Written by: Akira
Timeline: Fall
Prologue
> Shuuetsu Academy
Subaru: “Here we are~!
So this is the rumored Chuuetsu… Shuuitsu?–no, Shuuetsu Academy, huh!☆”
Hokuto: “At least remember their name, Akehoshi.”
Subaru: “Well, but we’ve been in a lot of interschool matches lately.
New schools just keep coming and I can’t keep up with all of them. And Shuuetsu’s surprisingly normal-sounding, you know.
I wish they’d have a more ominous name, like some evil organization! Genocide Academy, for example…☆”
Hokuto: “They may be enemy to us, but that doesn’t mean they’re evil.
We’re in their territory already. You don’t know who may be listening in, so keep both the volume of your voice and the content of your speech friendly.
Since we’re on the receiving side of their cordiality, we should be good and obedient.”
Subaru: “Yes yes, understood~♪”
Makoto: “Fufu. But there’s no helping feeling aggressive, right? I mean, this is where Adam goes to.
They’re like the brother unit to Eve, who pummeled us to the ground in Summer Live…
So it’s kind of unnerving.
I’d like to think we’ve grown through our hard work since then, but we were completely powerless against Eve in Summer Live.”
Mao: “Ahaha. And Adam is definitely no weaker than Eve. I think we can’t avoid a struggle.
But hey, it’s still not SS, anyway.
Doesn’t matter that we lose; let’s just give it everything in our power.
It could serve as a good measure to see how far we’ve grown since that face-off with Eve.
And should we happen to win, that could become a revenge for how Summer Live turned out. Would be a nice motivation for SS at the end of the year. Though of course… we’re aiming for the win.”
Hokuto: “Yes. It seems you guys are all motivated enough. I’m glad.
…Are you alright, though, Anzu? You seem to be constantly worn out recently.
We can greet our work partners by ourselves, if you want. You should have a nice rest at the hotel to heal the fatigue from the long journey.
The live itself is still a week from now, so forcing yourself too much from the get-go, only to be too tired for the real deal would be getting your priorities wrong.
If it gets too much, don’t push yourself further and just rest, Anzu.”
Subaru: “Ahaha! Come to think of it, we’re all staying at a hotel for the week, aren’t we! It’s like a field trip♪
They said they prepared fancy rooms for us, so I’m looking forward to it!
Though we’ve had many interschool matches lately, this is the first we’re staying over for such a long period, isn’t it?
I’m excited~ Hey, let’s gather at night for pillow wars or poker☆”
Mao: “Ahaha. We’re here for a job, so we should reserve our energy. Rest at night, will ya? Getting proper sleep is also part of the job.”
Hokuto: “Yes. We already had our fill sightseeing during the school field trip, anyway.
If necessary, we can prolong our stay and relax for a few days after the job.
In any case, we should only focus on the job in front of us for now.”
Subaru: “‘Kaay. if that’s decided, I wanna greet Adam quick. Can we enter the school grounds already?
From what I can see, there’s no one around and it’s dead silent… Maybe they’re on break?”
Hokuto: “It is Sunday, but you’re right that there’s not even a shadow. Yumenosaki is lively even during weekends, though.”
Makoto: “Fufu. And there’s an increase on DreamFests lately, so even the weekends are festive.
Umm, from my prior research…
There are no student committees in Shuuetsu, and clubs are inactive and exist pretty much only in name.
The agency creates schedules for them, so jobs… live concerts and such unofficial activities are apparently impossible. So well, I guess their weekends would turn out like this.
Shuuetsu’s population probably don’t even commute to school during weekends.”
Subaru: “Hmm~ Weekends sound uneventful without club activities. I wonder what they do, then? Play with friends?”
Makoto: “Umm… Apparently, Shuuetsu Academy houses only the most excellent of students from the affiliated schools… called the Special Students.
Even their weekends are probably filled with work, like proper celebs, I think?”
Subaru: “Ooh, what a grey-colored youth… I mean, it’s a good thing if they sell, sure.”
Mao: “A school for only the top elites, was the word, after all. They’re of a completely different world~ I mean, I guess they do form a better picture of idols.
In truth, idols’ individual schedules often don’t mesh due to work…
So Yumenosaki is probably the nonsensical one for making clubs compulsory for its students.”
Makoto: “Hmm~ Even though we’re just at different schools, it feels like different countries.
I’m starting to worry that we won’t be able to talk normally with Adam, who have been raised in such an environment. What to do, what if they address us in alien language?”
Mao: “That’s part of the thrill of traveling, yeah? Well, they’re human beings like us, I’m sure we can come to an understanding through words.
Anyway, there’s no point loitering around the front gate… let’s come inside.
Anzu, you have our partners’ contact, right? For now, tell them that we’ve arrived.
Since there’s no escort in sight, I don’t think we’re very welcomed… but we’re here for a fight, too. This treatment feels just right, yeah?”
Foreign Land
Foreign Land 1
> Shuuetsu Academy Corridor
Subaru: “Uwaah, it’s spectacularly empty of people inside the building too… Ooi, anybody around?”
Makoto: “Eeek, it’s like humanity vanished away due to some accident. Despite being a brand new building, without anyone around, it’s like a ruins…
It feels like we’re in the middle of a test of courage… we’re already past the season for ghost stories, though.”
Mao: “Let’s see. Apparently, if we continue down this path, we’ll find Adam’s personal parlor. Let’s head there, first of all.”
Subaru: “What’s a personal parlor? Not a concept I’ve heard…”
Hokuto: “Hmm, so they have a parlor for their exclusive use? Perhaps Adam is considered a bigshot, even within Shuuetsu?
When Adam and Eve combine, they become Eden, which is indeed the top idol unit of our age group.”
Makoto: “Mmn, from what I’ve gathered, it’s one of the privileges Special Students hold.
Parlors and practice rooms, or such facilities and utilities within and out of the school, can be gained the sole rights to.”
Mao: “For real? Some extravagant grants there. We always have a tough time just reserving rooms to practice.
Using the school currency to pay and going through all that procedure to borrow a lesson room…
Special Students in Shuuetsu are excused of such troubles, huh?”
Makoto: “Yup. Plus, the non-Special Students from the affiliated schools are the one to maintain and look after the facilities.
Special Students use their time only for idol activities.
Eve’s Sazanami-kun told me that those who aren’t Special Students are no different from slaves.
Probably Special Students enjoy a royalty-like livelihood.”
Mao: “Hmm, so that means they’d all thrive to earn the title of Special Students, huh?
I guess that kind of class system is also one valid method…
…but since we emerged from the bottom of the chain too, it’s hard not to feel for those other students who get treated like slaves.”
Hokuto: “Still, we’re not here to reform Shuuetsu Academy’s ways. Even if some parts can be offending, we should refrain from criticizing them.
It is out of line for outsiders to denounce their ways as ‘weird’ or ‘abnormal’.
Students of Shuuetsu and Reimei enrolled here, agreeing to such a system.
If we win SS… perhaps Shuuetsu would realize the flaws in their methods, and rethink things through.
Until then, however, whatever we say would sound like nothing but an attack.”
Mao: “If you ask me whether Yumenosaki does things 100% right, I’d cock my head to the side, too.
Some never do get used to its competitive society that’s based around the DreamFest system.
…Picking at the laws and stuff like this is probably a waste of time.
Adapting to the environment with an open mind and practicing to our hardest would be of more benefit, I guess.”
Hokuto: “Fufu. I suppose because we gathered and formed for the sake of revolution, we can’t help but concern ourselves with the mechanism of things.
Perhaps that’s somewhat crude, as idols.
To sing, dance, and make someone happy – that’s the sort of existence we should purely strive to be.”
Tsumugi: “Ooi~ Trickstar~♪”
Subaru: “Uwaah, that surprised me!? Oh hey, it’s Blue-senpai! What are you doing here?”
Tsumugi: “Mmn, didn’t you hear?
It’s a job outside the school, so some of us from Yumenosaki, including supervising teachers, have been dispatched to be your support.”
Subaru: “Ah, come to think of it, a teacher will always tag along when we work outside the school, huh? Nuginugi-sensei supervised us for Starmine, too.”
Makoto: “Kunugi-sensei will get angry if you call him ‘Nuginugi-sensei’…
Normally, only one teacher would supervise us, but you’ll be with us this time around, Aoba-senpai?”
Tsumugi: “That’s right~ It was Adam’s… or rather, Shuuetsu Academy’s proposition, that we can have as many willing students as we want to accompany you.
Apparently, the live next week might be of larger scale than expected.
Our school needs as many staffs on the scene as they can, and help was even enlisted through on-campus part time.
Adam’s Nagisa-kun and I are close as former fine members, see.
Plus, Trickstar did a lot for us during the Star Spirit Festival and stuff… I thought I’d go, if I can be of some use.
Of course, I’ll keep a low profile as to not trouble you. I’ll support you in any way I can, so please feel free to rely on me for anything.
Fushimi-kun of the current fine, too, has supposedly been tasked by Eichi-kun to come along.
He will apparently care for your livelihood during the stay.
Fushimi-kun should be managing your luggages in the inn you’ll be staying, as we speak.”
Mao: “Oh, so Yuzuru came too. Just him?
Pretty rare that he’s on a task without Himemiya… Well, there’s probably no rejecting the President’s plea, I guess.
Also – excuse me, but did you just say ‘inn’? I thought we’re supposed to be staying at a hotel? Is it just a figure of speech…?”
Tsumugi: “Ah… For some reason, Fushimi-kun was really against the idea, and moved your lodging destination to the inn that Eichi-kun’s family manages.
You didn’t hear about that, too?”
Hokuto: “Hmm. There are lots of changes, for some reason. What’s going on? Is the student council president up to no good, again?”
Tsumugi: “Ahaha. Eichi-kun’s been completely fitted into the image of a schemer, huh…
Since you’ll be up against Adam, I think there’ll be no end to it if you even put up your guard against Eichi-kun…
But still; you guys are the main actors, so feel free to act as you see fit.
Please show us a splendid miracle unique to you this time too… Trickstar♪”
Foreign Land 2
Tsumugi: “So anyway; what kind of event is it supposed to be?”
Subaru: “Huh? Blue-senpai, did you join for the ride without looking into the details?”
Tsumugi: “No, no. I did give the proposal a proper read first.
But the content of the proposal contradicted what I gathered from my personal exchange with Nagisa-kun.
On you Trickstar’s side… or more like, Anzu-chan’s proposal shapes it to be Revenge for Summer Live! and all…
Even the title of the proposal says Revenge Match!, and I was surprised at how psyched Anzu-chan was.
It felt more forthright… or even aggressive compared to her usual proposals.”
Subaru: “Ahaha. That’s how much of a bitter experience Summer Live was for Anzu, not just us…
I think it was both a turning point, and a tragedy we don’t wish to repeat.”
Hokuto: “It was a necessary experience. We have worked hard since our loss in Summer Live, taking it in as our nourishment.
So we wish to ascertain what we’ve gained since then, while measuring the difference between our abilities and Eden’s.
We have attended many interschool matches since then and produced results on our own right, but…
While I believe we have not grown into defeatists, Eden remains our greatest archenemy.
We wish to see what we are worth and prepare for SS, through this fight against Adam.
Since SS is at the end of year, we can still afford to adjust our direction with the little time left, should we find faults to fix, or points to improve.”
Subaru: “Ahaha. Hokke, you’ve somehow adopted a polite tone when speaking to Blue-senpai♪”
Hokuto: “He’s an upperclassman. The more I know him, the more I begin to think that there are sides of him worthy of respect.
For some reason, I can never bring myself to mind my manners towards the student council president or my club president, though…
Is it because they show more disdainful sides than respectable ones?”
Tsumugi: “This boy just said something savage with a straight face…
Fufu. You’re free to make fun of me, but this job is out of the school.
So please try to use polite language, as is proper, when you talk to Adam.
We’re in enemy territory, after all. And Adam is the boss here, so you won’t be making a good impression by acting rude.
Inciting hostility from the masters of the house is a horrible thing, you know~ It can be a thorn on your side.
Well, Nagisa-kun probably doesn’t mind, though. He’s a genius on the likes of Hiyori-kun, yet he doesn’t seem to hold much interest for societal norms.
If you leave him be, he’ll be off doing some bizarre thing all day long, so he’s a slippery child, in a sense.
If Hiyori-kun is like a noble, then Nagisa-kun is like an animal…
No, a monster.
I’d say he has a mentality closer to the Five Oddballs, rather than fine, in that they don’t follow the norms of human society, but remain needlessly powerful in spite of it.”
Subaru: “Huh~ I wonder what he’s like? If he’s anything like the Five Oddballs, I think we can get along. I’m looking forward to see him~!
Today’s our scheduled first meeting, so I haven’t even spoken to him!”
Makoto: “Yeah, even within Adam, this Ran Nagisa person seems particularly secretive, or rather…
There’s not much reliable information on him released to the public, so I can’t grasp him.
Even his interviews sound like they’re scripted, and his social media accounts read like they’re ghostwritten…
It’s just what I feel though; I have no base for it.”
Mao: “Oi, oi. Don’t start forming prejudices on your head before you even meet the guy.
That sort of thing is visible, y’know? We’ve got to approach them with courtesy as work partners and show deference.
We’re guests this time, so we should refrain from simply storming as we please.
Anyway, I’m informed on the topic since I’m in the stuco.
There were quite lots of twists and turns before the proposal was finalized, see~ Seemed like it was given quite the overhaul.
It feels the content has changed a lot from what Anzu’s proposal originally meant to do.
At first, like what its title–Revenge Match!–implies, it was supposed to be a rematch with Eve, that we lost to in summer, y’know?
Like, defeating our archenemy to advance forward, kind of thing.
But there was some kind of political meddling and all, and somehow it’s decided we’ll fight against Adam, who’s Eve’s equal, instead.
They’re going to show up in SS as Eden anyway…
So I understand that we’ll have to face Adam eventually, not just Eve, but still.”
Subaru: “Ahaha. Eve and Adam combine to become Eden, right?
If we only know Eve, it means we haven’t seen more than half of their original shape, so I think a face-off against Adam is necessary.”
Mao: “Hnn~ From what I’ve read of the renewed proposal, whether it’s really a face-off or not is kind of up in the air too.
I sure hope we can have a straight-up one-on-one with Adam like we did Eve.”
Foreign Land 3
Mao: “Apparently, there’s going to be this thing called Autumn Live next week, in which idols of Shuuetsu and other affiliated schools will gather.
Trickstar will participate as a guest star there, is how the whole deal ends.”
Subaru: “Oh, by affiliated schools, does that mean Reimei…Eve will show up too?”
Mao: “Who knows? Depends on their schedule.
They’re in demand. I predict them to be busy, having more exposure on TV and other medias compared to Adam.
Anyway, this means we’re jumping into their large-scale event, much like Yumenosaki’s S1.
I don’t think it’s going to be a proper one-on-one.
Even in SS, there’s going to be idols from all over the country, so it can be a good practice…
…on how to act among many unknown people, I guess.
But it’s hard to say, if it can be the revenge Anzu greatly intended it to be.
I know it’s not all gonna be fruitless, but I’m still concerned over that part.
I didn’t exactly believe everything can line up with our interests or go as we wish it to be, y’know…
But somehow, it feels like we’re dancing on top of someone’s palm.
From what I’ve observed of his conduct in the student council, I think President’s not really satisfied, either.
If it’s not part of his scheme, then who twisted the proposal, and for what sake?
I can’t put it well, but I’m getting creeps… Am I just being a worrywart? Whaddya guys think?”
Subaru: “First, I’m curious on how Adam members are like! Meeting impressive guys can be inspiring! I’m excited~☆”
Mao: “What are you, a shounen manga protagonist? In the reality we live in, there are people we should never get involved with, you know.
It feels foolish to try to step on a landmine, so I’d like to keep away from people who smell like danger.
Admittedly, when I’m with you guys, troubles just keep coming one after another and it never leaves me bored.”
> Adam’s Personal Room
Subaru: “Ooh…☆ So this is Adam’s personal parlor!
It’s spacious! Needlessly so! And the floors are sparkling clean! Awesome; do all Special Students get a whole room like this for no fee?”
Hokuto: “Don’t put your hands all over their things, Akehoshi.
…Hmm, but I don’t see anyone around. Didn’t they say we’ll have a meeting in the parlor?”
Mao: “So we were told… Aoba-senpai, can’t you get in touch with that Nagisa you’re friends with?”
Tsumugi: “Mnn, I’ve been trying, but he hasn’t picked up.
I wonder what’s wrong… he couldn’t have wandered off somewhere and got hit by a car, could he?”
Mao: “No no, we’re not talking about a toddler here.
…Huh? I think I hear something vibrate. Guys, don’t one of you have a call incoming?”
Subaru: “Oh, isn’t it Anzu? Look, Anzu’s breast pocket is vibrating!”
Hokuto: “Hmm. Pick it up, Anzu. It could be someone from Shuuetsu; they might explain this strange situation to us.
From what I’ve heard, you’ve met the two Adam members and conversed with them a few times – isn’t that right?
The rest of us haven’t found the timing to meet them face-to-face.
Hmm… Uh-huh… So this Saegusa guy from Adam called to summon us to Reimei Academy’s courtyard?
Apparently, he set off to welcome and escort us, but we ended up missing each other?
I see… Returning to the path we came from sounds like unnecessary trouble, but let’s all go back to the courtyard anyway.”
Subaru: “Eh~? Can’t we just wait here? The meeting’s gonna be in this parlor, right?”
Hokuto: “Just start moving. We’re at an unknown territory; we shouldn’t act individually. It’s going to be tough to reunite when one of us is lost.”
Foreign Land 4
> Shuuetsu Academy
Makoto: “Hahii. It took us time, but we’re finally back at the courtyard.”
Mao: “Good that Shuuetsu’s not too big. In terms of land, it’s probably only around a third of Yumenosaki’s area.”
Hokuto: “It’s a school only for the chosen, anyway.
There’s probably no need for it to be big. The number of students should be comparatively few, if only Special Students are enrolled.
Tsumugi: “Yes, there is no need for a spacious lot if the population is few.”
Subaru: “Ahaha, we went back and forth, huh~? I think it’s rare for us to be the ones played around like this.”
Hokuto: “…Oh, there’s a large vehicle on the courtyard that didn’t look to be here back then.”
Makoto: “Mnn? What is that? It looks weirdly bulky… a military vehicle?”
Subaru: “Ah, look! Someone’s standing near the vehicle! Isn’t he from Adam~? His photo was on the documents handed to us before!”
Ibara: “Sirs! Thank you for coming all the way here! Welcome to Shuuetsu Academy…☆
Allow me to show my appreciation for your long and tiring journey! I am called Saegusa Ibara, and I belong to Adam! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance!
Salute~☆
It must have been a tiring trip from the station to here, yes?
This school was built in a remote area to follow its vision of ‘a quiet studying environment away from the city’s bustling’, after all!
So thinking to play a good host, I brought a car to pick you up at the station, in order to escort you all the way here, but…
It appears we ended up missing each other. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Allow me to offer you my deepest regrets! Aah, what an unsightly failure!
To let the great members of Trickstar wait in vain — it is my lifetime mistake! I’d crawl under a rock, if I can!
I hope they don’t misunderstand my intents… We welcome the members of Trickstar oh so very much!
I’m truly happy! How like a dream! I have been thrilled to meet you…☆
I’ve heard a lot about you! I feel my heart dancing with joy, to have you participate in our Autumn Live this time around! I must be the most fortunate man on earth!
Just your presence excites me! May I shake your hand? I’m a huge fan!
What an honor to be able to costar with you! Please, I am in your care for the job…!”
Hokuto: (Uwoh… He’s, how should I put this, a lot more forward than I thought.
They’re supposed to stand at the top of our age group with Eve, so I imagined them to be more arrogant.
But he’s being strangely humble, and he keeps bowing his head down for no reason.)
Ibara: “Aah, you must be Trickstar’s leader, Hidaka Hokuto-san!
Always cool and collected, the dependable leader! However, he hides within himself enormous, boiling passion!
I’ve admired you! It’s such an honor to come face to face with you!
Allow me to greet you in no particular order, then! The astute producer Yumenosaki Academy boasts of: Anzu-san! I am in your care!
Isara Mao-san! An all-rounder capable of any feat! The indispensable unsung hero of Trickstar!
Yuuki Makoto-san: his peerless beauty once ruled over the world of child modeling! Akehoshi Subaru-san: a memento left by the super genius of legend!
Your unique shines multiply when gathered into one, gleaming as the nova of the idol industry!
Gentlemen of Trickstar! I have waited so long for the day we can finally meet…☆”
Tsumugi: “W-Wow, he certainly goes all out with the flattery… Umm, Saegusa-kun, was it? Is Nagisa-kun not with you?
I couldn’t get in touch with him, so I’m a little worried.”
Ibara: “Hmm… Hu~h…
Ah, you must be the former fine Aoba Tsumugi-san?
It must be either God’s blessing or the Devil’s whim, that I could happen upon you in this place!
Fufu. His Excellency[1], having forgotten our schedule, was immersing himself in his hobbies, so I took a detour and picked him up.
He should be on the trunk of this vehicle, reading a book.
Only, His Excellency was doing some excavation when I picked him up, you see. I believe he would not be a pleasant sight with the mud covering him…
I shall have him cleaned up and his clothes changed first, so he can greet you all later.”
Subaru: “His Excellency…?”
Ibara: “Ah, it is Ran Nagisa-san that I meant! I cannot help referring to him as such~ How embarrassing!
I had been somewhere similar to a military camp, you see, and it shaped my speech!
I apologize if it leaves you uncomfortable! I shall make adjustments should I rub you the wrong way, so I ask for your forgiveness on the matter!
In any case! I suppose I’ve said this multiple times, but: Welcome, to our Shuuetsu Academy! We are greatly pleased by your presence, gentlemen of Trickstar!
Let us join hands to enliven the coming Autumn Live!
I believe that we can realize a dream-like concert, if it is with you all!
If you would feel the same way, then I cannot be happier! Ahaha☆”
Foreign Land 5
> Shuuetsu Academy Corridor
Subaru: “Sorry for the wait~! I changed into practice clothes!
It’s so nice of you guys to even prepare these~! Did Anzu design them? It has a similar feel to the ones we usually wear in Yumenosaki~♪”
Ibara: “Ahaha. As we will only do introductions for today, there is no reason to change your clothes, but…
As expected, it fits you handsomely! Handsome men certainly make everything they wear look charming☆”
Subaru: “Handsome men, he said… Well, you change too, Barry! Let’s perform a song during our introductions, to test each other’s’ strengths. Eve did the same, you know?”
Ibara: “So ‘Barry’ must refer to me. I am happy to be honored with a nickname!
I suppose that is your very own art of communication, Akehoshi-san; what a learning experience!”
Subaru: “Hmm~ He’ll praise me for anything I say, but won’t actually listen, I feel…
We’re going to perform together in Autumn Live, right? Let’s get along?”
Ibara: “Of course. While a job can be accomplished without getting along, we did invite you here for that reason, among many others.”
Subaru: “…What do you mean?”
Makoto: “Ah, Akehoshi-ku~n. Don’t rush off by yourself. It’s your bad habit.
We’re not used to Shuuetsu Academy yet, so we might get lost if we move separately.”
Hokuto: “Yes. We should avoid being isolated in an enemy territory.”
Ibara: “Enemy… You are surprisingly a confrontational group, aren’t you~?
I’ve done reasonable research on Trickstar’s activities so far, but…
As of late, you have been traveling to many nooks and corners of the country and challenging famous idols everywhere, yes?
You seem to be producing great results, and your name is becoming more heard.
Only, fighting takes up a lot of resources, so doing too much of that can be life-shortening.
The saying does go that if you want peace, prepare for war,
but I believe we should avoid conflict, for as long as it is avoidable. I hope to get along with you all.”
Hokuto: “Hmm, that sounds different from what Eve told us.
I imagined Adam to be a more masculine unit like its name, the two of you being more ferocious and aggressive.”
Ibara: “Ahaha. Well, modern men are tame~ Dulled fangs, and all.
As part of our image strategy, we are indeed sometimes demanded to act out the society’s image of masculinity.
While I’ve had no problems, His Excellency appears to have a hard time acting this out. He is a rather introverted person who dislikes conflict, you see.”
Makoto: “His Excellency refers to that Nagisa person, right…? He hasn’t shown himself, has he? We’d like to finish introductions today, at least.”
Ibara: “Aah, I tossed him into the bath, so he will not be coming out for a while.
He was really covered in mud, after all~ I think cleaning up all the dirt would take some time.
Aoba-san, was it… That friend is attending to him, so I’d like to believe he would not wander off again.”
Subaru: “Does he vanish often, that person?”
Ibara: “Indeed. His Excellency does things as he pleases~ He is an adept man, so his quirks are excused for the most part.
But there is no end to my worries as his partner, honestly.”
Hokuto: “Hmm. Now we know where Aoba-senpai is, but where did Isara and Anzu disappear to? I haven’t seen them?”
Subaru: “Ah… They took the chance to make a visit to the office to hand over papers and stuff.
I thought no one’s around during weekend, but the office’s properly functioning, huh?”
Ibara: “Yes. Special Students do as they please, but those supporting from beneath work all year long, you see.
Quietly, in the shadows, as to not stand out.
Ah, but of course all year long is a figure of speech… In reality, they get proper rest through shifts, and their working abides by labor law.
In any case, since there is nothing particular to do while we wait, allow me to guide you for a tour. There’s no benefit to reap from loitering aimlessly around the corridor.
We can contact Isara-san and others through phone later when it’s time to regroup.
Over here, please. Certain areas are inaccessible with my level of authority, but feel free to request anywhere you wish to see.”
Subaru: “Huh? Isn’t Adam the number one bigshot in Shuuetsu? So even there are places you can’t enter~?”
Ibara: “Ahaha. There are logical problems with entering other people’s personal rooms, yes.
We are just students, so we are not exactly the number one big shot, per se.
We can’t defy what the higher-ups tell us.
We, of affiliated schools including Shuuetsu, are especially under the strong influence of our agency… Often they’d make unreasonable demands, and we’d have a hectic time because of it.”
Foreign Land 6
Hokuto: “Right, Tomoe-senpai often rambled about his agency.
He has a devil-may-care attitude, but he seems to follow what his agency tells him, despite reluctance.”
Makoto: “That’s idol-like, in a sense.
In Yumenosaki, the school itself acts the agency, or at least functioning as one and the same, so it’s not a topic that’s often brought up.”
Ibara: “It appears so. Yumenosaki Academy has been restoring its reputation in recent years, but…
They have their hands too full to care for other affairs.
With training a lone producer as a test case, for one. Yumenosaki is falling behind a decade on these matters.
In any case. We students of Shuuetsu, Reimei, and other affiliate schools all, without exception, belong to an agency. We are trained and managed by them.
That agency is called Cosmic Production, shortened CosPro. But well, most of us usually just call it ‘the agency’.
Students of other schools can enter our agency as well, provided they go through the necessary procedures.
If Yumenosaki’s ways stop agreeing with you, do feel free to switch over to this side.
It should not contradict your school’s laws or its rules, yes?”
Makoto: “Yeah. While Yumenosaki does what an agency does for its students, we’re not affiliated with any actual agency on paper.
Among the people we know, there’s one like Narukami-kun who belongs to a modeling agency too.
Personally, entering an agency on top of the unit, club, and committee I belong to right now sounds like a huge deal and a tangle of personal connections.
And for now, we haven’t been disadvantaged in any way in our activities as idols by only being under Yumenosaki Academy’s wings.
When we work under an agency, we might have to do things that don’t suit our principles, so I’m not too fond of it…
Our current position is much more comfortable. It’ll tire me out if everything gets connected to work.
Of course, if that’s what the others wish, I won’t object. There’s wisdom to be gained from entering an agency, anyway.”
Hokuto: “Hmm. You once worked under an agency, didn’t you, Yuuki?”
Makoto: “During my child modeling days, yeah. It’s normal for idols and models; Yumenosaki students are the exceptions here.
Of course, there are those who work in small scale, either alone or centered around an amateur producer.
But entering a huge agency makes many things a lot easier.”
Ibara: “Indeed. …Speaking of which, you have all been put under temporary contract with CosPro, just in case.
It’s only for the period of Autumn Live’s preparation…
…and as Special Students. The procedures will go smoother that way.
Of course, you are free to leave once Autumn Live is over.
These are your temporary licenses… proof that you now hold the position I just spoke of.
You will be fined if you lose it, so please, take care not to.”
Subaru: “Ooh… What’s this? Smartphone?”
Ibara: “Yes. They are computer tablets distributed to all students belonging to our agency.
Certain facilities cannot be used without checking in using it, so please have it on you at all times, if possible.
I will hand one over to Isara-san as well as Anzu-san later. I’m afraid we can’t provide one for support members like Aoba-san, however.”
Makoto: “Ooh… I love this kind of stuff.
Mm-hmm… So will the door open if we manifest this confirmation screen here and hold it over a facility’s panel? Ahaha, it’s like a game♪”
Ibara: “Those tablets are for guest use, so they do not have many utilities, unfortunately.
…You won’t find much even if you try to research about us using them.
But of course, if you would become one of us – if you would officially enter our agency, we will prepare to make every information accessible.”
Makoto: “Nope, this is enough for a short-term contract.
Wow, I can just keep fiddling with these types of devices forever…
Look guys, there’s an app that’ll score your selfie from an idol standpoint. What sort of algorithm do you think they use?”
Subaru: “Mmn~ I don’t get this stuff, so I’ll leave mine to Hokke.”
Hokuto: “No, there are doors that have to be opened with these tablets, so carry yours on your own. You might find difficulties without it.”
Subaru: “Right… We were able to enter Adam’s personal parlor without this, though.”
Ibara: “Ahaha. His Excellency finds confirmation devices and such a hassle, so that place is always open.
Thanks to that, we cannot afford to leave anything important or personal over there, so it can be troubling.
But well, that is fine. His Excellency is a special existence. As long as he would display the power and bearings befitting of that, I simply need to support him from the shadow and in the light.
Just by doing that, we will have no enemy in the world. His Excellency is our ultimate weapon.”
Villain
Villain 1
> Shuuetsu Academy Corridor
Mao: (Geez… The procedural took quite a while.
It’s just somehow different from what we heard. We’re psyched to have our revenge for Summer Live, but…
It doesn’t seem like our opponents are any into this?
There’s nothing indicating a battle’s gonna break out from now. The people at the office were really cordial and nice to us, too…
Didn’t feel like it was an act to win us over, either.
I feel like we’re viewing things different, somewhere basic.
I gave President a call and consulted him a little, but he seemed busy with his plan for the world tour.
It gives me the creeps. Like it’s Summer Live all over again.
Like they might advance the match before we even grasp the rules and conditions of victory.
If this keeps up, we’re just gonna get played to the end of the game, like in Summer Live.
We’ve been working so hard because we didn’t want to experience that for the second time.
Me, Subaru, Hokuto, Makoto, Anzu… We held back our tears and bettered ourselves all so we won’t have to lose the second time.
To have our revenge. To win SS with a smile.
…Maybe I can sneak around to learn what’s going on. If only Sengoku was here, I could ask him to gather intel for me.
Can’t ask him to come all the way to another school, obviously.
Apparently some sort of trouble broke out at our lodgings, so Anzu headed off to the inn to deal with the matter with Yuzuru.
I’ll move alone for a bit before regrouping with the rest.
Introductions can be done whenever. If they ask where I’ve been, I can pretend I got lost.
Subaru and the other guys are so honest and pure, so they tend to accept the situation as is, without any doubt. That’s one of their good points, but…
Leaving things to develop by themselves is gonna leave us in deep trouble. We’ve got a taste of that in Summer Live.
…This sort of dirty job is my role to play.
…Hmm? What – I think I hear a weird sound?
Scratching…? Ueeh, what the hell? It can’t be a mysterious phenomenon, can it?
Gotta go and see for myself. I’m interested. Even if it is some mysterious phenomenon, I got used to that through Ritsu, anyway.
Let’s see — what’s gonna come out? A demon or a snake? [2]
> Adam’s Personal Room
Mao: “Excuse me~”
(Hmm, this is Adam’s personal parlor, right?
Subaru and the others are apparently being shown around the school by that Saegusa guy…
But have they finished their route and settled down in the parlor for tea?
Nah, I don’t hear any talking… Just some creepy sound. What’s up with this, really?
Mmn? Huh, there’s an unfamiliar object on the corner… I don’t think it was there when we visited this room the first time.
Uhh, it has a weird shape and is made out of stone… but what? What is that?)
Nagisa: “…….”
Mao: (…!? Huh, there’s someone on the shadow of that mystery rock!
Isn’t that Adam’s… Ran Nagisa? Makoto shared Adam’s headshots with us, so I do know.
What’s he doing alone, at a place like that? I mean, well, I’m not one to say either…)
Nagisa: “…Hello.”
Mao: “Eek!? Ah – of course… H-Hello, sir.”
Nagisa: “…Do you need something?”
Mao: “Ah, no, that’s not it. I just got a little lost… Umm, have you heard anything about us?”
Nagisa: “…Trickstar, right?
…You’re… umm, I’m sorry. I don’t remember your name.”
Mao: “Ah, don’t mind it, we haven’t been properly introduced. I’m a member of Trickstar, my name is Isara Mao. We’ll be in your care for the week.”
Nagisa: “…Sure, same here.
…Ah, should I introduce myself too?”
Mao: “It’s fine, I’m familiar with your name. Eden’s and Adam’s leader, Ran Nagisa-san, right? You were from Yumenosaki Academy and a former fine.”
Nagisa: “…Titles. What a bother.
…Nagisa is fine. Just Nagisa.
…People are bound by names and labels. However, I seek to be freer.”
Mao: (Uh, huh, hmm~? I don’t get what’s saying! True enough that he feels closer to the Five Oddballs than fine.)
Villain 2
Mao: “♪♪♪”
(U-Ugh, what’s happening…? After that introduction, he just suddenly told me to change my clothes, and sing and dance…
Well of course, as an idol, it’s my duty to sing and dance when someone told me to.
But what meaning does this hold? Is he trying to assess my ability? Same thing happened during Eve’s time too.
We had to show off what we’re capable of to make them take us seriously as equal work partners.
After that, the two Eve members approved of us to an extent… and we even got pretty friendly by the end of everything.
Can we and Adam really become rivals who respect each other just by tracing the same pattern?
Isn’t that a little too easy – a little too simple?
Back when Eve tried this, the rest of us rushed in almost immediately and we showed them our true worth as a complete Trickstar. But I’m the only one here right now.
Ugh~… If I make a mistake here, our cooperation with Adam’s gonna go down the drain from the first step, right?
It’s a huge responsibility. I’ve got to give it everything in my power.)
Nagisa: “…….”
Mao: (…That Nagisa person isn’t looking over here at all, though.)
“‘Scuse me~… Maybe talking during performance is a breach of manners for you all, but is it fine if I ask a few questions?”
Nagisa: “…Okay. What is it?”
Mao: “I’ve been curious about it, but what is that rock? You’ve been polishing it for a while now…
Is it some stone statue you carve as a hobby?”
Nagisa: “…I don’t know.
I don’t know, that’s why it’s interesting. It was something dug up from an ancient layer.”
Mao: “Personally, I wish you’d look at us instead of a mysterious rock…
Since we’re going to cooperate together for a job, I want us to become equals who can respect each other.
Of course, I realize it’s impertinent of me to ask to be equals, since you both definitely rank higher than us in society.
Eden is the top of our age group, after all.”
Nagisa: “…Really?
I’m not interested, so I don’t realize.”
Mao: “It’s true. It’s such a huge honor to be able to costar with Eden.
And embarrassing as it may be, we personally look to you as our greatest adversary for SS.
If you let your advantageous position spoil you, we might just catch you off guard… or something?♪”
Nagisa: “…….”
Mao: “Uhh… Um, I’m sorry. I got carried away.”
Nagisa: “…I don’t mind. But, you say some really sad things.”
Mao: “S-Sad? In what way?”
Nagisa: “…You say the same things as Eichi-kun does.
…Aah, you really are part of Yumenosaki.
Honing one’s abilities through rivalry… no, through strife, to attain the best answer.
…Repeating that, and evolving into a much more wonderful being.
…I think that’s something to be affirmed. No—that’s a natural desire all living beings hold.
…But it all makes me sad.
…If stagnation equals death, and it’s all living being’s fate to bite at each other and kill…
…Then I want to escape from that.
…I will seek for a more sublime, a more stable, peaceful world without strife.
…If that isn’t forgiven of me—
…If it is the very nature of living beings, their very premise, to indulge in strife and kick each other down—
…Then living creatures must be God’s failure.
…We were banished from paradise and tossed into hell.
…Being is torture, sentience is punishment, and life is the source of all sin, never to be forgiven.
…Is it wrong of me to want to escape from that, to be free of it all?
…You see, I want to stop being human.
…We have so many sins, so many fetters; we’re weak and sad beings.
…I won’t ask you to understand me. I’ve given up on that for a long time.
…But, I won’t let you get in my way.
…If you will become my enemy—
…If you will block my staircase to heaven—
…I will kick you down, even if I pity you.
…I won’t look back to your fallen corpses on the ground, and I will continue to ascend.
…To the throne of God.
…If in this world, ‘to go to heaven’ equals ‘to die’—
…and I can absolutely reach heaven that way, then I’ll happily bite my tongue.”
Villain 3
> Shuuetsu Academy Corridor
Makoto: “Whew, I’m full♪
Shuuetsu Academy’s cafeteria was so amazing…
There’s a personal chef and nutritionist for each student, providing a menu optimal to them, and all for free?
Just that cafeteria’s enough to make me want to stay around after Autumn Live.
At my place, we alternate turns for house chores, and making sure food is on the table can be difficult.
I still can’t earn much money, so it’ll be a huge help just to be freed of food cost. I really don’t want to give Mom a hard time with our livelihood.”
Ibara: “Fufu, if you enter our agency, you will be routinely provided with these services. If you are interested, then by all means♪
And just to be clear, that was not a cafeteria, but a restaurant: a ryotei. It’s not part of the school’s facility; it’s managed by a company in the keiretsu affiliation[3] the agency also belongs to.
Students of Shuuetsu Academy can utilize it at a special price.
They are provided with the best possible livelihoods all for free.
First-class service for the first-class, of course. It’s silly to set your idol activities aside for the sake of house chores, after all.”
Subaru: “Hmm~… But I think I like having dinner with Mom at home.”
Ibara: “Of course, your family will receive favors when you work under the agency!
You can live a life free of disturbances at a company-owned house. There will no longer be any need for you to conceal yourselves from the curious eyes of society.”
Subaru: “…Why are you assuming that my family’s living in concealment?”
Ibara: “Ah, I apologize if it offends you. I have done a little research on you all beforehand, you see…
I do not intend to sneer or ridicule you.
I hope you can listen without misunderstanding me.
If you would entrust yourself to us, we can even erase what your father did.
We happen to be skilled at manipulating information, you see.
Embarrassing as it may be, erasing scandals is like a routine to us…
Idols are human beings, after all; they make mistakes.
To clean up after that is also the agency’s role to play.
In reality, what does Yumenosaki Academy do for its students? Remove the rotten apples from the barrel?
We can sterilize the spoilage, hush away the bad press, and help you be reborn into a clean, new person.
Not just that—we can help you bloom into a beautiful idol that all love and yearn for.
All of you have that qualification. You have the right to be treated the same way as us Special Students.
To be quite honest, I think Yumenosaki Academy is too neglectful of you.
There’s somewhere else that suits you better. Cosmic Production will always lie in wait for brilliant stars such as you all.
We had you undergo several tests and examinations before dinner, and you displayed raw abilities far above what we expected.
Honestly, I admit I underestimated you.
However, your precious talents will remain unseen and wasted in Yumenosaki Academy.
Old-fashioned lessons and teachers… Work just narrowly arranged through self-power…
You appear to me like pitiful lost stars, born to the wrong place.
Perhaps I’m being forceful, but I find myself unable to leave you alone…
Well, I respect your freedom of choice. I only ask that you leave the possibility of becoming one of us, somewhere in the corner of your mind.
We won’t make you regret choosing us.”
Makoto: “…You’re right there’s no reason to stick stubbornly with Yumenosaki.
Although, Akehoshi-kun and Hidaka-kun might have hoped to commute to the school their famous fathers also went to.”
Hokuto: “Don’t decide that for me, Yuuki.
I admit, I can’t completely say my father had nothing to do with it… but I’m offended that you think tracing my parents’ way of life is my sole purpose.
Anyway, I can’t easily throw away everything I’ve built in Yumenosaki.
I don’t think it’s a good idea to readily take a bait dangled in front of our eyes.”
Makoto: “But, I’m saying it’s one choice we can take, even if we never thought about it.
I enrolled to Yumenosaki thinking I had no other place to run away to…
But maybe I was simply blind to other possibilities.
I think I want to consider this choice through.
I always felt that Yumenosaki’s curriculum is wasteful, in that there are too many unrelated subjects mixed in.
And even if I enter their agency, it doesn’t mean I have to drop out of Yumenosaki.
They don’t have to be exclusive, right? I know it’s not all going to be benefits, though.”
Subaru: “Hey, why did the talk turn out like this…?
We came here to fight against Adam… no, to participate in Autumn Live and have fun together with the audience, didn’t we?”
Makoto: “We’re talking about how we might gain access to the skills and aid needed to make that happen, by entering their agency.
Maybe just working hard the same way as we’ve always done in Yumenosaki won’t be enough.”
Hokuto: “…Life continues even after SS, after all. To set up the environment where we can grow best is indeed a necessary course of action.
Until now, we’ve been struggling just to overcome whatever blocks our path.
But we were just given a choice. Maybe we need to stop to rethink our destination for a minute.
I do feel like I can never reach my father, if I only trace the same path he walked. You should understand my feelings, Akehoshi.”
Subaru: “…We’re different, Hokke. Be it now, in the past, or in the eyes of society, your parents are the sort of people to be proud of, right?
You can look up anytime and you’ll find your parents radiantly shining right above you, Hokke.
But my star can’t be found anywhere, even if I search the night sky. He’d fallen to the ground only to be trampled down, and vanished into the mud.”
Villain 4
Hokuto: “…….”
Subaru: “…Aah, seriously, why are we talking about this? Usually, Sally would be around to crack a joke and lighten up the mood whenever the air gets serious.”
Makoto: “Is it true that Nagisa person has taken a liking to Isara-kun, and is giving him private guidance?”
Ibara: “Yes, so I was informed. That is why we are split into groups like this, for the time being.
You must forgive me~ His Excellency’s thoughtlessness is a common cause of headache for myself, as well.”
Subaru: “But why just Sally? That’s unfair, getting special treatment by himself! Well, that’s a given, though. Sally is our magician, who can do anything!”
Ibara: “I do wonder? His Excellency is a whimsical one, you see…?
In any case, it has gotten quite late.
Let us head to the parlor, where those two should be, and have at least the introductions done with. After that, please return to your lodging and have a nice rest.
I certainly hope you would give my previous proposition a careful consideration before you sleep. I won’t hurry you for answer~ Please, contemplate it at your own pace.”
(Decisions made after a drawn-out consideration can be hard to revoke, after all… Let the poison spread through their veins in this one week time.
Even heroes that can deflect any blade are powerless at the face of poison.
To cross swords isn’t the only way to have war.
Let me sink my fangs, pour in the poison, coil around them and break all the bones in their bodies.
By the time you notice, it will be all too late. You will have been swallowed whole from the head, Trickstar♪)
> Adam’s Personal Parlor
Subaru: “Sally~?
Apparently we just have to do introductions then we can return to the inn! It was lonely without you~ How are things on your end?
You’re always liked by everyone, Sally, so that Nagisa guy surely…
Eek!?”
Mao: “…….”
Subaru: “W-What’s wrong, Sally? You’re down on all four and panting… Are you feeling sick? Did that Nagisa guy do something to you?”
Nagisa: “…I haven’t done anything.”
Subaru: “Ah, so you’re the Nagisa guy, eh! Pleased to meet you! I’m Trickstar’s Akehoshi Subaru!
These are Ukki and Hokke! We’ll be in your care, you bastard!”
Makoto: “You’re mixing up your formal greeting with your outrage and getting it all jumbled, Akehoshi-kun!”
Hokuto: “…But what’s wrong, really? You look unwell, Isara.
What did you do to our comrade, former fine?”
Nagisa: “…I sense hostility in your tone, Hokke Mask-kun.
…No, maybe I should call you Hidaka Hokuto-kun. And you two must be Akehoshi Subaru-kun and Yuuki Makoto-kun.
…Your names are worth remembering. But this boy, he’s hopeless.”
Mao: “…….”
Nagisa: “…He’s shown me what he’s capable of.
…We even sung and danced together, and I felt him right beside me.
…He’s a wonderful human resource, far above average in every possible aspect.
…But assets like him are dime a dozen.
…The skills he possesses can be achieved by anyone through hard work.
…They can be bought through currencies such as money and time. In other words, he’s something that can be replaced.
…Adults see no worth in such an asset.
…After all, they can get their hands on one with reasonable cost, without any need for unearthing.
…He’s nothing but a handy tool that’s only appreciated within the world of children, like a school environment.
…Any Special Student enrolled to Shuuetsu can replace him.
…He’s worthless here. No — he’s a dull existence that can be traded for cheap.
…In fact, I found it strange. Why are you treating the likes of this boy as your comrade?
…Because he would cover for what you lack? Because he’s a friend you know well?
…Maybe because he’s weak.”
Hokuto: “What are you mumbling about? Answer me, what did you do to Isara!?”
Nagisa: “…I didn’t do anything. Don’t look at me like you’re looking at a villain.
…He’ll eventually find himself unable to catch up with you guys and get left behind, anyway, before fading away completely.
…He’ll scorch from the frictional heat and break down on his own, leaving only dust behind as he scatters as flowers do.
…But you don’t need to feel sad. There are many replacements for him.
…You don’t need to adhere to the illumination of a flashlight who mistook himself for a star.
…….
…Huh? No one is reacting. Was my wording too difficult?
…I’m hopeless. It seems I can’t convey my feelings properly without someone to translate for me.
…Misunderstanding births dispute. I don’t wish to hurt anybody, though.”
Villain 5
> Hot Spring Inn
Tsumugi: “Huu, that was such a misfortune!
Everyone, you completely forgot about my existence, didn’t you!?
I know maybe you were too busy for me, but it was lonely, being left behind all by myself~!”
Yuzuru: “Fufu. Welcome back, Aoba-sama.
I have been waiting for you. I didn’t think it would be right, to sleep without waiting for my roommate, Aoba-sama, to show up.”
Tsumugi: “Uukh. I’m sorry, Fushimi-kun, for the trouble.”
Yuzuru: “There is no need for apology. I would not have lasted long as Bocchama’s butler, had a matter this small peeved me.
Also, as it would be regrettable to let the members of Trickstar seem like heartless people, let me explain what happened.
They all appeared to think you have returned to the inn before them, Aoba-sama.
When they arrived, they immediately wondered where you were.
They have not forgotten about you, so please, do not be so dispirited.”
Tsumugi: “Uukh, I don’t mind, though. The Trickstar members are the main actors this time around; they’re free to forget about me.
After I finished taking care of Nagisa-kun, he left me behind, and I just had to get trapped inside the bath…
I couldn’t move a single step out of there.
It seems facilities within Shuuetsu need a special computer tablet to enter and leave…
So I was completely powerless because of that whole system.
By the time I was finally saved by a patrolling security officer, it’s already so late into the night.
Uukh… I let my guard down because it’s been so peaceful recently, but that was such a huge misfortune.”
Yuzuru: “Fufu. I suppose you couldn’t use your phone to call for help inside the bath.
A splendid blunder, indeed.
From my observation, being a handful child appears to be a prerequisite to be part of past _fine_♪”
Tsumugi: “Eeeh!? W-What a sharp tongue…! Maybe it’s Eichi-kun’s influence~?
And… Right. I should’ve called for help using my phone… I was able to get out to the changing room, so I wonder why I didn’t think of that.
I’m so hopeless~ I break into panic easily.
There should’ve been many other methods too, like shouting in a loud voice for Trickstar, who were in the same building, to help me.”
Yuzuru: “Yes, but, the members of Trickstar were indeed acting weird today.
If they were their usual selves, they would have looked for you out of worry, Aoba-sama, when they realized you weren’t here.
They seemed rather distracted, and quickly went to sleep after taking a bath and finishing their meal.
Here I had my sleeves rolled up and all, prepared to knock them down were I to find them having a pillow fight.”
Tsumugi: “Ah, it’s pretty late, after all… I think it’s normal to be fatigued from the long trip and fall fast asleep.
Anyway, are the members of Trickstar in a different room from us support members?”
Yuzuru: “Indeed. Trickstar is close-knitted, so I arranged all of them to be in the same room, thinking it might be for the better.
The rest of us support members are split into groups and spread among the rest of the rooms.”
Tsumugi: “Well, Anzu-chan obviously can’t be in the same room as them since she’s a girl…
But is it really right for the rest of us to stay at this expensive-looking room too?”
Yuzuru: “Of course. The President has reserved this inn for us out of benevolence, so please, do not let the service cost concern you.
The staffs of this inn are also free of the enemy’s influence and worthy of our trust.
I was worried of Ibara’s involvement… so I had everything checked from head to toe, even causing some disputes along the way.”
Tsumugi: “Umm, enemy, he said… You use some violent wordings. This must be Eichi-kun’s influence too.”
Yuzuru: “Hmm, I do not feel particularly influenced by the President in any way, so… I admit it is dispiriting to hear someone point it out so honestly.”
Tsumugi: “No~ Don’t worry, everyone in Yumenosaki is influenced in some way by their surroundings.
That’s what being an idol is. I think I’ve also gotten just slightly more optimistic under everyone’s influence.”
Yuzuru: “Fufu. Who keeps company with the wolf will learn how to howl, they say. I have recently started finding it a bother to keep up with the strict butler act, as well.
Perhaps I am letting a little of my true nature seep out.”
Tsumugi: “Is that so~ I think you’re moving in a good direction, then. Fushimi-kun, you’ve always looked like you’re just acting out a role and being superficially polite.
It’s fine to act a little more like most boys your age do, really.”
Yuzuru: “Fufu. Is being ‘superficially polite’ not a trait we share, Aoba-sama?”
Tsumugi: “True enough. We should look to Trickstar for example and get along, as simply two boys of close age.
We’re staying under the same roof for the week, anyway.
Acting distant the whole time is going to leave us with stiff shoulders.”
Yuzuru: “I find it more comfortable to act rigid, however.
It is something my classmates often chide me for, but speaking in an informal, intimate way is more exhausting to me.
However, I am hoping to learn… about what past fine was like from you, Aoba-sama.
I at least agree to the part where you said we should get along.”
Tsumugi: “Ahaha. There’s nothing interesting about past fine to hear, though.”
Yuzuru: “Yet, it is still necessary to know. I am part of fine, after all.
Bocchama and I will not remain foolish, innocent children forever. It is something we must someday face, should we keep introducing ourselves as fine.
I do not mind if you want to leave out some things. Please tell me what you are ready to tell me.
Our upperclassmen in the current fine are too concerned with looking like good examples to even bring up that topic at all.
I am not a fool. I am not deluded with the thought that fine was always a perfect, noble group with no skeletons in its closet to speak of.
But I wish to accept everything, including its foul and unsightly parts.
Of course, whether to relay everything to Bocchama will depend on what I hear.
But he will not be able to build immunity if all I give him are the clean, pretty things. I am not Bocchama’s slave, but a servant who protects and supports him.
For Bocchama’s sake, I wish to know everything about fine — about the brilliant place he now belongs to.
It must have been some trick of fate that I am staying in the same room as you, a former fine.
So please, I ask for your guidance… ‘Senpai’♪”
Deadly Poison
Deadly Poison 1
> Hot Spring Inn
Mao: (……
…It’s morning, huh.
Mmn, I wonder if it’s because I danced to my limit yesterday… My entire body’s hurting and stiff from the muscle pain.
It’s been such a long time since I felt this. Last time was probably during that hellish training we had in spring, to beat Akatsuki in the S1.
I haven’t really struggled past my limits since then.
Things eventually went just fine even if I only did what I could, within my bounds. I didn’t want to work too hard and get myself sick either, since I’d just cause trouble that way.
The rest of Trickstar always overdo things. At least I’ve got to be the calm one, having my head on my shoulders and making the best choices…
Or we’ll all break to pieces mid-air.
Nah, that’s just my excuse… I’m always like this, leaving the important things for later and opting for the easy paths.
Slippery as an eel, I run away pretending it’s the smart thing to do.
He just hasn’t gotten serious. He can do anything if he gives it his all.
I trick my surroundings into thinking that way about me, and use it as a stopgap.
But what can I do? The other guys in Trickstar are too amazing. All I know is how to be deft, but they’re different; those guys are real geniuses. Subaru, Hokuto, and even Makoto.
If I actually give it my all, struggle to death, and still fail to reach the level of their brilliance… they’ll be disillusioned with me.
They’ll find me out, that I might not actually be that great.
So I desperately tried to cover it up… I carry out the communication job, the mundane little tasks, things that the others aren’t that good at.
They praise me for it… and I continue to act like someone that can be depended on, but deep inside, I’ve always been so anxious.
I always knew, even without Nagisa-san telling me.
If the rest of Trickstar and Anzu continue to grow… I’ll eventually become unneeded.
They’ll be able to fill the holes I’ve been covering with their own power.
I mean, that’s just how it is; what I can do, they really are things anyone can do with a little effort.
Bowing even to people you dislike and carry out mundane jobs without complaint… They’re skills anyone eventually gain when they become an adult and start working.
Right now, the people around me are still children, and they’ve lived slightly uncommon lives until now…
That’s the only reason they find me handy to be around, because I could do those ‘normal’ things well.
…….
…Hmm? I just noticed, but doesn’t it feel strangely warm?
No, there’s something inside my futon! It’s squirming!)
“Oi, is it Ritsu? Didn’t I say not to sneak under my blanket~?”
(…Right, as if. It couldn’t be Ritsu, since I’m on a trip. He loves to be spoiled, but even he couldn’t have come to bother me all the way here.
In other words, it’s, uh… who is it?
What’s this, another mysterious phenomenon!?)
“…Umm, w-who is this~?
Huh, this voice…? Don’t tell me… Anzu?”
(Eeeeh!? What happened? Why is Anzu in my futon? You think this is a classic romcom!?)
“Uhh, Anzu? Is it you, Anzu? Umm, I’m not sure what you were trying to do, but!
I don’t think this sort of thing is right! I’m an idol and you’re a producer!
A-And Subaru and the others are in this room!
Umm… although since it’s already this hour, I think they should have set off to Shuuetsu, since they have morning lessons!
I-I slept too much, huh!? Ahaha! I had so much to think about that I had difficulty sleeping, y’know! So you must’ve come to wake me up, huh!?
And then I ended up hugging you in my sleep… right?
Oi, answer me, seriously! I dunno what to do here!
Eh? ‘That’s enough, so let go of me already’, you say…?
Ah, right! It was too stuffy to speak, huh!? I’m sorry! I’ll release you now!”
(Eek, what’s going on, what’s going on!? I had a lot of stuff in my mind, but it all just flew out of the window!)
“…Uuh, Anzu? Anzu-san? I’m truly sorry!
Eh… ‘You were half asleep, so it’s fine’?
No, be more concerned about it!
Why are you always so defenseless~! And hey, your yukata is slipping off!
Wear it properly! I’ll close my eyes while you fix it!”
(Uugh~… What a blunder of a lifetime. I’ve had some strange things happening this time around. I wasn’t looking to get a shocking travel memory, though!?)
“H-Huh? I think I’m hearing a ringtone? I’m sure it’s mine… can I answer it? Anzu, toss my phone to me!
Ouch!? Uu~… I can’t tell since my eyes are closed, but is this the phone?
H-Hello~? I dunno who this is, but can you make another call later since I’m occupied right now?
Eh, Ritsu? Ah, yeah, good morning! You’ve been having early mornings lately, huh? Ahaha! What’s up? Hmm… You just wanted to hear my voice?
Eh. No, nothing’s wrong.
I’m okay, I’m okay! In fact, I’m feeling kind of happy? Lucky? That felt really soft…!
Ow ow oww!? Anzu? Anzu-san? May I ask why you’re pulling on my hair?
Eh? Yeah! Don’t misunderstand, Ritsu! Anzu just happened to be in my room! We didn’t spend the night in the same room or anything! I swear!
Argh geez, what’s going on, seriously…!?”
Deadly Poison 2
Mao: “Ugh~… Sorry for acting out of it.
No, it’s nothing you should apologize for, Anzu… You were concerned because I wouldn’t come out of my room, right? Thanks for coming to wake me up personally.
But you know, you could’ve asked one of the staffs from the inn or the support members like Aoba-senpai to check how I’m doing…
There were many other ways around it, right? There’s no need to do it yourself.
Huh, it’s because you had something to talk to me about? Sure… I won’t refuse if you’re the one asking, but why me?
Don’t you need Subaru and the other guys too? Though they’ve probably gone to Shuuetsu already…
We can go there and regroup with them, if you need to talk.
Eh? It’s only for my ears…? W-What is it?
It’s not a love confession out of a romcom this time, right? I’m not used to it, so spare me!
Eh? It’s just something to do with work? Right… Of course. I thought so.
But I don’t know if I can be of any help.
Ahaha, yeah… Maybe I’m feeling a little insecure after that Nagisa person’s harsh words…
That was really cruel, ripping me to shreds in front of everyone else.
I was so embarrassed…
And I felt really pathetic. I thought if I could show him what we’re capable of like with Eve, things can go well with Adam too, but…
It was no good… I think I even made them look down on the other Trickstar guys. I feel really sorry about that.
…I wonder if I’m unneeded in Trickstar.
Eh, ‘That’s not true!’, you say? Right… Thanks for objecting so fervently.
But don’t bend over like that. You’re in a yukata; I don’t know where to look, with your cleavage almost showing.
Right… You’ve really gotten used to being in an all-boys school like Yumenosaki, huh. Probably a little too much.
Even so, keep in mind that you’re a girl.
Anyway, sorry that I sort of made you console me.
But times like this, no matter what anyone says to me, it only serves as a momentary reassurance, so I’ll have to be the one to convince myself.
That’s exactly why I’ll do anything to restore my confidence. You brought a job only I can do, right? I’ll do everything in my power to answer.
Thanks, Anzu. You came at a perfect time. I’m still feeling a little down, but I think I’ve started seeing things more optimistically.
So? What do you need me to do? Ask me anything; this time, I won’t complain about wanting to avoid troubles, or anything.”
> Reimei Academy
Tsumugi: “Ooi, Anzu-chaaan! Over here, over here♪
…Huh? You came with her, Isara-kun?
Shouldn’t the Trickstar members all practice, like Shuuetsu Academy scheduled you to?”
Mao: “Ahaha, I thought it’d be better to restore my mental state before I do that…
If I go to Shuuetsu, I might encounter that Nagisa person and recall the things he said all over again.
I have a loose schedule compared to everyone else, so I can still catch up later.
…Also, it’s aggravating to move to what the enemy wants.”
Tsumugi: “Ahaha, I heard all about it. It seems Nagisa-kun said really cruel things to you.”
Mao: “Huh? So you’re aware. Did the other members tell you about it…?”
Tsumugi: “No, no. I heard it directly from Nagisa-kun. This is apparently my role this time around, so I make sure to contact him frequently, even if it annoys him.
Nagisa-kun informed me that he said this-and-that to you, and wondered if it was okay… He sounded concerned about it.
He was always bad at talking, that boy.
His word choices can be peculiar, and he just blurts out everything that comes to mind, so he can be easy to misunderstand.
I don’t think he meant bad when he said what he did, so please try to let it go.”
Mao: “Eh~ It’s hard to convince myself he didn’t mean anything bad by that…
He was going on about how the other Trickstar guys are stars while I’m just a flashlight.”
Tsumugi: “Hmm~… That’s probably how it seems to him.
But you’re the sort of boy whose charm only becomes obvious to people once they’re deeply involved with you, Isara-kun.
Ahaha, though that’s probably not much coming from me, who’s not that close to you.
Most likely, Nagisa-kun is currently surrounded by too many of ‘that sort of kids’.
The waverer sort who position themselves deftly while faking the same shine as stars.
In Shuuetsu and other affiliated schools, there’s an obvious difference between how the Special Students and those that aren’t are treated.
So there have been many children who are willing to go so far as dirty their hands to achieve the status of Special Students.
It seems Nagisa-kun has gotten annoyed of seeing those types.
I think he just mistook you for one like that, and ended up venting to you even the frustration he had always hold towards them.”
Mao: “Hmm~… I know that was meant to console me, but I really am one of those waverer sort.
That’s why his words really struck home.
He really hit me where it hurt.”
Tsumugi: “Maybe you’re right. But Adam – Nagisa-kun isn’t God.
His words aren’t the absolute truth.
I think it all depends on how you took them.
Will you let his words bring you down, and take a step backward? Or will you use it to fuel you and grow, to make Nagisa-kun revoke his statement?
I believe that you, that Trickstar, would choose the latter.
Haven’t you so far rose back up despite being trampled down many times, made the impossible possible, and even created miracles?
It’ll be the same this time around. No… It’s for that sake, for the sake of proving that you’ve grown from your sufferings and losses —
For the sake of revenge, that you’re fighting right now.
Please, find your way through the adversity without losing heart. Me, Anzu-chan, and everyone else are here to support you.”
Deadly Poison 3
Mao: “Ahaha. Thank you, Aoba-senpai.
I kinda feel lighter. I always walk around troubles nimbly, see…
So I rarely experience failures or hold many concerns. It’s refreshing to consult someone and receive advice like this.”
Tsumugi: “Is that right~? If you’re fine with me, I’m here to listen anytime.
Although I still can’t use ‘magic’ that erases pain away as well as Natsume-kun can.”
Mao: “Right, Switch is a unit of magicians, huh…? For some reason, Subaru often calls me a magician too.
Sally the Magician [4], he said… though I’m sure he’s just calling me that to match my nickname.”
Tsumugi: “Fufu, it must be because you’ve always cast the same magic on Trickstar as the one we also use:
The magic spell to lighten the heart.
Having it around can make a huge difference during times of distress.
In the past, I didn’t know how to use that magic, and failed to heal Eichi-kun when he was hurt and exhausted.
But I think you can do it. You can do what I couldn’t, I’m sure of it.
Anyway, Isara-kun, please move over to this side a little…
Unlike Shuuetsu Academy, which is located in a remote area, a lot of people come and go on the roads near Reimei.
If the passers-by start looking at us funny, we might get mistaken for a suspicious bunch.”
Mao: “Ah, so this is Reimei… I saw it on a photo, come to think of it.”
Tsumugi: “Huh? Isara-kun, you still have no idea about our objective?”
Mao: “Yes, Anzu asked me to do some other things before this, but… in the end, I didn’t feel like heading to Shuuetsu for my lessons, so I just tagged along her.
But if we’re at Reimei, does this mean we’re going to meet Eve? We don’t know anyone else, after all…”
Tsumugi: “Yes. Our objective is to get in touch with Eve. Or more precisely, we’re going to do a little intelligence-gathering.
I might be on friendly terms with Nagisa-kun, but we still go to different schools.
If it’s about how he’s like now, and about Adam… it should be fastest to learn them from the two members of Eve, which is the closest unit to them.”
Mao: “Intel, huh… Know your enemy, know yourself, and victory will follow – is that it? Vice Prez says it often. I suppose it’s necessary.
Our opponent seems to know everything there is to know about us, too.
They’re not slacking off, despite their opponent being of lower rank than them… Personally, I wish they’d underestimate us and let their guard down a bit.”
Tsumugi: “Ahaha. You guys defeated fine and were chosen as our representatives for SS. You won’t be treated like nameless newcomers anymore.
Your opponent will research you, observe you, and build a plan against you.”
Mao: “Sounds scary. But well, I guess that’s just natural.
We’re not in a shounen manga… SS isn’t gonna be a stage for stupid enemies with a bunch of weaknesses to pick at.”
Hiyori: “Hmm, hmm, hmm? Look, Jun-kun, look! I spot something rare on the street!”
Jun: “Hah? What, did you find another stray to pick up…?
Bloody Mary alone is hard to keep hidden as it is. Don’t get us anymore pets, can you~?”
Hiyori: “Eeeh~? Why do you say that as if I’m the only one in the wrong? We found and picked up Bloody Mary together! We’re partners in crime!”
Jun: “You also made up explanations that pinned the entire blame on me whenever the guys next rooms started to suspect us, didn’t you?
…Oh, wait? Trickstar’s Isara-san and… Anzu-san? Why are you two here?”
Hiyori: “Hehe, let me guess: you must’ve gotten lost! What a laugh…☆
I understand, I understand! Reimei and Shuuetsu were built by the same construction company, so they appear similar at a glance, don’t they!
It’s not too weird you’d mistakenly find yourself at Reimei!
Sometimes, when I drop by somewhere else on the way, I’d find the classes having ended before I could reach the school building, myself!”
Jun: “The school’s just a stone’s throw away from the dorm. Why the heck would you even drop by somewhere else?
Most things are available within the school grounds, right? Don’t wander off somewhere else, will you?
And don’t start repeating grades because of lack of attendance, please. Having you in the same classroom taking the same lecture sounds like a distracting learning experience.”
Hiyori: “Ahaha! So you mean you’ll have your mind too full watching my every move! You love me so much, Jun-kun…☆”
Jun: “No, I meant that it’s gonna be really loud… For your information, your laughing always reaches all the way to the second year classrooms.”
Tsumugi: “Um, excuse me~ It’s certainly enviable how close you are, but can we have a bit of your attention too?”
Hiyori: “Of course that’s fine! You know the history we had together, Tsuum-Tsuum☆ (trilling)”
Jun: “No, actually, it’s not okay. We’re hard-pressed for time, see…
You all should be aware, but Adam will be appearing in the huge stage that is the Autumn Live.
So we Eve, as the other half of Eden, are getting more work to make up for their part.
For one, the work they routinely do have been shifted to our workload.”
Hiyori: “Right, right! Things have been going so well since our contact with Trickstar! We’ve been very occupied lately!
Look, look! I’m shining a hundred times brighter than I was yesterday…☆”
Jun: “And getting proportionally more annoying, huh, Ohii-san~?”
Tsumugi: “Ahaha. Of course, we understand that you’re busy, but can’t we really take a bit of your time? I believe it won’t take too long.”
Hiyori: “…Hmm~ So it’s something pretty serious?
Then there’s no other choice, I suppose. Jun-kun, I’ll contact the agency so they can rework our schedule, so…
I’ll leave it to you to show them to the usual cafe.”
Jun: “Roger that… Not too sure here, but seems you guys are struggling with facing Adam, like we expected, huh?
We have our position in Eden too, so we can’t say anything that might be used against Adam.
But if that’s fine with you, please feel free to ask us whatever.
Personally speaking, we’d rather that Trickstar don’t get crushed this early too.
Find a way to resist before the poison’s completely spread, please.”
Deadly Poison 4
> Shuuetsu Academy Corridor
Ibara: “…san? Akehoshi-san! Ooi, can you hear me?”
Subaru: “……
…Hwe!? Aah, sorry for that, Barry! My mind wandered off for a bit♪”
Ibara: “Ahaha! Perhaps you’ve found yourself feeling sleepy, after a meal?
[Still — I have just noticed this when I heard you call me Barry. Akehoshi-san, do you not also have the sort of name that can be shortened to Barry?
Subaru and Ibara. Our names are similar!
I feel a sense of closeness! Or is that overfamiliar of me?
But I am sincere when I say that I’d like all of us to become friends who can feel sympathy and love for one another!”
Subaru: “…Save for our names, we’re completely different, though. You and I.”
Ibara: “…Are you feeling unwell? You do not seem very spirited. Did you have difficulty sleeping last night?
Really, don’t you think that you should have stayed at the hotel we prepared, instead of changing your lodging destination in the last minute?
It is a wonderful hotel, you see. Even starting tonight would not be too late; would you like to switch over there?
It was ergonomically designed, and perfected, as a hotel where idols can have their rest the most comfortably!
You would no doubt experience a sound sleep if you stay there! I guarantee it!
Aah, how vexing! Yuzuru was the one who prepared that inn, yes?
From my perspective, that place is unacceptable! Even just a glance at it brought a hundred or two problems to mind!”
(Above anything, unlike the hotel, they have no video surveillance over there. I don’t have a grasp of Trickstar’s actions at the inn…
Geez, what a hindrance Yuzuru is being.)
Subaru: “Hey, hey, Barry. Are you friends with Fusshy?
You attached ‘-san’ to our names, but called Fusshy casually by given name, huh?”
Ibara: “Fusshy… Based on Akehoshi-san’s genius-level naming sense, I must suppose that is referring to Yuzuru?
Fufufu. It is an embarrassing story. He and I were trained at the same facility…
And the two of us were the only boys of our age, so yes, we were close.
Unfortunately, he seems to have grown resentful of me in the present. How lonely…
Yuzuru may badmouth me some, but please, do not believe in it too much.”
Subaru: “Hmm~ Fusshy can be pretty sharp-tongued, but I think he doesn’t speak badly of people without reason.
I don’t know him that well, though. Until recently, fine was our greatest enemy, after all.”
Ibara: “However! Trickstar splendidly defeated fine and attained the right to participate in SS, yes?
That is incredible! As someone of the same age, I admire you all!”
Subaru: “It was a miracle that we won, y’know~ A lot of people cheered us on and gave us a push on the back, and thanks to a little coincidence, we made a miracle happen.
Right now, we’re struggling to make ends meet with the results of that miracle.”
Ibara: “No, no, it must have been your true abilities! Please have more confidence in yourself! Humility may be a virtue, but when taken too far, it can seem more like mockery!”
(Hmm~ This is difficult. From their history of crawling from the bottom of the chain and having a miraculous victory…
I predicted them to have become a little conceited and unguarded.
Either their loss to Eve in summer cut them down to size, or they are nowhere as stupid as I thought they were… They are not showing as many weaknesses as I would like.
But well, if they put their guard up against us, they would be weighed down all the same.
I shall advance the battle while they can’t move as they like. By the time they notice, they will have been checkmated.
The difference is as insignificant as deciding to boil or fry something you will eat in the end.)
Subaru: (Mmn~… Barry’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes, huh. It feels like he’s surmising us from the depths of his narrowed eyes.
I’m not sure, but it gives me the creeps. Like my entire body’s being licked.
It’s unsettling. Let’s make a break for it.)
“Sorry! I have the next lesson coming up, so I’ll have to go.”
Ibara: “Yes? Indeed… so it is already time. It is so fun to converse with you that I forgot the time, Akehoshi-san!
I believe we will be together in the lesson after the next, so let’s continue our chat then! Now, if you will excuse me~♪”
(…Alright, then. My next move should be to confirm Isara-san’s situation, as he does not seem to be attending his lessons for some reason.
Hopefully, he’s just running away after having his heart broken by His Excellency’s words.
It was with that intention, after all, that I went out of my way to control their movements…
…and make Isara-san come face-to-face with His Excellency, whose existence should be the most effective poison for him.
Still… the analysis was that Trickstar is the type of group to turn frightfully strong when they are together as one, hence my spreading the members apart, but…
Now their individual actions have become hard to grasp instead.
Somehow, this feels different than the usual fare… I have a bad feeling about this.)
Deadly Poison 5
Subaru: (…Alright, Barry’s gone away to the other end of the corridor.
I’ve been wondering about this vibration coming from my smartphone.
Ah, they’re messages from Sally.
We couldn’t talk this morning. Sally was fast asleep, and Barry went out of his way to pick us up, so we had no choice but follow him…
But Sally seemed a little down, so…
I’ve wanted to talk with him properly; the timing’s perfect.
…Nnn? What’s this? He’s sending stickers in bulk.
Ah, maybe… This is that thing, right?
Ahaha, I missed these! We used stickers as substitute for certain letters and made them into secret codes only we could read!
It was something we put together to kill time between our work… For some time, we played around chatting only with these stickers, right?
It’s so nostalgic. Umm, how were these read, again…? This bear stands for the hiragana ‘a’, right? And this other bear’s the alphabetic ‘A’?)
Ibara: (…? What could this be?
He’s sending stickers in bulk? Hmmm… since the lineup seems unnatural, I suspect it might be some code, but…
It was most likely put together using their own peculiar rule, so deciphering it would be difficult.
Tch. I had them register their email addresses as a condition to use the tablets…
All so I could arrange their messages to be leaked to me, and this happened.
Perhaps Yuzuru warned them. They are certainly counterattacking well.
They appear to be a more formidable enemy than I thought, but…
What does that matter? I still have more hands to play.
These do nothing but buy them some time. Since there’s a huge difference between our abilities, we can force our way to victory without petty tricks, either way.
…Just in case — for the unlikely possibility, I shall hasten to prepare His Excellency for action.
Without diligent maintenance, the ultimate weapon might misfire in the decisive moment, and that would be much too unbearable.)
> Adam’s Personal Room
Subaru: “Excuse me~!”
Hokuto: “…Ah, so you’ve come, Akehoshi. That was faster than I expected.”
Subaru: “Ahaha, Barry kept hanging around me and that gave me the creeps, so I made a run for it.”
Hokuto: “Hmm. It’s rare to hear you express avoidance of other people, saying they give you the creeps and all. Don’t you love other people, as a general rule?”
Subaru: “I love them! But for some reason, I don’t feel like we can come to an understanding with the two guys from Adam and befriend them, you know~?
I can’t find a good way to phrase this, but they feel really far away.”
Hokuto: “Hmm… Well, we’ll have to face against them in SS, so there’s really no need to be friends.
Rather than that, you got the messages from Isara, right?
I deciphered it immediately, but… I still don’t understand what he wants. What do you think is his intention?”
Subaru: “Eh, you decoded it already? That’s fast! I haven’t even managed to read half of it~”
Hokuto: “Heh, I’m good at this kind of thing. I’m used to word puzzles through doing crosswords.”
Subaru: “Ahaha. You sure do love them, Hokke… You’ll even be solving crosswords when class is in session. Oi, focus on the lecture, class rep~♪”
Hokuto: “Well, it’s hard to settle down when there’s a grid to fill.
Fufu. Shuuetsu Academy is almost like a different country to us, so I’ve found it hard to relax, but…
When I talk with you, I think I restored some of our usual feel.”
Subaru: “Yeah. We’ve been kinda weird, huh.
I’m especially worried about Sally, who seems devastated by that Nagisa guy’s words, and also Ukki…
Ukki seems to be seriously considering about joining their agency.
He gathered a bunch of documents and had his face buried on them the whole time.”
Hokuto: “Yuuki belonged to a modeling agency in the past, so he must have less resistance to the idea than we do.
In our case, the thought of our positions largely changing is too hard to swallow, but…
I’m actually finding the agency to be an attractive proposition too.
Saegusa definitely selected the information he disclosed to us well, so despite seeing many merits to signing up to the agency, I fail to see any demerit.
If they would then tell us to disband Trickstar as a condition to join, I would oppose without hesitation.
But it seems we can gain some flexibility with work content and standings, depending on how well we negotiate.
Just by attending Shuuetsu’s lessons a little, I felt the difference in quality compared to Yumenosaki’s.
I feel myself growing fast and my flaws being neutralized.
There were first-class lecturers, experts of their fields, who quickly resolved the technical concerns I had with certain expressions.
They grasped my strengths and weaknesses and arranged a method where I could grow better.
Livelihood is serviced perfectly and jobs are in no way suspicious — the agency chooses what’s the most beneficial and gives it to us.
We can focus everything into becoming more radiant idols.
…I don’t see anything to pick at. If the agency would look after the content of our work and lessons, then there’s no worry about colliding with others, as well.
It won’t be a contest; individuals will grow in ways unique to them.
We won’t have to kick others down. They’re different in their very root compared to Yumenosaki’s competitivism.”
Deadly Poison 6
Hokuto: “Of course, this is because we are being treated as Special Students. It’s definitely a right that requires bloodbaths to earn.
We’ve been excused from that. We’re given only the merits.
We fought a desperate battle in DDD and raised as victors. We’ve acquired value as idols. That’s why we’re given the same privileges as Special Students.
But how was it in Yumenosaki? Did anything change?
We were bound to repeat battles to no end, on and on…
Didn’t the battle itself turned into purpose, hindering our growth as idols?
…I don’t know what’s right anymore.
Should we stay in Yumenosaki, stay as the ‘we, who were nobodies’, even to SS?
Shouldn’t we reform from the roots, and be reborn?
I think Yuuki is thinking of the same thing. He might seem like a fool sometimes, but he’s the wisest and most self-possessed of us all.
He knows how to calculate the merits and demerits of a decision in a concise fashion. He can set aside his emotions for a minute to seek the optimal solution.
So if Yuuki seems to be considering joining the agency seriously… there’s definitely a heavy meaning in that.
Akehoshi. What about you, what do you think? Can we really go on as we are? Should Trickstar change?
And if we shouldn’t, do you think we can win against Eden that way?
No. Do you think we can become more wonderful idols, like those of our dreams?”
Subaru: “…I don’t get complicated stuffs, but…
This — it’s a little hard to say, since it’s incredibly personal, but…
At least from my perspective, I think this is a huge downside to entering an agency…
When we become part of the agency, they’ll decide the content of our job and everything else for us, right?
That means there’ll be nothing for Anzu to do.
Because probably, the agency will assign a producer or a manager to manage and raise us.
Even the content of our lessons today was a program for Special Students that the agency pushed at us. There was no room for Anzu to assert her opinion.
If we enter the agency, there’ll be no place for Anzu next to Trickstar.
And I’d really hate that to happen… I know, it’s a really personal and emotional reason.
Me, Hokke, Ukki, Sally, Anzu… We won DDD because the five of us were there. That’s how the miracle, the revolution happened.
I don’t want there to cease to be five of us. I don’t want to lose anyone… Of course, I’m aware Anzu isn’t our exclusive producer.
She’s very much in demand among the other units, and they all want her. Even if we distance ourselves from her, she has many other places to belong.
And as a producer, she was an amateur until recently… The person the agency will assign us might be more competent.
Even so, Trickstar became what it is because it’s us five. If any one of us was missing, I’m sure the position we have now would greatly differ.
It’s because it’s the Trickstar we made together, that we’re given extravagant treatment like Special Students here in Shuuetsu.
So, I don’t want to cast anything away… as if we no longer have use for it, just because that’s the more beneficial choice.
I know you might get angry if I put things this way, Hokke.
You might say we’re not here to play around, that it’s work, that I shouldn’t say such selfish things…
That there’s no way around it. You’re strong, so you might be able to move forward, Hokke.
But that’s too much to ask from me. I can’t walk by myself.”
Hokuto: “Are you a baby?
…Well, I know what you’re trying to say.
We can’t decide in a heartbeat. Should we choose what’s profitable, or follow our hearts? And can we really win if we choose by heart? Become happy, become the idols we dreamed of?
Whether the world is that kind or not… I still don’t know either.
However, there’s little time to dwell on this. SS is nigh; it’s at the end of the year.
We have to move fast, or we won’t make it in time. We were given a choice at such a pressing time.
We can’t help but hesitate.
If there was only one goal, like defeating the student council or reforming Yumenosaki, we could’ve advanced without hesitation, but…
We wavered. …This must be part of Adam’s plan.
But we know this sort of plan by experience. Tomoe-senpai said the tactic in Summer Live was suggested to him by Adam, and they seem to be using a similar hand this time around.
If they think we’ll fall for the same trap twice, they’re looking down on us too much.
If we can read our opponent’s tactic, we can also build a counterattack. We can definitely take revenge this time, without things ending in our total defeat.
It seems Anzu and Isara are working to make that happen. That’s what the message we got said.
Last time might have been a one-sided massacre for the most part, but this one will be a proper battle. While they might’ve made the first strike, we can turn the tables on them from now.
Launching an attack means they’re prepared to be struck back. Let’s have our payback to our fill.
That’s what the Revenge Match!, as Anzu titled and planned, is for.
The war zone is endless, bitter, and unfamiliar… But we’ll survive, and give those guys, who are sitting back believing they’ve won, a good shock.
That’s what we are. …We’re Trickstar.”
Isolation
Isolation 1
> Autumn Live Stage (TS)
Yuzuru: “(humming)…♪”
Makoto: “Hmm? Ooi, Fushimi-kun!”
Yuzuru: “Oh? If it isn’t Yuuki-sama. How curious to catch you here.
Shouldn’t the members of Trickstar be receiving lessons in Shuuetsu? Is it fine for you to wander here?
Although, you could say I am skipping my classes in Yumenosaki to work as your support here… so I am not in the position to scold you.”
Makoto: “Ahaha. Umm, so you know, I thought I should see what the Autumn Live stage is like, before the event…
Some things can’t be understood just through looking at data, after all.
Since it’s lunch break, I decided to venture here for a bit.
So this is where Autumn Live will be held, right?
It sure is spacious and fancy, huh… That’s Cosmic Production’s financial power for you.”
Yuzuru: “Indeed. With Yumenosaki’s fundings, the President’s Tenshouin Zaibatsu occupies a large part of the shares, but…
Shuuetsu and the affiliated schools seem to have a complex of diverse companies and foundations as their patrons.
‘Many a little makes a mickle’ seems to be their belief, and they’ve indeed built quite the power. It is no longer the era for monopoly, anyway; theirs is a democratic power, you could say.
Well, to look at it another way, though… Tenshouin Zaibatsu is beyond human logic in the way it manages to compete, alone, with such a complex forming of large powers.
The Himemiyas, whom I serve, are quite the powerful house as well, but the Tenshouin Zaibatsu is at a different level.”
Makoto: “Ahaha. That kind of financial?-world talk I don’t really get, but…
Seeing the venue, it does seem like many companies are sponsoring this. I saw advertisements here and there.”
Yuzuru: “Yes. If you cut off one of their heads, it will regrow. Their group is very much like a monster that appears in legends.
On the contrary, in Yumenosaki Academy’s case — if I just assassinate the President, for example, they will be suffering a fatal blow.”
Makoto: “That’s quite the violent thing to say… You’re in fine, Fushimi-kun. You shouldn’t talk about assassinating your leader even as a joke, okay?”
Yuzuru: “Oh, pardon me. But sometimes I just wish that man would encounter a painful experience. In a way that won’t kill him, of course…
I need him to live a long life, after all.
…Oh my. Apologies; it appears they’re calling for me. I need to excuse myself for a while, Yuuki-sama.
Currently, I am working on the construction and cleanliness of the venue as one of the support members, but…
For some reason, the Shuuetsu members would not work on Trickstar’s stage.
Well, I suppose it is natural to prioritize the side one belongs to.
But while they have been currying favors with you as their guests, their real feelings are quite plain to see here.
We are having a tough time, as we are lacking in helping hands. But it is the stage the representatives of our school will stand on; we do hope to perfect it in time.”
Makoto: “Right, we’re counting on you. …I’m sorry to bother you while you’re working.”
Yuzuru: “It is fine; please do not hesitate to request anything of me, Yuuki-sama.”
Makoto: “Okay. If possible, can you drop the ‘sama’? We’re the same age, right?”
Yuzuru: “Pardon, once more. You’ll have to forgive me; it is already something of a habit.
I have beaten the etiquette of a butler to my flesh and bones, even indoctrinating myself to feel pleasure from the humble act, you see.”
(Yuzuru leaves.)
Makoto: (Ahaha. Fushimi-kun seems to be in a good mood. I guess he likes cleaning; he’s a butler, after all.
…Oh, lunch break will end soon. I should return to Shuuetsu.
I have to follow the instructions Isara-kun gave in his messages. Act like a clueless, innocent dunce, and dig deeper while I’m at it.
I’m pretty good at that stuff. …If even Akehoshi-kun and Hidaka-kun are fooled, that’s good too. To fool the enemy, one has to first fool their allies, after all.)
Nagisa: “…….”
Makoto: (Hmm? Huh, that’s Ran Nagisa-san. I wonder what he’s doing there?
It seems to me like he’s taking a walk with no particular aim…
The staffs who are working, and the kids from the other affiliate schools who aren’t Special Students, seem like they’re pretending he isn’t here.
He’s such a mysterious person. Otherworldly, or maybe more like a ghost.)
Nagisa: “…Hn. Adam’s stage can be seen perfectly from here.
…So that’s what this is about. Ibara, you’re too underhanded.
…I’m not sure about crushing Trickstar completely here.
…If it’s Eichi-kun, he would either send out replacements, or venture out himself.
…The best tactic is to leave them half-dead, bestowing serious damage.
…This is distasteful. Instead of pushing others down, I’d rather raise myself up.”
Makoto: (He’s mumbling to himself… W-what a weird person.
But part of him looks like he has a hard time breathing. He might be similar to how I was when I was a model.
…I can talk him up a bit for info.
Nagisa-san said some cruel things to Isara-kun, but… I’m not sure why, I don’t think he’s a bad person…
I think he’ll understand if we talk.)
“Excuse me… Lunch break will end soon. Is it alright not to return to school?”
Nagisa: “…Nn. Yes, it’s alright.
…I finished my quota before noon. It’s my free time in the afternoon.
…Usually, we would have work, but our schedules have been freed some until Autumn Live.
…Though unfortunately, we’re making Hiyori-kun’s group work for us in exchange.
…Huh? Yuuki Makoto-kun. Are you taking a walk like me?”
Makoto: “Eh? Ah, yes… walking off my lunch. Since we’re going to sing and dance in this place, I thought I should see what it’s like firsthand.”
Nagisa: “…Hmm. That’s diligent of you. Good work.
…Unfortunately, individuals can’t change the course of fate, no matter how they struggle.”
Makoto: “…Umm. Is that supposed to mean that we, the way we are, can’t win against Adam no matter how hard we try?”
Nagisa: “…It’s not about winning or losing. But even if I try to explain, you probably won’t understand.
…I’m envious of you guys. You can still dream.”
Makoto: “…?”
Isolation 2
> Café
Hiyori: “Now now, you may eat to your fill! Like a bunch of pigs…☆”
Jun: “Why do you think this guy always has to say one word too much?”
Hiyori: “Silence, Jun-kun! That’s my charm point, you know!
Come on, come on! Don’t be shy, and order anything you want! It will be on me♪”
Jun: “And showing off your riches for no reason isn’t a good habit to keep, you know~… Ohii-san?”
Hiyori: “I’m at least wealthier than the rest of you. This café is managed by our foundation, so I can afford to be accommodating.”
Tsumugi: “Ah, so this place was your family’s, huh, Hiyori-kun?
It seems you’re developing a chain through the country. There’s a café with the same name in our neighborhood too.”
Hiyori: “Ah, that’s the main branch. This one’s just done here recently~ Our foundation’s been doing well lately, thanks to our activities.
Well, not enough to be too optimistic, unfortunately. The comparison between Eichi-kun’s place and ours can’t even hold up to an adult and a child; he’s the moon and we’re a softshell turtle.
In any case, I think Jun-kun might scold me anytime soon for my bad habit of only talking about myself, so… Let’s hear about what you guys want to ask.
You want to know about Adam — right?
And if you’re going out of your way to meet us, then what you want to hear is at a level that can’t be reached through just a net search, right?
But I do wonder how much I can say. Speaking personally, of course I want you to know about Nagisa-kun and show an understanding of him, considering how easy to misunderstand he is.
Jun-kun, stop me if I say anything that might be disadvantageous to Eden.”
Jun: “Roger that. I’m gonna smack the back of your head to stop you; surely that’s fine~?”
Hiyori: “I’d like that you come up with a less violent method… Geez, you really have no respect for your master.
Anyway, then I’ll be telling you guys about things that can’t be researched through normal means.
So I say, but while I’m Nagisa-kun’s best friend for life… The kid who’s his companion — that venomous snake I don’t know much about, so have no expectations on that.”
Tsumugi: “Snake…? Umm, is that about Nagisa-kun’s companion, that Saegusa boy?”
Hiyori: “Yes. He might be our comrade, but compared to Yumenosaki, we separate business and private life cleanly over here.
I don’t know much about that boy, besides what’s on the surface.
Onto the main subject. If possible, I ask that you don’t blabber about what I’m going to tell you to other people.
It’s not something to hide, per se… And it’s nothing that will affect our business, even if it’s known.
But you guys are enemies, and if it gets out that I’m selling such people info of my comrades, that’s not going to sound too good.
I will, to the end, speak as simply an old friend of you… Tsumugi-kun.
You took care of me when we were both in fine, after all. To pay you back, I’ll share you what I know; I’m sure if it’s you, you won’t use your friend’s info for bad too.”
Mao: “Umm, if you’re going to speak only to Aoba-senpai, should Anzu and I excuse ourselves?”
Hiyori: “No, you both can stay. You are the ones who will be facing against Adam, after all. It’s probably better to let you guys know…
I told you not to tell anyone a little while ago, just in case, but…
It’s quite the absurd story that I don’t think anyone will believe, even if you tell them.
Adam happens to be proficient at manipulating information, so we can erase it easily anyway.
Let’s see. First of all, let me speak of Nagisa-kun’s personal history.
It’s going to sound like a conspiracy theory from the start, and I’m aware of how ridiculous it is, myself.
On the shadow of the entertainment industry, there was someone who used to be pulling all the strings… the most powerful man, something of a godfather of this business.”
Mao: “Godfather… Eh, that sounds like a movie.”
Hiyori: “Though it’s reality. He had such a large influence over the industry, like some god, and I heard he even dabbled in crime-like, illegal things.
The notorious lord of the industry, you may say.
While he lived quite the long life, he has passed away for a good while now.
During the postmortem investigation, it was found that he had been sheltering one beautiful boy behind closed doors.
And that’s Nagisa-kun.
When he was found, he was already around middle school age.
However, he was adorned in a fancy room like some doll, not receiving any proper education.
Like another treasure cherished and put on display by an evil boss… The reason Nagisa-kun seems otherworldly even to this day was because of that history.
He’s a sad child, raised without knowing love. He was collected as an art piece, not a human being.
The information of his finding was within the bounds of my foundation’s power. After some turns and twists, he was temporarily left in my family’s care.
Only for a short time, though, until they could find a foster parent or guardian for him.
Of course, the kind boy I was, I taught Nagisa-kun many things and held his hand through every step, starting from ABC.
It was decided that my brother will be the heir to the foundation anyway, so being the easygoing second son, I had a lot of time on hand.”
Jun: “You sure seem to love that kind of thing, Ohii-san.
Like buying over or picking up something, and cherishing it…? You’re even doting Bloody Mary to death.”
Hiyori: “Including noticing you and picking you off the ground, yes? You can thank me more.”
Isolation 3
Hiyori: “Anyway, maybe the don chose and sheltered him for this reason, but Nagisa-kun is blessed with natural looks, music sense, and intelligence.
God does bestow two, even three gifts to one person.
He might be falling a little behind, due to the lack of mandatory education, but he was always one with a fondness for studying, so he swiftly gained many skills and knowledge.
Finally, they found foster parents for him, and we had to part.
Even from those days, he always asserted about wanting to be an idol, for some reason.
That inspired me some too, that I started dreaming to become one myself…
So we locked our little fingers together and promised, that we’ll be reunited in the showbiz.
Well, that reunion happened sooner than expected.
When I enrolled to Yumenosaki and met him once more… he had undergone quite the transformation, but I’d like to believe what he had on his core hasn’t changed.
That the boy who would sing and dance into the night with me, as we laughed together about the fun and happiness of it—
That the dazzling child I knew is the true Nagisa-kun.
Right now, as Adam… he’s doing some rather extreme things, following the agency’s business strategy.
Taking over schools similar to us, treating the non-Special Students like slaves…
While I speak like an unrelated party, I take part in these things, as well. Because there are huge waves and powers that you just can’t defy…
But there was a time when we overturned that, right?
In Yumenosaki Academy. We performed a revolution as fine, didn’t we? I won’t say that what we did back then was all just, though.
But it won’t turn into a lie. It’s not a dream that’ll evaporate and disappear like foam.
That exaltation, like we’ve become protagonists of a story… I’m sure Nagisa-kun still remembers that sensation too.
For as long as those memories, that warmth, still exist… Nagisa-kun is the Nagisa-kun I love.
Or so I think, thus standing on the same stage as him as his partner even now, but… these days, I can’t help but tilt my head to some of his actions…
I think that venomous snake taught him some worthless things.
For some reason, Nagisa-kun just willingly obeys what he says, without complaining. Well, he was always an obedient, pure boy even back then.
He can’t be thinking to follow in the footsteps of the guy who isolated him, and become the second godfather, can he?
It somehow feels like things are going on that direction.”
Jun: “Isn’t that more Ibara’s agenda, than his?
After that notorious lord guy died, the matters under his control were divided up to various factions, apparently…
And Ibara is succeeding one of them, I hear. That’s why he has so many connections within the agency, the affiliated schools, and other related companies.”
Hiyori: “Hmm… So to make his ambitions come true, he’s utilizing Nagisa-kun as a means, a tool… and not just him but Eden, meaning us too.
He seems to be more interested in business matters than the whole idol flair, after all.”
Jun: “Even if he has skills. Well, the belief that you need incredibly hard work to make things happen is outdated these days, so if you just put in effort systemically, you can become good enough in anything.
That’s what an idol training school is for, in the first place.”
Tsumugi: “W-We ended up hearing something bigger than anticipated…
I don’t think Hiyori-kun will be lying at a time like this, but it’s a lot to swallow.
To my knowledge, Nagisa-kun might be a little weird, but he’s just a normal, good kid.”
Hiyori: “That’s because your definition of what falls under ‘normal’ and ‘good kid’ is really wide, Tsumugi-kun.
Actually, since you’re pretty close to Nagisa-kun, I thought you might have known his circumstances.”
Tsumugi: “No, Nagisa-kun never speaks about himself. As if he has no ‘self’…
He didn’t mix in with the rest of the class, so I spoke to him, and that’s just how we normally became friends.”
Hiyori: “Hoho, that sure sounds like you, Tsumugi-kun.”
Tsumugi: “Fufu. But Nagisa-kun’s harsh with ordinary people… or more like, he has a hard time acknowledging them…
It was hard to get him to remember my name, so maybe saying ‘we became friends’ is faulty.”
Hiyori: “Hmm~ Nagisa-kun is a genius, so he should have excellent memory along with the best of everything else, but…
He was raised isolated from the rest of the world during his early years, which is important to the development of personality for most people.
So he might really be lacking a ‘self’.
Human beings remember things starting from what’s related to their ‘selves’, so when one lacks that, they can become forgetful.
I also think it’ll be nice if I can leave some impression within him…
I mean to be showering him with a lot of my love, like watering a flower.
But it all feels like fruitless effort at times, and I start to view him like a bottomless hole.
Hey, Mao-kun—no, Trickstar… That’s the sort of child you’re fighting right now.
It’s a dark, deep hole that traps everything eternally, where not even light can find an escape…
He exists somewhere deep inside it, and you’ll have to find him.
You can’t storm in if you have no idea where the enemy is. So provoke him, toss some bombs…
Sing, dance, and pull him out of there.
That’s when things will really start. I’m his ally, his best friend, and even his family in the past; I’m too afraid to hurt him to use such forceful methods.
But you guys are his enemies, and you’re even in the middle of a war with him.
Plus, I know you’re experts at that…
Eichi-kun gave you all his seal of approval for that charm.
Anyone is pulled towards you. They’ll bend forward, wanting to see you closer. Because you’re idols…
So I have some expectations for you.
That’s why I went out of my way to teach you a lot about him, despite being busy. I’m cheering for you, so do your best.
But if you think that’s impossible, perhaps it’s better to pull back and retreat. …You don’t want to be swallowed into the darkness and vanish either, right?”
Mao: “…….”
Isolation 4
> Adam’s Personal Room
Subaru: “…Ooh? Look, look, Hokke! There’s another message from Sally!
I can’t decipher these codes that fast, so tell me what it means! I wonder what Sally’s trying to tell us?”
Hokuto: “…….”
Subaru: “Hokke? It’s lonely if you don’t respond~….”
Hokuto: “(munch, munch, gulp)
…It’s against manners to speak while eating. Couldn’t you at least wait until I swallowed?”
Subaru: “Hokke, you’re surprisingly well-mannered, aren’t you! Damn young master~♪”
Hokuto: “That ‘surprisingly’ part doesn’t sit well with me, but…
My mother talks non-stop during meal like you do. This is the result of looking to her as an example on ‘how not to be’.
Grandma can be pretty strict about manners, too. And everything Grandma says is the absolute truth of the world, thus you’re the one in the wrong.
In any case; I see… Isara apparently headed off to Reimei with Anzu.
They were investigating some things, by getting in touch with Eve and inquiring them.
Since suspicion might be cast on him if he acts too weird, he will be attending lessons seriously from here on, like we’ve been doing.”
Subaru: “Ahaha. He did say we should be obedient and follow the schedule Shuuetsu set up for us.
That’s what the previous coded message was about.
I guess it means we should make use of the chance to take whatever can be gained?”
Hokuto: “Yes, Shuuetsu Academy’s lessons and lectures really are of excellent quality, so there should be many things we can absorb.
Even just today, I managed to erase many of the dissatisfaction I held towards my own performance.”
Subaru: “I see~ I still can’t feel it. It’s hard to know how far I’ve come when I practice alone. I wish we can practice as a group.”
Hokuto: “Yes, that too will be necessary. There’s only one week until Autumn Live, after all.
For our performance there, we’ll need to train seriously together as Trickstar.”
Subaru: “We did get some practice done before we came to Shuuetsu, but there’s still some adjustments to be made, right? After observing the demographic, how the atmosphere’s gonna be like on the D-day, and the direction the concert’s taking.”
Hokuto: “Since the inn is reserved for our use with no other customer staying, we can practice as a group after returning from here.
But I’m having trouble deciding, since I feel it’s better to get some rest when we can or it’s going to come back to bite us later.”
Subaru: “…I wonder if it’s Shuuetsu’s strategy to make us take classes and lessons individually, so we won’t have the chance to practice together.
No matter how much our individual skills might be honed, we won’t be able to make the best out of them during performance if we haven’t practiced together enough.
We might even fail to harmonize our growth and end up uncoordinated and stuff.”
Hokuto: “Perhaps. Though it’s laughable that they think they can break our unity with this.
But it is an effective tactic. It’s like receiving incessant blows.”
Subaru: “Yet on the surface, they’re promoting peace and taking our hand like a friend!
Argh, I really don’t like this! Isn’t Shuuetsu being kind of snide!?
I say the student council president’s much more gallant in the way he tried to crush us head on!”
Hokuto: “I think he’s not too great either…
But well, Isara and Anzu saw through the enemy’s trap, and are pretending to have fallen for it.
They’re using the time to form a counterattack.
So we’ll place our faith in our comrades and treat ourselves to all the gifts our enemies are sending us.
But without accepting their invitation. And we’ll look for the timing they let their guard down to chew their throats off.
We’ll give them a tearful shock just as they think they’ve tamed us.
Whether to really join the agency or not, that can be carefully considered later after Autumn Live is done with.
For now, let’s harmonize our paces and come as one, to crush the enemy’s plan.
Since we’ve all been divided, we won’t come across each other much… even so, there’s no choice but to have faith, that all of us are fighting with the same feelings.”
Subaru: “Ahaha. Though I luckily have Hokke around this time, we’re all fundamentally on our separate ways, huh?
The length of our lessons and lectures conflict too, so it’s hard to contact each other.
It really does feel like they’re intentionally pulling us apart…
Since we’re known for our unity, breaking us apart has kind turned into the basic tactic of all our opponents thus far, huh?”
Hokuto: “Thank you for the meal.”
Subaru: “Ah, you’re finally done? That took too long! Hokke, you prudent head!”
Hokuto: “What’s that supposed to mean…? If I didn’t chew properly, it would be bad for digestion. It was a rather heavy meal, too.
I think I ate too much. I need to rest a bit or I won’t be able to move as I like.”
Subaru: “Even the meals are extravagant, huh? Each person has a menu fitted especially for them, and non-Special Students are the ones who come to deliver…
Forget that, they even brought in a cooking suite and cooked in front of us.”
Hokuto: “It’s like what are we, royalties? I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that, even if being served like that might be common for celebs.
Sometimes, my parents would bring me to some classy looking restaurant, too.”
Subaru: “You know, I love how you just vaguely refer it as ‘some classy looking restaurant’; I can feel the Hokkeness.”
Hokuto: “What does Hokkeness even mean? Don’t start making up new words, Akehoshi.”
Isolation 5
Hokuto: “Anyway, I’m going to do some exercise to help digest my meal.
I can leave the cutlery here without cleaning them up, and the non-Special Students will come to pick them up, right?”
Subaru: “They’re really like slaves, aren’t they~? I don’t know how they endure that.
You know how I’m overly friendly with people, so I’ve been talking to the non-Special Students whenever I meet them, too.
But instead of respect or any feeling of kinship, I’m feeling fear from them.
Maybe they think they’ll lose their chance to become a Special Student if they make a blunder.
I encountered this kid who kind of resembled how Shinonon was like when we first met.
But he was trembling the whole time, looking at me like I’m a monster. It was… really sad.
I think Yumenosaki is a strange school too, but right now, the people there get rewarded if they put in enough effort.
We can strive diligently, competing as rivals of even standing. Upperclassmen, underclassmen, it doesn’t matter. We can all sing and smile together.
I like that better. Even if, as an idol, aiming for the heights by stepping on others might be what’s needed.”
Hokuto: “I see. That’s very like you. But I haven’t come to such a clean decision.
It hits me whenever I see my parents, that this industry really is just an endless, narrow gate…
A day when we must make a difficult choice will surely come.
However, I also think it’s not something someone else should force or hurry you to do.”
Subaru: “…!? Did you hear someone clap?”
Hokuto: “Hmm?
Geh… uwaa, eh? W-Wha!?”
Subaru: “Calm down, Hokke! Use human language!
…Huh? Wait. Those people standing by the door are…”
Hokuto: “…I just finished deciphering Isara’s message to the end. It seems he and Anzu didn’t go to Reimei only to investigate things.
Another of their objectives… was to get in touch with ‘a certain person’ who acts as an interim lecturer in Reimei.
To create several results out of a single action—Anzu has grown up splendidly.
But I don’t get what she wants! What is the meaning behind this…?
Why have my parents come to Shuuetsu Academy!?”
Subaru: “Ah, so it’s really Hokke Papa and Hokke Mama! It seems my mom’s been in their care before, but I’ve never met them directly myself!
Uwaah, uwaah! Hello, sir, ma’am! Woow, their faces look exactly like what I’ve seen on TV☆”
Hokuto: “Obviously.
Eh… What did you come here for, Father, Mother?
Even though you never came for parent observation days when I was in grade school because of work!
Ugya!? Don’t hug me! I don’t need your ‘I’m sorry, Hocchan! It’s fine, I love you!’
Why are my parents so happy-go-lucky like this…!?”
Subaru: “Ahaha. Hokke’s gotten all red and flustered~ That’s so rare♪
I’m envious.
…Eh? What is it, Hokke Mama? Are you beckoning me to come closer?
Whoa, what a passionate hug!? P-Please stop~? It feels so weird to be hugged in front of my friend, by his mom no less!
Ah but, you have the same scent as Hokke…♪”
Hokuto: “Really? I can’t tell…
But seriously, what have you come here for? Especially mother.
I’ve heard from Tomoe-senpai that father teaches at Reimei Academy sometimes, so I can understand why he’s here.
You, on the other hand, I don’t get. What are you doing? There’s no pattern to your action.”
Subaru: “Gee, call her ‘Mama’, not just ‘you’! You’ve made her wear a sad face~ You unfilial son! Still in your rebellious phase!?”
Hokuto: “I have never called that woman ‘Mama’, even once, since I was born.
…Umm, so what did you come for, really? Explain, Father. I’d like to believe you’re more sensible than her.
Hmm… So not just Reimei; you also have the right to hold lectures at Shuuetsu and other affiliated schools by contract.
And so you entered the school building by making use of that authority?
What for? You can’t be thinking to hold my hand through my lessons like proper parents after all this time, right?
You’re not very deft, Father; you don’t know how to teach outside of what you yourself can do, right?
I am different from you. I am not your imitation, so I don’t need your teaching.”
Subaru: “Wow, sharp~… Treat your parents well, Hokke.
Just the fact you can lean on them and touch them makes you blessed, you know, Hokke.
Though… Sorry. I didn’t mean to sound spiteful; that kind of came out strangely.
Whoa!? This time Hokke Papa’s hugging me! Gyaa, it feels so weird to be hugged by someone who looks like Hokke!
Please, stop with your jesting, Your Majesty! Have mercy~!?
…Eh? I look like my father, too? Do I really~? I am copying his hairstyle and all…
But, I’m very happy to be told that. It’s nice to know that my dad is still alive in someone else’s memories.”
Hokuto: “…Sorry for my incomprehensible parents, Akehoshi.”
Subaru: “Nah, I’m fine. But what have you really come here for… sir, ma’am?”
Battle
Battle 1
> Autumn Live Stage (TS)
[One week later]
[Day of the Autumn Live]
Hokuto: “Alright. Gather around, guys.
As the Autumn Live is right in front of us, let’s huddle and form a circle to raise our spirits.”
Subaru: “And have a strategic meeting that mustn’t be overheard while we’re at it, right?
I’m so happy we can all gather~ We’ve been moving separately throughout our time in Shuuetsu, after all!
Hey, hey, Anzu! And Fusshy and Blue-senpai and other support members too, come over here!
Let’s huddle together! We’re gonna combine our Yumenosaki powers into one and win against Adam!”
Yuzuru: “Fufu. I cannot even guess what this ‘Yumenosaki power’ is supposed to be, but I can somewhat see what you mean to say.
It is an honor to be invited to form a circle with you all.
However, we will huddle together only for a few seconds, and immediately return to our duties. There are still advertisements, stage adjustments, cleaning, as well as merchandising to be taken care of.
Of course, receiving your zeal, we shall be encouraged to give the duties our all.”
Tsumugi: “Right. Shuuetsu has started blatantly avoiding helping us altogether.
We did manage to get all the preparation ready before today somehow.
But the support members’ burdens are heavy, and we’ll still need to run about on the D-day.
It’s as if we support members are in the middle of our own war too, and not just the idols on the stage.
We’d certainly love to take seat back and see Trickstar’s concert through, but…
At present we’re being swamped with errands, so we might not be able to cheer for your stage properly.”
Yuzuru: “That must also be part of Shuuetsu’s… no, Ibara’s plan. He has a plan for every detail, it’s almost impressive. Sly as always, really.
Usually, faced with such resourceful, unending traps, one would find no way to fight back and simply lose.
But for better or worse, Trickstar is not ‘usual’.
Why, because you are the up-and-coming idol group who triumphed over us fine even just once, and attained the right to represent us in the SS.
Ah, no. You are the representatives our school boasts of.
To be overpowered and lose without being able to do anything, without even understanding anything, like most would when faced against an opponent who is levels above them…
I believe if it’s you, you won’t fall to such an unfortunate end.”
Hokuto: “Of course. We’ll give it our best shot, so that won’t happen. We don’t need a repeat of Summer Live.
Everyone, you’ve worked hard until today. As the leader, allow me to express my gratitude, representing everyone in Trickstar.
Thanks to your efforts, I think we can take our opponent unaware.”
Subaru: “Not that we can let our guard down either.
Adam is above us, and we’re being surrounded by enemies on all sides, with all these idols from Shuuetsu and its affiliated schools around. Plus, they’re eating away at our forces through their little tricks.
It’s gonna be a bitter struggle. Ah, this is so exciting.”
Hokuto: “Saying you’re excited there sounds off—so I would usually say, but I feel the same way.
It’s like something’s been set aflame inside me. Aah, live concerts really are great.”
Subaru: “Gee, Hokke, you’re not even hiding your enthusiasm!
Your Papa and Mama are watching, after all! In a way, this is a ‘parent observation day’ for you, a deadly fancy one…☆ Bet you’re excited!”
Hokuto: “…So my parents really came. What are they trying to pull, seriously?
Even after coaching us through our lesson on their first visit, they didn’t explain the most important part: what they came for.
I heard they’ve been responsible for quite a lot of idols’ classes and lessons in Shuuetsu and other affiliated schools, their class being a ‘special lecture’.
What meaning does this all hold? I have a hard time understanding.
Anzu, do you know something? You were the one who contacted them and requested them to do something for you, right?
Can I think of my parents’ appearance… as part of your strategy as well, Anzu?
If you invited them just to tease me, I’m going to be a little angry with you.
I was on edge throughout the week with the thought that those two might appear again, and wasted a lot of energy, you know.”
Subaru: “Ahaha. But you gave the lessons and lectures even more than your usual best so you wouldn’t feel ashamed even if your parents came anytime, right?
I’m sure you’ve grown a lot because of that.
I can feel it, you’re glowing with power from your head to your fingertips, Hokke! You’re overflowing with Hokkeness☆”
Hokuto: “Has that ‘Hokkeness’ word made its way to your favorites, Akehoshi?
Well, that aside. Instead of me, what about you? Our costumes this time around weren’t Anzu’s design, so you must be feeling disgruntled, right?”
Subaru: “Ah, so I was right. I feel some Anzuness in it though, so it’s still a little surprising…
But it does feel more like fine than us. Like these fluttering things on our shoulders.”
Yuzuru: “Fufu. We are active across the nation and the globe, so part of the population thinks of fine as a trademark of Yumenosaki.
So the intent is to utilize a similar design to make it clear that you are also a Yumenosaki unit like us, thus gathering support from that population.
Asides from that, Anzu-san was the one to perform detailed adjustments to the design.
So perhaps that is where this ‘Anzuness’ you spoke of is coming from, Akehoshi-sama.”
Subaru: “I see~ Now I can see why it’s so comfortable to wear!
Anzu’s the leading figure when it comes to our costumes, and she fully grasps the little changes in our physique too.”
Hokuto: “Fufu. She’d often take our measurements with a tailor’s tape even in the classroom. Maybe that’s Anzu’s hobby.
It was unnerving at first, but Anzu looked so happy doing it, so I couldn’t bring myself to say anything.
But even though she loves making costumes so much, were our costumes this time outsourced for the most part?”
Tsumugi: “Fufu. It’s not so much that she outsourced it… The agency decided several details like the design of the costumes and stage, for this Autumn Live.
And it wasn’t smart to oppose that, without any big reason to.
Anzu-chan also had other things she must get done as a producer, anyway.”
Yuzuru: “Indeed. Time and stamina both have their limits…
I believe Anzu-san gave a careful consideration on what she should prioritize, so you all can release your full strength on the performance.
Although… the fact she insisted to make detailed adjustments to the costumes certainly astonishes me, as it must mean she really loves such a work.”
Battle 2
Subaru: “I see~ Until now, Anzu has always tried to do everything herself and ended up getting kind of overheated on the real deal, but…
Even if it broke your heart, you made a choice and cast some things away, didn’t you, Anzu?
That’s commendable. No, not that—thank you… for giving it your all.
Our opponent is that famous Adam, and it might be a lonely struggle among many enemies, but I don’t have any fear.
We’re going to win, so watch us. Like you always do, from the VIP seat closest to us.”
Hokuto: “Akehoshi. You might speak of winning, but there’s no real victory and defeat in the Autumn Live.
It’s different from Yumenosaki. There’s no DreamFest system… no voting mechanism either.
Performers will simply take the stages following the schedule.
The audience will move as they like, watching the performance they’re interested in, or buying food from the stalls to eat.”
Tsumugi: “Like a summer music fest, huh? Or rather… it’s really like an ‘event’.
Numbers of audience gathered, how heated the performance was… those sort of results that decide the winner and loser become hard to tally.”
Subaru: “Alright, then we should make our own victory condition! If we can gather more people than Adam and get them heated up more, it’s our win!”
Hokuto: “Challenge accepted. I don’t hate playing for stakes. Well, it’s another school’s event this time around, so it’s fundamentally different from usual DreamFests.
So it might be better to not think of victory or defeat, and just perform to our all.
The fight hasn’t started yet so we can still relax like this, but I doubt we’ll be able to think of such matters once it begins.
It’s a big event, after all.
Even if to the agency, it might simply be another routine to go through…
The number of people mobilized and the anticipation rival that of Yumenosaki’s S1.
It makes you realize how enormous the enemy is. Well, not that we’ll get cold feet from that.
We had our training and did everything we could. This is the best our current selves could work up. Whether it’ll work or not is still left to be seen, but let’s just do what we can.
And if possible, then I want revenge. Let’s work to pay back that loss we experienced.”
Subaru: “Copy that, Leader♪”
Mao: “Ooi, don’t get fired up all by yourselves.”
Makoto: “Yup. Since when Trickstar became a two-person unit like Adam~?”
Subaru: “Sally! Ukki! Huh? I thought you guys already came over when Hokke said to gather around!”
Makoto: “Sorry, sorry. We did hear you guys say to gather around, but we were a little far, so…
It was tough trying to cut through the crowd, so we arrived a little late.”
Subaru: “Oh, where did you go? Hehe, let me guess: the toilet?”
Mao: “No no, we just made a visit to Adam for a bit.”
Subaru: “Huh? Why? We all visited them to say ‘Let’s do our best today’ at the start, so we already concluded the formality, right?”
Makoto: “Yup. Peaceful and cordial on the surface.
They didn’t reveal their malicious intent until the end, huh…
I guess they still think we can be dealt with diplomatically… or rather, through little traps.
Plus, they welcomed and serviced us lavishly when in Shuuetsu.
They showed hints of trying to waver us to their side, to join the agency.
They probably wanted to win us over.
Rather than killing the enemy, crushing us completely, it’s certainly more profitable to pull us to their side. So they faked their kindness.
But I couldn’t predict how things might turn out if they decide to have war and crush us with their all, so…
I spent the week investigating various things.
Since thankfully, my face isn’t that known yet, I pretended to be one of the underlings and mingled with some non-Special Students…
I’m pretty good at that.”
Mao: “When wearing glasses and acting all mousy, Makoto looks like the very image of an ‘underachiever’ and gets made light of, eh?
I can pull off something similar too, but it definitely won’t work with Subaru and Hokuto.”
Hokuto: “Hmph. I can do it if I try too. I’m in the Theater Club.”
Mao: “Nope, for better or worse, you guys just give off an aura. Makoto’s amazing when he’s serious too, but he knows how to hide it when needed.”
Makoto: “Right. So I attended lessons like instructed, but also investigated the scene and searched the net, basically going from all sides.
There’s need to know what the enemy troops are like, or the war will be really daunting.
Their defense is steely, like anticipated; they control their information flow well so I had a hard time during my research.
But when meeting with Adam with Isara-kun, I got to read their reactions and stuff.
I think I have all the information needed. …It’s just that, from my analysis, I think fighting against Adam for real is going to be dangerous.
We won’t come out unharmed.
If a war breaks out and we really want to win, we should be prepared to make certain sacrifices. It’s going to be an undisputed mutual destruction.
Although I think they won’t fire a real ammo until the important big game, SS.
On the other hand, this means it might be better for us to focus on defending too, and minimize the damage.
Because I believe they won’t come for the kill yet this time.
Of course, I’ll follow whatever strategy our producer Anzu-chan and our leader Hidaka-kun decide on.
I just want to warn that it might be too soon to put our lives on the line and use up all of the cards in our sleeves.”
Hokuto: “Hmm. SS is the big game, and this is to the end a skirmish. Even so, I feel if we don’t give our all… if we let our guard down, it’s going to be an instant death.
It’s hard to be the lower ranked ones. But if we struggle without giving up and survive, there should be a way to win.”
Subaru: “…Putting that aside. Sally, were you okay?
You met with Adam. Did that Nagisa guy say something cruel to you again?
I’m a little afraid of that person… I couldn’t talk with him so I don’t know him. But he feels like someone we shouldn’t get too involved with.”
Mao: “It’s so rare to hear you say something like that, Subaru. Well, he’s definitely someone that might feel alien… freakish for us.
But he’s the boss of our greatest adversary in SS, Eden. We can’t keep avoiding him.
Plus, I wanted to tell him the answer I found after my long deliberation.
It’s too annoying stay quiet after he walked all over me like that, and I might end up dragging it out, y’know…
So I wanted to make sure to spew out everything before the performance and make myself lighter.”
Subaru: “Ahaha. That sounds like you really just went to the toilet.”
Battle 3
Subaru: “…Hey, Sally. You’re probably still thinking about what that Nagisa guy said.
But instead of what the enemy, what some random guy said, I want you to recall the memories we’ve had together…
I want you to believe in all the happenings, the conversations amassed within them.
Sally, have we ever said that you’re like a flashlight—or that we don’t need you because of that, even once?
We’ve been comrades who have faith in each other, who love and support each other, right?
We won’t distance ourselves from you, and we don’t want to… So don’t let it disturb you; stay by our side today, tomorrow, to the future and forever, okay?
It’s not Trickstar without you. What do those guys we just met think they know about us, anyway?”
Mao: “No. I’m happy that you’d say that for me, enough to say I’m glad for being born to hear it, but…
What that person… What Nagisa-san said is also one facet of the truth.
He hit the nail on the head with me. Pierced me right on the fragile depth I’ve always held inside, at first contact…
And it hurt so much, it was so painful, that I wished I could spared from it all, but…
I’m glad someone said it to me this time. It’s something I’ll have to face sooner or later.
You guys are kind, so you’ll never say anything cruel to me. That’s why I’m glad to meet an enemy who would strike without mercy.
I’m an unfair, stealthy guy who always stay at my safe zone.
I was even deluded enough to think that was my role, that it was the necessary step to protect and support you guys, who always try to do the impossible.
So I’m thrilled.
That I have something to improve, that there’s a fearsome enemy aiming for that weak spot of mine, that I still need to fight to death…
That’s totally like a shounen manga.
I feel like I’ve finally become one of you guys in the truest meaning.
It’s the producer’s job to convey the battle strategy from the safe zone. Me, I need to head to the battlefield with you guys and bathe in blood.
Maybe, I might really turn out to be a foolish flashlight who’s mistaking himself for a star.
Because you guys are shining so blindingly, I might have been deluded to think that I’m shining too, when in fact I’m just receiving light from you.”
Subaru: “That’s not true! You’re Trickstar too, Sally! You’re our star!”
Mao: “Thanks. But when need be, I want you to discard me.
Cut me off and don’t look back. Find a star that shines brighter and let him in.
If you do that, you’ll never lose to anyone.
To win SS is the dream of all idols, and your dad’s ungranted desire, right… Subaru?
If it’s what you need to do to win, then I want you to discard me anytime.”
Subaru: “Sally…? I don’t want that! Winning is worth nothing if you’re not with us!”
Tsumugi: “Isara-kun… You shouldn’t say that. It won’t make anyone happy.
I know because I’ve experienced it. If you need to cast everything aside to achieve something, you’ll be left with nothing but a feeling of vacuity in your grasp.
You’ll regret it. There’s no blue bird of happiness waiting at such a place.”
Mao: “Yep. So I’ll work hard so that won’t have to happen.
I’ll desperately hold onto you guys and cover what I lack with effort. I’ll shine even if it sucked every bit of life out of me.
I’ll make a huge explosion with the amount of heat a flashlight shouldn’t have, and turn into a star like you guys.
For that sake I stepped out of my safe zone, and I’ll give it my all even if things are painful and tough.
That makes me happy. I’ve always yearned for something like that.
You know, I’ve also wanted to become like manga protagonists that I love… to become like you guys, and shine dazzlingly.
I’ve burned the bridges behind me. When there’s no escape, there’s also no choice but to fight head on. I didn’t want to be hurt, to be in pain, to be hated by anyone, but…
I need to bear all that to live on. Nah—if I can’t bear that, I’ll just end up with a tranquil, drawn-out life full of regrets. And that’s not what I want.
Ever since I was a brat, I thought I was fine with being second or third.
If I come out first, I’ll have to bear with someone’s resentment and hate. I’ve always hated competitions; I couldn’t feel happy with winning or losing.
Losing is frustrating, but winning means I’ve kicked someone down and hurt them.
Everyone told me I’m kind for that, but I was just a spoiled brat who wanted to avoid any unpleasant feelings.
I don’t want to be like that anymore. I want to fight together with you guys, aim for the top, and win proudly with a smile on me.
To say ‘How’s that? Aren’t I… Aren’t we awesome?’
To say that Trickstar’s awesome! I want to take pride in it to my heart’s fill, and have someone praise me!
Not getting commended for being an adult, by handing over the trophy to someone else!
I wanted to do something great with my own — with our own power, so someone would praise me!
Don’t you think that’s stupid? I’ve never had that experience!
I’ve always treated everything like I’m not involved, like I understand the big picture, like I’m mature for backing off!
But I’m still a child! I’m a child who dream, like you guys!
So I want to wake up to that fact and make a racket without caring for what people think! Like you guys do…!
This is my own selfish circumstance, and I’m just doing what I want, so I won’t hear you out even if you ask if I’m fine with it!
I don’t care if this wasn’t the correct answer! I’m going to do what I’ve avoided doing all this time!
And you know, when I decided all these things—the fun just came to me!
Ahaha! I want to sing and dance right now! Has Autumn Live started yet?
I can’t wait for it! There’s nothing but fun waiting beyond, I bet!”
Battle 4
> Autumn Live Stage (Ad)
Ibara: “Your Excellency~ This is the script for today♪
As always, it is a complete guide that details everything starting from your actions and words atop the stage, to how to interact with me and communicate with the audience.
You will make no mistake if you follow what it says.
This Autumn Live, too, will end in Adam’s complete victory!
No—we will achieve a magnificent glory that goes beyond victory and defeat!
Now! For the sake of Adam’s brilliant future!
Charge! Raid! Conquest! Ahahaha☆”
Nagisa: “…….”
Ibara: “Your Excellency? Might something be the matter? Is there something that dissatisfies you?”
Nagisa: “…It’s not that. Thank you, for always.
…It’s very helpful. It’s thanks to you, Ibara, that I can fathom my position in this world.
…I really don’t understand.
…When I was child, the world was much narrower, much simpler.
…Now everything is so vast and vibrant; it confuses me.
…But you would take care of all those complicated, mysterious matters for me.
…And I only need to do the simple things like in the past, to do only what you tell me.
…It’s a very easy way to be. So I’m grateful to you.”
Ibara: “No no, there is no need for thanks! I’m unworthy of such words! Ah, I can’t see in front of me because of these tears of happiness!
I, Saegusa Ibara, am relishing in all of life’s joys!
…I am simply profiting from using you, Your Excellency. Of course, you should be aware of that as well.
So there is truly no need to show me gratitude. The uneasiness is giving me the shivers.
I am the lowest of the low; to be hated and resented is what’s natural of me.
So, when you tell me ‘thank you’… with such sincerity… I do not know how to react.”
Nagisa: “…So even someone as smart as you don’t know some things, Ibara.
…It’s a world full of riddles, full of things that mystify us.
…Life is divine punishment, God is mischievous, and the world is a hell to make us suffer.
…But seeing as we’ve been born, there’s no choice but to live on.
…You, me, everyone. Even those children.”
Ibara: “Hmm… Trickstar. They are tougher than I anticipated.
They saw through all of my plans, dealt with them, thus leaving me with none of the battle results I expected.
I am ashamed of my inadequacy.
Well, we chose the method that wouldn’t require bloodshed and avoided making any war declaration, so this is good enough.
It is far too soon to be firing real ammunition.
I already hinted in a conversation that we’re aware of the matter with Akehoshi-san’s father—
An implicit threat that we won’t hesitate to use that info to our advantage in a pinch.
True war weapons can render the enemy vulnerable through mere demonstration. Our ultimate weapon is in our hand.”
Nagisa: “…A long time ago, I met that boy’s father.
…It was for just a short time, but he taught me how to sing.
…It feels like fate that I’ll have to face his son now.
…God is as mischievous as ever today.
…Anyway, Ibara. I won’t be needing the script. To be more precise, I think I can’t use it.”
Ibara: “Huh? Was it not to your liking? Is it because the ‘Fuhahahaha!’ does not settle with your kind and tender nature, Your Excellency?
But I wanted to enforce the atmosphere of an absolute ruler!
And it is the agency’s wish that we emphasize on masculinity. They also gave us the name ‘Adam’, which I agree is troublesome to live up to.
Even so, we need to endure and act as is asked of us.
If we do not fulfill the demands of the mass, we can be swept away from our standing. Foolish as they are, humanity will always yearn for the fruit of knowledge.
Vested interest, control, influence, glory, fame… They yearn for the fruit of paradise of such shapes.”
Nagisa: “…I can’t comprehend people’s sense for that.
…But I understand they are important. And I understand that you yearn so maddeningly for them.
…But that’s not the problem.
…You weren’t cautious enough, Ibara. It doesn’t seem like Trickstar is just going to lie down and let us walk all over them.
…You haven’t noticed? The air in the battlefield has been repainted without our knowledge.”
Ibara: “Huh… that would mean?”
Nagisa: “…That we should avoid acting like an imposing ruler according to your script.
…We’ll be inviting opposition. All pain and no gain.
…How rare. Your strategy has fallen apart, Ibara. Those children have made their counterattack.
…The cheek of them. I see, so the bigger the enemy, the more fired up they become.
…Revolutionists, like the rumors. Or maybe tricksters, like their name?
…Ahaha. For the first in a long while, things have gotten amusing♪”
Battle 5
> Autumn Live Stage (TS)
Subaru: “♪♪♪”
(Huh, huh, huh? Aren’t we doing better than we thought?
Even though it’s the enemy territory! The participants of Autumn Live are idols from Shuuetsu and affiliated schools,
and the audience should have come for them too, since we’re in their home base!
Usually they would be favoring people from their side… And Adam’s activities have gathered them a huge, solid fanbase.
Their fans should have come for Autumn Live too.
The agency seems to be meticulous with their business tactics, so their advertising, guiding, and acquirement of audience couldn’t be less than perfect.
There’s no reason for Autumn Live’s audience to be cheering for us.
In fact, it wouldn’t be strange if they had looked down on us for being some unknown outsiders.
I was concerned on how to attract their eyes and ears to us…
I thought the only feasible plan is to turn them into our fans through just our song and dance.
But somehow, we’re receiving favorable response from outright…?
Like they’ve been our fans from the start! What is this? What’s happening?
I’m grateful though! One of the scenarios I imagined was one where we had to sing cheerlessly in a forsaken stage!
Like how it was when I was alone, in the past!)
Hokuto: “♪♪♪
…I see. So that’s what it was about. Good thinking, Anzu.”
Subaru: “Eh, what do you mean, Hokke? What did Anzu do?”
Hokuto: “Yes, so it seems she contacted and spoke with my parents and had them do certain things.
The two of them have been doing lectures and lessons in Shuuetsu and other affiliated schools lately.
And most likely, they promoted our participation to the students that attended.
I’m not trying to brag, but my parents are bigshots.
They know how to grasp people’s hearts. If my parents were serious in coaxing them, any inexperienced student will fall to their knees.”
Subaru: “Ahaha. Yet their adorable only son keeps rebelling.”
Hokuto: “You think all the unhappiness and loneliness that amassed after all these years can be wiped out that easily? Anyway, I think that’s Anzu’s plan.
In Summer Live, she could only stand and watch as we were pummeled…
That definitely frustrated her.
Like us, that girl hates losing.
However, in Shuuetsu and affiliated schools, the agency’s power is far too overwhelming. If she made an obvious move, she would be the one attracting attention and getting crushed.
In business, it means nothing that the opponent is a child.
She forecasted that and, despite the limited options and lack of freedom… Anzu secretly played an effective card.
She borrowed a mighty force: my parents.
It’s normal for parents to be supporting their child, so there’s nothing strange with them doing things for me… at least, that’s viable as an excuse.
Do you understand what it means to seek for my parents’ aid with promotion? My mother aside, my father was especially invited and pleaded to be a lecturer here.
He’s not a subordinate of the agency, but a business partner.
And his position as a lecturer means he’s someone who guides students and assesses them.
So if they can gain my parents’ favor, becoming a Special Student won’t be a mere dream…
It’s possible to lead the students to think that way, and perhaps my parents intentionally hinted at it. Look at the crowd gathered around our stage.
There’s almost none of the Special Students we saw in Shuuetsu. It’s mostly the ‘other forces’ that don’t include those Special Students.
They’re people bound to the duty of obeying their superior; those who get treated like slaves.
There’s no way they’re not the slightest bit disgruntled with their situation, and they definitely have a strong yearning to be Special Students.
We took advantage of that psyche. I think the tale of our revolution where we triumphed over our oppressors in Yumenosaki were also told during the promotions.
‘We, who were nobodies,’ succeeded and achieved glory. Well, in truth, we’ve gained more hardships along it too, but that’s not visible to outsiders.
We made them dream… about wanting to become like us.
Of course, whether it can come true or not depends on them, as individuals. However, we made them imagine the possibility and see hope.
That’s why they’re getting drawn to us. My parents probably said to ‘cheer for our son’ or something, so they’ve gathered around our stage.
All we need is to provide them with the best mix of song and dance.
They’re becoming our fans through our abilities. That’s why we’re having favorable response.
She designed a strategy days before the real deal, constructed a stronghold, and guided the audience to us.
The plan Anzu thought up as a producer has bore its fruits.”
Battle 6
Hokuto: “This is as far as Anzu can take us, though. From hereon, it’s our turn… Akehoshi.
To not waste the favor she’s done for us, we’ll need to exhaust everything we have as idols.
If we can gather more than a certain size of crowd, other clueless people will become curious and come see us too.
The crowd will multiply… So we’ll need to charm them, captivate them and turn them into our fans.
If we can make them turn our way just once and see that we’re something… if we can make them like us, it’ll bear good results for SS at the end of the year too.
It’s a profitable strategy that takes our future into account, without overconfidence.
That’s incredible… She must have been working up various tactics, even if it means refraining from costume-making, which she loves.
We’ve also honed our strengths and neutralized our flaws after receiving lectures and lessons in Shuuetsu.
We’re maturing, growing stronger. We can fight on even standing with the top unit of our age group, Adam.
Not just that: we’re going to win this, Akehoshi.”
Subaru: “I see… Thanks to your explanation, I understand the gist of it. As expected of Hokke, the best go-to for difficult questions.
In other words, the tables have turned thanks to everyone’s efforts, right?
If this can keep on, having our revenge won’t be a mere dream.”
Mao: “♪♪♪
Guys, you’re talking too much. Focus~ We’re in the middle of performance. It’s still the enemy territory, and to the end, the conditions are not on our side.
If you let your guard down, they’ll turn the scale to their favor without us realizing and take all the good parts.”
Makoto: “But it doesn’t feel at all like we’re going to lose!
Maybe it’s because we’ve been acting separately during our time in Shuuetsu, but just being able to sing and dance together like this makes me feel on top of the world!
I can feel it, that we’ve gotten stronger…
Our victory in DDD might have been a miracle. But if we can pull off miracles at will multiple times, then it’s already a skill, right?
It’s fine if I get carried away a little, right? I won’t be dawdling and timidly mumbling ‘someone like me’ under my breath!
If it’s with you guys, there’s nothing I fear!
♪♪♪”
Subaru: “Yup yup, well said, Ukki! Wow, I wish I can frame that quote and put it on the wall!
Now, Sally, you get heated up with us too! We can do it, we can do it! If it’s us, we can absolutely do it☆
We can win, so let’s give it our all together!
Make Adam, who are conceitedly sitting back on their throne… especially make that Nagisa person regret lighting the fire in you, Sally!
Look, look! This is us, Trickstar…☆
♪♪♪”
Mao: (Ahaha. He’s so full of energy, as always. Just being with him feels like I’m gonna get burned to nothing…
But well, I’ve had enough with getting cold feet from that and running away.
I’m gonna give it all I have, put my life on stake, to shine together with you guys. It’s fine even if I’m just reflecting your shine right now.
Someday it’ll light up something warm inside me, becoming a flame that’ll allow me to shine on my own.
All I can do is to have faith, and devote everything to my struggle! Geez, this is so damn fun! There’s no hiding it; I love you guys!
I can do anything, if it’s with you!
…But what’s with this uneasiness? They’re all in their best shapes, and I’m feeling eager.
Anzu’s plan played out perfectly, and the support members set up the best stage for us.
The crowd’s crazily lively. They’re all smiling.
But a shiver’s creeping up my spine. Am I just a worrywart…? I feel like things can’t be so easy.
Our enemy’s that most powerful unit of our age group, Eden—one half of it, Adam.
They’re supposed to be a powerful adversary that remains nearly out of reach, even after depleting every bit of blood and shining beyond our capability.
It can’t end here. …In the first place, what’s Adam doing now?
I doubt they’ll just stand quiet and watch. We’re drawing more and more people, after all.
…? What? I felt something cold just now. Like something just licked me.
Wait, isn’t the feel of the venue changing… or is it my imagination? W-What’s going on?
Huh…? Facing our way, on the opposite side of the hall, there’s a stage.
It’s quite far, so I can’t see it to such detail. But aren’t those guys standing there Adam?
Ah, I see. So they had their formation set up on the opposite side of the venue, where we can see them…
All so they can show off their grandiose performance and break our spirits.
But that’s a miss. Too bad.
It seems they made a hurried entrance, but… what are they trying to do? I have a bad feeling!)
Epilogue
> Autumn Live Stage (Ad)
Nagisa: “…We can skip the greetings, right? If we don’t hurry, the outcome will be decided.”
Ibara: “Yes. It appears the crowd gathering around Trickstar’s stage mostly consists of losers who are not Special Students.
If we act like high-handed rulers here, we will be invoking their wrath.
You wittily noticed and hence, told me there would be no need for the script. As to be expected of you, Your Excellency: always looking at the big picture♪”
Nagisa: “…Do you really have time to think up compliments?
…Ibara, you always convolute things.
…I prefer things simpler.”
Ibara: “Aye aye♪ If that is more to your taste, Your Excellency, then certainly! Copied!
But ah, you could say I am a schemer who drowns in his own schemes; it is my bad habit to overthink things!”
Nagisa: “…Still, I think you’re fine that way. This world is full of complications and mysteries, after all.
…But me, I can’t bear things being so tangled.
…Let us rewind the world back to the age of the gods. To that paradise before the existence of the cardinal sin, back to when we were still loved by God.
…First, we need to soothe this chaos.”
Ibara: “Of course, with pleasure! Everything is to your wish, Your Excellency…☆
Trickstar! You small-fry! You seem to be getting carried away!
As a matter of fact, it does seem like you’re more capable troops than we anticipated!
However, I’d like that you don’t misunderstand! This is all my miss, for looking down on you despite Eve’s high assessment of you!
It was my foolishness, thinking I could break you apart with sly tactics like always!
But it is the inviolable rule of business to be an endless cycle of trial and error!
Let me reflect upon this mistake and arrange it to my favor next time! Let SS be a bloody carnage, a battlefield where lives are stolen and bullets are exchanged!
Then we shall share a fun, enjoyable time together~…♪
If you want peace, prepare for war! Next will be a warzone! A battlefield where those who let their guard down and those who are unlucky are the first to die!
When that time comes—please do take care of us!
Taking aim at your beating heart, we will be delivering a solid blow, so watch out for the sting~!
Aah, how exciting! I can do anything I want with you, right!? I can cast off my pretense of a goody-two-shoes and come at you with the intent to kill, right!?
You’re making me so happy! Aw man, what shall I do with you!?
No matter how atrocious the methods, I shall annihilate the enemy!
Charge! Raid! Conquest!
That’s where the meaning of my life lies! This world’s hell is my heaven!
Ahahahaha! I am so glad to be a lowlife…☆”
Nagisa: (…You seem to be having fun, Ibara.
…That’s good. Pleasure may be the devil’s trap, but we are not angels.
…I’m fine with us being apocalyptic beasts who will end the world of humans. We shall greedily devour all that exists.
…Beyond that—beyond the end of everything, the paradise we aim for lies in wait.
…Father. O Godly father.
…My God and father, who took off to heaven without me.
…You loved idols. At the very least, you said you did.
…That’s why you brought the entertainment industry under your control, and created many idols across this globe.
…I don’t comprehend love. But if I can become the idol you so loved,
…perhaps I can come close to understanding it.
…Father. That’s all I’ve yearned for, always.
…No matter how many books I’ve perused, how much I’ve fraternized with humans, how many living creatures I’ve dissected, how much of the layers of the past I’ve unearthed—
…There are too many things in this world I don’t understand.
…If I die, I will stop being part of this world. I will vanish away without having grasped any truth.
…That’s infuriating in a way. And here, there are people who would tell me to live on, together with them.
…I don’t want to make them sad. That’s why today too, I’m alive.
…And to live means to sing and dance, to be an idol.
…No, that’s what I was born for. To be the perfect idol.
…That’s what you told me, O Godly father.)
“♪♪♪”
> Autumn Live Stage (TS)
Subaru: “……!?”
Mao: “…….! Subaru, you’ve stopped singing!”
Subaru: “Ah, sor… I’m fine! I’ll fix this!
♪♪♪”
Mao: (Ah, that gave me a shock… It’s rare for Subaru to make a mistake on stage.
I understand, though. …The moment Adam—nah, the moment Nagisa-san begun singing, everything changed.
They turned the table on us with a single strike.
The crowd aside, even we who were focused on our singing and dancing atop this stage got overwhelmed for a moment.
He’s something else. More than we’re prepared for.
To even astound Subaru? That’s abnormal.
Well, from where I stand, all geniuses with capacities above the normal are equally as ‘mind-blowing’.
But I need to exhaust every life in me to catch up to guys like them from now, from here on.
Since I’ve been slacking off by choosing the easy path, I’ll need to work hard to make up for it.
For that sake, I need to overcome Autumn Live first.
We’re gonna survive this, without our spirits broken or anything lost… and we’re gonna go home to Yumenosaki. With everyone in Trickstar.
Oh geez, one hell of a troublesome battlefield I’ve jumped into!
But it’s the path I chose! So I’m not gonna regret it!
Watch us, Adam! Right now we’re so far away, we might not be entering your line of sight at all!
But you won’t be able to ignore us one day! We’re gonna get back on you!
We’ll make you shirk from our radiance! Maybe I’m still but a flashlight right now, but someday, surely!
Watch out! I will never prostrate before you guys!)
♪♪♪”
What Ibara calls Nagisa is 閣下 (kakka), usually translated as Your Excellency or Your Highness. In Japanese military, they apparently add this honorific to military leaders two star rank and above, and even those referred with this honorific sometimes refer others of the same rank with it. ↩
鬼が出るか蛇が出るか; while I would usually look for an English equivalent, I went for the more literal translation this time (since Ibara is a snake and all…), but this line is Japanese proverb for “You never know what might happen.” ↩
Whenever there’s talk of series/affiliate schools, affiliate companies, etc, the ‘affiliate’ part was 系列 (keiretsu) in the original Japanese. It’s apparently a Japanese economic system of affiliated corporations and shareholdings, and its horizontal structure contrasts zaibatsu’s vertical one, but I’m unfortunately not too well-read in economy to explain, or to know if I’m making a mistake by simplifying it as just affiliate. ↩
Sally the Magician. Mahoutsukai no Sarii. Sally the Witch. ↩