Chapter 406: Chapter 88: Palace
"Mr. Ash has made history! He's the first Trainer to achieve a flawless victory in the Victor's Cup!"
The crowd erupted into chants of "Ash! Ash! Ash!" Their enthusiasm soared, raising Ash's already towering reputation to unprecedented heights.
On the field, Pikachu let out a dissatisfied "Pika…" from its perch on Ash's shoulder.
It hadn't been given the chance to battle, and despite celebrating Ash's victory, Pikachu couldn't hide its disappointment.
Charizard glanced at Pikachu, unbothered by its usual status as the top Pokémon. Instead, it accepted Pikachu's frustration with a quiet dignity.
Among Ash's Pokémon, Pikachu was the leader, having inherited the legacy of the Three Illusion Gods, and Charizard recognized its place within the team hierarchy.
Ash bowed to the crowd with a grateful smile, acknowledging their cheers. While the battle hadn't fully tested his limits, he felt immense satisfaction in his victory and the admiration of the audience.
"Win! Win!" Tracey jumped to his feet in the stands, waving enthusiastically.
Misty cradled Togepi, who squealed with delight and waved its tiny hands. Misty couldn't suppress her pride, her eyes sparkling as she watched Ash stand victorious on the battlefield.
"Still as incredible as ever..." Lorelei murmured from the VIP section. Rising from her seat, she prepared to leave, her mind filled with thoughts of Ash's unique battle style.
Unlike most spectators, Lorelei understood the significance of Charizard's restrained attacks.
The Fire based moves that lit up the arena could have caused unimaginable destruction if Charizard had unleashed its full potential.
---
On the battlefield, Drake stood silently for a moment before recalling Dragonite into its Poké Ball. Despite his defeat, he wore a faint smile.
"Thank you, Dragonite. You did your best," he said softly.
Defeated but not bitter, Drake felt honored to have witnessed Ash's strength firsthand.
Within moments, the stadium staff had prepared the award podium. Drake invited Ash to step onto the platform alongside him, and several Fearows soared overhead, releasing golden confetti that rained down like glittering sunlight.
"Release your Pokémon," Drake suggested, and Ash complied, summoning Pikachu, Charizard, Venusaur, Blastoise, Lapras, and Snorlax.
The six Pokémon lined up proudly behind their Trainer, each embodying strength, loyalty, and perseverance.
Charizard, with its imposing figure and radiant golden flames, exuded raw power. Pikachu, the smallest but most iconic of the group, captivated the audience with its charm and hidden strength.
Snorlax, with its gentle expression, stood as a symbol of surprising might, its innocent demeanor masking its devastating capabilities.
Drake handed the Victor's Cup to Ash. The golden trophy was adorned with a Poké Ball flanked by silver wings, symbolizing the triumph of a true Champion.
"It's an honor to compete with someone of your caliber," Drake said sincerely as he presented the trophy.
"I'm honored too," Ash replied with a respectful nod.
As Ash lifted the trophy high above his head, the crowd erupted into applause. Their cheers grew louder, filling the entire stadium with an infectious energy that mirrored Ash's monumental achievement.
---
After the ceremony, Drake led Ash and his companions to the "Palace of Victors," a sacred space within the stadium dedicated to honoring past winners of the Victor's Cup.
"This hall immortalizes the greatest champions of the Orange League," Drake explained.
Inside, twelve large slates stood proudly, each showcasing the accomplishments of previous champions.
These slates, adorned with handprints and photographs, served as an eternal reminder of their victories.
"Only the most exceptional Trainers earn a place here," Drake said, gesturing toward an empty slab reserved for Ash.
Guided by the staff, Ash and his Pokémon pressed their hands onto the wet surface of the new slate.
A photograph was taken to commemorate the moment, capturing Ash, his Pokémon, and the golden Victor's Cup.
"This is incredible," Tracey said, sketching the scene furiously in his notebook, eager to preserve every detail.
Misty, standing beside him, smiled. "Ash will only get stronger. He's destined for even greater things."
Ash, holding Pikachu in his arms, gazed at his six Pokémon. "This is just the beginning," he said softly.
The Palace of Victors was a testament to his journey, but Ash knew the road ahead would be even more challenging.
If he wanted to become the greatest Trainer in the world, he would need to push himself and his Pokémon to new heights.
As they left the hall, Ash felt a renewed sense of purpose. With the Victor's Cup behind him, he was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to prove that this victory was just one of many to come.
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