Well then, it seems there's no escaping the job of winemaking. Still, brewing wine in the Distortion World just feels… odd.
In the games, the Star Peach Berry is one of the rarest berries to obtain, with most methods involving exchanges at places like the "Battle Frontier," "Battle Subway," or "Battle Tree"—all specialized battle facilities—or receiving it as a gift.
True to its "legendary" reputation, its effect is randomly boosting a single stat by two stages. While this can be unstable in battle, it's an absolutely superb choice for Pokémon cultivation.
As if guided by some instinct etched deep within their genes, several Omastar dwelling on the floating island wriggled their tentacles and crawled over.
Although they preferred aquatic creatures like fish and shrimp, the legendary allure of the Star Peach Berry was irresistible even to them. Their biological instincts urged them to wait here, as eating the matured fruit would greatly enhance their bodies.
"Ka-ji, ka-ji~"
The green-colored Applin that always nestled on Hikaru's head hopped onto the Star Peach Berry tree. Amidst the tree's leaves, there was a small, unripe fruit. Applin's round eyes blinked as it gathered all its strength to trigger its Ripen ability.
Alongside it, the knowledge of targeted cultivation came into play. The tiny, unripe fruit rapidly swelled and grew before their eyes, eventually dropping to the ground with a soft plop.
"Omuu~"
The Omastar had been waiting eagerly. The moment the berry hit the ground, the little shell-bearing Pokémon scurried toward it at lightning speed. But before they could reach it, Hikaru, their "big boss," picked it up. Too timid to challenge him, the Omastar circled around Hikaru, voicing their protest with soft murmurs, their tentacles waving helplessly in the air, looking extremely pitiful.
Just one bite, just let us have one bite!
That was what they seemed to be pleading.
"Don't worry, everyone will get to eat. But if you eat this one fruit now, you might not get to eat more later on."
Ancient Pokémon like these had no concept of cultivating berries for the long term. In their era, survival was a daily gamble—eat when you could, live while you could. So Hikaru carefully explained the pros and cons to the Omastar. Though the little guys didn't fully understand, at least they stopped reaching their tentacles out.
They blinked, waiting for Hikaru's next move.
"Ka-ji." After nurturing a single fruit, Applin was utterly drained. It looked fatigued and dull. Thankfully, recovery was easy for it—just eat an apple. After scarfing down a premium apple, it was brimming with energy once again!
Then—recycle!
The leftover apple pulp was regenerated into a brand-new fruit. The Omastar quickly forgot about the Star Peach Berry and squirmed around, happily sharing the delicious apples.
"Let's ask Lilligant for help."
Hikaru brought Lilligant through the mirror portal. The moment she held the Star Peach Berry, she could immediately tell it was rich with extraordinary energy and nutrients. She began to nurture it with care.
A second Star Peach Berry tree grew rapidly, its growth cycle dramatically shortened. Soon, more green fruits sprouted, and this cycle continued. In no time, an entire grove of Star Peach Berry trees had formed.
"Ka-ji." Applin's eyes drooped.
It was completely exhausted!
Still, that Grass-type Pokémon sure was amazing. With her help, the plants here thrived in no time. Lilligant was also very curious about Applin and playfully poked it with her leafy hands. She giggled as she watched the little worm roll around on the mossy ground.
This once barren world was gradually coming alive.
"Omuu." After devouring the premium apples, the Omastar were full and sprawled lazily by the water, not wanting to move. But the aroma of the Star Peach Berries kept teasing their senses, tempting them to have a taste even though they were stuffed. Finally, they got what they'd been dreaming of—berry delicacies.
The Star Peach Berry did not disappoint. With just a small nibble, their faces melted into pure bliss, their expressions completely dazed. It was as if even their souls were dissolving in delight. They could only let out soft, contented cries, their minds blank.
Out of curiosity, Giratina also sampled a berry. An astonishing power surged within its body, and it could feel one of its attributes grow significantly. However, it wasn't quite able to bring that power out just yet.
"What are you making?" Giratina noticed Hikaru building something again. It wasn't the first time, but it was still surprised by Hikaru's speed and efficiency. If Giratina were to witness the speed of a certain trio, it might find that truly unbelievable.
"Little Barrel," Hikaru said as he patted the finished item.
[Crafted Item: Oak Barrel]
Description: A brewing device used to ferment crops into alcoholic beverages. Oak is the ideal material, but the oak from the oak forest carries unique energy, making it a fine substitute.
Effects: Brewing speed +100%, Flavor +30%, Tastiness +30%.
Because it was made from oak and special ancient wood from the Distortion World, this little barrel could be considered a remarkable craft item. Hikaru placed a Star Peach Berry inside and began the brewing process.
Yeast performed anaerobic respiration, converting the fruit's sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide—the essence of fruit wine production. The barrel needed to be stored in a cool, dark place, as heat and light would spoil the flavor and quality of the wine.
Luckily, the Distortion World was cool enough already. It didn't even have seasons yet. Hikaru also thought of a perfect place for storing the wine:
The Iceberg Temple!
Located in a swamp and watched over by Regice, it had plenty of fungi, low temperatures, and even peat soil. It was a treasure trove of ideal conditions.
"Let's speed things up a bit." Hikaru tried using his recently acquired knowledge of Temporal Flow. The barrel began to subtly change, its surface taking on an aged look, though it was merely an illusion born of time's magic. As he activated the knowledge, a "Time Tracker" naturally appeared in his mind. When the time was just right, Hikaru halted the process.
Pop!
He pulled the cork out. A rich aroma of alcohol burst forth. The liquid wasn't crystal clear—in fact, it was dazzlingly colorful.
Just like the flesh of a Star Peach Berry, which has red, yellow, blue, gold, and green hues beneath its green peel. The wine in the glass resembled a fancy mixed cocktail.
[Crafted Food: Star Peach Fruit Wine!]
Description: A potent and flavorful alcoholic beverage, rich in taste and complexity, suitable for all Pokémon to drink. However, minors are prohibited from drinking! Given its legendary ingredients, it's said to unlock latent potential and trigger further breakthroughs. If sold, it would fetch an extremely high price.
Effect: Randomly boosts one stat by two stages. Greatly enhances insight and understanding. Doubles potential development efficiency. Increases confidence by 30%. Increases motivation by 30%. Has a chance to trigger a "Self-Motivation" state.
"Wanna try it?"
Hikaru handed the wine to Giratina. The legendary Pokémon simply licked a bit with its face mask open.
Hmm?!
"I must immediately go reorganize those undeveloped floating islands!"
That thought suddenly popped into Giratina's mind and urged it to take action. The urgency startled it.
Then came another wave—
"I suddenly feel a surge of confidence, like there are still untapped powers within me waiting to awaken!"
(End of Chapter)
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