Chapter 294: The Paradise of Gems, the First Turn of the Magnetic Heaven

After a full day of rest and a delicious meal with their Pokémon, everyone was happy.

The next day, Guang Tai left Vaniville Town and arrived at Route 6.

Groudon resides in the Whispering Cave on Route 6, which is also part of Ross Mountain; inside the cave lives an old man seeking legends, whose relationship with Groudon is unclear and unspoken.

But Guang Tai had no intention of entering the cave, because Groudon was certainly not at home.

The Three Sword Saints began strange activities in Unova, rarely returning even to the Dream World, and naturally could not be found at their former residences—just as Bisharp had not been seen in the Origin Field.

“Ahead is the Season Research Institute, which studies seasons year-round!”

The Season Research Institute sits at the center of Route 6, housing researchers studying seasons and many different forms of Deerling. The institute also functions as a greenhouse, where researchers cultivate plants in temperature- and humidity-controlled glass cabinets, varying the species according to the season.

On the way to Whispering City, Guang Tai rode a Pokémon.

But not Torterra—though Torterra desperately wanted to carry Guang Tai, another Pokémon had voluntarily taken on this task.

Sawsbuck, this Pokémon without a trainer, out of gratitude for Guang Tai’s help, willingly carried him across the forests and fields of Route 6; passing through the Electrum Cave led to Whispering City, where the familiar winds of home had already blown over the mountains onto this nostalgic path, filling its heart with unprecedented joy.

He must find out where his trainer had gone—had he truly left Whispering City?

Leaves from home had fallen upon him; his hooves moved forward, brimming with energy.

Along this path, many Deerling roamed.

A unique grassy scent filled the air—emitted by Deerling—signaling that the current season was summer; when the scent grew soft and sweet, autumn would arrive.

The Pokémon world’s seasons followed a unique cycle and calendar; in Unova, this calendar was determined by the changing appearances of Deerling.

“Oh! Isn’t that Sawsbuck?”

“Could I borrow just a moment of your time?”

Indeed, near the Season Research Institute, researchers wandered about and, spotting Guang Tai riding Sawsbuck, eagerly approached to speak.

“Recently, we’ve been trying to capture Deerling to study seasonal changes, but our strength is too weak—we can’t even defeat wild Deerling!”

The researcher spoke confidently, then quickly shifted topic: “Of course, if we can’t get Deerling, Sawsbuck will do too—though it has only one form, it’s still valuable data!”

“The flowers and leaves growing on Sawsbuck’s antlers change with the seasons, and the grassy aroma shifts accordingly; it’s said the one with the most beautiful antlers leads the herd—hey, your Sawsbuck’s antlers are absolutely beautiful!”

“It must have been the herd’s leader before!”

“Look!” The researcher stroked Sawsbuck, who offered no resistance—it seemed to remember something.

The researcher pointed to the antlers: “This Sawsbuck is in its summer form; the thicker and larger the foliage on its antlers, the more majestic it is. Recent research shows its leaves can be used to make black tea, and the flavor varies by origin.”

“So these are tea leaves?”

Guang Tai hadn’t expected such a detail—there were too many Pokémon, and some had unique “products” gradually discovered through human research.

“Ooh.” Sawsbuck lowered its head to look at the researcher, its eyes filled with nostalgia.

“Huh? Wait, this Sawsbuck feels familiar… Have I seen you before?”

The researcher saw Sawsbuck’s gaze and suddenly realized he’d seen this Pokémon somewhere—those eyes left a deep impression—and then, the image of an old man slowly surfaced in his mind.

“Wait, aren’t you Mr. Wardo’s…”

“Ooh!” Sawsbuck made a sound—it remembered the researcher; its former trainer had once visited the Weather Institute.

“Good heavens, how did you end up here!” The researcher was astonished, and at that moment, Guang Tai accessed Sawsbuck’s memories.

The trainer—the old man—had indeed once been a Trainer, but in truth, he was more of a painter.

Guang Tai: “This Sawsbuck was previously used by Team Plasma. I rescued it from them and, honoring its wish, brought it back to its home in Whispering City.”

The researcher: “So that’s it—Mr. Wardo’s Sawsbuck ended up with Team Plasma? That group seems like a religious organization—how did this happen?”

“By the way, you said you followed the Pokémon’s wish?”

Guang Tai: “I’m a psychic—I can read Pokémon’s hearts and see their memories.”

“Oh! You’re a psychic! People like you usually… Ah, I see! You’re heading to the Sky Tower to train, aren’t you!”

The researcher seemed to understand Guang Tai’s destination, then looked at Sawsbuck and, hearing the Pokémon’s sounds, sighed: “What’s it saying? I’m not a psychic—I can’t understand Pokémon’s hearts.”

“It’s asking if you know where Mr. Wardo went.”

“Mr. Wardo… Sorry, I don’t know. I knew him, but the old man was eccentric, disliked talking to others, and left no contact details—could he really not be in Whispering City?”

The researcher shook his head: “I’m Angus. Anyway, come inside.”

Guang Tai entered the Season Research Institute with Sawsbuck; it was like the game, but much larger, filled with instruments and greenhouse plants, researchers working orderly—and upon seeing Sawsbuck, several gathered around:

“The recent research project was about Deerling—did you bring back Sawsbuck?”

“It’s Mr. Wardo’s Sawsbuck,” Angus waved his hand; the other researchers were startled. Angus pointed to a painting on the wall: “Look—that’s the painting Mr. Wardo left here.”

“Plants and Grass-type Pokémon, soaring Pidgeot, fragrant Musharna and Aromatisse, playful Marill, spring, summer, autumn… winter.”

“Mr. Wardo was a famous painter from Whispering City. In his youth, he traveled the world; it’s said he rivaled the wandering phantom artist Master Casbassia, though their styles differed—I, as an outsider, can’t judge which is better.”

Angus asked other researchers, but none had Mr. Wardo’s contact details; sensing the mood, Sawsbuck lowered its head slightly.

Though expected, disappointment still lingered.

Angus brewed tea for Guang Tai; after learning about Team Plasma’s actions, he felt regretful yet thanked Guang Tai:

“Mr. Wardo deeply loved his Pokémon; he had a strong bond with them. Perhaps Team Plasma’s speech touched his heart, leading him to make this choice.”

“It’s inevitable that Pokémon felt disappointed in Mr. Wardo—but the fault lies entirely with that religious group. Neither the Pokémon nor Mr. Wardo did anything wrong.”

“By the way, you seem familiar to me…” Angus adjusted his glasses: “I think I saw you on TV recently, but I can’t recall exactly.”

The researchers focused solely on their studies and were slow to notice TV news.

“It’s fine—I’m just a traveler.”

Angus: “That’s right! Thank you for helping Mr. Wardo recover his Pokémon. If you tell the old man what happened, this matter can be resolved perfectly! Here, take this—Mr. Wardo was our friend. It’s not valuable, but please accept it.”

Angus handed over a Leaf Stone.

【Item: Leaf Stone from Route 6 (slightly special).】

【Description: A magical stone that evolves certain Pokémon. It bears leaf-like patterns. A gift from the Season Research Institute—ordinary in appearance, but infused with gratitude. Because this Leaf Stone comes from Route 6—the only place in Unova where seasonal changes are most clearly observable—it carries traces of the four seasons.】

【Note: This Leaf Stone holds mysterious potential; through craftsmanship or energy infusion, it might become a special evolutionary stone.】

“Thank you.” Guang Tai accepted the stone.

Angus then invited Guang Tai to tour the Season Research Institute and the various plants cultivated in its small greenhouses.

“We study seasonal shifts through these plants’ changes; different seasons bring different weather—naturally. Nature’s power is truly wondrous. In the distant Hoenn region, there’s a Weather Institute with a Pokémon that changes form based on weather—doesn’t that sound similar to Deerling?”

“Why do Pokémon change form with seasonal shifts? This is a subject worth studying.”

【Obtained: Seasonal Research Knowledge.】

【Description: Knowledge of seasonal and weather changes. Enables crafting instruments related to climate, season, and temperature. In different seasons, you have a chance to randomly obtain natural items specific to the current season.】

【Note: Combined with your other knowledge, unique events may trigger in different seasons.】

“By the way, regarding Whispering City—recently, temperatures near it dropped abnormally, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain; the path may be muddy and hard to traverse. Be careful when heading there.”

“Legends say a Wind God and a Thunder God dwell near Whispering City; some claim the storms appearing in late summer and autumn are caused by their battles.”

Guang Tai blinked.

Oh, so Tornadus and Thundurus are fighting again?

These two will unleash storms near the Sky Tower, and at such times, Landorus must intervene…

Hey, Landorus is late leaving this year—maybe it won’t arrive in time to suppress them.

“The examination of Sawsbuck is complete—it’s in excellent health.”

Other researchers examined Sawsbuck; since it recognized them, it cooperated fully, but they found it stronger than before, and were astonished.

They naturally didn’t think Team Plasma’s food was that good—it was clearly Guang Tai’s careful care that made Sawsbuck so healthy.

After a brief stay and completion of the examination, Guang Tai prepared to resume his journey. Angus kindly gave him a Full Restore and several Cherries.

“The Electrum Cave is full of wild Pokémon—it’s a troublesome place. Use the Full Restore if you’re in danger. These Cherries cure paralysis—they’re grown in our institute. Use them against wild Pokémon using electromagnetic waves to remove paralysis—they work on humans too!”

After exchanging friend codes and bidding farewell to the enthusiastic researchers, Guang Tai rode Sawsbuck into the Electrum Cave.

This cave lies on Unova’s western side, connecting Route 6 and Whispering City north to south; electromagnetic waves permeate the cave, causing magnetic rocks to float in midair. Pushing these rocks toward larger magnets allows further progress.

The cave’s electromagnetic waves can evolve Magnemite and Nosepass into Magnezone and Probopass, possessing a magnetic field similar to Mount Coronet!

This was also the ideal residence in Professor N’s dreams—filled with electromagnetism and steel, saturated with equations he adored. If you don’t know where Professor N went, search carefully in the Electrum Cave—you’ll likely find him.

The electromagnetic rocks here are one of the special materials Guang Tai intended to collect!

Rare gems can also be found in the dusty ground here—discarded by the Cranidos family as they dug deep underground.

Pata, pata…

Entering the Electrum Cave, Guang Tai felt watching eyes everywhere, so he took out his ukulele from his bag.

Bong, bong…

Though it attracts wild Electric-type Pokémon, it also raises their friendliness—without the ukulele’s melody, safely crossing the Electrum Cave would be impossible.

As the cheerful, strange melody played, the sound echoed through the cave; Pokémon hidden in the shadows, absorbing electricity, listened to the music, curious, drawn toward Guang Tai while still sipping power.

The Electric-type Pokémon listened to the strange music; their negative emotions slowly faded, replaced by calm and joy.

Crack!

Shieldon emerged from its Poké Ball.

The Electrum Cave is a haven for Steel-type Pokémon; the strange electromagnetic energy here strengthens and polishes their bodies.

But Deoxys disliked it—the strong magnetism interfered with its perception of the outside world, so it remained motionless inside the Master Ball, feeling regretful.

It was such a wonderful place, yet its unique body prevented free movement—thankfully, the Master Ball kept its condition from worsening further.

Besides that, Poliwhirl also emerged from its ball on its own!

Ah, gems—excellent stuff!

It eagerly began digging through the ground, then turned to gesture at Shieldon to bring its shield to collect the gems.

Gems were everywhere—precious stones no one wanted!

“Hmm, this time they really are unclaimed.”

Although many people gather gems near the Electric Stone Cave, complex conditions inside the cave interfere with ordinary instruments, and strictly speaking, this area is part of the Ross Mountain range—mining here would inevitably be noticed by Boss Ju, which is why almost no one extracts gems from this location.

“Fire Stone, Steel Stone, Water Stone, Ground Stone, Electric Stone, Rock Stone”

You can pick up unique gems after just a few steps, and small pits dug into the ground are the burrows of Drillbur and Dugtrio—gems are merely byproducts of their digging.

【Item: Electric Stone.】

【Description: A magnet from the Electric Stone Cave, emitting strong electromagnetic energy. Repulsion between electric stones causes stones to float. Can be used to craft special instruments, and can also serve as a natural battery when needed.】

【This rock emits electricity. Electric- and Steel-type Pokémon are drawn to it. Giving it to them can slightly accelerate their growth.】

【Items that can be crafted: Magnet, Item Finder, Underwater Detector, Electric Generator.】

The usual growth boost cannot instantly make Pokémon exceptionally strong—if it could, the Electric Stone Cave would be filled with powerful Pokémon.

But the Item Finder is quite useful. Kojirou often uses it to search for treasures, though all he finds are bottle caps—still, at least they’re limited editions.

And the Underwater Detector? That must be an important item in Hoenn’s Seafloor Cavern and the S.S. Anne, right?

As for the Electric Generator? I don’t know!

Guang Tai collected some Electric Stones and put them in his backpack. His mission at the Electric Stone Cave was now complete.

Electric Stones also amplify Electric Magic. Guang Tai picked up a sharp Electric Stone and tried directing the flow of electricity here—and succeeded.

Currents surged with magnetism, gently pushing the floating magnetic stones, creating an effect like an “automatic door”!

【Obtained: Electromagnetic Force of the Electric Stone Cave!】

【Description: The power of Electric Magic has increased. You can now slightly sense magnetic anomalies and make fine adjustments and control over magnetism. The magnetic force here resembles that of Mount Coronet.】

“Oh, magnetic field level one—now I’m just a magnetic weed.”

“Hehehehe~” Rotom twitched out of its C-device, loving the electrical environment—it began dancing a strange, jerky dance on Guang Tai’s head. Luckily, only one was present, so no time events occurred.

The surrounding electricity gathered—and was absorbed by Rotom!

“You really like this place, don’t you?”

“Rotom! Hehehe~ (Natural electricity—delicious!)”

“By the way.” Guang Tai watched Rotom absorbing electricity and remembered something: electricity has a taste.

Mudkip’s electricity isn’t tasty, Pikachu’s is delicious, and Pachirisu’s is absolutely exquisite—this was clearly stated in the anime.

In nature, the electricity of the Electric Stone Cave should be extremely delicious, since its electromagnetic force resembles that of Mount Coronet.

“Guh?” Shieldon asked Poliwhirl—wasn’t it, as a Water-type Pokémon, afraid of electricity?

Poliwhirl shook its head.

It felt nothing!

“Water and Dragon types neutralize Electric-type damage, so Poliwhirl isn’t weak to electricity.”

Since they’d come to such an interesting place, Guang Tai released his other Pokémon.

Turtwig shook the small tree on its back. As a Grass/Ground-type, it felt nothing here and enthusiastically asked Guang Tai to sit on its back.

Riolu swung its arms, humming, sparks flashing on its tiny claws—Thunderpunch. In this cave, the move seemed slightly stronger.

But Camerupt, seeing the cave’s endless blue tones and dim lighting, became restless and wriggled impatiently!

Finally, we can use fire to light the place! Warm tones just feel better, right?

Guang Tai and his Pokémon played music while collecting rare stones, having a wonderful time.

“There are also octahedral gems and star-shaped gems—gems from the Dream World? But they seem to be just decorations, with no practical use.”

“These are... unique, precious stones?”

【Item: Star Stone.】

【Description: An octahedral gem resembling a gray badge; a star-shaped gem that sparkles. Both come in green and blue variants, found in the Dream World, and are relatively rare stones with no practical effect. Giving them to Pokémon may increase friendship; selling them to rock collectors fetches a high price.】

【Item: Kuroba’s Eye.】

【Description: A rare green gem resembling Kuroba’s eye. Extremely rare—sell it to rock collectors for a fortune! A valuable item. Giving it to Pokémon that enjoy eating rocks may strengthen friendship, but it has no practical effect.】

“Dore?”

Miss Qun found a strange object in a corner of the Electric Stone Cave.

A round object glowing yellow—what was this thing so captivating?

Miss Qun handed the shiny golden bead to Guang Tai.

【Item: Electric Ball!】

【Description: A charged golden spherical bead, brimming with powerful electricity!】

【Effect: When held by Pikachu, its Attack and Special Attack double.】

Guang Tai: “Oh, this is Pikachu’s Zhuanshu item! Finding it in the Electric Stone Cave makes sense.”

This is an extremely rare item in the wild—in the games, it’s found only on Route 120 in Hoenn and the Endless Cave. The chance of finding it on a wild Pikachu is extremely low.

“Found the shop’s treasure. I’ll sell it to Ash when he starts the World Championship—if he already has it, then forget it.”

Red’s Pikachu definitely had this bead, right?

The deeper they went into the cave, the more human figures they saw: elite Trainers training and battling, and even doctors.

“No pulse. The match is over.”

“I meant myself.”

The doctor groaned in frustration. Before him, a short-haired girl in strange attire recorded the scene—and burst into giggles at his self-deprecation.

“The insect wings reflected the cold light of the medical box. I watched the blood seep from the edge of his tightly clenched mask—some calluses must be torn open by storm rain before the dormant scales can touch starlight.”

The girl scribbled furiously until she suddenly heard the cheerful, melodic strumming of a ukulele—and saw the unbelievable sight of Electric Pokémon dancing!

“[A strange traveler strums a guitar-like instrument; a melodious tune echoes as Electric Pokémon guide him, dancing joyfully... beside him are...]”

“Huh? Wan Long?” Guang Tai stopped playing and noticed the short-haired girl scribbling nearby—surprised.

“Huh? You know me?” Wan Long adjusted her glasses, startled.

Guang Tai pointed at himself: “I’m the shopkeeper. You bought your notebook from me.”

Wan Long tilted her head: “Shop?”

“Huh?!”

Guang Tai’s expression turned serious: “And one more thing—this isn’t a guitar.” He raised his ukulele.

After a moment of stunned silence, Wan Long instinctively replied:

“Oh! Not a guitar? Then it must be a bass!”

(End of Chapter)