Pokemon: Master Craftsman

At his desk, Glade used the computer's camera to scan the rough Eviolite and sent an image to the client.

"Oh, is this the stone?" Bugsy exclaimed after reading Glade's description and seeing the image. Bugsy, a researcher of many items, confirmed that he had never encountered any information about this particular stone.

In the animated Pokémon world, this stone hadn't appeared either.

Recalling the game's progression, Glade noted that the Eviolite was first discovered by researchers in the Unova region. When explaining its effects, he avoided directly stating the "50% boost to Defense and Special Defense," as it sounded too game-like. After all, in this more realistic Pokémon world, researchers hadn't quantified Pokémon stats like base values.

"That's right," Glade explained, "as I mentioned, Eviolite can only be used by Pokémon capable of evolving but not yet evolved. It's a miracle stone for weaker Pokémon and a powerful aid for some already strong ones. With this stone, they can even surpass their evolved forms!"

He added, "If you're interested, you can pay a deposit, and I'll polish it for you. Once enhanced with my crafting techniques, the stone's effects will be even greater."

The client didn't reply immediately, likely deliberating over whether this mysterious item was a scam.

"Alright, I agree." Bugsy's hesitation didn't last long, as he replied, "You were introduced by Mr. Kurt, and I'm here seeking unique items. If I reject this opportunity out of doubt, it would defeat the purpose. As a researcher, I'll personally verify the stone's effects."

Got it!

Glade let out a relieved breath. His first transaction in the new region was a success—a promising start.

The agreed delivery time was set for one week. Surprisingly, the delivery method involved aerial Pokémon courier services from Smoke City, likely via Dragonite or Pelipper.

For the deposit...

"10,000 Poké Dollars."

The deposit was 20% of the total price. Since Eviolite had historically been unpurchasable and could only be found or gifted in-game, Glade used the Scarlet/Violet era price of 50,000 Poké Dollars for reference. This ensured fair pricing without scaring off the client.

Suddenly, knock-knock-knock.

A strange knocking sound echoed through the air. Glade looked up, puzzled, toward the front door.

"Someone's knocking?"

He crossed the room and opened the door, but no one was outside. Rain continued to pour under a sky shrouded with dark clouds. The distant forests, valleys, and snowy mountains were obscured by mist, and the world beyond appeared faint and blurred.

Knock-knock-knock.

The sound returned. This time, Glade confirmed it wasn't coming from outside. The surroundings were desolate—no signs of wandering Pokémon seeking shelter, only rain-soaked weeds swaying miserably in the wind.

Listening carefully, Glade realized the sound was coming from... inside.

Following the noise, he approached the basement door. His expression shifted to one of suspicion and alertness.

"I just left the basement. There was nothing there!"

Was it... haunted? Ghostly encounters were a common phenomenon in the Pokémon world. The atmosphere—the rain, the overcast sky, the creaky old house—seemed fitting for such an occurrence.

In the Pokémon world, the existence of spirits was well-documented, with ghostly subplots appearing in every generation. Considering he'd taken over the body of the workshop's deceased previous owner, perhaps the original soul hadn't moved on.

"If you're some kind of ghost... well, may you find peace."

"Although I've never exorcised a spirit, ghost Pokémon have typings like any other. If they have typings, they can be dealt with."

Instead of entering the basement immediately, Glade hurried back to his room to prepare for battle.

He began his "battle preparations" with a box of pale purple dried berries:

"Kasib Berries. When hit by a super-effective Ghost-type move, the damage is halved. Perfect."

This berry, originally from Sinnoh, was brought to northern Johto a millennium ago. Sweet and flower-like in shape, it was not only a popular snack but also a common talisman against ghostly encounters.

Next, Glade retrieved a pale white incense from a locked cabinet.

"Cleanse Tag Incense. When carried by a leading Pokémon, it reduces the likelihood of wild encounters. Its scent deters certain Pokémon."

Lighting the incense, he allowed its pleasant aroma to waft through the room. Then, he put on a necklace adorned with Mightyena fangs.

"Mightyena's fangs. Not a battle item but a crafting material containing traces of Dark-type energy. Perfect for scaring off ghostly foes."

He also grabbed some Rage Rice Balls, a Johto specialty known for curing status ailments.

Finally, he prepared a handful of Sticky Glob-like mud balls wrapped in green leaves, a voice recorder containing a recording of the Dark-type move Snarl, and a few Poké Balls.

Properly equipped and fortified, Glade returned to the basement.

Switching on the lights, he secured the door and stepped inside. The moment he entered, a cold aura enveloped him, sending a shiver down his spine.

Something was watching him. The incense smoke curled through the room, reaching every corner.

"Carvings, Stardust, antique crafts, Fire Stones, Power Bands, Shell Bells, Geodude's stone fragments..." Glade muttered, scanning the shelves.

Creak.

The basement door groaned suddenly. Glade turned sharply, only for a shadow to rise behind him.

In the dim basement, a blue eye glowed menacingly.

"Yo—!"

The Honedge was delighted. The human had fallen for its trap! Time for a Shadow Sneak! This was how knights greeted their opponents!

The shadow shot forward at lightning speed, striking Glade directly.

Effectiveness... not great.

Honedge froze mid-air, its single eye brimming with confusion. Its attack had merely caused Glade to stumble slightly before he regained his footing.

Turning around, Glade locked eyes with the floating ancient sword, his expression one of knowing amusement.

"So, it wasn't very effective, huh?"