Chapter 235: The Voice of Another World and the Strange Ball

【Mission Complete!】

【Your sincerity has resonated with the Entree Forest! The Entree Forest has sensed a new will, and its decaying branches are slowly growing!】

【Obtained: Release Orb ×2, Artistic Talent ×1, Bug Inspiration ×1!】

The moment two jade orbs appeared in his backpack, Xiang Guangtai felt certain flashes of inspiration beginning to surge, erupt, and sparkle within his mind.

A profound understanding of all things, and furthermore, the ability to display them in a unique posture—this is the important role that Artistic Talent plays in creation!

Creativity, imagination, emotion, and inspiration—these spiritual changes were extremely obvious.

In this instant, looking at the world before him, it felt as if everything had changed.

【Acquired: Artistic Talent—Color Artist!】

【Description: Do you know why there are so many colors in this world, such as white, black, red, green, blue, and yellow? This is to create new colors through a 'Boom—' of mixing! The world is like a colorful painting!】

【Effect: Color Application +200%. You can use color to express your own emotions and imagery. You will also possess unique power in depicting light and shadow, and can keenly capture the subtle and fleeting world of light and shadow!】

【Note: Talking about color in a black-and-white world? Combined with the Mythical Painting Craft, it might trigger a different phenomenon.】

【Acquired: Bug Inspiration—Pure Heart!】

【Description: A unique power from a Bug Artist. It allows for better observation of Bug-type Pokémon and the ability to gain unique inspiration from the daily behaviors of Bug Pokémon. Art is the combination of nature and the abandonment of all distracting thoughts—a pure thing.】

【Effect: Voice of Another World +10%. Bugs can gnaw on incredible psychic powers. Weak bugs can better sense the sounds and existence of nature; because they live by instinct, they can break through the obstacles of common sense.】

【Effect: Bug Favor +50%. If you participate in the Bug-Catching Contest, you are more likely to be sought out by Bug-type Pokémon, and the power of the Bug Pokémon that cooperate with you will become stronger.】

【Note 1: There is a 10% chance to obtain strange items that cannot be obtained or crafted in the main world. If you concentrate your spirit and combine it with powerful mental strength, it is also easy to hear "echoes" and "whispers" leaking from certain different spaces. Through the influence of the Entree Forest, this power can be temporarily transmitted to your partners.】

【Note 2: Your connection with the Entree Forest has become slightly closer; bugs are meant to live attached to trees.】

【Craftable Item: Strange Ball.】

【Description: A ball changed from certain Poké Balls. It seems it can be crafted without the relevant Poké Ball manufacturing technology. In terms of capture, it seems no different from an ordinary Poké Ball. What kind of effect it actually has remains a mystery to this day.】

"That was amazing! Inviting you to come and challenge was indeed the right choice. I also gave it my all and have no regrets."

"My Pokémon also performed wonderfully. Their posture upon entering the field, the moment they collided with your Pokémon's moves, and even their identity positioning during the battle—if one were to compare it to a script, then every moment was enough to write a heart-stirring story."

Burgh was currently in a period of inspiration explosion. His excitement was completely uncontrollable. As he was performing simple treatment on his three Pokémon, Xiang Guangtai handed over some useful medicine.

Burgh: "This is?"

Xiang Guangtai: "Super effective medicine, an exclusive product only available from me. Various medicines are also one of the items used in battle, and they can also play a very big role during the aftermath."

"Emergency Jelly, although it's a bit bitter, it's a truly remarkable medicine."

If an ordinary person said this, it might be suspected of self-promotion, but if Xiang Guangtai said it, it would be very convincing. Burgh, holding curiosity, gave the Emergency Jelly to his three Pokémon, and an astonishing thing happened immediately!

Within three minutes, the five physical stats, life, and energy of the three Pokémon were rapidly restored to an excellent state!

Compared to items like Revive Fragments and Revive Blocks that can be purchased in stores, the effect was even better!

"Oh oh, my artistic partners, are you all okay now!"

Burgh watched this scene, hugging his three Pokémon, feeling incredibly amazed, and the others who walked down from the spectator stands also clicked their tongues in wonder at this scene.

President Xinnosuke: "Hmm, although our company doesn't have much research on the medicine side, the difference in efficacy is visible to the naked eye! It is indeed a stronger medicine than Revive Blocks! This kind of medicine must be extraordinary, right?"

Xiang Guangtai: "Yes, it requires many important herbs, as well as high-quality Energy Blocks, Oran Berries, Revitalizing Roots, and most importantly, the Lost Four-Leaf Clover."

"Of course, the medicine has side effects, but if a 'castrated' version of the medicine is developed, the side effects should be smaller... However, speaking of side effects, it's just that they will enter a period of physical fatigue three hours after use."

"After all, this is medicine that uses life energy to infuse Pokémon for emergency treatment. In the subsequent time, the Pokémon must let their bodies adapt to this vibrant energy, which is why they need 'rest'."

Burgh: "Lost Four-Leaf Clover?"

He muttered twice, suddenly remembering a special kind of lucky clover leaf he had seen before.

Huh? Could it be...

"Why name that grass the Lost Four-Leaf Clover?" Nanli asked a bit strangely. Xiang Guangtai explained with a straight face: "Because the kind of four-leaf clover that you found is different from ordinary lucky four-leaf clovers, yet from the appearance, it looks no different from ordinary four-leaf clovers."

"Originally, four-leaf clovers are variants of three-leaf clovers and are very difficult things to find. And four-leaf clovers with incredible medicinal power are even more rare and hard to come by. It can be said to be a gift from the forest. It appears before people's eyes, yet people cannot know its power, so it is like a phantom herb forgotten by the world."

Nanli's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands:

"Nanli thinks this name is very good, so let's call it the Lost Four-Leaf Clover."

"Also, congratulations on defeating Gym Leader Burgh. Nanli watched very happily! I feel like I learned a lot, and Scizor is the same."

Scizor nodded beside Nanli, its eyes filled with excitement that had not yet dissipated.

Whether it was the challenger or the challenged, both displayed powerful strength. When will I and Nanli be able to possess this strength?

It still requires long-term training and tempering.

But in the future, I and Nanli will definitely be the best Steel partners, Scizor thought to itself.

"Wait! Is the Lost Four-Leaf Clover a special plant of Pinwheel Forest?"

Burgh stroked his chin: "I seem to have seen it before, a four-leaf clover emitting a hazy faint light. I thought it was very wonderful at the time, but it was snatched away by a Bug Pokémon. I didn't expect it to be such a precious medicinal herb?"

"Gift from the forest..." President Xinnosuke's squinting eyes looked a bit troubled.

If it were ordinary herbs, relying on the company's financial resources, perhaps they could be purchased from plantations and Burgh's Castelia Gym. In order to raise Bug Pokémon, Burgh's Castelia Gym is practically a botanical garden.

Speaking of which, those Bug-type Gyms and Elite Four members all like to decorate their workplaces like this. I heard that the Gym of the Bug-type teenage genius in the Johto region is the same.

However, if it is medicine obtained as a gift from the forest, then it cannot be planted on a large scale.

Pinwheel Forest has a will, and the forest has a voice. President Xinnosuke often travels between Pinwheel Forest and Castelia City. For the old man, that forest is a quite sacred place.

Because there are legendary Swords of Justice in that forest.

President Xinnosuke saw the appearance of Virizion a long time ago and knew that Virizion had once awakened in Pinwheel Forest. That ancient forest is always thinking in silence. The older one gets, the more one can feel that invisible power in the forest.

"Hmm... the four-leaf clover cannot be obtained. But high-level Energy Blocks are also items of considerable value. They need to be made by high-level Breeders and Evaluators. Our company is probably hard-pressed to hire such big shots."

In the Pokémon world, if battle-type professions are the first mainstream, then breeding and medical professions are the existence second only to battle.

Of course, if it's a Pokémon Professor, that's the true T0.

"President, the Hoenn region seems to have very powerful machines for making Pokémon Blocks. It doesn't need to be made by hand by people at the Evaluator level. The full name is 'Pokéblock Kit', composed of a Portable Berry Blender and a Pokéblock Case... We can also import Berry planting pots from the Johto region. According to investigations, that kind of machinery can make Berry cultivation quite easy and convenient."

"And there are large Berry blending machines. It is said that every Pokémon Contest venue in the Hoenn region has several such machines, so that contestants and venue staff can make Pokémon food."

Miss Keiko made suggestions in President Xinnosuke's ear.

She is well-informed and learned a lot of information outside of Unova in Black City. This is also because the market in Black City always circulates good things from other regions.

And because of the existence of Black Tower, corresponding to White Treehollow, many powerful Trainers will come from overseas to challenge and temper their strength. That is a city of desire, and news and items are updated every day.

And the reason why Unova doesn't have such machines is... there is no such thing as a Pokémon Contest here!

No demand, no market!

Before the appearance of Team Plasma, the residents of Unova were "battle-crazy" all day long, with an average IQ at the level of Ash Ketchum.

This crazy battle atmosphere was also an important reason for the breeding of Team Plasma. Ghetsis gathered a large number of Pokémon that had been hurt by humans and let them instill the idea that humans are truly hateful into N, which made Teacher N's childhood sad and painful.

Although there are also world-famous Pokémon Hollywood and the BW Entertainment Company that focuses on musicals, "performing arts" and "Pokémon Contests" are completely different performance directions.

"Oh! There is actually such a good machine! I know, this must be a product of the Devon Corporation, right?"

"Must import immediately!"

President Xinnosuke smelled a business opportunity. Hmm, if it's battle, medicine has always been an indispensable item. While healing Pokémon, it can also heal humans.

Even if they can't make medicine with the same efficacy as the Emergency Jelly in Xiang Guangtai's hands, if they can develop a "castrated" version of new medicine, the Battle Company will also make a lot of money with this new business...!

However, money is not important to President Xinnosuke. What is important is to let the Battle Company's core business focus on the "battle field"! This is the original intention of founding the company. If everything is aimed at making big money, it's better to go into energy.

Basically, most of the powerful companies in this world started with energy.

"Thank you! This Gym match really gave me a feast for the eyes!"

After President Xinnosuke entrusted these matters to the business assistants beside him, he shook hands vigorously with Xiang Guangtai and Burgh. The old president was very excited. This was from the heart.

"The various items in the battle exerted unparalleled power, and even proactively directed the outcome of the battle to a certain conclusion! Even the Berries are the same! Hmm, I have some new development inspiration and direction. The future of the Battle Company is simply bright!"

Xiang Guangtai: "No, the outcome of the battle is actually uncertain. More items will make the battle full of game theory. Some items are quite obvious, so they are easy to be seen, while some items are very hidden."

"After the items are digitized, everyone can't see the traces of items on the electronic Pokémon, which will make the battle process mysterious and unpredictable."

"That's what I think."

President Xinnosuke stroked his beard: "Oh! It seems I only saw the surface. In any case, the appearance of these new items indeed subverted part of the battle method!"

Those natural items that strengthen attribute power, and even some "Muscle Bands" and other items developed to increase move power, are not scarce on the market. Gem-type items are more valuable but not impossible to buy.

However, mechanism-type items are very rare. If these items are added...

Xiang Guangtai thought, this is still without adding dungeon items. If the strange items from the dungeon world are added, just like the Phantom Cloak he mailed to Lance, when the opponent uses Dragonite, this Dragonite can completely play a trick.

Wearing a cloak of the same color and brand to the field, making the opponent think it is carrying a Phantom Cloak and thus not dare to use Ice-type moves.

At this time, it is time for rock-paper-scissors. Psychological game theory will become an important part of Pokémon battles. And reckless Trainers... there is no need to worry too much about them. Pure reckless people like Ash Ketchum naturally have their own unique fighting style. In short, it's momentum!

However, the increase of items is the general trend. Although it may be rare now and can only be simulated in electronic battles, when the timeline is infinitely extended...

For example, the Cramorant invented by that genius boy in the Galar region is an item recycling machine.

And Unova, as one of the regions with the most developed technology in the Pokémon world, later created the "Item Printer" in the Blueberry Academy. Its structure is a secret of the Blueberry Science Club. At the time of the Blueberry Academy incident, the Science Club was applying for a patent for this heaven-defying machine.

At this moment, it is officially announced that the era of manual craftsmen is over, a piece of ancient history has come to an end, and humanity has officially entered the era of technology and hard work.

Xiang Guangtai: "The future, huh..."

President Xinnosuke: "Hmm, what's wrong?"

Xiang Guangtai: "No, I'm just thinking, what will the form of Pokémon battles be like in the future?"

Burgh: "Ha! That must be a very incredible era! Different battle items collide with each other, and a brand-new era of art different from the present will be born!"

"Also, as proof of defeating me, this must be handed to you!"

Burgh took out a green, shiny badge that looked like an insect's wing!

【Obtained: Insect Badge!】

【Description: A symbol of defeating the Castelia Gym. The design concept is the wings of an insect, very beautiful. Holder of the Insect Badge! Fight bravely like an insect!】

【Effect: One of the proofs to participate in the Pokémon League and open the door. It is a reward item, with no other effects. Perhaps it can be used as an ornament. If you knock on the eight badges in sequence, it can form a C major sound effect.】

【Note 1: The Entree Forest congratulates you on completing this Gym challenge. Although it was a battle strongly invited by the Gym Leader, this Gym battle is different from ordinary battles. As a genius artist and Castelia Gym Leader, Burgh used his main Pokémon and still unfortunately lost, but in this process, he gained countless lights of art! Those are priceless treasures, not something that can be measured by victory or defeat!】

【Note 2: The Entree Forest is connected to the Insect Badge! Acquired Knowledge—Insect Friend!】

【You can call wild Bug Pokémon. They will quickly understand your heart and regard you as a friend and leader. They will help you complete some simple needs. The effect is similar to "Capture Styler". Bug Pokémon friendliness +100%, respect +30%.】

"Now my heart is full of inspiration! Hmm, caught it! This time I really caught it! I will definitely draw great works!"

"《Dance of Ashes》、《Forest of Light》、《Hero of the Storm》、《Fury's Oppression》、《God's Strike》... There are so many, many works to be painted!"

"Ah! I'm a bit excited, but before painting these works, what I want to see more is the painting about Larvesta that you intend to draw! The work rich in ancient atmosphere that will be exhibited in the Castelia Gallery!"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 236 =====