Morpheus was a lenient god, rarely interfering in his devotees' lives.
As long as they avoided heinous acts like murder or arson, he turned a blind eye.
The Cat's Eye Sisters stole, but mostly their father's paintings, so Morpheus let them be.
If they got caught, he'd bail them out.
For now, they showed no signs of slipping up.
Knowing his devotees were doing well, Morpheus was content, his smile radiant, his mood visibly bright.
One morning, after enjoying a breakfast prepared by Erina Nakiri, Morpheus resumed his wandering.
Strolling through Tokyo's streets, he passed a corner where someone was performing.
Street performers weren't rare in Tokyo, but most worked at night. Daytime performers, especially at 9 a.m., were unusual.
Curious, Morpheus approached. A girl with a guitar stood at the street corner, singing and playing.
Her voice was decent, but the song was unfamiliar.
Morpheus hadn't heard it before.
This wasn't surprising. His knowledge of Japanese music leaned toward anime songs, like Cruel Angel's Thesis or Gurenge. Non-anime songs were less familiar.
He knew Miyuki Nakajima's Riding on the Back of a Silver Dragon and Kenshi Yonezu's Lemon best.
The latter was wildly popular.
But in this crossover world, most anime songs didn't exist.
Neither did Miyuki Nakajima or Kenshi Yonezu.
So it was no shock that Morpheus didn't recognize the performer's song.
Still, he recognized the singer.
Inori Yuzuriha.
The heroine of Guilty Crown, a CG-like beauty with red eyes and pink hair, a touch emotionless.
Morpheus hadn't expected to see her here.
It was surprising.
But on reflection, Umbrella Corporation had researched the Apocalypse Virus, so Inori's presence wasn't impossible.
In this world, no large-scale viral outbreak had occurred, so Inori was just an ordinary girl.
She didn't know Shu Ouma and wasn't part of Funeral Parlor.
Just a regular street performer.
Morpheus checked his phone for her online presence but found nothing. She wasn't even a minor internet idol.
Too green. Far too green.
He stood, listening quietly. When Inori finished a song, her tip box had collected some scattered bills.
Clearly, more than a few appreciated her voice.
After a sip of water, Inori began another unfamiliar song.
Its melody was pleasant enough.
After several songs, her tips grew.
Clap, clap, clap…
A loud applause broke out.
Heads turned toward a man in glasses, looking at Inori with teary enthusiasm. "Wonderful, absolutely wonderful!"
He approached, saying, "Miss, your voice is incredible."
"Please join our agency. We'll make you a star."
He handed her a business card.
Morpheus's sharp eyes caught the text: Tenjou Agency.
He paused. Tenjou Agency? He knew of 283 Productions from The Idolmaster: Shiny Colors, a small agency with 2.83 million in capital.
It prioritized idols' wishes and well-being, sparing no expense for their happiness.
Founded by Nuo Tenjou, a producer who'd quit after failing to nurture idols, only to later revive 283 as its president.
Was this Tenjou Agency related to Nuo Tenjou?
Had 283 Productions become Tenjou Agency in this crossover world?
Curious, Morpheus scanned the man's memories.
His face darkened.
Tenjou Agency had no ties to Nuo Tenjou or Idolmaster.
It was a predatory agency, exploiting idols, draining their blood and sweat, treating them as cash cows with no regard for their well-being.
The glasses-wearing man, a producer, was a scumbag in disguise.
He'd sign artists, gaslight them into feeling worthless, then push them into compromising deals, taking 80-90% of their earnings.
Several aspiring idols had been broken by him.
One had even taken her own life.
Yet he felt no remorse, already targeting his next victim.
Inori.
Morpheus was disgusted. The world was a mess, letting such trash thrive.
As the producer tried to lure Inori, Morpheus stepped forward and slapped him.
Smack!
The man spun 720 degrees, collapsing with a thud, his head spinning, disoriented.
Inori stared at Morpheus, bewildered, unsure of what was happening.
Morpheus didn't explain. He kicked the producer in the stomach.
Today, he'd deliver justice, teaching this arrogant scum a lesson.
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
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