Morning came too quickly.
The girls were herded into the central auditorium, one far larger than the rehearsal hall. Screens stretched from wall to wall, glowing with sponsor logos and bold letters: NEXT STAGE REVEAL. Rows of cameras loomed like watchful predators, capturing every flicker of expression.
The hundred and fifty survivors filed in with heavy steps. Some looked hollow-eyed, carrying the weight of the night before. Others, like Daika and Akari..walked tall, radiating confidence that dared the world to question it.
Rika stuck close to Kana and Hina. Herself and Hina of them felt small in the cavernous space, swallowed by the rising buzz of anticipation.
The host, a tall man with a showman's grin, stepped into the spotlight. His voice boomed, theatrical and merciless.
