Chapter 155: The Poisonous Feast 

At Rose Tower, Oleana, holding a report in hand, was briefing Chairman Rose on the latest happenings in Galar.

"Chairman Rose, regarding the concert in Spikemuth…"

"Haven't I already approved it? Oleana, are you still concerned about what's happening around Spikemuth?" Rose sat up straight.

"No, Chairman Rose. The energy fluctuations near Spikemuth have nothing to do with Dynamax energy. I'm currently focused on collecting Wishing Stars for your plan. I won't waste my energy on unnecessary matters." Oleana quickly replied.

"Sorry for overworking you lately," Rose said with a gentle, apologetic smile.

Oleana tucked her hair behind her ear, shaking her head. "Compared to my previous research work, this is nothing. I'm more concerned about whether this will affect the progress of the Gym challengers."

"Haha, so that's what's bothering you?" Rose shook his head helplessly. "It's only for three days. How much could it really affect?"

"Besides, Spikemuth is still a part of Galar. Although it's unfortunate that it hasn't been blessed by Dynamax spots, I admire using this method to revitalize the town."

"But soon, that won't be an issue anymore. Once our plan succeeds, Dynamax energy will spread throughout all of Galar, and Spikemuth will be included!" Rose's smile brimmed with ambition.

"When the time comes, a new stadium will rise in Spikemuth, and he will no longer have a reason to silently protest by rejecting Dynamax."

Oleana was moved. "Chairman Rose, I didn't expect you to have even thought about the future of a place like that."

"Of course. I love this land deeply. No matter what, I want it to have a bright future." Rose leaned back in his chair, gazing out at the skyline of Hammerlocke City.

Oleana regained her composure and calmly said, "Well then, please allow me to continue my report. Regarding the aftermath of the destruction of the ancient mural in Stow-on-Side…"

The report continued for about half an hour. After receiving Rose's approval, Oleana bowed and left. Once in the elevator, she sighed deeply and pulled out two tickets that had been tucked inside the report, examining them closely.

The tickets were primarily black with thorns and a dark purple hue, resembling venom, with the words "Poisonous Feast" written on them.

"Sigh, how pathetic, Oleana. In the end, you still didn't have the courage to invite Chairman Rose to watch the concert with you, even though he's more tired than I am."

She stowed the tickets away and resolved to work even harder, determined to lighten Rose's burden.

The "Poisonous Feast" was the name of a concert being co-hosted by Pierce and Roxie. It was a three-day event held in Spikemuth.

Due to Roxie's popularity, the concert attracted many fans from outside the Galar region. The venue was chosen to be an abandoned lot in Spikemuth, which was large enough to accommodate the crowd.

With input from Pierce and Roxie, as well as renovations by Spin, a rock-themed stage was erected as the concert's main platform.

The tickets were priced at only 500 League Coins, the same cost as a Great Ball, making it an event even kids could attend.

Pierce's goal was to promote Spikemuth, and while he originally wanted to offer free tickets like usual, Roxie quickly vetoed the idea. After all, she had worked hard to come up with this concept, and it deserved to be used.

However, they kept the ticket price symbolic.

Of course, there was another way to get a free ticket—by performing on stage and filling in the gaps between sets.

Pierce and Roxie were each responsible for one day of performances over the three-day event, and they planned to do a duet on the final day. To conserve their energy for the last performance, they would only perform for a short time on the first two days.

While it might seem like the performers were getting paid a Great Ball's worth for their efforts, the fame Pierce and Roxie brought to the event was invaluable.

For aspiring artists, performing in front of so many fans was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a lasting impression.

The crowd in Spikemuth far exceeded Pierce's expectations. The streets were packed, more than they had ever been during the town's most prosperous times.

There were fans of Roxie's band, fans of Pierce, people curious about Pokémon performances, trainers specializing in sound-based moves, music lovers, people just looking for excitement, and bands hoping to show off their talents.

All kinds of people had flocked to this once-dilapidated town—no, it was no longer right to call it that. The newly opened shops along the main street were bustling, with shopkeepers beaming at their good fortune.

"Here you go, everything checks out. Please take care of your ticket."

Outside the concert venue, Summer was acting as a ticket inspector. Although Old Man Gaide and Pierce had repeatedly told him he didn't need to help, Summer decided to pitch in for Spikemuth by volunteering for a day before enjoying the concert.

"Here, have some juice and be sure to enjoy it."

A cool drink touched Summer's cheek. He looked up to see Marnie, her eyes soft, holding three cans of drinks. She sat down beside him naturally.

"Thanks for your hard work, Rillaboom and Ogerpon. I've got drinks for you too."

Rillaboom nodded in gratitude, accepting two drinks with both hands.

"Bo-ni-o!"

The Ogerpon, wearing a Wellspring Mask, excitedly took the drink. Thanks to its presence, the temperature wasn't too hot.

With the spot next to her now free, Morpeko popped out of her bag and plopped down on Marnie's lap.

"Thanks, Marnie." Summer opened the bottle and gulped it down, the cool juice instantly washing away his fatigue.

"No problem. But there are so many people today. You've been working for a while, so why don't you rest for a bit? I can take over," Marnie offered with concern.

Summer waved his hand with a smile. "I'm confident in my stamina. Besides, sitting here lets me see all kinds of people and Pokémon. It's not boring at all."

"Plus, there's music to enjoy," he said, pointing to the venue where a band was currently performing.

"Hmm," Marnie hummed with interest. "What kinds of Pokémon have you seen?"

"For example, there was a rapper with a Chatot, an idol singer with an Altaria, and a Dragon Trainer with a Kommo-o. Though he looked serious, all he was carrying were bags of CDs."

"I wonder whether Pokémon change their trainers' interests or if it's the other way around—or maybe it's both. That's why I think Pierce's idea of forming a band with Pokémon is genius."

"But Pierce is always so restless," Marnie said with a hint of frustration. She knew her brother's talent all too well.

"Yeah, but after this concert, he'll probably realize just how much charm he really has," Summer replied with a smile.

"I hope so," Marnie sighed, but then snapped back to attention when she saw a woman with pink twin-tails looking around with her ticket. "Oh, the entrance is over here."

"Ah, so this is the entrance~?" The pink-haired woman turned around, her starry eyes lighting up when she saw Summer.

"Summer~!"

"Summer?" Marnie's face showed a rare hint of confusion. Why did she call his name so affectionately?

"Well, that makes sense. With a concert being held in Spikemuth, it was pretty likely I'd run into you~. Didn't expect you to be working as staff though~," she said as she approached. "And your Thwackey has grown up too. Is this little one also your Pokémon? So cute~!"

"Annie, it's been a while. This is Ogerpon, a very important partner of mine."

"Bo-ni-o!" Ogerpon greeted her cheerfully, no longer as shy around people.

Summer quickly introduced Marnie. "This is Annie, my senior from when I was a ranger in Turffield. She took care of me a lot back then."

"Marnie, huh~! So cute in person~," Annie said with a kind smile.

"Cute…" Marnie seemed visibly unsettled, unsure how to handle this kind of person who completely overpowered her in charm.

Summer efficiently handled Annie's ticket and handed it back to her.

"Alright, see you later~. Don't overwork yourself! And if you have time, be sure to visit Meteor Falls~! Both of you~!" Annie cheerfully waved as she walked into the venue.

"Summer, are all rangers this… unique?" Marnie asked quietly.

"Well…" Summer thought for a moment. "Quite a few are."

Marnie didn't expect to feel so tired just after starting work. She silently cheered herself on, "Come on, Marnie, you hate losing, don't you?"

The rest of the work with Summer went smoothly, and she saw the trainers who, as Summer described, traveled with their Pokémon and had a love for music.

There was a violinist accompanied by a Kricketune, and it was the first time Marnie had heard a rock-style violin performance.

A dashing woman with a Primarina, who seemed to be a soprano singer by profession, exuded warmth like the sun.

A quiet boy in a cloak, accompanied by a Flygon—Marnie had never known that such a Pokémon could also sing.

Then there was a burly man with a Rillaboom, who met Summer and burst into tears, claiming it was a long-lost encounter and insisting on becoming Summer's apprentice.

"Ah, Summer!"

Hearing a girl's voice, Marnie was startled. Another one?

"How's the queen doing? Come to think of it, won't a concert like this disturb her rest?" The blue-haired girl pondered aloud, only to be interrupted by a hand chop from someone behind her.

"Coral, that's rude. Summer, don't mind her. She's just really fond of that Pokémon."

The woman before her, trying to hide her appearance, felt strangely familiar to Marnie. After taking a closer look, she realized it was Nessa, the Gym Leader. Did she also know Summer?

"Ah, Summer, thanks for the insight you gave me last time. I actually made a discovery!" The orange-haired woman smiled brightly, and then Bea walked over, holding four tickets, seriously saying, "Here are four tickets. We're counting on you, Summer."

Marnie squinted at Summer. Even Morpeko felt a strange sense of pressure. How did a ranger end up knowing so many women—especially such charming ones?

"Here you go, all checked. Please keep them safe," Summer calmly and efficiently handled the tickets, handing them to Bea. It seemed like he was entrusted with them because there were two people in the group who couldn't be trusted with such responsibility.

"Bo?" Ogerpon tilted its head, sensing something. Was that the faint aura of trouble hanging over Summer's head?

Rillaboom patted Ogerpon's little head, reassuring it that Summer would handle things just fine... probably.

Marnie calmed herself down, and Morpeko's oppressive aura faded as well. She then turned to Summer and asked, "Summer, you—"

"Hey, Summer, I had a feeling I'd run into you! And I did! I've got some great photos; want to see?" A fashionable woman holding a camera walked up to the ticket booth.

Marnie swallowed her words. Wasn't this that photographer from before? Since when did she get so familiar with Summer? Wait, where did Morpeko go? Oh, it had retreated into her bag.

"And Ogerpon too, hmm, looks like you're having a great time here," the photographer said, noticing the Pokémon.

Marnie bit her lip. So, she knew Ogerpon too? Could it be that Summer caught Ogerpon because of her?

"Bo-ni-o!" Ogerpon happily responded. Yes, every day was fun for Ogerpon!

"Perrin, long time no see," Summer greeted her.

"Yeah, though I hope my greeting didn't interrupt your work. Don't worry, I've got a ticket. I just plan to take pictures of the concert area on the last day."

"It's not that busy right now," Summer replied, then introduced, "Marnie, you've met Perrin, right? She's an incredible photographer."

"Hmm, think I could use that to snag a good spot?" Perrin joked.

"Of course, but would you mind sharing your photos with us for promotion? Naturally, we'd pay you for them," Marnie quickly shifted her attitude and made her request, though her expression barely changed.

Perrin was a bit surprised, but then smiled. "Oh, no need for payment. I'll be looking forward to it~."

After Perrin left, Summer looked at Marnie and asked, "Marnie, did you have something you wanted to ask?"

"Nothing much. You must've misheard me." Marnie shook her head calmly. "Summer, you're probably just tired. Go get some rest. I'll take care of things here."

"But—"

"If you don't listen, I'll have to use my Morpeko's 'Torment' on you. If you collapse from exhaustion today, how will you enjoy the concert tomorrow or the day after? I'd feel guilty."

Marnie released a bit of pressure as she spoke.

However, that was just a cover for her real reason—she was worried that more women would show up. Why did it seem like Summer had a thing for older women?

Under Marnie's firm insistence, Summer had no choice but to comply. And soon, it was the final day of the event.

The audience was filled with excitement because Pierce and Roxie were about to perform together!

Their performances over the previous two days had won the audience over, and the anticipation for their duet was at an all-time high.

As the dazzling lights shone, accompanied by explosive music, the two emerged from the smoke. Pierce, rarely seen with a guitar, strode toward the microphone, while Roxie carried her beloved bass.

Pierce was dressed in a dark purple jacket, adjusting his collar with an air of confidence, while Roxie, in a black coat, kicked off the show with a challenging bass solo.

The audience fell silent, utterly captivated.

"Hey, everyone!"

With Pierce's shout and a powerful guitar riff, the crowd snapped back to reality, bursting into cheers.

"This is my melancholy secret weapon—feel my sorrow and let it break you!"

"Melancholy? I don't care!" Roxie countered.

Their energy whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

"Go wild! Poison my life, poison the stage! I'm going to blow your minds!"

With a flash of electricity, two Toxtricity appeared beside them—one amped up next to Roxie, the other low-key beside Pierce.

"Roar, my lament!"

With a burst of electronic keys, a Pangoro roared into the scene, while a short-haired punk girl hammered the keyboard next to it.

"Smash it, explode!"

A bald man went wild on the drums, and Rillaboom joined in with its drum, creating a thunderous beat.

"No rhyme or reason, hear my harsh words!"

"Filled with venom, feel my poison!"

The two grabbed their microphones and shouted in unison, "Listen, immerse yourself, get lost, and go crazy at our Poisonous Feast!"

Their performance, a fusion of human creativity and Pokémon abilities, took the audience to a new world, leaving them utterly spellbound.

Humans and Pokémon alike roared along with the rhythm. The performers led the audience, and their voices dominated the crowd.

Endless passion, boundless celebration. All worries forgotten as everyone immersed themselves in this feast of music, a night that would be etched in their memories forever.

As the final note fell, a sense of longing arose in the crowd. Someone shouted, "Encore!" and soon, a wave of encore chants followed.

Pierce and Roxie both smiled sincerely, knowing the crowd's reaction was the best recognition of their performance.

"Sorry, but Pierce never does encores!" The audience fell into a disappointed silence, but Pierce immediately shouted, "But I'll make an exception tonight!"

"Because we're not done yet!" Roxie gripped her mic. "Rationality, be damned!"

In an instant, the crowd erupted in a unified shout, their passion surging to the max.

"Be damned!"

As the music kicked in again, Marnie turned to Summer and seriously asked, "Summer, don't you think my brother and Roxie make a great match? It's rare for him to find someone who shares his interests. I don't want him to stay single forever. Should we try to set them up?"

"Eh?" Summer was stunned.

"Do you think it's inappropriate? Or is it the age difference?" Marnie pressed.

"Well, has Roxie reached adulthood? If Pierce makes a move, wouldn't it land him in jail?" Summer pondered seriously.

"Heh." Marnie covered her mouth, a faint smile on her lips. "You're taking this too seriously, Summer, but it's such a typical answer from you."

"Uh, well, if we put age aside, shared interests are definitely important."

"You don't care about age?"

"Personally, I don't, but what about Pierce?" Summer mused. Hearing his sister's thoughts, he started to worry. If it was Marnie asking, Pierce might actually go through with it.

Pierce, don't let your rationality be shattered. You really don't want to end up in jail, do you?

Just then, the music kicked off again, and Marnie's mood lightened considerably. "Alright, the concert's starting again. Let's focus on the performance now."

"What about Pierce?"

"That doesn't matter anymore. I'm not the kind of sister who meddles in her brother's love life." Marnie's expression was serious, but she had already gotten the answer she wanted.

Summer still had some concerns, but as the song took over, those thoughts drifted away.

At this moment, this place was only for the music.