Banouin Mizuha
Compared to the exterior of the building, the interior was decorated to look just like an office building. Hibiki leaned close and whispered, “it looked more glamorous before”.
A group of Quasi-Spirits that looked to be in charge of security were all wearing uniforms while holding out their own respective Unsigned Angels on standby. Even though the Ninth Region Yesod was a peaceful area, the location where the Dominion was seemed to be heavily guarded.
The sharp eyes of the guards kept watch over the two of them entering. Kurumi pretended to ignore them as she headed to confront a Quasi-Spirit that looked to be in charge of reception.
“I wish to see Banouin-san.”
Faced with Tokisaki Kurumi’s inquiry, the girl at the reception desk looked on cautiously.
“I’m sorry, but do you have an appointment?”
“Hmm, I don’t have that……but I do have some requests.”
As Hibiki was asking timidly, the receptionist gave a blunt response.
“I am very sorry, but people without an appointment cannot pass. If it is a fan letter, please leave it in that box. We basically refuse gifts.”
Acha, Hibiki clutched her head. There should be limits to being blunt. When Kirari Rinemu was Dominion, the response would have been more amiable. Was this the new Dominion’s doing or was there another reason?
Anyway, she felt that it would only make matter worse if she compelled Kurumi to retreat.
Hibiki pulled on Kurumi’ sleeves but was wonderfully ignored.
“That’s a real headache, but it’s impossible for us to not see her. To move on to the other regions here, we must ask for the Dominion’s permission, correct?”
“……”
The girl at the reception desk narrowed her eyes as if irritated.
“Listen, we are busy right now! Even without the preparation of the ‘Idol Star Festival’, I have no time listening to the stories of someone wanting to go to the other regions!”
“……Oh dear, can’t you spare just some time?”
“There is none! So??”
The words of the receptionist stopped short. A pistol summoned by Kurumi was aimed at her chest.
“Wait, Kurumi-san??!?”
Despite Hibiki urging her to stop, Kurumi’s face didn’t change color as even her eyebrows remained motionless. A group of guards rushed towards them, but Kurumi raised her rifle on her other hand to stop them.
“Silence. Listen, we just want to see the Dominion. This is neither a fan request nor a desire to interfere and spark confusion in this region. We merely wish to proceed……from here.”
The receptionist girl was motionless, frozen, and confused about this situation. Kurumi was so angry that Hibiki’s back felt the chills??it was clear that Kurumi also felt impatient. Her voice was low as the expression on her eyes show readiness for combat.
Hibiki took a deep breath to ward off that fear.
Tokisaki Kurumi was scary, but not terrifyingly so. Hibiki gently stroked her pistol.
“Please let go of your hand.”
“No, I swore to follow Kurumi-san. If you shoot now, will you be able to continue farther?”
“……”
Hibiki took in Kurumi’s gaze. Kurumi’s anger was slightly relaxed by those sad eyes. Even so, the immediate feeling of this mood wouldn’t change. And unfortunately, a group of quivering Quasi-Spirits wouldn’t be able to stop Kurumi.
“Stop.”
A voice echoed on the entire floor, it was a flowery and lovely voice The faces of the receptionist and security guards stiffened. Kurumi and Hibiki weren’t an exception either. After all, this voice was heard as if directly whispered close to the ear.
“Mizuha-sama!?”
“I want to talk to her, bring her in.”
The same whisper again. The guards were left confused as they lowered their Unsigned Angels.
Hibiki once again pulled on Kurumi’s sleeves. Kurumi sighed as she retracted back .
“……Follow me.”
The receptionist girl stood up and moved quickly. Her eyes didn’t turn to Kurumi.
Rather than being scared, it gave the impression of trying to ignore her.
“Shall we go?”
“Okay.”
Needless to say, the guards took precautions by raising their Unsigned Angels as they gathered around Kurumi and Hibiki’s surroundings.
“It’s here.”
As the receptionist girl opened the door, their destination was quite a battlefield.
“Please lower the overall volume slightly. It’s faint, but there’s a bit of distortion!”
“The third step of the third dance is a bit messy. It’s a difficult part, so please be careful! So, from the top again everyone! Background dancers are too disordered and conspicuous!”
“Video playback, what was with that previous mistake? Who is responsible for this screen image?
Are you a third-rate amateur!?”
“What! My sense of responsibility and quality is well-recognized in the industry ? ! It has to be improper method of usage! Who was playing that video!?”
“Mizuha-chan! Let’s erase the image first!”
Everyone was busy running around or setting up the venue. Meanwhile, there was a single girl who stood in the middle of the stage.
“Wow……”
It was no wonder Hibiki couldn’t help but feel moved in admiration.
It’s was likely still rehearsal. In the middle of preparations, one would expect to be dressed simply. But her Astral Dress was worn like a stage costume that didn’t seem worthy for practice.
However, in spite of all that??
She exuded a daunting presence like a Goddess that symbolized beauty. Hibiki discovered that all of the people running, giving instructions, or dancing??they always looked towards her at the center of the stage.
Lightly curled black hair, crystal-like pupils, lustrous skin, and doll-like features, but despite the latter there was no artificial atmosphere as each part of her was pulsating with life.
Unable to look away.
Turning into her captive.
Her mind fell into a confused state.
As it turns out, this was an unmistakable idol star, a living beautiful idol.
“……Banouin Mizuha-san, is that correct?”
At this spot, Kurumi was the only one who didn’t have her eyes mesmerized by this girl??glaring at this girl as if an enemy.
“Yes. ……Although you’re a bit of a different person than I’ve heard.”
The distance was far between the stage and audience seating, but somehow a miraculous conversation had been established between these two.
“Different person? What do you mean?”
“Nothing. What are you looking for?”
That voice was like the whisper of the stars.
Hibiki shook her head to chase away those charming movements.
Likely, everyone on the scene was Banouin Mizuha’s followers (fans). If anything turned hostile, they were bound to wager their lives fighting.
Kurumi wouldn’t lose even to an army of dolls with a number over 1000. But could she win against Quasi-Spirits fighting for an idol they believed in?
Even so, Hibiki glanced over to Kurumi.
But not her, she remained composed while floating through this abundant fretful atmosphere. In a life or death situation, there was no one more reliable than her.
“I’ll explain briefly. I would like you to send us out of the Ninth Region Yesod.”
“For what?”
“In order to return to the other world.”
As soon as the words ‘other world’ were uttered, noise quickly spread. The other world, the reality where the Quasi-Spirits once lived. Why? How come? Seriously? The sound of those whispers repeatedly continued.
“……Can I ask why?”
“I refuse.”
Well, she couldn’t say it in a place like this. Hibiki felt the corners of her mouth loosen as she tried to endure it.
There was a person she liked.
So she wanted to go see him.
In short, her goal was just that. And that was the reason why it was magnificent.
“Then I can’t open the gate. The Ninth Region Yesod is the only region that can protect fragile Quasi-Spirits. Since it is impossible to determine the security of the other regions, as the Dominion I have an obligation to guard here.”
Silence filled the surroundings.
Despite this being the first meeting, even the staff surrounding Banouin understood the hysterical side of Tokisaki Kurumi’s face.
A different murderous intent muddled the atmosphere.
“So you’re saying you won’t open this gate even with your life in peril?”
“Yes, even in exchange for this life and also including the lives around me.”
“……”
Hearing those words, even Kurumi smacked her lips impatiently. From what Mizuha was saying, the staff members didn’t tremble in the slightest as they looked up in agreement.
“Everyone, I’m sorry. If an emergency happens, I’ll need to trouble you all for assistance.”
“Yes!” “Happily!” “Anything for you!”
It seemed the joy of her relying on them was greater than their fear of death.
“It’s fine. By all means, Tokisaki-san isn’t the sort to issue out crude methods. ……If there are other means??isn’t that right?”
“Yes, yes, of course. If there are other means, it should be implemented. I am the sort that totally dislikes violence after all.”
Again, silence filled the scene.
Hibiki, as her self-proclaimed sidekick, thought that she should speak out in turn to correct that.
“Kurumi-san, Kurumi-san, those words aren’t convincing at all. I almost carelessly forgot that your outer appearance is terrifying. It gives the image of something wicked strutting downtown.”
“……Ara, ara, thank you for the reminder Hibiki-san. I’ll be sure to give you plenty of punishment later.”
“I dug a hole for myself to jump into!”
Despite being stepped on by Kurumi, Hibiki still gave a sigh of relief as she felt Kurumi’s fighting spirit lowered. If she had been a little to late, this entire stage would have unfolded like a combat zone.
“……So, what should I do? Isn’t this the same as entrusting me to slaughter them? I can consider murdering any target besides cats. Well, I don’t imagine cats to be in this world anyway.”
Mizuha slanted her head in response to what Kurumi had said.
“Can’t kill a cat? But there really are no cats in the Ninth Region Yesod.”
Yes, wait no, no, absoutely no. Are there really no cats? Surely there has to be at least one or two around.”
“Um ? a cat isn’t important at all; the focus should be on the other party’s conditions.”
“So you’re saying that kittens are unimportant at all, Hibiki-san? Do you have any awarness as my subordiante?”
“I’m not your subordinate, I’m your partner!”
“Incidentally, Kurumi-san.”
“Oh, do you have cats?”
“No. There are no cats. ??How about becoming an idol?”
Those words lingered in Kurumi’s head like a hymn.
That is to say??her words were excessively solemn to the point of being complete nonsense.
“Um, I don’t quite understand the meaning behind those words.”
“The Ninth Region Yesod is composed of idols and those that support idols. If you wish to pass through this region??”
Then next moment, as Mizuha opened her closed eyelids, a jajan sound reverberated like a musical accompaniment from a guitar.
“You must become a diligent and exquisite idol.”
“That’s too absurd ???? !”
Kurumi screamed.
“M-me become an idol……?”
“It’s just as Banouin-sama says.” “Please become an idol that can convince us!” “You look good, I am optimistic as a makeup artist!” “Since voice is also good, there should absolutely no problems with singing.” “If you two think that it’s a little forced??ah, no this is the recommended method. If it is works, it will work.”
To be honest, Kurumi thought that becoming an idol was nonsense. But certainly according to what she said, being a top idol was very much in demand in this region. However, she never imagined that becoming an idol was necessary to pass through this region.
“……Let’s do it.”
“Hiyah?”
From those words that unexpectedly sprung out, Kurumi couldn’t help but let out a bewildered cry.
“Let’s try it. What is the ranking you want?”
It was Higoromo Hibiki who raised the question.
She swaggered to walk in front of Kurumi, bluntly speaking while facing Mizuha. Mizuha rounded her eyes and smiled slightly.
“I’m indifferent to the genre. How about rank S with 20,000 fans?”
Hibiki immediately shook her head to refuse.
“……It takes a month of classes for a single S rank. At most A-rank with 5,000 fans.”
“Triple AAA-rank, with 15,000 fans?”
“Double AA-rank, with 10,000 fans. Then it should be barely enough to complete it in a week.
I’m guess that the limit for Kurumi-san accepting idol training will probably be that much.”
“……Alright, we’ll just rely on those conditions.”
And so, only Kurumi, the person involved, couldn’t keep up with this topic.
“Um, um, um Hibiki-san? What on earth are you talking about?”
Then Hibiki turned around to speak.
“Kurumi-san, you can endure one week of idol training, yes?”
“Huh? Ah? Yes? One week? Training?”
“Yes. For one week, Kurumi-san will undergo idol training, practicing singing, dancing, and smiling. Then during the ‘Idol Star Festival’……also commonly known as the Ifesta, you’ll make your debut as an AA-rank idol!”
Bathed in the dazzling spotlight??
Wearing a gorgeously sparkling costume??
With an angelic voice.
“Now, let’s decide on that, Kurumi-san!”
That is what it meant to become an idol.
“Wait, wait, wait, hold on a second!? M-me becoming something like an idol is a bit??”
“It will be alright! Kurumi-san originally has the qualities to become an S rank idol! But since that requires a month of intensive training, so the conditions are only for an AA rank! In that case, it should be something that only takes a week at most!”
As Hibiki continued rambling on with a bizarre vigor, Kurumi felt herself overwhelmed by this imposing momentum.
Yes, it was as if her rising aura was completely visible.
“Ah!”
Someone had suddenly screamed. Looking back, Kurumi found it was the Quasi-Spirit working the reception that they had just talked to.
“That person! It can’t be!”
“What’s the matter!? Do you know her, Sasaki-san!?”
The guards next door had shouted.
“That person is the legendary S rank idol producer! Under her tutelage, there has been no idol that hasn’t reached S-rank! Known as the savior of all B-rank idols, the legendary producer! It’s Hibi P!”
At that moment, even the staff surrounding Mizuha began to grow excited.
“W-what was that……”
“Hibi P……”
“That legendary……”
“During the Super Idol Festival, the super genius who made every amateur debut as an S-rank idol……”
“I-I will attempt the challenge once again……even if the nature is more like a security guard this trait might work. Even if it is like a security guard idol, I will make that person debut!”
“Ah, no fair. Me as well!”
“I also want to as well!”
“What do you think about a receptionist as an idol?”
With a stunned look, Kurumi stared at Hibiki??she was wearing sunglasses that were suspected to have been created from reiryoku and had changed into a suit.
“Idol……a sacred image that delivers dreams and flowers to the people…… Come, Kurumi-san.
An idol must smile!”
Hibiki shouted loudly while offering her hand.
Kurumi stared at Hibiki’s eyes (despite her wearing sunglasses) and slowly took a deep breath.
And like that, she spoke.
“This development has grown too turbulent, I’m left entirely baffled.”
“I think so as well ? .”
Hibiki adorably struck her head with her fist as an indiscernible flame was lit within herself.
“Like
“Like ? I ? said, don’t look at me like that. Here, I’m pretty much a first rate producer!”
Hibiki said as she puffed her chest up in a conceited and prideful manner.
Incidentally, they were far away from the Budokan (provisional name) where the Dominion Mizuha had resided. Now, the two of them were sitting down and talking in a nearby coffee shop.
Although it was a coffee shop, there was no focus of a clerk to take orders??rather it was the location of a coffee shop that was important. Both of them created imaginative snacks through their reiryoku. Hibiki brought out sandwiches and black tea while Kurumi brought out black tea without sugar, milk, and lemon.
“Ah ? wait a minute, please wait. I remember a while ago hearing that you had such a painful past.”
With a teacup in hand, Kurumi spoke in a manner as if holding back against a terrible headache.
……According to Kurumi’s memories, Higoromo Hibiki had spent the majority of her life (if the existence of Quasi-Spirit can be described as living) seeking revenge.
“Yes, that’s right. In order to buy the components for the nitro dress for my revenge, I worked here as a part time producer. Oh, but it seems I have a natural calling for this. All of the idols I brought up managed to squeeze their way to the top.”
As Hibiki replied back while feeling a little embarrassed, Kurumi informed her with an astonished look.
“If that was your life’s calling, shouldn’t it have been enough to live from that alone……”
“Even if I kept surviving, it was meaningless for me at that time.”
Hibiki responded with a smile. There was a suspicious pause with her actions. That’s right, Kurumi quickly reconsidered. Hibiki was trying to achieve revenge even at the risk of losing herself.
“……That’s right. That was a slip of the tongue from myself.”
“No, no. Moreover, due to this experience, I can assist Kurumi-san. Because of that, it absolutely wasn’t time wasted.”
“Yes, I have something to say about that.”
“What?”
As Hibiki adorably slanted her head, Kurumi lightly poked it in protest.
“No, why should I have to become an idol!?”
“Because that is the quickest way. Besides, I know that I don’t have the talent to be an idol.”
“You should scout somebody else.”
“You don’t understand, Kurumi-san. There aren’t many Quasi-Spirits with the aptitude suitable for becoming an idol. Remember those back up dancers at the Budokan? Those children, while working hard to stave off death, are likely at most A-rank.”
“Ara, aren’t they just under me?”
“If Kurumi-san works hard, even I don’t know what level you can reach. But I sure it’s definitely at least S-rank.”
“……I’m not going to be an idol.”
“Ehh ? .”
As Hibiki let out a sour voice in protest, Kurumi cleared her throat after coughing twice.
“There must be another method.”
“If you rack your head, I’m sure it can be settled in a bloody way through force.”
“Muu……”
“If you have talent, I think it should be demonstrated. Then again, I don’t know about ‘that person’ but do you dislike idols or something?”
Ugh, (what she felt) Kurumi sipped the black tea.
When asked if she disliked or like it??she wondered if the answer might be the latter.
To put it bluntly, the obstacle standing in the way was simply due to her feeling embarrassed.
But even that became weaker when considering being an idol was accepted as natural.
After all, everywhere the eye turned, there were idols dressed in glamorous outfits. Furthermore, not having members of the opposite sex see her was also convenient for Kurumi.
However……
But to become an existence that was the farthest from her own self-image, she didn’t know how to acknowledge that.
Watching Kurumi’s hesitation, Hibiki pressed forward.
“How about it?”
“Ugh.”
“How ? about ? it!”
“Ughh”
Lost in her confused thoughts, Kurumi was beginning to lose the mental battle to Hibiki.
“……Well, speaking of which, what does the ranking mean? From the exchange with Banouin-san earlier, the word genre was used. Please explain more about this to me.”
“I understand. I’ll go into it in full detail……”
The following was Hibiki commentary on idol rankings.
Basically, idols begin from the lowest E-ranking (as seen from coming to this region, those with less than ten fans). Quasi-Spirits who wish to become idols will receive instructions from a producer and given lessons. How much they grow depends on their personal motivation and the skill of the producer.
The lowest rank is E-rank. From above A is sorted into AA, AAA, S, and SS. The highest ranking is SSS-rank. SSS-rank has special conditions that Tokisaki Kurumi does not meet the requirements for.
However, there are exceptions. The ‘Idol Star Festival’, abbreviated as Ifesta, is held once a month and allows newcomers to make their audition debut. Many are usually E-rank, with at best those of C-rank??but in rare cases, monsters of A-rank and S-rank may appear.
According to the information gathered by Hibiki, Banouin Mizuha was one such example.
A few months ago, the former Dominion Kirari Rinemu could no longer sing, so the enthusiasm during the Ifesta was used for the purpose of electing a new Dominion. Rising to SS-rank from S-rank, she was overwhelming supported by the Quasi-Spirits as the idol to become the new Dominion.
“So rather than strength, the Dominion needs the popularity of an idol?”
“Yes, in terms of combat ability, Banouin-san’s guards are overwhelmingly stronger. But here, Mizuha-san is the Dominion.”
“Hmm……”
“If you aren’t interested, shall we stop the topic here?”
“…………………No, please continue.”
Having taken the bait, Hibiki snickered while continuing the topic.
Hibiki explained that each idol has a genre type.
First of all, lovely. The so-called orthodox idol with the selling point being cuteness. An idol that gives the impression of a cute, pink lyrical image. Most of the songs are pop, with this type composing no less than 50% of this region. Passion and loveliness are the driving force behind the lovely genre. It is the most popular genre for idols excluding those of the stylish type.
Next is stylish. In trying to explain it, it means an idol that best matches that adjective. Not only in appearance, but a unified beauty with talents in both singing and dancing. Lovely and stylish form a contrast with each other. The more skillful prefer stylish, while those favoring popularity choose cute.
“I see. So does that mean you want me to debut as a stylish idol?”
As Kurumi groaned to express her understanding, Hibiki let out a surprised “ha?” in response.
“Hey, wait a minute. It can’t be that you’re saying I should aim for the lovely genre? I know myself well. As it is lovely is……a little…..no, even if that was the only choice……there’s no way……”
“Ha?”
“……What?”
After gazing at each other for a while, Hibiki sighed as she explained.
“The idol type Kurumi-san should attempt is the third type. It’s chaos.”
“Well, chaos. What is chaos?”
“Just as that one word implies……”
“Yes.”
“It’s the eccentric type.”
The wind blew.
A wind of murderous intent had blown.
Kurumi summoned and pointed the pistol at Hibiki’s forehead.
“D-don’t shoot ? !”
“I will shoot. If I want to, I will shoot.”
“At this moment, you should reply with “I won’t shoot!”
“What sort of joke it is to go the chaos style. I would shine best in the stylish trend.”
“I-I’m not kidding. It’s a bit ugly to describe it as eccentric, but the chaos genre is very deep.
Idols in costumes, idols claiming to be aliens, self-proclaimed prince idols, and idols with songs so unpleasant to hear that it makes a full revolution and becomes irresistible to listen……”
“That’s unequivocally too much of shady taste.”
“However, this type has an addictive magic! Just tasting it for the first time gives the impression of having been bewitched! Kurumi-san going the super sadistic sensually knowledgeable maiden route is the best selling point??”
“Who are you calling a super sadistic sensually knowledgeable maiden?”
“Don’t point that gun at me! Fighting is forbidden in the Ninth Region Yesod!”
“Anyway, I’ll be taking the stylish route. I will never give in to anything less than that.”
“Muu……well, I think stylish will somehow be okay……but chaos is where Kurumi-san will definitely exude the greatest charm……anyway??”
Hibiki’s expression suddenly changed.
“You’ll do it? Being an idol?”
Silence??no listening closely, one could hear a distinctively low “Uuuuuuu” sound.
Tokisaki Kurumi was caught in a predicament.
“My opinion is ah ? if an idol can temper cuteness at will, then it should be within my ability to learn this discipline.”
Hibiki was further convinced.
“Uuu”
“Yes, it may not be directly related to Kurumi-san’s goal??but how about it?”
It was like the devil’s whisper.
Kurumi whispered, struggling while covering her face for a while before finally speaking.
“Being an idol, I’ll do it”
“Great! Hibiki shouted as her raised her fist in a victorious cheer.
In that manner, an idol was born here??Tokisaki Kurumi!
“Let’s start the lesson!”
“Lesson……”
“Yes. I’ve temporarily rented a vacant training area to train for a while. Since the most important part of stylish idol’s life is being talented in both singing and dancing.”
“Do you want to write the songs now?”
“No, there’s no need. This time for the newcomer audition a song is issued for each genre. Then, each person will sing and dance on the stage to decide the ranking.”
“That means for a week??”
Hibiki smiled and nodded towards Kurumi, who looked to be sentenced to an execution.
“Yes, please learn to sing this song in a week like your life depends on it!”
After the two left the coffee shop, a girl appeared silently as if like a ghost. But if it was a ghost, it would seem too disproportionate from the viciousness of her Unsigned Angel.
A great Warhammer axe used to crush skulls??
With the edge of a long halberd to pierce through flesh.
Its name was . Among the many Unsigned Angels, it was one of the strongest and most famous ones. And the owner who wielded it was nicknamed Biscuit Smasher??a title earned by destroying Quasi-Spirits as easily as crushing a biscuit.
“Found you.”
The name of this Quasi-Spirit was Tsuan.
She would never miss prey that was targeted.
Even if they tried to escape to another region.
Idol training was incredibly strenuous.
Dancing while singing, singing while dancing.
There must be no trace of confusion. It was forbidden to even consider thinking about the lyrics.
If voice and sound didn’t naturally flow, then the song wasn’t truly sung. And even is any mistake occurred, she must bounce back from it immediately.
“But??”
Even while being sweaty, she kept on dancing.
Wearing the usual Astral Dress would have felt too gloomy from being drenched in sweat.
Without any other option and with a little fierce protest from Kurumi, she was forced to put on a plain T-shirt and sweatpants. But she considered that it was different matter since it was just the lessons.
It was quite embarrassing to do such repeated and monotonous exercises in formal wear.
Formal dressing should be saved for later. For that reason, she continued to practice now.
“But why!?”
“Frankly speaking, being directed by Hibiki-san accumulates a lot of stress.”
“Wow, how really candid!”
Kurumi pursed her brow while whining. As her self-proclaimed producer, Hibiki (But instead of the role of a manager, was it more like job of a trainer? Anyway, she was in charge of everything) displayed skills that were rather impressive.
This verse, Kurumi-san what was the state of your mind when singing that just now? But according to interpretation of the composer, the mood is actually more like this.
Oh, please be careful, it will cause discomfort for those watching the momentary step being slower here. Please look at the replay image. Do you feel the discomfort?
Now that each part has improved, let’s consider the overall theme! Kurumi-san is originally a chaos type idol, so there are so parts that are not suitable for a perfect unified beauty. I think that issue can be resolved as long as the design of the Astral Dress is temporarily changed. For now, I’ve chosen around ten designs, so let’s pick one out together.
So this was what it was like to be rendered speechless.
Anyway, Hibiki was very component. Between lessons, Kurumi went out to the city alone to look around at some other idols’ training scenes.
Most of them only wanted to ‘sing and dance well enough to remain standing on the stage’.
There were almost no idols that were working on such vigorous lessons at the same level as herself.
Of course, there were a few exceptions, but those were the so-called top idols who had already debuted.
Taking the same high-level lessons as those girls??a little bit of Kurumi’s pride was stimulating, serving as the motivation needed to encourage herself to work hard.
Each day, she felt herself fuse together with the tune of the song. However, after reaching that level, she began to become concerned about a part she didn’t notice before.
“Hibiki-san, I feel that this interpretation of the lyrics is different from my own.”
“Uhiyah, so you’ve begun to interpret the lyrics. ……Ah, no. Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh at you. It’s just that few idols that had started training four days ago would have reached this level.”
Certainly, Kurumi agreed with what Hibiki said. When thinking of singing and dancing, the song became completely absorbed into herself in a flash. But as she explored the contents of the lyrics next, she realized that the viewpoint was a far cry from her own ideas.
“So, what is the song lyrics supposed to mean?”
“Impossible. I believe that Kurumi-san will forever be unable to understanding the meaning of these lyrics.”
“Why would that??”
Hearing it like this, Kurumi was taken aback.
“Yes, it the same as what Kurumi-san thinks. This is song is a song designed for the stylish genre, an introductory song for idols aiming to be a perfect beauty in appearance. Therefore, it is a very different starting point for the chaos-oriented Kurumi-san.”
“Ah……”
“It’s very difficult to change to chaos now. The base portion of a stylish type idol has been completed to an extent, so you’ll have to destroy that foundation if you want to change genres.”
Chaos was definitely a colorful variety, but perhaps that was owed to the bottomless chaos within humans. Kindness, malice, likes, dislikes, wanting to fall in love, wanting to be loved, wanting to be a good person, wanting to be wicked; the fervor of all of these emotions was encompassed here.
“That’s why I felt uneasy about this as well, so please make a firm decision now if you wish to continue the cool-headedness path.
“Being an idol is difficult, isn’t it?”
“At this point, it’ll be hard for no matter the person.”
As Kurumi listened to Hibiki, only then did she realize her actual feelings emerging.
In the Ninth Region Yesod, a group of idols would be born every month. Through lessons, they awaken their talents and make a debut by choosing one of the three genres.
However, it wasn’t just the end if a debut was successful. From there, they must desperately appeal to fans with all of their might.
They must ask fans to listen to their own songs.
This would determine if she would be able to survive or not in the Neighboring World.
Over here, people who can still remember the other world will say this.
Overall, there is not much difference to the other world.
Because, they still had to fight in some form or another in order to live.
Laziness was not acceptable.
Resignation was more terrifying than dying.
It meant abandoning one’s self. It would be just like what had happened to Hibiki and possibility to Kurumi in the past, becoming an Empty girl and turning into an existence that could only lethargically wander aimlessly.
Both the outward appearance and inner self must be splendid.
Even so, these girls sang and danced to prove their own existence.
“……Today is the official day on stage. Kurumi-san, are you nervous?”
“Not quite at all.”
She took a few deep breaths that was not at all convincing.
Kurumi’s Astral Dress had been temporarily improved by Hibiki. To change to more of an idol’s style, the black was reduced as a blue keynote was added to the gorgeous outfit. Waiting for her turn, she was guide to a private room along with Hibiki.
Contrary to her usual state of self-confidence, Kurumi was very nervous. She was self-aware of herself not being the type favored by a third party. However, in order to become a stylish idol, it was necessary to be yearned after by fans.
It was only 50% at best if this debut could be run smoothly.
“No problem. If it’s Kurumi-san, it’s sure to be a success.”
“Naturally of course, it has been something I’ve practiced after all.”
Although it was only for a brief week, both singing and dancing had undergone impeccable training. At the very least, she could show off the best that she could do now??or so she thought.
“Entry no. 13, Kurumi-san, please come on stage!”
She heard the voice of the Quasi-Spirit that served as the host.
As Kurumi stood up, she summoned and pointed the pistol at her temple.
“Hey, what are you doing……!”
Hibiki urged her to quickly stop, but Kurumi pulled down on the trigger without hesitation.
Click.
The sound was lighter than Hibiki had expected, but rather it was only at the level of the faint volume coming from a firing pin.
“Alright, I’ve got it give it my all.”
“To shoot yourself in the head every time you want to motive yourself……that way of thinking is really too extreme.”
Kurumi gave a fearless smile.
“Yes. Because this is also a date (war).”
“It’s not a date (war); it’s a live (war)……anyway, it would be nice if Kurumi-san could relax now.” (Live here refers to live performance. But the joke on the series title is intentional)
“Well, I’m off to the stage.”
Kurumi lovingly and gently waved her hand as she jumped onto the stage.
When that happened, Hibiki’s role was now over. At best, she could now only pray for her.
Hibiki looked at the appearance of the idols whose turns were already over. Almost everyone was uniformly crestfallen as their matchless feeling of uneasy was permeating. While appearances varied, they were all within the standard scope of lovely or stylish.
Among them, even the Quasi-Spirits that shined the best were B-rank at best. This time, all participants below B-rank would likely drop down another rank due to Tokisaki Kurumi’s entry.
When a single person’s talents are overwhelming, those less talented either look on in amazement or attempt to desperately work harder. But, the great efforts of these playthings were unusually crafty. These efforts were a sweet whisper, a snare of despair and idleness.
“Because I work hard, I should be rewarded.”
“Because of already these great efforts, there should be good results.”
It couldn’t be like that. Effort was only a process, like trying to complete a marathon, those that couldn’t see results would be forced to drop out halfway through.
……Of course, that wasn’t saying that people shouldn’t make great efforts.
There were simply no shortcuts to reach the goal.
Especially??since all was fair and just in this conflict. With or without luck, an idol just needed to captivate the hearts of fans with her own power.
“Now, let’s welcome Tokisaki Kurumi’s assigned song ‘Blue Bride’ please!”
The song started playing.
Dressed in her modified Astral Dress, Kurumi sang loudly in a low pitch. Hibiki glanced to the responses of the newcomer idols that had worked on the stylish theme.
Stunned, there was no word better that matched their expressions. Their expressions seemed to indicate already recognizing their loss. Although cruel, if one is discouraged by this setback, then that person was suitable for being an idol in the first place. The two Quasi-Spirits clenching their fists subconsciously should be able to become excellent idols.
Anyway, there seemed to be no issues. Hibiki breathed out a sigh of relief. Since Kurumi was the last entry, there wouldn’t be any more performances after her moment.
She apologized for destroying their dreams, but Kurumi was also carrying a huge dream.
And since she had decided to support that dream, Hibiki had to be merciless.
Looking forward to a blue night.
A person fills my splintered heart.
Though only sadness remains
I just keep waiting??
“I was the only one to notice, but those lyrics really aren’t suitable for her.”
Hibiki stretched out a long sigh. There was more anticipation for terrifying words that better matched Tokisaki Kurumi.
She bravely and resolutely pursued her opponents with elegance and splendor while not overlooking as a means to charm the other side.
An invitation of temptation, which preyed on the other party’s expectations, she enticed them to herself.
While as precise as a watch, it was a love that would ruin the watch into complete disarray.
As such, chaos was the most suitable for her.
“Well, this should be perfect enough. As expected of me!”
Fortunately, the appearance of Kurumi’s Astral Dress was not completely chaos oriented and also fit the stylish genre.
Since both singing and dancing skills had been thoroughly trained, it was almost perfect. Almost because of the inconvenience of the genre, there were several dance steps seen that didn’t suit Kurumi.
Even so, if the other Quasi-Spirits were around 60% of the way there, Kurumi boasted a degree of perfection around 90%.
There were no factors for defeat at all.
……Mm?”
Hibiki fell into contemplation.
The phrase ‘no factors for defeat’ itself was a death flag.
But now, how could they lose??
“That was great idol power! Thank you very much Tokisaki Kurumi-san!”
And so, while Hibiki was dimly thinking that over, the song was already over.
“Now everyone, next up from the fan power and support from the audience, the idol levels of those making their debut have been decided……huh, what?”
Just as the host was about to announced the end, another Quasi-Spirit rushed over to whisper into her ear.
“Huh? There is another entrant? Eh, but on this list……signed up at the last moment? Okay, I understand!”
At that moment, she caught sight of the host softly lowering the microphone??
“Ah, this isn’t good.”
Hibiki suddenly realized that.
“I-I finally finished singing……”
Despite showing her leisurely acting skills on the stage, she was also at her limit. Kurumi tumbled down on the side of the stage.
“Are you okay?”
A voice came from outside the field of vision. Likely worried about her falling onto the ground, it turned out to be a kind hearted idol??Kurumi thought so, as she felt a small comfort in her heart.
“I’m fine. It was just exhausting to dance with all of my energy, so I don’t care.”
“So. With all your strength?”
“Yes. I did my best.”
It wasn’t exactly her best since this was the stylish genre rather than chaos, but there was no doubt that she had danced seriously.
“I see, so that is your best?”
“Who are you?”
Kurumi finally saw the face of the other party talking to her.
What?
“Then I will go all out to defeat it.”
“Tsu…..Tsu……Tsuan-san!?”
She had appeared once more in front of Tokisaki Kurumi now??no rather that battle had occurred with Hibiki still transformed as Kurumi, a Quasi-Spirit with whom the match had yet to be settled.
Battle mania, the celebrated fighter, a Quasi-Spirit known for her all out attacks……her name was Tsuan.
No, the problem wasn’t there. Because they had agreed to fight the next time they met, she had made it a point to avoid her as much as possible.
“What does this mean? Is that an Astral Dress!?”
“I had it specially made.”
Tsuan proudly raised her barren chest. While the color was still based on blue and white, it improved the existing elements perfectly. It should be mentioned that this Astral Dress looked perfectly made from scratch in order to best suit this song.
“Huh? No, wait a minute. You’re not going to fight here, right?”
Tsuan nodded.
“Yes, fight. Fight as an idol. Coincidentally, my designated song is also ‘Blue Bride’. Fair competition between stylish idols, I will not lose.”
“Huh? Can you even fight this way?”
“Everything is fighting, everything is a battle. The winner takes all while the loser is left with nothing. My master said this to the disposition of any Quasi-Spirit that descended down to the Tenth Region Malkuth.”
“Can I complain to your master?”
“The cool-off period has passed.”
After informing her of this, Tsuan ran towards the stage at a light pace.
“Kurumi-san ? !”
Hibiki rushed towards Kurumi in a panic.
“Hibiki-san, I was suddenly ambushed by someone leaping in.”
“Y-you shouldn’t feel relaxed. This is terrible, not good, not good at all.”
“So……why is it so bad?”
“First of all, her strength is almost equal to Kurumi-san.”
“……First of all?”
At that moment, Kurumi’s expression stiffened. If they were almost equal than it would be advantageous to perform latter. This was an iron rule separating victory from defeat.
“Additionally, as Tsuan’s name would suggest, that song suits her best……that is to say the stylish genre for idols.”
“……!”
Kurumi almost let out a pitiful cry not suitable for a virtuous lady, but she immediately held it back.
“The last point is the fatal blow……the Astral Dress she is wearing.”
“What is with that? Certainly, it is a dazzling costume……”
“Likely, it’s the work of the Quasi-Spirit in charge of the design for the Dominion Banouin-san.”
Kurumi suddenly felt dizzy.
“Now then Tsuan-san, please don’t hesitate with your singing.”
Hibiki and Kurumi quickly peeked at the scene from the side of the stage.
“Wow!”
“Wow!”
Both of them in unison exclaimed out in admiration. Tsuan was so dazzling and charming.
My heart sinks into blue.
Please don’t take everything away.
Only the moon’s glow is left.
Tsuan sang with deep emotions that one could never see by no means the grudge underlying that.
Her dance movements were mechanically precise, with an expression that was difficult to tell if she was singing with her all, sometimes her sharp gaze would intermingle.
With the appearance of a perfectly stylish idol since Banouin, Tokisaki Kurumi’s performance was easily blown away.
“Oh no…….”
Next to Hibiki mumbling, Kurumi pressed her hand against her temple. Simply put this was??
“My head hurts……”
When thinking the huge trouble of Tsuan’s debut, Kurumi gave a long sigh.
The host quickly rushed in a hurry at the end of Tsuan’s song.
“That, that one, that one!”
“……What?”
“Thank you very much for bringing such a wonderful performance!”
“I just sang that song for the sake of victory, so there’s no need for thanks.”
Tsuan spoke arrogantly while looking at Kurumi at the end of the stage. That look was a bit infuriating to stare at.
“In order to win……?”
“Yes, my victory. This is finally venting a bit of my humiliation.”
The host must have instinctively realized she shouldn’t continue pursuing this topic as she quickly shifted the conversation to the audience.
“Now, everyone! This is the announcement of newcomer idols that debuted this month! Strict and fair, the rankings are measured by fan power and audience enthusiasm!”
Sure enough, the expected results caused the two to turn downcast.
Tokisaki Kurumi’s ranking was A. The number of spectators was 8,036 (including fan power).
Tsuan reached the prestigious S-rank with an audience of 25,106. This was the single most impressive idol debut since the Dominions Banouin Mizuha and Kirari Rinemu.
“Do you feel contempt?”
“T-there’s…… a little bit of contempt.”
This was their second meeting in light of having made a request in advance. After performing in the Budokan, the two of them were at a live venue being informed by Banouin Mizuha.
She looked at their distressed faces with gentle eyes.
“Don’t say that. Her ability is real.”
“Didn’t you lend a hand with that Astral Dress?”
Faced with Hibiki’s acquisition, she slowly shook her head.
“I just thought that would be a suitable costume. Even without that dress, she would have definitely defeated Tokisaki-san. There’s no doubt about this. Don’t you also think so?”
“Well…that’s….umm……”
Hibiki couldn’t muster a reply. Certainly, it was just as she said. If the category chosen was the chaos genre, then Kurumi would surely have been a match for Tsuan. It was a mistake to yield to Kurumi’s demand. No, even so Kurumi’s performance was nearly perfect. It was only afterwards that an even greater talent had emerged.
“We now have two choices. Continue idol activity until promotion to AA-rank. The other is to retire first and wait for next month to debut again.”
Hibiki expressed a difficult look while speaking.
“The first one seemed clear, but it would take an estimated 3 months to advance to AA-rank level. The second choice should be seen with more jade-colored glasses. It’s possible that the ranking we’ve just earned would become degraded upon retrying.”
“Three months or one month……either way we’ll be staying here for a long time.”
Kurumi sighed loudly.
After watching those two leave with their shoulders dejected, the Quasi-Spirit that seemed to be Mizuha’s manager asked while puzzled.
“From that rumor, I thought that they would try to solve this via force.”
“In any case, we must be prepared to suffer great physiological damage. Or else they might try to kill you all to threaten me.”
“For you, we are prepared to give up our lives for you??”
“Don’t belittle your own lives. As an older sister, that doesn’t make me happy.”
“Banouin-sama……”
The girls looked on with tears in their eyes. While smiling and looking at this, Mizuha softly exercised her own Unsigned Angel.
“Well……no matter how those two want to leave, I’ll have to keep in touch.”
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