Pokémon items were treasures in the Pokémon world.
Each one was extremely valuable, and in most cases, they were nearly impossible to purchase with money alone. Even at places like the City Battle Arena, where certain items could be exchanged, there were still numerous conditions that had to be met.
Generally speaking, Pokémon items came from three different sources.
First, some were natural wonders that formed spontaneously in nature.
Examples included Everstone, Never-Melt Ice, Soft Sand, and Hard Stone. Many Evolution Stones also belonged to this category, though those were single-use items.
Second, certain items were made by processing special natural materials.
Examples included Miracle Seed, Poison Barb, and Dragon Fang, as well as the Quick Claw and Sharp Beak Ash planned to obtain for Fearow.
Third, some items were entirely man-made.
Examples included the Exp. Share, Cleanse Tag, Black Belt, and the Scope Lens Ash wanted to get for Fearow.
In the original story, near the Mt. Chimney Volcano of Lavaridge Town in Hoenn, there was a craftsman who could turn volcanic ash into glass flutes of different colors. Those flutes could remove negative status conditions such as confusion or sleep.
Near Mossdeep City, another craftsman could craft Shell Bells from shells found in underwater caves—items capable of restoring a Pokémon's stamina much like the move Heal Bell.
But Ash had never expected that he would accidentally encounter a master capable of crafting Pokémon items.
…
What incredible luck today.
I wonder what kind of item this senior craftsman named Caldor can make…
But right now isn't the time to think about that.
First, I need to pass his test.
Only then can I obtain the item he promised to craft.
Ash steadied himself internally.
…
"Ash… what do we do now?" Gary asked, nudging him lightly.
"What else? We follow the senior's instructions and take the test."
Then Ash lowered his voice slightly.
"Gary, don't say anything during this. Just leave everything to me."
After saying that, Ash quickly walked out of the workshop with Pikachu in his arms and followed the old craftsman.
Not far from the workshop was a small battle arena.
Ash stepped onto the battlefield without saying a word.
Even though this entire situation had started from a misunderstanding, it was still a rare opportunity.
If the craftsman realized the misunderstanding, Ash might lose the chance entirely.
So Ash decided to keep quiet.
The more you talk, the more mistakes you make.
He maintained a calm and composed expression, as if everything were perfectly under control—as if he had expected this outcome all along.
…
The old craftsman adjusted his glasses and spoke sternly.
"Boy, let me warn you about one thing."
"Don't even think about borrowing a Pokémon from your elders to fight me."
"You may only use your own Pokémon."
"If you use someone else's Pokémon—even if you defeat me—I will refuse to craft the item."
Ash nodded briefly.
"I understand."
He spoke only those two words.
"Good."
"Then let's begin."
"The rules are simple."
"If you defeat me, I will craft an item for you free of charge."
"If you lose—but your courage and spirit satisfy me—I will still craft the item."
"However, it won't be free. The price will depend on your performance."
After saying that, the old craftsman threw a Poké Ball.
"Come out—Heatmor!"
A Pokémon unique to the Unova region appeared on the field.
A pure Fire-type Pokémon, and the natural predator of Durant.
Heatmor resembled a real-life anteater. It had a long, pointed snout used to suck up insect prey and a somewhat bulky body.
Its body was mostly bright red, decorated with orange-yellow patterns.
Its abdomen extended into a tube-like structure connected to its tail.
Its arms featured ring-shaped structures resembling bracelets, covered with small black holes—almost like the nozzles of flamethrowers.
Its fingers were longer than its toes, giving it a peculiar yet intimidating appearance.
"This will be a 1v1 battle," the old craftsman declared.
He removed his gloves and stuffed them into the pocket of his leather apron.
Behind the thick lenses of his glasses, his eyes burned with intense fighting spirit.
"Now then…"
"Let me see your courage."
It was obvious that this old craftsman was also someone who loved Pokémon battles.
System… scan that Heatmor.
Ash silently issued the command.
The moment he felt the powerful aura emanating from the Pokémon, he knew this battle would not be easy.
[Pokémon: Heatmor]
Level: LV.55
Attribute: Fire
Nature: Serious, Focused
Ability: Flash Fire, White Smoke
Potential: Red
Moves (Copyable)
Grandmaster: Fire Lash, Fire Spin, Inferno
Mastered: Burn Up, Stockpile, Spit Up, Swallow
Proficient: Fury Swipes, Slash, Bind, Hone Claws
Skilled: Tackle, Lick, Amnesia
Novice: Infestation
Ash's heart skipped a beat when he saw the data.
Level 55.
A terrifying strength somewhere between Gym-Class and Quasi-Elite Four level.
Aside from Professor Oak's Champion Dragonite and Champion Charizard, this was the strongest Pokémon Ash had ever personally faced.
The rough power tiers were:
LV.40 — Elite Tier
LV.50 — Gym-Class
LV.60 — Quasi-Elite Four Tier
Meanwhile, Ash's strongest Pokémon—
Pikachu—
was only LV.39, not even Elite Tier yet.
Facing a LV.55 Heatmor head-on was an enormous challenge.
And it wasn't just the level.
Heatmor's moves like Fire Lash, Fire Spin, and Inferno had all reached Grandmaster proficiency.
Even with the help of the Ascension Trainer System, the highest proficiency level Pikachu had achieved so far was only Mastered.
The pressure on Ash and Pikachu instantly increased.
But despite the pressure—
Ash did not retreat.
Yes, Heatmor had the level advantage.
But Pikachu was no weakling either.
And Ash still had his Viridian Blessing, now at LV.41, which allowed him to use Will Empowerment.
While Pikachu's move proficiency might not match Heatmor's, Mastered-level control was still extremely strong.
More importantly—
Pikachu's move structure was far more complete than Heatmor's.
Ash took a slow breath.
This battle…
is still winnable.
--------------
T/N:
Access Advance Chapters on my
P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals