“Though they called it an emergency meeting…”

The president of the Battle Company seemed quite impatient. That old man was dressed as a janitor—just like in the games.

President Mr. Stone wasn’t too different from how Hikaru remembered him either.

The Battle Company offered an extremely high price. While they didn’t achieve their goal of starting partial manufacturing of battle goods in Unova, they did obtain full licensing rights for all electronic battle tools. Both presidents discussed these matters thoroughly with Hikaru.

When it came to electronic battle tools and battle software, that wasn’t Devon Corporation’s specialty. Devon was better known for making Trainer-support software and utilities—like multifunctional navigators and detection gear.

The Battle Company, meanwhile, focused entirely on battle-related electronics. So, there was hardly any overlap between the two: one made daily-use tools, the other, combat systems.

“Devon-manufactured battle items will be shipped to Unova to fulfill local Trainers’ demands.”

Without a doubt, expanding into Unova was a welcome development for Devon.

However, the batch of items Hikaru had Daigo bring back was still under investigation. For ancient craftspeople gifted with mysterious powers, recreating such items might not be difficult—and the resulting artifacts naturally possessed uncanny effects.

But for a modern tech company, the real challenge was how to reproduce those mystical effects.

Take the Focus Sash, for example.

According to reports Mr. Stone received from his researchers, they couldn’t even begin to understand what “focus” truly meant as an energy form. They had to consult martial artists in Hoenn—and even offered high prices to buy their old training uniforms. This left the martial artists totally confused.

“Devon Corp collecting junk? Shouldn’t they be building Trainer apps?”

“Mr. Stone’s got his hands full. Who would’ve thought analyzing a single item could take this long? The power systems and tech systems in the Pokémon world just don’t connect at all.”

It was like the difference between ancient mystical tech and modern science. The ancients could handcraft a Pokémon like Magearna, but today’s scientists have no idea how it works. There’s a technical barrier—no proper blueprints, no continuity.

And looking into the far future, with paradox Pokémon like Iron Valiant, Iron Treads, and Iron Moth—are these robotic constructs, or are they still Pokémon?

Even during the online conference, Hikaru noticed a trace of concern between Mr. Stone’s brows. Thinking back…

Ah, it was almost time for that meteor. Daigo had mentioned it before.

So the old man was worried about the meteorite?

Still, in a world where May and Brendan exist, that disaster was destined to end safely.

Rayquaza would Mega Evolve without issue. The boy and girl riding it would become Hoenn’s space heroes. And the alien force behind the massive meteor—the strange Deoxys that arrived alongside it—would be thoroughly defeated by one well-placed Dragon Ascent.

Or maybe… caught on the spot, learning that Earth isn’t a playground.

Trying to invade Earth? Cosmic country bumpkin. Doesn’t know we’ve got brave protagonists guarding the planet.

President Shinzō of the Battle Company even gave Hikaru an honorary Executive Director title—though Hikaru never showed his face in the video meeting.

Still, it seemed someone at Battle Company figured something out.

Ms. Keiko, the lady who helped him find his apartment, sent a message—saying President Shinzō guessed he was the person who had appeared in the news recently.

Thankfully, Shinzō wasn’t one to fuss over such things. His janitor disguise, his self-deprecating claim of being a “useless Trainer” who just focuses on developing battle gear—this was a man who poured his youthful battling passion into his later career.

In the games, after defeating all the employees in Battle Company, Shinzō gives the player an Exp. Share. Black & White are the only games where two Exp. Shares can be obtained.

“Hm… and he unlocked some special permissions for my software account too.”

President Shinzō also expressed a desire to visit and see some items tested in real battle—so he issued a challenge to Hikaru.

Hikaru didn’t know whether to laugh or sigh.

But thinking more about it—that is Shinzō’s character: “cleaning and waiting for young, promising Trainers to arrive.” It’s what he lives for.

There was no need to battle now. Hikaru simply said he’d be taking on a Gym Challenge later that afternoon, and it would be the perfect opportunity to observe the item performance.

Putting away his Pokégear, Hikaru figured it was about time to head for the Floccesy Art Gallery.

In skyscraper-packed Floccesy City, the Floccesy Gallery wasn’t large. Hidden among tall buildings, some might even call it “tiny.” But it was still the artistic heart of Unova. Artists from all over came to this place to discuss and share their work.

“Yo! You’re right on time!” Burgh greeted him at the entrance. “Huh? You live on Fashion Street or something?”

“And this kid is… Wait a second—isn’t that little Amarys?!”

“It’s been a while, Master Burgh. Last time we met was when you visited our Pokémon School as a guest lecturer,” Amarys replied politely.

“Wow, it really has been a while! I’ve been traveling for inspiration, so I haven’t had time to visit the school.”

Burgh hadn’t expected to run into a former student.

“What a coincidence! There’s a new collection being exhibited today—your timing is perfect!”

Though Burgh rarely displayed his own art here, that was because he preferred showcasing them at the Castelia Gym (here depicted as Floccesy Gym), which served as his personal art gallery. Both the Gym and the gallery were iconic destinations for Unovan artists. Enjoyingthestory?FindmoreatMV-LEMPYR.

Inside the gallery were not just paintings, but also a few sculptures. The owner—an elderly woman—liked strolling through the center, chatting with guests and Pokémon in the relaxed atmosphere.

Though the gallery was small, it was crowded—not just with visiting artists, but also local residents who loved art. They admired, strolled, and reflected on the relationship between man and art, between painting and nature, between thought and expression.

There were artists with Chatot, others with Smeargle, and even one with a Sunflora.

Burgh gave Hikaru and Amarys a detailed tour of the artworks:

“Poem of Paradise” – souls climbing the Celestial Tower, drawn to the great bell.

“Joyful Times” – the lively spirit of Nimbasa City.

“Rust Tide” – the metallic ships at Castelia’s port.

“Sky Cocoon Forest” – Burgh’s own painting; skyscrapers imagined as giant trees, their rooms as cocoons.

“Prism of Nacrene” – about Nacrene City’s old warehouses and deep history.

“Black Forest and White Tower” – comparing Black City’s skyscrapers to steel forests, and White Forest’s trees to natural towers.

“Bridge of Fantasia” – the surreal magic of Unova’s bridges, stormy skies, faint lightning, deep oceans hiding unknown whirlpools.

“Hey… aren’t some of these from the games’ background art?”

Hikaru hadn’t expected to see these digital visuals reborn as high-level paintings. Of the five famous Unova bridges, three had been turned into art pieces.

[You examine the works carefully. With Burgh’s explanations, you gain a deep understanding of the concepts and intentions behind each piece.]

[You recognize many as conceptual art. Your impression deepens. After a successful independent art piece, you can fully access this knowledge.]

[New Crafting Style Unlocked: Unovan Art]

Description: A blend of styles from notable Unovan artists—realism, abstraction, classical, naturalist, and near-futurist. Countless lives and cultures converging across Unova’s timeline like an arrow.

Effect: +200% Art Fusion, +100% Artistic Quality, +100% Influence.

Note: Artwork is considered high-value decoration. Some collectors will pay top dollar. Any exhibit will raise your renown. The Secret Base Guild may offer premium deals.

Unlockable Profession: Phantom Artist (Painter)

Master: Caspaschia, the Wandering Phantom Artist.

Related Unlock: Quartz Plateau Ruins – Ripple of Time

Possible Future Profession: Temporal Explorer – Wave of Time

Craftable Items: Time Flute, Chrono Puzzle, Temporal Treasure, Time Gear

“Well? Not bad, right? These are top-tier pieces from Unova’s finest!”

“Jonathan from Nimbasa, Vincent from Village Bridge, Kevin from Lacunosa, Pierre the kinetic artist from Sinnoh, and Martiel from Opelucid.”

“What do you think, Amarys? You were always good at drawing, weren’t you?”

Burgh noticed Hikaru was completely absorbed, then smiled at his old student.

“They’re amazing. I actually come to this gallery every week.” Amarys’ eyes sparkled with admiration.

“I mostly do sketching, though. Compared to these, my work isn’t very pretty… I just hope I can make something this good someday.”

To her, these artworks were like windows to distant places. It’s why she visited weekly: each new exhibit offered a brand new journey through imagination.

“All art is connected. As long as the artist feels joy, it doesn’t matter how others judge it. And you shouldn’t belittle your own work.”

“Even works full of frustration and confusion are precious. They reflect a different side of the artist. Sometimes, the pieces we make in hard times say the most.”

“And even rough sketches and copies—those carry emotion too. Drawing is beautiful. The world we put on canvas, the world we see, and the world others see—they’re all different.”

“So draw! Through art, we escape the burdens of the world. Great works bring joy, and connect our spirits together.”

[Unique Insight Acquired: Burgh’s World of Art]

Description: A top-tier artist’s worldview. His words may have unintentionally brushed against Unova’s greatest secrets. In your hands, it could become something truly powerful.

Burgh’s encouragement stirred something in Hikaru—bringing him back to the present.

“Well? Impressed?”

“Thanks for inviting me. I really learned a lot,” Hikaru said sincerely.

Burgh smiled and led them to a special exhibit.

“This is the piece I really wanted you two to see.”

“It’s one of my most important works. Usually, I keep mine at the Gym—but this one belongs here.”

He pointed to a massive canvas.

Title: Birth of the Sun

It showed a glowing red sun and ancient people offering prayers below.

“I’m a Bug Pokémon artist. And in Unova’s ancient past, one Bug Pokémon was worshipped as the sun god.”

“Champion Alder’s ace—Volcarona.”

Burgh gazed at the painting. He had poured his heart into it.

“Volcarona has always been seen as the sun’s avatar. When volcanic ash blocked the skies, its glowing wings lit the world.”

“God of fire. God of light. There’s so much praise for it.”

“But its pre-evolution, Larvesta, is so rare. I wanted to paint a matching piece—but couldn’t. Even Alder’s Volcarona are already evolved. He has two, actually.”

Burgh looked genuinely pained. For an artist, that’s a real struggle.

Hikaru remembered an odd rumor: originally, Larvesta and Volcarona were designed as pseudo-legendary Pokémon, but the devs couldn’t finalize the middle evolution (Fire Cocoon)—so they just made it rare.

And yet in Paldea, Larvesta are everywhere—almost a nuisance. But in Unova? Nearly nonexistent.

Hikaru thought of his own Larvesta.

“I just had an idea. Could I leave behind a piece of art here?”

“Oh? A Volcarona sculpture? Of course! Actually, I was hoping for something like that!” Burgh’s eyes lit up. The gallery curator would be thrilled too.

“No—I want to finish the Larvesta companion piece,” Hikaru said, pointing to the Volcarona painting. “I have a Larvesta. It’s just not with me right now.”

“Once we’re done, can I use your Gym studio?”

Burgh was stunned—but intrigued.

A sculptor who wanted to paint?

Why not? Many great sculptors are also great painters.

“Absolutely! My Gym has all the tools you’ll need. After our battle, that’ll be the perfect time for inspiration!”

“Larvesta, huh? I’m excited to see what you’ll make!”

“As for our battle—since I invited you, I don’t plan to hold back. Only true combat sparks real inspiration!”

“Same here. I’m curious to see the art in your battling style,” Hikaru replied, realizing this invitation had been more than worth it.

Unova really was full of secrets and surprises.

[Quest Linked: Accept Burgh’s Gym Challenge at Floccesy City]

Rewards: Reveal Glass ×2, Bug Inspiration ×1, Artistic Talent ×1, Beetle Badge ×1

Note 1: Unova Badges hold no power, just proof of qualification. But linked with the Tree of Connection, they may awaken hidden knowledge.

Note 2: Burgh is a celebrated Unovan artist. Earning his recognition will skyrocket your fame. Your art and sculptures can influence hearts and minds.

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep