Chapter 23: Renowned Artisans Across the Lands

Facing the cryptic answer provided by Guang Tai, Honedge, though not entirely understanding it, felt it must be some incredibly powerful technique.

"Hmm? 'Slash,' 'cancel'?"

It fell into deep thought, seemingly constructing a mental model of swordsmanship within its mind. At this moment, Guang Tai raised his right hand; the ancient symbols on the move bracelet remained dormant. All that was required was for the move bracelet to make contact with a Pokémon, and the Pokémon would instinctively grasp the power within. This differed from the Mega Bracelet; it was more akin to the "Scroll of Darkness" and the "Scroll of Waters." Once a Pokémon like Kubfu had undergone sufficient training, merely observing these scrolls would trigger an evolution and allow it to master the ultimate technique of the corresponding type.

Of course, learning a move did not strictly require a Technical Machine (TM). One could also learn by asking other Pokémon for guidance or by observing and imitating their techniques. For instance, the Iron Tail often used by Ash’s Pikachu was actually taught to him by a passerby trainer’s Sentret.

As Guang Tai pondered this, he removed the ancient bracelet from his wrist and extended it toward Honedge. Seeing the bracelet offered, Honedge floated forward and took it with its blue ribbon. While up on the mountain, it had already heard that this bracelet-like object contained moves.

But... what was "Reflect"?

Guang Tai suddenly began to tease it: "Reflect is a Psychic-type defensive move. It creates a mysterious wall, and any physical damage dealt to a Pokémon protected by it is reduced by half!"

"It’s a defensive move, yet you previously said you didn't like defensive moves... how about now?"

"How did it feel to use Substitute?"

Honedge, showing no sign of losing face, narrowed its single eye and let out a sound that meant "times change!"

"Yo~"

Saying it didn't need defense was something the "me" from a few days ago said; what does that have to do with the "me" of tonight?

Substitute? Substitute is amazing! Same goes for the Custap Berry!

"Imagine it in your mind... no, in your heart. Visualize constructing a transparent wall, channeling your own mental power. This shouldn't be difficult for you."

"Just like using Psycho Cut."

Psychic energy?

Honedge toyed with the move bracelet while sensing the elemental energy within. Gradually, within its mind's eye, it seemed to perceive a transparent wall shimmering with brilliant luster—a record stored within the bracelet!

"Yo!"

Honedge floated into mid-air, and a faint psychic energy slowly released from its blade, gradually coalescing into an irregular, transparent wall before it. At that moment, Guang Tai noticed the symbols on the move bracelet beginning to emit a faint glow!

The move was being imitated and learned!

"Record the move, let the Pokémon observe, guide them, and finally, they learn it. Modern TMs probably just simplify these steps."

The learning process went very smoothly. The bracelet was even more reliable than Guang Tai had imagined. Perhaps it was because, before learning the Psychic-type move Reflect, Honedge had already mastered "Psycho Cut," which also utilized psychic energy.

"In game battles, Reflect and Light Screen only serve to weaken the opponent's special and physical attacks. But in real combat, the created wall actually exists. If an opponent rashly attacks with a contact move and hits the wall, they will be severely obstructed."

Guang Tai recalled things he had read: in the animated world, when Ash's Grovyle challenged the Lavaridge Gym, it slammed face-first into a Reflect wall and was sent flying on the spot. Furthermore, the wall moves along with the Pokémon. In the manga series, Light Screen had also demonstrated similar utility, creating an invisible walled enclosure to trap an opponent.

"Yo!"

Honedge let out a cry. By now, the wall in front of it had become a perfect rectangle, shimmering with light!

It had mastered the move "Reflect"!

"Success...!"

Guang Tai felt the bracelet was truly magical!

"Try using Reflect one more time?"

Honedge’s single eye fixed on the bracelet, understanding Guang Tai’s intent, and it cast Reflect directly in front of the bracelet! A transparent wall with a faint shimmer appeared. The inscription on the bracelet lit up instantly, and as the psychic wall gradually dissipated—twisting like mist—the elemental energy within was once again sealed back into the bracelet.

"So that’s how it works. I completely understand!" Guang Tai grasped the storage principle of the bracelet. In essence, it absorbs the corresponding elemental energy, and when that energy is manifested as a move, it resonates with the inscriptions on the bracelet. This allows for the repeated recording and storage of moves.

This was identical to the "Hidden Machines"!

In many regions, there existed TMs known as Hidden Machines (HMs). Once learned, these moves were difficult for a Pokémon to forget. However, starting from the Alola region, HMs gradually disappeared from the stage. These moves were originally developed to allow people to better utilize the power of Pokémon.

Cut, Rock Smash, Strength, Surf, Waterfall, Fly... these were the six most common HMs.

"Now, if I have the corresponding craftsmanship, I can create ancient move bracelets—or 'Ancient Bangles'!"

But where could he find such techniques? Or rather, what materials were required? In any case, unlike standard stone carving, these Ancient Bangles seemed to be infused with mysterious psychic energy. This reminded Guang Tai of a precious item from the Kalos region: the "Prison Bottle."

Some items, when crafted, required the infusion of a Pokémon's elemental energy.

Guang Tai opened his computer; it could connect to the internet as well, which was truly incredible.

"Let's look up those famous artisans."

Unlike ordinary trainers who might write down training insights or secret techniques to teach or share with others, artisans possessed secret, hereditary crafts that would never be shared. Therefore, finding their technical secrets online was unrealistic.

What Guang Tai searched for were simply the renowned artisans across various regions involved in different fields.

"Johto goes without saying; Kurt is the most famous Poké Ball craftsman."

"Pryce of Mahogany Town is a master of ice sculpture."

"The old pharmacy in Cianwood City has secret medicinal recipes and production techniques. The charcoal from Ilex Forest is also a specialty of Johto."

"In Hoenn, the glass workshop at the foot of Mt. Chimney is the most famous; the glass master can create unique volcanic ash glass flutes. By the sea, there is an old shell-craftsman who makes Shell Bells."

"In Sinnoh, the elder of Celestic Town, Cynthia’s grandmother, possesses the craft of making ancient charms. Beyond that, there seems to be a method for crafting ancient tools left over from the Hisui era."

"Unova’s Driftveil City has the craft of firing ceramics using 'volcanic clay,' as well as techniques for processing ancient precious items and metals. Artazon in Paldea is also a famous town for ceramics, and the Paldea region also has the craft of forging exotic armor."

"The silk and textile industries of the Galar region are very famous; Wooloo wool is a top-tier textile material."

"The Almia region has an old woodcarving master with superb skill; Mr. Brassius of Paldea is a renowned sculptor."

"There are other artisans as well... learning their techniques might allow my own craftsmanship to advance further."

Guang Tai pondered carefully.

Once autumn arrived in the Divine Capital, he might be able to leave. By then, the ruins of the Divine Capital would be sealed by heavy snow, and he would temporarily travel to other regions to study their crafts.

Seeing their finished works with his own eyes might yield a different understanding, or even lead him to precious materials.

Imitate, replicate, and finally, surpass them.

...

The next morning, Guang Tai bid farewell to Old Man Mountain and the "Alpaca-brother" Cogita. As he left, Cogita mentioned he would be leaving the mountain hut for a while to search for some rare materials.

"If I find anything good, I'll sell it to you at a discount!"

With those words, he departed.

Guang Tai returned to the village in the afternoon. After returning the Doduo to the villagers and saying his goodbyes, he took Honedge back to his workshop.

Glancing at the fields around the workshop, he didn't see the Petilil, but there was a small mound of dirt on the ground not far from the medicinal herb patch.

Had she come and gone?

He wondered if she could take care of herself.

He set down his backpack. Without immediately taking off his work clothes, he just left his boots by the door, changed into regular shoes, and began taking the materials and tools out of his backpack one by one, sorting and organizing them.

"...Finally back. This trip was quite a harvest!"

Fortunately, there were no fragile materials; everything had survived the journey quite intact. Beach Radish, Hard Stone, Imperial Leaf, Silencing Spray, Ancient Bangle, Leaf Stone, Draco Plate...

Inside the backpack, five somewhat flat, roughly rectangular ruin stones occupied most of the space.

After taking out the five stones, Guang Tai took out the most important item: the Draco Plate. He always felt it wasn't safe wherever he put it, though since no one ever came here, it was purely psychological.

In the end, he chose to place it beneath his computer.

"Phew, that’s enough for today."

*Whoosh—*

"Huh? What's that sound?"

A strange, massive sound of wind erupted in the sky. Guang Tai stepped out of the hut and, reflected against the sunlight, saw a huge black dot appearing in the sky not far away!

As the clouds dispersed, Guang Tai shielded his eyes from the sun, hoping to see the true form of the black dot. It grew larger, turning into a silhouette, and finally revealed its true form in the sun-drenched sky!

"Roar!"

Guang Tai was surprised! It was a Charizard!

Charizard is a bipedal Pokémon with traditional dragon-like features, though it lacks the Dragon type. Its skin is primarily orange, with a cream color on its belly, the tip of its tail, and the soles of its feet. It has short, sturdy lower limbs and relatively small upper limbs, large wings on its back for flight, a long neck, blue eyes, and two horn-like protrusions on the back of its head. At the end of its long, thick tail, a flame representing its life force burned fiercely!

Accompanied by the whistling wind, the Charizard landed with great force. It was quite large and had a delivery box strapped to its chest.

As soon as it landed, the Charizard stared at Guang Tai, seemingly comparing him to the photo of the sender. At the same time, Guang Tai noticed a device similar to a Poké-device on its wrist, perhaps used for navigation.

"Is this for a delivery?"

The Charizard had come from Blackthorn City. Guang Tai hurried back into the house to pack the goods.

The items to be sent were, of course, the "Eviolite" and "Focus Sash," but there was also a "Cleanse Tag" that needed to be transshipped. It would go from Blackthorn City to Olivine City, and then by sea to the Unova region.

The Johto region indeed had many Charizard; for instance, the Charizard Valley was home to a large number of wild ones. In other regions, Charizard were often used as ride Pokémon or couriers. After systematic training, their endurance for long-distance flight was truly astonishing.

After confirming that Guang Tai was the sender, the Charizard looked around with great curiosity. It seemed it had never been to this area before and found everything quite novel. However, it didn't forget its mission, pointing its claw at the empty box, signaling for Guang Tai to put the package inside.

"Sorry for the trouble!"