[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves":3,"chapter-master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-chapter-278":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Master Craftsman in the World of Elves",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2256869,4402,"Chapter 278: Survival Without Battle: The Black City","master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-chapter-278",278,"\u003Cp>Guang Tai set out on the road to the Black City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lei Wen still shouted about coming back to Almia for a good time, visiting the Ranger Headquarters and such, before riding off on his Mukk Ying  and vanishing into the horizon—his mission here didn’t seem to be over yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the power of the yellow crystal troubled Guang Tai deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Craft (？): Yellow Crystal Pendant—Fragment of the Prince’s Tear.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Description: Crafted from fragments of the legendary yellow crystal known as the Prince’s Tear. When the King of Almia banished the Prince, the golden-haired Prince journeyed to the Desert Kingdom and founded his own city, turning the desert into an oasis and meeting the legendary Dream Pokémon and the legendary Giant. This crystal enhances the spirit—it is a mythic mineral forged from the Prince’s soul and will!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Effect: Spirit Purification +50%, Perseverance +50%, Friendship +50%! Enhances psychic\u002Fspiritual abilities tied to the mind. The bearer possesses unyielding perseverance and is hard to knock down!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【You obtained the Yellow Crystal. Your mental capacity has increased. The power of your spirit has grown stronger.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Note (from the voice within the Yellow Crystal): You once had the friendship of the Giant. Are you, then, the chosen one? Will you meet the King of the Giants?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is the crystal speaking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three crystals carried the Prince’s will—earlier, the blue crystal had shown his phantom, but it had never spoken to him. Yet the yellow crystal began asking strange questions right away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it because the golden-haired Prince met the Giant, and now I’ve also become connected to the Giant? Or is it reacting to the Key of the Giant?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are Giants in Almia too—how come these legendary Giants are everywhere, like statues of Dicar?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Quest completed.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Reward: Release Jade ×5, Unknown Ability Boost ×?, Unova Link ×1.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Ability Boost: Priority +1! Enhances your and your Pokémon’s mental and physical capabilities. In battle, intense mental clashes suppress the opponent’s spirit, causing fatigue, while boosting your own mental activity—granting you and your Pokémon priority in action!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The granted boost is action priority!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems manifested as a form of spiritual power—suppressing the opponent’s spirit to tire them, while elevating our own mental vigor, ensuring constant first strike. But what about moves?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I keep strengthening this, could I give every Pokémon a priority move?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My turn, my turn, still my turn!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Unova Link is…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Unova Link: Your “Sensing” and “Connection” at special locations increase by 100%.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh. A strangely subtle reward, Guang Tai thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this power would soon prove useful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He arrived as evening fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blood-red sun sank toward the horizon, and the city to the west loomed like a vast black curtain—Guang Tai instantly understood why one had to pass through the Black City to reach White Forest; this city was simply enormous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As in the game, endless black skyscrapers blocked out the sky, stretching endlessly in all directions, the dark metropolis shrouded in strange mist, pressing down on every visitor with overwhelming weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single towering building rose abruptly at the center of the skyscrapers, its peak piercing the heavens as if reaching into the cosmos—visible even from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tall. Extremely tall. That unmistakable colossal structure was none other than the “Black Skyscraper.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On either side of the city loomed massive mountain ranges—parts of the Great Reverse Mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I could also cross over the lower southern range… In the Pokémon world, scaling mountains is normal—but if I had a large Flying-type Pokémon, I could just fly straight over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shieldon could fly, but not to great heights—it had limitations in flight, after all, it wasn’t a true flying Pokémon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai had no intention of lingering in this city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Beyond the edge of the sky, towering the Black Skyscraper.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shhh—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai suddenly heard a strange whisper, and strange visions flickered in his eyes: a deep, dark cosmic starfield appeared before him, and a violently burning black energy resonated with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That energy was at the very peak of the towering Black Skyscraper!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What just happened?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai quickly asked the Connect Tree in his mind. Though the old tree was destroyed, he felt this might be tied to the previous reward: “Unova Link.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with the fact that both the Black City and White Forest were already unbelievable locations in the game…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Unova Link (Black Skyscraper) Activated!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Description: No one knows when the Black Skyscraper came to be. Its peak seems to pierce directly into the cosmos—it is no ordinary structure, but one of extraordinary technological power!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Note 1: You sensed the call of the energy within the Black Skyscraper. The Unova Link granted by the Connect Tree is a special power that amplifies sensing at unique locations. If you connect with this mysterious energy, unimaginable things may occur!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Note 2: Your Star Pulse may be strengthened! Your Pokémon’s battle power and defense may increase!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Note 3: Strange energy flickers at the peak of the Black Skyscraper. Your Miracle Diamond seems to be reacting again.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai’s expression grew serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other world—the Inner World—was a monochrome realm reflecting people’s inner ideals and desires.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could Adik be connected to this place? Might he appear here in some strange guise?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who enter the Inner World transform their identities and become lost within it; without the Connect Tree’s aid, they merely think it was a strange dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai asked carefully, but the Connect Tree could not answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Black City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless experts were drawn here from across Unova and even overseas; the vortex of endless desire had raised the local energy—and Guang Tai, as a psychic, felt it the moment he stepped in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A city where everything was measured in money and value, faces here bore unhidden desires and smiles; some breathed deeply of the mist, merchants, gentlemen, and businesspeople negotiated on the streets, the modern atmosphere thick and palpable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai sensed a multitude of emotions—those who came for money and fame carried intense desire. And here, Guang Tai encountered something unpleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, traveler, you seem to have a rare Pokémon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sell it to me—I’ll give you a price you’ll find satisfactory.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wealthy man, seeing Rotom floating midair and the massive Shieldon, took interest, blocked Guang Tai’s path, and tried to persuade him—but was promptly knocked out by a Psychic Shatter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, I have no intention of selling my Pokémon. It’s fine to buy what you love with money—but money can’t buy everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The merchant sat on the roadside, eyes dull, mind blank. Others nearby who had been approaching halted in their tracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wealthy young masters, noble ladies, matrons, gentlemen…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s a psychic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a nuisance. Guess he doesn’t want to trade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forget it. Don’t bother him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These rich people shook their heads, muttered criticisms about Guang Tai’s behavior—but didn’t come closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not far ahead, a black vehicle stopped before a massive building with orange-yellow lights on its dome. Several rare Pokémon, uncommon even in Unova, were unloaded from the car. The people of the Black City merely watched coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pokémon trading. Guang Tai halted his advance, exchanged a glance with Shieldon, and walked toward the building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That must be the largest mall in the Black City, as seen in the game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, in the game, people had once considered selling Pokémon—and in the Pokémon world, such things had always existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never mind the comic relief of the Magikarp man or Team Rocket as villains—Pokémon hunters and mercenaries frequently appeared as antagonists in the anime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hunters’ vile acts need no elaboration. Hunters like Bisharp and Hunter J represented the most evil faction in the Pokémon world—compared to them, even Team Rocket seemed decent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mercenaries were mostly wealthy individuals like Gilu, the collector from “Lugia’s Outburst,” or nobles and bosses from small nations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? What are you doing here? Want to buy a Pokémon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, you’re a Trainer? These are brand-new catches—extremely rare even in Unova! But they won’t be cheap, of course—they’re rare!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hunters eyed Guang Tai warily, but his two Pokémon drew their attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such rare and exotic Pokémon—how much could they fetch?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the first thought in the hunters’ minds—but the next instant, a violent psychic shock overwhelmed their consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they came to again, a crushing wave of guilt surged into their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-what are we doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Selling Pokémon… This is a terrible mistake!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other hunters slowly regained awareness, staring blankly at each other—then suddenly embraced and burst into tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Psychic Shatter’s power seems stronger. Is this the Yellow Crystal’s effect?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai pondered. The purified hunters, now shouting about redemption, unlocked all the cages and began gathering money together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We sold some Pokémon to the Black City’s black market—now I realize how vile that was! The Pokémon we captured and controlled must have suffered terribly—we never understood their hearts, only cared about profit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. Money matters, but not at the cost of dirty gains. We’ll use this filthy money to atone—buy back every Pokémon we ever sold!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hunters changed their ways, took the money, and marched straight into stores, emerging with numerous Pokémon. Even the shop owners and wealthy customers inside were stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-weren’t these the Pokémon you sold us? Why are you buying them back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever. As long as we get paid, we don’t care about the rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hunter: “We’ll never do this again. That means we’ll become protectors of the environment and Pokémon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middleman: “What? Are you joking? You’re not going to make money anymore? Rich people love rare Pokémon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hunter: “We want to make money—but not this kind! That’s it. We’re done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middleman: “You fools! You’ve gone mad!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hunters’ sudden change enraged the black-market middlemen—and the new batch of Pokémon they’d arranged to sell. The hunters refused delivery, enraging them further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about the wealthy clients’ demands and deposits? You can’t just back out! This affects my reputation—it’s an underground deal. Failure and refusal have consequences!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Want your Pokémon back? Then prove it with strength!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middleman waved his hand—dozens of Trainers surrounded them. Many in the mall watched the dispute with interest. But the reformed hunters were no match for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Houndoom, use Crunch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Trainer’s Houndoom-like Pokémon lunged at the hunters, attacking them—when Guang Tai stepped forward. Shieldon appeared before Houndoom, and its massive blade slashed down in one swift motion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Houndoom let out a cry of pain, flung backward at high speed, and crashed into the wall, defeated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sacred Sword was devastating against Dark-type Pokémon. Rotom chuckled, using electricity to lift the cages into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm… So this is what Kikyo meant by “making a scene”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai scanned the situation in the mall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Black Market, Pokémon battles could break out anywhere—even attacks on Trainers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the same in the game—“Though sudden, please battle me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So if I win, I can take those Pokémon, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though sudden—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai clapped his hands: “Then, battle!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Trainers glanced at each other and one by one threw their Poké Balls; Pokémon appeared one after another in the mall—this place was clearly about to erupt into a large-scale battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Trainer in a black overcoat stepped forward, trying to stop Guang Tai; their expressions were grim, and one said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You give off a very dangerous aura.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or let it be decided by battle—if you can defeat everyone here, we’ll grant your wish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veteran Trainers, Elite Trainers, backpackers, waiters, maids, Young Masters, miniskirts, researchers, and some Psychics!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We bear you no grudge and have no intention of accepting your payment! But the Psychic energy radiating from you makes us tremble—our instincts tell us we must battle you here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we defeat you, we’ll surely reach higher levels within the Black Skyscraper—until we reach the cosmos!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These Psychics all sensed it; their Poké Balls floated around them, radiating intense energy fields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The atmosphere of the Black Market really is different from other cities—too fractured, almost like it’s not even in the same world.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of place demands battle just to survive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This mall is filled with powerful Trainers! Without strength, you won’t get an inch here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone here has passed through Black Skyscraper Zone 4!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Veteran Trainer muttered, glancing at the intermediary—but shook his head dismissively, then said to Guang Tai:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here, the rules of the strong are the only rules. If you defeat us, taking these Pokémon isn’t out of the question.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Show your strength in the Black Market, where might makes right!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go! Nutmeg Dumbbell!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man in a black overcoat with a hat watched the scene with interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, excellent young talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2109,"2026-06-19T14:14:17.420Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","862c878ee01753295f8e53d2b46bbfa95708a329a279f7bce34d0b6c64b1b6db","master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-chapter-279","master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-chapter-277",312,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmaster-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-cover.jpg"]