Master Craftsman of the Elven World

Chapter 368 Meloetta: The Goal is to Be a Pokémon Master

"We've arrived! This is my performance hall, 'Poisonous Stage'!"

Just as expected, the dojo from the Black & White 2 era is now the location of the performance hall, except that Hikari stroked her chin, somewhat puzzled:
"They say they're building a new gym, but actually it's just the new gym owner designating the location, right?"

"Why are we suddenly talking about this? But it's true!" Homiga's eyes were filled with longing: "If I could become a gym leader, I could renovate the performance hall! It could accommodate more people to listen to music!"

"Of course, the style of the performance hall should be a bit shabby, that's called punk style, not the glamorous venues like Pokémon Hollywood."

Just as I remembered, opening the doors to the performance hall led to a downward staircase. The dim, yellowish light bulbs flickered intermittently, seemingly damaged. Below, posters were pasted haphazardly, the largest of which featured Homiga's portrait and the words—

"I'm the lead vocalist, and I'm currently recruiting the other members!"

Homiga said it himself, and then boasted to Guangtai: "It seems like this is your first time in a place like this, right? Don't be fooled by how run-down it looks, this is actually rock and punk style."

“Our Gas Bomb Band is very famous in United States. If we can win this exhibition competition, we can go on a world tour, which is my dream.”

As I walked downhill, I opened the door to the dojo from my memories, even though this place wasn't a dojo yet.

A sense of solitary rock 'n' roll washes over you.

The dim lighting and the sense of oppression were actually quite reassuring.

"This is the PA, which is the sound engineer." Homiga said, pointing to someone who was tuning the sound as they entered the performance hall.

Of course, the person tuning the music at Homiga Dojo wasn't some young lady with long, straight black hair, but a hip-hop artist with dreadlocks and typical Black features.

He greeted Homiga, then became absorbed in his own world, where many people were talking to each other in the performance hall, along with other band members.

Lightmoy: "Isn't this your performance hall? Are there other band members here?"

"Of course, where do you think the revenue from the performance hall comes from? It's obvious you've never been here before!" Homiga chuckled, then went into a recording studio.

“This is Cook, the drummer in our Gas Bomb band,” she said, pointing to a bald man in a black trench coat squatting to the side.

This is also a classic character in the Homiga Squad, with a shiny bald head and a slightly strange wicked smile, looking as if he's about to shout "Ryumon Hozukimaru" and activate his Bankai at any moment.

The work of a Shinigami is really difficult; even Ikkaku Madarame is now involved in music.

"Oh, so this is the new guitarist we found? Oh, what's that instrument?" Cook stroked his chin, his expression slightly serious. "It doesn't look like a guitar."

“It’s a ukulele, an instrument from the distant region of ‘Oblibia’,” Guangtai explained briefly, while thinking to herself that while there were no bass jokes, there were quite a few ukulele jokes.

However, this more "folk" guitar-like instrument might indeed be mistaken for a guitar by some people, unless they are professional "musicians".

“Forget about the ukulele.” Homiga pointed to a pile of guitars in the recording studio: “I had Cook prepare these. Pick one and give it a try.”

“Homiga has a very energetic personality, which may take some getting used to, but you’ll soon find that she’s actually quite adorable.” Cook chuckled, though his expression still looked fierce, but then his brow furrowed.

"Hmm, you look familiar. I'm sure I've seen you somewhere before."

"Never mind that!" Homiga patted Cook on the shoulder. "Hurry up, let's get ready too!"

Guangtai quickly selected a suitable guitar, and Homiga handed over a stack of papers:
"Here! This is today's song list and sheet music!" She immediately picked up her bass, and Cook prepared the drum set.

[Props: Homiga's sheet music - excellent music ("Poisonous Roar: Rising Smoke")]

[Description: This is sheet music written by Homiga herself. As a core member of the band, she is exceptionally skilled at composing music and possesses the qualities of a musical genius. The score incorporates imagery of "poison," "stage," and "industry," blending industrial themes with punk.]

[Effect: Musical Spirit +30%, Immersion +20%.]

[Note: If you approach this sheet music with your current musical level, you'll likely notice areas for improvement.]

Homiga: "Listen up! In a band, it's crucial to coordinate with living, breathing people, so you must pay attention to their rhythm. Otherwise, even if you're a great soloist, you'll sound worse than a water flea in a band!"

"Okay! Let's begin!"

Bang! The Poké Ball emitted a white light, interrupting Homiga's speech, and the Burning Bug jumped out.

"Pokémon?"

Looking at the pile of musical props in front of her, her eyes lit up, and she began to hum along to herself.

An ancient song.

Although it sounds a bit strange amidst the humming of the burning insects, it can still calm the mind and evoke memories of home. The melody, carrying an ancient longing for home, awakens deep-seated brown memories and distant winds within people's hearts.

A wandering bard from afar sang ancient songs, and ancient scrolls slowly unfurled, telling one beautiful legend after another.
Homiga was immediately captivated by the melody of the ancient song, and she and Cook listened in a daze to the little bug's "singing." Suddenly, an idea popped into her mind.

The Pokémon musical in Raven City is all about Pokémon performing on stage, so what if Pokémon were the lead singers?
No, that won't work! There isn't enough time to work out! Like I said, even if the singer is exceptionally talented, it won't work if there isn't enough time for them to coordinate.

However, it really does sound great.

After the song was finished, Burning Worm looked at Homiga expectantly.

"Even if you look at me with that expression." Homiga forcefully suppressed the urge to be happy, but the bald guy Cook next to her suddenly slapped his forehead!
"Hey! I remember now, aren't you that genius artist?! My goodness! How could I run into you here!"

"Huh? What genius?" Homiga looked completely bewildered, and Cook immediately explained:

"That young artist who caused a sensation in Feiyun City!"

"That firefly, yes, that guy's firefly! It has captivated many artists with just one painting. I heard it was recently spotted on Highway 5, where it sang and performed with the street musicians!"

"Homiga, you've been busy writing scores and preparing for performances lately, so it's normal that you don't know about these things. Anyway, you've brought an absolutely incredible guy!"

Cook's expression was serious yet admiring, and he seemed a little flustered. He pulled out paper and pen from somewhere and said, "Please, please give me your autograph!"

This was the second time Guangtai had encountered this situation, and she was quite embarrassed: "I'm not exactly a genius artist, it's just that someone happens to appreciate my work."

"Wow, I didn't expect you to be such an amazing person. I'm really lucky today."

Homiga also drew out his words, saying that although he didn't quite understand it, it was still a good thing!
"With you here, we're sure to win the exhibition match tomorrow! I didn't think we had much of a chance at all."

“No, although the score is excellent, I think it might not be able to win the championship.” Guangtai held the score: “Actually, this score can be improved.”

“Well, actually I think so too.” Homiga scratched his head: “That score has actually been revised many times. I was still working on it last night, but I always feel like something is missing. I can’t capture that overwhelming momentum.”

"The GOGO4 band is a highly popular music group tomorrow. They have gained a lot of attention and awards not long after their debut. As a strong competitor, if we can't write an overwhelmingly superior score, we will have no chance of winning!"

"We're a veteran band, so let's keep our spirits up and not lose points."

"If you don't mind, how about I make some changes?" Guangtai suggested.

“In this case, I will not be modest. In terms of musical talent, I should be much better than you.”

"If you want me to try."

Although this sounds rather arrogant, Homiga felt that since Guangtai had such a background, he must also be a very capable person. Artists are inherently related to musicians, and if you add the word "genius," then it's even more hard to say.

"Okay! Try to revise it and then show it to me!"

Homiga didn't hesitate much; after a brief moment's thought, he immediately made a decision. Guangtai was equally decisive, and began revising the score.

Although it combines elements of industrial music, punk, and toxicity, making it an excellent musical work in itself, Homiga's rivals are not to be underestimated.

That's a well-known figure in the Felene region. I didn't expect to run into them here. They were originally a villainous organization, but after being defeated by the Rangers, they abandoned their leader, formed a band, and started a world tour. "How about using the music from before?" Cook suggested. "That Pokémon is looking at you expectantly, and I also think its humming is very charming, reminding me of my mother from the past."

"Its humming reminds me of the little tune my mother used to play when she sewed clothes by the fireplace."

“But that doesn’t quite fit our band’s rock style.” Homiga was in a dilemma. “Besides, it’s just humming, what about writing lyrics?”

"We can't really let Pokémon be the lead singer, can we? This song is going to be selected for Pokémon Hollywood, what would happen if it didn't even have any lines?"

Cook shrugged: "Just sing along. I think he has a lot of musical talent. Anyway, we're a rock band, so it doesn't matter how we play. Even if we use a bass to beat someone up, that's still rock!"

Homiga was furious: "I would never use a bass to hit someone! I'd probably get flamed for doing that!"

Just as the two were arguing, the Burning Bug started singing again, shaking its head and swaying.

The singing gradually spread, and then, without anyone noticing, a second voice appeared in the recording studio.

The sound of the burning insect is more beautiful and melodious than that of the firefly.

The tune was so ancient, it was as if even the wind had forgotten how to sing it.

At first, it was a tremolo like a gossamer thread, as if a rusty gear had been turned half a turn by the wind.

Gradually, the texture of the spring water flowing over the pebbles appeared, and a small figure in dark blue and cream emerged from the shadow of the cable.

With its hands clasped in front of its chest, eyes closed and face tilted back, ancient songs flowed from its throat.

In a daze, that petite figure seemed like a goddess coming to recruit heroes.

And so, the ancient scroll slowly unfurled.

Set out, pioneers born of the old aristocracy.

The first ray of sunlight appearing in the darkness.

To freely express one's suppressed emotions.

A sorrow so profound it's beyond redemption.

Like a response from destiny.

Experience adventures and traverse mountains and rivers with your companions.

Slowly and stealthily walk through the sunlit courtyard corridor.

As you feel the stone railing against your fingertips, memories of the past resurface.

Warmth, hope, and a brand new day await your challenge.

Scatter everything into the clouds.

[Acquisition: Legendary Music - Ancient Song.]

[Description: Although the method of singing the ancient song has been obtained, this song is music exclusively for Meloeta, and therefore its true power is only unleashed when Meloeta chants it.]

[Effect: It can manipulate emotions, causing sadness or joy, leading people into their own dreamlike illusions, evoking intense emotions, and purifying inner pain and weariness.]

[Bonus: You have listened to a truly ancient song and learned how to play it, which has been recorded in Convergence Music!]

[Bonus: Compose - Legendary Musical Space x3.]

"This is the legendary mythical Pokémon, Meloetta."

Lightmoss looked at the tiny creature that had suddenly appeared, and this sound also brought Homiga and Cook, who were immersed in the music, back to reality!

"Legendary Pokémon! Hey, wait a minute, her singing voice is even better than that Flamebug's!"

"Melo~" Meloetta happily danced around the Burning Worm.

"So that's how it is. The song my burning worms sing is the [Ancient Song], which few people know anymore. Meloetta lost the ability to sing the Ancient Song for some reason, but now she has regained it."

"Legend has it that Meloetta can control the emotions of humans or Pokémon through her singing. The melodies she sings with a special vocal technique can freely manipulate the emotions of the listener, making the Pokémon around her feel either sad or happy. Many famous songs are inspired by the melodies played by Meloetta."

"But why is it here?" Homiga was quite surprised; she couldn't understand why such a Pokémon would appear in her recording studio.

Guangtai chuckled, "Back in Liyong City, I noticed she seemed to be following you. Maybe it was your rock music that attracted her. After all, you're a musical genius."

"Hehehe," Homiga said a little embarrassedly, blushing as she suddenly wondered, "But GOGO4 is also near Liyong City."

"Well, that's because they have a dark past. That's why Meloetta didn't approach them."

Lightmoss answered in this way, and Cook suddenly became excited:
"Homiga! We can have her help with the singing! That power just now was definitely real. If we can compose the complete song and perform it smoothly, we can definitely win the championship!"

"This time, our opponents are not only GOGO4, but also some musicians from other regions. Although I know you look down on them, they might become obstacles in our path!"

"Hey! Manipulating other people's emotions? I don't want to do that! A championship should be earned through merit!" Homiga refuted Cook's suggestion.

This left Meloeta somewhat disappointed.

"It's alright. As a legendary Pokémon, Meloetta can control its power. In fact, this emotion is just a reminder of the past for you. It's more the power of music itself than Meloetta's power."

Guangtai smiled and said, "Some people have heard Meloetta's singing and discovered their dreams. Beautiful melodies bring happiness, while sad melodies bring sadness. That's what people have said before."

"Should we hire Meloeta as the lead singer or a backup singer?"

Homiga pursed her lips, deep in thought, but it didn't take long before she suddenly walked up to Guangtai and took the sheet music away.

"This is not needed!"

"If a legendary Pokémon were to be the lead singer, this immature score wouldn't do her justice at all!"

"I want to write better scores!"

Cook: "So, should we write lyrics for it, based on the ancient songs of legend?"

"No, although it sounds great, it's not rock at all. But, Mr. Hikari, didn't you say that Meloetta's voice has created many famous songs?"

"I think if it were Meloetta, she would also like to sing some songs she has never heard before!"

"What's going on? This is too chaotic. Have you suddenly had some inspiration?" Cook scratched his bald head. Homiga's behavior was sometimes quite unreasonable, and as a member of the band, he was quite helpless.

Guangtai: "Well, I do have a new sheet music. Would you like to take a look? It's not exactly legendary music, but perhaps..."

"It could also become a legend."

When it comes to passionate music similar to rock, although there are many legendary musical pieces in the Pokémon world, such as Flora's Flute, Oración, Secret Garden, Divine Music, and Ho-Oh's Dance, these tend to be more piano pieces, flute playing, or even traditional performances.

However, when it comes to animation, the perfect fit is immediately apparent. Pokémon's opening and ending themes can be considered a legacy of hardcore pop-rock—

"My goal is to become a Pokémon Master."

(End of this chapter)