Inside the building, within the combined simulation training grounds located on the 7th, 8th, and 9th floors.
Having just finished a simulated battle and removed the device, Origami didn't feel much physical fatigue, but more of a mental weariness.
She had always been confident in her abilities, but recently that confidence had suffered an unprecedented blow.
The reason was simple: the person she challenged was Westcott, the Executive Director of DEM, one of the world's last four Wizards.
"Westcott, how are you so strong?"
Technique, power, experience… she was completely overwhelmed in every aspect. Even without using her Spirit powers, Westcott was still superior.
This outcome filled Origami, who always wanted to help Ryuya and contribute her worth, with a sense of despair.
"Why so strong? Probably a matter of innate talent."
Casually changing out of her combat suit, Westcott's perfect figure made Origami somewhat envious.
Although she had seen Westcott in a swimsuit during the hot spring outing with Ryuya, it seemed now that this noble, elegant, and coolly beautiful woman had been hiding her figure.
'It's actually this impressive?'
While lost in thought, Origami heard Westcott continue, "Tobiichi Origami, you are human. I am a Spirit. That is our difference."
"Furthermore, I am also a Wizard with magical energy, plus the experience of age. It's normal for you to lose to me."
By now, Westcott had already changed her clothes, after all, quick-change devices were quite advanced, and she still wore that suit, even after revealing her female identity.
"Then what if... at my age, who would be stronger between us?"
Persistently pressing the question, Origami noticed Westcott's gaze held a hint of pity, "If I hadn't met Sensei, I wouldn't have been as strong as you are at your age."
The implication was that Westcott, at Origami's age, still surpassed Origami.
"I see. I will train even harder."
Nodding, Origami never dwelled on the past. She stood up and began changing as well. She knew Ryuya was taking everyone to Miku's concert tonight and was preparing very seriously.
"Tobiichi Origami, what's in your bag?"
Observing Origami's attitude, Westcott nodded slightly, 'This girl's temperament was good, she would likely become a valuable asset to Sensei in the future.'
But glancing inadvertently at Origami's bag, she noticed a small bottle.
"This? This is something to mix with food. Just one drop can increase energy levels a hundredfold."
"Increase energy?"
Wearing a puzzled expression, Westcott pointed to another bottle.
"Oh, that's a liquid that can render someone unconscious. Although I doubt it would work on Ryuya-sama, I prepared it just in case."
"And the handcuffs, rope, and these... toys?"
"I thought they might come in handy."
"…"
Falling completely into silence, looking at Origami, whose level of perversion could rival Karen's, Westcott hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly, "Tobiichi Origami, I take back what I said earlier. Your... 'strength'... is greater than mine was at your age."
…
8:00 PM, in the city center of Tengu City. This was the finest concert venue, the 'Canopy' Concert Hall, capable of holding a full 100,000 people.
"Wow, Ryu, there are so many people here!"
The girl's voice was as clear and refreshing as ice in summer. As Tohka moved, many people noticed this astonishingly beautiful girl.
"What a beautiful girl! Is she some celebrity?"
"Maybe she's a guest invited by Miku-sama?"
"So beautiful... I feel my heart racing."
Outside the concert, packed with a sea of people, hundreds of fire trucks, police vehicles, ambulances, etc., were all on standby, fearing potential incidents from such a massive, dense crowd.
After all, Miku was currently at the peak of her popularity. With a huge fanbase worldwide, countless audience members flocked to her every concert.
Though no one knew why, Miku only toured major cities in Japan and never went abroad, forcing many fans to travel specifically just to get a ticket.
"Tohka, this is a concert. There are 100,000 people here."
Tohka, Origami, Yoshino, Westcott, the three Itsuka Sisters, Ellen, Karen... a group of over ten people, all consisting of various beautiful girls, with the exceptionally charismatic Ryuya among them.
They stood out prominently among the audience. This large group of lively young women also disliked wearing masks or covering their faces, making them especially conspicuous.
"Let's go, we'll talk inside."
Leading the girls to the concert entrance, Ryuya presented the special tickets Miku had mailed him.
"This ticket is..."
The female security guard at the entrance was shocked looking at the ticket Ryuya presented.
Due to Miku's past betrayal by fans, she developed a severe aversion to men, and instituted the bizarre rule that only women could enter her concerts.
Over dozens of concerts in the past year, although some men initially tried sneaking in disguised as women, advancements in technology and the development of Realizer-based devices, like a breathalyzer test, meant no male could slip through anymore.
While many fans found this rule strange, most accepted Miku's 'pure idol' persona and became even more fanatical.
Seeing the ticket Ryuya presented, the security guard knew this was the special pass Miku had mentioned beforehand… the one that granted entry to anyone who held it, regardless of who they were.
Unaware of Ryuya's identity, she remembered that even dignitaries and politicians hadn't been allowed into the concerts before.
'Just who was this man?'
Amidst the roaring cheers of some audience members and the skeptical questions of others, Ryuya and the Spirits entered the concert venue. Meanwhile, reporters outside seemed to have received some tip and began crafting gossip about Miku.
After all, a man entering her concert was earth-shattering news!