Chapter 19: Gym Challenge Opening Ceremony

The three members of Team Yell had high prestige within their group, and thanks to them, Summer found a good viewing spot.

"Oh, you're the forest ranger who caught the Pokémon poacher and even defeated my proud little sister. Impressive~" Piers patted Summer on the back, a smile on his face. The good spot happened to be right next to Piers.

Summer felt an inexplicable pressure. Yes, Piers was a genuine sister-con, although his way of expressing emotions was awkward.

Then, Piers's smile faded as he looked at the countdown on the big screen. "Don't worry, if Team Yell didn't come after you, it means you didn't go after Marnie."

Of course, if he had, their attitude would be different. The other side of the Dark-type Gym Leader wasn't as simple as Rock.

"Although Marnie works hard, there are countless people stronger than her. A failure might help her grow faster." Piers's tone completely changed to that of a caring older brother, but only when Marnie wasn't around.

"Well, Mr. Piers, aren't you also a Gym Leader? Why not participate in the Gym Challenge Opening Ceremony?"

"You're quite presumptuous," Piers crossed his arms, a disdainful expression on his face. "The Gym Challenge Opening Ceremony involves Dynamaxing, and I happen to be the Gym Leader who abstains from Dynamaxing."

Piers's refusal to Dynamax was his silent protest; Spikemuth was gradually weakening due to its distance from energy spots, and he, who deeply loved his hometown, wanted to stay consistent even in battles.

"And Galar has ten Gym Leaders," Piers extended his open palm, grinning. "One less won't make much difference."

Meanwhile, the three members of Team Yell started whispering to each other. Aya spoke up first:

"Why does Piers seem more active than usual? He's usually that gloomy Piers."

"Do you know, siblings often share similar preferences. Since Marnie specifically invited Summer to watch the opening ceremony, she must value him a lot." Tim began his analysis as usual.

"Oh, so Piers also has a natural fondness for him?" Nayo nodded repeatedly.

"That's right. Hmm, but Summer is indeed a good person." Tim recalled Summer's serious expression. If Marnie was really as he said, she would be disappointed after getting angry. Thinking of this, Tim shuddered; fortunately, he didn't actually go through with it.

"Hey, so your Grookey has this kind of drumming sound, huh?" Piers had started listening to Grookey's performance. "Unlike the spirited performance of my Obstagoon, yours is more like a hymn, a hymn of life."

Grookey scratched its head shyly, seeming to receive high praise.

"Summer, is it because of you? After all, you're a forest ranger."

"Not really," Summer shook his head. "This is its original drumming sound. Being with me just made its performance more proficient."

"Is that so? Well, the opening ceremony is about to start. Let's watch quietly."

Piers shook his head. Although you say that, Grookey's aura is completely different from before. Isn't this your doing?

The countdown on the screen ended, and the scene swiftly moved with the camera. The audience in the packed stands looked fanatic, waving their arms and shouting continuously. There were also flashing lights and fluttering support banners. This was the enthusiasm of the people of Galar for watching battles.

Then, the camera focused on a well-dressed, portly man walking leisurely on the field, his expression equally enthusiastic as he waved to the audience.

He stopped beside a beautiful secretary in a white coat, turned to face the camera, and opened his arms, shouting loudly:

"Ladies and gentlemen! I am Chairman Rose. To the guests present and to those watching on television, thank you for your patience!"

"Where's Marnie?"

"Who wants to listen to you? We're tired of your same old lines every year."

"I wouldn't listen to your nonsense if Marnie wasn't here!"

Upon seeing Chairman Rose speaking, the members of Team Yell in the audience quickly showed expressions of disgust and started shouting.

Chairman Rose, Chairman of the Galar League and also an advocate for Dynamaxing, indeed led the Galar region to become the most battle-focused area. However, Spikemuth became the only abandoned town in this transformation. As residents of Spikemuth, Team Yell couldn't feel fondness for Chairman Rose.

"Quiet!" A resounding voice silenced the restless crowd, and Summer looked closely to see that it was Gideon, the restaurant owner.

"I know you all have grievances, but our struggle isn't about undermining others behind their backs. Which one of you has the determination Marnie has?"

The crowd fell silent, realizing the Gym Challenge in Galar was quite difficult. Facing the pressure from numerous spectators, and Marnie embarking on this journey to revive her hometown, they were all stagnant in their decaying hometown.

"I understand. Those who are still here are all people who love Spikemuth, unlike my shameful son. So, instead of gossiping, why not cheer loudly when Marnie appears on stage? Isn't that what Team Yell is supposed to do?!"

"Got it, Boss Gideon!" Team Yell replied in unison.

"The old man still has it in him," Piers quipped from the side, then looked at Summer with a slightly puzzled expression. "Do you care about their titles?"

"Oh, um, yes," Summer hurriedly replied. He was indeed curious.

"Hey, the boss of Team Yell is none other than Boss Gideon. He watched Marnie grow up, so naturally, he's the most qualified."

Gideon, the old boss, had hidden depths. Summer looked at the screen; the introductions of the Gym Leaders had been completed, and he had timed it quite cleverly.

"Well, next up, I invite the challengers! Look at their energetic spirits; this group of rising stars is Galar's future!"

"Keep progressing, keep moving forward, defeat the eight Gym Leaders, earn the qualification for an unbeaten challenge, and compete for the championship crown!" Chairman Rose turned towards the Trainers participating in the Gym Challenge, introducing them passionately.

Among the loose crowd, Summer immediately spotted Marnie's figure. Her delicate face and unique demeanor made her stand out from the other Trainers in their competition outfits.

"Marnie!"

"Marnie, go for it!"

"The undefeated legend will end this year!"

"Let them see the strength of our Spikemuth Trainers!"

The crowd also spotted Marnie and began cheering for her, with Gideon shouting the most passionately, living up to his role as the leader of Team Yell.

"Go, Marnie!"

Summer was infected by everyone's enthusiasm and joined in the cheering.

"Roar!"

Even Grookey stretched out its little hand to cheer for Marnie.

"Can you hear it, Marnie? Everyone's cheering for you," Piers whispered, "and also, good luck, little sister."

Then, the camera suddenly focused on Marnie's face, and she seemed to have noticed it too, stretched out her slender fingers and placed them on her cheek, raised the corners of her mouth and showed her signature smile.

In an instant, a large number of the cheering team in the audience fell down. This smile was too lethal.

  (End of this chapter)