Chapter 46

"Wait, why did all the crops suddenly mature overnight?!"

The next morning, when Hikaru woke up, he was greeted by a confused Petilil standing in the middle of the field.

All the plants they had cultivated had reached full maturity and were ready for harvest! Hikaru even thought for a moment that he had overslept for an entire month!

『Petilil has completed a crafting task!』

『Learned the move: Pollen Puff.』

『Petilil has gained Knowledge: +1』

『Harvest Season: By cultivating various crops, Petilil's overall stats will grow more easily.』

Reading the notification, Hikaru glanced at Petilil.

All stats would now be easier to grow? That was quite an impressive result, but it was likely linked to this strange phenomenon.

However, Petilil was still caught up in excitement, seemingly unaware that she had undergone a significant change.

Looking around at the mature crops, Hikaru's gaze eventually fell on a small pit in the soil—one that looked like it had been dug up and then refilled.

"Petilil, did you dig this hole?"

Petilil tilted her head in confusion.

"Peti?"

"Huh, not you? Then…"

Just as Hikaru was wondering about it, he suddenly heard a cheerful voice:

"Shi!"

On the roof of the workshop, a light-green Pokémon sat happily, swinging its small feet and gently shaking its head as it watched Hikaru and his two Pokémon step out of the wooden house.

Hikaru couldn't believe his eyes.

It was Celebi!

The guardian deity of the forest!

"I see… so that's the reason…" Hikaru muttered repeatedly. Celebi stood up on the roof, flapped its tiny wings, and gracefully flew toward them, greeting Petilil and Doublade.

"Shi!"

"Yo!"

"Peti!"

Petilil gazed at Celebi with admiration.

Was this mysterious Pokémon responsible for making all the plants grow overnight?

When would she be able to do the same?

Meanwhile, both of Doublade's eyes were fixated on Celebi, as if it had just thought of something.

"Yo~!"

Right! This guy was definitely from the forest! Hey, if Celebi's around, then preserving the forest is unnecessary, right? Just chop down trees freely, and they'll grow back the next day. This ability was way too convenient!

Doublade failed to realize that, despite being a sword—no, two swords—it had completely adopted the perspective of a lumberjack.

"The Symbol Slate can establish a connection with corresponding Pokémon," Hikaru recalled, repeatedly mulling over the sentence.

At that moment, Celebi suddenly flew back to the roof. Then, it returned holding a wooden carving, looking very excited.

"Shi!"

Hikaru was surprised before quickly understanding: "You like the carvings I made?"

Celebi nodded with a smile. "Shi!"

Then, it extended a tiny finger, pointing toward the depths of the forest before circling around Hikaru, signaling for him to follow.

Celebi.

Shrine.

Forest depths.

Carving.

A few key words connected in Hikaru's mind, and he seemed to grasp the answer. Meanwhile, Doublade had already begun chattering, acting as a translator.

"I see. Celebi is saying that there's an old shrine in the forest that needs repair, and it wants me to restore it using my carving skills?"

"And it specifically needs 'Ancient Carving Techniques,' correct?"

Hikaru understood now!

So Celebi wanted him to help restore the shrine!

Celebi's shrines existed in many forests. It seemed that in ancient times, thousands of years ago, people across various regions worshipped Celebi. In the games, Celebi's shrines were even significant locations for time travel.

And speaking of Celebi's most famous shrine, that would undoubtedly be Ilex Forest in the Johto region!

Originally, Hikaru had planned to work on charcoal burning today. However, since all the herbs and crops had ripened overnight, they had to be harvested as soon as possible. Celebi seemed to realize this as well and smiled awkwardly.

It appeared to have disrupted Hikaru's plans.

"It's fine. Let's focus on harvesting these herbs and crops today. I should be thanking you—otherwise, it would have taken me many days to collect all of these. Now my stock is fully replenished."

Hikaru didn't mind at all and even completely forgot about the small pit. He then assured Celebi:

"Once I'm done here, I'll help you repair the shrine."

At the same time, he pondered over the meaning of the Symbol Slate. Initially, he understood that arranging the characters actively could establish a connection with corresponding Pokémon, but there was a second part to the description.

Some Pokémon may also take the initiative to establish a connection with the Symbol Slate.

Did that mean that, sometimes, the slate would form words on its own, and those Pokémon—like Celebi—would be drawn to him?

This connection might not be "telepathy" or "direct communication," but more of a vague prophecy. When Pokémon related to him were about to appear in the future, the slate would arrange its characters accordingly.

That was his theory.

"Friend… All life meets and creates new things."

For some reason, Hikaru thought of the inscription on the Solaceon Ruins in the Sinnoh region.

Yes.

The Symbol Slate used Unown characters, and the slab in Solaceon Ruins was similar. It even contained that very phrase, which was also Cynthia's favorite motto.

Looking ahead, Celebi had quickly bonded with Petilil and Doublade, and the three Pokémon were now working together to gather the herbs, crops, and berries.

"Shi!"

Celebi plucked a berry and handed it to Hikaru, expressing its willingness to help.

"Thank you."

Hikaru reached out but hesitated for a moment. Sensing what he wanted to do, Celebi did not retreat. Instead, it proactively grasped his hand.

Celebi's touch was like a soft leaf—so delicate that Hikaru momentarily lost himself in the sensation.

His mind felt at peace, as if a gentle breeze rustled through him, accompanied by a faint, chiming sound.

"Healing Bell."

Hikaru snapped back to reality and saw Celebi smiling at him. It confirmed that Celebi had just used the move.

Healing Bell—a soothing chime that cured all status conditions of allied Pokémon.

With the help of Celebi, Petilil, and Doublade, Hikaru quickly gathered all the herbs, crops, and berries and stored them in the workshop. Since this marked the end of the cultivation process, Hikaru gained another point of Knowledge, while Petilil and Doublade received experience and growth.

『Harvesting task completed.』

『Gained Knowledge: 1』

『Better Harvest: Herbs will have stronger effects, crops will taste better, and berries will provide more energy.』

『Doublade has gained experience and growth through work.』

『Petilil has gained experience and growth through work.』

Unexpectedly, Hikaru also saw information about Celebi.

『Celebi has gained experience and growth through work.』

Even external Pokémon could grow by actively participating in work—just like the Dugtrio before.

Hikaru's expression became somewhat amused.

He had previously thought about "farming experience" from a Mythical Pokémon.

He never expected it to actually work!

At the same time, since he had successfully cultivated under "Permafrost Farming Techniques," Hikaru gained a clue to a new material!

[Rare Material: Wood from Ilex Forest]

[Location: Ilex Forest]

[Related Craft: Unique Charcoal Burning Technique]

"Shi?"

Celebi sensed an unusual burst of Grass-type energy emanating from the harvested herbs and crops, slowly gathering into its body.

Did it just get stronger?

Strange things always happened unexpectedly. Celebi knew it must have been because of this remarkable human.

After finishing the harvest, Hikaru returned to the cabin, picked up a stone block, and began carving.

This time, he was, of course, sculpting Celebi.

As Hikaru worked, all three Pokémon gathered around him curiously. Celebi sat on the table, Petilil tilted her head in fascination, while Doublade was boasting about Hikaru's carving skills—both swords competing over who could praise him more!

Celebi, thoroughly amused, beamed with joy.

Before long, the carving was complete.

Hikaru knew well—his accumulated knowledge and skills were never in vain.

『Crafted Item: Small [Ancient Statue] – Sinjoh Ruins Style.』

『Description: A statue carved in an ancient style. Some Celebi enthusiasts may pay a high price for it.』

『Effect 1: Memory Recall – Allows Pokémon to remember moves they once knew but had forgotten.』

『Effect 2: Child of the Forest – Prevents getting lost in forests and reduces encounters with wild Pokémon.』

(End of Chapter)

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