Night gently enveloped Lavender Town. Under the glow of scattered lights, the silhouette of the Soul Tower appeared even softer—nothing like the eerie legends surrounding it. Instead, it felt like a hidden realm wrapped in quiet warmth.
Holding the now-calm Shuppet in his arms, Ren stood before the tower's entrance. His fingers brushed lightly against the cool stone surface. Viridian Power spread subtly outward, and in an instant, he sensed the gentle soul energy flowing within—peaceful, harmonious, completely free of hostility.
Shuppet peeked out from his arms, lightly tapping the tower door and letting out a soft cry, as if greeting the Pokémon inside. As a Ghost-type, it felt a natural affinity for this energy field. Its earlier caution had long faded, replaced entirely by curiosity.
Ren pushed the door open gently.
The wooden door creaked softly, breaking the silence—but without disturbing the Pokémon dwelling inside.
The interior of the Soul Tower was far more spacious than expected. The blue-gray stone walls were carved with ancient patterns, from which a faint, soft blue glow seeped out, illuminating the space without glare. The air carried a subtle blend of plant life and soul energy. The stone floor beneath his feet was smooth and warm, as if nourished by countless Pokémon over countless years.
As soon as he stepped onto the first floor, several translucent blue figures drifted slowly toward him.
Gastly.
Their round bodies glowed faintly, large eyes filled with curiosity. They showed no hostility—instead, they floated closer to Shuppet, gently brushing against it, as if welcoming a kindred spirit.
Shuppet instantly perked up. Slipping from Ren's arms, it began playing with them—floating alongside them one moment, poking them curiously with its tiny claws the next. The once quiet little Pokémon immediately returned to its lively self.
Ren stood to the side, watching their friendly interaction with a faint smile. This wasn't a dangerous tower at all—
it was a joyful haven for Ghost-type Pokémon.
One particularly bold Gastly floated up to Ren, nuzzling against his clothes and sniffing curiously. Clearly, it had caught the scent of the Pokéblocks in his bag.
Ren chuckled softly and carefully took out a Ghost-type Pokéblock, offering it to the little Pokémon.
Gastly circled him happily before taking small bites, its appearance both clumsy and adorable—another lighthearted moment along the journey.
Guided by the Gastly, Ren and Shuppet made their way deeper into the tower. With each level, the atmosphere grew quieter, the energy more concentrated. Occasionally, they passed Haunter resting peacefully in the corners. Sensing the gentle Viridian Power within Ren, they merely glanced at him before closing their eyes again, showing no sign of hostility.
Shuppet walked close beside Ren, its eyes scanning the surroundings with both curiosity and alertness. From time to time, it glanced back at the Gastly following behind, its expression earnest and endearing.
It could clearly feel it—
deep within the tower, a special energy was calling to it.
Warm.
Powerful.
And strangely resonant with Ren's own aura.
[Ding—Special Energy Detected: Target—Keystone, located at the top of the Soul Tower]
[Hidden Mission Triggered: Recognition of the Soul Tower]
[Mission Objective: Gain the approval of the Soul Tower's guardian Pokémon and obtain the Keystone]
[Mission Reward: Banette Mega Stone Fragment (Complete), Viridian Power Enhancement, Mastery of Ghost-type Moves]
As the system prompt sounded, Ren understood immediately. His pace quickened slightly.
Following the energy's guidance, he soon reached the top floor.
The space here was small. At the center stood a stone platform, upon which rested a shimmering stone glowing with a soft silver-pink light.
The Keystone.
A key to Mega Evolution.
Beside the platform stood a tall Gengar—the guardian of the Soul Tower. Its aura was steady and gentle, completely devoid of malice. As Ren approached, Gengar slowly opened its eyes. Its crimson gaze settled on him, quietly assessing the Viridian Power within him—and the sincerity of his bond with Pokémon.
It did not attack.
Instead, it gave a small nod.
Shuppet immediately moved in front of Ren, its tiny body tense—but not aggressive, only protective.
Seeing this, a trace of approval flickered in Gengar's eyes. It floated to the platform and gently nudged the Keystone forward with its tail, signaling Ren to take it.
Warmth stirred in Ren's chest.
He stepped forward and carefully picked up the Keystone. It felt cool in his hand, yet the moment he touched it, a gentle energy flowed through his fingertips, resonating with his Viridian Power and spreading throughout his body.
It was soothing—
almost comforting.
"Thank you," Ren said softly, his voice sincere.
Gengar gave a low, quiet cry in response, then drifted back into the shadows, resuming its silent duty.
[Ding—Hidden Mission "Recognition of the Soul Tower" Completed]
[Rewards Granted: Banette Mega Stone Fully Formed, Viridian Power Enhancement, Mastery of Ghost-type Moves]
[Ding—Keystone Acquired. Can now be paired with Banette Mega Stone to unlock Mega Evolution]
System notifications followed one after another.
Ren tightened his grip on the Keystone, then carefully stored the Banette Mega Stone that had appeared in his palm. The two stones—one pink, one purple—resonated faintly with each other, containing the immense power of Mega Evolution.
This was the Soul Tower's recognition—
and proof of the bond between him and Shuppet.
Shuppet floated closer, rubbing its head against the hand holding the Keystone. Its red eyes were filled with excitement. It could feel it—this power was connected to itself.
Ren bent down, lifting it into his arms. Placing the Keystone and Mega Stone before it, he smiled.
"This is our power. From now on, we'll grow stronger together."
Shuppet happily nuzzled both stones, its expression proud and eager—as if it couldn't wait to try Mega Evolution.
The Gastly behind them floated closer as well, circling around the stones curiously, filling the top floor with a light, cheerful atmosphere.
After a brief stay, Ren carried Shuppet as the Gastly escorted them out of the tower. The night had deepened, and Lavender Town's lights glowed softly. The tower doors closed gently behind them, sealing its secrets once more—leaving only a warm encounter behind.
Ren looked down at Shuppet in his arms, then at the Keystone in his hand, a sense of calm filling his heart.
From their first meeting in Viridian Forest…
to the battles at Pewter and Cerulean…
to this quiet recognition within the Soul Tower—
every step of their journey had been filled with bond and growth.
The next morning, Ren packed his belongings and bid farewell to the peaceful Lavender Town.
Shuppet stayed close in his arms, occasionally nudging the Keystone hidden in his pocket, its expression both proud and expectant.
Their next destination—
Celadon City.
The third Gym awaited.
And with the Keystone and Mega Stone in hand—
their journey was about to shine even brighter.