"Master…"
Looking at the old craftsman before him and feeling the strong sense of recognition and expectation within his words, Ash couldn't help but feel deeply moved.
"Master, I will treasure these two pieces of equipment. I promise they will never gather dust," Ash said solemnly.
"Good, good. With those words, I can rest easy."
Master Caldor smiled warmly.
"Equipment isn't meant to sit around for display. Its true value only appears when someone actually uses it. Go ahead—release your Pokémon and try it on. Let's see if it fits."
"Alright."
Ash responded without hesitation and immediately tossed out a Poké Ball.
"Come out—Pidgeotto!"
Bang!
"Pidge!"
The Poké Ball burst open in a flash of light. A sharp-eyed, powerful-looking Pidgeotto appeared atop the workbench in the workshop.
"This is…!"
The moment Master Caldor saw the Pidgeotto Ash had summoned, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
Originally, he had thought that training a Pikachu to such strength in just over a month was already an extraordinary accomplishment.
Yet now he realized that Ash possessed more than one impressive Pokémon.
Truly… a hero emerges even in youth, the old craftsman thought silently to himself.
Ash, however, had no idea what the old man was thinking.
After releasing Pidgeotto, he picked up the Divine Catalyst Ring from the brocade box.
"Pidgeotto, this is equipment specially forged for you by Senior Caldor. The Mega Evolution ability can only be activated once you evolve into Pidgeot, but the rest of its effects can already be used right now."
"I'll help you put it on."
With that, Ash carefully fastened the Divine Catalyst Ring around Pidgeotto's left ankle joint.
Since the equipment had originally been forged according to Pidgeot's body proportions, it was slightly large for Pidgeotto at the moment.
However, the difference between the two species' body sizes wasn't that significant.
So although the ring fit a little loosely, it would not fall off easily.
"Not bad… not bad at all."
Ash stepped back and carefully examined Pidgeotto before nodding with satisfaction.
A Pidgey was gentle by nature.
But after evolving into Pidgeotto, its temperament became far more fierce and aggressive.
Because of that, Pidgeotto naturally possessed a much more majestic and imposing presence.
Now, with the brilliant golden Divine Catalyst Ring adorning its ankle, that already majestic aura gained an additional sense of sacred elegance.
"Pidgeotto~!"
Pidgeotto lowered its head to inspect the shining golden ring on its leg and clearly seemed very pleased with the accessory.
When Ash asked how it felt, Pidgeotto closed its eyes and carefully sensed the changes within its body.
A moment later, its eyes widened in astonishment.
"Pidgeotto!! This is incredible! After wearing this equipment, my stamina, Special Attack, Special Defense, and even the flow of my power feel so much smoother!"
Pidgeotto exclaimed excitedly.
"Haha, of course," Ash laughed.
"After all, this isn't an ordinary item—it's practically divine-tier equipment."
The Divine Catalyst Ring's attributes were astonishing:
+200 Vitality
+60 Special Attack Power
+60 Special Defense
+20% Cooldown Reduction
+20% Energy Recovery
While Pidgeotto was still marveling at the power of its new equipment, Ash reached into the brocade box again and took out the other item—the Green Pearl Bracer meant for himself.
He fastened it around his right wrist.
"Whoa…!"
The moment the Green Pearl Bracer settled into place, Ash immediately felt the changes in his body.
+200 Vitality
+120 Strength
+60 Special Defense
+60 Physical Defense
+20% Energy Recovery
Judging purely from his own physical sensations, Ash could clearly feel that his body had become more energetic and full of life.
The strength in his right arm had increased dramatically, his body felt much tougher against impacts, and even the flow of his psychic power had become more active.
And these improvements weren't small.
They were massive enhancements.
For example, the +120 Strength bonus granted by the Green Pearl Bracer made Ash feel as if his physical power had skyrocketed.
It felt as if he could now punch straight through a stone shield with sheer force.
"These two pieces of equipment are unbelievably powerful."
"Thank you, Senior."
After personally experiencing their effects, Ash bowed deeply together with Pidgeotto.
"We will treasure and make good use of these two equipment items. They will never be wasted."
"Haha."
Master Caldor quickly helped Ash back up.
"Since I was willing to forge this equipment for you, it means I already believe in you."
Although Master Caldor hadn't accepted any payment, anyone who invested such effort naturally hoped that the recipient would be someone who understood gratitude.
Seeing Ash express such sincere thanks—together with his Pokémon—made the old craftsman extremely happy.
After staying in the workshop a little longer, the old man and the young trainer chatted freely about events happening in the outside world.
Before Ash left, Master Caldor reminded him not to reveal his location.
Ash agreed immediately.
Pokémon equipment was incredibly valuable.
Even craftsmen capable of creating ordinary items were treated as honored guests by the Pokémon League and powerful organizations, with visitors constantly crowding their homes.
Someone like Master Caldor—who could forge divine-tier equipment—would attract even more attention.
If people discovered his location, he would never have peace again.
And with only Gym-level strength, revealing his whereabouts might even put him in danger.
For the old craftsman who had freely forged two incredible pieces of equipment for him and Pidgeotto, Ash felt nothing but respect and gratitude.
There was no way he would ever do anything that might harm him.
After leaving the Rainbow Radiance Jewelry Store, Ash first returned to the flower shop on Lilac Street in the Second Ring District, where his mother was working.
Today was the shop's grand opening, and business was booming.
From 9:00 AM until now, the shop was still packed with customers.
The reason was simple.
The store was called "Ash's Mom's Flower Shop."
Even the shop's signboard and logo featured a cartoon version of Ash's face.
So when Ash returned after picking up the equipment from Master Caldor, the customers in the shop immediately became wildly excited.
Many of them rushed over and surrounded him, asking for autographs.
However, Ash didn't stay long.
After helping out for a while, he glanced at the time, removed his shop apron, and mounted his bicycle, heading toward the Viridian City Pokémon Center.
During this period of studying, training, and internship at the Pokémon Center, Ash had gained increasing experience in how to care for Pokémon and how to properly treat their injuries.
Originally, he had expected to undergo one full month of training before qualifying to receive a medical license issued by the Joy family and the Pokémon League Medical Department.
Only then would he be able to open the third clinic in his online shop.
But judging by his current progress, Ash estimated that after just one more week of training, he would likely graduate successfully and obtain the qualification to open his own clinic.
The path ahead was opening up faster than he had ever imagined.
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T/N:
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