Chapter One: The Artisan of Relics in the Divine Capital
Page 1
Johto Region, northeastern mountains of the Lake of Rage.
Near the Divine Ruins.
On the Pokémon World map, this place is described as “a blizzard zone where ancient legends converge, blocked by walls of ice and snow.”
June 6th, early summer.
Event: Some areas experience rainy weather.
On a stretch of hills far from any village stands an abandoned workshop.
The structure is a mix of brick and wood; the wooden walls outside have long since decayed, moss creeps over the stones, and the ground beyond the workshop is littered with rocks and dense weeds.
Inside, an old-fashioned clock has stopped, the brick stove is cold, and a hastily drawn map hangs on the wall, marked with many locations—a recent addition.
Rain patters against the window.
Mosslight stirs awake to the sound of rainfall, greeted by an unfamiliar ceiling.
Memories begin to organize themselves, and soon he pieces together the sequence of events.
This is the world of Pokémon.
Pokémon—beings with unimaginable powers living throughout this world, visible in every corner. Humanity too possesses wondrous technology, marvelous creatures, and remarkable individuals… and so, the world itself has become magical.
With the progress of the ages, the elemental powers of Pokémon have gradually been integrated into human life and industry—a phenomenon that has existed since ancient times.
Too many memories leave Mosslight’s head aching. He recalls: the original owner worked in the Sinnoh region, but due to family circumstances, inherited severe psychological illness from his mother. She passed away early from her condition, and his father was killed a few years ago in an attack by a wild, ferocious Pokémon…
“Are Pokémon dangerous creatures?”
Because of all this, the original owner decided to quit his job and return to his father’s so-called “hometown,” finding this workshop according to his father’s notes—though it had clearly been abandoned for years.
The original owner was a “tool artisan.”
In the Pokémon worldview, tool artisans appear in every generation of the games. For instance, the elderly shell craftsman in Hoenn’s Shoal Cave, the Iron Master of Johto is a Poké Ball craftsman, and the Mask Craftsman of Snowpoint Village in Sinnoh.
In everyday terms, “tools” usually refer to battle items, but if the definition is broadened, even household utensils and work implements count as tools.
A tool artisan, naturally, is someone who gathers materials and crafts new items—this includes Poké Ball makers, artifact craftsmen, woodcarvers, stonemasons, glassworkers, and so forth, as well as merchants in tools and materials.
Whether searching for natural items or the raw materials to make artificial ones, frequent excursions into the wild are necessary. Yet the risks often outweigh the rewards, and in this era, tool artisans are nearly extinct. Perhaps the future lies in becoming a materials merchant instead.
Soon, the research results of organizations like Devon Corp, Silph Co., and the Aether Foundation will sweep across the industry, and their mass-produced products will completely replace the craft of the artisan.
Awake now, Mosslight feels a pang of hunger.
“A bit hungry… Well, since it’s come to this, I’ll eat a Wenyo Berry first…”
Wenyo Berry is bright yellow, shaped much like a pear—a berry unique to the Pokémon world. When carried, its effect differs from direct use: when consumed, it restores half the maximum HP of a chosen partner Pokémon.
It also serves as the main ingredient for crafting the item “Full Restore.”
Page 2
Surveying the still-active computer, Mosslight browses the digital inheritance left by the original owner: the online shop’s product pages are mostly filled with antique crafts and sculptures.
Sculpting is a family skill passed down by the original owner, hence his proficiency in crafting items related to carving and polishing—though most are decorative, such as stone sculptures for gym entrances.
While viewing the shop, a new email arrives.
A customer?
The power of science is truly remarkable!
This is the moment to say such things, isn’t it?
Even in a recognized hidden area, one can still connect with most regions of the Pokémon world—such is the convenience brought by the advancement of the times.
Perhaps occasional visits from ruins researchers prompted the establishment of a signal station here for convenience. Of course, Pokémon world communications are somewhat “black technology”—for example, rangers can speak with headquarters from even the most remote mountains, or across regions.
Mosslight opens the email; it’s a consultation request.
“The content… They’re seeking an item to enhance a Pokémon’s durability. Referred by the Iron Master… Ah, the original owner’s father knew the Iron Master.”
Mosslight’s memories surge. The Iron Master of Johto is a renowned Poké Ball craftsman, a true master of his craft. The original owner’s parents were acquainted with him, which is unsurprising—the Iron Master has friends in many regions; such is the network of a master.
Referring clients is a courtesy extended for the sake of old friendships.
As a tool artisan, Mosslight’s work naturally involves custom orders for clients, evaluating item quality, repairing damaged tools, and, thanks to the internet, making formerly in-person services much more accessible.
Business is hard, so online consultations are essential.
“For durability, is it for evolved or unevolved Pokémon?”
“If it’s unevolved Pokémon, I recommend the ‘Evolution Stone.’”
Mosslight replies quickly, but to his surprise, the response is simply: “?”
“What is an Evolution Stone?” The client asks, with obvious confusion.
Huh? They don’t know the Evolution Stone?
Mosslight hesitates, then explains: “It’s a stone that greatly boosts the defense of unevolved Pokémon. It’s pale purple.”
“?”
“There’s such a stone? I’ve never heard of it…”
The client’s reaction leaves Mosslight pondering. He asks about the client’s profession—are they a professional battler, a registered League trainer? The reply shocks him.
“Ah, since it’s impolite to state it outright in the email, I’ll say it now: I’m the Bug-type Gym Leader.”
“Because Bug-type has so many weaknesses, I began researching items to make Bug-types stronger.”
Bug-type Gym Leader… Wait a moment, among Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh, there’s only one Bug-type Gym Leader!
It’s… Bugsy of Azalea Town! The youngest genius Gym Leader!
Page 3
“Hm, a Gym Leader who doesn’t know about the Evolution Stone? What era is this?”
Mosslight is surprised, then recalls—the original owner… had one!
But the original owner… Right, he didn’t recognize the Evolution Stone, thought it was a piece of jade!
Stirring old, neglected memories, Mosslight describes the Evolution Stone’s effects in detail to Bugsy, then asks him to wait.
Mosslight walks to the deepest part of the workshop, where a sturdy oak door leads to the storeroom and basement.
The original owner had only recently returned; many items are piled haphazardly on old shelves in the basement, yet to be sorted and categorized.
Entering, he finds materials everywhere—stones and wood, common Pokémon drop items, many antique crafts, and some old relics gathered from various places.
Mosslight rummages through the antiques and soon finds his target: a dull, pale purple stone embedded in an ancient sword, labeled “Ancient Sword with Jade Inlay.”
The gem’s surface is slightly rough.
As for the sword itself, earth seems fused to it—who knows how many years it’s been buried underground? The blade is stuck fast in the scabbard, likely rusted, and the patterns on its surface have faded.
The memories resurface: this sword was discovered long ago in a certain ancient ruin, probably in the northwest of Mt. Moon near the Quartz Plateau. In times past, that area was home to many small kingdoms, now reduced to ruins and dust, with only one nation remaining.
Mosslight reaches out, removes the sword, and examines the stone in detail.
At that moment, a rush of thoughts floods Mosslight’s mind!
Chaotic, surging ideas disrupt his usual thinking and reorganize themselves, transforming into extraordinary information.
[Precious Material: “Rough Natural Stone”!]
[Knowledge Acquired: 1]
[Ancient Treasure Hunter: Enables easier discovery and contact with hidden rare minerals, fossils, antiques, and materials; upon contact, their information is revealed.]
[Crafting Skills Acquired: 1]
[Unique Polishing Technique (C-). Evaluation: Years of honing have produced a decent polishing skill. Any rock, mineral, artifact, or tool polished or restored by you will be improved in appearance and functionality, with enhanced effects and utility.]
[Through craftwork, item “Evolution Stone” can be obtained.]
“Huh? This is…!”
Mosslight is stunned for a long moment, then realizes… this might be his golden finger!
After crossing over, he hadn’t noticed any special abilities—it turns out they unlock through “work”?