“No problem, let’s have Lilligant give it a try.” Hikaru smiled. “Carving is a real test of a craftsman’s skill. If you can achieve meticulous detail in your carving, then you’re a qualified artisan. Just like when you sculpted the ancient relic slabs before.”

“Yoo-woo~ Yoop!”

Doublade’s twin swords immediately responded with satisfaction!

It was very pleased with Hikaru’s praise!

That’s right! It was the chief knight under the king and a master sculptor. Even the kitchen knives had been retired in its presence—no tool could compare to its precision in carving!

“Next, Lilligant, since you are in your Hisuian form, your current ability is Hustle. Hustle greatly increases your power, but at the cost of lowering accuracy.”

“So, by practicing carving, we might be able to gradually correct or even eliminate the downside of this ability. That’s what I think.”

Hustle increases the user’s Attack by 1.5 times but reduces the accuracy of physical moves by 20%.

For many, this is a rather disadvantageous ability. While moves become stronger, missing attacks makes them meaningless. Even moves with perfect accuracy could become unreliable due to this drawback.

It’s common knowledge that a move with 90 accuracy is as good as zero accuracy.

In reality, even moves with perfect accuracy could be dodged by the legendary “Just Dodge It” technique, but the real issue with Hustle is that even if the opponent doesn’t actively dodge, your attacks might still miss.

That’s quite the hassle, which is why using detailed carving work to improve precision is crucial. Doublade itself had learned a lot from carving and even improved its move accuracy through this practice.

“Lilli~!” Lilligant nodded and then focused all its attention on the rock that Regirock had carried over.

Meanwhile, Hikaru started guiding Lilligant in carving. It didn’t matter if this rock was ruined—this was just practice.

Previously, Hikaru and Regirock had moved a lot of rocks together, and having a strong partner really made the work easier.

Before long, under the cutting edge of Leaf Blade, a rather rough and unimpressive sculpture was formed—its model, of course, was Hikaru.

However, upon seeing the disastrous sculpture it had made, Hisuian Lilligant became a little discouraged.

This… this is terrible! It had already pictured Hikaru’s handsome face in its mind, but its leaves refused to cooperate!

“This is the drawback of Hustle—struggling to accurately control the placement of your attacks.” Hikaru examined the sculpture and couldn’t help but laugh. “Haha, so this is me, huh?”

“Lilli!” Lilligant covered its face, feeling too ashamed to look at anyone.

Doublade, on the other hand, was brimming with pride.

Hah, you’re nowhere near my level in carving!

Hikaru comforted Lilligant. “Don’t worry. Practice makes perfect. You’ll improve next time. By repeating the process, you’ll overcome the flaws of your ability!”

Lilligant nodded determinedly and encouraged itself.

Next time, it would definitely do better! The work Hikaru assigned it—it had to complete it perfectly!

Its stubborn personality made it a bit of a perfectionist, but thankfully, with its trainer’s support, Lilligant quickly regained its confidence.

As long as it was with its trainer, be it in life, battle, or work, nothing would ever be too difficult!

Looking into Doublade’s eyes, Lilligant suddenly put its hands on its hips.

Doublade-senpai was probably thinking something rude again! Ugh~!

Meanwhile, Hikaru had found another stone and started carving.

This was an order from Clay and Mustard.

But how would they deliver it? The Pokémon Center in Smokespire City should have a way. If not, they could send more Dragon-type and Psychic-type Pokémon to transport it with Telekinesis.

As Hikaru carved, both Hisuian Lilligant and Doublade watched intently. Although Doublade had mocked Lilligant’s poor carving skills, it still took the time to explain key techniques when watching Hikaru work.

Unknowingly, Doublade was starting to show the demeanor of a true sculpting expert. Lilligant also listened attentively while letting its imagination run wild.

Doublade senior always said some ridiculous things, but it was actually a very kind Pokémon. It was just too careless and easily got carried away.

During the process, Hikaru even had Doublade help out, while Lilligant watched closely, preparing for its own training.

At some point, Regirock had also woken up.

It stood silently, making no sound, just watching Hikaru carve.

After a long while, the first stone sculpture was completed.

『Craftsmanship Completed!』

『Crafted Item: Large [Ancient Statue]—Shinto Ruins Style.』

『Description: A stone sculpture imitating ancient artistic styles, modeled after Urshifu (Rapid Strike Style). It boasts an impressive level of realism and authenticity. Some collectors may be willing to pay a high price for it.』

『Effect: Flowing Water’s Secret—Water-type Pokémon’s offensive abilities see significant improvement, training efficiency +25%.』

“Yoowoo~”

Doublade examined the stone carving. This was the Pokémon it had seen in the photo on the computer the other day!

Looking at the picture didn’t leave much of an impression, but now that it had been turned into a statue, it realized just how powerful this Pokémon looked!

It seemed incredibly strong!

As Hikaru finished his work, he noticed all the Pokémon gathering around the statue. Doublade and Lilligant were studying his carving technique, trying to learn, while Regirock seemed to be evaluating it, the “H” on its face flashing continuously.

Turtwig, with its mouth slightly open, stared blankly at the lifelike stone statue. It felt as if the sculpture might come to life at any moment, and that thought terrified it a little.

Beep Beep—

The computer in the room made a sound.

Hikaru wiped the sweat from his forehead and glanced around. Turtwig had begun mimicking soil cultivation techniques, Doublade had returned inside, and Lilligant was still examining the statue, determined to overcome its ability’s drawback.

Meanwhile, Turtwig, sitting by the medicinal plants, was absorbing sunlight and tilting its head curiously while watching Lilligant carve the stone.

Hikaru walked over to the computer and saw a new email. The sender’s ID read [Ice Sculptor].

Wait a minute, could this be…?

[“I saw your sculpture. It’s so lifelike—it perfectly captures the essence of Pokémon.”]

[“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Pryce from Mahogany Town. I am searching for an item that can enhance Ice-type Pokémon.”]

[“My training method involves meditating on ice, but lately, I’ve felt that just sitting still isn’t enough. I want to train under extreme snowfall conditions, and someone recommended you to me.”]

“Icy Rock, perhaps?” Hikaru quickly typed back.

[“As expected, you do have what I need. Icy Rock extends the duration of Hail, which is extremely useful for me. These stones are hard to come by. Let’s discuss a price, shall we?”]

[“Also, I am very interested in your sculpting skills. If you have the time, I’d like to invite you to Mahogany Town. We are holding an ice sculpture exhibition in mid-October. Your craftsmanship is truly exquisite, and I look forward to your work. Of course, there will be special prizes for the winner—you won’t leave empty-handed.”]

[“Consider this a formal invitation.”]

This was an order from Pryce!

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep