Chapter 232: Unova Art and the Ripple of Time

"Although it's called an emergency negotiation..."

The president of the Battle Company seems to be an impatient person. The old man's attire is that of a cleaner, exactly the same as in the game.

And President Stone is not much different from memory.

The Battle Company offered an extremely high price. Although they didn't achieve the goal of "producing some battle items in Unova," they at least obtained full authorization for electronic battle items. Both presidents discussed this carefully with Xiang Guangtai.

In terms of electronic battle items and battle software, this is not Devon Corporation's strength. Devon Corporation is better at manufacturing software and tools for the daily life of Pokémon trainers, such as multi-function navigators, detection equipment, and the like.

And the Battle Company only focuses on developing electronic software strongly related to battles. In this regard, there is almost no conflict with Devon. One is daily production, and the other is battle training.

"Battle items produced by Devon Corporation will be transported to the Unova region to meet the battle needs of trainers in the Unova region..."

Undoubtedly, developing new business in Unova is also something Devon is eager for.

However, the batch of items Steven brought back to Devon, Devon Corporation is still researching. For an item craftsman with ancient, special power, manufacturing those special items might not take much effort, and the items produced naturally carry incredible effects.

However, for a technology company, how to reproduce this special effect is the key.

It's like the Focus Sash.

The report President Stone got from his researchers seems to indicate that they completely cannot understand what kind of energy "focus" is, and can only ask for advice from various famous martial artists in the Hoenn region, even paying high prices to recycle the old, broken clothes they once wore, which left those martial artists completely confused.

Your Devon Corporation doesn't develop trainer software, why are you recycling junk?

"President Stone still has a lot to do. I didn't expect it to take such a long time to analyze one item... The various power systems and technology systems of the Pokémon world are completely disconnected."

It's just like ancient mysterious technology and modern technology; they are completely different things. Ancients could piece together a Pokémon like Magearna by hand, while modern technology doesn't understand the principles at all, as if there is a technical barrier, and there isn't even a proper technical manuscript passed down.

And in the distant future era of Paradox Pokémon like Miraidon, Iron Treads, and Iron Moth, are the things created by technology robots or Pokémon?

However, Xiang Guangtai saw a bit of sorrow between President Stone's brows during the online meeting, as if he had a very deep worry. Thinking back a little...

Ah, it's about time for the meteorite to arrive. Steven had mentioned this before.

So, is he worried about the meteorite?

However, in a world with Brendan and May, this crisis was just a close call.

Rayquaza will successfully complete Mega Evolution, the boy and girl riding Rayquaza will become the space heroes of Hoenn, and Deoxys, which was born with the super-huge meteorite and pushed the huge meteorite to collide with the world, will also be cleanly and neatly defeated by Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent.

Or... be captured on the spot by the boy and girl, letting it understand that meteorites are not something to play with.

Daring to invade Earth, what a cosmic bumpkin. It doesn't know that Earth has our heroic protagonist defending it.

President Shinnosuke of the Battle Company forcefully gave himself an honorary title of Executive Director. Of course, Xiang Guangtai didn't show his face during the online meeting.

However, there still seemed to be people in the Battle Company who knew something.

Miss Keiko, who introduced the housing source to him, had already sent an inquiry message, and also mentioned that President Shinnosuke had guessed that he was the person who appeared on the news that day through his ID.

Fortunately, old President Shinnosuke is not a person who is too particular. From his attire, it can be seen that he disguises himself as a cleaner to sweep the floor upstairs, calls himself an incompetent trainer, and focuses on developing battle items. He is a man who poured his youthful passion for battles into his later career.

In the game, after defeating all members of the Battle Company, President Shinnosuke will send an Exp. Share. Black and White is also the only generation in the series where you can get two Exp. Shares.

"Hmm, he even opened some special permissions for my software account..."

Old President Shinnosuke expressed his willingness to visit, and wanted to see the real battle performance of some items. For this—he issued a challenge invitation to him.

This made Xiang Guangtai really somewhat dumbfounded.

But thinking about it carefully, this old president's persona seems to be "while doing the cleaning work he likes, waiting for a young and satisfied trainer." This is his hobby.

Then there is actually no need for a battle. Xiang Guangtai naturally indicated that there would be an invited gym battle in the afternoon. If he wants to see the effect of the items, that time is the best opportunity!

Xiang Guangtai put away the Pokémon device. It was almost time to go to the Castelia Gallery.

For Castelia City, which is full of skyscrapers, the Castelia Gallery not only doesn't occupy a large area, but it is also hidden among the high-rises and is very inconspicuous, and can even be described as "small." However, this is the art sanctuary of the entire Unova. Artists rushing from various cities gather in the gallery from time to time to discuss the art of painting.

"Yo! You're very punctual!" Burgh saw Xiang Guangtai in front of the Castelia Gallery: "Eh? Could it be that you live on Fashion Street?"

"The child here is... Ah, isn't this little Nari!"

"Long time no see, Mr. Burgh. Last time was at the Pokémon school. Mr. Burgh, you came to our school as a guest lecturer." Nari answered very politely.

"My, it's really been a while! I've been busy going out to collect material recently, and I haven't had time to go to the school side."

Burgh didn't expect to see the "student" he taught temporarily here.

"This is really a coincidence! The Castelia Gallery has a batch of new paintings to exhibit today. You came at the right time!"

Although Burgh's own paintings are rarely exhibited here, that's because Burgh hopes more for gym challengers to see those artworks. Moreover, in Castelia City, the Castelia Gym is essentially Burgh's private art museum, and like the Castelia Gallery, it is a place that many artists yearn for.

What is exhibited in the gallery is not just paintings, but also a small number of statues placed around. The owner of the gallery is an old lady who likes to walk in the central area and enjoy the feeling of chatting with people and Pokémon in that environment.

Although the gallery is small, there are many people. Not only artists who have come from afar, but also local residents who like art are here appreciating, pacing, and thinking about the philosophy between people and paintings, paintings and nature, and thoughts.

Artists with Sigilyph, artists with Smeargle, and artists with Sunflora.

Burgh gave a detailed introduction to Xiang Guangtai and Nari from the side.

"Narrative Poem of Heaven," this is a painting depicting Celestial Tower, with endless souls wandering in the high tower, moving toward the big bell at the top of the tower.

"Happy Hour," this is a work about the entertainment atmosphere of Nimbasa City.

"Rust Tide," this is a work depicting the steel cargo ships at the port of Driftveil City.

"Skyscraper Cocoon," this is Burgh's work, comparing skyscrapers to the towering trees of a forest, and every room is like a cocoon woven by Bug-type Pokémon in the forest, and people gather in these cocoons to multiply.

"Nacrene Prism," paintings about the old warehouses and history of Nacrene City.

"Black Forest and White Building," this is a work describing Black City and White Forest. The black skyscrapers are like a forest of steel and iron, while the towering trees of White Forest are instead like natural high-rises.

"Marvelous Imagery Bridge," a work depicting the most wonderful "Marvelous Bridge" in the Unova region, dark sky, ghost clouds with blue faint light, electricity seems to be flashing faintly, and under the dark sea, there seems to be an indescribable vortex hidden. In the background of the painting, there seems to be an invisible wind...

"Isn't this the background picture in the game?"

Xiang Guangtai didn't expect to see those "pictures" again in this unique form here. Observing carefully, sure enough, three of the five bridges in Unova have been drawn into art paintings and exhibited here.

【You watch carefully, and with Burgh's detailed explanation, you have understood the artistic conception and ideas expressed by the unique art paintings in the Castelia Gallery.】

【These paintings come from some magical concept art. You are deeply impressed by this art and have obtained unique art-related knowledge. After successfully performing one independent art creation, you can fully use this knowledge.】

【Obtained Craft Style: Unova Art.】

【Description: It is an aggregation of different styles of several well-known artists in Unova, covering styles such as realism, abstraction, retro, naturalism, and near-future. Endless people and cultures gather as one, piercing through the time of Unova like an arrow.】

【Effect: You can integrate and master all art styles faster and skillfully apply them. Art integration rate +200%, artistry +100%, influence +100%.】

【Note: Artworks will be regarded as high-value decorative items, and some enthusiasts will buy them at high prices. Your artworks only need to be exhibited in any art museum or gallery to gain high popularity. Someone in the Secret Base Guild will buy them at high prices.】

【By continuously exhibiting, you can unlock unique professional knowledge: Painter (Phantom Artist).】

【This is the professional knowledge of Master Casbascia, the "Wandering Phantom Artist."】

【Extra association!】

【By continuously exhibiting, you can unlock unique art craft: Ruins of Mt. Coronet—Ripple of Time.】

【Special professional knowledge that may be obtained through some subsequent events: Time Explorer—Wave of Time.】

【Special items that can be manufactured after obtaining unique professional knowledge:】

【Time Flute, Time Puzzle, Time Treasure, Time Gear.】

"How about it! The paintings here all come from famous masters in Unova, very high standard, right!"

"Jonathan of Nimbasa City, Vincent of Village Bridge, Givan of Lacunosa Town, sports artist Pierre from Sinnoh, Mattier of Aspertia City..."

"How does little Nari feel? I remember you are also good at drawing, right!"

Burgh saw Xiang Guangtai fully focused, knowing that the other party had immersed himself in this art feast, so he smiled and looked at his former student.

"They are all excellent works. Actually, I take time to go to the Castelia Gallery every week," Nari looked at those paintings, her eyes full of longing.

"It's just that I am good at sketching, and compared to these works, my paintings are not very good... I really hope I can draw these excellent works in the future."

Looking at those paintings, it's as if one has really traveled to distant cities. This is also the reason why Nari comes to the gallery every week. Without leaving home, one can appreciate the style of distant places from the works of artists, from paintings, and statues. And once the exhibition works are updated, it is a new experience for Nari.

"All art has common ground, and as long as the person drawing feels happy, the quality of the painting doesn't matter. Moreover, you shouldn't say that about your own hard work!"

"Even works full of resentment and confusion are precious things. As an artist, you will often face this kind of awkward situation. From a certain angle, works created during this period cannot be called failures; instead, they are excellent works that best reflect the other side of a person."

"And crude copies, simple pen drawings, also pour in feelings. Therefore, drawing is a very beautiful thing. The world under our pens, the world we see, and the world seen by others are all different."

"Therefore, draw! In the world of painting, people can forget the troubles of the world, and beautiful paintings will bring people endless happiness, making people's spirits connect with each other!"

【Obtained unique insight: Burgh's Art World.】

【Description: The artistic vision of a top genius artist seems to have vaguely touched the biggest secret of Unova. Even if it was just an unintentional remark, if you use it, you might draw important things from it.】

Burgh's words of encouragement to Nari inadvertently caused Xiang Guangtai to obtain a strange piece of knowledge, which made Xiang Guangtai come back to his senses from the sorting of previous information and the perception of the surrounding paintings.

"Ah! How is it, it feels great, right!"

"Thank you for your invitation, I have indeed learned a lot of important things!" Xiang Guangtai thanked Burgh gratefully.

And Burgh was also very happy, taking the initiative to invite Xiang Guangtai and Nari to an important exhibition area.

"This is a painting I want to show you."

"It is an important work I completed not long ago. Generally speaking, my works will be placed in the Castelia Gym, but this one represents the history of Unova, so I want to put it here."

Burgh pointed to a large painting in front.

Title of the work: "Birth of the Sun."

On it is a red sun emitting brilliant light, and below are the ancients praying and praising the sun.

"I am a genius artist of Bug-type Pokémon, and speaking of bugs, in the ancient era of Unova, there was a Bug-type Pokémon reputed to be the Sun God."

"That is also the ace of our Unova Champion, Mr. Alder, Volcarona."

Burgh looked at the work. He poured great creative enthusiasm into this painting!

"Volcarona is a Pokémon that has been worshiped as the incarnation of the sun since ancient times. In legend, when the sun was obscured by volcanic ash due to a volcanic eruption, Volcarona used flames to make its wings glow, replacing the sun to illuminate the world."

"God of Fire, God of Light, there are simply too many praises for Volcarona."

"However, regarding its juvenile form, Larvesta, I originally wanted to draw a painting that could match this work, but I couldn't draw a satisfactory work for a long time. This is mainly because Larvesta is too rare, and Champion Alder's Volcarona has already completed evolution... He has two Volcarona."

Burgh expressed regret. This is truly a very painful thing for an artist.

Xiang Guangtai thought of an interesting rumor.

It is said that Larvesta and Volcarona were originally designed as pseudo-legendary Pokémon, that is, late-blooming Pokémon, but the developers couldn't draw the intermediate stage of the fire cocoon, so they turned it into a slightly rarer Pokémon.

But even so, in the desert of the Paldea region, they are everywhere, almost to the point of flooding, while in their place of origin, Unova, Larvesta is rarely seen.

Xiang Guangtai thought of his Larvesta.

"I suddenly have some ideas. I plan to put an art work here. I wonder if it's okay?"

"Oh, is it a statue with Volcarona as a sample? Of course, no problem! Rather, what I'm looking forward to is exactly this!" Burgh is very interested in Xiang Guangtai's sculpture art. Hearing that Xiang Guangtai plans to leave some works here, of course, he is very welcome! The curator here goes without saying!

"No, I plan to help you complete the remaining Larvesta work." Xiang Guangtai pointed to Volcarona: "As it happens, I have a Larvesta, but it's not by my side right now."

"After visiting, how about borrowing your Castelia Gym?"

Burgh was a bit surprised, but soon his expression was full of anticipation.

A sculpture artist wants to draw a painting?

It's normal. Some excellent sculptors are excellent painters themselves!

"Of course! My Castelia Gym has various art tools. Creating after the gym challenge is the moment when inspiration is overflowing!"

"Larvesta, eh! I'm looking forward to it. What kind of work will I see!"

"Regarding the challenge... After all, I invited you to challenge, although I said I wouldn't waste too much of your time, but I don't plan to go easy. Only a real battle can make my inspiration burst!"

"Same for me. I'm interested in your battle art now." Xiang Guangtai thought, this invitation is really not in vain.

Unova, sure enough, is full of surprises and secrets everywhere.

【Entree Mission: Complete the gym challenge invitation from Burgh in Castelia City.】

【Description: Is it actually the Gym Leader taking the initiative to invite a challenge?】

【Reward: Release Orb x2, Bug-type Inspiration x1, Art Talent x1, Insect Badge x1.】

【Note 1: The badges of Unova themselves do not possess any power, only qualification proof and reward items, but through the link of the Entree Forest, perhaps it will produce different effects, and knowledge about some attributes might be obtained.】

【Note 2: Burgh is a well-known genius artist in Unova. Obtaining his recognition will make your paintings and sculptures instantly famous, attracting more people to watch. You can use your works to express your will and influence people's hearts.】

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 233 =====