Sitting in front of his computer, Hikaru used the built-in camera to scan the rough Eviolite before sending an image to his client.

“Huh? So this is the stone?”

Bugsy, after reading Hikaru’s description and examining the image, was shocked. He had researched numerous battle items but had never encountered information on this stone.

In the anime’s world, Eviolite had never even been mentioned.

Hikaru recalled that, based on the timeline of the games, this stone was first discovered by researchers in the Unova region.

However, when explaining the Eviolite’s effect, Hikaru avoided using rigid game-like terms, such as saying it “increases Defense and Special Defense by 50%”.

After all, in the realistic world of Pokémon, no professor had ever officially quantified a Pokémon’s stats in numerical values.

Instead, he phrased it more naturally:

“As I said, Eviolite can only be used by Pokémon that have the potential to evolve but haven’t yet. It is a miraculous stone for weaker Pokémon and a powerful enhancement for already strong ones. With this stone, some unevolved Pokémon can even surpass their evolved forms!”

“If you’re interested, place a deposit, and I’ll refine it for you. Once processed with my craftsmanship, its effects will be even greater.”

After sending the message, Hikaru didn’t receive an immediate reply.

Bugsy was likely considering the offer. It was a completely unknown item—most people would hesitate, wondering if they were being scammed.

But soon, a response came.

“Alright, I agree.”

Bugsy didn’t deliberate for long before sending another message:

“You were introduced by the Iron Master, and I came here specifically seeking special items. If I refuse just because I doubt its effects, that would be missing the point entirely. I’m a researcher, and I’ll confirm the stone’s effectiveness myself.”

Success!

Hikaru exhaled in relief.

His first transaction in this new region had gone smoothly. A great start!

They agreed on a delivery time of one week, and surprisingly, Hikaru was able to request Flying Mail Service to Blackthorn City—likely delivered by a Dragonite or Delibird.

As for the deposit…

“10,000 Pokédollars.”

The deposit was 20% of the total price.

Historically, Eviolite was never a purchasable item in the games—it was only found or gifted. It wasn’t until Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet) that it became available for purchase at a price of 50,000 Pokédollars.

Following the game’s official pricing, Hikaru sold it at a fair rate.

No need to be a greedy merchant and scare off customers.

—

Knock. Knock. Knock.

A strange knocking sound echoed through the air.

Hikaru looked up, confused, glancing toward the door.

“Someone’s knocking?”

From deep within the house, a chill slowly spread.

Crossing the counter, he opened the front door—

No one was there.

The rain continued to drizzle, dark clouds covering the mountains.

The forests, valleys, and snowy peaks in the distance were shrouded in mist, obscuring visibility.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The sound came again.

Hikaru checked around the door but saw no passing Wild Pokémon seeking shelter from the rain.

The nearby village showed only faint trails of chimney smoke—no movement.

Nothing but wild grass, swaying in the cold rain.

He listened carefully.

The sound wasn’t coming from outside.

It was coming from inside.

Following the noise, he arrived at the basement door.

A sense of confusion and caution filled his eyes.

“I was just in the basement… and there was nothing there.”

Could it be…

A ghost?

Well, that wasn’t exactly uncommon in the Pokémon world. Ghost-type Pokémon causing disturbances was a normal occurrence.

“Stormy weather, a haunted house… the atmosphere is perfectly set.”

In the Pokémon world’s lore, the spirit world existed, and every region had ghostly myths.

Considering that he had taken over this body, was it possible that the original owner’s soul still lingered here?

“If you’re a spirit… just rest in peace.”

“I’ve never performed an exorcism before, but Ghost Pokémon have an actual elemental typing.”

“And if it has a type… I can deal with it.”

As a craftsman, Hikaru didn’t rely on brute strength. He relied on tools.

“The difference between fighting unarmed and using proper tools is massive.”

Rather than rushing into the basement, Hikaru swiftly returned to his room to prepare for battle.

—

Preparation Phase:

✔ First Item: A small box of dried Kasib Berries.

➡ When consumed, this berry halves the damage from one super-effective Ghost-type attack.

✔ Second Item: A Cleanse Tag incense burner.

➡ This reduces the chances of encountering Wild Pokémon, as many Pokémon dislike the scent.

✔ Third Item: A Sharp Fang Necklace from a Houndour.

➡ This contained lingering Dark- and Fire-type energy.

✔ Fourth Item: Rage-Filled Dumplings from Johto.

➡ These dumplings remove most status conditions.

✔ Fifth Item: Sticky Mud Balls.

➡ Used to disrupt enemy movements.

✔ Sixth Item: A recorded sound of Snarl on a voice recorder.

➡ This wouldn’t actually inflict damage but could create an extremely annoying noise to disrupt the opponent’s focus.

✔ Final Item: Several Poké Balls.

➡ Just in case.

—

Now fully prepared, Hikaru unlocked the basement.

As the lights flickered on, illuminating the shelves, Hikaru ensured the door was secured before stepping inside.

A cold chill swept over him.

His body shuddered slightly—a natural reaction.

“This wasn’t here when I left the basement earlier.”

Step by step, he moved forward.

The Cleanse Tag incense burned gently, its faint smoke drifting into every corner of the basement.

“Carvings, Star Sand, antique replicas, Fire Stones, Power Bands, Shell Bells, Geodude’s rock fragments…”

Creak.

The door groaned.

Hikaru immediately turned toward it—

At that exact moment, a dark shadow rose behind him!

In the pitch-black basement, a blue eye flashed open.

“Yo——!”

Honedge was thrilled!

The human had fallen for the bait!

Time for a “Shadow Sneak” surprise attack!

This was a knight’s way of greeting!

A swift black shadow struck Hikaru’s back!

…

But.

The effect… wasn’t great?

Honedge’s eye blinked in confusion.

Hikaru merely staggered slightly, but immediately regained his footing.

Turning around, he saw the floating, slightly bewildered sword—

And smirked.

“Looks like it wasn’t very effective!”

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep