"Master Mingguang, it's been a while."
"Gym Leader Lin Bai, the Pokémon you're helping evolve today is this Haunter?"
"Yes." Lin Bai had already stood up and replied respectfully to the monk walking over.
"That's a fine Haunter." The abbot named Mingguang praised it before turning to Sato and saying, "It's been a while."
Sato didn't feel like speaking. The monk he had ignored before turned out to be someone important. Abbot was not a title just any monk could use.
However, Mingguang did not seem inclined to make things difficult for Sato, nor did he mention what he had said during their previous encounter.
A demon in his heart? Sato scoffed. Who knew what that cryptic nonsense meant.
Soon, the group of four fell silent again. None of them were particularly adept at socializing, yet the silent glances they exchanged did not feel awkward.
Ever since entering the Burned Tower, Haunter had also Become Quiet, a rare occurrence. From time to time, it looked at the burned ruins around them, lost in thought.
Time passed slowly. With less than ten minutes remaining until midnight, Master Mingguang was the first to Stand Up, and Lin Bai Followed Closely.
Sato and the disciple lagged slightly behind. Haunter and Misdreavus, each at their sides, seemed to know that the most important moment of their lives had arrived, and both could not help feeling somewhat nervous.
"Hold the Dusk Stone tight. Cheer on, Misdreavus." Master Lin Bai's disciple handed the Dusk Stone to Misdreavus, then indicated for it to go where the moonlight fell.
"Haunter, you go too."
Haunter nodded seriously and quickly Levitateed over.
"Then let's begin," Master Mingguang said softly. He then clasped his hands together, half-closed his eyes, and silently recited Buddhist Scripture. A faint layer of golden light seeped