The Saffron Gym is very large, bigger than the few Gyms Ash has seen before. This is not only because it's in Saffron City, but also because this Gym was originally a Gym specializing in Fighting-type Pokémon.
Fighting-type Pokémon are the most cultivated Pokémon by Trainers, and the Saffron Gym, which was originally a Fighting-type Gym, recruited many students and Gym Trainers.
It was only later replaced by Sabrina, and many students and Gym Trainers were dispersed, but the size of the Gym hasn't changed at all, and after renovation, it looks more modern.
But such a large Saffron Gym doesn't seem to be very popular. After Ash and his group arrived, they found that there were only a few Trainers queuing outside, waiting for the gym to open.
Counting Ash himself, there are only six Trainers challenging the Gym. This shows how terrifying the reputation of Saffron Gym is, forcing Trainers to bypass Saffron City and challenge other gyms first.
"Hey... I don't know if I can pass the Saffron Gym this time. As long as I pass, I will be eligible to participate in the Alliance competition..." While queuing, Ash overheard the conversation of the Trainers in front of him.
"Me too; I only need the Saffron Gym Badge. This is my second challenge..." The Trainer in front responded in a neutral tone.
"This is your second challenge?!" Hearing the Trainer's words, the rest of the trainers looked at him with astonished expressions. They all knew the punishment they would face after defeat in the Saffron Gym.
"Can you tell me about your experience...?" A Trainer who came to the Saffron Gym for the first time swallowed. He was naturally asking about the feeling of being turned into a doll.
The Trainer, who was challenging for the second time, had a look of pain and fear on his face, but he quickly calmed down. After sighing deeply, he said, "It's a very clear feeling, but I couldn't move or do anything. I didn't feel hungry or sleepy..."
Although this Trainer hadn't finished speaking, the other Trainers were already terrified. Just hearing about it made them shudder.
"Although it's painful, if you can survive it, you will become stronger." But what the Trainer said next stunned the others, who obviously didn't understand what he meant.
"After such an experience, I feel that I have changed a lot. During this time, I thought a lot and about many things that I hadn't thought about before..." The Trainer smiled.
"At least... I am no longer afraid of most of the unknowns. Even in the face of a crisis, I think I can remain relatively calm!" The Trainer said with some confidence.
"If it were me now, I believe that the me a week ago is definitely not my current rival!" The Trainer looked down at the palm of his right hand and squeezed it slightly. Due to the changes, he was no longer as impetuous as before.
"Many people think it's inappropriate for Ms. Sabrina to do this, but I think this is the purpose of Ms. Sabrina turning us into dolls after we are defeated!" He wasn't the only one with this mentality; all the defeated Trainers felt the same.
The Trainers were thoughtful, and Ash nodded slightly after hearing this. Although he didn't know Sabrina's real purpose, he thought that if this Trainer could gain something from being turned into a doll, at least it wasn't a bad thing.
And... he didn't want to lose this Gym Challenge. If he wanted to become a true legend, he must have an undefeated record to be eligible!
At 8:30, the Gym opened on time. Except for the challengers and some Trainers, no ordinary people came to visit and watch. They all knew the notoriety of the Saffron Gym and didn't dare to come.
After Misty and Brock greeted Ash, they went to the auditorium in the battle hall to watch the battle. They wanted to see Sabrina's strength and how she turned the loser into a doll, so they had to be mentally prepared.
After Ash registered, he sat in the waiting area. He was the sixth challenger, and after the first challenger registered, he was taken by the staff to the battlefield.
However, a moment later, less than five minutes had passed, and the broadcast announced the next challenger. The first challenger didn't show up, having obviously failed in such a short time!
This unfavorable news immediately cast a shadow over the hearts of the challengers in the waiting area. Only the Trainer challenging for the second time and Ash could maintain a normal state of mind.
The second challenger was also swiftly defeated, and it was still less than five minutes later when the broadcast called for the next challenger. Two consecutive challengers had failed. Some challengers couldn't
The second challenger was swiftly defeated, and in less than five minutes, the broadcast announced the next challenger. Two consecutive challengers had failed, and some challengers grew restless, seemingly wanting to escape.
"Believe me, whether the outcome is failure or success, you have to face it once, and you will definitely grow from it!" The third challenger, who was attempting the challenge for the second time, stood up, smiled at everyone, and offered words of encouragement.
Ten minutes later, the challenger emerged from the corridor leading to the battle hall with a bright smile. Seeing this, the waiting challengers breathed a sigh of relief, and the pressure on their hearts eased.
"I succeeded! Everyone, come on! I hope to meet you at the Indigo Plateau Conference!" The challenger was elated, having obtained the Saffron Badge and passed the Saffron Gym's trial.
"Definitely!" The challenger's experience boosted the morale of the other challengers, motivating those who had fallen silent.
However, five minutes later, bad news struck again. The fourth challenger failed and didn't reappear.
The fifth challenger was apprehensive but gritted his teeth and entered the battle hall. He believed the successful challenger wouldn't lie; even if he lost, he would, at worst, be turned into a doll.
This time, the battle lasted a bit longer, but only for seven minutes. After that, the broadcast sounded again, but the challenger didn't emerge, indicating failure.
"Challenger, Mr. Ash, please proceed to the battle hall..." The broadcast announced, and Ash calmly stood up, unaffected by the previous challenger's defeat. His composure reassured the remaining challengers.
"Let's go, Pikachu. Let's meet Sabrina of the Saffron Gym!" Standing before the entrance to the battle hall, Ash felt a flicker of nervousness but quickly regained his composure. He nodded slightly to the staff at the door, signaling his readiness.
The staff member offered Ash an encouraging nod and opened the door, revealing the dimly lit battle hall. At the far end, a girl with a cold expression sat, calmly observing Ash.
She was the current Saffron Gym Leader, Sabrina, known as the "Superpower Girl."
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