Chapter 140 – 140

Regirock was busy moving stones, arranging them inside the temple to resemble common furniture like tables, chairs, and benches.

Since it was going to be a place for Pokémon to trade with one another, it naturally needed the appropriate setup.

Four square stones were placed as supports, then a large, flat slab was set atop them—forming a wide stone table.

Two smooth stones were used as stools, placed around the table.

He then brought over long rectangular stones, building them into a shelf-like shape using mud as adhesive. Though not particularly refined, Regirock was quite satisfied with the resulting stone display stand.

Stone, after all, could be carved into elegant statues or left in its rough and uneven form—either way, its charm would shine through. Different kinds of stones each had their own unique uses across various domains.

Regirock thought of the statues Hikaru had crafted and felt the temple should house more of those exquisite stone sculptures. Since this was a temple of rock, it was only right to display Rock-type Pokémon statues—but not too many, lest they outshine the main purpose.

“Reeegi—”

As for merchandise: Evolution Stones, precious rocks, rare minerals, and delicious edible stones… what else?

A group of Rock-type Pokémon had gathered near the Rocky Mountain Ruins, drawn by the land’s unique atmosphere. The feeling was rather mysterious. Word-of-mouth among the Pokémon spread the news far and wide.

Geodudes appeared at the temple’s entrance. The rocky environment soothed them, filling their hearts with peace. They could feel the elemental energy within them growing steadily.

Regirock’s H-shaped symbol flickered as it spotted the hesitant Geodudes at the door.

These Geodudes were known for being hot-headed and stubborn, often violent—furiously punching when angered. Yet here they were, being surprisingly polite.

Unlike Graveler, which lived on cliffs and mountain roads, Geodude could be found in forests, plains, deserts, and caves—basically everywhere except water.

“Reeegi!”

Ah, welcome—welcome! Our very first guests!

Unfortunately, the shop didn’t have any merchandise ready just yet…

“Geo!”

The Geodudes were somewhat intimidated by the stone giant before them, but after hearing Regirock’s voice, they began whispering among themselves, seeming to make a decision. They hopped away, leaving the temple quiet again.

Before long, the Geodudes returned—this time carrying various strange stones.

“Geoo~!”

They expressed their intent—not to buy, but to stay! These stones were their rent payment.

Pokémon do engage in trade with each other too, though in the wild, instinctive aggression often leads them to resolve matters through battle. Thus, only weaker or less aggressive Pokémon typically participate in trade.

Geodudes weren’t known for bartering, but the calming aura around the temple seemed to subdue their usual temperaments, leading them to offer trade in exchange for shelter.

“Shashari…”

Regirock’s symbol blinked joyfully.

Of course, that’s fine!

And it had unexpectedly gained… merchandise?

These stones were varied—likely food items the Geodudes had dug up from different places.

Besides Berries, many Rock-type Pokémon considered stones part of their diet. Different stones had different flavors. Graveler, for example, enjoyed moss-covered stones and consumed a ton of rock daily. Larvitar was known to eat a whole mountain’s worth of earth before evolving.

Regirock understood Geodudes’ dietary habits well. Long ago, humans used to keep Geodudes to transport stone or even to help pickle vegetables.

He thought of the luminous moss growing on his body—a gift from Hikaru to help Regirock move freely even in the rain. Its appearance was already starting to resemble its creator, Regigigas.

A symbol blinked above Regirock’s head like an exclamation point. He gestured for the Geodudes to wait a moment, then fetched some high-density stones. Using his stone arm, he scraped off some of the luminous moss and transplanted it onto those stones.

This special moss had been cultivated through unique techniques and grew rapidly. As soon as it landed on the stones, it began spreading. A vibrant life force enveloped the rocks, and the Geodudes’ eyes lit up—they were drooling in anticipation!

Gravelers loved moss-covered stones, so of course Geodudes did too!

And once Graveler evolved into Golem—well, that’s when things got really interesting. Over time, ancient Golem were said to grow mossy, their bodies turning green.

Regirock’s symbols blinked in a flurry.

Using luminous moss to make food for Rock-type Pokémon… Wait a second, wasn’t this supposed to be a general store? How did it turn into a restaurant?

Oh well, this wasn’t bad either. After all, food counted as merchandise too!

“Geoo~”

As the Geodudes munched on the mossy stones, another visitor arrived at the temple entrance.

A Sudowoodo.

Looking like a tree, its body bore five yellow spots on its belly. Each of its hands ended in three green, ball-like fingers—like branches with leaves.

Sudowoodo immediately locked eyes on the luminous moss on Regirock’s body!

“Wooo~!”

Though this was their first meeting, it pleaded:

Legendary Giant, please share some of that moss with me! I’ll do anything!

Regirock: “…”

Looking at Sudowoodo, Regirock thought about the lack of large green plants in the temple—like potted greenery. Of course, you couldn’t really plant trees inside a temple, but as humans put it, it needed interior greenery.

“Reeegi—”

If you want the luminous moss, you have to trade something—just like the others.

Sudowoodo pondered for a moment, then waved its arms and darted away. After a while, it returned, holding a rock studded with red crystals.

Regirock gave a sound of approval and plucked a bit of moss from its body. But Sudowoodo thought that wasn’t enough.

Regirock explained that the moss was still needed for his own use. If Sudowoodo wanted more, he’d have to ask the human craftsman outside the forest to grow it.

Moreover, if this moss covered your body, even rain wouldn’t be a problem anymore.

Sudowoodo was shocked. It repeatedly examined the moss on its arms, then looked at the huge patch on Regirock, eyes full of envy.

What a treasure—this moss was a gift for Rock-types that feared the rain!

But… the one who grew this moss wasn’t the titan, but the human craftsman outside the forest?

Sudowoodo paused.

Just then, one of the Geodudes—a rounder one, clearly older—spoke up. It had once seen that human near Celebi’s shrine!

“Reeegi—”

Regirock explained the origins of the luminous moss and the mysterious craftsman, leaving the Pokémon in awe.

A human who could create powerful food and cultivate tools?

Humans had that kind of ability?

“Reeegi—”

That’s no ordinary human—he’s a special craftsman, one who has been blessed by the Forest God!

If you want to trade with him, go to the workshop outside the forest. If you’re too shy, you can come here instead—but you’ll have to bring stone materials as payment.

The Pokémon looked at each other. Dealing with the giant was preferable—it was a fellow Pokémon, after all.

Though many Pokémon lived with humans in villages, wild Pokémon had vastly different habits and thinking. The forest dwellers had no plans to change their ways.

If Regirock could communicate with the craftsman, that would be ideal!

Sudowoodo and the Geodudes all wanted luminous moss!

Soon, the Geodudes hopped off to summon their friends and family, heading toward the Rocky Mountain Ruins. Meanwhile, Sudowoodo simply stood against a wall—if someone had poor eyesight, they’d think it was just a big potted plant.

As night deepened, the Geodudes returned with kin, but then—an overwhelming presence approached the temple gates, startling Regirock.

With a body cloaked in orange and gray, a strange black left eye, and a crimson blood moon on its forehead, the massive bear crept toward the ruins, trying its best not to cause alarm.

But Heggetsu was shocked to see the ruin already repaired!

The destruction it had caused before—was all of this fixed by that human craftsman’s power?

“Reeegi—!”

A visitor? That one’s up to no good!

Regirock and the bear Pokémon, who had once carelessly damaged the temple, locked eyes!

Tension immediately surged!

Are you here to wreck my place again?!

Regirock stood ready, on full alert—while Heggetsu frantically waved its paws!

“Gaa-chii!”

I’m not here to fight!

In fact—I’ve come to beg for help.

To prove my sincerity, I even brought rare stones. Please, mighty giant, tell me where the human craftsman lives! I’ll do anything!

Heggetsu pleaded, pulling strange rocks from its fur. But just as it finished speaking, a wave of weakness hit it like a sledgehammer—and with a crash, it collapsed, smashing the freshly built stone table Regirock had just finished!

(End of Chapter)

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