Hikaru added Pryce as a friend and engaged in an in-depth discussion about the art of sculpture.

Pryce sighed with admiration, surprised that someone as young as Hikaru had already mastered such an impressive level of sculpting skill.

Though it was a family craft, youth itself was an advantage. With further study and dedication, Hikaru’s future achievements would be limitless.

[“Elite Four Grusha has been training at the Glaseado Path recently. He was the one who mentioned you, which led me to find you.”]

[“By the way, since I’m already here, why don’t I commission a sculpture as well? Let’s see… I think I’d like one of Seel.”]

[“Heh, Seel reminds me of a mistake I made when I was younger. Long ago, due to my own immaturity, I once put a Seel in danger. On the Seafoam Islands in Kanto, I was supposed to save a fallen Seel…”]

[“But I ended up collapsing as well. After that, I reflected on my own shortcomings and dedicated myself to teaching others about the harsh realities of the world.”]

[“Later, during a battle, I was badly burned by a Magmortar and was bedridden for a long time. During that time, my Piloswine left during a snowstorm and never returned. I thought it had abandoned me. So, I trained my Pokémon rigorously, keeping my distance from them and avoiding forming bonds.”]

[“But recently, someone taught me that the bond between Pokémon and humans is never truly broken. You have Pokémon too, don’t you? The time you’ve spent with them—treasure it.”]

[“Ah, sorry, I’m rambling again. If I can’t even follow my own advice, what right do I have to lecture others?”]

Hikaru chatted with Pryce and learned about his past experiences.

Wait a minute—was this a mix of the games, the anime, and the Special manga?

This really was a blended world. It perfectly aligned with something Pryce had said himself—”I have tasted all kinds of pain.”

If the Lapras incident was added to the mix, Pryce truly had an unfortunate life.

At least this version of Pryce hadn’t gone to the extreme of becoming the Masked Man.

After finishing the conversation with Pryce, another notification popped up. Hikaru soon realized it was a message from a previous customer who had bought one of his sculptures.

[Avant-Garde Art]: “Apologies for messaging you out of the blue. If I am disturbing you, I sincerely apologize!”

“However, your sculptures have truly captivated me—they are the epitome of avant-garde art!”

“On September 15th, an art exhibition will be held in Zapapico, Paldea. I would love for you to participate. I will cover your travel expenses if you’re interested.”

Huh? Another invitation?

Hikaru recalled that Morty from Ecruteak City had also mentioned inviting him there, Steel Master Byron was looking for him, and now there was Pryce and this client.

Wait… the way this person talked—could they actually be Brassius, the sculptor Gym Leader?!

“Have my sculptures really amazed these master sculptors? Maybe it’s because of the Shinto Ruins style.”

Hikaru pondered for a moment and asked about the schedule. Fortunately, the ice sculpture exhibition was in November, meaning there was no conflict with the Paldea event. He agreed to attend.

[Avant-Garde Art]: “Thank you so much for accepting! I will make the best preparations to welcome you!”

“No need for anything fancy, I can make my own way there. My sculpting art—”

[Avant-Garde Art]: “That very traditional sculpting style is what fascinates me! The blend of ancient and modern artistry, its cultural value, and its ability to merge tradition with innovation—it exudes a unique power!”

“Oh, right! I have rudely disturbed you without introducing myself—my apologies. I am Brassius, the Gym Leader of Zapapico. I am also a somewhat well-known sculptor.”

“‘Somewhat well-known’… That’s an understatement. He’s actually very famous!”

Hikaru: “…I’m just an ordinary craftsman.”

[Avant-Garde Art]: “Such humility! You don’t need to doubt yourself. As a craftsman, you already possess the eyes and instincts to discover beauty—it’s just that you’ve been so immersed in sculpting that you haven’t noticed! Your work has been an enormous inspiration for me, especially since I’ve been stuck in a creative block. I will eagerly await your arrival in Zapapico!”

Another invitation… Before even leaving Shinto, he already had multiple events lined up. It was strangely overwhelming.

But being recognized by so many people was a good thing, Hikaru thought.

After all, his goal was to revive the workshop. If participating in these exhibitions could boost the workshop’s reputation, then of course, he had to go!

“This is a good thing!” Hikaru smiled. “I have to keep working hard!”

At the very least, he needed to get the Johto folks, who barely went online, to recognize his work!

For now, Hikaru continued sculpting. With Doublade’s help, he completed the last two statues.

『Craftsmanship Completed!』

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

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

『Effect: Secrets of the Abyss—Dark-type Pokémon’s offensive capabilities increase significantly, training efficiency +25%.』

『Craftsmanship Completed!』

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

『Description: A stone sculpture mimicking ancient artistic styles, modeled after Hydreigon. It boasts an impressive level of realism and authenticity. Some collectors may be willing to pay a high price for it.』

『Effect: Ferocious Strength—Increases efficiency by 15% when breaking objects (including Rock Smash).』

『Due to repeatedly completing similar work, knowledge has been gained.』

『Large-Scale Sculptor: Increases efficiency and technique for large-scale sculptures by 25%. Sculpted works become more aesthetically pleasing. Aesthetic quality +25%.』

“Phew, done.”

Hikaru sat on the steps, clenched his fist, and reflected on his recent progress. With the improvement in various skills, his sculpting efficiency, speed, and even his own physical strength had all increased significantly. With Doublade’s assistance, his carving speed had reached an almost unnatural level.

It felt as if the stones in his hands were no longer solid rocks. In fact… under his tools, they even felt somewhat soft?

His advancements in forging techniques had also made his tools much more effective—a reinforcement in the right direction.

The three Pokémon gathered around, examining the three large sculptures. Regirock, who had been in deep slumber, also woke up. After standing up, it approached the sculptures, the “H” symbol on its face flashing. It seemed quite satisfied with the sculpting techniques used—an expert’s evaluation.

Meanwhile, Hikaru started mumbling to himself again.

In ancient craftsmanship, he had already created many ancient stone statues, but the awakening power of the Ancient Bracelet was proving difficult to obtain.

“Maybe I should search online… Perhaps the TM versions produced by Silph Co. might contain Hidden Power.”

While Hidden Power was generally considered a signature move of Unown, some Pokémon could naturally learn it through leveling up.

And—there was even a certain human who could use it.

In the games, an overweight man near the Lake of Rage had unlocked Hidden Power through meditation and psychic training.

Hikaru also opened his Pokégear and checked the shipping status of his purchases. Items ordered from Unova and Galar were still in transit and would take about two more days to arrive. However, packages from Johto and Kanto had already reached Blackthorn City’s Pokémon Center.

The reason for the delay in delivery was likely because Hikaru’s home was in a remote location. The Pokémon Center was probably waiting for all his shipments to arrive before making a single delivery.

Looks like that Charizard was going to be busy again.

At the same time, Hikaru started reconsidering the word arrangements on the Symbol Slab.

“Hmm, I’ve already arranged the words for Celebi. If I rearrange them again, unexpected things might happen. To avoid causing trouble for Celebi, maybe I should try forming the words for ‘Calyrex’ instead? It should have a similar effect on crops, right?”

However, at this point in time, Calyrex was still in its weakened state. It couldn’t be called the King of Bounty—rather, it was the King of Barrenness.

“If I establish contact with it now, will I drain its remaining power? Or… would I be able to provide it with a small amount of faith?”

Just as Hikaru was thinking about this, he noticed something on the back of one of the sculptures—a single black eye staring at him.

Oh, It was Unown E, the laziest one of the bunch!

“Annon.”

Unown E floated up!

It was offering to help!

“Help…? Wait, you heard what I was just saying?” Hikaru looked at Unown in surprise, and it immediately wobbled up and down.

That’s right—it was here to help with Hidden Power!

Hikaru’s surprise quickly turned into excitement, and he started contemplating further.

“But Hidden Power… It’s said that Unown can manifest human thoughts into reality.”

Upon hearing Hikaru mutter this, Unown E suddenly looked guilty.

This moment had finally come!

The other Pokémon also noticed something suspicious about Unown. Their expressions turned curious, and they stared at it intensely.

Doublade sensed that something wasn’t right.

Lilligant also shot Unown a doubtful look.

Even Turtwig had picked up on it.

“Yowoo?”

“Lilli.”

“Naa?”

Unown E wobbled in the air, then decided to confess everything.

It admitted that the strange dreams Hikaru had before were its doing. But—it only did it to grant Hikaru’s wish! It meant no harm!

After revealing the truth, Unown’s eye seemed to relax, as if it had been carrying a burden for a long time.

Hikaru was stunned.

“So… the dream from before was connected to you? Ahh, now it all makes sense!”

However, he wasn’t mad. Instead, he smiled.

“Actually, I should be thanking you. Because of your power, I was able to form a connection with that mysterious Pokémon. You saw it in the dream too, didn’t you?”

“It was only because of you that I had this amazing encounter.”

“Unown, our meeting is just another part of this incredible journey of life.”

Unown blinked in surprise, then suddenly beamed with joy.

“Annon!”

(End of Chapter)

[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum]

[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[Thank You For Your Support!]

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep