After replying to Alder, Lucas didn't wait for a response. He opened his laptop and logged into the forum.
But even after checking the private messages module, there was still no reply from the team leader.
Staring at the "unread" status next to his sent message, Lucas frowned.
"What kind of ruins exploration takes this many days?"
Unable to understand, Lucas looked at his side.
At that moment, Gimmighoul was staring at Lucas with anticipation.
Lucas could only shake his head honestly.
Ding.
Gimmighoul immediately drooped in disappointment.
Seeing its sadness, Lucas comforted it, "It's okay. If nothing works out, we'll just buy Paldea's old coins directly."
He gently rubbed Gimmighoul's little face, making it giggle, then put it back into the wooden treasure chest Oranguru had made for it.
After grabbing a set of cold-weather gear from his bedroom, Lucas braved the scorching sun and headed toward the icehouse.
There was nothing particularly urgent today.
At most, he'd just be practicing ice sculpture with his Pokémon.
After changing into his cold-weather suit in the warehouse and taking the direct passage to the icehouse, Lucas found Ceruledge and Mimikyu finishing the final cut.
A rough bird head had taken shape.
Looking beside them, he saw that the previously sculpted basketball and the lower body holding the ball had already been assembled.
Next, all that was left was to carve the details onto the bird head and complete the final assembly.
It was like putting together a plastic model or LEGO—sculpting the ice sculpture in separate parts and then assembling them was also a valid technique.
Some master artists could sculpt a whole block in one go, but for Lucas and his Pokémon, modular carving was the only way to avoid having to start over from scratch.
The joining method was simple.
Lucas borrowed a Squirtle watering can from the glass greenhouse, poured water along the joints, then polished it smooth.
Actually, a spray bottle would have been more efficient, but this did the job.
As Lucas arrived, Mimikyu squealed in greeting.
Ceruledge nodded at him.
Wearing thick gloves, Lucas rubbed his hands and exhaled a cloud of white breath, smiling, "Is the bird head almost done?"
Ceruledge and Mimikyu nodded.
"Where are the Sandslash? Looks like they're back in their den taking care of the eggs?"
Though he asked, Lucas was sure that was the case.
After all, the Sandslash couple handled the rough shaping.
Under Mimikyu and Ceruledge's watchful eyes, Lucas picked up his professional carving tools and began adding details to the bird head.
As his tools moved, ice chips fell, and the head became more lifelike and refined.
Lucas's rapid improvement from amateur to expert in just a few days was all thanks to Oranguru.
Ice carving and wood carving shared many techniques, and Lucas had a surprising knack for it. With Oranguru's teaching, his skills soared.
…
Time flew by as they sculpted.
By nearly 5 p.m., Lucas stopped, looking at the lifelike bird head in his gloved hands, finally relaxing.
"Whew, finally done."
He smoothed the joint surface, then, with Mimikyu and Ceruledge's help, assembled it to the body.
After sprinkling water, the head and body fused firmly within moments.
As Lucas admired his handiwork, smugly thinking he could reward himself with a handmade figurine someday, a small figure darted into view.
Vulpix ran over like the wind, big eyes shining as it gazed at the finished ice sculpture, letting out a gasp.
"Nyuu~!" (Amazing!)
Seeing Vulpix so excited, Lucas got an idea and scooped it up, grinning mischievously. "Can you guess what Pokémon this is?"
Ceruledge and Mimikyu exchanged helpless looks.
Their trainer loved teasing kids.
It's just that Vulpix was the newest member on the farm.
Without hesitation, Vulpix's eyes spun and it answered, "Nyuu~! (Delibird!)"
Vulpix recognized Delibird, since aside from the ball, the ice sculpture's features matched perfectly!
Feeling confident after answering, Vulpix looked expectantly at Lucas, almost striking a pose.
But Lucas shook his head.
"Wrong!"
"Nyuu~!?" (What!?)
Seeing Vulpix's "you're kidding me" expression, Lucas put it down and wagged his finger. "This is Iron Bundle!"
Lucas was quite pleased.
Learning these crafts was all about making whatever he liked!
Vulpix was left baffled, staring at the "Delibird" ice sculpture, question marks popping over its head.
Who the heck is Iron Bundle?
A moment later.
After teasing Vulpix, Lucas got back to business.
He pulled out his phone and showed a video to Vulpix, Ceruledge, and Mimikyu.
It featured a woman, with her Lapras, Weavile, and Frosmoth, sculpting ice and then using special effects to make the sculpture dazzling.
Lapras's Aurora Veil and Frosmoth's glittering scales, combined with Dazzling Gleam, elevated the already lifelike sculpture to a new level.
Seeing Vulpix entranced, Lucas put away his phone, chuckling. "The upcoming ice sculpture contest allows effects like this during the final judging. Vulpix, do you understand?"
Vulpix stared blankly at Lucas.
He patted its soft head, smiling. "Our planned sculpture is the Sky Dragon. To be blunt, the special effects are all up to you!"
"So, let's train together!"
Vulpix's almond-shaped eyes shone with anticipation, and it nodded eagerly.
"Nyuu~!"
This time, Vulpix was determined to amaze everyone!