Master Craftsman of the Pokémon World

[Bonus Chapter]

Upon entering the workshop, Steven was immediately drawn to the array of tools and crafts on display. The craftsmanship was exquisite, but what truly caught his attention was a peculiar-looking stone resting on a workbench.

Hikaru picked up the stone and handed it to Steven.

"This is an Ancient Rock."

To an untrained eye, it might seem like an ordinary stone, albeit with slightly unusual coloration and texture. However, to a rock expert of Steven's caliber, the stone appeared almost alive, radiating a powerful and strange energy.

"It's a crystallization of Rock-type energy!"

Steven immediately identified it.

Hikaru nodded. "That's right. Ancient Rock is a crystallized form of Rock-type energy that forms under specific conditions. Structurally, it is quite similar to the 'Rock Gem' found in Unova. Furthermore, the Pokémon capable of producing Ancient Rock aren't limited to Regirock—Unova's Gigalith, Galar's Stonjourner, and Kalos' Binacle can also act as catalysts for its formation under the right circumstances."

As Steven became engrossed in examining the stone, his peripheral vision caught sight of some Symbolic Tablets placed at the edge of the workbench. Curious, he picked one up and studied it.

Since the Hoenn region lacked Unown, Steven couldn't decipher the markings. However, he had a keen interest in ancient ruins—after all, many valuable stones were often discovered within them.

Though he couldn't read the text, he recalled having seen something similar in a research paper.

"These tablets resemble the ones found in the Ruins of Alph in Johto."

"Ah, yes, they're modeled after those," Hikaru answered candidly, making no effort to hide the truth from Steven, as the Symbolic Tablets only reacted to their creator.

"These tablets are inspired by ancient Pokémon, Unown, which are found in Kanto, Johto, and Sinnoh. Professor Hale from Johto has researched whether written language or Unown came first, but so far, there are no conclusive results."

Professor Hale, from Pokémon: Spell of the Unown: Entei, was a Pokémon researcher whose daughter was central to the movie's plot. The events were heavily tied to Unown's ability to materialize thoughts into reality.

The movie also contained an intriguing historical record—ancient ruins depicted one of Ho-Oh's three legendary guardians, Entei!

This raised a major question: Was the Pokémon recorded in those ancient ruins truly Entei?

Or was it actually Eternatus?

"I crafted these tablets using a special technique. Did you feel a boost in your mental energy while staring at them?" Hikaru asked.

Steven snapped out of his daze, startled.

He had unknowingly been staring at the tablets, completely entranced!

Clink.

One of the Poké Balls at Steven's waist shook as if reacting to the tablets.

It was Metang's Poké Ball. Since Metagross had been left outside, Metang was the only Psychic-type Pokémon Steven had on him at the moment.

"Your Pokémon reacted to the tablets. However, these aren't designed to enhance Psychic Pokémon's mental power. If you're looking for such an item, I can craft something for you—perhaps a Light Pottery or a Psychic Glass Whistle."

"And also, a Calyrex Doll."

"Calyrex?" This was the first time Steven had heard that name. "Is it a Pokémon?"

Hikaru nodded. "Yes, a lost legend—also known as the King of Bountiful Harvests. It possesses the power to heal minds and make plants flourish, as well as formidable psychic abilities."

"My Calyrex Doll enhances the holder's mental strength and helps heal emotional wounds."

As Hikaru explained, he noticed a peculiar look in Steven's eyes.

Someone like Steven—an elegant and composed gentleman—probably didn't have much need for emotional healing.

"Interesting. I'll take one," Steven said with a subtle gleam in his eyes. While he wasn't emotionally troubled, anything from the Traveler's Workshop was bound to be exceptional.

"Traveler's Workshop-made, quality guaranteed! No questions, just buy!"

Hikaru chuckled. "Then I'll add you to the buyers' group chat. Most of the people in it are Psychic users."

"By the way, I should thank you—Phoebe from the Hoenn Elite Four was introduced to me by you, wasn't she?"

"Oh, that was nothing!" Steven smiled warmly. "When you find something good, of course, you have to share it with your friends. It's only natural as a customer!"

The Elite Four and the two Hoenn Champions were all close friends who often shared interesting finds. Judging by the messages Phoebe had sent later, the charms she bought from the workshop were exceptionally effective.

"Apparently, ever since she used your charms, Mt. Pyre has been flooded with restless spirits," Steven said with a slight chuckle. "It sounds a bit eerie, but Phoebe says it's actually a good thing. Those souls, guided by your charms, can now find peace. The world of Spirit Channelers is truly fascinating."

"Oh, that's right, you're also a Spirit Channeler, aren't you?"

Hikaru recalled Phoebe mentioning this in the group chat. If his charms could directly guide spirits to the afterlife, then if there were clerks managing the afterlife, his KPI must be skyrocketing.

He pondered for a moment before shifting the topic.

"Now, let's talk about Pokémon moves. Steel-type Pokémon are known for their exceptional defenses, so I have a particularly useful TM suited for them."

"And it's an exclusive product—something obtained from a legendary giant. It's called Body Press!"

"It works best with Skarmory!"

Steven's Skarmory was one of the rare, well-trained NPC Pokémon, known for using Toxic and Spikes in battles. Unfortunately, it lacked Whirlwind, which made it less effective against Elite Four Glacia's stall tactics.

"The principle behind this move is that it calculates damage using Defense instead of Attack. The higher the Defense, the greater the damage dealt. Since Skarmory excels in Defense as a Steel-type Pokémon, it's a perfect match for this move!"

Steven was taken aback. "A move from a legendary giant...?"

That didn't sound quite right.

Even Mr. Brandon had a Regirock, but Steven had never heard of it using a move like Body Press before!

"If such a move really exists—one that replaces Attack with Defense for damage calculation—then every Pokémon with high Defense would..."

"Exactly! This move is a game-changer for defensive Pokémon!" Hikaru smiled as he pulled out an Ancient Bracelet inscribed with the technique for Body Press. "Before TMs existed, Pokémon used these bracelets to learn moves through repeated practice. And yes, it can be reused—it won't break after a single use."

"5,000,000 Pokédollars!"

Steven immediately made an offer!

"There's no doubt about it—this move is as valuable as an Eviolite in battles! Its existence could completely revolutionize the way defensive Pokémon are used!"

More importantly, Steven had never heard of this move before, meaning it was an exclusive item—just like Eviolite.

And he was the first buyer!

At this point, money was no longer the concern—what mattered was forming a valuable friendship!

An unusual, almost excessive, emotion flickered in Steven's eyes, making Hikaru pause in silence.

Being rich is really nice... While 5 million Pokédollars might not mean much to Steven, for Hikaru, it was a huge sum!

"Thank you for your purchase, Mr. Steven!"

"Not at all—I should be thanking you for crafting this!"

The two shook hands firmly, their palms clasping together in a mutual exchange of wealth and sincerity.

Steven had paid an incredibly generous amount—this friendship was set in stone!

"Here, take this as well."

Hikaru handed Steven a silver-glass whistle. "This is a Steel Glass Whistle, and its effects are..."

Steven was stunned.

Hoenn was famous for its Glass Whistles, handcrafted from Mt. Chimney's volcanic ash. To think he would find a similar product all the way in Sinnoh—but with completely different properties!

This Steel Glass Whistle enhanced the power of Steel-type moves, activated Steel Sense, prevented critical hits, and boosted a Pokémon's growth. It sounded like some specialized training tool—something straight out of a fantasy.

Yet, it was real, right in front of him!

"Wait a moment."

Hikaru walked into the kitchen and quickly prepared something before returning with a special bait for Steel-type Pokémon.

[Crafted Food: Mineral Bait]

[Effect: A unique blend of special minerals, soft sand, iron-shell materials, berries, refined iron powder, and bait base. Strongly attracts Steel-, Grass-, and Rock-type Pokémon.]

[Additional Effect 1: Steel Surge Food – Greatly enhances Steel-type energy for a set duration, aiding in Steel-type Pokémon growth.]

[Additional Effect 2: Steel's Might – When consumed, Steel-type Pokémon enter an energy surge state, increasing durability, strengthening resistance to unfavorable attributes, and significantly improving the chance of learning new moves.]

"...What is this?" Steven was momentarily dazed by the Mineral Bait.

Hikaru smirked. "A newly developed Steel Surge Food! If given to Steel-type Pokémon, it can lead to unexpected growth. It's perfect for breeders!"

"Why not let Metagross try it?"

(End of Chapter)

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