Master Craftsman of the Elven World

Chapter 339 Snowflake City, the Dragon Spiral Tower
The Dragon Spiral Tower, the oldest tower in the Unova region, remains a mystery as to who built it and when. Currently, there is only one person investigating this tower.

After leaving the cylindrical bridge, we rushed through Route 8 and arrived near Snowflake Wetlands, where there were many rangers. Lightmoss was one of them. With the call of nature, returning to the forest felt like returning home, free and unrestrained.

This area was previously ravaged by fire, which harmed many Pokémon, including Keldeo. Many Pokémon rangers are stationed here to prevent fires from happening again.

Guangtai rode the D-Wheel to the vicinity of the Snowflake Wetland and then put the motorcycle into the Connect World. With a single swipe of the C-Device, the huge machine was taken away, giving it a feeling of "opening the door to the Digital World".

"Tutaigui!"

The tortoise ran out. Speaking of the forest, it was naturally the most familiar scene for the Earth Tortoise. Light Moss sat on the tortoise's back and settled firmly under the sacred connecting sapling so as not to crush the precious plants.

The earth turtle made a happy sound.

Most of the buildings in Snowflake City are located on high ground because the lower areas are more humid and have ponds where wild Pokémon can be found. Many windmills can be seen on the south side of the city, creating a beautiful pastoral scene.

Speaking of which, Snowdrop City's Gym Leader, Hatchling (also known as the Masked Iceman), is also a formidable fighter, but he is not an expert in Fighting-type moves; rather, he is a master of Ice-type moves.

He used to be an action actor in Pokémon Hollywood, but he quit his acting job due to an injury. Under Alder's guidance, he returned to Snowdrop City to become a Gym Leader and hone his skills.

However, during the Black and White 2 era, he eventually returned to acting.

The tortoise ran very fast, and the forest made way for it. When it came to a raised platform, the platform tortoise took a different route. Its claws suddenly stretched out, as if they were deeply embedded in the rocky cliff.

"Oh, isn't this 'rock climbing'?"

It's a cannon fodder move exclusive to Torterra, and its representative is Ash's Torterra. It's also known as a suicide move. Since Ash's Grovyle learned this move and evolved, its win rate has been almost zero.

"This move isn't very effective in actual combat."

"Earth Platform." The Earth Platform Turtle remembered this phrase.

So this rock-climbing technique can't be used in combat? I'll remember that!

This is my first time using it too!

If the trainer says it's not useful, then it's definitely not useful. Besides climbing rock walls, this move really doesn't have any other advantages. If you can use this move to attack the enemy, why don't you just use "Pounce"?

The tortoise climbed onto the high platform, and in the distant forest, a towering ancient tower appeared and disappeared. Then it sped forward!
"Wait a minute! Are you also going to that ancient tower?"

The sudden sound in the forest made Torterra slow down. Moss turned its head and saw a swaying old man in the direction of the sound. He held a Pokédex in his hand and carried a large backpack, seemingly investigating something in the surrounding forest.

Ah, that face looks so familiar!

"Dr. Old Yew Tree?"

Oh! Do you recognize me?

The old man who suddenly appeared in the forest was Dr. Yew's father, Dr. Cedric, who was generally referred to as Old Yew.

“Of course, I know your daughter, Professor Yew, and she gave me this.” Lightmoy pulled out a Pokédex; nothing could be more convincing!

"Hello, my name is Lightmoy, and I am a prop craftsman. I am currently on my way to the Dragon Spiral Tower."

Dr. Yew was overjoyed: "I see! That's wonderful! I never expected to run into someone I know in such a remote forest!"

"Hmm, a Pokédex! So you were asked by her to collect Pokémon information!"

Dr. Old Yew was very happy, and only then did Hikari notice that he was holding a snack in his hand: Forest Yokan.

This doctor carries Forest Yokan with him wherever he goes!
"I came here specifically for the Dragon Spiral Tower!"

"This is the first time I've investigated its existence. I found the corresponding coordinates in the literature, which allowed me to pinpoint the tower's exact location north of Snowflake City. However, before I conducted the literature review, most people had no recollection of this tower."

"After all, this tower is just an artifact."

Lightmoss looked at Dr. Old Yew with some strangeness.

"Are you going to begin investigating the Dragon Spiral Tower now?"

Theoretically speaking, shouldn't it start a year later, when the heroes begin their journey?

"Ah, it seems you're not quite clear on my research area." Dr. Yew chuckled. "My daughter studies the origin of Pokémon, while I study the distribution and ecology of Pokémon."

Hikari recalled, "I think Professor Birch from the Hoenn region is also researching this topic?"

Professor Yew choked for a moment, then coughed and said, "It's a little different! Strictly speaking, his research topic is the habitat and distribution of Pokémon!"

Light Moss: "Isn't this the same?"

Dr. Yew Tree Elder: "Therefore! In order to avoid overlapping research topics with outstanding younger researchers."

"It's impossible!"

Guangmo: "."

This is Dr. Old Yew's distinctive speaking style—he takes deep breaths.

Dr. Old Yew waved his hand:
"Never mind, actually I was the one who researched this topic first."

"Young man, you need to understand that the Pokémon ecosystem varies from region to region, so it's normal for there to be overlap in challenges!"

"And I don't just study ecology and distribution; I also study Pokémon legends and archaeology!"

"Hmm, is your Torterra really a Torterra?"

It was only then that Dr. Old Yew noticed that the ground tortoises in the moss looked a little different, and after careful observation, he seemed quite excited.

However, the important thing now is to go to the Spiral Tower.

"Excuse me, could you give me a ride?"

Light Moss: "Of course, please come up."

Dr. Old Yew also sat down under the sapling, and when he saw the resurrection grass and other unfamiliar plants at his feet, his eyes almost opened wide:
"Resurrection grass? I've never seen anything planted on the shell of a turtle on a platform. No, I should say, I've never seen so many planted!"

"You're a prop craftsman. Well, that is, a craftsman. That's quite rare in Unova."

"Ahem, let's get back to the topic we were just discussing. The reason I'm investigating the Spiral Tower is because I'm researching this subject and want to understand the history and origins of Unova. The legends of Pokémon are closely related to the history of Unova, and the Spiral Tower is a forgotten but crucial part of that history."

"It is said that it is related to the founding legend of the United States, the legendary birthplace and sleeping place of the dragon."

A clear lake, a broken ancient bridge, a secluded forest, and dense, dark grass.

Just like in my dream, the Dragon Spiral Tower was right in front of me.

Mini-dragons are hidden in the lakes here.

However, on the broken bridge pier in the lake, a man was sitting cross-legged, seemingly meditating, while on the bridge pier next to him, a tundra bear was also engaging in a similar "meditative" behavior.

The Tundra Bear is a large, white-furred Pokémon that lives in the cold northern lands. It is a fierce, carnivorous creature. It can freeze its breath to create roads on the sea for walking, or create ice fangs and ice claws for combat; its ice fangs are harder than steel.

"That's Hatchling! Oh my, I was wondering why I hadn't seen him at the Snowflake Gym, so he came to this tower!"

Dr. Old Yew immediately recognized the person cultivating on the lake, made a comment, and then looked at the tower in front of him, his expression becoming very serious. Lightmoss also noticed that the tower didn't seem to have any "entrance" to enter.

In the storyline, the Dragon Spiral Tower was only accessible after a breach was created by a plasma blast.

When Lightmoss and Dr. Old Yew arrived, Hachiku suddenly opened his eyes, stared at Lightmoss, and leaped off the broken pillar in the lake, as if performing a superb light-body technique!
"Dr. Yew?"

Hachiku arrived in front of the two, while the tundra bear went even further, freezing the lake to create an ice path and thumping its way across.

Guangtai couldn't help but want to complain: Is this tundra bear supposed to be called an Aokiji?
"Oh, hello Hachiku! I'm here to investigate this Dragon Spiral Tower!"

"And this one... Hmm, speaking of which, although I know you're a Pokédex holder, why did you come to the Dragon Spiral Tower?"

"To undergo a trial," Guangtai answered honestly, knowing that with these two present, their upcoming challenge would surely be witnessed.

Besides, there's no need to hide it.

"Trial. Do you wish to enter the tower?"

Hachiku's eyes narrowed as he sensed the unique aura emanating from Guangtai!

There's no mistake, the person in front of me is a martial arts master!
"If I may ask, are you a martial artist?"

"I suppose so," Guangtai replied after a moment's thought.

I do now possess the professional knowledge of a martial artist, and I also have the corresponding martial arts skills.

However, he has never actually fought against a martial arts master in person, so his status as a martial artist is somewhat questionable.

Although his martial arts skills may not be good, he is strong enough. With a burst of brute force, he can kill a master with a flurry of punches. So, he can be considered a second-rate master, right?

"Indeed, I sensed that although the aura of a martial artist emanating from you has been somewhat restrained, it still makes one's mind waver."

"I am also a martial artist. Nice to meet you. I am Hachiku, the gym leader of Snowflake Dojo. For some reasons, I am training at the Dragon Spiral Tower and, incidentally, keeping an eye on the tower."

Lightmoy asked curiously, "Surveillance?"

"Hmm." Hatchku nodded, glancing at the surrounding forest. "Since yesterday, the Pokémon here have been very afraid."

“The tower was shaking violently. I came here to find out what was going on. However, after the intense fear, I felt that my state of mind had broken through, so I took the opportunity to do some cultivation here.”

"This tower seems to be waiting for something, some power is brewing within it, and there is something even higher up in the tower."

Hachiku pointed to the sky, then looked at the two men, his expression serious:

"So, to put it bluntly, it's quite dangerous to enter the tower now, especially since the entrance to the tower is currently unknown."

"To get into the tower, you'd have to use a Flying-type Pokémon to glide in through a window on the tower."

"Professor Yew, if you don't have a Pokémon for self-defense, I suggest you don't go in. The same goes for you. Although you seem to be a powerful martial artist, this tower has a hidden power that is unknown to others, and it is related to its legend."

Guangtai smiled and said, "It's alright, I came here precisely for that legend."

"The legendary dragon of the founding of the nation?" Dr. Yew stroked his beard. "Are you here to investigate as well?"

"No, I'm here to awaken one of them and fight the other one from a distant universe."

"???" Neither of them could understand what Lightmoss was saying. Dr. Old Yew looked astonished, while Hachiku was stunned for a long time. He looked at the tower, then at Lightmoss, and muttered to himself.

Could it be another fool who's been fooled by the legends of the founding of the nation and thinks that coming here will surely get a response from the dragon?

"I'm sorry, if that's the case, then I can't let you in."

"This tower is an ancient relic, and it cannot be damaged or desecrated in the slightest. It seems you've entered it for some vague and unfounded reason, especially since the current situation doesn't seem quite right."

Hachiku shook his head, while Guangtai was at a loss for words, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Telling the truth will only make you less likely to be believed, oh well. That's just the norm.

After all, if you put yourself in someone else's shoes, if you were the Gym Leader of Snow City and a random passerby suddenly ran up to you and said they wanted to wake Reshiram up, you would definitely think that guy was drunk.

"Hmm, if you don't believe me, how about a duel? Perfect, I was originally planning to take your badge anyway."

"You're the last one."

Guangtai took the initiative to extend a challenge, which surprised Hachiku.

"What?" He could hardly believe what he had just heard.

Is there only one gym badge left? Is it yours?
Wait a minute, there are only eight major gyms currently operating in the Unova region. If Snow City is the last one, then wouldn't that mean...?

Immediately, Hachiku saw the "Legendary Badge"!
"Has Mr. Shaka been defeated?!"

Hatch was utterly shocked. The strongest Dragon Master, who was the eighth gym leader in front of the Unova League, had actually lost to him.

Aside from Miss Incredible, how long has it been since anyone has defeated Mr. Shaka?

Could it be that this guy is going to go through the Champions Road and directly challenge the Unova League?

"Showing their strength makes it easier to talk, as expected of Unova."

Guang Tai laughed.

Although Hachiku meant no harm, it's still worth criticizing.

"I understand! It seems you are quite capable! The eighth badge, is it? Good!"

Hatchik, brimming with confidence, declared, "I accept your challenge! Right here, complete your final puzzle! If you defeat me, I'll grant you entry into the Dragon Spiral Tower! If you possess eight badges, then your strength is beyond question!"

Could it be that the person in front of me is really related to the legendary dragon?

Hachiku unconsciously began to think that way! After all, the badge was the most convincing evidence!
"By the way," Guangtai asked, "Will Mr. Hatchku participate in the Iron Fist Championship at the end of the year?"

"Iron Fist Tournament." Hatchku paused slightly. "You want to participate too?"

Guangtai: "It was Mr. Lianwu who invited me to participate."

Hatchku: "!!!"

"Phew! You bastard!"

Hachiku suddenly laughed: "I see, so he is such a powerful martial artist."

"Although the Ice attribute is at a disadvantage against Fighting attributes, I am constantly honing my skills and training to overcome this disadvantage!"

"You're still young, which means you have plenty of time to hone your martial arts skills. Alright, it's decided. If you defeat me, and if you really are related to the legendary dragon."

"I will pass on my secret manual to you! It contains the profound martial arts secrets I brought from my hometown!"

(End of this chapter)