I Really Didn’t Want Chapter 237: The Tactician

The sun shone brightly, a rare stretch of good weather.

A snow-white Sylveon lay lazily on the sun-drenched bed, yawning comfortably.

“Vee~”

The warmth of the winter sun was incredibly soothing.

anwhile, Gengar, with a Togepi perched on its head, sprawled across the balcony, basking in the sunlight.

“Kokekeke~~” Gengar blew at the steam rising from a teacup, looking every bit like a retired grandpa watching over his grandchild.

Although he wanted to sleep in, Growlithe was busy sprinting back and forth between the living room and bedroom.

Lu Ye reached out, blocked its path, and ruffled its fur in irritation before heading off to wash up.

“Arf? (O_o)??”

There was still so ti before his job officially started.

And since his class schedule wasn’t too packed, he had plenty of free ti to spend as he pleased.

Besides chatting in the group and streaming gas, taking his Pokémon out for a trip seed like a good idea too.

“Morning.”

Lu Ye stepped onto the balcony with a cup of coffee, joining Gengar in enjoying the sunlight.

“Kokekeke~ (′▽`〃)”

As he sipped his coffee, he opened the chat.

Lu Ye: Can I visit Professor Oak today? @Crystal

As Professor Oak’s assistant, Crystal was partly responsible for managing his schedule.

Crystal: No problem! You can co over this afternoon, @Lu-sensei.

Tokiwa Erika: What’s the occasion? Green-senpai, can you tell us?

Green folded his arms, contemplating.

The special edition Pokédex was still a secret between him and his grandfather.

Knowing his grandfather’s personality, there was a high chance he’d test Lu Ye in person first.

Better to keep quiet until Lu Ye officially received it.

Green: No.

His cryptic response only made everyone in the chat more curious.

Even Lu Ye felt a bit uneasy.

Sothing about this seed… off.

They wouldn’t be giving

another starter Pokémon, would they?!

With a mix of anticipation and nerves, Lu Ye boarded a train, then a bus, and finally arrived in Pallet Town.

Kanto – Pallet Town

A peaceful little town, shaded by lush greenery.

A gentle breeze rippled across the lake, creating shimring waves.

The na "Pallet" symbolized purity.

Breathing in the crisp town air, Lu Ye started to understand why.

Waiting to greet him was Crystal, ever professional in her cap and uniform.

“Welco to Pallet Town, Lu-sensei!” she said with a smile.

“Been a while.”

Lu Ye nodded. “Anyone else from the group around?”

Pallet Town was ho to so of the biggest nas in the Trainer world.

Aside from occasionally spawning newcors like Ash,

it was also the hotown of ‘Red’ and ‘Green’—essentially final bosses in human form.

If he happened to run into Red, Lu Ye wasn’t sure he’d survive the encounter.

“Red is training on Mt. Silver. Green-senpai is with him,” Crystal explained.

“And Yellow is there too. The three of them are training together.”

Lu Ye paused, staring up at the sky.

For so reason… he couldn’t quite tell who the third wheel was in that situation.

“That red building up ahead is Professor Oak’s lab,” Crystal continued, pointing toward the rolling plains behind it.

“And over there—that’s Professor Oak’s backyard.”

Lu Ye: ???

You’re calling that… a backyard?

Even though he’d been ntally prepared, seeing it in person was still shocking.

Crystal chuckled.

“Well, it does house over a thousand Pokémon… There are more than thirty Breeders working full-ti just inside the lab.”

Lu Ye nodded.

So that’s why Green beca known as the "Breeding Legend."

Growing up helping his grandfather take care of this backyard… it’d be impossible not to beco a breeding expert.

Pushing open the lab doors, Lu Ye found researchers hard at work.

An elderly man with gray hair but sharp eyes rose to greet him, a warm smile on his face.

“You must be the Trainer from Donghuang… I’ve heard a lot about you!”

Hearing Professor Oak’s words, several researchers turned their heads in surprise.

This remarkable-looking Trainer… was actually receiving a personal welco from Professor Oak?

Lu Ye shook hands with him, nodding respectfully.

“The Pokémon card ga… I really appreciate your endorsent.”

Previously, with so well-crafted persuasion, he had managed to get Professor Oak to promote his Pokémon card ga.

The boost from that endorsent had skyrocketed sales.

A visit to express his gratitude in person was only proper.

“Haha, that was nothing…”

Professor Oak chuckled, scratching his head—then suddenly froze.

Pokémon card ga?

Wasn’t that handled by a ga company from Donghuang?

What did that have to do with the Trainer Green had recomnded—?

“Wait a second.”

Professor Oak hesitated. “What’s your na?”

Crystal stepped in with a smile.

“Professor, this is Lu Ye—Lu-sensei—the Trainer Green recomnded.

“And the creator of the Pokémon card ga you praised so highly last ti.”

Professor Oak’s expression turned odd.

Last night, Green had only ntioned that the Trainer was from Donghuang—he hadn’t given a na.

anwhile, Lu Ye, the ga creator, had already left a strong impression on him…

So in the end…

Green had actually introduced an old acquaintance?!

“Promoting the ga was no big deal…”

Professor Oak scratched his head and chuckled.“The reason I called you here, Lu Ye, is for sothing even more important!”

You definitely just forgot, didn’t you?

Lu Ye cleared his throat but couldn’t really bla him.As a leading researcher, Oak had countless responsibilities—forgetting a few things was only natural.

However, Oak’s words sent another wave of unease through Lu Ye.

Carefully, he asked, “And what exactly is this important matter?”

Dressed in his signature lab coat, Professor Oak clenched his fist and coughed lightly.“Well, you see… I’ve developed a brand-new special edition Pokédex, and I want to give it to a Trainer I can trust.”

“Green recomnded you, so…”

Professor Oak turned around, picked up a red Pokédex from his workstation, and looked at Lu Ye with a serious expression.

“Lu Ye, would you be interested in becoming the next Pokédex Holder?”

For half a second, Lu Ye’s brain shut down.

Staring at the Pokédex in Oak’s hand, he was montarily stunned.

A Pokédex Holder?

Sure, everyone in the chat group had one, but in the Pokémon Special world, this was main character treatnt!

Crystal was surprised at first but quickly smiled.With Lu-sensei’s abilities, he was already on par with Kanto’s three legends…

It seed Professor Oak had chosen Lu Ye as the Pokédex Holder for the Donghuang Region.

Lu Ye’s expression turned odd.

Main character treatnt, huh?Didn’t that usually an getting burned, petrified, frozen, or chased by legendary Pokémon?

Sure, the world was at peace now, but sothing about this title didn’t sit right…

“You can take your ti to consider it,” Professor Oak said with a smile.

The special edition Pokédex had advanced features like evolution suppression, data transfer, and even move recognition.For any Trainer, it was an incredibly valuable tool.

Seeing Lu Ye deep in thought, Oak was very satisfied.

This was already much better than a certain delinquent who had just wanted to battle him right away.

Lu Ye stroked his chin.

Function-wise, his system might be a bit embarrassing, but it was definitely more useful.After all, his system’s Pokédex could see an opponent’s moves—practically a bug-level ability.

And accepting the special Pokédex ant taking on greater responsibilities.It felt like yet another step away from his original goal…

“Professor Oak, I…”

“Kokekeke!”

Before Lu Ye could finish, Gengar stretched out its tiny hands and solemnly took the Pokédex from Oak.

Lu Ye: ???Professor Oak: ???

“Kokekeke!”

Gengar’s eyes burned with determination.

It had seen the World Champion pull out a similar Pokédex in battle videos.And now, the very sa device was right in front of its Trainer…

Wasn’t his goal to beco a World Champion?

Everyone hesitates. Everyone feels doubt.But as long as they walked this path together, those fears didn’t matter.

Grinning, Gengar firmly nodded at Lu Ye.

If its Trainer hesitated, then Gengar would act in his place!

Watching Gengar suddenly ignite with passion, Lu Ye’s face twitched.

What kind of weird headcanon are you coming up with this ti?!

Gengar’s conviction even seed to rub off on Professor Oak.

“A steadfast emissary of the night, unwavering like a Gengar, with eyes that burn like torches…”

Oak chuckled, reciting an impromptu haiku.“It seems… you’re a Trainer truly trusted by your Pokémon.”

When handing out the special Pokédex, strength wasn’t the deciding factor.It was about a Trainer’s character, their conviction, and their love for Pokémon.

Pokémon and Trainers influenced each other.And from Gengar, Oak could see the light radiating from Lu Ye as well.

Walking the Trainer’s path, advancing alongside Pokémon—That was the very reason Professor Oak had created the Pokédex in the first place.

“Kokekeke!”

Still holding the Pokédex, Gengar poked Lu Ye’s side, then grinned and handed it to him.

Lu Ye sighed and smiled. “You hold onto it.”

“Kokekeke?”

“Just store it in your fourth-dinsional stomach for now.”

Lu Ye took a deep breath, making his decision.

Even if he didn’t need the Pokédex, Gengar certainly could.And if it was for his Pokémon, then he should put in more effort.

“Professor Oak.”

His gaze steadied as he looked at the professor and bowed.

“Please entrust the Pokédex to . I’ll do my best!”

Professor Oak paused.

For a mont, he saw glimpses of others in Lu Ye—The boy training atop Mt. Silver, and another young man from Pallet Town…

“What an excellent look in your eyes,” Oak said with a sigh, shaking his head with a smile.

“But before you can have the Pokédex, there’s sothing you need to do for

first.”

“A task?”

“Consider it a small test.”

Oak’s eyes glimred with a sly light.

“It’s also a way for … to evaluate your abilities.”

Crystal thought for a mont.“When Professor Oak tested , he had

take care of an entire garden of Pokémon…”

Oak chuckled. “And she ended up capturing all of them.”

“That’s why I called her the ‘Catcher.’”

A test of my ability?I don’t even know what my title would be…

The ‘Chef’? The ‘Master of Making People Hungry’?

Lu Ye coughed lightly. “So what’s my test?”

“The sa as Gold’s.”

From a tal container behind him, Professor Oak retrieved two Poké Balls and t Lu Ye’s gaze.

“A battle with .”

“The format will be an open match. Each of us can only use two Pokémon.”

Crystal glanced at both of them, slightly nervous.“Those are the rules… any objections?”

“Nope!”

Professor Oak, dressed in a black tank top, stretched his limbs and laughed heartily.“It’s been a while since I broke a sweat—this is the perfect chance!”

Lu Ye felt complicated emotions rise within him.

After all… Professor Oak was a forr Champion.

Battling against him… I won’t get completely wiped, right?

“Well then, these are my two Pokémon!”

Professor Oak tossed two Poké Balls into the air.

With a flash of white light, a proud and agile Stantler stepped forward, while a Ledyba hovered midair, its wings buzzing softly.

Lu Ye let out a small breath of relief—at least Oak didn’t choose Kangaskhan or Dragonite.

Judging by the fact that Ledyba hadn’t even evolved, its strength shouldn’t be too overwhelming.The real problem was Stantler… that one needed careful attention.

On the other hand, in an unrestricted battle like this, the primary target was always the Trainer.

As soon as Lu Ye threw his Poké Ball, he commanded, “Sylveon, use Yawn!”

With a graceful leap, the elegant Sylveon landed lightly on the field.

“A status-focused Trainer? Interesting.”

Professor Oak folded his arms. “Stantler, use

First!”

First would allow Stantler to use an opponent’s move before they did.

But as Stantler let out a yawn, it suddenly realized—Sylveon wasn’t even in front of it anymore.

Sylveon had sidestepped and instead aid Yawn at… Professor Oak!

A wave of drowsiness swept over him, but Oak remained composed.

“Ledyba, use Supersonic!”

The high-frequency sound waves spread outward—not only could they confuse Pokémon, but they could also disorient the Trainer!

If the Trainer lost focus, victory would shift dramatically.

Ledyba sped toward Lu Ye, flapping its wings—

Until, suddenly, a shadow lood behind him.

“Gengar!”

Lu Ye gave the order. “Shadow Ball!”

“Kokekeke! (??????????)”

Gengar was faster.The pitch-black Shadow Ball shot forward, blasting Ledyba out of the air.

But at that mont, Stantler’s Hypnosis struck Sylveon, causing it to collapse onto the ground.

“Naked Hypnosis? That’s brutal!”

Lu Ye clicked his tongue. “Gengar, use Substitute!”

Gengar split into two, both forms grinning eerily as they cackled.

Fighting off his sleepiness, Professor Oak shouted, “Ledyba, Encore! Stantler, Hypnosis again!”

Ledyba, now barely holding on, waved its tiny fingers—

If Encore landed, Gengar would be locked into Substitute, leaving it completely vulnerable!

“Gengar, Taunt!” Lu Ye commanded.

Under Taunt, Ledyba couldn’t use Encore—or any other status moves!

Professor Oak raised an eyebrow in surprise.

This level of adaptability…

No, he anticipated my command in advance!

This kind of Trainer vs. Trainer mind ga—this was what made Pokémon battles so captivating!

anwhile, Lu Ye wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Professor Oak was still standing strong, wide awake, even after nearly half a minute.A Tauros would’ve been asleep by now!

Was this… the legendary Pallet Town protagonist physique?!

With no other choice, Gengar darted toward Oak, its eyes glowing an eerie blue.

Hypnosis!

“No chance,” Oak countered. “Stantler, use Imprison!”

In an instant, Stantler’s antlers glead with blue light, sealing off Gengar’s move pool.

Hypnosis failed. Worse still, Gengar’s Substitute was shattered.

Professor Oak hesitated briefly—until he saw Gengar hovering over Sylveon.

Its mouth opened wide, as if devouring sothing unseen.

“…You used Dream Eater on your own Sylveon?” Oak suddenly realized the danger.

“Sylveon, Quick Attack—finish Ledyba!”

Shaking off its drowsiness, Sylveon shot forward like an arrow, knocking Ledyba out.

“Stantler!” Oak called. “Use Take Down! But control your strength!”

However, instead of attacking Sylveon—

Stantler charged straight at Lu Ye, its antlers glowing with the energy of Take Down.

Gengar tried to intercept, but Stantler phased right through it.

“Kokekeke?!”

Even Sylveon, who was restraining Oak with its ribbons, wouldn’t be able to stop it in ti.

“Vee!”

Oak’s eyes glead.“This is checkmate!”

Lu Ye took a deep breath.“Gengar—Ally Switch!”

Dirty tactics can only be countered with even dirtier tactics!

In an instant, Gengar swapped places with Lu Ye—

aning Hypnosis landed on Stantler at point-blank range.

Thud.

Stantler collapsed, snoring.

The match was over.

Finally, the drowsiness caught up with Oak as well.Yawning, he lazily waved his hand.

Crystal quickly handed him a Chesto Berry to wake him up.

“Phew… that was so brilliant commanding,” Oak said, letting out a hearty laugh.“To beat a forr Champion… kid, you’ve got real talent!”

Not like I had a choice—everyone from Pallet Town is a monster…

Lu Ye grumbled internally.

If Oak had normal human physiology, this match would’ve been over ages ago!

anwhile, Crystal, who had watched the entire battle, looked at Lu Ye with newfound admiration.

His live battle commands, his reaction ti—he was already one of the strongest Pokédex Holders.

And in terms of Pokémon training…

To reach this level in just half a year—only Green had accomplished sothing similar!

“Well then… you’ve passed your test.”

Oak smiled as he pulled the Pokédex from his lab coat and handed it to Lu Ye.

But then, his expression turned serious.

“One last question, Lu Ye.”

“To you… what do Pokémon an?”

His voice was both reflective and nostalgic.

“Every Pokédex Holder is a genius in their own field,” Oak murmured.

“To so, Pokémon are friends. To others, they’re partners. So see them as comrades-in-arms…”

“But for you—”

Oak’s gaze deepened as he looked at Lu Ye.

“What do Pokémon an to you?”

Lu Ye froze for a mont.

Truthfully, he had thought about this before.

But after half a year in this world, the answer had beco clear.

The mories he had built with his Pokémon—That’s what made everything shine.

“To …”

He lowered his head, patting the grinning Gengar and the smug Sylveon.

The three Poké Balls on his belt trembled slightly, as if they were waiting for his answer.

“…They’re family,” Lu Ye said with a smile.

No matter where he was, he could always feel that bond.

And only family could bring that kind of warmth.

It was exactly why Lu Ye loved Pokémon so much.

“Family, huh…”

Professor Oak was silent for a long ti.

Then, he smiled.

“That’s a wonderful answer.”

“Lu Ye, this is your Pokédex!”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the golden light washed over the plains.

Lu Ye handed the special Pokédex to Gengar, smiling.

“Kokekeke!”

Gengar gave a thumbs-up.

Don’t worry—I’ll take good care of it!

After handling all the formalities, Lu Ye said his goodbyes to Professor Oak.

Standing in the twilight, Crystal turned to Oak and asked curiously,“Professor… what’s Lu-sensei’s title?”

Gazing at Lu Ye’s departing figure, Oak’s eyes held a profound light.

“No matter the situation, he remains absolutely calm.”

“He adapts to every opponent with a tailored strategy.”

“His tactical brilliance would even make Champions envious…”

“And most importantly, he has a heart as brilliant as gold.”

Oak smiled.

“That’s why, perhaps… he is ‘The Tactician.’”