Chapter 272: The Switched Wand and the Sound of the Ukulele!

【Reward obtained: Released Jade ×1, Charm of the Illusionary Forest ×1, Voice of Plants and Trees ×1, Illusionary Branch ×1.】

『Charm of the Illusionary Forest: A charm blessed by the Illusionary Forest.』

『Requirement: Defeat the guardian of the Illusionary Forest and gain the forest’s recognition.』

『Effect: You may slightly use nature magic to confuse those before you, vanish around tree corners, or suddenly emerge from grass—no one will notice your movements. The Ranger class maximizes this effect—this charm is granted to you; Pokémon cannot use it.』

Guang Tai: "Huh?"

Because it was me, not a Pokémon, who defeated Heracross?!

Hmm. Magic! I don’t know magic, and I’m not a Ranger!

『Voice of Plants and Trees: You may listen to the voices of plants and trees. Listen +50%, Request +50%. Sometimes, the forest will ask for your help, and you may receive greater rewards from it. The voice of nature differs from human voices and Pokémon voices. You may sense the spiritual power of nature.』

『Illusionary Branch: The most twisted branch in the Illusionary Forest, coiled like a small snake—strange, yet remarkably resilient. Can be crafted into a special item: “Wand,” granting bonuses when using magic, spellcraft, or psychic power.』

『Note: Your Sunlight ability also activates on it, increasing efficiency by 20%. Comes with a built-in magic spell: “Minor Illusion Magic,” allowing you to swap another’s item without detection.』

『Note 2: After learning magic, you may craft special magic/spellcraft items.』

In Guang Tai’s hand appeared a twisted branch; the backpacker stared, dumbfounded—he hadn’t noticed where the branch had come from. Guang Tai smiled:

“This is the forest’s gift.”

As Guang Tai waved the branch, the backpacker suddenly felt dizzy—and then his hand was empty; a gem in his pocket had vanished into Guang Tai’s grasp.

Huh? Stealing items? Isn’t that the Dark-type move “Switcheroo”?

But the backpacker felt embarrassed—he was indeed a Solrock, yet Solrock cannot learn the Dark-type move “Switcheroo”!

A move even Dark-type Pokémon can’t learn—and a human learned it! This is unjust!

“I get it! I get it! The forest’s gift is incredible! Today I’ve truly witnessed it—give back my gem!”

Guang Tai merely wanted to tease the big fox before him, so he handed back the gem—it was a Dark Stone, which enhances the power of Dark-type moves.

“Her—”

Heracross had no interest in the Sealing Stone; it huddled under a tree, dejected. Guang Tai walked over and patted it:

“Don’t look so gloomy! Here, have something tasty!”

What? Being beaten by a human is already humiliating—now I must accept food from one?

What kind of Pokémon do you take me for? Am I some common, easily swayed Pokémon?

Looking at the Poké Puffs and Power-Up Spheres in his paws, Heracross hesitated, still dejected, then swallowed them all in one gulp.

And then! It suddenly widened its eyes—power surged through its body like a storm, flooding every part of it!

Vitality, pure vitality and drive! Though its spirit remained somewhat downcast.

But this stuff tastes amazing!

Wild Pokémon rarely get to eat candy. Just like in the games, where painting “Sweet Honey” on trees sometimes lures Heracross, in the anime Ash’s Heracross constantly sucked on the garlic on Bulbasaur’s back—no one knows if it really produces sweet sap.

No Bug-type Pokémon dislikes sweet things, and candy especially. Heracross wanted more. Guang Tai didn’t withhold it—there were still many Poké Puffs in his pack; a few more wouldn’t hurt.

Heracross’s mood improved instantly. Pokémon are emotional—sadness comes fast and goes fast; with food, they’re happy again.

Guang Tai picked up the piece of wood the forest had first given him, then took tools from his pack and swiftly carved and shaped it into a guitar, using the Released Jade to draw out strong, fine threads.

Backpacker: “What are you making? A musical instrument… Whoa! How did you finish so fast? I didn’t even see your hands move—how is that possible?”

Guang Tai: “Didn’t I say? I came to this forest specifically to find good wood. Now that I have it, I’ll make something useful.”

It was already deep night, but still before midnight. From outside the Illusionary Forest, one could see the towering cliff, upon which the Fantasy Bridge stood spanning the sea between.

The backpacker watched Guang Tai work with interest, while Heracross, after showing off its candy, wanted more—but was stopped by Mudsdale and Leafeon.

Candy’s good, but don’t eat too much!

To distract Heracross, the two Pokémon played games with it and began talking, trying to extract secrets of another world. But Heracross was clever: “No food, no secrets.”

Mudsdale and Leafeon exchanged glances.

Mudsdale shook its back, where a small tree grew, and a few strange fruits tumbled down—these were fruits formed during its Treecko stage, not regular Berries, but concentrated essences of its plant life.

Humans found them bland, but Pokémon loved them. Mudsdale handed them to Leafeon, who passed them to Heracross. It took a bite—and its eyes lit up, chewing eagerly.

Mmm, tasty! Perfect as a snack!

Fine, since you’re so curious about the Rift World, I’ll tell you a little.

Our world and your world are different places. You live on this side; we live on the other. In that world, only Pokémon have color—the rest are black and white.

And that’s it.

“Huh?” Leafeon stared.

What do you mean, “that’s it”? That’s all?

“Her.” Heracross nodded, innocent.

Other than that, it’s no different from your world—we live in forests, eat Berries, live normally. Sometimes the forest calls us to do things, like guarding the Sealing Stone. What else is there?

You mean the whole world? Ha! I’ve never left the forest. How would I know what’s outside?

Leafeon and Mudsdale shook their heads.

Turns out the clever-looking Heracross is just a simple foodie—no real schemes, no deep secrets. But then again, aren’t most Pokémon like this?

As long as they live well, that’s enough. Few Pokémon seek the secrets of the world. But Trainers say that in some Pokémon-only world, many Pokémon form exploration teams to uncover the world’s mysteries.

Mudsdale loved that world. Leafeon did too.

Curiosity drives progress, drives travel. Because we wonder, we seek answers—and those answers are the greatest gifts and treasures.

“Done.”

While the Pokémon chatted, the backpacker occasionally listened, amazed by the hidden truths revealed in their words. Honestly, after years of traveling, tonight’s events were stranger than any other tale he’d ever encountered!

Then Guang Tai’s voice pulled the backpacker’s thoughts back.

“Huh? Already done? So fast! That can’t be right—your speed is unnatural!”

“Wait, what is this? A guitar?”

Guang Tai: “It’s an instrument from the Alola region called a ukulele. Looks similar to a guitar, right? That’s normal. Can you tell the difference between a bass and a guitar?”

Backpacker: “.Isn’t a bass just a bigger guitar?”

Today’s bass joke 1/1!

Watching Guang Tai’s delight, the backpacker sighed: “Oh come on, I don’t know these instruments—I don’t play any!”

“So what’s this bass—wait, no! This guitar—no! This ukulele—what does it do?!”

Guang Tai tried playing the ukulele as he answered: “Its effect may be weak in the forest—it has a specific use. But I’ll try playing now.”

『Item: Ukulele (4-string, Musical Drama Replica)!』

『Description: Can play the legendary music “Ukulele’s Voice: Thunder Strike Melody”! It sounds when electricity flows. The music it produces is unaffected by type effectiveness. The melody relaxes both humans and Pokémon, conveying the player’s emotions. As a replica, these effects are greatly reduced—you cannot use Thunder Strike.』

『Effect: Attracts wild Pokémon to listen, increasing friendliness. Can summon wild Electric-type Pokémon in electric locations like Thunderstone Cave.』

Bloop-bloop~

As the strange melody sounded, the entire sleeping forest seemed to awaken.

Pokémon peeked out, drawn by the tune. The backpacker felt as if struck by lightning—this electric, odd sensation captivated him completely.

Light, strange, melodious, yet carrying an ancient, indescribable rhythm—as if ancient cities, humans and Pokémon, appeared and vanished before his eyes.

Bird Pokémon landed silently on branches. Bug Pokémon peered from behind trunks. Grass Pokémon swayed and danced to the rhythm.

The strange music carried on the forest wind, drawing more Pokémon to the hidden cave. Even the Solrock mother and child, who lived in seclusion, heard it. They turned, drawn by the wind, paused to listen—and without realizing it, left their hiding spot.

Yet they remained cautious, not approaching the music’s source. They noticed the sound came from a common hidden cave—and nearby was the scent of another of their kind.

Inside the hidden cave, Guang Tai finished the song—and realized he’d been completely lost in the music. Around him, many Pokémon had gathered.

They stared curiously, awake at night but not angry. The strange music had soothed and relaxed their spirits, easing their daytime fatigue—making them sleep better afterward.

“A strange emotion rose in my heart,” the backpacker touched his chest: “Like electricity flowing through me. I’ve never heard music so unique. Your feelings—”

He stopped abruptly, nearly revealing his true identity. He clamped his mouth shut. But Guang Tai, facing the attracted Pokémon, pulled out Power-Up Spheres and offered them.

“Test results are excellent. I’ll be leaving now.”

Among the summoned Pokémon were several Electrike—also native to this forest. Unlike others, Electric-types listened with special focus, staring at Guang Tai as if awaiting his command.

But Guang Tai needed nothing from them, so the Electrike returned to share the Power-Up Spheres.

As Guang Tai prepared to leave, the backpacker stared at him and suddenly asked:

“You already know what I am, don’t you?”

“At first, your strange machine didn’t detect me—but you seem to know my true form without it.”

Guang Tai fell silent. He hadn’t expected this Solrock to reveal itself—perhaps the music truly conveyed his feelings, letting the other sense his complete lack of malice.

“Yes… I probably knew.”

“But I never exposed you. Isn’t it better to talk as humans? That form—you chose it carefully, didn’t you?”

The backpacker fell silent, then laughed bitterly:

“Strange people exist everywhere. Maybe others in my travels saw through my disguise.”

Then, before Guang Tai’s eyes, he changed—the illusion faded, revealing a black, fox-like Pokémon with a red mane.

The Traveler Solrock revealed his true form—then changed back. Seeing Guang Tai showed no surprise, he smiled:

“You have special power, yet you don’t covet me. Don’t you see me as a rare Pokémon?”

“But in Unova, there are still many Solrock. One followed that ridiculous human king, talking about liberating Pokémon—but still stole them. Destroying beautiful things. Others live quietly, away from humans, wanting peace—yet still get hunted.”

“But how they live is their freedom. I can only advise. Whether they listen is their choice.”

“You and I are friends now. Since we’re friends, I’ll give you something.”

The Traveler Solrock pulled a disc from his pack and handed it to Guang Tai.

『Obtained: TM (Roar)!』

“This contains the move Roar. Not a rare TM, but consider it a simple gift. It lowers the opponent’s stats.”

"What a beautiful piece of music I've heard—I'll remember it forever. Now, I too must set out on my journey."

"Wait a moment." Guang Tai chuckled: "Since we're friends, I'll give you something too."

"Be careful—there are many malicious humans. So, take this."

Guang Tai handed Solrock a small orange steel die; with a gentle activation, it emitted a yellow electromagnetic shield.

"This is an electromagnetic shield—it blocks harmful information and signals. Wear it, and you won't have to fear tech devices uncovering your identity."

The traveler Solrock was slightly surprised, then nodded to Guang Tai:

"I will forever remember this kindness."

"Farewell, friend."

Guang Tai waved to it and walked ahead, his next destination: Magic Bridge.

After Guang Tai left, the Pokémon dispersed. The shiny Heracross vanished as if it had never been, like a dream.

The traveler Solrock turned his gaze toward a certain direction in the forest, where a mother and child Solrock silently stared back at him.

"I've already told you—your existence has been exposed. A man with great ambition plans to capture you. I've learned this from certain channels in the human world."

"If you don't leave quickly, you may face unforeseen trouble. But that man has the ability to foresee the future—perhaps he already knows everything I'm telling you now."

"Those with great power are always targeted by such people. His hometown is the neighboring Lei Wen City—he's coming soon."

"Yet just as there are ambitious humans, there are also wondrous, kind ones like the man you just met. Life is complex and ever-changing—that's the charm of travel."

"My advice ends here. Farewell, kin."

The traveler Solrock departed, maintaining his backpacker's posture, leaving behind the mother and child Solrock, hesitating in the forest.

(End of Chapter)