Chapter 20: The Challenge of the Three Illusion Stages

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Grade B Craftsmanship! A flicker of surprise stirred in Lightmoss’s heart. So far, all the crafts he had acquired were of Grade C or D; he wondered what marvelous creations could emerge from a B-grade craft. Just the thought made him eager to explore it further.

Moreover, carving was one of the family’s traditional skills, and this craft would certainly refine his technique.

The clues for creating the mysterious artifact did not disappoint either. The transparent bell was a mystical item used during the game’s storyline to summon the Water Lord or the Phoenix King, both precious relics from ancient times. Yet, the materials required to make it left Lightmoss silent.

How to make the transparent bell? Find the Water Lord and the Phoenix King.

How to find the Water Lord and the Phoenix King? Make the transparent bell.

What kind of endless loop was this?

Regarding the crafting process, it seemed that once he obtained the relevant materials or partial knowledge, the craft would be automatically unlocked... or so he guessed.

There were no known bell artisans in Yuan Zhu City within the game, but if pushed, the five dancers at the Yuan Zhu Dance Hall might know something... or perhaps the mysterious youth Mizuki, who chased the Water Lord, or the old man holding the Silver Feather in Deep Grey City, could have some insight.

As much information gradually faded from view, the world in Lightmoss’s sight returned to normal. He stood up, saying, “I’m ready to check out the ruins.”

“Oh! Indeed, you’ve bought quite a few things, but haven’t looked at the ruins yet. How about I accompany you? As I said, I’m here recently as a merchant, acting as your guide.”

Wang Luo seized every chance to gather intelligence, volunteering to join Lightmoss and even proposing:

“We could even have a Pokémon battle in front of the ruins... maybe Arceus is watching us.”

You probably say that to everyone who comes to the ruins!

Wang Luo wore a nostalgic expression.

“A long time ago, I once had a chance—at a shrine in my hometown, I battled another trainer, and something strange happened afterward...”

“Hmm, I want to try to recreate that scene; maybe you’re the chosen trainer of the gods.”

Faced with Wang Luo’s preaching, Lightmoss glanced at Old Man Shanjian, who chuckled and replied:

“In the legends of the Divine Capital, there are indeed stories of heroes challenging gods and receiving rewards. Those legends say people receive the life of Pokémon and entrust their own lives in return... perhaps referring to Pokémon battles.”

“Battles... I haven’t tried them yet. I’m not a trainer registered with the league. As I said, I’m a craftsman here to collect materials.”

Lightmoss looked at the elderly man and made his request:

“I’d like to take some rocks from around here, or perhaps collapsed, broken bricks from the ruins.”

Old Man Shanjian squinted slightly, then answered calmly:

“The ancients built quarries around here, including this valley where the cabin stands. It was always a place to extract stones... After the ruins collapsed, many damaged stones scattered nearby. Over time, they’ve become indistinguishable from ordinary rocks. Researchers usually take a few pieces for study; you can pick from the fallen pillars of the ruins.”

The ruins’ collapse might be linked to various causes—natural disasters, human interference, or perhaps... the wrath of Pokémon.

“Thank you…”

With his lone sword sheath, Lightmoss set out, followed closely by Wang Luo, who busily shared tidbits about the ruins, ancient Sinnoh myths, and old poetry.

This confirmed to Lightmoss that Wang Luo had indeed uncovered some ancient literature, though he admitted to having read only five poems.

Before long, the two arrived at the entrance of the Divine Capital ruins.

Massive broken pillars bore a strong resemblance to the Spear Pillars of Mount Coronet, while the flat-roofed temple carried the style of the Ararufu ruins. Legends said the stage for worshipping gods was inside. Lightmoss didn’t rush in but found several square-shaped fragments of ruins nearby.

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At last, new information resurfaced.

[Rare Material: Ruins Stone Fragments (from Divine Capital Ruins).]

[Description: Debris left after the collapse of ancient ruins, seemingly useful for other purposes.]

[Craft Acquired: 1]

[Ruins Carving Craft (B-): Allows carving of reliefs, stone engravings, architecture, statues, and talismans in the style of the ruins. By investigating and observing the corresponding ruins, one can quickly learn their carving style.]

[Different ruins styles yield craftworks with varying degrees of enhancement.]

[Crafting can produce the “Symbolic Stone Tablet.”]

A second B-grade craft... Lightmoss had not expected the ruins carving craft to be B-grade. His interest in the “Symbolic Stone Tablet” that could be made from this craft grew stronger!

What kind of craft item could it be?

After collecting five ruins stone fragments and packing them into his large backpack, Lightmoss felt their weight.

For a human in the Pokémon world, this level of burden was moderate, though Lightmoss thought he needed to train more.

He ventured deeper into the Divine Capital ruins, admiring his own physical strength.

No wonder humans in the Pokémon world—stuffing so many things into a backpack only felt “slightly heavy”!

Looking at Wang Luo on the other side, this ancient Sinnoh native seemed to roam everywhere daily with his huge backpack!

Truly a master of heavy loads or a spatial deity’s vessel from the Washui era.

“That’s the legendary Stage of Light...” Wang Luo followed Lightmoss into the ruins and saw the massive triangular platform, adorned with faint ancient emblems and huge symbols at each corner.

“These symbols correspond to mythological Pokémon: Dialga, Palkia, and... Giratina.”

Compared to Bebe’s need for thorough research before coming here, Wang Luo immediately recognized the markings.

“I’ve been studying this place for a while. Researchers from Johto also said that perhaps bringing the Pokémon corresponding to these emblems onto the stage might trigger something, but that’s too far-fetched... Ah, I seem to be getting sentimental.”

Wang Luo resumed his cheerful demeanor, while Lightmoss mentally scoffed. The stage was misleading, making one think the three emblems represented three Pokémon that needed to be brought here, but in fact, none of them needed to come.

The ruins’ interior bore the strange style of ancient Divine Capital. Lightmoss stepped onto the stage and circled it without anything unusual happening, as expected. Through this observation, he learned the sculpture style of the Divine Capital ruins.

[Craft Style Acquired: Divine Capital Ruins Style.]

[Effect: Slightly enhances the mental power between humans and Pokémon, relieving accumulated fatigue.]

“Did you find anything?” Wang Luo asked, sensing Lightmoss’s contemplation.

Lightmoss shook his head, pointing at the reliefs, emblems, and murals.

“I’m just studying the sculpture style here.”

“The style of the ruins, an ancient style—wouldn’t it be wonderful to revive it in the modern age?”

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“Oh, that sounds like rebuilding a shrine or an exhibition hall!” Wang Luo took an interest in Lightmoss’s remark, but Lightmoss had already stepped down from the stage, while Wang Luo’s mind began to race.

Indeed, he wasn’t the chosen trainer of the gods... but he still needed a battle to be certain.

Regardless, even if not divinely chosen, his proposal was intriguing. It never hurt to build rapport with a craftsman.

Wang Luo’s thoughts concluded, and with his usual bright smile, he and Lightmoss exited the shrine and arrived at a nearby clearing.

“If you haven’t tried battling yet, isn’t now the perfect opportunity? Don’t worry, I won’t use any overly strong Pokémon.”

“As a craftsman, you must encounter wild Pokémon attacks during fieldwork. Mastering some battle skills helps survival a lot—and Pokémon crave battles, don’t they?”

“How about this: after the battle, I’ll find some rarer materials and sell them to you at 20% off. You’ll be pleased for sure.”

As Wang Luo persuaded Lightmoss, he glanced at the hovering lone sword sheath and raised a finger with a grin, coaxing him.

But Lightmoss had to admit, Wang Luo made a good point.

Having transmigrated into the Pokémon world as a craftsman, he had a history of being attacked by wild Pokémon. The original owner had no Pokémon due to poor mental state.

Now, having caught Pokémon, battling was inevitable—and it made fieldwork easier.

Though he did not intend to become a battle-focused trainer, real battles were necessary.

“Yo~!”

The voice of the lone sword sheath snapped Lightmoss back to reality. Seeing it eager to fight, he nodded.

Since the sword sheath itself desired battle... then, they would fight together!

“All right... since you asked so nicely, I accept your proposal.”

This was just essential training—not because of the discount!

However, that pesky merchant, even with 20% off, probably charged prices similar to or even higher than those in the Washui era. If this were the MC world, Wang Luo’s traveling merchant would have been made into reins by now.

“But I only have one Pokémon, and I need some prep. Don’t be disappointed if I lose easily.”

Lightmoss agreed.

“Where shall we battle?”

“How about this clearing?”

Wang Luo smiled and pulled out a Poké Ball.

“Show your strength to Arceus! My Pokémon is... Garchomp! Come out!”