Once the main ice blocks were gathered, the next step was initial shaping—trimming off the protruding parts.
This job was given to the Alolan Sandslash couple, Mimikyu, and Ceruledge.
As regional forms from the same area as Vulpix, Alolan Sandslash had completely abandoned its Ground typing for Ice and Steel.
Their sharp claws could tear through even steel, let alone ice.
But Regice's ice was different—its energy and density were overwhelmingly superior to ordinary Pokémon's.
Thanks to Lucas's repeated instructions, Regice did its best to control for this, so the Sandslash couple could still manage the cutting, even if it was a struggle.
Compared to their effort, Ceruledge and Mimikyu had it much easier; they could even break Regice's body under certain conditions.
With four Pokémon hard at work, ice chips rained down in Lucas's work area.
Even so, finishing this step would take a while; compared to the small, experimental sculptures Lucas made on the farm, the workload was unavoidable.
By Ceruledge's estimate, it would take over an hour to finish cutting.
Seizing the moment while his hands were free, Lucas took out a custom oversized cold-weather tent, a kerosene lamp for lighting, and a heater.
The contest ran until 7 p.m. the next day—almost two full days. People needed rest, and setting up a tent outside your work area wasn't unusual.
But setting up a tent this early was rare.
Some spectators, leaving the field, looked over curiously.
The impressive Pokémon, the sheer size of the sculpture, and Lucas leaving the work to his Pokémon and starting to pitch a tent drew plenty of attention, making them look forward to his final product.
Many other contestants noticed, too.
But just finishing a piece by 7 p.m. the next day was already daunting—most people planned to cut their sleep short. So after a quick glance, they got back to work.
Lucas first laid down a groundsheet, then made further preparations to keep the cold out.
Though he was still young, he didn't want to suffer from joint pain in old age.
With Calyrex's help, he spread out the tent, smoothing the wrinkles, smiling at the happily bouncing Vulpix, then took out various poles and rods.
At that moment, Calyrex stepped forward, its psychic voice sounding in Lucas's head.
"Let me help you."
Lucas paused, looked at Calyrex, and asked bluntly, "Do you know how?"
Calyrex shook its head honestly. "No, but I can learn."
"Alright then," Lucas agreed, not wanting to dampen Calyrex's enthusiasm, and started explaining the process.
"First we install the support poles. Since the tent is big, I could use your help."
Praising Calyrex, Lucas explained some tent-setup rules.
Calyrex, like a keen student, hovered a few centimeters off the ground, listening intently.
A moment later—
"Humans have really progressed during my long sleep," Calyrex said with a sigh, holding several poles with psychic power.
Lucas felt the same, and nodded in agreement. Then he called out to Glastrier, who was slacking off nearby: "Hey, come help!"
Calyrex wanted to say that it was enough, but Lucas, as if he knew what Calyrex was thinking, cut it off:
"Didn't you say Glastrier has been eating too much and needs exercise? Putting up a tent won't tire it out, but it's good for its mindset."
Calyrex was convinced, and called Glastrier over.
Glastrier walked over heavily, still somewhat reluctant.
But when the king called, it had to obey.
With a resentful look at Lucas, as if to see through him, Glastrier grumbled inwardly about being interrupted mid-carrot.
Lucas, having figured out Glastrier's personality, just smiled, "You eat carrots, you work."
"!!!!"
Glastrier stared at Lucas in disbelief, but after a few seconds, gave in.
It picked up a support rod in its mouth and looked at Lucas for instructions.
As long as you don't stop the carrots, anything's negotiable.
Calyrex was speechless—clearly, its two steeds were addicted to carrots.
Indeed, psychic power was the most versatile and useful ability in the Pokémon world.
With Lucas's guidance, the already intelligent Calyrex quickly learned how to set up the tent. Though still a bit clumsy, its psychic powers sped things up.
With Glastrier and Vulpix each holding a rope, the tent was soon up.
Lucas went inside to check—spacious, not cramped. Sleeping in such a tent outdoors was a testament to technology.
With some time left before Ceruledge and the others finished, Lucas kept busy, taking out sleeping bags, tables, chairs, and even a tea set and kettle.
People nearby were left stunned.
At that moment, Mumu, patrolling the field, saw Lucas brewing tea and staying warm, her mouth twitching.
Sir, are you here for a vacation?
Of course, Lucas wasn't vacationing.
He just wanted to prepare a comfortable camp for Ceruledge and the others to rest during the upcoming endurance battle—he'd be doing most of the work himself after this.
After everything was ready and a cup of hot tea, Lucas checked the progress—already at the back half of the nearly 30-meter dragon.
After some thought, Lucas agreed to Vulpix's request and, making use of the remaining free time, helped her practice Aurora Beam, aiming for the day she could master Aurora Veil.
While they were training, Shawa finally shaped a proper ice block and wiped non-existent sweat from her brow, glancing at Lucas's area.
Seeing the long, serpentine ice block, she muttered, "A snake?"
Was it a snake Pokémon—Serperior, Seviper, or Milotic perhaps?
But with that scale, to finish in less than two days and do it perfectly... Shawa was pessimistic.
Maybe that's why Lucas had so many helper Pokémon.
"Weavile?"
Just then, Weavile tugged at Shawa's sleeve and pointed toward the tent.
Shawa looked and paused.
"Are they practicing Aurora Veil?"
Hearing the move name, Frosmoth, who had only been there as a special effects "artist", perked up and looked over, chirping excitedly.
"Mosu?"
Frosmoth's feather-like antennae trembled, sensing something in the air.
Moments later, Frosmoth spread its beautiful, ice-dusted transparent wings and flew to Shawa.
Guessing Frosmoth's intent, Shawa smiled wryly: "Go ahead, it's not your turn yet anyway."
Lapras and Weavile shook their heads; Frosmoth had always been like this—loved teaching other Pokémon ice moves, even dragging home strays.
But Frosmoth was a great teacher. Weavile's Ice Beam, Lapras's Blizzard, their Hail and Snow Warning—Frosmoth had taught them all.
Lapras and Weavile had once been among those strays, but did well and stayed on Shawa's team full-time.
So they were used to Frosmoth being like this.
With Shawa's permission, Frosmoth flapped its wings, eager to "help the enemy" by coaching their rival.
Watching, Shawa shook her head and said, "Not only are you not helping me, you're helping our competition!"
Meanwhile, Lucas was teaching Vulpix to spread her energy, thinking he'd have to get back to work soon, when Calyrex suddenly alerted him.
He looked up to see a Frosmoth flying over elegantly.
Frosmoth had a pure white body, gem-like blue eyes, a blue diamond mark on its brow, and feather-shaped antennae.
But its most beautiful feature was its wings—semi-transparent with snowflake patterns. As it flapped, glittering ice scales fell like stars in the night, full of dreamlike beauty.
Seeing Frosmoth, Vulpix's eyes sparkled—she also wanted to be that graceful and beautiful!
Noticing Lucas, Calyrex, and Vulpix watching, the friendly Frosmoth opened its little arms (like a scarf around its chest) and greeted them.
"Mosu" (Hello)
"Hello," Lucas replied, picking up Vulpix, puzzled by the uninvited guest.
Why wasn't this Frosmoth helping its trainer, but coming here?
Maybe because Lucas answered, Frosmoth showed a surprised expression and called out again.
"Mosu!?" (You can understand me!?)
Even Shawa had to guess what Frosmoth was saying—how could this human understand?
Frosmoth grew visibly excited.
Lucas paused, then looked at Calyrex, who was clearly reliable.
A mental wave from Calyrex made Lucas instantly understand Frosmoth's words. He explained, "I can't understand your language, but my friend Calyrex can translate for me."
Frosmoth was startled, then understood upon seeing Calyrex.
"Mosu mosu" (So it's thanks to this distinguished one—I understand)
Whether it was Calyrex's influence or Frosmoth's own nature, Lucas found this conversation odd. Most Pokémon's speech, when translated, was very simple, but Frosmoth's was unusual.
Then Frosmoth seemed to remember its main purpose, hovering before Lucas with its gemlike eyes examining Vulpix.
Vulpix, unusually, wasn't nervous about meeting this stranger—she looked at Frosmoth with pure admiration.
"Myu myu!" (Your Aurora Veil is so beautiful!)
Frosmoth blinked, pleased by the compliment, and chirped happily.
"Mosu~" (Want to learn? I'll teach you!)
Frosmoth spun gracefully in mid-air, using the lingering hail from Vulpix's Snow Warning to create a beautiful aurora veil.
In Lucas's arms, Vulpix was thrilled, her little paws and legs flailing as she cried out.
"Myu myu!" (I want to learn!)
With Calyrex providing real-time translation, Lucas fell silent.
He glanced at Shawa, who wasn't even looking in their direction, and then at Frosmoth, question marks popping above his head.
Seriously… these days, even teachers come to deliver themselves to your door?