Master Craftsman of the Pokémon World

"In our Johto region, the Ecruteak City Gym Leader, Morty, is a well-known psychic.' He possesses a unique ability called 'Clairvoyance,' allowing him to see things others cannot. Moreover, he is responsible for guarding the Bell Tower and the Burned Tower, places where legendary Pokémon are said to reside."

"If we ask him to conduct an experiment, he would certainly be able to provide an accurate conclusion. Unfortunately, I'm not an expert in psychic abilities, so I can't participate in this matter."

Professor Elm scratched his head, showing an apologetic expression, while Professor Oak waved his hand dismissively.

"No, no, artisan-crafted items are not within our field of research. Whether it's you, me, or Professor Solans, our focus is different. These are areas of study for craftsmen and technology companies."

Each region's professor specializes in different fields. Professor Oak's research focuses on "the relationship between Pokémon and humans," encompassing Pokémon behavior, ecology, ethics, and elemental attributes. Other professors have their own areas of expertise and generally lack interest in supernatural matters.

Professor Elm specializes in Pokémon breeding, while Professor Solans, although interested in rocks, primarily studies meteorites, astronomy, and energy.

However, Professor Oak suddenly changed the topic:

"But just like Evolution Stones, rare materials we have never seen before may exist in distant regions. These aren't limited to stones but could also involve materials related to Pokémon."

"For example, we recently discovered Evolution Stones. Although they are naturally occurring minerals, they have a strong connection to Pokémon evolution. Perhaps such special stones exist in our region as well, but no one has discovered them yet."

"Why don't we pay closer attention to that peculiar shop? There's a chance it might offer rare materials that could aid our research."

Professor Oak's suggestion was well received, and even Professor Solans mentioned that a certain member of the Hoenn Elite Four might be interested in these charms.

After the video call ended, Professor Oak glanced at the "Unique Charm" in the shop and slowly recalled a familiar person.

Kanto also has experts in Ghost-type Pokémon, though his relationship with one of them isn't great.

Should he invite her to the research lab?

No, better not. If he asks for help with research, he will surely be scolded.

By the time Steven arrived in Autumnleaf Town, Professor Solans' "Cross-Regional Discussion Meeting" had already ended.

"Oh! Steven, you're here! I'm really sorry for making you travel so far."

"Not at all! Especially since we're talking about a rare stone!" Steven didn't waste time on pleasantries and immediately asked, "So, Professor, where is the stone?"

"How would the stone be here? It's still in Johto." Professor Solans laughed helplessly before explaining the discussion they had earlier. Upon learning that the stone came from an uncommon region, Steven couldn't hide his excitement.

He hadn't even finished uncovering all the secrets buried deep underground in familiar regions, and now, an unknown place was presenting him with even more surprises!

Their in-person discussion was far more detailed than the video call. Steven learned that the stone was currently in the hands of a Johto Gym Leader, and he had heard of Bugsy before.

"He's the youngest Gym Leader in Johto, right? I've heard he has remarkable expertise in Bug-type Pokémon and even discovered the move 'Fury Cutter,' distinguishing it from ordinary slashing moves."

"I see... But since the stone was sold to him..." Steven fell into thought.

If it were simply a matter of purchasing it, he certainly had the financial means. By offering a reasonable price, he was confident Bugsy would be willing to part with it.

However, doing so might give people the impression that he just throws money around whenever he sees a rare treasure. The proper approach would be to locate the craftsman who made it.

Besides, if Bugsy found it useful and didn't want to part with it, it would be an awkward situation.

"If this stone has a connection to Pokémon, then it isn't just a common geological rock but a special mineral formed under unique conditions."

Steven explained fluently, "We already know about special minerals related to Pokémon, like Hard Stone, Mystic Water, and the King's Rock. All of these have strong ties to Pokémon, and their formation in nature is often linked to Rock-, Water-, or Psychic-type Pokémon."

As a professional gemstone collector, Steven's home in Mossdeep City displayed rocks from various regions, such as amphibolite from Kanto's Rock Tunnel, flint from Hoenn's Mt. Pyre, and diabase tuff from Sinnoh's Mt. Coronet.

Thus, he had a keen eye for identifying which stones were unusual and which required specific environmental conditions to form.

"I was planning to visit Pewter City in Kanto soon. I heard the science museum there has discovered rare fossils. But now, it looks like I'll need to make a quick stop in Johto first."

Steven spread his hands. "Time is really tight, so I plan to visit Johto for a quick look before heading to Pewter City. Once my research there is finished, I'll track down that craftsman."

"In that case, why not keep an eye on his shop?" Professor Solans pulled up the store's website on his computer.

"It's one of the popular online shops, and it has some rather unique items."

"There are some charm-related items that Phoebe from the Elite Four might be interested in."

Steven browsed through the shop's listings. When he saw items that could boost move power and had ties to life energy—like special charms and spectral cloth—he began contemplating.

"This craftsman seems to sell all sorts of things. Are his descriptions trustworthy?"

"I'll send him an email to confirm. That would make it more official."

After some thought, Steven drafted a message at Professor Solans' research lab and sent it to the shop owner, Glowmoss. He quickly received a response:

[Sorry, I am currently unavailable. Please contact me later. —Auto-reply]

"...It's an automated response. Well, that makes sense. The craftsman is probably out gathering rare materials."

Steven imagined the scene in his mind. Since he couldn't get an immediate answer, he decided to keep an eye on Glowmoss' shop for updates. At the same time, he and Professor Solans discussed whether Evolution Stones might be a new type of meteorite.

Meanwhile, he also sent Phoebe a message: "I've found something interesting."

...

June 19th

After the dream event ended, Hikaru busied himself with planting and watering, refraining from further interaction with the Symbolic Slate. Meanwhile, the term "Walking Wake" had also been split apart.

During this period, Hikaru utilized the ability of the "Leaf Gatherer Traveler" and picked up two herbs.

Both were white White Herbs. When held by a Pokémon, it can restore any lowered stats once.

Hikaru also drafted a travel plan—to close his shop for a while between August and September and leave the Johto region. His first destination would be Unova.

"The Entralink… I'm gradually getting a feeling that it must be there."

"I need to visit Unova, but not right now."

Since the information hinted at an encounter, then surely, they would meet again!

Meanwhile, the evolved Honedge had not been idle either. Aside from continuing to help clear branches and gather wood, it also trained extensively in Substitute and Reflect, occasionally mixing in Fury Cutter.

Previously, it had boasted that a weapon had no need for defense. Now, it had completely changed its stance—talking about a knight's virtue and such. But to Hikaru, this thing was simply brimming with an insatiable desire for victory.

A knight? Hardly!

Hopefully, it wouldn't end up canceling Fury Cutter altogether! This really seemed like some kind of awakened memory from a past life.

However, ever since it evolved into Doublade, both swords insisted that they were the original and that the other was the counterfeit. They constantly accused each other of imitation and demanded that the other stop copying their sword techniques!

Honestly, Hikaru had always wondered—would Pokémon like Doublade ever develop dissociative identity disorder?

Now, it seemed that there were already some signs of it!

"If I can find a Dusk Stone, I can evolve Doublade into Aegislash right away, and this whole issue with split consciousness should resolve itself."

That was Hikaru's thought process, but as for finding a Dusk Stone… There were no leads. Should he just rely on random field exploration?

Additionally, a small incident took place.

Petilil: Honedge turned into two… which one is the original? (.﹏.)?*

Left Sword: I am the real one! I was Honedge! ゞ（⊙）╯╬!

Right Sword: I am the real one! He's just the split-off! ゞ（⊙）╯╬!

Due to Petilil's innocent curiosity, the two swords immediately began fighting each other. Hikaru had to step in quickly to prevent Doublade from literally battling itself!

Petilil, though still curious, realized that asking further would only make things worse. It quickly darted off into the herb field, dug a small hole, and buried itself in it.

"Taking care of Pokémon is a real skill. Pokémon breeding is such an important aspect of their world… I wonder if psychological issues could arise?"

With this in mind, Hikaru paid extra attention to Doublade.

Later that day, just before working on processing stones, Hikaru noticed an unread email in his inbox.

A wild new customer!

However, the inquiry was about purchasing an Evolutionary Stone.

"Could this be from someone Bugsy referred? Looks like he's already used that stone."

While contemplating, Hikaru responded to the email. First and foremost, he informed the customer that Evolutionary Stones were rare and not something easily obtained. At the moment, he did not have a second one available.

Even if he did, he wouldn't sell it right away. He planned to have Honedge—no, Doublade—hold onto it for a while.

After giving it some thought, Hikaru added:

"Evolutionary Stones can potentially be found in various regions. You may try searching in local caves or mountainous areas. If there is a significant gathering of Pokémon, there's a chance you might find such stones."

In Hoenn, there was indeed an Evolutionary Stone. However, in the games, that particular stone was not located in any terrain but rather in the possession of a fisherman near the water, who had given it to a Magikarp to hold.

In the games, there was only one way to obtain a wild Evolutionary Stone.

Not by purchasing from a store.

Not through mechanical synthesis.

Instead, in Pokémon X/Y, one could find it inside a trash can in the Pokémon Village, where wild Pokémon gathered. Similarly, in Shalour City of the Kalos region, another could be obtained after discovering a certain number of Pokémon.

After sending his reply, Hikaru checked his shop and noticed a slight increase in followers. Additionally, a few orders had been placed for a Cleanse Tag and some Spell Tags.

(End of Chapter)

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