After obtaining high-quality Fire Clay, Everstones, various minerals, and most importantly, the Molten Steel Carapace, the three left Reversal Mountain.
Heatran, who had gotten over a dozen Everstones, was extremely pleased.
Heatran told Hikaru that if he ever needed more Steel Carapaces, he could come back to Reversal Mountain to trade. As long as he paid with Everstones, it would be fine—since Heatran would be shedding like crazy in the near future!
As for the volcanic eruption, there was nothing to worry about. Once Heatran absorbed all that magma energy, the problem would be solved.
Although Reversal Mountain was the same type of volcano as Stark Mountain, the eruption intensity was nowhere near the same level. The best proof was that Unova had no volcanic ash floating around at all—sometimes, Reversal Mountain even accumulated pools of water.
When they returned to Lentimas Town, Hikaru took the high-quality Fire Clay and began learning the craft of volcanic pottery from Granny Wind.
[You have learned "Volcanic Pottery Crafting (A-)! This is a technique where artistry outweighs function! Using Fire-, Steel-, and Ground-type powers can give the pottery extraordinary effects."]
Granny Wind originally thought Hikaru wouldn't be able to learn much, but the results far exceeded her expectations.
And Hikaru's chosen partner for firing the pottery was Larvesta!
"Mera"
The little bug happily played, spitting flames and twisting the fire into all sorts of strange shapes, controlling the temperature during firing with precision.
When the pottery was finally finished, Larvesta's eyes widened with joy and delight.
This was its very own work of art!
『Larvesta completed a task and gained experience and growth.』
『Gained Knowledge: Heart of Pottery — With ancient kiln techniques, Larvesta's control over fire has improved. Pottery it fires gathers life energy from the air, filling the surroundings with vitality.』
『Larvesta learned "Burn Up"!』
"H-Huh? This pottery is… something you made?!"
Granny Wind could hardly believe it. She instinctively held her breath as she gazed at the crafted masterpiece!
Hikaru exhaled, looking relaxed.
No doubt about it—even though it was his first time making volcanic pottery, he was already skilled in pottery-making.
The Light Pottery he had crafted before were collector's treasures among psychics. Though volcanic pottery had its differences, the overall process was easy for him to grasp at a glance.
"I'm a professional craftsman, after all!"
[Item: Firesteel Ceramic (Volcanic Pottery · Masterwork!)]
[Title: Revival.]
[Description: A ceramic piece fired from volcanic clay, infused with high-grade Fire Clay and fine Steel powder, making it unusually strong and powerful. Its unique design turned it into a special work of art!]
[Design: Heatran's head.]
[Effect: Giving it to a Fire-breather, Campfire Expert, or Fire Master increases their fire control. Giving it to Team Magma can be sold for a huge price. Showing it to Fire- or Steel-type Pokémon helps them comprehend power. Thanks to Larvesta's help, the pottery gathers life energy.]
[Also known as: Vessel of Vitality.]
[As Artwork: Fire & Steel atmosphere +30%, New Design +80%, Revival Art +100%, Craftsmanship & Decoration +100%, Culture +100%, Appeal +80%.]
[Bonus: As a centerpiece in an exhibition, it can draw huge numbers of visitors.]
"T-This… is amazing!"
Granny Wind was moved. She never expected Lentimas Town's proudest craft to be mastered so perfectly by an outsider—and even improved upon!
Just looking at the Heatran-shaped pottery made her feel ten years younger, brimming with artistic beauty.
She muttered to herself, "If we use this as Lentimas Town's symbol, it could definitely increase tourism and make the industry flourish!"
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Hikaru nodded. "I'll donate this piece to Lentimas Town. I want it to be displayed here."
Constant exhibitions would help him earn Ripples of Time earlier, and Lentimas was an important place for promotion.
Lentimas Town's craftwork was famous all over the world.
"Huh?! Really? Is that okay?" Granny Wind was shocked. She had thought of paying Hikaru to use the piece for promotion.
"No, I'll still pay you," she insisted. "Even if you used our technique, your work has surpassed all of Lentimas Town's artisans."
After some thought, she decided to "buy" the piece. She wasn't about to accept a disciple's work without proper respect!
"But since you've learned the craft, you're officially an artisan of Lentimas Town now! So this is a win-win!"
"Don't underestimate me," Granny Wind laughed. "We're the land of art! Supplies may be scarce, but money? We've got plenty!"
After all, art was the most expensive thing in the world.
Skyla chimed in, "Granny Wind is Lentimas's number one artisan. Her yearly income is massive!"
She also explained, "Mr. Hikaru seems to be a famous artist too, though I'm not sure. I only heard it from Elesa."
Granny Wind lit up with joy.
"You want to exhibit your art, and Lentimas wants to grow tourism—perfect match!"
"Here, take this as well."
She handed Hikaru what looked like an antique treasure.
"This is… an Incense?"
[Item: Luck Incense.]
[Description: A particularly fragrant incense that makes one feel refreshed and brings good fortune.]
[Effect: Any Pokémon holding it only needs to appear in battle once for money earned to double (opponents feel so good they pay double). Especially effective on Gentlemen, Rich Boys, Ladies, and Socialites.]
[Special Move Imbued — This Luck Incense, crafted by Lentimas's master artisans, holds mysterious spiritual power. It contains a special move that can be taught to any Pokémon.]
[Move: Happy Hour.]
This thing looked familiar!
It was just like an Amulet Coin—a "robbery item"! Perfect for looting rich kids and reaching financial freedom fast!
And the fact that this Luck Incense contained spiritual power and a move must be thanks to the incredible skills of Lentimas's pottery masters.
Happy Hour wasn't a normal attack—it had no offensive power.
Its effect: money gained after battle is doubled, and it stacks with Amulet Coin and Luck Incense.
"Lentimas is famous for incense burners too," Granny Wind said. "You can find any design here, though the ingredients for the incense are harder to come by."
The moment the Firesteel Ceramic was brought outside, it instantly drew in other craftsmen, backpackers, and even artists who had crossed mountains just for inspiration.
"What's with this piece? I feel an incredible energy from it!"
"Art! This is true art! Even though the Pokémon looks strange, the more abstract the design, the greater its artistic value!"
The crowd grew larger and larger, drawn to the Firesteel Ceramic. Though of course, there were also plenty of meaningless comments.
Hikaru shook his head.
"I think Heatran looks fine… doesn't deserve to be called abstract."
But undeniably, there was a strength to its beauty. Even Heatran's armor had a unique elegance.
"Wait, isn't the creator of this work…?"
One artist suddenly realized—he had seen Hikaru's signature in the Castelia art exhibition before!
"This is the work of that rising Unova star! He's here in Lentimas?!"
The artist looked around, but Hikaru was already on his way to the airport.
[You held an exhibition in Lentimas Town! Your popularity in Unova has risen to 76%!]
[Your new work "Revival" gained mass recognition and praise, drawing travelers from all over Unova to Lentimas.]
[Reward: Recognition from Artist XX.]
Endless praise and recognition poured into Hikaru's Unova Artistry and Convergence Artistry talents. Looking back at Lentimas, he thought—soon, artists would flock here.
He even posted his new work in the artists' group chat.
With their promotion, his fame would soar.
"I thought you'd stay a few days at least," Skyla said, arms crossed. "Didn't expect you to finish learning and working in half a day. Truly gifted."
"Then next up is Opelucid City!"
"And I'll be heading back to the League," Shauntal waved. "This trip was wonderful. Remember our promise—next time, let's soar in the skies together!"
She chuckled, then summoned Golurk. It Mega Evolved and flew high into the sky, Shauntal's voice drifting from afar:
"Honestly, Golurk is a great choice for flying Pokémon!"
『Your bond with Shauntal has greatly increased!』
"Come on now, Miss Shauntal," Skyla pouted, hands on hips. "Flying Pokémon should at least have wings!" She laughed, red hair blowing in the mountain wind, then turned to Hikaru.
"Alright then, let's go! Off to Opelucid City!"
(End of Chapter)
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