“I can’t believe this kind of Berry actually exists!”

The Mizzle Berry is essentially a placeholder Berry. It was one of the Berries used for making Pokéblocks, but when transferred from the Hoenn region to Sinnoh, the system couldn’t recognize it—thus it became a special, glitched fruit. In a way, it’s not much different from a Strange Ball.

What’s interesting, though, is that this Berry actually did appear on certain event-distributed Pokémon. In other words, unlike the Strange Ball, the Mizzle Berry at least has some factual basis for existing.

“I remember most of the Pokémon that carry this Berry are…”

“Darkrai!”

According to Fana, this Berry seemed fairly easy to find. In some forests, it appeared in large quantities. For Pokémon, this tiny Berry was like a “snack”—its flavor unpredictable, like a Berry blind box.

“This thing is crazy spicy!” Fana recalled from her cooking experiments. “Way spicier than your average Berry. If you toss one of these into a dish, it’ll completely ruin it! Though, I guess people who like spicy food would find it pretty tasty.”

“But my master isn’t picky at all. He actually loves it. And since these Berries are easy to gather, I bought a ton from breeders!”

“If you want more, feel free to take some.”

Fana waved her hand generously. She’d already gotten two golden acorns and a bottle of rare mineral salt—more than a fair trade in her eyes. Who knows, maybe the golden acorn could grow into a golden oak tree?

Coincidentally, Hikaru was thinking the same thing.

If he gave one to Turtwig to hold, maybe the Entralink sapling growing on its back would bear golden acorns too. Just imagine—come autumn, Turtwig’s back would be full of golden fruit.

The lost Four-Leaf Clover, Revival Herb, Mimic Herb… all sorts of rare medicinal plants swaying on its back. And the Holy White Tree bearing all kinds of fruits, ready to be harvested and used at any time.

With Torterra around, life was truly rich and wonderful.

“That wraps up our trade! Thank you so much!”

“Let’s register as friends! If I find any more rare ingredients, I’ll contact you!”

Both parties were delighted—Fana felt like she’d scored a mythical ingredient, and Hikaru felt exactly the same!

Leaving the food truck behind, Route 5 still stretched ahead. The performers along the way were still in full swing. If one could defeat the musicians here, they’d earn a special Musical prop—an electric guitar.

“To be able to put smiles on people’s faces—that’s an incredible talent! And that’s exactly what Pokémon can do. They can make anyone smile!”

“Oh? You’re a fan of guitars too… Wait—no, that’s not a guitar.”

“Hey hey! That’s a ukulele!”

“A true musician wouldn’t confuse a guitar with a bass—same goes for a ukulele!”

Street performer George ran his fingers through his slicked-back hair and rushed over the moment he spotted the ukulele hanging on Hikaru’s back.

“Oh, you’ve got a sharp eye, huh? This is a super rare and powerful ukulele,” Hikaru said, stroking his chin.

Guess no bass jokes today.

“How about a battle?”

“If I win, would you perform a duet with me? I know the instrument, sure—but it’s my first time meeting someone who can actually play the ukulele!”

“Some battles spark love at first sight. I wonder if ours will be like that?”

Though most musicians rarely battled, George was an oddball who loved street performances. That said… his battling skills leaned more toward showmanship than actual strength.

“Wait! Aren’t you that genius artist?!”

“I went to that art exhibition in Nacrene City! The Burning Worm piece was amazing! That was your work, right? I won’t forget that face—you were even on the news!”

An older artist wearing a beret and carrying a sketchpad suddenly recognized Hikaru. He even opened up his group chat, found Hikaru’s art group ID, and sent out a message.

“Artist Jonathan! Ah—you’re that famous painter known for your joyful style!”

Hikaru instantly remembered—among the artistic energies he’d gained at the gallery, the top one came from this very man.

Joyful art could uplift hearts. The strength Hikaru obtained from Jonathan was nothing short of miraculous.

“Wahahaha! What a fated encounter! Oh, so you’re battling George? Wonderful!”

“By the way, that Burning Worm from the painting—do you really have it? If you do, how about using it in this battle?”

Jonathan was like a fanboy dying to meet his idol. He’d heard from Burgh that Hikaru claimed to own the Burning Worm.

If that was true—

Then this had to be the real-life version of the Pokémon that inspired the painting!

“Of course!” Hikaru tossed out a Dream Ball. In a flash of red light, the Burning Worm twitched its body twice, then raised its head to look at Jonathan.

It had heard everything while in the ball. Something about art, style—hmph! So they want to admire my glorious self, huh?

Fine then!

The Burning Worm puffed out its chest, and its five antennae burst forth with dazzling sunlight.

Time to behold my majesty!

“Gwahh! It’s so bright—I can’t see a thing! My eyes!”

The elderly artist covered his face instantly.

Burning Worm: “…”

“Mera!”

Offended! You can’t even look at me directly and you say you want to admire my beauty?

Hmph!

Fine, I’ll tone it down just a bit so you can admire me properly!

The Burning Worm lowered its brightness. Jonathan’s squinting eyes slowly adjusted. Then, he excitedly stepped forward and gently touched the Pokémon.

“Ohoho! So this is the Burning Worm! That flash just now was incredible… The original flame—the one that brought light and warmth to ancient Unova!”

“Ohh—isn’t that the same ‘Burning Worm’ that showed up in that TV broadcast from Nacrene’s gallery? It’s a famous Pokémon now!”

Other performers and their Pokémon gathered around, giving enthusiastic thumbs-ups. Even those who weren’t visual artists recognized it from the broadcast.

“Such a fine bug!”

“Look at that white fluff—so pretty!”

“The flame is magnificent!”

“Those red antennae curl just right!” Follow current novels on n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net

“Such adorable antennae!”

The aspiring performer Pokémon clapped wildly, their eyes sparkling with admiration.

To be chosen as an art model meant you were not only beautiful but also powerful.

“We’re all your fans—can you show us a move or two?”

Burning Worm blinked, pondering.

Me~ra!

It raised its head, opened its mouth, and breathed a stream of fire. Its five antennae danced, guiding the flames to twist and swirl through the air—painting an image.

That was a fire-painting technique taught by Volcarona, used for drawing the ancient castle.

“Fire art?!”

“I’ve never seen such precise fire control before!”

This time, even the surrounding Pokémon Trainers were stunned, while the Pokémon audience broke into thunderous applause.

It was entertaining. It was impressive.

As expected of the chosen Burning Worm—such unique and special talent!

Under its refined control, the flame-drawing wasn’t just static—it moved, animated like a real cartoon.

The masterful use of flame captured the hearts of every artist. George, his inspiration ignited, suddenly strummed his guitar.

Joyful music echoed through the street. Dancers spun in place. Pokémon bobbed their heads in chorus. Artists tapped their feet while sketching frantically.

Hikaru naturally joined the performance, and the festive atmosphere drew in surrounding passersby. When the music ended, the applause was explosive.

“Route 5 really is a Unova treasure!”

“I love those Pokémon—and that Burning Worm too!”

The crowd’s mood had completely lifted. Sadness and stress melted away—only joy remained.

George gave a thumbs-up.

“That was the best performance ever! No need to battle—meeting you has already made my music come alive! That ukulele of yours—such a cheerful sound! Is that what they call a foreign-style instrument?!”

“When I played alongside you, I felt like my whole body was electrified! The rhythm flowed so naturally—my inspiration’s never been this strong before! Thank you!”

“And thanks to Burning Worm too! That song just now—let’s call it ‘Song of the Burning Worm!’ Wahoo! Let joy last forever!”

[Acquired Knowledge: Melody of Joy]

[Description: A joyful melody that uplifts the human heart, dispelling sorrow and fear. Music has immense power! Your Joyfulness +100%, Cheerfulness +50%. It influences hearts and calms troubled minds.]

“I’m so happy! And here—take this, as a token of our friendship!”

George pulled a small electric guitar from his bag.

Though it was smaller in size—

[Item: Electric Guitar!]

[Description: A special Musical prop. A modern invention far more expressive than traditional guitars. When a Pokémon carries it, it’ll surprise the crowd with beautiful melodies. One day, the whole world will hear this music!]

[Greatly boosts your musical control!]

[Effect: Expression +50%, Beautiful Voice +50%, Coolness +50%! Special effects triggered when paired with ukulele or bass.]

[Note: Some top-tier guitarists are honored as “Guitar Heroes.”]

Nice! With an electric guitar, I can totally pretend to be a Guitar Hero.

Speaking of bass—there’s still one missing. Isn’t Roxie from Virbank Gym a bassist? Though right now she’s probably just a band girl.

“I’ve already memorized everything from earlier! This’ll become my best Joy-style piece yet!”

Jonathan was equally delighted. He raised his canvas, grabbed his palette, and got ready to paint.

“How about the title: The God Who Stole Joy?”

He laughed heartily, beard quivering, and patted Burning Worm. The bug’s antenna lit up like a lightbulb—ding! That title was great!

From now on, it’s an artist too!

“You want to be an artist?” Hikaru asked, and Burning Worm nodded eagerly—because it seemed fun!

“You can understand Pokémon speech?” Jonathan stroked his beard. “No wonder you can paint masterpieces. To connect with a Pokémon’s heart is to create the greatest art!”

“I’m the same with my Sigilyph. I met it long ago. Its patterns inspired me deeply. We became friends right away.”

Jonathan’s partner Pokémon, a Sigilyph, spun around mid-air in a silly dance. Its nature was… Jolly!

“Got any new pieces planned?”

Jonathan asked earnestly. Hikaru replied, “I’m still traveling. I haven’t thought about my next piece yet.”

“But… once things calm down, I’ll definitely return to painting.”

Jonathan nodded. “Painting’s happiest when you’re relaxed. When life’s too busy, you can’t draw anything! So go! Travel and find inspiration! I’ll be the first in line when you release your next work!”

[Acquired Knowledge: Joyful Painting]

[Description: Painting tips from Artist Jonathan. Joyful colors bring happiness. Happy feelings birth happy art. Your Joy Level +100%, Likability +50%, and ability to stir positive emotion increases!]

“Burning Worm, you keep it up too!”

“Mera! (I’ll do my best!)”

Burning Worm waved its tiny limb back.

[Burning Worm acquired Knowledge: Joyful Flame Artist]

[Description: Flames now carry life. When turned into dynamic images, they bring joy and wonder, drawing the attention of both people and Pokémon. These flames can even be infused into ceramics, spreading cheer and emotion through heat and light.]

[Appreciation +50%, Artistic Sense +50%, Delight +100%.]

[Note: This knowledge was earned after leading the Route 5 Grand Jam Session!]

“Look!” Jonathan pointed ahead—the red drawbridge was coming down!

“The Driftveil Drawbridge is lowering! It’s controlled by Boss Clay. When ships pass, he raises it. The sailing schedule? That’s up to him too.”

“We can cross now. On the other side is Nimbasa City!”

The red bridge, also called Charizard Bridge, led directly into the city.

It’s famous for its hypnotic background music…

And for an important church.

In Black/White, that church had characters from the Reverse World—people who had either come from or gotten lost between worlds.

By Black 2/White 2, they’re all gone. Instead, Rood establishes a Pokémon sanctuary here, reuniting lost Pokémon with their Trainers.

Bidding farewell to the passionate artists, Hikaru stepped into Nimbasa City. Burning Worm stayed out of its ball, curiously scanning the sky and sea from atop Hikaru’s head.

From afar, it looked like he was wearing a giant, fluffy red-and-white hat—Burning Worm was just that big compared to others of its kind.

From Charizard Bridge, music began playing over the speakers—

Nimbasa City Theme: Collected!

In his mind, Hikaru couldn’t help but picture a dancing black dragon… even though that dragon had no connection to this city.

Nimbasa was a harbor city, unlike Nacrene which focused on passengers. Nimbasa was all about wind—strong gusts made it ideal for sailing. The harbor hosted cargo ships and fishing vessels alike.

The word “Nimbasa” comes from sails and vortices.

And surprisingly, the first person Hikaru saw was—

“Hey! It’s you, kid! Didn’t expect to see you here again!”

Boss Clay turned and spotted Hikaru emerging from the bridge. He waved—actually waved.

The nearby workers all exchanged shocked glances.

When was the last time Boss Clay greeted anyone that warmly?

Sure, he looked out for his employees and brought back rare goods for them… but this kind of welcome? That was new.

“What’s that on your head?”

“Mera! (It’s that big guy from the ancient castle!)”

Burning Worm hadn’t met Clay in person, but had watched their previous conversation from inside the ball.

“Oh, it’s the Burning Worm! Gave me quite a shock!”

“This must be…”

“My partner,” Hikaru smiled.

“So this is the one Elesa and Burgh kept talking about! Looks healthy—and huge!”

Clay nodded approvingly. Burning Worm waved politely.

“Mera! (You’re that mole guy!)”

Clay: “I think it recognizes me. But what’s it saying?”

Hikaru: “……”

Clay didn’t mind the minor slip and got to the point:

“Glad you’re here! Perfect timing—what a dependable reunion!”

He placed his hands on his hips.

“No need to worry about the ancient castle. My crew and that trainer have got it covered. Without those ancient spirits causing trouble, clean-up is going way faster now—humans and Pokémon are working together!”

Hikaru nodded.

Humans in the Pokémon world aren’t ordinary beings. When they team up with Pokémon, their power is literally 1+1 = 10. Totally unreasonable!

“Although things are settled there, a new issue’s come up under Mt. Ross. That’s why I rushed back!”

“I’m worried it’s another one of those ancient ghost deals again…”

“Ugh, this kind of thing always happens to me. What’s with all these buried secrets? Just how deep is Unova’s underground?!”

Thinking about the ancient castle, Clay’s expression turned unusually complicated.

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep