Master Craftsman of the Elven World

Chapter 497 The Lonely Gourmet, the Intruder in Zone Zero

The special armor is very unique. It was added during the era of Shiki and is sold at the Messenger Bag shop in Tabletop City. Moreover, its powerful ability is not only effective in battle.

It can even prevent wild Crystallized Pokémon in Crystallized Raids from having their abilities removed.

If it's a metal core barrier, Lightmoss already knows how to manufacture it, but he's a little confused about the special protective gear. After some rough thinking, he thinks that this thing must have been developed after researching the Taijing.

In other words, its material is a specific type of crystal.

To test this idea, Lightmoss and the Great Blacksmith and Skilled Blacksmith began processing the crystal fragments. Crystal fragments could often be found in the Padia region, and Lightmoss collected quite a few along the way. Some of them were reserved for repairing the mask of the Evil Spirit and forging a new mask.

However, the unique mask requires wood from the Everlasting Forest, which reminds Lightmoss of the repair requirements for the Backwater Amulet.

A trip to Beishang Township is a must.

Forged by the sacred fire and blue flames, a golden special shield was created, and at the same time, Lightmoss meticulously examined its effects.

[Unique Craft: Special Shield (Special Armor)]

[Description: Originally intended to be a cute and unique shield, its style has been refined to resemble that of the medieval period through a unique forging process, and its color has also been transformed into a solemn gold due to the addition of gold materials.]

[Effect 1 (Inactive): The Pokémon holding this item will not have its ability changed, removed, or ignored. This applies even in Crystal Raids.]

[Note: This item requires strong Taijing energy to activate. Its effects will gradually weaken and eventually disappear after the Taijing energy is depleted.]

[Effect 2: Halve Reflect (When holding a shield, it is considered as activating the move [Reflect]). While the shield is raised, physical damage taken from the opponent is halved. If there are multiple Pokémon on your side, the damage is reduced by one-third.]

"Hmm, it is indeed an item related to the power of Taijing. However, as long as it is charged in time, the special shield can be used continuously. The effect of the Reflection Wall is made incorporating the crafting process of the [Half Reflection Necklace]."

The energy of superpowers can sometimes be injected and made into handicrafts.

The Reflection Necklace is a magical item held by Blue in the special episode. It's like having a Reflect barrier active at any time during battle.

"Not bad. With this shield and the golden spear, the knight's equipment will be complete."

Guangmo handed the shield to the Crimson Armor Knight, who tested its weight and then carried it on his back.

"The sword and shield fighting style is completely different from the paradoxical style. But now it's really hard to impress, at least in terms of physical defense."

However, the Crimson Knight was carrying more than two items!
In formal competitive battles, this approach cannot be used. It is important to carefully consider whether to fight with a shield or a spear.

"Pop~"

For Lightmoss, the forging time passed quickly, while Dolphin Man, in his ordinary form, had somehow dug a puddle nearby and was playing in it with Husky.

"Hey, Dolphin Man can punch a huge crater, now the village even has a pond, we can raise fish and stuff like that."

Fish farming, huh? The sable cod, which is found everywhere in Padonia, can not only be eaten but also used as a torpedo to attack invading enemies. Isn't that a pure automatic defense mechanism?

Seeing that his teammates had been waiting for quite some time, Guangtai packed his things, repeatedly explained the order to the village chief, and drew a portrait of the customer.

"Never attack a customer with a sledgehammer, understand?"

"Wahahaha." The village chief happily swung his sledgehammer, seemingly oblivious to whether he was even listening.

The skilled blacksmiths behind them were also laughing heartily.

Lightmoss checked the hunting sleigh. Rotom ran out of the C device and crawled into the hunting sleigh, which significantly improved its performance. First of all, the battery was fully charged.

As for whether the number of circles to be drawn during capture will decrease as a result, we'll have to wait and see after actual combat.

Once we defeat Boss Red Sun, we can get him to help modify these devices, which should unlock a whole new form for Rotom.

[Special Item (Special Pokémon Form): Rotom Hunting Beacon!]

[Description: The hunting glider is the culmination of the Ranger Alliance's technology; it is a remarkably powerful and advanced device. Currently, only a select few can manufacture and upgrade it. It was created by Professor Shinbara (Professor Simbala).]

[Description: Travel to Team Galactic and invite its leader, Sunfire, to upgrade the technology for hunting lances and Rotom hunting. This might unlock Rotom's special form!]

[Description: Expected stance attributes - Electric + Ground / Electric + Melee!]

[Expected skills to be learned: Earth Power/Aura Sphere.]

[Note: Your hunting sling is an illegal device! It is not registered with the Ranger Alliance. Please use it with caution!]

"An illegal vernier, of course I know!"

"However, on the other hand, although I haven't seen the more advanced chief cursor and wrist cursor, is it possible that these two things are still under development?"

"What would happen if I developed it first?"

At that time, Professor Shinhara will probably be completely dumbfounded:
I haven't even completed the technical verification yet, where did you get this from!

"However, it's too dangerous to let Red Sun inspect the hunting buoy. There's a risk of leaking the Ranger Alliance's core technology. Let's wait until we capture Red Sun and correct his personality before we talk about it."

After leaving the starting village, Guangtai led the demon-slaying team straight to the ruins of Rekkhu.

Since Dolphin Man couldn't always move in his all-around form on land, Lightmoss used a diving ball to temporarily store him inside.

However, this doesn't count as officially becoming partners, so Lightmoth doesn't plan to write down her joining record for the time being.

Unless, of course, Dolphin Man is willing to travel to faraway places and begin his heroic journey.

“Guren”.

Crimson Knight fully supports Dolphin Warrior's dream.

Seeing this hero of the sea attempting to accomplish amazing feats and establish a legend that will be passed down through generations is like seeing myself back then, full of dreams.

Although it was a short time, what I experienced was something I had never done in countless years.

Only by leaving their hometown can they create a new future, and the Crimson Knight clearly understood this.

To grow, one must leave home.

And what we call our hometown is a place we long for.

"The nameless ruins north of Colophon Town. Similar things are everywhere in Padilla, so much so that these ruins are exposed in the wilderness and become homes for wild Pokémon to roam. This particular ruin faces the towering mountains to the northeast, which is northwest of Tabletop City, the location of the Pokémon League."

The team members quickly arrived at the roadside ruins. There was nothing left in the ruins that could be called a clue, but fortunately, because no one would come here, and because of its remote location, far away from the arena and the olive grove, it had not been "looted".

At least recently, no one has come to loot it.

However, on the other hand, the Padia region doesn't have any "stone collectors" or "ruins enthusiasts," so if there are meteorites preserved in the ruins, they generally won't be taken by treasure-hunting students—because the students simply wouldn't recognize them.

"Found it!" Lightmoy quickly found a meteorite in the ruins, and judging from its age, it was definitely a genuine artifact!

[Cosmic material: Ancient meteorite.]

[Description: A stone from space that fell long ago. Its surface is pitted and hard. It feels slightly warm to the touch. It is said that similar meteorites have fallen in various parts of the world, and some possess the properties of the Qulan meteorite.]

[Effect: When applied to Rayquaza, the meteorite will be transformed into Rayquaza's power. Alternatively, using a move on the meteorite can counteract abnormal increases in natural energy. However, this effect can only be used once.]

[Effect: Grants Deoxys the ability to change Deoxys's stance.]

Light Moss: "It feels a little warm to the touch, that's right, that's the description of this kind of meteorite."

"Generally speaking, this kind of meteorite is the one that changed the posture of Deoxys. It is also related to Rayquaza in terms of power. It carries the energy of the universe. The characteristic of eliminating natural forces is a common power of these meteorite fragments in the special episode. As long as the meteorite is related to the Gran Meteorite, it has similar abilities."

"And the Quran meteorite is a seven-colored meteorite."

In the Padia region, to obtain this meteorite during the game, you must purchase it from the auction market in [Ziqin Town].

Wow, Hayek's hand is amazing! This market sells everything, it's comparable to the treasure market in the town of Traverse in Galar!
"Of course, in reality, a fully grown Deoxys can change its form freely without a meteorite, so such a meteorite is actually not useless to the Warrior of Light. It's quite good as food."

Lightmoss muttered to itself, and at the same time heard Deoxys's voice:

Meteorites from the distant universe often carry special cosmic viruses—our pre-existing state. These viruses possess cosmic energy and can allow our original form to exist as a virus for a very long time.

Just like the meteorite that gave birth to me, this meteorite will become the core of the crystal after my kind completes their evolution. However, the power of this meteorite seems insufficient, or rather, another force suppresses its energy and eliminates most of the cosmic power within it, even eradicating the cosmic virus.

Lightmoy: "Ah, that's probably because of the Zeroing Transformation Realm."

"According to the investigation, 200 million or 100 million years ago, the crust of Padia underwent a violent change. The huge meteorite that brought the power of the astral crystal and the terrestrial crystal gave a certain Pokémon the special ability to eliminate the influence of all powers."

"In any case, it still has residual cosmic power, because the power of the Taijing also comes from the universe, and therefore they share some common characteristics."

"There are four stones in total. Take them to Rayquaza. My mission is complete."

The investigation of the ruins concluded successfully, yielding four ancient meteorites. Guangtai immediately led everyone towards Jinhui Town.

There's no need to cross the scorching desert; simply head northeast along the ruins, traversing hills and mountains, and take a shortcut through the roads near Glass Bottle City to quickly reach Jinhui Town.

Fossilized pterosaurs, Genesects, and Milton in flight easily crossed mountains and traversed watery landscapes.

After crossing the highest mountain that separates the two cities, the view suddenly opened up before us!
In the Padiya region, the area where Jinhui Town is located, like Yuanmo Town, is a rare flat terrain.

The town's architecture is very modern and "standard," in short, quite ordinary and unremarkable. However, while the buildings themselves are unremarkable, the town's overall layout is very interesting and quite "intricate."

This is also a town that exudes a nostalgic atmosphere. Because of its developed food culture, restaurants like those in big cities are lining up one after another.

"The Treasure Restaurant in Jinhui Town is a restaurant in Padia famous for its dishes that can change the type of crystal. The Jinhui Gym's gym test is also held here. Aoki is a regular here."

"In the battlegrounds during the Zhu Zi period, Bao Canteen was also a frequently featured location."

"And, although it may not be very eye-catching, it is actually very powerful [Revolving Dreamers]. This restaurant is a chain restaurant, and it is very likely that it is located in multiple regions."

“In the Padilla region, the Revolving Dreamer only sells sushi. However, there are branches in Miare, Carlos, and Marie, Alora. The former is an expensive upscale restaurant with a dining price of 50.”

"The latter is also a high-end restaurant, selling the Z set menu, but it only costs 4000 yuan. Plus, you can share a table, so it's a bit more affordable."

Who exactly owns this restaurant?
It might be set up like the Rotom mobile company, with the application debuting in the eighth generation. However, its boss and related personnel are Nemo from the ninth generation.

This restaurant might even reappear in the tenth generation, and a new character might emerge from it.
"You seem to know a lot about fine restaurants around the world."

A weak, feeble voice came from behind Guangtai.

At this moment, Lightmoy is standing near the entrance of the Dreamer's shop, holding Dolphin Man's diving ball, touring the town with Crimson Knights and the Arrayed Soldiers.

Hearing this weak and listless voice, Guangtai couldn't help but turn her head in curiosity.

He was an ordinary-looking office worker, but it would be impossible to say he had no unique characteristics.

His ordinary appearance was accompanied by strange, square eyes, with tired dark circles around them. His hair was slightly slicked back, perhaps due to fatigue from working overtime, and there were some white strands in his hair.

The overworked office worker shook his head helplessly, looking at the glittering sign of Dreamers:

"Revolving Dreamers is indeed a chain of high-end restaurants in various regions. They also operate in a targeted manner according to the different local customs and culture of each region."

"A meal costing 50 is an unimaginably astonishing price; only a place like Miaret can afford it."

"Unfortunately, even in the Padiyah region, where the food industry is well-developed, the food they sell is not exactly cheap."

"The 4-piece sushi set, called 'Flower, Bird, Wind, and Moon,' costs 2,000 each. If you want to try the special dishes, you have to go to the Icebox Town on Frosty Mountain. However, it is said that the taste is very good, so even though it is open in a snowy environment, tourists flock there."

"And the price of the special meal even reached 4000 yuan, which is more expensive than the famous cuisine of Haidai Club."

"That kind of thing is just too expensive for someone like me."

"So, Bao's canteen is great, delicious and cheap, and the grilled rice balls are especially good."

The person who appeared next to Guangmo was none other than the Elite Four of Padia, the Gym Leader of Kinkaku Town, a well-known workaholic and non-workaholic, a collection of contradictions, lacking motivation, Inogashira Goro of Kinkaku Town, and the solitary gourmet, Aoki!

When he was the owner of the gym, Aoki's attribute was average. He claimed that his average attribute was just like his current state, which was good, nothing special and unremarkable.

When he was one of the Elite Four, Aoki was asked by a superior to use Pokémon of different types in battles, so he changed his preferred type to Flying.

The evaluation is "A master of Normal-type moves, but only average in strength among Gym Leaders. His main job is as an employee in the Pokémon League's sales department, but his performance is not good. He likes to eat."

However, in reality, Aoki's strength is not weak at all.

Well, despite claiming to be an unremarkable person, Aoki is more loved than other characters and has all sorts of strange nicknames.

There are also famous lines such as "Using the tricks that socialites are good at (gritting their teeth)" and the famous meme "It doesn't seem to work against the rich."

And memes featuring Toilet King and Arceus.
Hikari: "Nice to meet you! Uh, you're Mr. Aoki?"

Aoki nodded weakly:
"It's me. I know you. A master of steel, the tenth district boss of the Black Skyscraper, my new colleague."

"Chief Ye Ci has already told me about your return. However, meeting you at the entrance of the Dreamers' Club was indeed a coincidence."

Aoki replied listlessly:
"I should have said 'nice to meet you' or something, but I didn't because of your restaurant review."

"I'm not used to beating around the bush. You're going to explore Zone Zero, right?"

Guangtai nodded: "This is Chief Yeci's request, and I also have an important reason for going to Zone Zero. Simply put, I want to see Dr. Orin. At the same time, I also want to check on the recent situation in Zone Zero."

Aoki nodded dejectedly:
"Since this is a task assigned by the chief, there is no reason not to complete it."

"The rumors about the monsters in the desert are indeed quite widespread. Some say they are monsters that escaped from Sector Zero. I don't know where this rumor came from, but in any case, there's no sign that the gates to Sector Zero have been opened. If we're talking about manipulation, only Dr. Orin could do it."

"Never mind." Aoki shook his head. "This isn't my job. I just need to stay here."

"I will open the gate to Zone Zero for you. Zone Zero is very dangerous, so please be careful. I also wish you a safe journey in advance."

Aoki doesn't usually say many lines, but he'll make an exception if it's related to work or food.

After Aoki finished speaking, he thought for a moment and then said to Hikari:
"However, at least it was my first meeting with the new Four Heavenly Kings."

"Since I am a senior, if you don't mind, how about I treat you to a meal before we enter Zone Zero?"

"Although I prefer Takara Shokudo, if you don't mind if this is your first time treating a junior to a meal, let's eat at Kaiten Dream House."

For Aoki, eating is a form of effective social interaction.

However, most of the time, he prefers to enjoy delicious food alone.

After all, Aoki's prototype is "The Solitary Gourmet".

Furthermore, Aoki rarely treats people to meals.
Perhaps, they only invited Xinli and Bashuo?
Just when Aoki finally made up his mind to treat everyone to a meal.

A commotion broke out near Jinhui Town; people were calling out something, and at the same time, an acquaintance of Aoki appeared near the Dreamer's Lair.
"Aoki! Go check it out quickly, it seems there's been some trouble at that research facility."

"A guest has been attacked by an unknown Pokémon!"

“Research facilities.” Aoki’s gaze shifted slightly.

In fact, most residents don't know what the research facility at the Zero Zone gate is for, and even the researchers nearby don't know, because the Crystal Research is a secret of the Alliance, and only Dr. Orin's team is qualified to enter it for research.

The Zone Zero gate has actually not been opened for a long time. It is a facility used to observe the situation in Zone Zero inside the Padia Crater, and is also used for preliminary research.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what happened, but the treat might have to be postponed." Aoki sighed, forcing himself to stay focused.
"Perhaps something dangerous has happened. I need to go and check it out. You can wait in the restaurant for a while."

"Let's leave the dinner party for later, Mr. Aoki." Hikari waved her hand with a smile.

“I’ll go with you. Perfect timing, I’m planning to go straight into Zone Zero.”

At the same time, Guangtai also had doubts in her heart.

Has the entrance barrier to Zone Zero been breached again?
Why is your Zone Zero gate like the Land of Light, where anyone can come and go as they please?

"Could it be that Pipa opened it? It seems that before the story began, only Pipa had entered the Zero Zone gate once, several years ago."

"And, when he entered that time, the Zero Zone gate was [lit up]."

(End of this chapter)