c117: The Night Tour is Over, and We Will Win First Place Again!!
When Ash and Serena returned to the forest camp with all five number plates in hand, they immediately walked over to the registration desk, where camp staff were waiting to record each group's results. Next to the staff table was a large cardboard board displaying the provisional results of the students who had already completed the Late Night Forest Courage Conference.
So far, among the students who had already gone into the forest and participated in the challenge, the best score recorded before Ash and Serena was just 6 points, earned by a group that had successfully collected number plates from the checkpoints up to 600 meters.
When the staff recorded Ash and Serena's full set of five number plates Gastly (200m), Haunter (400m), Gengar (600m), Dusclops (800m), and Dusknoir (1000m) their score was updated to the maximum 10 points, instantly placing them at the top of the event ranking.
The campers nearby looked up in surprise, whispering to one another in hushed tones. It was impressive but for Ash, it almost seemed expected. His reputation had already been established in previous challenges, and many students, instead of reacting with jealousy or disbelief, simply nodded in acknowledgement. Ash's consistent performance had made him something of a natural leader among the students.
Glancing at the "Student Achievement Ranking List – General Standings", Ash now sat firmly at the top. He had earned perfect scores in all three major camp events so far: yesterday's Opening Challenge, this morning's Fishing Competition, and tonight's Forest Courage Test.
Back at the end of the Opening Challenge, Ash had originally been tied with Serena, Xiaolan (Lan), Trevor, Tierno, and Shauna each with high individual performances and group scores. But after the Fishing Competition earlier in the day, the gap began to widen. Ash had reeled in a Magikarp, Goldeen, and a rare Poliwag, earning him full points, while others missed out on bonus catches or lost points on technique.
Even Serena, who had just now matched Ash's 10-point performance in the forest trial, had only scored 9 in the Fishing Competition. That 1-point difference placed her just below Ash in the combined ranking.
Currently, the #1 position on the General List was occupied by a single name: Ash Ketchum.
By the time the clock hit 10:00 PM, most of the campers had returned. Aside from Sho (Goh) and Hop (Sōta), who had chosen not to participate in tonight's challenge due to illness or injury, every student had completed or withdrawn from the test.
Just as Ash had predicted when he first entered the woods, a majority of students struggled to proceed past the early checkpoints. Most groups barely reached the 200-meter mark, earning just one number plate worth 2 points per student.
A significant number of students made it to the 400-meter checkpoint, receiving 4 points. A smaller group pushed on to 600 meters and collected 6 points. Only three students managed to reach 800 meters and claim four plates for 8 points.
Yet surprisingly, more students than expected managed to reach the 1000-meter mark and collect all five number plates. Whether it was the influence of Ash's example, the rising team spirit in camp, or just sheer determination, several students overcame their fear and completed the course in full.
However, among those few who earned full points, Ash and Serena were still the first to return, and their speed, composure, and cooperation during the trial were unmatched.
The courage test had not just been about reaching the finish line it was about the way they approached the challenge, kept their cool under pressure, and supported each other as a team. And in that regard, Ash and Serena stood apart.
First Place: "Ash, Serena, Gary, Lan (Xiaolan), Shauna, Tierno, Trevor, Xunzi" – 10 Points
Ash and his small team, along with Xunzi, who had teamed up with the lone Tierno, formed a group of eight that successfully completed the full challenge and secured perfect scores in the Late Night Forest Courage Conference.
Clap...
"Alright, congratulations on completing tonight's 'Late Night Forest Conference' challenge," said Professor Oak, standing in front of the gathered students. "I hope this summer camp activity becomes a memory you'll carry with you."
"In the future, when each of you reaches the age of ten and embarks on your journey whether as a Pokémon Trainer, Coordinator, Breeder, Ranger, or Researcher you'll face many trials."
"And during those times, much like tonight, you may encounter fear, hardship, and setbacks. But what you must do is exactly what you did this evening stand firm, summon courage, and push forward!"
As Oak, with his silver-streaked hair and seasoned presence, spoke with deep passion, an invisible wave of determination and resilience seemed to surge through the crowd.
Student C: "Yes!!"
Student D: "Yes!!"
Student E: "Yes!!"
One after another, the students raised their voices in unison, their spirits lifted by Oak's fiery encouragement. For most, tonight's forest trial would remain an unforgettable turning point.
"That's the spirit young people must have," Oak nodded approvingly as he scanned their eager and youthful faces.
"Even though tonight's true value lies in the challenge itself, and not everyone needed to reach the 1,000-meter checkpoint to gain something from the experience," Oak continued, "I still want to recognize those who did make it all the way through."
"To Ash, Serena, Gary, Lan, Shauna, Tierno, Trevor, and Xunzi I hope to see all eight of you shine in the next stages of the summer camp as well."
Ash: "Yes!!"
Gary: "Yes!!"
Lan: "Yes!!"
Shauna: "Yes!!"
Trevor: "Yes!!"
Serena: "Yes!!"
Tierno: "Yes!!"
Xunzi: "Yes!!"
Being personally named and praised by Professor Oak stirred pride in the eight of them. Their confident replies drew admiration and perhaps a little envy from the rest of the students.
"Alright, it's late. Today's events are over. Everyone, return to your cabins and rest."
"And remember—look forward to tomorrow's camp activities. There's still more to experience!"
With the announcement of dismissal, the students broke off into groups, chatting softly as they headed back to their respective cabins.
Today had been especially intense, with two full activities the Fishing Competition in the morning and the Courage Test at night. Compared to yesterday's relatively playful Opening Challenge, tonight's event was emotionally exhausting. The eerie atmosphere, puppet Pokémon like Gastly and Dusclops, and the isolation in the forest had left many timid students shaken, some even in tears. Several murmured they were afraid of having nightmares.
As Ash's group started to separate, Serena stopped and turned to him.
"Ash… thank you so much for tonight."
Had it not been for Ash's unwavering support, Serena knew she might not have even made it past the Gastly checkpoint at 200 meters. She probably would've panicked, cried, and turned back. But thanks to him holding her hand, reassuring her, and walking beside her the entire time, she had overcome her fears.
Gratitude filled her heart alongside a subtle, unfamiliar feeling she couldn't yet name.
"You've thanked me so many times already," Ash said, smiling. "No need for that. We're friends, right?"
"Good night, Serena. See you tomorrow." Ash gently patted her on the head before walking off toward his cabin, leaving Serena frozen in place, watching him disappear into the night.
"Alright now, Serena! Everyone's already gone and you're still standing here?" Shauna snuck up and nudged her friend teasingly.
"Your progress with Ash lately has been… Quick Attack-level fast! Something definitely happened between you two during the night tour—spill it!"
"D-Don't say such things! I… there's nothing going on! We're just… just friends!"
"Oh? Just friends, huh?" Lan smirked as she joined in.
"Stop it, you two!!" Serena whined, cheeks pink.
"Hee hee..." The three girls giggled as they walked together toward their cabin. Their laughter echoed through the trees, signaling a return to calm after a long and tense night.
"Phew! That was terrifying. Thank Arceus I made it to the end, or I'd have been toast," Gary muttered as he collapsed onto his bed.
"Yeah," Trevor added. "That night tour was seriously intense. I wonder what kinds of events are coming up next. Hopefully nothing as scary!"
"Who knows?" Tierno replied. "Guess we'll find out tomorrow…"
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