When Ash and Serena handed over their five number tags to the camp staff for scoring, they noticed a cardboard display nearby listing the current results of tonight's "Midnight Forest Trial of Courage."
Up to that point, among all the groups who had entered the forest and participated, the best score recorded was only 600 meters and three tags — 6 points.
But now?
Ash and Serena were registering a perfect 10-point score — five tags, full distance, flawless run.
Their achievement stood out like a shining beacon, drawing gasps of surprise from nearby campers.
Then again…
It was Ash.
So no one seemed particularly shocked or jealous. It felt natural — like he was simply doing what Ash always did.
Looking up at the [Camp Performance Leaderboard – Overall Rankings], it was clear:
The Opening Challenge yesterday afternoon
The Fishing Tournament this morning
And tonight's Trial of Courage
Ash had aced every single one — first place, maximum points.
After yesterday's opening event, Ash had been tied for first with four others: Green, Serena, and two more friends.
But after today's fishing tournament, the gap widened — Ash had pulled ahead.
Even Serena, who matched his perfect 10 tonight, had only scored 9 points earlier in the fishing event, dropping her to second overall.
Now, atop the leaderboard, there was only one name in the #1 slot:
Ash Ketchum.
By the time the trial ended — around 10 PM — all the campers (except Chloe and Goh, who didn't participate) had returned to the forest camp.
As Ash had predicted, most of the campers hadn't completed the full challenge.
Most only made it to the 200-meter mark, collecting a single tag and earning 2 points per person in their group.
Even fewer reached 400 meters for 4 points.
Those who managed 600 meters for 6 points were rarer still.
As for 800 meters and 8 points — only three campers managed that.
And yet…
The number of students who actually made it to 1000 meters and collected all five tags was far higher than expected.
The names of those who scored a perfect 10 points tonight:
Ash, Serena, Gary, Green, Shauna, Tierno, Trevor, Jeanette.
Eight in total — the core group Ash often worked with — along with Jeanette, who had teamed up with Tierno after getting separated.
All of them completed the full trial.
Clap clap clap…
"Alright!" Professor Oak's voice rang out across the campfire-lit clearing. "Congratulations to everyone who participated in tonight's 'Midnight Forest Trial of Courage!'"
"I hope you'll all remember this activity for a long time."
"Because one day, when you turn ten and officially begin your journey — whether you choose to be a Pokémon Trainer, Breeder, Researcher, or something else…"
"…you'll face setbacks, challenges, and situations just like tonight."
"And when that time comes…
You must do what you did tonight — face the fear, face the challenge head-on."
"Gather your courage… and conquer it!!"
Even with gray streaks in his hair, Oak's voice thundered with fierce passion and indomitable spirit. His energy burned with the pride of someone who'd seen generation after generation of Trainers grow strong.
"Yes!!"
"Yes!!"
"Yes!!"
The campers roared in unison, their youthful voices echoing through the woods.
Tonight's challenge had truly left a mark on them.
Oak smiled with satisfaction, eyes scanning the flushed faces of the young Trainers-in-training.
"This… this is the spirit young people should have!"
He continued, "Though the point of tonight's challenge wasn't the score, but the experience itself… still, I must commend the eight of you who completed the full 1000-meter course."
Ash, Serena, Gary, Green, Shauna, Tierno, Trevor, Jeanette.
"I hope you'll continue to give your best in the upcoming summer camp events."
"Yes, sir!!"
Ash shouted first, followed quickly by Gary and Green.
Their voices were clear, strong, and confident — drawing attention and admiration from the other campers.
"Alright then. It's getting late," Oak declared. "Tonight's activities end here. Head back to your cabins and get some rest."
"And of course…
Get ready for tomorrow's events."
—
After the dismissal, the students grouped up with their roommates and made their way to the cabins.
It had been a long, exhausting day — two major activities packed into one.
But the Trial of Courage had been especially draining. The fear, the darkness, the creepy statues…
Some campers had cried on the spot.
Who knows how many would have nightmares tonight?
—
"Thank you for tonight, Ash," Serena said softly as their group parted ways outside the cabins.
She looked up at him earnestly.
If Ash hadn't been there…
She probably wouldn't have made it past 200 meters before running back in tears.
She remembered how he held her hand the entire time, gently guiding her, comforting her —
She felt a strange mix of gratitude and… something else.
Something deeper.
Something warm.
"You've already thanked me, like, a dozen times," Ash laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "There's no need. We're friends, right?"
"Goodnight, Serena. See you tomorrow."
He reached out and patted her head gently, then turned and walked away toward his cabin.
Serena stood frozen in place, watching his silhouette fade into the shadows.
—
"Hey hey Earth to Serena"
A hand gently tapped her shoulder — it was Shauna, grinning mischievously.
"You've been zoning out ever since Ash left," Shauna teased. "So~ what happened during your romantic midnight stroll, hmm?"
"D-Don't say that! There was nothing like that!" Serena flustered. "We're just… just friends, that's all!"
"Oh? Just friends?"
"Yeah, suuure."
"You two are adorable—"
"Stop teasing me already!"
The three girls giggled and laughed all the way back to their room, the air light and carefree.
—
"Phew! That was intense. I'm just glad we finished the challenge," Gary groaned the moment he flopped onto his bed.
"Tonight was legit terrifying," Trevor muttered. "I hope tomorrow's event isn't that scary again…"
"Who knows," Tierno shrugged. "Let's hope for the best."
...
...
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