Chapter 136: The Restoration Plan, A New Stronghold?

Although the alluring, suggestive gear was tempting, Su Yi couldn't wear it, though some of the masculine sets were quite stylish.

However, as mentioned before, he lacked the materials. The rewards from his "Golden Finger" provided only a few portions—certainly not enough for a full set of hunter's armor, but just enough to craft a set for his Palico to the standards of a hunter. As for the materials from the Legiana, because it hadn't fully matured and had been severely wounded by a Pink Rathian, there weren't many intact pieces left. The Paolumu’s fur, meanwhile, had mostly been handed over to the hot air balloon developers to craft their balloons.

"Even if I can't turn them into gear, can't I just make them into clothing? Surely, 'suggestive' isn't such an inflexible thing? These designs are excellent; I’m stealing them!" Su Yi thought to himself.

"The dimensions and materials are confirmed. To be honest, this is my first time crafting hunter gear for a Palico, so it might take a bit longer—about four days," the smith said.

"I appreciate your efforts, Chief," Su Yi nodded.

"Are you sure you don't want to forge a set for yourself?" The smith, seeing Su Yi staring intently at the blueprints, assumed he was quite fond of the designs.

Su Yi picked up Dewdrop, his expression serious. "This cat has saved my life, more than once."

"Meow~" Dewdrop rubbed his head against Su Yi's chin.

"By the way, Chief, take a look at this and tell me if you can repair my partner." Su Yi released Honedge.

The smith was astonished. "Isn't this that Pokémon whose body is a weapon?"

"Yes, Honedge is a unique lifeform, a spirit inhabiting a sword, fused with an ancient blade."

"But now its body is damaged, and its life force is slowly leaking out. I was wondering if you could repair it just like you would forge a weapon."

"Repairing it requires materials infused with life force," Su Yi explained.

"Materials with life force... as far as I know, only precious items like Gems or Mantles possess such dreamlike power. Even then, I have never seen a weapon with a life of its own, so I dare not act so rashly," the smith replied, shaking his head.

This was a "weapon" unlike anything he had ever seen. While he was confident in his smithing, he had no way to approach a weapon that possessed a soul.

"Perhaps the master alchemist of the Third Fleet has a way," the smith mused.

Su Yi was stunned. Forging techniques combined with alchemy? They were talking about creating a "magic sword."

But upon reflection, he realized that asking the Second Fleet's Chief to repair Honedge so directly was indeed too hasty. Could Honedge withstand the high temperatures of the forge? Could the materials fuse with its original blade? These were things he needed to determine carefully. Blindly forging would only harm Honedge and prove counterproductive.

"I understand. Once I have clarified these things, I will ask for your help again."

The smith laughed heartily. "As long as it's forging weapons, I have no issues. I’m actually quite looking forward to repairing a living weapon."

After Su Yi paid the deposit, he left with Dewdrop, who was filled with anticipation for the new gear. Since the Third Fleet was still stationed at the edge of the Coral Highlands, he would have to make a trip if he wanted to find someone skilled in alchemy. However, Su Yi had thought it through: Honedge was a Pokémon; he couldn't rely solely on the technology and knowledge of the Monster Hunter world. He also needed information from the Pokémon world.

"It’s time to go back for a while." Su Yi walked back to the shed.

Upon returning, he found the Aibo playing with the Pokémon, and the Rotom Phone had returned from headquarters. Su Yi informed the Aibo that he would be away for a few days.

"There's still some time before the operation begins, so go ahead and take care of your business," the Aibo said, explaining the recent plans.

Although the Commander had plans to hunt the Anjanath and Fulgur Anjanath that threatened the base, there was still much preparation to be done. For instance, hunters needed to be dispatched to clear out surrounding instability, such as the increasingly active and growing population of Great Jagras. This was to minimize interference from other monsters during the hunt. Afterward, they would need to investigate the movement patterns and ranges of both targets to devise a plan to separate them, preventing the pressure of fighting both at once.

These were the considerations of a competent commander. The Commander’s foresight was truly impressive and would certainly improve efficiency while reducing casualties.

Back in the Pokémon world, the Rotom Phone indicated a new message.

Leon: "When are you coming back to the Isle of Armor? Master and I are waiting."

Nemona: "When are you coming to Paldea? I really want to battle you again."

Su Yi: "."

Su Yi typed his response.

"On my way."

"Maybe next time."

Inside an abandoned factory on the outskirts of Wyndon, the Corviknight gathered its flock.

"Caw..." The Corviknight explained its future plans to the group.

The Rookidee and Corvisquire chirped in discussion, but all agreed with the Corviknight's decision.

"Nia gin." The Perrserker walked over, wishing them a better life ahead.

In truth, the stray Pokémon in the city had often thought about leaving. But the reality was that in the Wild Area outside the city, life would be even harsher for those who lacked combat experience. In the city, if you had the experience, finding food wasn't difficult—even if it wasn't always fresh—and humans were generally safer than the wild Pokémon. Furthermore, they could huddle together for warmth, just as they did in this abandoned factory; while not worry-free, they could at least survive.

"Time to go, everyone." Su Yi took out his Poké Balls.

"Meow!"

"Nia!"

Inside the factory, the stray Pokémon bade farewell to the Corviknight’s flock, offering their blessings. Su Yi recalled the Rookidee and Corvisquire into their balls and mounted the Corviknight.

"Let's go."

"Caw!" The Corviknight flapped its wings and ascended. It took one last look at the place it had lived for so long and flew toward a new tomorrow.

Watching the Pokémon fade into the sunset, Su Yi recalled what the Rotom Phone had mentioned about the Commander's desire to cooperate with Pokémon.

"It's not the time yet. Let's wait a little longer," Su Yi murmured into the wind.

Many things required careful consideration before a decision could be made. As an envoy traveling between two worlds, Su Yi had to be responsible for both.

From the air, the silhouette of the Isle of Armor gradually came into view. Su Yi marveled once again at how enviable it was to have an island of one's own; he had been thrilled just to have a camp and a small shed.

As Su Yi entered the airspace of the Isle of Armor, the "Hunting Guide" at his waist began to vibrate, and the Sapphire Star on its cover lit up.

"Huh?" Su Yi was surprised.

He was used to the Guide acting up; it was usually a prompt for new information. But what truly shocked him was that the Guide had only ever provided content related to the Monster Hunter world. Why was it triggering here in the Pokémon world?

Su Yi immediately opened the Guide to check.

[Base discovered. Enable?]

Su Yi: ?!

I'll leave it at this chapter for now. I'll finish the rest tonight. Everyone, get some sleep; I can't keep going.

(End of chapter)