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"Well done, Trainer! You finally defeated this Dusknoir. The Bell Tower can finally be cleaned up for a while," one of the monks said with a relieved expression.
"I want to go back and take a shower now. I've been sitting here for more than ten years, and I don't even know what the outside world is like anymore," another monk added with a hint of nostalgia.
The monks discussed the defeat of Dusknoir, clearly relieved that their mission had been accomplished.
"Trainer, please proceed to the eighth floor and take a look. Our companions there are guarding another evil Ghost Pokémon. If you can, help them defeat it as well!" the old monk suddenly requested of Chris.
The other two monks immediately turned their expectant gazes toward Chris, silently pleading for his assistance.
"That's the plan," Chris replied confidently.
The level 80 boss on the eighth floor… What Pokémon could it be? Having cleared the seventh floor, Chris was curious and eager to see what awaited him.
Chris began his ascent, stepping cautiously onto the stairs leading to the eighth floor. As soon as he took the first step, an intense chill surged from the soles of his feet, sending a shiver all the way to his core. It felt as if he had stepped barefoot into snow.
"It's so cold…" Chris muttered, quickly withdrawing his foot. He took a moment to steel himself before stepping forward again, this time prepared for the sudden chill. Though it was uncomfortable, it wasn't unbearable, only fueling Chris's curiosity about the Pokémon awaiting him.
At last, Chris reached the eighth floor. The scene was both mesmerizing and eerie. Light illuminated the entire floor of the Bell Tower, where twelve monks sat cross-legged in a circle near the edges of the room. Golden threads connected them, forming a complex formation that served to imprison a Pokémon in the center.
The Imprison technique on this floor was far more elaborate than the one Chris had seen on the seventh floor.
The Pokémon being restrained here was a Chandelure, its flames casting an ominous glow. Chris's eyes widened as he recognized the dual Ghost and Fire-type Pokémon. He remembered watching an episode about Litwick in the anime, which depicted the Pokémon's eerie ability to siphon life energy. It left such an impression on him that the thought of encountering Chandelure sent a shiver down his spine.
This explained the cold atmosphere on the eighth floor. Though Chandelure was a Fire-type Pokémon, its flames were not the warm red or orange associated with Pokémon like Charizard. Instead, its dark purple flames radiated an icy, malevolent chill that seemed to seep into Chris's very soul.
The Pokémon of the sixth and seventh floors had been formidable bosses, and this Chandelure was no different. Its massive chandelier-like body floated menacingly in the center, its flames burning fiercely as the chill it emitted spread throughout the room. Just being near it made Chris feel as though his soul might freeze.
"Trainer, don't get too close!" one of the monks called out in warning. "Chandelure's flames can burn your soul. Be careful not to become its fuel."
As Chris processed the warning, the monks from the seventh floor arrived to join him. One of them quickly stepped forward to vouch for him.
"This young Trainer helped us defeat the Dusknoir on the seventh floor. He's here to assist you with Chandelure as well!" the monk explained.
The twelve monks turned their attention to Chris, their expressions a mix of hope and skepticism. However, they soon averted their gazes, returning to their Imprison ritual with renewed focus.
"Defeating Dusknoir is one thing, but Chandelure is an entirely different matter," one of the monks said, shaking his head. "Without the proper strength to protect your soul, you'll be burned to ashes the moment its seal is broken."
"You'd be wise to come back after elevating your soul," the monk added with finality.
Before Chris could respond, the monk raised his hand. The scene around him twisted and blurred, and the next thing he knew, he was back in his dormitory. His handheld displayed a message:
[Challenge Bell Tower quest failed. Rewards for cleared floors (1-7) have been claimed. Note: This is a special dungeon. It will disappear after completing the corresponding story. Each floor's rewards can only be claimed once.]
"Not even a chance to fight?" Chris murmured in frustration.
The monk's words echoed in his mind—his soul would need to be stronger to face Chandelure. But how could he elevate his soul? Even with his knowledge of the Pokémon anime, Chris was at a loss.
Scratching his head, he sighed, realizing he had yet another mystery to solve.
Chris shook his head, pushing aside the doubts clouding his mind. If he couldn't figure out a solution, there was no point dwelling on it. He wasn't ready to waste any more time here.
Even if the twelve monks could temporarily unseal Chandelure, Chris doubted his team's ability to face the level 80 Pokémon. A single "Heat Wave" from Chandelure could decimate his entire team, let alone withstand the relentless icy aura it emitted.
Despite the temptation to try again, Chris decided to call it a day. His current visit to the Bell Tower hadn't been a waste—he'd managed to secure three secret-level Pokémon items, which was an excellent reward.
"Take it while you can," Chris muttered. Yet, even as he said this, his feet moved almost involuntarily, leading him back into the Bell Tower.
Once again, he ventured from the first floor to the eighth, only to be sent away by the monks with the same reasoning. However, this repeated journey wasn't entirely without merit.
Chris noticed something interesting. The Ghost Pokémon he had defeated on the earlier floors reappeared each time he returned. Although they were relatively low-level, they were plentiful, making it an excellent opportunity for training. One of his Pokémon, Wobbuffet, gained significant experience with each battle.
Still, as much as Chris appreciated the chance to level up, he concluded that his time would be better spent elsewhere. The underground power plant offered higher-level Pokémon, better experience gains, and even the chance to encounter a legendary Pokémon. With that in mind, Chris decided to put off his return to the Bell Tower until he was better equipped to handle Chandelure.
Leaving the Bell Tower behind, Chris headed to the Pokémon Center. He treated his team, gathered resources in Ecruteak City, and prepared for his next destination: Mahogany Town, home to the legendary Lake of Rage.
As he made his way toward the Pokémon Center, Chris's path brought him in front of an elegant building. It wasn't a dojo in the traditional sense but rather a dance hall. Through the windows, he could see graceful dancers practicing their routines. The rhythmic sound of the game's BGM from his handheld shifted to match the serene yet lively atmosphere.
The sight piqued Chris's curiosity. Could this place hold a challenge for him? With determined steps, he approached the entrance.
"I can't avoid challenges," Chris thought with a grin as he reached for the door handle. However, before he could enter, a woman stepped into his path. She had a composed yet warm demeanor, her kimono flowing elegantly as she addressed him.
"Are you here for teatime?" she asked with a polite smile, introducing herself as Naoko.