Chapter 180: Chapter 181
Dean Du's concern left Luke with mixed feelings, but he recognized the kindness behind it. According to Dean Du, he had already recommended Luke to the Dark Type Master. Even if Luke want to declined the offer, it would be polite to pay a visit.
On Wednesday, September 23, as the first light of daybreak painted the sky, Luke donned a light jacket and set out to the address provided by the Principal. The location was a forest on the outskirts of Magic City, which had a refreshing earthy scent after a light rain. Haunter, wearing a large straw hat, was playing with fallen leaves, rustling as it went about its business.
"Such a big Catterpie... It's genuinely intimidating," Luke muttered as he gazed at a tree trunk. In the real world, Bug Type Pokémon didn't hold much appeal to Luke. Though there were exceptions like Golisopod and Heracross, most Bug Types didn't impress him.
The Dojo Luke was visiting was situated halfway up the hillside in this suburban forest. The fact that a Dojo existed in such a remote location piqued his curiosity. As Luke climbed up the mountainside, the surroundings gradually opened up, revealing a prominent bluestone mansion.
Luke stepped into the somewhat desolate Dojo and observed his surroundings. A voice rang out before he saw anyone, asking, "Is it the Trainer recommended by Dean Du?"
This sudden greeting startled Luke slightly. He responded respectfully, "Senior, to be honest..."
After hearing Luke's explanation, the person contemplated for a moment before saying, "Meeting is fate. Although you have no intention of becoming an apprentice, I'll show you a technique so that your visit isn't in vain."
Luke's expression shifted slightly. This was really unnecessary. With Haunter's perception, they might be able to learn the technique just by observing it.
In an instant, the expert executed a move akin to a miraculous display of Lightweight Art. As he passed by, his silhouette emitted a faint eagle-like cry. Luke was taken aback, his eyes following the expert. He was utterly captivated by this display.
However, the expert, dressed in a black robe, suddenly knelt down before Luke. The unexpected turn of events left Luke at a loss for words.
The black-robed man broke the silence, saying, "It was an accident."
Luke remained speechless for a moment.
"If you want to laugh, go ahead," the man added with an indifferent tone.
Luke couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
After some exchanges, Teacher Luke finally relaxed after learning the new move. The Dark Type Dojo's inheritance was, in fact, about teaching a Taunt move.
Taunt: It places the target in a provoked state, preventing it from using any switching moves. Since it was a non-damaging move, it posed little risk of causing mayhem, and it could improve Haunter's self-defense.
Luke was genuinely interested in this new move. With a grin, he exclaimed, "You should have told me earlier. I would've prepared a thank-you gift!"
The black-robed man stood with his hands behind his back, remarking, "Taunt is my secret martial art. Besides provoking opponents, it can also potentially cause sudden cerebral congestion, cerebral infarction, heart thrombosis..."
Luke had to admit that this teaching style was rather strange. He interrupted the man, urging him to hurry up, as he was in a rush.
Without any haste, the black-robed man mentioned, "No rush... First, you need to pay the tuition."
Luke was taken aback; the tuition fee for learning the [Taunt] technique was only 2,000 Poké Dollars. It seemed like a great deal, but it had a swindler's touch to it. Luke had mixed feelings about the situation and decided to give it a try.
Two hours later, Luke gazed at [Taunt] in Haunter's move list and couldn't believe his eyes. He had actually learned it!
"I can't believe it, Haunter actually learned it!" Luke was thrilled but shocked.
The black-robed man appeared equally amazed. "Haunter's aptitude is extraordinary. If you manage to master this move, it would be a testament to your dedication!"
Luke was perplexed by the man's surprising reaction and watched as Haunter practiced its new technique.
Haunter extended his right fist with the palm facing up, taking a deep breath. He then crooked his finger with an eager expression.
"Jie jie~!!!" Haunter let out a loud cry.
Instantly, numerous birds flocked to the forest.
After bidding farewell to the senior, Luke perused the [Taunt] Secret Records he purchased for 2,000 Poké Dollars.
There was a lingering sense of being deceived, but the [Taunt] move in Haunter's move list appeared to be genuine.
"Could it be that... he is really an expert?" Luke contemplated aloud.
"Jie jie~!" Haunter nodded with a profound understanding.
"Forget it..." Luke cleared his throat. "It can be considered an unexpected gain."
The practical application of Taunt in real battles extended beyond restricting the opponent's switching moves. Specializing in this provocation technique could even mock the enemies, essentially taunting them to attack.
In the words of Hearthstone: "You must attack the sarcastic minion."
The term 'sarcastic' was akin to a noble label!
Moreover, once Haunter mastered it, Luke might teach it to other Pokémon in the future. Luke was satisfied with this notion and gazed at Haunter, who caught him by surprise.
"Jie jie~!"
Haunter floated in the air, beckoning Primeape perched on a tree while sporting a mocking expression. A tic-tac-toe symbol appeared on Primeape's forehead, and it clenched its fist with anger.
This was what Haunter had been waiting for. A Shadow Punch connected, and Primeape enthusiastically began a brawl.
"Jie jie~ !(σ;*Д*)=3⁼³₌₃⁼³₌₃⁼"
Despite their mutual immunity, Primeape was sent flying several meters away. Luke was left in astonishment.
"My Haunter... Could it truly be an physical attacker?!"
One morning, Haunter successfully learned "Taunt."
Luke's emotions were complex, oscillating between self-doubt and renewed determination.
"But you are indeed a training genius, Teacher Luke!" Luke patted his own shoulder, boosting his self-confidence.
Upon returning home, Sylveon was still resting. Growlithe hadn't caused any trouble and was lying quietly in its kennel. Luke was pleasantly surprised.
After a peaceful lunch, Luke reclined on the sofa, scrolling through Bilibili's trending content.
"Uchiage Hanabi" was still gaining popularity and had claimed the top spot in the music category.
Comments from fans and viewers poured in:
"Do you even have time for music with your new tactics? You're a well-rounded Content Uploader!"
"Pure passerby here, but the Content Uploader is truly impressive!"
"Is this the almighty Content Uploader? I love it."
Simultaneously, the system prompted Luke with a message indicating that he had completed a task:
[Mission: "I'm really not an all-around Content Uploader"
Mission Objective: Reach the top of any video zone (excluding the gaming category)
Mission Reward: Random Skill Level 3, random Purple Item x1
Note: This mission can be completed repeatedly.]
Luke was momentarily taken aback.
"I still have this mission?"
The system had been quite inconspicuous, and Teacher Luke had nearly forgotten about it. However, the Ability bonus was too valuable to overlook.
Luke scratched his head in puzzlement.
"Ancient Language? What's that all about?"
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