Chapter 74: VS Spenser, Jungle Battle!

Ding! Congratulations, Host! Successful sign-in. Rewards are being issued... 200,000 Poké Coins! Beginner-level Power of Transcendence! Shared Battle Experience! Emotional bond +1 with all Pokémon! Though there were only four rewards, each one was impressive! The Power of Transcendence allowed heart-to-heart communication with Pokémon, similar to Anabel's psychic abilities. The 200,000 Poké Coins were a massive boost. Combined with the previous 200,000 coins and the 2,000,000 wired from Elesa, Ash now had a total of 2.4 million Poké Coins! He could exchange these coins for some excellent items in the system store. Elesa's funds would continue to arrive, and Professor Oak's rewards for revealing the Fairy-type would also be substantial. Ash was far from lacking money now. However, the "Shared Battle Experience" reward was a bit unclear to him. "Alright, everyone, the building in front of you is the Battle Palace. But regarding my battle with Ash, I have a special proposal," Spenser, the Palace Maven, announced as they approached the magnificent structure. "Wow! It's incredible! Such an imposing facility!" Misty exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. The grandeur of the Battle Palace amazed her. She couldn't help but wish her Cerulean Gym was as impressive. May shared similar thoughts about Petalburg Gym. Aside from a large greenhouse, her family's gym lacked such splendor. "Old man Spenser, I'm guessing your suggestion involves a jungle battle, right?" "Pikachu!" Ash adjusted his hat and asked confidently. "A jungle battle? What's that?" Misty and May, both curious, were hearing about this type of match for the first time. Spenser chuckled, "Looks like Ash already figured it out. That's correct. With such great weather and bright sunlight, it's perfect for a jungle battle. The entire forest will serve as the battlefield." Spenser's love for nature made this approach ideal. With the decision made, they moved on to the battle rules. Ash and Spenser headed to the jungle battlefield while Scott, Misty, and May observed from a hot air balloon. "This is going to be another thrilling Pokémon battle! I'm so excited!" Scott said while steering the balloon. "The match will be a three-on-three elimination format, with only the challenger, Ash, allowed to substitute Pokémon," Scott explained. "But Mr. Scott, won't the dense trees block our view from up here?" Misty asked, clearly eager to watch Ash's battle. "No need to worry. See that small robot over there? That's the Battle Palace's tracking camera. It'll follow Ash and Spenser during the match, streaming the footage to the screen in our balloon, just like a live broadcast." With that assurance, Misty and May relaxed and focused on the match ahead. Meanwhile, in the jungle battlefield, Ash and Spenser stood ready for their challenge. "My first Pokémon will be this one. Go, Shiftry!" Spenser released his powerful Shiftry onto the field. "Sceptile, you're up!" Ash called out, sending out his agile Grass-type Pokémon. The first match: Sceptile vs. Shiftry! Spenser's Shiftry was at an impressive level 56, a few levels higher than Ash's Sceptile. "Sceptile, use Agility! Let's head straight into the jungle!" "Chaamo!" Sceptile's speed boosted as it dashed into the dense foliage. Spenser's Shiftry had the ability Chlorophyll, doubling its speed in the sunny weather. Ash knew he had to keep up or risk falling behind. "Shiftry, greet them with Razor Leaf and follow them into the jungle!" With a swing of its leaf-like hands, Shiftry launched a barrage of Razor Leaves. Sceptile dodged skillfully with its enhanced speed and disappeared deeper into the forest. The tracking camera followed the action closely, ensuring the spectators didn't miss a moment. "As a Pokémon Trainer, you need to keep up with your Pokémon. If one side falls behind, the match is essentially over. That's the charm of the Battle Palace jungle matches!" Scott explained as the hot air balloon drifted over the battlefield. "Despite his age, Spenser was once a martial arts expert, and his stamina isn't something to underestimate," he added. Misty and May were both impressed, realizing just how formidable the Battle Palace guardians could be. Back in the jungle, the battle was heating up. "Sceptile, use Agility again, then fire Bullet Seed!" "Shiftry, dodge with Quick Attack!" Sceptile's speed had increased significantly, but Shiftry, with its Chlorophyll-boosted speed, wasn't far behind. The Bullet Seed attack missed as Shiftry darted out of the way. "Sceptile, aim Bullet Seed at the ground!" Ash commanded suddenly. Boom! The rapid-fire attack struck the ground, sending dirt and debris flying into the air, creating a thick cloud of dust. Amid the swirling dust, a shadow appeared. "Now's our chance! Shiftry, use Shadow Ball!" Spenser called out, seizing the opening. However, the shadow was a decoy—a cleverly placed rock! "Not good! Shiftry, use Double Team!" Spenser realized too late that he had fallen into Ash's trap. "Sceptile, use Fury Cutter—three consecutive strikes!" Ash shouted confidently. Sceptile leaped high into the air, its blade-like arms glowing as it slashed at Shiftry. The first strike landed cleanly, dealing massive damage due to its Bug-type effectiveness. The second strike hit even harder, doubling in power. By the time the third strike connected, Shiftry was overwhelmed and fainted. "Shiftry is unable to battle!" Spenser smiled. "Impressive, Ash. You've lived up to Scott's expectations. But the match isn't over yet. I'll be using my second Pokémon now!" Ash clenched his fists in determination. "Let's do this." -------------- T/N: Access 30 Chapters in Advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals