Knowledge represents one's ability to learn and apply information effectively, enabling accurate judgments and skilled work. Craftsmanship, on the other hand, is the hallmark of artisans—a skill honed through practice and dedication.
"This feels like one of those games I used to play...," Glade thought.
"Resource management, collecting materials, crafting items, unlocking knowledge, discovering mysterious crafting blueprints... building different workstations and tools to create items. You could even hire assistants to help and upgrade equipment to improve production efficiency and quality."
In Glade's mind, the sudden influx of information continued to unfold:
[By completing a new task for the first time, you can randomly obtain material acquisition hints and new knowledge. Repeated work unlocks additional knowledge.]
[Gathering rare materials grants useful insights and technical skills.]
[Obtaining precious-grade or higher materials unlocks unique crafting routes, with a chance to create legendary or mystical artifacts.]
[Certain crafted items may trigger hidden events, with special rewards for completion.][Pokémon assisting in crafting gain extraordinary growth.]
"Six crafting paths: carving, forging, cultivation, painting, tailoring, and mechanics," Glade murmured, trying to process it all.
"Materials... common, uncommon, rare, precious… what else?"
His head buzzed with memories that seemed to assault him, leaving him both overwhelmed and oddly thrilled.
"This ability feels like something designed for researchers. Through long-term work, abstract knowledge becomes tangible special skills... this could really improve my life."
Glade examined the strange stone in his hand, a faint connection stirring in his mind. The stone's information appeared thanks to his Ancient Treasure Hunter ability:
[Rare Material: "Rough Natural Eviolite"]
[Description: A rare, naturally occurring stone linked to evolutionary energy. Even unpolished, it slightly boosts a Pokémon's Defense and Special Defense. However, its full potential remains locked.]
[Usage: Must be paired with an unevolved Pokémon capable of evolving. The stone resonates with such Pokémon, unlocking hidden potential.]
[Acquisition Hint: Found in areas where Pokémon gather or live for extended periods, such as forests, mountains, and caves. Ancient kingdoms also embedded these stones in artifacts, making ruins a likely discovery site.]
"So... I can see the base information of items I touch."
Glade tested this ability on other items in the basement—tools, stones, and artifacts. While some information appeared, no new knowledge was unlocked.
"Does this mean I'll need to actively gather materials in the wild to gain more knowledge?" Glade speculated.
"Or maybe it's linked to Pokémon? Or... should I try polishing every stone in this warehouse?"
Setting the thought aside, Glade turned back to the ancient sword:
[Artifact: "Ancient Sword"]
[Description: A sword from unnamed ruins, covered in dirt and rock. The rusted scabbard obscures its original appearance. The faint patterns suggest a foreign style—perhaps better suited for a museum.]
[Effect 1: Hidden Clue—may trigger an unknown event.]
[Effect 2: Gradual stamina depletion (minor)—a legend claims ancient swords absorb life energy.]
"Stamina depletion? What kind of defective artifact is this?"
The more Glade examined the sword, the more he felt an odd weakness creeping into his body. Though the craftsmanship had flaws, the sword's hidden clue piqued his interest. In a game, this would undoubtedly be a key item.
Determined, Glade donned an apron, mask, and gloves, then grabbed a hammer and chisel. Carefully, he pried the Eviolite from the sword.
Though the stone resembled low-grade jade at first glance, a polished Eviolite could become a radiant, powerful item—a rare battle tool introduced in the Unova region. Carrying an Eviolite grants unevolved Pokémon a 50% boost to Defense and Special Defense, making it a prized item for competitive battles.
Glade hesitated to part with such a valuable item but reminded himself of his current financial struggles. Without a Pokémon to use it, leaving it idle would be wasteful. Selling it to someone who could put it to good use seemed more practical.
As Glade freed the stone, he felt a wave of exhaustion. He placed the sword back on its shelf, planning to investigate it later.
Unbeknownst to him, in the deepest part of the basement, a strange black eye emerged on the wall. Circular and ominous, the eye blinked, its form resembling the letter E.
A chilling aura spread through the room, though the eye quickly retreated into the wall, as if startled. The aura's source was unmistakably the sword from which Glade had removed the Eviolite.
"Crack... snap!"
The sword began to tremble. Layers of dust and grime flaked off, revealing faint, glowing patterns on the scabbard. As the mud fell away, it disintegrated into silvery ash, unveiling the sword's true form.
The scabbard was now a rich brown with intricate designs. The lower half bore three nested, sharp ovals, while the upper half displayed a ghostly face-like pattern with three circular "eyes." A long blue ribbon dangled from the hilt, splitting into finger-like ends.
Suddenly, the "face" on the scabbard came to life—a single blue eye opened in its center.
"Yo~!"
A haunting, otherworldly voice echoed in the basement.
Who had awakened it? Who had infused it with life?
But... where was this person now?
And... why had they stolen its gemstone?
"Yo~?"
The Honedge floated into the air, its ghostly nature allowing it to defy gravity. Though it lacked the Levitate ability, many Ghost-types in the Pokémon world possess natural flight.
It glanced around the dim basement, puzzled. Where was it? This place looked like a storage room.
Honedge attempted to leave but was stopped by the locked door. Wrapping its blue ribbon around the handle, it twisted, only to discover it was securely locked.
"Yo..."
The Honedge's single eye fixated on the door.
The human had removed its gemstone, awakening it from its slumber.
This required thinking.
Honedge spun in place, pondering its next move.
After inspecting the surrounding materials, it came up with a mischievous plan:
"Yo!"
Knock on the door, or make some noise to draw the human back. Then... hide among the artifacts and ambush them!
Though this wasn't very knightly behavior... desperate times called for desperate measures.
"A treasure hoarder, huh?" Honedge mused, surveying the bizarre collection of stones and artifacts.
"This human must be one of those collectors, like the ones I used to see in the royal court."
The Honedge swayed slightly, its eye narrowing.
"If they think they can treat me like some dusty relic... they have another thing coming!"