Day 8.

I return to Ecruteak City and descend into the eerie Burned Tower for some training. There, I catch a smog-spewing Koffing to add to my collection. Feeling confident, I challenge the local Gym Leader, Morty. Girafarig absolutely dominates the battle—wiping out Ghastly and the first Haunter with Confusion, then finishing Gengar and the second Haunter with Psybeam. Morty’s team never even touched her; it was a flawless victory. With my fourth badge secured, I revisit the Lake of Rage—this time with Surf in hand. I make my way to the center and face the majestic red Gyarados. The battle is fierce, but I manage to catch it. Its crimson scales shimmer—truly a sight to behold. Riding the momentum, I surf across Johto’s waters, catching a Goldeen and exploring previously unreachable places. In my wandering, I unintentionally cross the border into Kanto and even snag a Tentacool along the way. Realizing where I am, I turn back—my journey in Johto is far from over.