Monday, July 27.
It had been a week since Cynthia left.
Eevee's Return was getting more proficient, and Haunter had already licked one Dusk Stone clean and started on the next one.
Looking at Haunter's nimble, crimson tongue, Lu Ye had mixed feelings.
Every lick cost thousands!
Plants vs. Zombies had entered its final testing phase and was expected to go live in early August.
Before that, Lu Ye received a call from Coach Zhai and headed to the Modu University campus.
"This time, we're mainly focusing on a friendly match with Jinling University," Coach Zhai Wenyang said. "Major universities are starting preparations for the college league, and we need to gear up as well."
"What do you need me to do?" Lu Ye asked.
After all, he was on the payroll. He couldn't just keep slacking off.
"Mainly pre-match training and on-the-spot coordination during the friendly," Zhai Wenyang said, frowning. "This year, Jinling University is strong. They've recruited the champion of the Jiangsu Rookie Cup… If we go with a knockout format, we'll be at a disadvantage…"
The college league consisted of singles and team battles. The singles used a knockout and relay format, while team battles followed a 5V5 setup.
Overall, it tested both individual skills and the coach's tactical planning.
Hearing Zhai Wenyang's concerns, Lu Ye couldn't help glancing at him.
Did you forget that the Piplup Cup champion is standing right beside you?
Even if it was a commercial tournament… Don't underestimate the village chief!
"We're the visiting team for this match, and we leave for Jinling in two days, so we need to prepare seriously," Zhai Wenyang said sternly. "I'll have the school team gather this afternoon, so you can get familiar with them."
Honestly, after two weeks as an assistant coach, Lu Ye still hadn't learned everyone's names on the team.
A friendly match was still about bringing glory to the school.
Lu Ye coughed lightly. "Don't worry. Training is on me!"
Lu Ye always had a "training genius" persona.
Even if it was self-proclaimed, training a bunch of rookies was still pretty easy.
…
That afternoon.
At Modu University Battle Arena.
"Teacher Lu!"
Han Xiaoxiao waved excitedly, while the quiet Gu Zhong moved his lips slightly but remained silent.
Lu Ye patted Gu Zhong on the shoulder. He had always had a soft spot for this kid from a rural village.
"Don't stress about the training. Just do your best," Lu Ye said with a smile.
Gu Zhong blinked, then nodded gratefully.
Besides training, the afternoon session also involved selecting the starting lineup.
There were two freshmen, both of whom Lu Ye had met before.
There were six sophomores, but Lu Ye only knew Shen Tingzhi, the girl with the single ponytail.
Juniors and seniors studying Pokémon typically didn't stay on campus.
They were either challenging Gyms for the Donghuang Conference or out training their Pokémon. The college league didn't concern them.
"This is Assistant Coach Lu. You've all met him before," Zhai Wenyang said gravely. "We're in a tough spot, so let's get ready!"
"Do we really need an outsider to train us?"
A snarky voice came from the crowd.
Shen Tingzhi frowned and unconsciously stepped aside.
Han Xiaoxiao bared her teeth, glaring angrily, but the speaker had already hidden in the crowd.
Zhai Wenyang's expression darkened. "Dong Jin, step forward!"
A stocky guy reluctantly stepped out, muttering, and looked up at Zhai Wenyang.
"Coach, I…"
"Outsider?" Zhai Wenyang chuckled coldly. "If every 'outsider' were as skilled as Lu Ye, none of you would even make the team!"
Inviting sophomore Lu Ye as an assistant coach, even though he wasn't a major student, had sparked controversy. But Zhai Wenyang had a keen eye and recognized Lu Ye's commanding ability.
This was a challenge to his judgment!
Lu Ye didn't mind, though.
Still, to prepare for the friendly match, getting the team on board with training was necessary.
He took out a Poké Ball and smiled. "I wonder if this 'outsider' can have a match with you?"
A drop of cold sweat slid down Dong Jin's forehead.
He knew about Lu Ye's Piplup Cup victory, but that didn't mean he'd lose.
"Let's do it!" Dong Jin gritted his teeth. "Go, Graveler!"
Lu Ye didn't even look. The moment the red light flashed, he said, "Eevee, Iron Tail."
Eevee's movement was almost too fast to see.
Crack!
A flash of white light, the sound of rock shattering, and Graveler let out a wail.
Thud!
Eevee landed gracefully. In just a few seconds, Graveler had already collapsed.
The arena fell silent. Even the team captain, Jiang Chen, couldn't help his twitching eyelids.
Judging Graveler's landing spot and landing a critical hit with Iron Tail in a single moment…
And this was an Eevee!
Even with the double-type advantage, how could an Eevee shatter a Graveler?!
Coach Zhai didn't seem surprised. He just gave Dong Jin a cold look.
Han Xiaoxiao mimicked Dong Jin's earlier tone, shouting, "No way! Someone can't even beat an outsider? No way, no way!"
Dong Jin's lips trembled. He looked blankly at his defeated Graveler.
"Head to the medical room. It should still be open… Go get Graveler treated," Lu Ye said, nodding. "Nice match."
Dong Jin didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He recalled his Graveler and hurried off to the medical room.
Lu Ye turned to Zhai Wenyang. "We've already eliminated one from the starting lineup."
Zhai Wenyang nodded, satisfied with Lu Ye's calm demeanor.
Lu Ye faced the team and coughed lightly. "If anyone else is unconvinced, feel free to challenge me."
"After all, if you're not convinced, training won't be effective."
"I'll still use Eevee. You can all go at once if you want."
"Buiii!" Eevee stood by Lu Ye's feet, proudly lifting its head.
Lu Ye spoke sincerely, but the team was silent.
From Poké Ball to victory in less than a second. Who'd want to challenge this assistant coach?!
Team Captain Jiang Chen chuckled awkwardly. "Coach Lu, we'll train. No complaints!"
Lu Ye's eyes lit up.
He called him 'Coach Lu' instead of 'Assistant'. Nice, you're in the starting lineup!
Lu Ye seriously made a mark on his notepad and coughed. "Alright, let's start today's training."
"Pair up for battle training. I'll join in, too…"
For Modu University's honor, even a lifelong slacker like Lu Ye was now training hard. He almost felt touched by his own dedication.
Meanwhile, Eevee smiled warmly at the Torkoal it had been paired with.
"Buiii~!"
Torkoal shuddered, remembering the fear of being pummeled…
---
Watching the orderly training session, Zhai Wenyang nodded in satisfaction.
"Lu Ye really is a training genius!"