mireiarchive | Aug. 18th, 2021

Aug. 18th, 2021

This story is part of Satellite, you can check the rest of chapter here

JP proofer :

Nazunyan

EN proofer :

Peace

Skyress

Gatekeeper - " The young girl before the gate "

Late October. ES Floating garden

Hajime: ~..♪

Please look at this, Anzu-san! The flowers have already bloomed beautifully~♪

Ehehe. It's all thanks to Anzu-san helping everyday.

Anzu-san is also always really busy. You’ve become a really remarkable person…

Lately, you probably didn’t have free time to take care of this flower bed, right?

Eh? I’m just as busy as you are. So, if anything, it makes for a nice breather?

Fufu. If you say it like that, I'm very thankful. That's right, taking care of the flowers might be hard. But, it's not just hard work, it also has a healing effect in some way.

It lifts up your mood when you gaze at the cute-looking flowers—

—Uwah!?

—Tha-that surprised me! Just now, a helicopter flew so close to the building, right?

I thought it was going to crash!

A—ahh! Because of that the flower bed’s messed up…!?

Gatekeeper: —First of all, lemme make one thing clear.

Hajime: …..!?

Gatekeeper: It wasn't my intention to mess up your flowers, see. They just got caught in the crossfire.

Better yet, it's their fault for bloomin' there in the first place.

Hajime: (Eh? What? Who is this person? He suddenly appeared behind me, without me even realizing it…!?)

(Sometimes, Anzu-san also often sneaks up on me unnoticed like that but…)

(Could it be that he jumped off the helicopter that had just passed by?)

(No... no matter how you think about it, that’s impossible, right? Never mind spraining his leg - he’d probably end up with broken bones!)

(But---there was no sign of the door from the rooftop's entrance opening or closing?)

(Is he...a..ghost?)

Ibara: Gatekeeper!

Hajime: Uwahh, what’s happening again!?

Ibara: Jimenyan, Anzu-san too! Get away from that man immediately!

Hajime: e-eh!? What is happening, Ibanyan? I'm sorry, I don't really get the situation!

Gatekeeper: —Huh. Based on what's goin' on, there're three things I get right off the bat.

First point's that this place's security ain't anything to call home about.

Second point's that you've got no idea who I am.

Third point's that you've still got as poor manners as ever.

I swung by to check on you, thinkin' you'd grown even the tiniest bit, but you've let me down.

Ibara: As usual, you don't want to make any conversation with a stranger. To see that that part of you hasn’t changed at all actually reassures me— Great Uncle.

Gatekeeper: Cut the crap. Even if we're family on paper, you callin' me that makes me feel like I've got ants on my back.

You're half-assin' it still, li'l Ibara.

If you really wanted to land even a scratch on me, then you shoulda've just givin' me a big ol' hug without sayin' a thing, followed-up with sweet, lovin' words in my ear.

Our God would've definitely done that. Each an' every one of His actions have meanin' to them.

Ibara: There was meaning to what I did, you see.

Before you managed to do any unnecessary meddling to Anzu-san and others, I lured your attention over to me.

Gatekeeper: That sorta thing doesn't have a lick of meanin'. You're no stranger to me, so I just went on like normal.

If you really wanna take pride in that as your achievement, be my guest. As quick and easy as rewardin' a kid with a piece of candy.

Hajime: Eh, um.. Ibanyan, is this person your acquaintance?

Ibara: Against my will. Technically, he is some sort of family of distant relatives, wasn't it?

Gatekeeper: Only out of convenience, mind. Gets too complicated outside of that.

Hajime: Uh…? As I remember, you called him a great uncle before right?

Gatekeeper: Hey, you,

Hajime: ….!?

Gatekeeper: Don't ask a single thing about me.

Or it'll be the last thing you do.

Hajime: ….! ….!?

Ibara: … As a professional, isn’t it bad to threaten innocent people?

Hajime: (Uwah? When did Ibanyan materialize behind me too!?)

(Why is everyone sneaking up on me, or rather—what's actually happening around me right now!?)

Gatekeeper: —Based on how you're actin' now, there're three things I get right off the bat.

First point's that you're still keepin' up with your emergency prep training.
Second point's that you've found somethin' important to you, and that's really draggin' your judgement of the situation through the mud.
Third point's that the idols of this country haven't changed a single bit.

They're nothin' but pigs bred for slaughter havin' gone wild once their owner up and left 'em.

Knew I should've taken care of 'em before they ended up bein' devoured and used to fatten up other beasts, but...

It would've been disrespectful for me to assume that's what our God would've wanted me to do. That's why I just ended up lettin' the grass grow wild like that.

Some might say that I've waited too long, that it's too late to trim 'em back the way they ought to be, but I've gotta do a little touchin' up, don't I?

Disgraceful. Just disgraceful, that's what you idols are.

Ibara: Did you come all the way from overseas just to complain about things like that?

Gatekeeper: This has got nothin' to do with my words nor actions, boy. God's will is what guides me.

It was already decided by His hand that I'd be standin' here right now. That's why I came.

I ain't a pastor, so don't even try askin' me why. Only God knows the reason for it.

I'm a Gatekeeper. I'm just here to make sure anyone who's stepped into God's realm is qualified to be there... and if you ain't, that you're removed from it.

... Even the fact that I'm the only one who survived — there's gotta be a reason for that too, one that only God knows, and knows all too well.

Hajime: ....?

Ibara: .....

Next Chapter >

Jp proofer : Peach

En proofer : Birdie

Location : Dormitory Kitchen - Autumn

Souma: Oh... Shiina-dono. You’ve already started cooking? Although, I can't see the other members around.

Niki: Ahhh Kanzaki-kun. Good afternoon~ ♪ I cooked this Aglio Olio Peperoncino for myself, it has nothing to do with Niki's Kitchen activity.

Souma: Aario Oorio?

Niki: Eh, you don't know? Do you recognize Peperoncino alone then~? They serve it in the employee cafeteria.

Souma: Yes. I’ve tried making that myself. Is "Ahrio Ohlio Peperonchino'' the real name of Peperonchino?

Niki: Yup, Aglio Olio is the sauce that is made using olive oil and garlic—

And Aglio Olio Peperonchino is when you add Chili peppers and Pasta into it.

By the way, Peperoncino means Chili peppers in Italian. It sounds like a fancy dish here in Japan, but it doesn't work that way in Italy.

Sena-kun said he ordered that in Florence once and all he got was just Chilli peppers on a plate. Nhaha ♪

Souma: Hoo. It must be really embarrassing to experience things like that in a foreign country…

… You've cooked a lot, but it seems that you’ve already eaten more than half of it... Your stomach is really strong Shiina-dono.

But, won’t it hinder the activities for Nikizu Kitchin if you eat that much?

Niki: Worry not, this one goes to a different stomach ♪

What do you say, Kanzaki-kun?? If you want, you can have some.

Souma: I'm okay. Although, thank you for the offer. It would be difficult to enjoy cooking with a full stomach after all.

Yuzuru: My apologies for interrupting your discussion. Good Afternoon, both of you.

Niki: Fushimi-kun, VicePres. You guys must be close for you to come here together, huh~

Yuzuru & Ibara: We are absolutely not.

Niki: … Even though you both were harmonizing just now?

Ibara: That’s nothing but a coincidence. Both our remarks just now and the timing of our arrival.

Yuzuru: Just as he said. It was merely a coincidence, please don't say such unpleasant things.

Niki: Hmmm~? Well, it doesn’t matter anyway... Since everyone already gathered, it is time to start Niki's Kitchen~

Oops— before we start I have to place "that" on ♪

Ibara: Ahh, the Framed photo of Sena-shi, yes?

Souma: Yes. He’s barely been able to join the Circle activities. That’s why it has now become a tradition to put his photo up instead.

Niki: If we just use his photo as it is, it will become like a photo of a deceased person, so Sena-kun himself put his signature and sticker on it. Thanks to that, the kitchen now seems glorious ♪

With this, everyone really has gathered! Once again I'm starting our Activity~

Ahem. Today's menu is simmered mackerel with miso, miso soup, braised chicken and vegetables (Chikuzenni) and spinach with sesame sauce. It’s a balanced meal (ichiju sansai)¹ with fish as the main dish.

It's a big menu, that's why we will split up the work ☆

Souma: When it comes to handling the fish, please leave it up to me!.. Ha!! SOIYAA!

Niki: Ohh, throwing the fish into the air and filleting it huh. That's so acrobatic~

Ibara: I will measure the ingredients, please don't worry, I won't miss even a single number behind the comma.

Yuzuru: Then I will be the one cutting the vegetables. I'll make sure to cut them into even lengths.

Niki: Yes, please do ♪

(Everyone surely has their own unique cooking style, don't they? There are a lot of Idols that have strong traits like this.)

( Instructions like “a pinch” or “just a bit” are used in recipes, so you don’t actually need to be too accurate about it)

( Though it does make me happy that they’re very enthusiastic about it. It uplifts my mood a lot just by watching them.... ♪)

After that, in the dorm common room

Niki: Now it's time to eat the long-awaited meal!! Put your hands together~ Thanks for the food ☆

Souma: Thanks for the food. Shiina-dono, are you planning to eat it with the Ahrio Ohrio that you made before?

Niki: Ofcourse~. I didn't get to finish it on time so I had some leftovers.

Yuzuru: Ho—how do I say it... That seems to be a poorly paired combination there.

Ibara: Shiina-shi, don’t you think there’s a limit to too many calories??

Niki: Nahaha, I'll be fine~ ♪ *munch munch*... How many times have we had this Niki's Kitchen activity already? I kinda forgot.

What do you think? Is the experience y'all got from here useful for your daily life?

Souma: Yes. My cooking reepaatorie Has increased, And I’ve gained more opportunities to cook for others as well.

It makes me happy that everyone gladly eats the food I made. It ignited a motivation in my heart to improve. It might be too early to say this, but I'm looking forward to the next activity…. ♪

Ibara: I generally agree with Mr. Kanzaki. The food I cook is mainly for His Excellency, but even he told me it was delicious.

My range of food arrangements expands with every activity I partake in, So it is certainly a worthy activity to participate in.

Yuzuru: Thanks to Niki's kitchen, Bocchama would always eat his food with a smile.

He needs to eat more vegetables too, so I would like to learn recipes that can be delicious even for someone who dislikes vegetables.

Niki: Was that a request? Alrighty, I'll think about that.

Yuzuru: Thank you for the consideration, I'm looking forward to the dishes that you will teach us ♪

Ibara: You sure like bringing up personal subjects in the Circle activity talks huh. Don't you think you’re spoiling your master a little too much?

Yuzuru: Ibara... If I may have a word, don't you think you’re also—

Souma: Hm... Seems like there’s suddenly a strange mood in the air… hm?

Shiina-dono, why are you staring at them with such a tender smile?

Niki: Ah no~ I just think that having a fun meal is nice♪ When our life is in danger, we will end up stuffing the food into our mouths without thinking about anything, but…

In the end, dining is better when it's lively. Getting to eat with someone makes it even more delicious~

(But their verbal fight might be a bit too lively for the fun dining. Even Kanzaki-kun seems to be worried... If it's like this—)

Fushimi-kun, VicePres! Your fight should end here! Let's continue it in the Kitchen—

Both of you should compete in a creative dessert competition!

Ibara: Creative dessert competition..?

Niki: Yes yes, dessert is what comes after dining after all, whoever makes the more delicious dish will be the winner ♪

Yuzuru: Sounds good, I will accept the challenge. I make desserts for Bocchama so I have confidence in this.

I will be winning this one, Ibara ♪

Ibara: Do keep your guards down as much as you like, I’ll make sure to destroy you at your own game, aHaHaHaHa ☆

Niki: Both of you surely fired up~ I'm looking forward for the dessert ♪ *munch munch*...

Souma: Thanks to Shiina-dono's quick wit, the fight seems to have settled down now.

Though, even after eating that much, Shiina-dono still wants to eat deazaato? Do sweets also belong to a different stomach?

Niki: Ofcourse~ ♪ I can't wait~! I want to eat it immediately! Aight. If it's like this, I'm gonna make dessert too!!

If you can't eat that you can just leave it be!! I will take responsibility to eat it!

Since we finally got to do circle activity today. I will keep eating until I'm full... ☆

NOTE :

¹一汁三菜 literally means 1 soup 3 dish, it's the balanced meal used commonly by family in japan

Jp proofer : Peach

En proofer : Birdie

Cosmic Production ES Office - One day in Autumn

Ibara : Thank you for your hard work today, everyone in Cospro! My apologies, but I will be taking my leave early today!

Everyone too, please remember to put your health as your number one priority and avoid excessive overtime work to return home! Well then, I'm leaving... 🎶

Ibara : (... Alright. It's been so long since I’ve been able to clock out around this hour.)

(Since I will have a lot of time to prepare for His Excellency's dinner today, I suppose I can change up the menu a little while putting the nutrition balance into consideration.)

ES Hallway

Ibara : … The elevator is finally here. Considering how many people are working in this building, I wish they could add at least two more elevatorsー

Tori : Yuzuru, you blockhead!!! I don't want to care anymore!!!

Ibara : ....?

Ibara : Well, if it isn’t Mr. Himemiya, thank you for your hard work!

Tori : Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't notice the elevator suddenly stopped and I ended up raising my voice unintentionally.

Ibara : Ah, please don't worry. If anything, I can also use the stairs since it's good for my health too. Please continue to enjoy your monologuing!

Tori : Huh...? No no, it’s not like that! I wasn’t talking to myself the whole time in the elevator, okay?

Yuzuru kept scolding me in the chat and I unconsciously ended up complaining out loud!

I already closed the chat anyway, going down from the 18th floor must be tiring too. So please don't mind me.

Ibara : … Well then, I shall take you up on your offer and join you.

... I don’t mean to pry, but did something happen with Yuzuru?

Tori : … Yep. I left the script for work on my bed, so he told me to tidy up first.

I was planning on reading through it again tonight so I left it on the bed. But it must have looked like I was just leaving a mess to Yuzuru.

I thought I could take it easy once we moved to the dorm because Yuzuru is my roommate, but sometimes having him by your side at all times makes it harder to relax.

How about you, Saegusa-senpai? Have there been any difficulties in your dorm life?

Ibara : Ah no... I'm fortunate enough to be kept busy with work. I believe because of that I also haven't spent enough time with anyone to form a proper impression of them.

Although, I'm going back quite early today so I thought I should go to the room---

(Elevator shaking)

Tori : Uwahh!? Why is the elevator shaking all of a sudden?

Ibara : ... Mr. Himemiya, please hold tightly onto me. It's possible this elevator will stop working.

Tori : Eh...!?

Tori : … Uwah!? It stopped and even the power went off? What’s happening!?

Ibara : Please calm down and don't panic. I will verify the situation immediately.

Tori : Th-that’s easier said than done! This means we’re trapped in the elevator, right?!

Ibara : And that’s exactly why we need to remain calm to understand the situation. Look, if you’re afraid of the dark you can try using the light from your smartphone.

Tori : Uu~ But, why did the power suddenly go off and why did the elevator stop moving out of nowhere~?!~!? So much for the latest technology~!

Ibara : It could be a malfunction from the safety installation, or perhaps the mischief of a mouse... Or maybe it could be the work of a ghost.

Tori : Eeh!? G---ghost!???

Ibara : I'm just kidding. At any rate, you are not alone right now. I'm pretty good at handling emergencies like this, so please rest assured.

(... Is what I said, but in the end, all I can do is to contact the proprietary company....)

Tori : Uu... Yuzuru...

Ibara : (What's worse is this... It’s awkward that he keeps calling that name while relying on me.)

... Mr. Himemiya. I already contacted the proprietary company. They said only this elevator was stopped, the cause is still unknown, but they are currently working on the recovery.

Tori : The—then does that mean they don't know when it will move again?

Ibara : Well, at worst, we can say it’s like that.

Tori : I see.. Hhh.. It would be great if we can just open up the ceiling and get out from here like in manga.

Ibara : aHaHaHa ⭐ Please don’t ask for the impossible. That’s only possible when it’s fiction.

In the real world, an elevator can’t be opened from the inside to avoid the possibility of a secondary disaster.

Tori : Eh, is that true? So it's not like in manga… Wait. Saegusa-senpai, do you read manga too?

Ibara : His Excellency often talks about it, maybe it's the influence after borrowing manga from Jun? Analyzing the sloppy tricks used in fiction is one thing but imitating it in the real world while brimming with curiosity will only bring trouble.

Tori : Not bad, that sounds fun. Maybe I should try reading the manga recommended by Sazanami-senpai from that view.

Ibara : That reminds me, Mr. Himemiya is in the same circle as Jun, right?

Tori : Yep! He lent me some manga before. It stopped at a good part so I'm excited to read more.

Besides, I can read a lot of manga that hasn’t been censored by Yuzuru in the circle, so it’s really fun~🎶

Ibara : … Does yuzuru shield you to that extent? Even if Mr. Himemiya is this cute, does he have to be that overprotective?

Tori : Saegusa-senpai is also in the same circle as Yuzuru, right? Did you join to learn to cook?

Ibara : Yes. From Mr. Shiina, I get to learn various kinds of dishes from all times and places. My recipes have improved thanks to that.

Tori : Yuzuru also tells me that he learns rare dishes. I asked him to make some of it for me too sometime.

Ibara : That's a blessing. For me I still have a lot I haven't—

Tori : … Oh the power is back!!

Ibara : What a relief. I think the elevator will start again soon, it might suddenly shake again so please hold on to me to prevent falling from the sudden movement.

Tori : Alright~. I'm glad it's working again~🎶

ES Lobby

Tori : We’re finally here! This is my first time spending that much time in an elevator!

Ibara : It was a first for me too. I will investigate to find the cause of it suddenly stopping at another time---

Tori : … Oh, yuzuru!

Ibara : ...!

Yuzuru : Young master...! I was worried because you suddenly stopped replying...!

To add-in, I’ve also heard about how the elevator you were on stopped working... I suddenly felt like my heart would stop.

Tori : You're exaggerating. I mean, I did get pretty caught off guard, but Saegusa-senpai was with me, so I was okay.

Yuzuru : With Ibara..?

Ibara :aHaHaHa⭐ It's a blessing if even someone like me could be of help there.

Yuzuru : ... If young master was alone he would’ve ended up feeling really hopeless.

Yuzuru : Please let me send my gratitude just for today. Thank you very much ibara.

Ibara : .....

Ibara : I just happened to be in the same place. From here I will leave his care to you, his butler.

Yuzuru : Yes. I will do so without you telling me.

Tori : Saegusa-senpai, thank you for today!! Let me thank you properly next time!

Ibara : Ahahaha, dont worry about it~

Ibara : ... Well then I still need to prepare for dinner, I guess, I should also go back to the dorm.

Ibara : (I was thinking of cooking from a recipe that I haven't tried before.)

(I have time to answer requests, should I show His Excellency the recipes and let him decide today's menu?)

(I guess sometimes it's not bad to be requested for something to cook.)

END

JP Proofer : Hyenahunt
EN Proofer : Skyress

ES Lesson Room - One day in Summer

Hiyori: ♪~♪~♪~♪

Nagisa: ♪~♪~♪~♪

Ibara:

Your singing voice is simply wonderful, Your Highness! I'd expect no less from you! Truly, how it charms me so!

And how absolutely splendid Your Excellency's dance is! Your movements, flawless down to the fraction of second, are undoubtedly a form of living art!

Jun, you didn't do too bad, either!

Jun:

Is it just me or was I the only one who got a half-assed comment? Oh well, whatever~.

Anyway, are we done with all the practice you wanted us to do, Ibara?

Ibara:

Yes. With this, we can perform with confidence in our upcoming music show.

All the same, I had no concerns to begin with. As this is a song we're used to singing, we should have no trouble performing it even without practice.

But because all of us in Eden have been so busy with our individual work lately, we haven’t gotten much time to practice together.

Thus, I gathered everyone here so that we may also stay in sync.

Dear me, it seems that I have rambled on for far too long. My apologies for making everyone come here for my own needs today! Let's wrap things up!

Hiyori:

Yes, yes. Now then, I’d like you all to listen to my request this time!

Ibara:

Oh...? Your Highness, whatever do you wish for?

Hiyori:

It's not just for you to hear out, but for Jun-kun and Nagisa-kun as well!

See, since we went along with Ibara's wish, we must now all go along with mine!

Ibara:

(You say that like we don't already go along with your selfish whims every single day, Your Highness.)

Certainly! I’d even accompany you to the ends of earth if you so desire! Your wish is always my command, Your Highness! Salute~♪

Staff cafeteria of ES

Ibara:

The staff cafeteria...?

Hiyori:

Why, of course! You see, they’re currently serving the Early Bird's Taste of Autumn buffet, and I really wanted to try it!

Jun:

Sounds good~. We just worked up a sweat so I’m starvin’. And since it’s a buffet and we don’t even gotta hold back, it’s just what I need right now.

Nagisa:

...Hmm, a taste of autumn? I look forward to seeing what kind of dishes they’ll serve.

Ibara:

Understood! I’ll take care of the payment, so do go on and help yourselves, everyone. I shall also secure a table for us...♪

…

(...At buffets, you can choose whatever you want to eat, so it won’t matter much whether I’m present or not.)

(Nonetheless, it would give a bad impression if I am the only one absent, and as they say, one cannot fight on an empty stomach. I should still join them, even if only for appearances.)

(I’ll grab just enough for my plate, take my seat and do my work.)

(... Hm, this table seems good. It's close to the window, so there should be no need to worry about being watched.)

(Alright, let's get my tablet out… What's this? There seems to be an appearance request for CosPro?)

(It wasn’t sent to any particular unit of ours, nor is it anything difficult, either. I suppose I'll assign it to whichever unit has an empty schedule.)

Jun:

Yooo, sorry to keep ya waiting.

Nagisa:

... Ibara, are you doing work?

Ibara:

Oh no, I'm simply killing some time while waiting for you all. Well then, let's eat!

Hiyori:

Everything certainly looks delicious, I must say. We should start our meal right away~ ♪

Jun:

Ohii-san, you put your main dish and dessert on the same plate, huh.

Hiyori :

The true pleasure of buffets is the excitement of getting to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, all in whatever order your heart so desires!

Meanwhile, everything on your plate is brown, Jun-kun.

Jun:

Oh, looks like you’re right. There were loads of meat dishes, so I grabbed as much as I could.

Nagi-senpai's plate sure is the polar opposite of mine. The arrangement looks gorgeous, and the colours are so nice that it looks like one of those fancy food replicas~

And Ibara's... just got some chicken breast and broccoli? Are you on diet or something?

Ibara:

Yes, I'm currently maintaining my physique.

(...Or well, that's the excuse I'll go with. One tends to lower their guard during a meal, so it's best to get them over with as efficiently as possible.)

Hiyori:

Since we’re here and all, it’d be such a waste if you don't try even one of these autumn delights! Especially this matsutake and shrimp ajillo — here, I'll share some with you!

Ibara:

Your Highness!?

Nagisa:

... Ibara. I'll also give you some of my chestnut rice.

Ibara:

Not you too, Your Excellency!? Truly, I appreciate the thought, but I’m not sure how I feel about more calories than I accounted for...

Nagisa:

... But during that on-location shoot we had you said the dango was delicious, and even ate some with us... did you not?

Ibara:

T-That was... simply for the camera. After all, our viewers enjoy that kind of content.

Nagisa:

... So that's how it is. I thought that the dango we had was really delicious, so I bought some as a souvenir for myself.

... But for some reason, it didn’t taste as good as when we ate it all together.

... Perhaps food is something that tastes even better when enjoying it with someone else.

... So eat up, Ibara. These autumn dishes are truly delightful, you see.

Hiyori:

Yes, yes! Don't forget you promised to go along with my request, so you should eat too, Ibara!

Ibara:

(Ahh, how vexing... This is a buffet of all things, and yet here I am, being forced to have food I didn’t put on my plate...)

(Having fun during a meal is something so nauseatingly ludicrous... Or I suppose, that’s how I should feel about it.)

... Aha-ha-ha-ha! ☆ I suppose I can’t refuse you two if you’re going to be so insistent! I’ll dig in with pleasure!

Jun:

Hahaha. Ibara, you sure have a soft spot for whatever our seniors ask of you, don'tcha?

Ibara:

Be quiet, Jun!

END

JP Proofer : 310mc1
EN Proofer : Amagiiz

ES Hallway - One day in Summer

Rinne: Thank you for your hard work~, please treat us well next time as well~☆

—Aight then! Today's work is done! How’d ya rate lil ol’ me and my manners, Merumeru? It’s nothin’ less than a perfect score, if you ask me!

HiMERU: —HiMERU supposes it was right on the passing mark. The fact that you didn’t pick a fight was good enough.

But as usual, your wording was far too vulgar. How about you try studying manners a little?

Rinne: Nah, ain’t happening! If I were to act all goody-goody, it would overlap with your character trait.

We can’t be having half our unit be the same exact thing, yeah?

HiMERU: Please rest assured. You will never be capable of becoming HiMERU, Amagi—

The only one who can is "HiMERU", and HiMERU only.

Rinne: Hmm... Well, if you say so.

Aight then, what’re you gonna do now? Wanna hang out together in a pachinko house?

HiMERU: ーIf you want to go, you’re free to do so alone. HiMERU will not touch anything related to gambling, considering that he’s an idol.

Rinne: Idols are human too, y’know. They’ve all got times when they test their luck and bravery and compete, don’t they?

Oh, the elevator’s here just in time! Ya boy’s on a roll today!

Smell ya later, Merumeru~ If I get to hit the jackpot today, don't be jealous! Kyahaha! ☆

HiMERU: Please don't worry. There was never once a time where HiMERU was jealous of you—

HiMERU: (HiMERU has a magazine interview in our agency in two hours, then a recording after that...)

(Let's have a meal now. The resting room should be close by.)

(... Hm? There are sounds of footsteps from behind...)

Mika: ......

HiMERU: (It's Valkyrie's Kagehira Mika... The person who called "me" with that name—)¹

(Why is he following me from behind? Just what is he planning to do?)

(—No, HiMERU must be overthinking it. It’s only natural for us to stumble upon each other here.)

(We’re doing nothing more than walking down the same hallway— Let’s just keep going without fretting over it.)

Resting Area

HiMERU: (—HiMERU ended up taking the yakisoba bread suggested by the staff because they mentioned that it's freshly made.)

(HiMERU prefers sandwiches that are easier to eat…)

(But well, this is fine. You can get the necessary calories in any type of bread.)

(—-!)

Mika: ......

HiMERU: (Why is he also here...?)

(—No. It must be a coincidence. It’s past midday, so it's not strange for him to come here for a meal. )

(Our tables are far from each other, and HiMERU doesn't have to greet him. HiMERU will simply ignore him and check on his schedule...)

HiMERU: ......

HiMERU: (... HiMERU can sense a gaze from him. It's distracting, and it makes it hard to concentrate.)

(Let's finish this meal and go back to the agency—)

Mika: ...Uh.

HiMERU: (Deducing his actual objective would be nice, but HiMERU already has his schedule to deal with...)

ES Staircase

Mika: ... Shoot. I lost sight of ‘im. But he was definitely goin' this way…

This wouldn’t have happened if I just called out to ‘im earlier... I'm so stupid~!

HiMERU: (—-HiMERU is now certain that he was being followed. And since there is no one here...)

HiMERU: Good afternoon, Kagehira-san.

Mika: Nnha! Y-Y'scared me…

HiMERU-san, ya were here~? W-What a coincidence~♪

HiMERU: Was it really a coincidence?

Mika: ... Nhha?

HiMERU: HiMERU knew you were in the resting room. You kept watching HiMERU while you were eating your meal.

Not only that, but before that encounter, you started tailing HiMERU in the hallway the moment you saw him.

Mika: Tha-That was ‘cause...

HiMERU: (He glanced to the side... As HiMERU thought, he has something up his slee—-)

Mika: ...'s loose.

HiMERU: —Huh?

Mika: The sleeves of yer clothes’re loose...!

When I saw ya in the hallway, I noticed the thread was hangin'. But we’re from different units so I didn't dare t'tell…

But I once got embarrassed 'cause my clothes were loose the whole time I was at work. So I thought it'd be better ta tell ya.

Thought it'd make it awkward fer ya if I told ya 'bout it in the resting room where there’re alotta people... 'm real sorry for doin' somethin’ weird!

HiMERU: ... You’re right, it is loose. HiMERU understands what you were aiming for now.

Mika: Ah, wait! I'll fix it for ya.

I have my sewin’ bag with me. This little thing’ll be a piece a’ cake fer me~♪

HiMERU: Hm, that does help a lot—

(... Valkyrie apparently learned of "my" identity from Vice President Saegusa. )

(Should I investigate how much he knows while I still have my chance? No— If I don’t think this through, it may backfire on me...)

Mika: ... Aight, I’m done. Yer free ta move again, HiMERU-san~♪

HiMERU: ("HiMERU-san", huh... That occasion was the one and only time he called "me" by that name. Asking him about it now might just make him more conscious of it than ever.)

(He didn't seem to have spread information about me. That’s a relief, but should I really leave it at that...?)

—How incredible, you finished in no time.

Mika: Nhaha... Yer gonna make me blush~ Yer really good at praisin' someone, eh?

HiMERU: Thank you for your assistance. We may be in different units, but we're still fellow idols of the same agency.

You’re free to greet HiMERU whenever you like.

Mika: Fer real? Then I’ll do so! Thank ya kindly~

Yer roommates with Naru-chan, right? I’d love ta get along with ya too~♪

HiMERU: Yes, HiMERU also thinks that would be nice—

END

NOTE:

¹ In Main Story Chapter 181 - Dumping, Mika referred to HiMERU as 十条要 (Tōjou Kaname). He also refer himself with (俺) instead of usual HiMERU here.

JP & EN proofer : royalquintet, iridesenescence

Season : ⭐

Outer Space

Narrator (Eichi voice) :

It is the year 20XX -- idols have advanced into space.

Through the series of space exploration plans that began from the ES Plan, idols were transformed into pilots capable of operating robots.

These idols fight in robot battles known as "DreamFes", that were developed from live showdowns, to deliver passion and radiance to all of humankind

However, that era will soon reach its demise.

Inside Space Colony ES: Reception Room

Hokuto: Excuse me, Tenshouin-senpai.

It might be earlier than scheduled, but it's time for the routine consultation.

Eichi: Oh my, you've certainly come earlier than expected, Hokuto.

Since you claimed victory in DreamFes and all, wouldn't it be better to spend your time performing a victory live or something?

Hokuto: No, it's fine. Our members' battle fatigue is probably piling up, after all.

It's only been half a year since we awoke from cryosleep. We need the time to rest and catch up on the details of what has happened so far.

Eichi: I see, it's a good thing to be eager to learn.

In the last few decades, idol's job description has completely turned on its head, so learning the history behind that is a matter of great significance.

Hokuto: Right. There are still a lot of things that we don't know.

--Idols have advanced into space.

Now idols fight with robots, and the winner earns the right to perform; that's how this new DreamFes works--And it seems to be entertainment to humanity down on earth.

But, what's the point of fighting with robots? I'd never imagined it would be something so important that we have to venture into space for it.

Eichi: Are you still hung up on that? How stubborn you are, Hokuto.

Hokuto: What— ..!

Eichi: But I suppose it's not weird that you'd end up thinking that. After all, this originates from the newly discovered theory in neuroscience.

The Music of Conflict and Jubilance--That is the catalyst that awakens the fighting instinct and deep emotion carved into humanity's genes.

And this new "DreamFes" is meant to bring those catalysts together .

The discovery of the new "DreamFes" brought major reform in the entertainment industry.

We’ve reached a point where all organisations on the earth make huge investments just to obtain the rights to broadcast our performances.

We receive over 2 billion views worldwide, all the time. It truly is the grandest show Earth has ever seen ♪

Hokuto: There you go again, starting another lecture on a new theory.

But in the end it's still difficult to simply swallow the fact that idols have to fight in robots.

I don't think we came to space just for that…

… But, putting that aside. Has Akehoshi still not been found?

Eichi: Yes. The search is still underway.

Hokuto: I see...

Eichi: I'm truly sorry about this. Although we’ve already sent personnel out to search for him, outer space is far too vast.

I just hope he hasn’t caught up in an accident or something.

Hokuto: I'm not trying to blame it on you, Tenshouin-senpai. After all, venturing into space has always been his wish.

It's just that Trickstar won't be complete until he returns.

Not to mention, aside from our usual performances in the new "DreamFes", we have to conduct pilot training and combat exercises with the mobile suit. It's quite a lot of work.

If we could, the members of Trickstar would be out there searching for Akehoshi every single day. But we can't afford to pull out of DreamFes, since we attract so many sponsors through it.

Eichi: So does this mean you want me to reduce Trickstar's appearances on "DreamFes"?

Hokuto: No, not just for Trickstar, but other units too.

This is just a rumour I heard, but apparently Knights' Tsukinaga Leo and the members of Crazy:B have been wandering in outer space because they don't want their ES activities to rob them of their freedom.

It's not just Knights and Crazy:B who have been affected either.

It seems like both the idols who haven't been able to adapt to the new form of DreamFes and the idols who just started out in ES have gotten fed up with the status quo.

I'm sure you understand too, Tenshouin-senpai. The growth of this industry exists because of the diversity of its idols.

Don't you think it's about time for us to give them their freedom?

Eichi: Hm. Alright, I hear you.

I, too, love idols, so I don't wish to mistreat them.

However, our life in space and future plans to explore the cosmos depend upon the funding from the massive global enterprises. Not even I can settle those negotiations easily, you know?

It might not be possible to improve things right away, but I'll do what I can.

Hokuto: Alright. I will leave it to you, Tenshouin-senpai.

Spaceship Hallway

Hokuto: ( Hm. This routine consultation ended without a hitch. Although this consultation is part of the care plan for us who have awoken from cryosleep, I do have to admire Tenshouin-senpai's dedication.

It'd be great if the new DreamFes could be improved soon as well.

Akehoshi... Did he also flee into space because he had enough of these circumstances?

Without bothering to say a thing to us first...?

Akehoshi. Please, answer me.

Have we truly become the idols we wished to be?)

Huh…? What was that jolt…?

[Emergency Alert.]

[Explosion of unidentified object detected at the dock.]

[Guards, report to the scene immediately.]

[Repeat.]

[Explosion of unidentified object detected at the dock.]

Hokuto: Emergency alert…!?

Next>

JP & EN proofer : royalquintet, iridesenescence

Season : ⭐

Spaceship Control Room

Shu: It seems like that jarring alarm has died down at last.

Rei: Yeah. Such a violent jolt and dissonant noises are tough on these old bones.

Honestly, to think that the reason for our first meeting in a long time is an explosion incident… Really, what is this world coming to?

Tsukasa: Yes, indeed… I am truly fed up with this.

Putting that aside, however, we must commence our discussion immediately. We cannot afford to rest knowing an explosion has breached this Space Colony.

Rei: But the representative of Starpro has yet to come. We can't begin our discussion without Tenshouin-kun.

Shu: It's him who is late. I have no qualms about leaving him out.

If his karma has dragged him into an incident, then it would be a perfect excuse for his tardiness, after all.

Rei: Such an ill-omened statement is hardly necessary, Itsuki-kun.

Haven't you also been taking the opportunity to cooperate with Tenshouin-kun through our advancement into space?

Shu: NON! ES' goals simply happen to align with my own; I have absolutely no intention of getting along with him!

...Nothing will come of our meaningless chatter. Let's proceed to discuss the main topic and fill Starpro in afterward.

Let me get straight to the point. There is a traitor among us idols who reside within this ES Space Colony.

Tsukasa: Among us Idols…?

Shu: Yes. That's the reason we have gathered for this emergency meeting. I propose that we lock down the Space Colony to conduct an investigation and search for the culprit.

Rei: Hm. I think that's quite a hasty move. Itsuki-kun, I would like to know why you are so certain that the culprit is amongst us idols.

According to the reports, the explosion happened in the hangar where the robots are kept. It is entirely possible that a staff member caused the explosion by accident while performing maintenance on the robot.

Shu: That's far too optimistic. I cannot say I agree with your thinking.

Especially in this stressful environment of space where idols' fatigue only increases by the day...

Destroying the mobile suits would mean they no longer have to fight—I see this as a strong motive for causing an explosion.

In fact, with the pressure to constantly participate in DreamFes weighing heavily on us, there's simply no time for the birth of new culture or art.

Rei, I'm certain you know of the many idols who ran away because they couldn't stand that any longer?

Tsukasa: I am also… quite perplexed by the Gap between the ideals I once heard of and the reality we are living in.

Akehoshi-senpai, the members of Crazy:B—they were just some among many Idols… who took combat lessons as an opportunity to flee into outer space.

It's possible that those who felt Stressed in the same way began to harbor thoughts of revolt.

Shu: Yes. I have no doubt that the culprit behind this incident is someone with a deep resentment for the ES space plan. If we don't catch them immediately, we risk having a second or even third incident on our hands.

That's all I wanted to say. Are there any objections?

Rei: I see. I can see the logic behind your reasoning, Itsuki-kun.

However, jumping to conclusions is quite an issue as well. Would it not be wiser to perform a careful investigation of the explosion in the hangar first?

Shu: Non. one like you always insists on taking things lightly..

I won't allow you to say you’ve forgotten about what happened to the Five Eccentrics. Do you not care that we may end up repeating the same mistake like back then?

Before it comes to that, we should lock down this Space Colony immediately and search for the culprit.

Unless, perhaps, you actually have something to hide?

Rei: Kukuku. I wonder, do you see me as the traitorous bat from the folk tale?¹ It's quite upsetting to hear that you suspect me of changing sides and cooperating with Tenshouin-kun instead.

The tale of the Five Eccentrics is an old story. While I'm aware you might find discomfort in a situation as unpredictable as this, it's imperative that you wait.

There are always two sides to a coin. Which is to say, we can't make decisions simply based on speculation alone.

We are but a group of voyagers traversing through outer space. If we allow our suspicions to run wild without checking the incident site first, it will put us on the path of ruin.

Shu: Good grief… I'd completely forgotten that humanity's space venture was born from mere competitiveness.

Wanting to surpass other countries, wanting to serve one’s nation… With the world revolving around such ideologies, there is nowhere for freedom and culture to go.

It is constrained and suffocating.

Suou, Rei. Let's go to the hangar and investigate now.

Tsukasa: Understood…!

Still, letting the culprit run loose leaves me uneasy.

Shu: I share your sentiments. But if Rei insists on being careful, we have to find evidence before locking down the Colony.

Eichi: Everyone, apologies for being late. I hate to cut the conversation short, but I've just finished investigating the hangar.

Shu: Tenshouin.

I thought you were late but it seems you were merely gaining a head start. I must say, I'm rather unimpressed.

Eichi: "Gaining a head start" sounds terribly unflattering. This is an emergency. I simply decided to prioritize the investigation.

Until just a while ago, I was with Saegusa-kun investigating surveillance footage.

This is what was shown in the video. A mobile suit of unknown affiliation infiltrating the hangar and setting off explosives.

Also from there, we learned that Tsukinaga-kun, who was in Knights' mobile suit at the time, has fallen into a comatose state. We immediately brought him to the sickbay.

Tsukasa: Leo-san, you said…!?

Eichi: Yes. It appears that Tsukinaga-kun was composing there, to his misfortune. Because he left the cockpit hatch open, he bore the brunt of the explosion.

Tsukasa: It can't be…!

I can't believe this, Leo-san…

Eichi: I was also surprised by this sudden occurrence. I'm about to dispatch Hokuto to pursue the mobile suit that had infiltrated the hangar.

It's been one hour since the incident… A capable idol should have no problems catching up to the culprit.

Hokuto. Do you hear me loud and clear?

Spaceship Hallways

Hokuto: …Yes. The maintenance for the robot has finished. Just give the signal; I can take off at any time.

No matter their reason, I will never forgive anyone who brings harm to idols. With Prince Star, I will charge in and shoot down that mysterious mobile suit.

Eichi: I'm counting on you, Hokuto.

Hokuto: Yes. You can entrust the rest to me, Tenshouin-senpai.

After all, I am an idol who shoulders humanity's hopes.

Note :

¹A reference to the bat in the Aesop's 55 Fable "The Bat, Birds, and The Beasts" the Japanese version is slightly different from English version as it implies that the bat was actively selling out each side to the other and is hated by both the birds and beasts in the end.

JP & EN proofer : royalquintet, iridesenescence

Season : ⭐

Content Warning : Major Character Death, Mention of Killing Attempt

Outer Space

Hokuto: (It's been several minutes since dispatching... No pulses on the radar yet.)

(But really, this is an outrageous situation. To think that we idols, who've ventured into space, have to fight against a mobile suit that is suspected to be stolen from our very own space colony...)

(It's as if we're in a world of fiction.)

(But... What I'm curious about is the motive behind that explosion.)

(Itsuki-senpai suspects that the culprit holds a grudge against ES. Were they so disappointed in the current state of ES that they had to go this far?)

(Akehoshi also left for space with his own mobile suit. But he wouldn’t take an indirect approach like this.)

(Rather than letting the possibility of someone getting hurt, he would just appeal directly to Tenshouin-senpai.)

(Or was he perhaps also involved in an incident...?)

(No, I'm overthinking it. It's him we're talking about—he would definitely come back as if nothing ever happened.)

……

[ Warning : Mobile suit particle residue has been detected. Proceed with caution.]

Hokuto: Hm. The radar's reacting…?

An unknown mobile suit... Could it be…?!

???: Kyahaha ♪ You finally come to see me, oh dear Orihime-sama? You’ve made me wait for sooo long, I’m fallin’ asleep, yknow?

Hokuto: Just who are you calling Orihime-sama?

I am Hidaka Hokuto. I am here to apprehend you.

State your name. Were you the one who caused that explosion incident?

???: Hey now, I ain’t obedient enough to give you my name just ‘cause you ask for it.

But if you want to know who I am that much, why don't cha choke the answer outta me with that robot of yours!

Kyahaha, I wonder, can ya dodge all of my missiles?!

Hokuto: Ugh…! You made the first move, huh!

But, that level of attack is nothing compared to those ruthless opponents we face in Dreamfes, fighting you would be like stealing candy from a baby.

Hokuto: Raaaaaghh!

???: Oh? To think you'd lure the barrage away and detonate it. Looks like you got some fight in ya. Interesting. Ya got my gambler's blood tingling in excitement.

Hokke : Gambler…? Hold on, I feel like I've heard that phrase somewhere before—

???: Whoopsie-daisy! Gettin' distracted, are we? My attack's not over yet!

Hokuto: Huh, what a cheap trick… That won't work on me!

Enough playing around. Just surrender already.

???: Kyahahaha ☆ You're saying the same thing he did, huh? The idol who tried to stop me by saying things like that went down without much of a fight, y'know?

Hokuto: Someone tried to stop you at the dock…? Are you... talking about Tsukinaga-senpai?

???: Yeah. He was already in the mobile suit and I couldn't see him clearly, so I didn't even remember much….

Hokuto: I won’t be shaken by your lies — I know that’s what you’re aiming for. There’s no way I’ll believe you defeated Tsukinaga-senpai of the Big Three--

???: It's possible, no? Any kind of surprise attack is a strike up jackpot against any opponent, long as they're flesh and blood! Whaddya think? Simple enough, right?

... I just remembered! The one I'm talking about was piloting a mobile suit like yours!

Hokuto: A mobile suit like Prince Star…?

It can't be that you did that… to Akehoshi…

???: Yep yep, it was Akehoshi-paisen! Oh noo~ I've done something so terrible to paisen, huh~?

Before this explosion incident, I snuck into the dock to steal the mobile suit that was still under development.

I ran into that guy there, and y'see, getting rid of witnesses is pretty damn important.

But that was a big help, y'know. I’d had enough of the newly reformed DreamFes—they’re nothin’ more than an idol slaughter ritual...☆

Hokuto: So it was your fault! Because of that incident, he was….!

???: Oh no, don't you dare to play victim, you criminal!!

You’re just as guilty, y’know?! You join the DreamFes and play at war… Did you really think that was all gonna turn out fine and dandy?!

Hokuto: Look, I was also conflicted….!

But it’s a little late to be saying that now, isn’t it? If you want to improve things, then shouldn’t we do that with a discussion instead of violence?

???: …If Niki hadn’t died 'cause of that, then yeah, sure.

Hokuto: What…?

Tsukasa: Now!

???: Ugh...!

Hokuto: A surprise attack...!? That mobile suit with the sword, it's Knights'—

Tsukasa: King of Knights. The mobile suit of the sovereign. I could not bring myself to simply observe, so I jumped in.

I was also listening to that transmission just now. So you're the one who attacked Leo-san, correct?

Rinne: Yeah, I've already decided to forfeit my life for revenge.

Look at me. Look at my face! This is the face of the one who took away your beloved!

Hokuto: Amagi Rinne… So you are the culprit?

Rinne: Jackpot! I'm the culprit!! At first I was planning to just destroy all the mobile suits in the dock, but I was interrupted, see?

Those two I met in the dock—Akehoshi-paisen and Leo-chan— I tried to kill both of them.

Tsukasa: ...Ggh.

Just because they happened to be there...?

I cannot forgive such selfish logic…! Even if you lost someone important, it has nothing to do with the rest of us!

Rinne: Unrelated?! No fuckin' way! Y'all are just as guilty for creatin’ the new DreamFes!

Tsukasa: …It seems my words fall on deaf ears.

O foul nemesis of my seniors—on my honor as a knight, I shall submit you to my judgment!

Hokuto: I'm with Suou-kun. My ominous feeling was right on the mark. I never wanted Akehoshi to be lost over something like this…

All he wanted was to be an idol. He just wanted to deliver light to many people.

…Amagi Rinne. I am an idol. That's precisely why I’ll ensure you meet a noble end.

Tsukasa: Hidaka-senpai, I will assist as your support!

Hokuto: ...I appreciate it.

Tsukasa: It's nothing. I just don't want to lose any more members...

Rinne: Ahahah, you wanna defeat me and pose as a hero? You goddamn hypocrites--

Fine then, come at me!!

JP & EN proofer : royalquintet, iridesenescence

Season : ⭐

Outer Space

Rinne: *pant*...*pant*...

Well damn, I’m just about screwed in a two-against-one…

Hokuto: Why don’t you just surrender? Even if we continue fighting, you have no chance of winning

Rinne: Yeah yeah, I get it. So this is as far as my luck takes me, huh. Fine, I give u―

Juuust kidding! Crafty lil’ Rinne-kyun still has a trump card hidden up his sleeve!

Hokuto: An electromagnetic pulse?!

Tsukasa: This is bad, Hidaka-senpai! That device is jamming our signals! He's planning on disabling our radars so he can escape!

Hokuto: Like hell I'll let him escape―

Rinne: Kyahaha! I ain't stickin' around to fight a losing battle -- time to hightail it! When even the goddess of luck has abandoned me, it’s time to be a good lil’ boy and retreat!

Urgh…?!

Wh-What was that? The attack just now…! Somethin' came from my blind spot!

Oh hell! The rocket booster's busted…!

Hokuto: What was that beam…?

Tsukasa: Look over there! Several battleships are approaching us!

Eichi: It appears that I have made it in time.

Hokuto: Tenshouin-senpai…?

Eichi: You’ve both done wonderful work, Hokuto, Tsukasa-kun.

Hokuto: I’m seeing a lot of enormous space battleships―just what is this fleet for?

Eichi: Fufu. This is my private military force that I had prepared in case of emergency.

I prepared this in secret, just in case I needed to get rid of hindrances like you all.

An explosion at the docks turned into a battle, and now you’re all weakened after fighting amongst each other. With a plan like this, it'll be easy enough to eliminate all three of you at once. ♪

Hokuto: What…?

Tsukasa: What did you just say, Onii-sama? It sounded like you wanted to shoot us down―I don't believe this electromagnetic pulse would interfere with our transmission, though?

Eichi: You appear confused, but this is your fault, you know. You have questioned the perfect system―the new DreamFes.

Such defective elements must be eliminated as quickly as possible.

Hokuto: What? You're gonna eliminate us over a reason like that…?

That’s tyranny!

Tsukasa: As Hidaka-senpai says. In the first place, there are only a small number of us managing our district, correct? If we purge people for a simple difference in ideas, we will meet our ruin before long.

Eichi: Fufufu. I find absolutely no issue with it.

From the moment you stepped aboard the spaceship, I had already stored the data of your memory.

And not only that—I hold the key to cloning technology in my hands.

Even if your bodies were to be destroyed, I can simply replace them and transplant the stored memories from when you first awakened.

In fact, Hokuto… this body is your fifth.

Hokuto: That’s ridiculous. Are you saying that I am just a clone with relocated memories…?

Rinne: … Yeah, this guy ain’t bluffin’. Y'see, I unfortunately stumbled on the secrets of the ES Space Plan.

So I made a decision. I would steal the new mobile suit from the dock so I can kill all the masterminds.

The first step to that is wreckin’ up this sheltered paradise producing fakeass idols. If I take control of the Space Colony and throw you into the void beyond, we'll have peace again for sure.

Sorry to involve you in all this, but this is why I took down your partners in the first place.

Heh, I might not look it, but I know how to rule ♪

At the very least, I’d make the world a better place than it is under those who’re just tryin’ to take advantage of idols! Don't you think so?

Hokuto: …

Eichi: Which is justice and which is evil―perhaps you are confused?

Try thinking clearly about it for a moment. Essentially, it is important for people who have crossed over to the final frontier to work together under the common goal of pioneering.

Otherwise, it would only be natural for our efforts to taper off with petty disputes.

However, in the end, humans have always been self-serving creatures. Perhaps the stress of life in space leads you to label the new DreamFes as cruel and to romanticize the old days.

Thus I have prepared the reset button for you in advance. No matter how the situation changes, it can restore you to your original, ideal state.

Hokuto: So that’s what clone technology is meant for…!

Eichi: Yes. We call it cryosleep; with this, we can continuously produce idols with their memories and experiences completely set back to default.

And this is how we can constantly supply new idols for DreamFes.

The eternal idols who neither age nor die—these are the beings I have created.

Well then, let’s ask this generation’s Hokuto a question.

You've discovered the secret behind idols, and you also learned that you are but a component in a system where idols can be replaced.

Of course, this is true for me as well. If you were to kill me here, no doubt the second and the third Tenshouin Eichi will appear as clones.

Behind the dream lurks a bloody reality.

Now that your idol dreams have been shattered, what reason do you have to continue fighting?

Hokuto: …

(So this is the truth. I’m sure even Akehoshi has already been…)

(We are merely clones, nothing but disposable beings… Under such circumstances, it’s true that fighting might be meaningless…)

(But then... What is this anger? Why does my blood feel like it's boiling…?)

(Ah, I see now. I am angry for Hidaka Hokuto and his partners who died as gears in this system.)

(...For those who were being used as idols without knowing the truth.)

...Gh!

You want a "reason"? I have mine right here!

Eichi: That necklace...

Hokuto: This is the evidence of who we are. You might say we're clones, but the past that we went through hasn't changed.

Tricktsar still exists inside of me―inside of us.

Tenshouin-senpai, you are the root of this evil that I will defeat.

… Prince Star, to battle!

Tsukasa: Rinne-senpai, I will judge the good and evil in your actions later. For now, let us join hands in combat!

Rinne: Hell yeah! Gotta protect my pride as a chief!

Eichi: Fufu, to engage in reckless battle in the name of revolution―it seems none of you have changed at all.

Eichi 2.0, Eichi 3.0, it is your turn now.

Eichi 2.0: Finally my time has come, 1.0.

Eichi 3.0: As long as we—Tenshouin Eichi—are here, purging the rebels is an easy task.

Hokuto: Huh. So by cloning yourself, you’re trying to gain eternal life, Tenshouin-senpai?

I will defeat you and become a real idol…!

[Real Life]

Star Maker Production ES Office

[ Hokuto wakes up]

Hokuto: ...Ah!

...What? ...Oh, a dream? That was one hell of a nightmare.

Eichi: Hello there, Hokuto. Seeing you napping in the agency is quite the rare sight. You must've been very tired.

I didn't want to wake you, so I waited here―did you have a nightmare, perhaps?

Hokuto: Whoa?! T-Tenshouin-senpai…

How many bodies have you been through?

Eichi: Hm? I really don’t get what you’re talking about…

Ah... Was your dream perhaps related to the script in your hand?

“The Threepenny Space Opera (tentative)"¹, huh… So Dramatica is doing a Sci-Fi stage play?

Hokuto: No, it is only one of the options for our next production. It might be difficult, considering our budget, though.

Eichi: If money is an issue, might I offer to sponsor? I was just thinking that I’d like to watch a show directed by Wataru.

Hokuto: Please don’t. Nothing good will come out of sponsoring him. Not to mention, getting a personal sponsor for a circle activity doesn’t feel right.

But I am grateful, Tenshouin-senpai.

Eichi: Hm? What for?

Hokuto: Nothing, just... I've realized we are so blessed here.

We're able to be whatever kind of idol we please in ES. I just wanted to thank you for that.

Eichi: Fufu. That's very unlike you. Also, it's quite embarrassing to be told that face-to-face.

The establishment of ES has jump-started a new phase in the idol industry. We’ll be even busier from now on, Hokuto.

Hokuto: Right, bring it on. We'll never stop moving forward.

As long as the fans are still there for us―I will continue to be an idol.

END

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NOTE :

¹ The title of the Dramatica play (スペース三文オペラ) seems to be taken from The Threepenny Opera(insert link) (三文オペラ in Japanese). Interestingly, the wiki article mentions that the original opera was written to be a "beggar's" opera in contrast with opera's traditionally aristocratic origins, and that the plotline is a criticism of a capitalist world.