The villagers continued their daily routines, working tirelessly on the ancient land of Shinto. Year after year, they repeated the same tasks, and no matter how much the world changed, the village remained untouched.

Many Pokémon resided in the village, which made collecting materials easier. For example, Hikaru and Doublade gathered some Diglett droppings near the farmland.

“Yooh…” Doublade made a sharp critique of the Digletts’ waste.

Who would have thought that these things could actually enrich the soil? It was truly astonishing for a sword! Living long enough really meant seeing everything!

Additionally, Ground-type Pokémon droppings had no particular smell… though Doublade itself couldn’t smell anything to begin with!

Hikaru and Doublade brought the materials back to the workshop and used them, along with other resources, to craft a new batch of elemental glass whistles.

That was their morning task.

“Lightning Glass Whistle,”

“Flying Glass Whistle,”

“Steel Glass Whistle,”

“Rock Glass Whistle,”

“Fear Glass Whistle,”

“Water Flow Glass Whistle.”

All of them shared the same effects: increasing attribute damage by 10%, enhancing Pokémon attribute training, and preventing critical hits while sensing energy.

Additionally, the repetitive labor granted Hikaru new knowledge.

『Knowledge Acquired: Glass Blower – Increases glass crafting speed by 30%.』

There was also a special request from a customer in Unova—a “Psychic Glass Whistle,” which was crafted with exceptional detail.

『Artifact: Psychic Glass Whistle (Exquisite).』

『Description: A finely crafted glass whistle wrapped in intricately carved precious bones, fused with Light Clay, Soft Sand, fragments of Abra’s shoulder armor, and its fur. The craftsmanship and design embody an ancient ruin aesthetic, making it a top-tier product.』

『Effect 1: When blown, it increases the move power of Ground- and Psychic-type Pokémon by 20% and Ghost-type Pokémon by 10%. It enhances perception of these three energy types, aiding in the cultivation of respective Pokémon.』

『Effect 2: Psychic Artistry – Increases precision of psychic abilities by 20%, removes fatigue from using Psychic-type moves, and restores mental energy.』

『Effect 3: Emotional Resonance – Enhances artistic quality by 20% and emotional depth by 10%, bringing a sense of joy and mental clarity, beneficial for creative endeavors.』

“With these artistic and emotional effects, this seems more like a tool for an artist rather than a Psychic-type trainer,” Hikaru mused.

He carefully placed the finely crafted Psychic Glass Whistle in a safe spot. After finishing his glasswork, the next task was helping Regirock maintain its body.

By now, it was almost noon.

In a way, this kind of work was considered “rest.”

The legendary giant seemed to enjoy these moments. It murmured indistinct sounds like “shasha… shali,” as if reminiscing.

It was recalling the people of the past—those who once lived on the land of Shinto. Back then, Pokémon and humans lived together, worked together, and built together.

They repaired its temple, and in return, it helped them construct their homes. However, for reasons unknown, the people of Shinto gradually dispersed, the temple fell into ruin, and their dwellings crumbled over time.

The people of ancient times gained life from Pokémon and, in turn, entrusted their lives to them.

Because of this, the bond between humans and Pokémon was far deeper than it is today.

Every action of the people was intertwined with the power of Pokémon.

This was an ancient legend passed down in Shinto, with scattered records found in Johto as well.

“Regi…” Regirock murmured.

The lifespan of humans was simply too short. By the time it awoke, so many people and events had already disappeared.

And so, seeing Hikaru now, blessed by Shinto’s forest, filled it with joy.

Just like the first girl who befriended it long ago.

Hikaru gently patted Regirock, whose murmuring gradually softened. Its thoughts were drifting away.

Finally, as if shutting down, the “H” pattern on its body dimmed, ceasing to glow.

It had fallen asleep.

Hikaru didn’t disturb Regirock and instead turned his gaze toward a short distance away.

Lilligant was teaching Turtwig how to cultivate soil and plants, so Hikaru walked over.

He possessed knowledge in cultivation and various planting techniques—not quite a master, but certainly an expert.

“The key to cultivation lies in sunlight, humidity, and soil aeration. The quality of soil directly affects plant growth and yield. For example, most herbs prefer cool, dry climates and alkaline soil, which can be achieved by adding lime or eggshells. If you’re planting on your back, you’ll need alkaline soil. Peat soil would be even better, and you can enhance it using Ground-type energy…”

Improving unfavorable soil conditions while adding beneficial elements would alter its fertility.

Hikaru carefully explained everything to Turtwig, who listened in curiosity. It didn’t understand everything, but it grasped parts of it.

Then, Hikaru brought some special materials and personally guided Turtwig through soil “cultivation.”

『Turtwig performed a cultivation task and gained experience and growth.』

『Move Learned: Mud Shot.』

『Knowledge Acquired: Soil Neutralization – Turtwig can mix different types of soil, allowing crops to grow stronger and healthier in suitable soil. Turtwig itself can better absorb nutrients from the soil!』

“Huh?”

Turtwig tilted its head in amazement. It had just learned a new move! And gained new strength!

It also felt physically stronger—what the Unown said was true! Excited, it tested its new ability, gathering Ground-type energy in its mouth before spitting out specialized mud clumps.

『Material: Mixed Mud.』

『Description: Soil mixed with Ground-type energy that improves soil quality and enhances fertility.』

“Such quick progress…” Hikaru was pleasantly surprised.

This meant that Turtwig was a fast learner when it came to soil-related matters.

After a busy morning, the sun began its descent. Hikaru had other plans for the afternoon.

“Let’s make some sculptures. Besides fulfilling previous orders, we’ll also try crafting ‘Icy Rock.'”

He recalled that Lilligant had mastered a unique move called “Ice Spinner” after evolving. Its move description mentioned spinning with ice-covered feet to strike opponents and disrupt terrain.

If there was ice, then wouldn’t that enable a special ice sculpture technique?

Even thin ice contained Ice-type energy, and sometimes, ice sculptures didn’t need to be entirely made of ice.

Hikaru reviewed the ice sculpting techniques in his memory. Creating an artificial Icy Rock didn’t require large ice blocks—only Ice-type energy.

Hisuian Lilligant lifted her leg and performed a ballet-like pose. As she spun, snow and ice gathered, forming a small mound!

However, the ice chunks were too small to be carved into full sculptures.

“Lilli~” Lilligant frowned in disappointment. Hikaru comforted her, “It’s okay. These small ice pieces can still be used! Actually, I never planned on making large ice sculptures.”

In Johto, the most famous ice sculptor was Pryce, the Gym Leader of Mahogany Town.

This world’s Pryce closely resembled his in-game counterpart, meaning he wasn’t the “Masked Man” from the Pokémon Special manga.

As a sculptor, Pryce was unrivaled in Johto, standing alongside “Iron Master” Kurt as one of the region’s two master craftsmen. Hikaru didn’t expect his unique ice sculpture techniques to surpass Pryce’s work.

So from the start, they weren’t even competing on the same level—Hikaru simply wanted to use Ice-type moves to create Icy Rock.

Meanwhile, Turtwig, who had been tending to medicinal herbs, gaped in awe at Lilligant using an Ice-type move.

A Grass-type Pokémon using Ice-type moves?!

Just watching from a distance made it shiver uncontrollably—it was so cold!

With Lilligant’s help, Hikaru proceeded with crafting.

And thus, another day of craftsmanship began.

Under Lilligant’s watchful gaze, Hikaru swiftly began the crafting process.

Combining Ancient Rock + Ice-type Energy + Ice Stone Fragments, he incorporated additional Pokémon materials to enhance the sculpture’s effectiveness.

Hikaru had previously gathered Ice-type Pokémon materials during his time in Sinnoh. However, his last visit to the Ancient Peak yielded little in terms of Pokémon resources.

“Chisel off a small piece of the Ice Stone, embed it into the ice, then set the ice into the Ancient Rock. Also, add Cloyster’s shell fragments, Delibird’s feathers, and Abomasnow’s fur.”

Hikaru meticulously carved and assembled the materials while Lilligant continuously generated ice with Ice Spinner to replenish the supply.

Crack— Hikaru embedded the Ice Stone, Pokémon materials, and the Ice-infused block into the Ancient Rock. By structuring them into a positive energy cycle, he sculpted the rock into a form that would allow energy to flow smoothly.

Soon, a layer of frost formed on the surface of the Ancient Rock, with small patches of attached ice growing on it.

『Crafting Complete!』

『Artifact: Artificial Icy Rock.』

『Description: A crafted Icy Rock made using Ice Stone, Ancient Rock, Ice-type moves, and specific Ice-type Pokémon materials. If its Ice-type energy depletes, it requires Ice-type moves or a Pokémon to recharge it.』

『Effect 1: When held by a Pokémon using Hail/Snowy Terrain/Frost Breath, the snowy weather duration extends longer than usual.』

『Effect 2: By injecting Ice-type energy into the rock, it can actively trigger a small-scale snowfall, beneficial for the growth of Ice-type Pokémon.』

『Hisuian Lilligant helped complete a craft! She gained experience and growth!』

『Move Learned: Defog!』

『Knowledge Acquired: Elegant Dancer – Increases the power, grace, and aesthetic appeal of dance-based moves by 25%.』

Lilligant sensed a change within herself—a new “dance” had taken root in her mind. Unlike Victory Dance, this one conjured a swirling gust of wind. She was so thrilled that she immediately started dancing in place!

Whooosh—

A strong gust lifted all the fallen leaves nearby, swirling them into the air! This was Wind Dance!

Meanwhile, Ice Spinner was an Ice-type dance move!

In her mind, every move could become a dance!

“Lilli~”

Lilligant swayed her leafy arms, brimming with joy!

“Defog… A very useful move—it clears all field effects. That’s quite fitting for Hisuian Lilligant.”

“So, Lilligant can integrate moves into her dancing? Rather than dance, this is martial arts—a significant refinement!”

With another task completed, Hikaru received a new material clue.

『Material: Volcano Basalt.』

『Acquisition Clue: Stark Mountain, Reversal Mountain, and various volcanoes.』

『Associated Craft: Volcano Forging Technique.』

Volcano forging?

However, locations like Sinnoh and Unova were quite far away, so this would have to be postponed. Besides, Volcano Basalt was associated with Heatran, meaning extreme caution was necessary to obtain it.

“Alright, let’s move on to our next sculptures!”

After evolving into Hisuian Lilligant, not only did her base stats change, but she also became more agile. However, one thing was lost—her previous Lilligant leaves, which were commonly used in herbal medicine. Hikaru found this a bit unfortunate.

At that moment, Lilligant’s arms began to glow green. Under the gaze of Doublade and Hikaru, the glow condensed into the shape of a blade!

Leaf Blade!

“Lilli~” Lilligant cheerfully signaled to Doublade, proudly showing that she could now help carve sculptures too!

“Yo?”

Doublade suddenly realized something was wrong.

…Wait.

“Yooh?”

“Yoop?”

If you’re doing my job… what am I supposed to do?!

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep