a Trainer, Haunter took a deep breath, its gaze firming up.
"Hauunter!" I have to master this new move!
On the other side, Eevee was learning the move Return from Glaceon. With Glaceon demonstrating, Eevee would grasp the move faster when combined with a TM later. Return was an extension of emotional energy. In this area, Lu Ye's Pokémon had a natural advantage.
The little one dashed across the field, its fur damp with sweat, yet its eyes remained sharp. Lu Ye had given it a new life. It would achieve his wish to become the strongest Trainer!
"Bui!" A white flash sparked as Eevee rammed into the training target. The power far surpassed a regular Tackle, surprising even Glaceon.
But once wasn't enough. Despite its fatigue, Eevee stood up and started again under Glaceon's astonished gaze…
On the sidelines, Cynthia folded her arms, watching the two hardworking Pokémon, nodding with a smile. A Trainer's worth could be seen in how they treated their Pokémon. Some Trainers used Pokémon as tools or money-making assets. But others treated their Pokémon as friends, comrades, and family…
Cynthia believed that to grow stronger, you simply had to love your Pokémon endlessly. That was how she had reached the top of the Sinnoh League—whether it was talent or luck didn't matter. She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear and smiled softly. At least on this path, Teacher Lu shared the same outlook.
As the sun set and flocks of Pidgey flew across the sky, Lu Ye leaned on the table, resting his cheek in his hand, sighing despondently. "It's dinner time, why aren't they back yet…"
Though it had only been 2 months since the worldline changed, Lu Ye couldn't adapt to life without his Pokémon anymore. Haunter and Eevee had become his family, an irreplaceable part of his life.
And… he kind of missed Cynthia, too.
As he grumbled, a ghostly hand snuck through the doorway, reaching for the doorknob. A second later, Haunter burst in. "Ta-da!" (The great me is back!)
Lu Ye froze. He wanted to complain, but seeing Haunter's enthusiasm, he shook his head and smiled. "As long as you're back… I'll go heat up the food."
Eevee, exhausted from training, wobbled onto the sofa and soon started snoring softly. Seeing this, Lu Ye covered it with a silk scarf and turned up the air conditioner a bit.
"Were you two training?" Lu Ye asked.
"Hauunter!" Before Cynthia could reply, Haunter nodded excitedly.
Lu Ye sighed heavily. He thought after seeing the Master Tournament, they'd back off. But now they were training even harder?! Oh well… as long as they didn't wreck the place.
Just as Lu Ye relaxed, Cynthia said, "I trained Haunter on Shadow Ball. I think… it could be helpful."
Lu Ye's expression turned strange. So that's why they were out all day. There was a traitor in the house!
"I'll send the Shadow Ball training method to your email later." Cynthia smiled. "Also, we'll need a small budget to train Haunter's Shadow Ball."
Lu Ye froze, stammering, "How much does it cost to train Shadow Ball?"
"Not too much." Cynthia pondered for a moment. "A solid Dusk Stone, some high-quality Ghost Gems… in total… about 3 million." Cynthia smiled gently.
Lu Ye was stunned. What do you mean, 'not too much'? 3 million could buy me an apartment in this city! Is being a Trainer always this expensive?!
But then again—receiving Shadow Ball techniques from the Sinnoh Champion for just 3 million in materials… was a steal!
Still, Lu Ye didn't want to be a Trainer. Spending 3 million to train Shadow Ball… Cold sweat dripped from his forehead, visions of a mansion with wings flying away.
Calm down, calm down! Maybe Haunter doesn't even want to learn Shadow Ball… Training was tough, and Cynthia's methods were brutal. Even Haunter might not withstand it!
Lu Ye's mind buzzed. He glanced at Haunter, who was staring at him expectantly.
Cynthia added, "You should start soon, or today's training might be forgotten…"
Lu Ye's face faltered, and Haunter's expression drooped. It slumped against the wall, drawing sad circles on the floor with its claw.
"I can lend you the money first," Cynthia said with a wink. "You can pay it back slowly."
Lu Ye blinked, glancing at Haunter's dejected face. He didn't want to disappoint his Pokémon. And with Cynthia's offer… he couldn't refuse.
Clenching his teeth, Lu Ye said with a trembling voice, "Buy it!"