Northeastern Mountain Region, Lake of Rage — Johto.
Near the ruins of the Divine City.
On the Pokémon world map, this region is described as "a blizzard-covered land of ancient legends, walled off by ice and snow."
June 6th, Early Summer.
Event: Rainfall occurs intermittently in certain areas.
In the hills far from any village, an abandoned workshop stands in solitude.
The structure is a blend of brick and wood, but the wooden walls have long rotted away, moss creeping over the stones. The land surrounding the workshop is littered with rocks and dense weeds.
Inside the workshop, an old-fashioned clock has stopped ticking. The stone-built hearth is cold, and a roughly drawn map hangs on the wall, marked with several locations. The notes on the map appear freshly written.
Rain patters against the windows.
Glade awakens to the sound of the rain, staring up at an unfamiliar ceiling. Memories begin to rearrange themselves in his mind, quickly piecing together the story.
This is the Pokémon world.
Pokémon, mysterious creatures with extraordinary powers, inhabit every corner of this world. Humanity, too, has developed wondrous technologies. Together, they make this world truly extraordinary.
As time progressed, Pokémon abilities began to be applied in everyday human life. This practice, however, has existed since ancient times.
The flood of memories causes Glade's head to ache. He recalls that the previous owner of this body worked in the Sinnoh region but suffered from severe mental health issues inherited from his late mother. His father, too, passed away years ago, attacked by a wild and ferocious Pokémon.
"Are Pokémon truly dangerous creatures?"
Because of these hardships, the original owner of the body decided to quit his job and return to his father's so-called "hometown." This abandoned workshop was located using his father's notes, though it had clearly been deserted for years.
The original owner had been an "artisan."
In the Pokémon world, artisans have appeared in every generation. For example:
The Shell Artisan from Shoal Cave in Hoenn.The Ball Artisan, Mr. Kurt, from Johto.The Mask Artisan, an elder from Snowpoint Village.
Artisans typically craft battle items, but their scope can include household tools and work equipment. An artisan collects materials and crafts innovative items, spanning trades like ball-making, treasure-crafting, woodcarving, stone-sculpting, and glasswork, as well as professions like item merchants and material dealers.
In this era, however, artisans are a dying breed.
Devon Corporation, Silph Co., and the Aether Foundation are mass-producing items on an industrial scale, pushing artisans toward extinction.
Awakening fully, Glade feels a pang of hunger.
"I'm starving... might as well eat a Sitrus Berry for now."
Sitrus Berries are bright yellow and pear-shaped fruits from the Pokémon world. When eaten, they restore 50% of a Pokémon's maximum HP. They are also a key ingredient in crafting Full Restores.
As Glade snacks on the berry, he notices a powered-on computer. Browsing the previous owner's online store, he finds listings for antique-inspired crafts and sculptures—mostly decorative items, like the stone carvings outside Pokémon Gyms.
Suddenly, a new email notification appears.
"Is this... a client?"
Despite being in such a remote area, the workshop remains connected to the network, a testament to the advancements in Pokémon-world technology. Signal stations in hidden locations ensure communication, even for researchers exploring ruins.
The email is a consultation request.
"Looking for an item to boost Pokémon endurance, referred by Mr. Kurt."
Glade's memories stir. Mr. Kurt, Johto's famous Ball Artisan, is a master craftsman. The original owner's parents were acquaintances of his, and it seems Mr. Kurt has referred a client out of goodwill.
As an artisan, Glade's work involves custom orders, item repairs, and quality assessments. In this digital age, online consultations have become essential for business.
"For endurance, is this for an evolved or unevolved Pokémon?" Glade quickly types back.
"If it's unevolved, I'd recommend using an Eviolite."
The client replies, confused:
"Eviolite? What's that?"
Glade explains: "It's a pale-purple stone that significantly boosts the defense of unevolved Pokémon."
The client is even more baffled.
"I've never heard of such a thing."
When Glade inquires about the client's profession, he is shocked to learn they are a Bug-type Gym Leader.
"A Bug-type Gym Leader? Wait… in Johto? Could it be... Bugsy from Azalea Town? The youngest Gym Leader?"
Realizing this, Glade remembers something: the previous owner had an Eviolite—though he thought it was just a piece of jade!
Heading to the workshop's deepest room, Glade finds a sturdy oak door leading to a cluttered basement. Inside, old shelves are piled with materials, stones, and antiques, including a weathered sword adorned with a dull purple gem labeled as "Jade-Embedded Ancient Sword."
As Glade examines the gem, a surge of thoughts floods his mind, reorganizing into a mysterious stream of information:
[Rare Material Identified: "Rough Natural Eviolite"!]
[Knowledge Acquired: 1 Skill!]
[Title Unlocked: Ancient Treasure Hunter – Increases detection of rare materials, fossils, and artifacts.]
[Skill Unlocked: Unique Polishing Technique (C-). Improves the quality, functionality, and effectiveness of restored items.]
[Crafting Unlocked: Item: "Eviolite."]
"Wait... is this... my cheat ability?"
Glade stands frozen for a moment, realizing: his golden finger—the mysterious advantage bestowed upon him after transmigrating—is tied to his work. He must craft to unlock its potential.