『Your idea is quite unique. In the past, there were some who attempted to cultivate this flower, but their efforts did not go well...』
Calyrex followed Hikaru away from the cold, barren snowy field. After all, Calyrex itself was a Grass-type Pokémon, and living in such a freezing environment was quite uncomfortable.
Once again, Calyrex rode on Turtwig's back. This was Turtwig's own request. Hikaru couldn't help but feel helpless — Turtwig seemed to think that carrying the large plant-like crown on its back made it look grand and imposing.
"Different soils can produce different crops, as seen throughout the various regions. Even though the Glorious Flower is a special crop born from the power of faith, I believe it can still be cultivated as long as the right kind of special soil is found."
"In our world, there are many special plants, some of which can even survive in extreme environments. Just like the special crops born from your power, which are called Iceroot Carrot and Shaderoot Carrot, right?"
『Hm... You even know about that. Indeed, those are the foods my beloved steeds prefer.』
"And what about you? You must have something you like to eat as well."
『I enjoy eating orange carrots.』
The orange carrot was just an ordinary carrot. In Hikaru's previous world, carrots contained a lot of water and natural sugars, and eating too many could cause digestive issues for rabbits. But Calyrex was no ordinary rabbit.
Yes, it was a Psychic-type Rabbit King.
The stereotype of rabbits eating carrots was quite common, so there was nothing wrong with Calyrex liking carrots. After all, in the movies, even Pokémon like Lucario could eat chocolate because "Steel-type Pokémon aren't afraid of poison."
"In Shinto, there's a special type of carrot too. It's a variety passed down from Hisui called Beach Carrot, a type of radish that grows in cold and frozen soil. From its growing environment, it's quite similar to the Iceroot Carrot."
In the Pokémon world, there were many types of carrots: regular carrots, Iceroot Carrots, Shaderoot Carrots, Beach Carrots... And even the special Poni Radish from Alola, something Tapu Bulu was known to enjoy.
Turtwig also eagerly began explaining to Calyrex. Back when Hikaru first caught it, he had told it all about various kinds of soil.
Peat soil, Tera soil, volcanic soil, Landorus soil, the soil from the Tree of Beginning, and various rocks. Even materials from Ground-type Pokémon could enrich soil, making it more fertile and nutritious.
Also, its trainer could mix special soils to help crops grow better and larger! The plant on its back was growing so well all thanks to its trainer's efforts!
『Indeed, even though I am merely riding on your back, I can sense that the soil on you is extremely fertile...』 Calyrex's massive head swayed as it looked at Hikaru, once again affirming:
『I never expected you to possess not only remarkable crafting skills but also great expertise in cultivating plants.』
"Cultivating plants is a type of craftsmanship too. Preparing soil, taking care of crops, managing sunlight, climate, humidity, and understanding the specific nutrition and environment each plant needs... These are all important aspects of the knowledge. People in ancient times didn't fully understand these concepts and merely followed traditional practices. But now, these concepts have been refined and are easier for people to study."
Hikaru smiled. "Of course, if Grass-type Pokémon help take care of crops, then even basic cultivation techniques can produce excellent harvests. I even have a partner in my workshop who specializes in helping with this."
"I also know of a very special soil called 'Illusory Soil'. It's a rare type of soil from another world. Whether it exists in our world is still unknown, but it's said that seeds planted in this soil won't wither even if they are left unattended. It's the most suitable soil for cultivating all kinds of crops. Where this soil comes from is long lost to history, and it's considered a dreamlike treasure."
"Perhaps it could be found at the Tree of Beginning or on some remote islands... But that's just my guess."
『You really do know a lot of legends!』 Calyrex's expression was dazed, completely believing everything Hikaru said!
To Calyrex, Hikaru was already a mysterious figure. Calyrex even imagined that if it ever regained its former position ruling over Galar, Hikaru would undoubtedly be its chief minister!
『If such soil truly exists, then it might be possible to continuously cultivate the Glorious Flower!』
"Exactly. So, I was thinking, with the help of Pokémon's powers, maybe we could artificially create similar soil. That's why I need your help, too."
『I will do my utmost to assist you!』
Calyrex was completely convinced and started to fantasize. If the Glorious Flower could be cultivated in large quantities, then it wouldn't have to fear losing its power anymore, nor would it have to rely on the power of faith to make the flower bloom!
Ah... But if that happened, wouldn't it become lazy again? It needed to be vigilant!
Calyrex's mind immediately sounded the alarm.
『But when you mentioned another world... Were you referring to outer space?』
"Maybe. Or perhaps another world that can be accessed through special crafting artifacts. I only know that such a world exists, and it's said that over there, humans don't exist, and only Pokémon live."
『Eh?! Then wouldn't I hardly receive any faith from that world?』
Pokémon were not creatures that would easily place their faith in other Pokémon. And even if they did, after a generation or two, they would forget everything. After all, that was just how Pokémon were!
Calyrex pondered. If that world didn't have humans, then it would be quite unfriendly to it. Even if it could travel there, it didn't want to!
Hikaru asked, "So most of your power comes from humans?"
Calyrex replied, 『Humans provide more faith than Pokémon. And humans tend to preserve history and pass it down, forming civilizations where faith becomes stronger and more enduring.』
Hikaru understood.
After all, Calyrex was not a god, but a king.
A king was a title that only came into being after the formation of civilizations.
Crossing the rainbow bridge, Calyrex saw other islands connected to the central floating island. There was a towering structure, an ancient cave city, and even its own snowy plains. But when they arrived outside the workshop, Calyrex suddenly sensed an overwhelming abundance of life energy. And that life force was coming from... inside the workshop!
『This island's environment is like something out of a dream... No, wait, this is a dream.』
Calyrex muttered to itself, realizing Hikaru's Dream Workshop was far more beautiful than its own Crown Tundra!
There was even a field full of thriving Berries, looking lush and flourishing!
『Is this the farmland? Indeed, although it exists within a dream, this farmland is more fertile than any land I've ever seen. It's almost on par with the soil I used to create at my peak...』
『If this land is so bountiful, then once my power is restored, it might even be possible to create the Illusory Soil... Dreamlike soil born from a dream. That seems reasonable, doesn't it?』
To think that it would one day become a farmer... But, after learning all this new information, Calyrex understood there was still much to learn!
Hikaru's interface displayed:
[Invited Pokémon: Calyrex]
[Effect: With Calyrex settling here, the floating island will expand, and the soil and plants will undergo beneficial mutations — higher quality soil and special crops may appear!]
(End of Chapter)
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