Master Craftsman of the Pokémon World

Faced with Hikaru's ambiguous skill, Honedge didn't quite understand, but it felt like it must be an impressive technique.

Hmm? slashes, canceling?

It fell into deep thought, seemingly constructing a swordsmanship model in its mind.

At this moment, Hikaru also raised his right hand, the ancient symbols on the Ancient Bracelet remaining silent.

By merely making contact with the Ancient Bracelet, a Pokémon could naturally comprehend its power.

This mechanism differed slightly from the Z-Ring and was more akin to the "Scroll of Darkness" and "Scroll of Waters," which the Pokémon Kubfu could evolve after sufficient training by simply observing these scrolls and mastering the corresponding signature move.

Of course, learning moves didn't always require a TM. Observing and mimicking the techniques of other Pokémon was also a valid way to acquire new moves.

For example, Ash's Pikachu frequently used Iron Tail, which was actually taught to him by a Furret belonging to a passing Trainer.

While contemplating this, Hikaru removed the Ancient Bracelet from his wrist and handed it to Honedge. Seeing the bracelet being offered, Honedge floated forward, using its blue ribbon-like limb to take it.

Back on the mountain, it had already heard that this bracelet contained move data.

But… what exactly was "Reflect"?

Hikaru suddenly teased it, "Reflect is a Psychic-type defensive move that creates a mysterious wall. While the wall is up, the damage from physical moves is halved!"

"This is a defensive move, yet you said before that you dislike defensive techniques. What now?"

"How did it feel using Substitute?"

However, Honedge showed no sign of embarrassment. It narrowed its single eye slightly and emitted a sound that essentially meant, "That was then, this is now!"

"Yo~"

What did the me from a few days ago have to do with the me from tonight?

Substitute?

Substitute was incredibly useful! And Sitrus Berry as well!

"Imagine constructing a transparent wall in your mind—not just in your mind, but within your soul. Call upon your mental power. This shouldn't be difficult for you."

"Just like when you use Psycho Cut."

Psychic-type energy, huh?

Honedge continuously played with the Ancient Bracelet while simultaneously sensing the elemental energy stored within it. Gradually, in its vision, a radiant transparent wall shimmered into existence. It was a recorded visualization from the Ancient Bracelet!

"Yo!"

Honedge floated into the air, faint psychic energy slowly emanating from its blade. Before long, an irregularly shaped transparent wall began to take form in front of it.

At that moment, Hikaru also noticed the symbols on the Ancient Bracelet beginning to glow faintly.

The move was being observed, mimicked, and learned!

"Recording moves, allowing Pokémon to observe, guiding them, and finally leading to mastery—modern TMs have likely streamlined these steps."

The learning process was going even more smoothly than Hikaru had anticipated. Perhaps it was because Honedge had already learned Psycho Cut, a move that also harnessed Psychic energy, before attempting to learn Reflect?

"In battle simulations, Reflect and Light Screen simply reduce the damage from special and physical attacks. But in real battles, the walls are physically present. If someone uses a contact-based move recklessly, they'll hit the wall and face severe hindrance."

Hikaru recalled what he had seen before. In the anime, when Ash's Treecko battled at the Lavaridge Gym, it had crashed head-on into a Reflect wall and was sent flying. Moreover, these barriers could move with the Pokémon that cast them.

In Pokémon Adventures, Light Screen was even used to create an invisible cage to trap an opponent.

"Yo!"

Honedge let out a cry as the barrier in front of it took on a perfectly rectangular form, shimmering brightly.

It had successfully learned Reflect!

"It worked!"

Hikaru was becoming more intrigued by the bracelet.

"Try using Reflect again?"

Honedge's eye focused on the bracelet, understanding Hikaru's intention. It then activated Reflect directly in front of the bracelet.

A faintly glowing transparent wall materialized, and instantly, the inscriptions on the bracelet shone brightly. As the psychic energy forming the barrier began to distort and fade like mist, its energy was reabsorbed into the bracelet.

"So that's how it works! I completely understand now!"

Hikaru grasped the mechanism of the bracelet—it fundamentally functioned by absorbing corresponding elemental energy. When the stored move was executed, it resonated with the inscriptions on the bracelet, allowing moves to be repeatedly recorded and stored.

It was similar to HM techniques!

In many regions, there existed a category of moves known as Hidden Moves (HMs). These moves, once learned by a Pokémon, were difficult to forget. However, starting from the Alola region, HMs gradually fell out of use. Originally, they had been developed to help humans utilize Pokémon's abilities more effectively.

The six most common HM moves were:

Cut

Rock Smash

Strength

Surf

Waterfall

Fly

"Now, as long as I find the right craftsmanship, I should be able to create an Ancient Move Bracelet—essentially an 'Ancient Bracelet'!"

But where could he find the necessary techniques? What materials would be required? Unlike the ancient statues that were directly carved, these Ancient Bracelets seemed to incorporate a mysterious psychic energy.

This reminded Hikaru of a precious Kalos-region artifact, the 'Punishment Urn.'

Some objects required Pokémon's elemental energy to be imbued during their creation.

Hikaru opened his computer, which, surprisingly, was connected to the internet.

"Let's look up some renowned artisans."

Unlike Pokémon Trainers, who often documented their training techniques and shared them with others, artisans guarded their skills closely. Finding their trade secrets online was impossible.

Hikaru instead searched for famous craftsmen from various regions.

Johto Region: "No need to say much—Kurt is the most well-known Poké Ball craftsman."

Mahogany Town: "Wilbur is a master ice sculptor."

Cianwood City: "The Ancient Pharmacy holds secret recipes and techniques for medicinal herbs, while the charcoal from Ilex Forest is one of Johto's specialties."

Hoenn Region: "The glass workshop at the base of Mt. Chimney is famous, crafting unique glass whistles from volcanic ash. By the sea, an old man specializes in making Shell Bells."

Sinnoh Region: "The elder of Celestic Town—Cynthia's grandmother—has the skill to craft ancient charms. In addition, some crafting techniques from the Hisui era have been preserved."

Unova Region: "Twist Mountain has artisans who fire ceramics using 'Volcanic Clay' and possess ancient metalworking techniques."

Paldea Region: "Cascarrafa is known for its ceramic craftsmanship. Paldea also has artisans skilled in forging mystical armor."

Galar Region: "Galar's silk and textile industry is renowned, with Wooloo's wool being a top-tier material."

Almia Region: "A highly skilled woodcarver resides there."

Paldea Region (again): "Master sculptor Kosha is renowned."

"Perhaps studying the techniques of these artisans could improve my craftsmanship."

Hikaru pondered carefully.

Once autumn arrived in Sinnoh, he could leave. By then, the ruins would be buried under heavy snow, and he could embark on a journey to study different crafts.

Seeing these artisans work firsthand might provide new insights—or even lead to rare material discoveries.

Observe. Imitate. Recreate. Surpass.

...

The Next Day

At dawn, Hikaru bid farewell to Yamaji and Volo, who mentioned that he too would be traveling in search of rare materials.

"If I find something good, I'll give you a discount!"

With that, he left.

Hikaru returned to the village by afternoon, returned the Doduo to the villagers, then took Honedge back to his workshop.

He glanced at the fields surrounding the workshop but didn't see Petilil. However, near the medicinal garden, there was a small pit in the soil.

Had she been here and left?

I hope she's taking care of herself.

Setting down his backpack, he didn't immediately remove his work attire. Instead, he swapped out his boots for regular shoes and began sorting through his materials and tools.

"Finally back. This trip was well worth it!"

Among the materials he retrieved were: Beach Radish, Hard Stone, Royal Leaf, Silencer Spray, Ancient Bracelet, Leaf Stone, and Dragon Plate.

As he placed everything away, a sudden, loud whooshing sound echoed from the sky.

"Huh? What's that sound?"

Stepping outside, he saw a massive black silhouette soaring through the sunlit sky!

"Roar!"

Hikaru's eyes widened—it was a Charizard!

Charizard was a bipedal Pokémon with the classic features of a dragon, though it lacked the Dragon typing.

Its body was primarily orange, with a cream-colored belly extending to the tip of its tail. It had short but sturdy hind legs, relatively smaller forelimbs, and massive wings that allowed it to fly. With a long neck, blue eyes, and two horn-like structures protruding from the back of its head, Charizard's most distinctive feature was the flame at the tip of its thick tail—burning intensely, a symbol of its vitality.

With the roar of the wind, the massive Charizard descended, landing with a powerful gust. It was noticeably larger than most Charizards, and hanging from its chest was a delivery crate.

The moment it touched the ground, Charizard locked eyes with Hikaru, seemingly comparing him to a reference image. At the same time, Hikaru noticed a small, watch-like device strapped to its wrist—likely a specialized tracking tool for locating the recipient.

"Wait… is this a delivery service?"

This Charizard had come from Blackthorn City. Realizing this, Hikaru hurried back inside to pack the shipment.

The goods he was sending included Eviolite Stones and Focus Sashes. Additionally, he had to ship a Cleanse Tag, which required rerouting.

From Blackthorn City, the shipment would be transferred to Olivine City, then transported overseas by ship to Unova.

Johto had a notable population of Charizard, especially in Charicific Valley, where many wild Charizard resided.

In other regions, Charizard was frequently used as a ride Pokémon or for long-distance deliveries. With proper training, a Charizard's endurance for extended flights was impressive.

Once Charizard confirmed Hikaru's identity as the sender, it became visibly curious, looking around at its surroundings. It seemed unfamiliar with this area, finding everything fascinating.

However, it did not forget its mission. With a clawed hand, it gestured at the empty crate, signaling Hikaru to place the package inside.

"Much appreciated!"

With that, the shipment was successfully prepared.

(End of Chapter)

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