Chapter 45

After carrying the wood back to the workshop, Hikaru noticed that over ten new orders had appeared on his computer. Even the entire stock of sculptures had been completely sold out, instantly lifting his spirits.

Not only that, but multiple customers had placed requests for custom sculptures.

[Avant-Garde Art], [Gible Senpai], [Snowy Doll], [Pokémon Observer].

"These IDs are quite unique… They want sculptures of Sudowoodo, Gible, Lapras, Cloyster, Dewgong, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle?"

"In that case, the remaining ruin stones won't be enough. I'll have to look for more ruins."

"Everything's moving in a good direction! Thanks, Bugsy! This must be your doing!"

"Having a Gym Leader as a customer really makes things easier."

Regardless of whether it was intentional promotion or passive word-of-mouth, the products were now selling well, and sales continued to rise!

However, sculptures were fragile goods. Still, even if damaged, Hikaru's sculptures retained their effects unless they were completely shattered into powder or had their heads broken off to the point where they no longer resembled Pokémon. Losing a hand or a tail? Minor injuries—nothing fatal.

It would just make them look a little ugly.

Hikaru had already tested this by intentionally breaking one sculpture. Fortunately, the ruin stone parts remained reusable, meaning only ordinary stone materials were lost in the process.

Before shipping, Hikaru ensured proper protective measures were in place. Some sculptures were carved in separate parts and then assembled, making transportation easier and reducing damage rates.

For shipping, the best approach was to fill the crates with foam padding and cotton, ensuring stability during transport.

Thus, Hikaru applied for large-item shipping.

While a single sculpture was a small item, combined together, they formed a large shipment.

However, he didn't have foam padding or cotton at hand, so he needed to buy them first before proceeding with packaging. This would also streamline his future shipping processes.

Charizard Has Work to Do!

"The delivery locations are New Bark Town, Sandgem Town, Sinnoh's Battle Frontier, Seven Island, Azalea Town... Oh, there's also Deep Pot Town—is that an order from the Paldea region?"

"A wild customer appeared!"

After contacting the Pokémon Center in Smoky Ink City, Hikaru and Doublade went to process the wood they had brought back.

Doublade once again unleashed a Double Night Slash, swiftly cutting the wood into neatly stacked firewood. The logs were moved into the cabin, stacked in the corner and warehouse.

During this process, Petilil came over to help. Hikaru was surprised to find that, despite her small frame, she possessed incredible strength.

She easily pushed logs with her head, though the leaves on her head were pressed down, they quickly bounced back once she let go of the wood.

"Petiii~" Petilil lifted her tiny skirt proudly, expressing that ever since her last prayer, she had felt much stronger.

Her increased Attack IV had also boosted her physical strength.

By the time they finished processing a portion of the firewood, the sky had darkened. Seeing that there was still a fair amount left on the cart, Hikaru decided to turn the rest into charcoal.

Making charcoal was simple, but the simpler something seemed, the harder it was to perfect. The difference between high-quality and low-quality charcoal was obvious at a glance, so Hikaru needed to prepare thoroughly.

While he could probably find some charcoal in the village, it wouldn't necessarily meet his standards. And regular charcoal wasn't exactly a rare material—it was just a common fuel source.

Since it was already late, he would have to wait until tomorrow to work on it.

Altering the Symbol Plate—Summoning Celebi?

That night, in his workshop, Hikaru adjusted the wording on the Symbol Plate to "Celebi."

Immediately, a mysterious sensation filled the room. It was as if the workshop itself had come alive. This vibrant life energy spread outward, visibly affecting the surrounding plants!

Hikaru stepped outside and was stunned to find that the biggest changes had occurred not in the herbs or crops, but in the fruit trees!

Previously, the fruit trees had only just begun to sprout tiny buds, but merely altering the Symbol Plate had caused them to grow visibly taller!

Skipping Growth Stages?

"In the games, fruit trees normally go through seven stages: Planting, Sprouting, Growing, Rising, Budding, Blooming, and Fruiting. In a warm and humid region like Hoenn, the entire process only takes five stages!"

"But now, the trees have skipped straight from Sprouting to Growing!"

"So that's how it works—the effect of Celebi's name is a 'growth stage jump'?"

Hikaru was overjoyed. Checking the herbs and crops, he found that they had also advanced by an entire growth stage.

Particularly the Tumbling Beans, which had already grown nearly half a meter tall and needed a trellis.

This was incredibly useful! It greatly reduced plant growth time!

"Petii~" Petilil stared in disbelief at the scene before her.

She had no idea what Hikaru had done, but the surrounding plants had suddenly skipped an entire growth stage. Her little brain simply couldn't comprehend what had just happened!

Meanwhile, Doublade floated out proudly.

"See? This is the power of special artifacts! And that strange Symbol Plate? Yeah, I helped craft it!"

This wasn't an exaggeration—it was an undeniable achievement!

Petilil was shocked at first but then happily shook the leaves on her head. However, as she thought about something, her joy faded into disappointment.

"If this kind of power exists, then my help in tending to the land… isn't needed at all."

If the farm could flourish without her, what would happen to her work? And the rewards she was supposed to receive?

"Yo!"

Doublade noticed her distress and patted her leaves with both ribbons before turning to Hikaru.

"The power of the Symbol Plate is only temporary," Hikaru reassured her. "If I change the engraving, this ability will disappear. A true master of cultivation doesn't rely on artifacts but can grow strong and healthy plants naturally."

Hikaru knelt down and gently stroked Petilil's leaves.

"You don't have to worry. Just keep doing your usual work. Like I said, the Plate is just an aid, not the core of our farming efforts."

"The knowledge you gain from hands-on experience is the key to true growth. Even if we end this season's planting now, there's always the next season, and the one after that. No power is unlimited."

Hearing this, Petilil's mood lifted. She bounced happily and hugged Hikaru's hand, feeling much better.

"These next few days are going to be busy! Let's all work hard together!"

With a joyful heart, Hikaru returned to his workshop, while Doublade and Petilil followed him inside.

Petilil still preferred staying in the soil. Over the past couple of days, as the surrounding herbs, crops, and fruit trees continued to sprout and grow, the land had become even more vibrant—especially after today's event.

As the land settled into peaceful silence and everyone drifted off to sleep…

A peculiar Pokémon descended from the rooftop, landing in the herb field. It gestured towards the forest, calling forth a Turtwig that cautiously emerged.

"Turt!"

Turtwig was amazed by the rich life energy in this place. Spotting Petilil sleeping nearby, it beamed with excitement.

This place was incredible!

The green Pokémon proudly puffed out its chest.

"Shi!"

See? I wasn't lying! This land is truly amazing!

I'm the Forest Guardian, I don't deceive Pokémon!

If you're still worried about being discovered, you can come here at night to soak in the soil!

"Turt…"

Turtwig hesitated, feeling a little guilty. Sneaking onto someone else's land felt wrong, but if it got caught, all the plants on its back would be plucked clean…

Maybe… it should just visit at night and leave before dawn?

Had Hikaru woken up at that moment, he would have discovered the Pokémon leading Turtwig—the Mythical Pokémon from Johto, the Forest Guardian, Celebi!

(End of Chapter)

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