Pokemon: The Gameboy Effect-Chapter 175: Chandelure

"Well done, Trainer! You finally took down that Dusknoir," one of the monks exclaimed with a relieved smile. "With Bell Tower cleared up to this point, we can finally catch a break."

"I could use a shower," another monk said, stretching stiffly. "I've been stuck here for over a decade. I wonder what the outside world even looks like now."

The monks shared a sense of relief. Their mission, at least for now, was accomplished.

"Trainer, before you go," the elder monk spoke, his tone growing serious, "there are more of us guarding dangerous Ghost Pokemon on the eighth floor. If you're able, could you lend them a hand as well?"

The other monks turned their hopeful eyes toward John, silently urging him to take on this new challenge.

John hesitated briefly but then nodded. "Sure. I'll see what's up there."

With that, he began ascending the stairs to the eighth floor. However, the moment his foot touched the first step, an intense chill surged through him, sending shivers all the way up his spine. It was as if he'd plunged barefoot into icy snow.

"It's freezing!" John muttered, pulling his foot back instinctively. After taking a moment to steel himself, he pressed on, step by careful step. Though the cold was biting, it wasn't unbearable once he adjusted.

As he climbed higher, curiosity built within him. What kind of Pokemon could possibly be behind such an unnatural chill?

Reaching the eighth floor, John was greeted by a scene bathed in eerie light. Twelve monks sat cross-legged in a circle around the edge of the Bell Tower, connected by golden threads that shimmered faintly in the air. Their formation radiated a sense of ancient power, clearly designed to imprison something truly dangerous at the center.

There, floating ominously in the middle of the room, was Chandelure—a Ghost- and Fire-type Pokemon. Its dark, violet flames flickered menacingly, exuding an unnatural cold rather than heat.

John froze in his tracks, a flicker of dread crossing his face. He recognized this Pokemon immediately. Chandelure's flames weren't ordinary—they burned souls.

No wonder the air felt like it could freeze his very spirit.

"Don't get any closer!" one of the monks warned, his voice sharp. "Chandelure's flames can consume your soul. If you approach recklessly, you'll become nothing more than its fuel."

Just then, the monks who had accompanied John from the seventh floor chimed in. "This young trainer helped us defeat Dusknoir. He's here to assist you now with Chandelure!"

The twelve monks briefly turned their attention to John, their expressions a mix of skepticism and gratitude. But they quickly returned to their meditative state, maintaining the fragile prison holding Chandelure in place.

One of the elder monks shook his head. "Defeating Dusknoir is one thing, but facing Chandelure is a different matter entirely. Even if his Pokemon are strong enough, his soul isn't prepared for this kind of battle. If we release Chandelure, his spirit will be reduced to ashes before he can make a move."

The words hit John like a cold slap. "So, you're saying I'm not even going to get a chance to fight?" he asked, frustration creeping into his voice.

The monk nodded solemnly. "Your soul must be strengthened first. Without that, it's impossible."

Before John could protest, the monk raised his hand. In an instant, John found himself back at the base of the Bell Tower. His Gameboy screen displayed a message:

[Challenge Bell Tower quest failed. Rewards claimed for floors 1–7. Note: This special dungeon will disappear after completing the corresponding story. Rewards from each floor can only be claimed once.]

John stared at the screen, his frustration growing. "Seriously? Not even a shot at Chandelure?"

He mulled over the monk's cryptic advice. How exactly was he supposed to "strengthen his soul"? It wasn't like he could just level it up like a Pokemon.

After a few moments of thought, John decided it wasn't worth dwelling on. He wasn't about to waste time trying to figure out something so vague.

Besides, the odds weren't in his favor. If a level 70 Dusknoir had pushed his team to its limits, a level 80 Chandelure would be a nightmare. One Heat Wave from that thing could wipe out his entire team before he could even react.

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"Not worth it right now," John muttered, turning his focus elsewhere.

Still, Bell Tower hadn't been a total loss. He'd managed to snag three rare Pokemon items from the earlier floors, and his team had gained valuable experience battling the hordes of Ghost-types along the way.

Even so, John knew there were better places to train. The underground power plant, for example, not only had high-level Pokemon but also offered a chance to encounter a mythical beast.

With that in mind, he headed to the Pokemon Center to heal his team and prepare for his next adventure.

As John made his way through Ecruteak City, he passed by a large building that caught his attention. At first glance, it looked like a dojo, but upon closer inspection, it was clear this was something else entirely—a dance hall.

The lively music emanating from within was a stark contrast to the eerie silence of Bell Tower. Intrigued, John decided to step inside.

The atmosphere changed the moment he entered. The rhythmic sound of traditional music filled the air, and graceful dancers moved in perfect harmony across the wooden floor.

Before he could take another step, a young woman with a commanding presence stopped him at the entrance.

"Are you here for tea, or perhaps something else?" she asked with a knowing smile.