"Mr. Natsui, please inspect the goods. Although it's a day later than I expected, I've finally lived up to your trust and successfully created what you wanted!"
Mateo not only had dark, heavy circles under his eyes but also a haggard expression. Seeing him in this state, Natsui felt a twinge of guilt and couldn't help but pat his shoulder.
"You've worked really hard. Please, go rest for a bit."
From a box that was emitting a cold mist, Natsui took the accessory, opened it, and examined it closely.
Somehow, Mateo had managed to craft the block of Never-Melt Ice into a necklace-like accessory. At a glance, it resembled a small neck guard, but due to the material, it was still freezing cold to the touch.
In fact, Natsui had only held it for a few seconds before he couldn't stand the cold anymore and quickly placed it on the ground.
Beside him, Sabrina also came over curiously and gently prodded it a few times with the tip of her foot.
She could feel that the texture of the Never-Melt Ice was very hard. Even after being reshaped, it still showed no signs of melting. The only question was whether it could withstand the high intensity of a Pokémon battle!
Just then, Natsui glanced at Mateo and took out an Ultra Ball with a snowflake symbol carved on it from his pouch.
Since Mateo already knew he had an Articuno, Natsui didn't hide it any longer and released it directly.
Upon appearing, Articuno lazily stretched its wings.
Thanks to the vacation-like days they had been having, it had been able to get out for fresh air every day.
However, before it could get a clear look at the situation, a figure flashed before its eyes, and a strange man leaned in like a starstruck fan!
"Is... is this the Legendary Pokémon Articuno!?" Mateo's eyes were shining. "Apart from photos, this is the first time I've ever seen a live Articuno with my own eyes! Look at that majestic posture, look at those beautiful feathers! It's truly breathtaking!"
Faced with Mateo's incessant muttering, Articuno instinctively wanted to attack, but fortunately, Natsui stopped it in time.
"Easy, easy," he said, comforting Articuno for a moment. He then turned to Mateo and said helplessly, "Mr. Mateo, could you please step back a little? Otherwise, an accident could easily happen."
"Ah! Sorry, sorry!" Reminded by Natsui, Mateo snapped back to his senses and said apologetically, "I'm so sorry. Seeing this Legendary Pokémon, I couldn't control my emotions for a moment and got a little too excited!"
With Mateo's help, Natsui picked up the accessory again and placed it around Articuno's neck.
It had to be said, Mateo's craftsmanship was indeed excellent. Not only was the size of the accessory perfect, but it also suited Natsui's aesthetic taste.
He just didn't know if doing this would actually boost the power of Articuno's moves.
"Thanks," Natsui said with satisfaction. "This piece has even exceeded my expectations. I'm really grateful to you!"
Seeing Mateo hesitating, wanting to say something, Natsui knew what he was thinking. He smiled slightly and, keeping his promise, recalled Articuno and sent out the Crystal Onix.
Having learned his lesson, this time, only after getting Natsui's permission did Mateo step forward to carefully observe the Crystal Onix.
Originally, he had thought that upon seeing the Pokémon he had longed for day and night, he would feel some sort of enlightenment, just as his grandfather had. But after circling the Crystal Onix dozens of times, nothing happened.
Seeing his furrowed brow, Natsui couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"
Sighing, Mateo said helplessly, "Although the Crystal Onix is beautiful, I just don't have that feeling of enlightenment. It's not even as breathtaking as when I saw Articuno just now."
"I see..." Thinking of the relevant plot from the anime, Natsui rubbed his chin and suggested, "In that case, why not have a battle with it? Maybe in the heat of battle, you'll be able to feel something!"
"A battle?" Mateo was taken aback at first, then nodded. "Alright then. I hope it helps."
Natsui and Sabrina stepped back, clearing the courtyard. Since there was no battlefield nearby, they had to make do here.
However, before they started, Natsui gave a reminder, "I won't be commanding in this battle. You can just battle the Crystal Onix freely. But I must say, this is an inn, after all. It's best to be moderate during the battle and not destroy anything."
"Don't worry, I understand."
With that, Mateo also took a few steps back, took out a Poké Ball, and released his Pokémon.
As the blue light faded, Natsui saw that it was a Water- and Ice-type Cloyster!
A Water-type Pokémon?
Against a normal Onix, that would be an excellent choice. But it's clear that Mateo doesn't know about the Crystal Onix's immunity to Water.
However, Natsui didn't point this out, deciding to wait and see what would happen.
Noticing the strange look in Natsui's eyes, Mateo thought he had seen through something and gave a self-deprecating smile.
"Actually, this Cloyster is a Pokémon I prepared a long time ago. I had originally intended to use it to catch the Crystal Onix, but now it seems that's destined to be impossible."
When Mateo said it was impossible, he was naturally referring to the fact that Natsui had already caught the Crystal Onix, and that this missed opportunity meant he and the Crystal Onix were fated to never be together!
When the battle began, Mateo had his Cloyster attack first. But after firing a Water Gun and seeing that the Crystal Onix seemed completely unfazed, he couldn't help but freeze in surprise.
"Hm? Strange, why did it have no effect!?"
In disbelief, he had his Cloyster continue to attack with Water Gun, but all he got in return was an Iron Tail from the Crystal Onix!
Smack!
Seeing his Cloyster sent spinning through the air, Mateo's face was filled with shock!
"This... this is impossible! Why doesn't it take damage from Water-type moves!?"
Only then did Natsui say unhurriedly, "Ah, I forgot to tell you. When I encountered this Crystal Onix, it was living in the water. It seems that due to its body structure, it's not affected by Water-types at all."
"What!? Such a thing is possible!?"
Greatly surprised, Mateo was now even more interested in this Crystal Onix!
After a moment's thought, he recalled his Cloyster and sent out a Charmander.
As if afraid Natsui wouldn't understand his intentions, Mateo explained, "I'm not much of a trainer, so I only have these two Pokémon in total. But don't look down on this Charmander just because it's in its basic form. It's my trusted assistant and usually helps me with my glassblowing. It even helped a lot in making the accessory for Articuno!"
With that, he turned back to the Crystal Onix.
"Since Water-type moves are useless, now, let me use this Pokémon to settle things with you!"
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