In the Pokémon world, every Professor had their area of expertise, yet nearly all of them had dabbled in Pokémon history. Professor Oak was no exception. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have raised a pupil like Professor Shuri, who specialized in the study of ancient history.

“From a researcher’s standpoint, they definitely wouldn’t agree to stop so easily—especially a passionate one,” Professor Oak said thoughtfully, then asked with curiosity, “Why must we halt research on the Unown?”

“You come from a secretive place. I’ve heard of Shinto—its ruins are said to be extremely mysterious. Every year, an expedition team from Johto travels there to investigate, but they’ve never uncovered any useful information.”

“To date, there are numerous ruins where Unown have appeared. Whether in Kanto, Johto, or even faraway Sinnoh, these Pokémon are always present in ancient ruins, as if guarding some great secret.”

“Forgive me for being frank, but scientific research isn’t something that can just stop on a whim. Even as his mentor, I might not be able to convince Professor Shuri to halt his work. In fact, this recent encounter might only strengthen his resolve to study the Unown.”

“Understandable,” Hikaru lightly touched his forehead.

“I can see where you’re coming from. Researchers and professors truly do contribute to the Pokémon world. Uncovering the roots of one’s cultural and historical identity is crucial for any civilization.”

“But the Unown don’t represent ordinary history. I do know part of the truth, but… Professor Oak, I’m sorry—I can’t share that with you.”

“No need to apologize. Many ancient cultures have secrets they protect from outsiders. As researchers, we don’t ask about everything. At least, that’s how I see it.”

Professor Oak waved his hand to show he didn’t mind. After all, he too had his own “personal experiences.”

There are things that truly are better left unknown.

Hikaru chose to speak to Professor Oak because he was someone who had experienced such things himself.

This was just a suggestion.

In the Pokémon world, it’s well-known that villainous teams often pursue power. To realize their goals, they’ll go so far as to capture Legendary Pokémon for their own use. In the manga, Team Rocket’s four commanders even once “kidnapped” Arceus—though that particular incident seemed like Arceus was going easy on them on purpose.

“If the secret of the Unown is ever fully uncovered and published, the world will never know peace again.”

“Not every legend should be unearthed or explained. Some should remain shrouded in mystery. That’s how we protect the world, humanity, and Pokémon alike.”

“If humanity ever comes to fully understand the Unown’s power, organizations like Team Rocket will undoubtedly come after them, frantically trying to capture and exploit them.”

“Well then… goodbye, everyone.”

Hikaru waved to those in front of him. The glow of Psychic energy began to shimmer around his body, and in the blink of an eye—he vanished!

“H-Huh!? He’s gone?!” Ash’s eyes widened, looking around in all directions, but Hikaru was nowhere to be seen. Professor Oak, with his vast experience, immediately recognized the technique.

“Oh, that was the Psychic move Teleport! Does he have a powerful Psychic-type Pokémon nearby?”

“Hm… what an amazing artisan. I suppose it’s time for a haiku!”

…

“I’m back.”

The familiar scenery returned—Hikaru had arrived once again at his workshop in Ecruteak. The Unown E gleefully scurried into an old pendulum clock, content to laze about in peace.

“Everything’s wrapped up. Next is the journey to Unova. I’ll wait for your call.”

Mewtwo left a mental message, eager for the day they would set out. Hikaru, however, felt there was no rush.

But first… it was time to craft another tool related to the dead—and it was something Mewtwo might want to use.

The materials needed to craft this “letter” were all in the workshop. Only a piece of ghostly paper was required as the base. Then it had to be sealed using spirit cloth from the spirit world and aged slightly using his mythic illustration crafting skill.

“My spiritual energy… is fusing into it.”

As he weathered the envelope, Hikaru noticed his spiritual energy spreading through the pigments. That eerie, ancient feeling began to radiate, steeped in nostalgic energy.

At this point, the letter was complete. All it lacked now… was a sender.

Crafted Item: Worn Letter

Description: A letter from the spirit world, sent by the dead to the living. Made from ghostly paper and spirit cloth. The departed, unable to let go of the past, wish to see their dear friends one last time. This letter was passed from the spirit world, entrusted to someone who can see souls, to deliver it to a living friend.

Effect: After successfully delivering a letter, you can retrieve Spirit Cloth from the mailbox.

Expansion!

Thanks to your knowledge in primitive crafting, architecture, mechanics, radio signal theory, and quick-assembly tech, you can now construct special facilities to deliver these letters—allowing communication between the living and the dead.

Suggested Facilities: Trainer Mailbox, Spirit World Mailbox.

“What did you just make?”

“A letter that allows you to converse with the deceased. You’ll want this, right? As long as it’s paired with the correct mailbox, you can send and receive letters instantly. Considering how hard it is to use the Tapu Fini statue in public places, I figured you’d need a more accessible alternative.”

Not just for Mewtwo—there were many people in this world who wished to speak to the dead. The Tapu Fini statue required a Stone of Gratitude to activate and thus couldn’t be mass-produced.

The Spirit World Mailbox and the Worn Letter, however, were a more accessible and public option.

Still, in the Pokémon world, not every soul enters the spirit world upon death. Some, held back by strong regrets, linger in the world of the living—running shops, turning into malevolent spirits, or becoming illusions left behind by the Island Guardians for trials.

So, this letter couldn’t guarantee delivery to every deceased soul.

Hikaru raised his hands. Countless bits of knowledge flowed through his mind, and his body moved on its own. Thanks to his knowledge of rapid crafting, he finished building a rather ancient-looking “mailbox” in record time!

“Production speed has massively improved!”

Crafted Item: Wooden Spirit World Mailbox

Description: A strange, old-fashioned mailbox exuding an ancient, nostalgic aura. Fitted with an antenna that can receive unknown signals. Letters placed inside mysteriously vanish—rumored to be delivered to the spirit world. However, if the recipient’s name is not written clearly, the letter will become lost, drifting aimlessly forever.

“If the first Worn Letter came from a ghost girl in Galar, then that means… the spirit world doesn’t forbid this kind of communication.”

“So who governs the spirit world?”

“To send letters, to blur the line between life and death—in that cold, silent world… this is a little warmth. A little comfort.”

(End of Chapter)

[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum]

[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[Thank You For Your Support!]

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep