Master Craftsman of the Pokémon World

The strange tremors in the Rocky Mountain Ruins had just subsided. As Regirock roared in excitement, the patterns on the ground lit up once again. A bizarre psychic wave rippled outward, leaving both Steven and Hikaru puzzled.

What had just happened? Were the Rocky Mountain Ruins always like this?

At the same time, Hikaru received feedback from his Pokémon.

"Doublade has completed a construction project!"

"Acquired Knowledge: Psychic Sculptor – Precision of Psychic Blades. Accuracy, power, and control +15%. Fineness of Psychic and Aura manipulation +15%. Comprehension of Aura has improved!"

"Lilligant has completed a construction project!"

"Acquired Knowledge: Blade Sculptor – Precision of slicing moves. Accuracy, power, and control +15%. Efficiency against super effective targets +15%. Comprehension of Aura has improved!"

"Turtwig has completed a construction project!"

"Acquired Knowledge: Grass Shaper – Can reshape Rock, Grass, and Ground terrain using moves. Shaping technique +100%. Move precision, accuracy, power, and control +15%."

"Unown has completed a construction project!"

"Acquired Knowledge: Ruins Awakening – Can adjust the energy flow within ruins. Influence of Hidden Power +25%."

And it wasn't just Hikaru's Pokémon—Steven's Metagross and Metang, too, seemed filled with question marks over their heads!

In that instant, they had gained unique abilities and could feel a tangible shift in their strength!

Psychic powers had undoubtedly grown stronger!

Metagross's eyes sharpened instantly.

While Metang was happily celebrating its sudden increase in power, Metagross was staring intently at Hikaru. Without a doubt, the transformation had come from this human—not the ruins. In that case...

So this is how it is. By working with this human, one could keep getting stronger?

Steven had been wondering: what if those nutritious snacks he prepared were given to that shiny silver Metagross? Even though this Metang had become stronger, it was still only in its second evolutionary stage. That wasn't bad—but what if it could go even further?

Now, the answer was right in front of him!

"Metoooo~!"

Metagross nodded at Hikaru, as if it had made some kind of decision!

It would secretly follow him around, grow stronger from the work, and then impress that silver Metagross.

Wasn't this a golden opportunity made just for itself?

Coming to Shinto and meeting such a mysterious human—it was pure luck!

Though Hikaru didn't quite understand what Metagross was saying—after all, it wasn't an ancient Pokémon—he could still feel its determination and approval. So he returned a gentle smile.

"Thanks for the help, Metagross! And you too, Metang!"

Metang waved its claws happily.

Getting stronger? Metang didn't really know much about that!

But as long as it was Steven's command, it would do anything. Helping out Steven's friend was simply the best thing!

Just then, Hikaru suddenly clutched his head as an echo from within his soul drew his attention away.

He heard a message from Giratina!

The workshop had been invaded by a Pokémon?

Upon learning that the intruder was a Scizor, Hikaru was stunned!

A Scizor had infiltrated the workshop to steal something?

Wait… could it be that Scyther boss?

In its pursuit of power-enhancing tools, it had resorted to theft. Hikaru had already heard similar stories from Dusknoir before, but he hadn't expected that the Scyther had actually found his workshop—even though he hadn't yet met it, it seemed the Scyther had been watching him for quite some time!

"It evolved using the Metal Coat I made!"

Most wild Pokémon lacked any moral compass. This had already been clear with the rowdy Hisuian Electrode. However, if one could defeat them in battle, wild Pokémon naturally came to recognize their own faults—something quite curious.

Despite possessing great intelligence, wild Pokémon often still lived like beasts—fighting for survival. Unlike Pokémon living in cities, wild ones rarely cooperated, and most either ignored each other or were outright hostile.

So, if a Pokémon came to steal, of course Hikaru couldn't just let it go.

According to Giratina, the Scizor had stolen some Rare Candies and Pokéblocks, but before it could cause any more damage, it had been caught red-handed by Giratina—who happened to be admiring its reflection.

"I believe it must pay a price. After being defeated by me, it seems it'll need a long time to recover. What do you think should be done?"

"It's a lost Pokémon. Since it seeks strength and values battle, then I shall teach it that true power comes from honest growth—not shortcuts."

"Hmm… are you thinking something impolite? I've turned over a new leaf, you know."

Hikaru: "No, no, I just thought your plan sounded pretty reasonable. Let the Scizor stay in the Distortion World for a while. Based on your description, it might have some psychological issues."

"That seems to be the case…"

Giratina then relayed the Scizor's own explanation, and Hikaru finally understood.

So, it had endured psychological trauma in its youth, which led to an obsessive pursuit of power.

Many bird Pokémon like to flock together and attack travelers—probably the Spearow family. Even Ash, the super rookie trainer, had suffered at the hands of a Spearow swarm. But considering that the Shinto region also included Pokémon from Sinnoh, Johto, and other regions, it could also have been Skarmory, Staraptor, Hisuian Braviary, or even a gang of thuggish Murkrow and Honchkrow.

Though Scyther has a base stat total of 500 and is quite powerful, as a low-level newborn, it had no hope against strong Flying-types.

And come to think of it, Scyther is known to be semi-social. But this leader was clearly a loner—likely orphaned from a young age.

Then there was the part about being hunted by an Aerodactyl. That detail was disturbingly accurate…

Are there really wild Aerodactyl in the Shinto forests?

A Pokémon that should've only been revived by technology… how was it in the wild?

"We'll have to wait until we meet it to know the full story. But… if it's a mental issue, maybe Unown can help."

Hikaru looked toward Unown E.

It was still proudly basking in the glow of its newly awakened power. When it saw Hikaru's gaze, it gleefully floated over!

Aaanooon~!

How about that? My power restored the ruin! First time doing something this big, you know!

"You're amazing—that's the truth!"

In the anime, the Solaceon Ruins in Sinnoh could also be activated by Unown, so Steven's guess was correct. The Rocky Mountain Ruins had now been properly activated. Regirock felt the peaceful energy within the ruins and was amazed it had been restored better than ever before!

Indeed, leave professional tasks to professionals!

It had been repairing the place for so long, but it had always looked like a pile of rubble!

And the psychic wave just now—if it wasn't mistaken—it meant...

"Reeegi—"

Regirock thanked Hikaru and Steven, then explained that the other two giants had likely been "awakened" by that psychic wave!

The Rocky Mountain Ruins retained immense psychic power from the ancients. That power was linked to the giants, and since all three giants resided in the same forest and their ruins weren't far apart, they could sense each other!

That was different from how giants were sealed separately in other regions!

"Regirock is thanking you," Hikaru translated for Steven.

Steven smiled gently. Watching the ruins restored, he felt he'd experienced yet another incredible journey.

"The credit goes to the craftsman who restored it. Even if I knew everything about the ruins, without Hikaru-dono's craft, I couldn't have recreated this ancient beauty."

Steven ran his hand across the restored reliefs, eyes distant, as if seeing a vivid illusion.

Though it had just been carved, it exuded an unmistakable ancient charm. Even as a gemstone expert, he couldn't tell the difference!

"Regi!"

Regirock tapped Steven's shoulder—gently. Even so, Steven winced, almost collapsing from the force!

The H-shaped symbol on Regirock's face gleamed.

You, who traveled so far to help—I will give you my most precious gems in thanks!

It's the reward I promised!

Steven's eyes sparkled immediately!

"You're too kind—this is my duty!"

He clasped Regirock's rocky arm, his sincere emotions moving the ancient giant, showcasing the deep bond between people and Pokémon.

Regirock was overjoyed. It even mentioned that nearby was a great place to dig for rocks. Many rare stones had been found there. It invited Steven to mine together someday.

Steven was seriously tempted. Since he was staying in Shinto to wait for Hikaru's crafted tools to bring back to Devon Corp, he couldn't just hover around Hikaru all day. The thought of exploring with Regirock was enticing...

To dig rare stones in peace, with no outside interference, alongside a like-minded friend and a perfectly synced legendary titan—what kind of paradise was this?!

Nearby, Metagross sighed.

Two stone-digging maniacs had met… and it was like magnets—instantly inseparable!

Regirock, too, was filled with excitement for the future. Now that the ruins were fixed, it could even convert them into a trading post (mini shop)!

Hikaru said, "It's getting late. We've spent a lot of time repairing the ruins—let's head back for now."

Regirock waved an arm. "Reeegi—"

It wasn't going back tonight. It wanted to redecorate the ruins with rock furniture!

By the time they returned tomorrow—it would be a whole new place!

...

Somewhere in the forest…

Heggetsu the Ursaluna slowly regained consciousness in the darkness.

It had lost—beaten and driven off in shame by the Iron Giant wielding a massive hammer. Exhausted and powerless, it collapsed here. The giant had refused its plea and said—"If you want it, come and take it yourself!"

Though Heggetsu had the type advantage, it still lost—completely baffling.

Much like its battle with the Rock Titan. Back then, at least, it left with some dignity as the "Mountain God," retreating after a pointed stone strike.

Ugh… so weak. The Iron Giant's weapon was beyond normal standards, and its moves were strange!

The black-metal hammer could fire intense "chi blasts." No, even the hammer itself seemed infused with similar power!

And the strange light surrounding it summoned fiery energy, turning the battlefield into flames. Steel-types should fear fire—yet that giant was bizarre. Heggetsu had no chance in close combat.

If this continued, it would never retrieve the Earth Plate.

Its ancient homeland would continue to wither.

Many Pokémon were still waiting for it—it had made a promise.

If the enemy had a weapon, it too needed one! But where could it find something like that? Its claws weren't made for gripping tools...

Heggetsu surveyed the area. The night couldn't hinder its vision. Nearby was a cave—leading to distant mountains and plateaus. It walked inside. Right now, it needed a place to rest.

Grrrr...

Heggetsu heard a voice—

"Seek help from the human craftsman. He is outside the forest. He can help you restore your home."

"Rrrow?"

Heggetsu suddenly jolted awake. Around it swirled a faint green glow.

Was this a sign from the forest god—of the past, or the future?

But how was it supposed to find that craftsman? The forest's edge was vast...

It sharply looked outside the cave and noticed Rock-type Pokémon gathering in one direction. It even heard them talking.

The Earth's power was converging at a ruin—now a haven for Rock-types. A legendary giant had drawn in a strange human craftsman...

"Rrrow?"

A human… craftsman!

Then the destination was clear—first, head to the Rocky Mountain Ruins!

(End of Chapter)

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