NOVEL NEXT Chapter 56: Chapter 56
"Oh oh, this is really nice!"
Hikaru gently stroked Petilil's leaves. "In the future, you can help out when we're cooking, too!"
"Peti!"
Petilil let out a cheerful cry.
At the same time, Hikaru's mind received corresponding feedback.
『Petilil has completed a craftsmanship task! Gained experience and growth!』
『Learned the move: Weather Ball!』
『Gained Knowledge: +1』
『Seasoning Participation: Food seasoned by Petilil restores +10% stamina.』
"Wow wow!"
Petilil's small skirt-like leaves twirled up! It could feel it—just a moment ago, it had suddenly learned a new move and had become a bit stronger!
"Yooh~!"
"Yoop~!"
Doublade also expressed its approval of Petilil. It then extended two ribbon-like arms and began absorbing the essence of the berries.
The food visibly vanished before their eyes, and Doublade could feel its "operational precision" improving!
This sensation… what a fantastic feeling!
Meanwhile, Hikaru was staring in astonishment at the notifications.
Weather Ball!
Wait a second, this means Sunny Day + Weather Ball…
Even a Grass-type Pokémon could now unleash a Fire-type attack!
...
June 30, Cloudy
Hikaru gradually put up the recently made products for sale, marking them properly.
High-quality medicinal herbs, Energy Root, Revival Herb, Sun Moss, and Charcoal.
The Double Pickles were also nearly done. Pickling takes a month, so they still needed a few more days.
There were also some wooden carvings. However, Hikaru didn't list the character carvings for sale—after all, the individuals being sculpted might not appreciate their likeness being sold online. If these kinds of sculptures were to be sold, the sculpted individuals' approval would be necessary.
As for the wooden carvings, Hikaru decided to experiment using oak wood from a specific tree.
『Crafted Item: Small [Ancient Wood Carving]—Style of the Capital Ruins』
『Description: A wooden carving made in imitation of ancient sculptures, using high-grade oak wood. The carving depicts Petilil.』
『Item Effect: Special Defense Prayer—By praying to the wooden carving, it will respond to a specific Pokémon and enhance its Special Defense!』
"Using oak wood will designate the ability to enhance Special Defense."
At that moment, Diglets's voice came from outside. Hikaru immediately put down his laptop and headed to the kitchen, where he saw Petilil cooking Berry Soup.
"Peti!"
Petilil watched as Hikaru took some Sand Radish from the ingredient cabinet.
What's he planning to do?
"It's because the Diglett have arrived. They helped till the land for me before, and this time, I need their help to dig up some important items."
"Don't let the Berry Soup cook for too long."
"Wow wow!" Petilil nodded its head rapidly, showing that it was being careful.
Hikaru handed the freshly carved wooden sculpture to Petilil. The Pokémon shook the leaves on its head, and in a flash of dazzling light, its Special Defense IV reached the maximum!
...
Outside the House
Hikaru carried a bunch of Sand Radish outside.
Diglett liked eating vegetables and plant roots, so Sand Radish should be something they enjoy.
As expected, Dugtrio arrived, leading a few Diglett along. However, they seemed a bit puzzled when they saw the herb field.
Why are these herbs growing so slowly?
"It's because of special circumstances—I already harvested once!"
Hikaru explained with a smile while glancing at the surrounding fields.
Perhaps it was due to Celebi accelerating growth once, but the second batch of crops was sprouting much faster than the first. The land itself seemed to have received some kind of unique enhancement.
"Daigo?!" Dugtrio's three heads showed expressions of shock!
What?! The village hasn't even had its first harvest yet, and you're already on your second batch?!
"These are a thank-you gift for you guys. They were harvested from my field last time! Also, I have a favor to ask."
Hikaru handed the Sand Radish over, and Dugtrio immediately recognized what they were. The Pokémon were delighted!
Plant roots!
Alright, so what's the task?
"I want to find a type of glowing clay. If you discover any while digging, could you bring it to me? I have plenty of Sand Radish and Berry Vegetables—I'll trade them for the Light Clay."
"Daigo!" Dugtrio nodded all three heads in agreement.
The Diglett let out cheerful cries.
Glowing clay, huh? We'll keep an eye out for it while digging!
The Diglett accepted Hikaru's request. They had only come by to check on the farm, so after munching down a huge pile of Sand Radish, they packed up the rest and took them along.
"By the way, is this little hole in the ground your doing?"
Hikaru pointed at a small hole in the herb field. Dugtrio looked confused and turned to ask the other Diglett. However, all of them denied having been here in the past few days.
That meant… the hole had nothing to do with the Diglett.
Hikaru's curiosity deepened. Although the hole wasn't causing any harm and the surrounding herbs hadn't been disturbed, it still felt like… someone had moved in.
Hmm, I should pay attention to this over the next few nights.
However, the small hole didn't appear every day, and its timing seemed random. To discover its origin, he would need long-term observation and a little luck.
But he still had work to do during the day, so staying up all night wasn't an option.
"Oh well, I'll just see how lucky I am at night. Maybe I'll catch the culprit in action."
Hikaru made a note in his mind.
Just like in the anime, when Dugtrio and Diglett carried things, they balanced them on their heads.
Watching them leave happily, Hikaru decided that he needed to venture into the forest again soon.
Compared to the mysterious hole, gathering materials was far more important.
Perhaps he might even find some rare materials.
"The crafts I currently have but haven't used yet are—" Flame Forging Mystic Token Crafting Apricorn Processing Glass Smelting Tool Manufacturing Ice Sculpture Crafting
"Hmm, since I have forging and tool-making skills, I should create some useful tools!"
Hikaru reviewed the crafts he had mastered but not yet applied and decided that his next task was to forge unique tools.
Although he already owned common exploration and production tools—such as a pickaxe and entrenching shovel—the unique tool-making technique allowed him to mix Pokémon materials to create specialized tools with unique abilities.
As Hikaru recalled the details, a list of Pokémon materials and their respective crafting processes surfaced in his mind.
"...Such a rich selection!"
Hikaru opened the forge room and began preparing materials for forging.
The iron scraps and minerals he had previously collected had all been stored in the forge.
Meanwhile, Doublade and Petilil sneakily peeked from behind the door, watching Hikaru at work.
The Berry Soup was ready.
Staaare~ (x2)
"Oh? Are you guys interested in forging?"
Hikaru's first glance went to Doublade—last time, it had run away immediately upon entering the forge. After all, as a Steel-type Pokémon, it naturally feared fire.
But Petilil, a pure Grass-type Pokémon, was also interested in forging?
No, it was probably just eager to participate in his work.
Such adorable and hardworking little ones!
(End of Chapter)
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