1. Ash's Story (Part 10: Galar)

Chapter 60

After Alice and I enter the room where Mustard is playing the Switch, I immediately speak up, "Master Mustard, we have already finished finding the spots."

Mustard hears me and stops the game. He turns to us, wearing a mischievous grin, "What's this? What's this? Let's see how you and Kubfu are getting along..."

Alice and I exchange a glance before we both send out our Kubfu. Mustard starts to examine their eyes and observes how they are behaving towards us. He takes his time, carefully analyzing their demeanor. After a while, a warm smile spreads across his face, "Good, good! You are just the best of friends now, aren't you? Kubfu's really become more confident. How wonderful! I daresay I think you're ready. Follow me, you four."

Mustard stands up and heads for the door, and Alice and I can't help but be curious. We follow him as he leads us outside, only to find ourselves at the tranquil Soothing Wetlands. Mustard seems to be in a carefree mood as he hums a tune, "Dum dum dee dee... La la de daaa... Whew! I guess this is as good a spot as any!"

Alice furrows her brow, clearly intrigued, and asks, "What's this about, Master Mustard?"

Mustard grins and begins to explain, "Now then, Ash, Alice! And Kubfu! If you want to become stronger... there are special training grounds just for Kubfu!"

"Special training grounds?" I ask, my confusion evident.

"Prepare yourselves for the... Tower of Two Fists!" Mustard declares enthusiastically, pointing in two different directions. "The blue tower is the Tower of Waters! And the red tower is the Tower of Darkness!"

I exchange a puzzled glance with Alice, trying to wrap my head around this new information. "Wait, you mean we can enter the tower with your permission?" I ask, seeking clarification.

"Choose wisely, since you'll only be able to climb one of the two towers. Kubfu's fighting style will change depending on the tower you choose... And the types it gets will change as well! Think carefully!" Mustard emphasizes.

Alice seems a bit puzzled as she asks, "So we have to choose one tower to train our Kubfu?"

I consider the options before replying, "I think I will do the Tower of Darkness. And you, Alice?"

Alice nods and decides, "I choose the Tower of Waters."

Mustard grins approvingly and provides us with more information, "Good choices, you two. Each tower's five stories tall, and each floor has a tough opponent waiting for you. Make sure you level up Kubfu properly before trying to climb up!"

We both acknowledge Mustard's advice with determination, responding in unison, "Okay, Master Mustard." It's clear that this training will be a significant challenge, but we're ready to do whatever it takes to help Kubfu become stronger.

As Mustard gets ready to leave, he adds one last piece of advice, "Oh right. You can reach both of the towers by heading through the Forest of Focus. You might even be able to find a shortcut if you can ride your bike across the river! I'm really looking forward to when you two make it to the top of one of those towers! It's going to be so exciting!"

Alice turns to me and suggests, "Ash, how about we come with you to the Tower of Darkness first?"

"Sure," I agree, and together we head towards the Tower of Darkness. As we climb the Challenge Road leading to the tower, we encounter a student stationed in front of it. The student recognizes us and says, "Hello, Ash, Alice! Master has already sent word. This is the Tower of Darkness... It's the special training ground that only Kubfu can use. If you want to climb the tower, please make sure that Kubfu is the only Pokémon on your team."