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

Chapter 61

As Alice and I leave the Tower of Darkness and begin our journey towards the Tower of Waters, we pass through the Training Lowlands, making our way past the Forest of Focus. Spending some time within the forest, we manage to familiarize ourselves with its layout, ultimately finding the path to Challenge Beach. With this newfound knowledge, we make our way toward the Tower of Waters, which lies ahead, gleaming in its blue brilliance.

Upon reaching the Tower of Waters, we encounter a student who greets us warmly, "Hello, Ash, Alice! Master has already sent word. This is the Tower of Waters... It's the special training ground that only Kubfu can learn the true essence of water. If you want to climb the tower, please make sure that Kubfu is the only Pokémon on your team."

Alice nods, prepared for the challenge. She hands over her other Pokémon to me, leaving only her Kubfu by her side. The student then provides some guidelines, "If you raised Kubfu to at least LV.70, its training will go smoothly. Once you enter the tower, you won't be able to leave until you best five opponents... or are defeated yourself. Now... do you wish to forsake the path of darkness and follow the path of water?"

Alice confidently responds, "Of course." Kubfu chimes in with agreement. The student offers a final reminder, "Remember, there will be no turning back once you have made your choice. Are you sure you want to climb the Tower of Waters?"

Alice firmly declares, "I am sure about it." The student acknowledges her determination, saying, "I can tell your heart is set. The best of luck to you."

With Alice's decision made, I watch as she takes her first steps towards mastering the Tower of Waters, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

As we step into the Tower of Waters, we encounter a female student who greets us with a challenging statement, "Rain falls to become a river, and the river will eventually flow into the ocean... Such is the great cycle of water... It will swallow you whole!"

I nod in agreement with Alice's observation, "Well, it sure is different from the Tower of Darkness." Alice also concurs.

The student sends out a Psyduck, and Alice can only use her Kubfu for the battle. Unlike the Dark Type, Water Type attacks are only neutral effective against Fighting Type, making it a challenging matchup for Alice. Psyduck manages to use Confusion, dealing some damage to Kubfu. However, Alice's determination pays off, and she eventually knocks out Psyduck with a powerful Brick Break.

The student concedes, "I have been swallowed whole by your great strength." I offer my praise, saying, "Well done, Alice. It seems like you chose the harder tower."

Alice responds with a determined smile, "But I don't mind. I learned a lot about battling from you, and I am not going to lose."

As we continue ascending the tower, we encounter another student who challenges us with a water-themed riddle, "In a round cup, water becomes round. In a square teapot, it becomes square... Water is adaptable, changing form to match the opponent. Prepare to drown in its power!"

He sends out a Krabby, and Alice sends Kubfu into battle. Although Krabby's type advantage gives it an upper hand with its Water-type Crabhammer attack, Alice and Kubfu manage to overcome the challenge, ultimately defeating Krabby with an Aerial Ace.

Alice playfully laments, "Well, Iron Head is not going to be good against this tower," high-fiving Kubfu for his second victory. The student complains, "I did not get the chance to adapt!"

I comment with a smile, "Looks like you're doing pretty fine in this tower."

Alice returns the smile and confidently states, "Yeah, and it will keep going on once I climb to the final tower." Her determination and excitement are palpable as she continues her journey through the Tower of Waters.