Chapter 82: The Order from Liu Bo

“It’s fine—let Miss Qun give it a try,” Guang Tai smiled. “Carving is a true test of a craftsman’s skill. If you can achieve intricate detail, you’re a qualified craftsman—just like when you carved the relic stone tablets before.”

“Yōū~ Yōpu!” Both blades of Doujianshao were thoroughly satisfied!

Very pleased with Guang Tai’s praise!

That’s right—I’m the Chief Knight and Master Carver under the King’s service. Even the kitchen knives have been retired. No one else can match my precision in carving!

“Second, Miss Qun, you’re in the ShuCui form, and your ability is Vitality. This ability greatly boosts your Attack, but lowers your Accuracy.”

“So, through carving, perhaps you can gradually correct or eliminate this drawback. That’s my thought.”

Vitality ability: Attack increased to 1.5x original, Physical move Accuracy ×0.8.

For most, this is a negative ability. Though moves deal more power, if they miss, they’re useless—and even normally 100% accurate moves become inaccurate due to this penalty.

Everyone knows: 90% Accuracy ≈ 0% Accuracy.

Even in the real world, 100% accurate moves can miss due to the divine skill “Dodge!” But the real problem with Vitality is that even if the opponent doesn’t use “Dodge!”, you might still miss.

That’s a serious issue. So improving precision through careful carving is essential. Doujianshao once gained knowledge and increased move Accuracy through carving.

“Qun~!” Miss Qun nodded, then focused intently on the stone Lei Jilock had brought over.

Guang Tai began guiding Miss Qun in carving. Even if this stone got ruined, it didn’t matter—it was just practice.

Earlier, they’d brought many stones with Lei Jilock. Having a strong partner really made the work easier.

Soon, under the slash of Ye Ren, a rough, unattractive sculpture emerged—the subject, of course, was Guang Tai.

But seeing her own terrible carving of Guang Tai, ShuCui Qun suddenly felt discouraged.

This… this carving looks awful! I clearly pictured Guang Tai’s handsome face in my mind, but my leaves just wouldn’t cooperate!

“This must be the downside of the Vitality ability—difficulty precisely controlling where moves land,” Guang Tai chuckled, studying the sculpture. “Haha, that’s me.”

“Qun!” Miss Qun covered her face, too embarrassed to show herself.

Doujianshao, meanwhile, was proudly self-satisfied.

Heh, no one carves better than me!

Guang Tai comforted her: “Don’t worry. Practice makes perfect. Next time, you’ll improve. Keep training to overcome this ability’s flaw!”

Miss Qun nodded, silently motivating herself.

Next time, I’ll do better than this. I must perfect every task Guang Tai gives me!

Her stubborn nature made her obsess over details, but thanks to her Trainer’s support, Miss Qun brightened up again.

As long as I’m with my Trainer, there’ll be no difficulty in life, battle, or work!

We’ll all stay together forever, and meet even more new partners!

Looking into Doujianshao’s eyes, Miss Qun suddenly crossed her arms.

Doujianshao Senior must be thinking something rude again! Ei~

At that moment, Guang Tai found another stone and began carving.

This is the order from Kui Qisi and Ma Shide.

But how to transport it out? The Vermilion City Pokémon Center should have a solution. If not, just send more Dragon- and Psychic-type Pokémon—use Telekinesis to move them directly.

As Guang Tai carved, ShuCui Qun and Doujianshao watched closely. Doujianshao occasionally made sounds—though it mocked Qun’s ugly carving, when watching Guang Tai carve, it would explain the key techniques to Qun.

Unconsciously, Doujianshao had begun to show the demeanor of a carving expert. Qun listened intently, her mind wandering.

Doujianshao Senior always says absurd things, but he’s actually a friendly Pokémon—just careless and prone to overconfidence.

While carving, Guang Tai also had Doujianshao assist, and Qun watched carefully, preparing for her own training.

At some point, Lei Jilock woke up.

It stood, silently, staring at Guang Tai as he carved.

After a long while, the first stone statue was completed.

“A craftwork has been completed!”

“Craftwork: Large [Ancient Stone Statue]—Style of the Divine Capital Ruins.”

“Description: A stone statue carved in ancient style, depicting Wu Dao Xiong Shi (Combo Style), with lifelike carving and authentic antiquity. Some collectors will pay high prices for it.”

“Craftwork effect: Secret of Water—Water-type Pokémon’s offensive power grows significantly, training efficiency +25%.”

“Yōū~”

Doujianshao stared at the statue. This was the Pokémon from the photo they’d seen on the computer!

When viewing the photo, it hadn’t felt like much—but now, as a sculpture, this Pokémon radiated such power!

It looked incredibly strong!

After finishing, Guang Tai saw the Pokémon gathered around the statue. Doujianshao and Qun studied his carving technique, trying to learn. Lei Jilock seemed to be evaluating, its H-character flickering constantly.

Caomiaogui slightly opened its mouth, staring blankly at the lifelike statue. It felt the sculpture might move any second—this thought frightened it.

Dīdī—

The computer inside the room beeped.

Guang Tai looked up, wiped sweat from his brow, watched Caomiaogui imitating soil cultivation, then returned inside with Doujianshao. Qun pondered the statue, preparing to overcome her negative ability. Caomiaogui stayed beside the herbs, photosynthesizing, tilting its head curiously at Qun carving the stone.

Guang Tai walked to the computer and saw a new email: sender ID [Ice Sculptor].

Wait—is this…?

【“I saw your sculpture. The carving is lifelike, perfectly capturing the Pokémon’s true form.”】

【“Let me introduce myself—I’m Gu Liu from Kaji Town. I’m searching for an item to enhance Ice-type Pokémon.”】

【“My training involves sitting still on ice, but lately I feel mere stillness is meaningless. I want to train in heavy snow. Someone recommended you.”】

“How about Frozen Rock?” Guang Tai immediately replied!

【“Of course—you have exactly what I need. Frozen Rock extends the duration of Hail. Very useful to me. Such stones are hard to find. Let’s discuss price?”】

【“Also, I’m very interested in your carving skills. If you have time, please visit Kaji Town. We’re holding an Ice Sculpture Exhibition in mid-October this year. Your technique is exceptional—I eagerly await your work. Of course, the winner receives a special prize. You won’t come for free.”】

【“Treat this as a simple invitation.”】

This is the order from Liu Bo!

(End of Chapter)