Live House CiRCLE – Stage
June 21, 2021 – Monday – 5:15 P.M.
3rd POV
A heavy silence settled over the stage. The faint hum of the amplifiers filled the space where words had died out. The air was thick—grief mixed with confusion—everyone still reeling from the news Marina had just delivered.
Riku stood before them, the weight of responsibility etched across his face. He scanned the crowd of musicians and idols—each expression uncertain, some pale, others restless. He could feel their unease pressing against him like static.
He finally exhaled. "Look," he began, tone even but firm, "I know what Marina said hit hard. None of us expected that. But we can't just stop here. We move forward. Always."
His words steadied the air. He turned toward the CiRCLE manager. "Marina."
"H-Hai," she stammered, straightening her back.
"About the band that lost their vocalist," Riku said quietly. "The Nagae will handle the funeral expenses—and the hospital bills for the remaining members."
Marina blinked. "Eh? Wait, that's—"
Ran spoke up, arms folded. "Nii-san, isn't that... a bit much?"
"The moment Marina invited them to perform here," Riku replied, eyes steady, "they became CiRCLE's responsibility. As its owner, I won't turn a blind eye. It's the least I can do." His voice carried no hint of pride, only conviction. "Inform their families after the meeting."
Marina nodded, still looking shaken. "Understood. I'll message them right after this." She hesitated, then glanced toward the two idol groups waiting near the corner. "Now... about something else. Why are μ's and MORE MORE JUMP here, exactly?"
The others—Kessoku Band, Afterglow, and Rondo—exchanged puzzled looks. Even Tsukushi's usually calm face twitched in confusion. Idol groups didn't just drop by CiRCLE without a reason.
Riku clasped his hands behind his back. "That's one of the reasons I called everyone together. The first is to get all groups familiar with each other before the live. Better to meet early than a week before the event. The second..." he trailed off, glancing toward a certain pink-haired idol, "...Minori?"
Minori stepped forward, her pastel-green eyes determined but warm. "We can take it from here, Riku-san."
He nodded once and stepped back, arms crossed. "Alright. I'll only step in if necessary."
The idol bowed slightly before facing the others. "Thank you. Everyone, my name is Hanasato Minori, and I'm a member of MORE MORE JUMP. We're here because of a request we made to Riku-san."
Aoi tilted her head. "You asked Riku for something? What kind of request?"
Minori clasped her hands. "We asked if MORE MORE JUMP could perform here at CiRCLE for our upcoming stage—the Love Live Qualifiers. Riku-san said he'd give us his answer today."
"Love Live?" Nijika repeated, brows knit. "Ano... what's that exactly?"
A muffled struggle suddenly drew everyone's attention. Eli and Nozomi were holding down Nico, who was thrashing violently with what looked like duct tape across her mouth. Maki stood beside them, expression blank, as if this was a routine occurrence.
No one dared to ask why Maki had duct tape ready.
Aichi sighed and stepped in before Nico could free herself. "Love Live," he began patiently, "is the biggest idol competition in Japan. Every aspiring idol dreams of competing there—and winning means reaching the pinnacle of that world."
Nijika nodded slowly, still processing. "Oh... I see. Then, uh—who are you again?"
Aichi blinked, then smiled faintly. "Ah, apologies. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Hinanawi Aichi, the manager of the idol group μ's."
"Got it," Nijika said. "Then Aichi-san, Minori-san, what brings μ's and MORE MORE JUMP both to CiRCLE?"
Minori explained, "According to Love Live's committee rules, idol groups can't perform in any venue they've already used during previous qualifiers in their region. We've already played almost everywhere in Tokyo—except here."
"Actually," Aichi added, "μ's had arranged to perform at Hanasakigawa. We even made a deal with the Student Council there. But... after Riku brought something up yesterday, I started to rethink it."
Nozomi raised a brow. "So you already knew about this, Aichi?"
"Not exactly." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Riku just reminded me last weekend that we might be thinking too narrowly. We've been so focused on the school theme that we forgot other possibilities."
Tsubaki smirked faintly. "Then you still have some distance to go. In this kind of field, narrow thinking will trap you. Broaden your view. Find new angles."
Nagisa let out a soft laugh. "Wow, that's something I expected from Hiiro-san, not you, Tsubaki-san."
"Can it," Tsubaki shot back, though not unkindly. "Anyway, when does the qualifier start?"
Airi, stepping up beside Minori, answered, "It starts on the 20th next month. We have to finish our performance before the day ends."
A murmur rippled through the room. The timing hit them all at once—the same day as CiRCLE's scheduled live event.
All eyes turned back to Riku. His calmness in that moment made it obvious—he'd already connected the dots.
Aoi crossed her arms. "You already expected this, didn't you? That CiRCLE's live and the Love Live Qualifiers would overlap?"
Riku raised an eyebrow. "Nope. Not at all." His tone was dry enough to draw a few small laughs. "I only realized it after Marina told me our live schedule, and Haruka mentioned the qualifier date. I didn't plan for that overlap."
He adjusted his coat sleeve, expression composed. "Like I told Marina, she's the one in charge of this event. I'll only step in if something requires my intervention—and this situation might be one of those times. I delayed answering MORE MORE JUMP's request because I wanted to wait for μ's response first. Since Aichi's their manager, he gets the final say... aside from Honoka, of course."
Aichi gave a wry smile. "You're aware that μ's already struck a deal with Hanasakigawa, right?"
Riku nodded. "I'll talk to Rinko and Sayo about it. They'll understand."
Aichi hummed, clearly weighing the idea. Then he turned toward the orange-haired leader of μ's. "Honoka, what do you think? Do you want to perform here?"
"Eh?" Honoka blinked. "Me? You're asking me?"
Umi sighed. "You are the leader, Honoka. That means you, alongside Aichi, get to make the final call."
Kotori smiled softly. "Whatever you decide, we'll follow you to the end, Honoka-chan."
Honoka glanced at her fellow μ's members. They exchanged silent looks, and one by one, each nodded in quiet support. Whatever she chose—they'd follow.
Aichi stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. His usual teasing smirk softened. "You're the leader. What you say, I'll go with it."
Honoka exhaled slowly, her nerves easing. "Alright then... we'll perform here. If that's not too much to ask."
Riku's lips curved faintly, almost a smirk. "Hm. A good choice." He turned toward the CiRCLE manager. "Marina, your call?"
Marina's eyes gleamed, her voice bright with excitement. "I would love to have two of Japan's top idol groups perform here!"
The atmosphere lightened as Riku shifted his gaze toward MORE MORE JUMP. "Well, there you have it, Minori. Your request's accepted. But from here on, you'll report to Marina, understood?"
Minori's eyes sparkled as she bowed deeply. "Thank you for the chance, Riku-san!"
Haruka chimed in with a confident smile. "We promise to give it our all!"
Marina clasped her hands, ready to move on. "Then it's settled. Let's discuss—"
"Hold on."
Tsubaki's voice cut through the stage air like a string snapping.
Marina froze mid-step, glancing back. Tsubaki stood tall, expression unreadable.
Riku raised an eyebrow. "Something you need to say, Tsubaki?"
She crossed her arms. "Aoi told me you're a gifted musician. I want to see it for myself—right here."
The room went still. Aoi's eyes widened, and both Nagisa and Hiiro looked as though someone had just thrown a grenade into the room.
Nagisa waved her hands in panic. "Oi, oi, Tsubaki-san! Are you sure you want to do that now?"
Hiiro frowned. "Didn't you already watch his performances with Aoi-kun? What more do you need?"
Tsubaki met her gaze evenly. "I did. But it wasn't enough."
Ikuyo blinked. "Not enough? What do you mean?"
Eli, who had been quietly observing, smiled faintly, as if understanding something deeper. "I see. You mean there's a difference between watching it through a screen and feeling it in person."
Tsubaki nodded. "Exactly. I want to experience the full emotion behind his music. The kind that can't be captured on video."
Riku stared at her, his voice low. "And pray tell, why would I indulge you?"
Tsubaki didn't flinch. "Because... I need to confirm something."
A hush fell. Even the low buzz of the amplifiers seemed to fade away. The two locked eyes—Riku's calm, unreadable; Tsubaki's sharp, quietly demanding.
Seconds passed. Then Riku sighed, shoulders loosening. "Marina."
Marina jolted upright. "H-HAI!"
"Call in Aya and Hatate," Riku instructed. "And bring my keytar while you're at it."
Marina blinked. "A-Alright!" She hurried out of the hall, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.
Riku then turned to the idol manager. "Aichi, come up here and help me set up."
Aichi smiled knowingly. "Sure thing."
"Can I help too?" Ran piped up, already moving toward the stage.
Riku nodded. "Yeah. Come on, then."
The three moved with practiced precision. Riku directed without raising his voice—steady, deliberate, in command. Aichi adjusted the amp levels while Ran began arranging the instruments, their teamwork so natural it almost felt choreographed.
Within minutes, the stage came alive—drums assembled, cables connected, guitars and basses tuned one by one. The efficiency stunned the room.
Ryo leaned back, crossing his arms. "To think he tuned everything in minutes... that's no joke." His brows furrowed slightly. "Still... why does he look so familiar?"
Ikuyo glanced at him curiously. "You know him, senpai?"
"I do, I think," Ryo muttered. "But the memory's just out of reach."
Meanwhile, Aoi watched from the side with a quiet smile. "Fast as always."
Hiiro tilted her head. "Does Riku-kun always move like that?"
Aoi chuckled. "He does. Though this time, he's even quicker than usual."
Nagisa blinked in disbelief. "Aoi-san, your sworn brother's not human, is he?"
The comment made Riku pause mid-tune. Aichi stifled a laugh while Ran nearly dropped a pick. A ripple of laughter broke through the tension.
Aoi smirked, tilting her head. "Who knows?"
By the time the laughter faded, the setup was complete. Every instrument gleamed under the dim lights, perfectly positioned.
Riku straightened, rolling his shoulders. The air around him shifted—calm before a storm.
Right on cue, the door opened. Marina returned with Aya and Hatate in tow, the two girls panting slightly from the rush. Marina carried a large case strapped to her back, the metallic clasps catching the light.
he sound of footsteps echoed across the hall as Aya and Hatate arrived, both looking mildly irritated and curious.
Aya threw up a hand. "Yo, boss! What's the agenda today?"
Hatate adjusted her cap, sighing. "Marina dragged us here and said it was urgent. We had to put our work on hold... though it wasn't that important."
Riku, crouched beside his keytar, didn't bother looking up at first. "How's your drum and bass practice coming along?"
The two tengu exchanged a look, unsure whether he was making small talk or testing them.
Hatate crossed her arms. "I can keep up the tempo now, though my hands still go numb after a few sets."
Aya grinned, pulling her camera strap over her head. "And I'm doing fine on bass! But why ask that out of the blue?"
Riku only said, "Check your phones."
Both pulled them out, eyes scanning over the new message — a music sheet, and right beneath it, a fresh set of lyrics.
Hatate blinked. "You want us to play this? With you?"
Aya frowned. "Didn't you just finish writing this a few days ago? You haven't even practiced it."
Riku finally looked up, eyes calm and sharp. "What? Don't tell me that you two are scared of a little challenge?"
The air in the room shifted.
He leaned back, his voice turning just slightly mocking. "I was expecting more from Shameimaru Aya and Himekaidou Hatate — Megumu-san's finest. Guess I've been overpaying for average work. Might have to find someone else who can keep up."
Two simultaneous tick marks appeared on their foreheads.
Aya's face twitched a bit. "Who said we couldn't do it in one go?! Hand me that bass! I'll show you who's the better one!"
Ran yelped as Aya snatched the bass from her hands.
Hatate cracked her knuckles as she walked toward the drum set. "Fine. I'll play your game. But if I pull this off, I want a raise."
Riku smirked. "That depends on how well you pull it off."
Aichi, who'd been observing from the side, noticed two guitars propped near the amp. "Wait, Riku — there are two guitars here. Who's playing those?"
Riku raised a brow. "Isn't it obvious? You will."
Aichi's eyes widened. "Me? It's been a year since I last touched a guitar!"
"Didn't Tenshi teach you how to play?" Riku countered, tone casual.
"Well, yeah, but—"
Hanayo piped up from the audience. "Aichi-kun, you play guitar?"
Aichi scratched the back of his neck. "I do. Learned from my sister."
Rin frowned playfully. "How come you never told us?"
Aichi sighed. "None of you ever asked."
He looked down at the guitar, running a thumb over the strings. "Are you sure about this?"
Riku met his gaze — steady, unwavering. "If there's anyone I can trust on lead guitar, it's you."
Aichi's uncertainty flickered, then steadied. He nodded. "Very well. Leave the lead to me."
"Good." Riku turned toward the younger girl beside him. "Ran, you'll take rhythm."
Ran blinked. "Me? You sure?"
"Yes. You said once you wanted to play with me back at Totsuki Resort, remember?"
The memory softened her face. "Yeah... I did." She exhaled, gripping her guitar. "Alright then. I'll do it — just hope I don't screw up."
"Then don't think about that," Riku said simply. "Look at Moca and the others."
Ran turned. Her friends in Afterglow were practically beaming.
Tomoe raised her fist. "You got this, Ran!"
Himari added, "Make us proud!"
Moca smirked lazily. "Just don't trip over the cable~"
Tsugumi shouted, "Play like you always do, Ran-chan!"
Their voices steadied her more than she expected. Her hand stopped trembling. She nodded back, eyes clear.
While they tuned up, several girls noticed something strange about Riku's keytar. It was bulkier, its frame layered with strange metallic accents, and the number of keys stretched beyond normal range.
Hitori — quiet as ever — was the first to murmur, "That... that keytar..."
Nijika looked over, puzzled. "Something wrong with it, Bocchi-chan?"
Before she could answer, Marina spoke up. "You noticed it too? That's because it's custom-built — Riku's personal model."
Ikuyo tilted her head. "Wouldn't that count as cheating if used in a competition?"
Ryo, arms crossed, shook her head. "Not if the organizers approved it. Custom gear's allowed, as long as it doesn't automate anything."
Riku nodded faintly as he adjusted the pitch knobs. "Exactly. Every note still comes from me."
Then, without looking up, he called toward the four members of Kessoku Band. "You four. Watch closely. Treat this as a lesson."
Nijika and Ikuyo straightened, answering together, "Hai!"
Ryo and Hitori nodded in quiet respect.
Riku scanned his makeshift band — Aya adjusting her strap, Hatate testing her drumsticks, Aichi stretching his fingers, Ran waiting for his cue.
"You all ready?" he asked.
Aya flashed a grin. "Let's light it up."
Hatate smirked. "Just give the signal."
Aichi exhaled, a calm resolve in his voice. "Ready as I'll ever be."
Ran gave a short nod. "Hm."
Riku faced the mic, the air around him heavy with anticipation. He closed his eyes. For a heartbeat, the room seemed to still — the chatter, the shuffling, even the hum of the amplifiers faded into silence.
When he opened them again, a faint golden glimmer traced across his irises — forming a six-pointed star that pulsed like a heartbeat.
Ryo's breath caught. "His eyes..."
A whisper moved through the crowd, a ripple of awe and unease.
Riku's voice came low, almost ceremonial. "Now then... the die is cast."
He set his fingers on the keytar.
"Kamisama no Idenshi."
Kamisama no Idenshi/The God Gene
(By: Mafumafu)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pHWoFXMs6s
fui ni hodokosareta inochi wo mune ni kakae
yuiitsu no yakuwari wa hito de arou to suru kurai
shinde yurusarereba dore hodo raku na koto ka
itsuka yonda manga no naka ja
pokke kara nanmo kamo dashiteita no ni
kokoro no shinsou kotoba to shinsou
ima da kimochi de iesu ga ienai
mijuku na shigunaru ga ukande kieru
kamisama gomennasai
boku wo kumikaete shimatte
taisa mo nai kao ga nikukute tamaranai
tsubasa wo hayaseba doko e demo
tobisatte shimaesou na
taemanu munashisa ni yume wo miru
anata no idenshi wo boku ni choudai
dou demo ii koto sa bureru shikai no saki ni wa
taisou na mono nante hitotsu mo nai to shirun da
shinde yurusarereba nante futsugou no uta yori
sha ni kamaeta monogatari hodo umaku iyahon ni nagarerurashii
dareka koroshita hito wo koroshite
sono te de ikudo kosuritsuketa?
ryoumе ga akaku naru nemurenu hodo ni
kamisama onegai
kokoro wo torisattе shimatte
tenbatsu ga koukai ga afurete tomaranai
dore dake shiroku iro wo nuitemo
kakusou to shinai you na
sabakareru kyoubi wo yume ni miru
anata no tsukutta deki sokonai desu
dennou ni shigunaru saiteki na nari wo ataetamae yo
nankai na kimi no umarekawari
sore wa dare no katashiro?
gayoku de mitasu zaseki no sukima
yubisashi naiterya ana no mujina
erasou na kao sun na
bokura wa choueki jinseinen sa
itsu made ano hi ni
tooi hibi ni sugatteiru no darou
dokoka e koko janai dokoka e
kiete shimaitai
isso shinde shimaetara
kamisama gomennasai
boku wo kumikaete shimatte
itsu made mo boku de irareru hazu mo nai
seizei yoru no hate ni nakikuzure
mou nankai sou shiteirun da
taemanu munashisa ni yume wo miru
anata no idenshi wo boku ni choudai
kyosei wo hatte kamen kabutte
tokoro de boku wa nani shiteita kke
naiteita kke naiteitan da
sekai wo sanzan kowashiteitan da
The echo of Riku's final note still lingered in the air like a ghost refusing to fade. For a long moment, no one moved. The entire hall was silent save for the faint hum of amplifiers cooling down. Riku finally exhaled and lowered his keytar, flexing his right hand to make sure it was fine. He clenched it a few times—no tremor, no sting. Good.
When his eyes drifted to the others, he found Aya, Hatate, Ran, and Aichi all breathing heavily, drenched in sweat, their instruments still humming with the aftershock of what they'd just played.
Riku tilted his head. "You guys good?"
Ran leaned on her guitar, face red and chest heaving. "Just... need... a breather... that was... intense..."
Hatate, still sitting behind the drum kit, lifted her trembling hands with a weak laugh. "I didn't know the song would hit that hard. My hands are shaking like hell."
Riku chuckled faintly. "What about you, Aya?"
Aya blew out a sharp breath through her nose. "I'm alright. Fingers are a bit numb though. Should've brought my pick for that one."
Aichi let out a short laugh, leaning the guitar against his leg. "That was... actually fun. Been a while since I played, but it felt good."
"Glad to know you're not rusty," Riku said, offering him a grin.
Aichi smiled back. "And you're still worrying about that hand of yours, aren't you?"
Riku flexed his fingers again before lowering his arm. "It's fine now. Just checking if it's really one hundred percent. Anyway—" His gaze turned to Tsubaki, whose expression was unreadable. "—are you satisfied?"
Everyone's eyes followed his. Tsubaki remained quiet for a moment before closing her eyes and letting out a long, slow breath. When she looked up again, she smiled—a rare, unguarded expression that surprised Aoi, Nagisa, and Hiiro alike.
Tsubaki nodded once. "Now I understand what Aoi saw in you. You're not just singing to send a message. You're telling a story—living it—every time you open your mouth. Even with that insane pitch, I could feel the narrative behind every line."
Riku smiled faintly. "That's just how I sing. Learned it from Atsushi-san years ago."
Tsubaki's brows lifted slightly. "Atsushi... You mean Minato Atsushi?"
Riku blinked. "You knew him?"
Tsubaki's expression softened at the name. "He was my first vocal teacher. Everything I've built as a performer started from his lessons. And to think you were his student too..."
Riku gave a quiet laugh. "Guess that makes you my senpai then."
"I suppose it does." She smirked. "Though it seems my kouhai has already surpassed me."
Aoi smiled at the exchange, relief washing over her features. For once, Tsubaki's competitive streak had melted into respect.
Nagisa clapped her hands together suddenly. "Riku, that was some insane keytar play! How in the world can you even do that?"
Shizuku tilted her head, eyes wide. "And with just one hand too... doesn't it hurt?"
Riku raised a brow. "Simple—World Champion Difference."
Nagisa blinked. "Eh? Really?"
He cracked a grin. "Nah. I just spent my whole childhood playing piano. Eventually I could play a few pieces with one hand. So when I switched to keytar, it was just... natural."
Hiiro tilted her head curiously. "Still, what did you mean by 'World Champion Difference,' Riku-kun?"
Before he could answer, Ryo suddenly snapped her fingers, realization flashing in her eyes. "Now I remember... you're Iku, aren't you? Iku from OG?"
The words dropped like a thunderclap.
The girls of Rondo—except Aoi—along with MORE MORE JUMP and Ryo's bandmates froze. Afterglow and μ's stared wide-eyed as the name sank in. Even Nijika's jaw dropped.
Nijika gasped. "Iku? Wait—you mean that Iku?!"
Ryo folded her arms, smirking. "Yep. To think I would meet the three-time International Champion, right here in the flesh."
Hitori's voice cracked. "C–C–Champion?!"
Ikuyo turned toward Ryo. "You know him, senpai? What's this 'International' thing?"
Ryo adjusted sighed, as her tone slipping into that of a mentor. "The International—TI for short—is one of the biggest band tournaments in the world. Every professional band dreams of competing there. Winning even once can change your life. And this guy..." she nodded at Riku, "won it three times in a row with his band, OG."
A soft murmur rippled through the hall.
Shizuku clasped her hands together. "That's... incredible. I didn't realize you were that talented, Riku-kun."
Haruka gave a small laugh. "So you were also a pro like us. Guess it makes sense now. No ordinary person could perform like that."
Airi folded her arms, smiling faintly. "I knew something was off about him. That kind of aura... only real pros have it."
Minori, meanwhile, looked utterly starstruck—her eyes shining like someone had just handed her a dream in physical form. To see a world-class musician perform up close lit something fierce inside her.
Eli and the rest of μ's exchanged looks, all equally stunned when they saw Aichi kept up with Riku who was a world-class musician. Only the second-year trio—Honoka, Umi, and Kotori—seemed capable of forming words.
Tomoe grinned from the sidelines, nudging Moca. "Heh, looks like Ran really held her own with the big leagues."
Moca smirked lazily. "Told ya she could."
Tsugumi's eyes sparkled with pride. "Afterglow's name just went up a tier, huh?"
Back near the stage, Riku scratched the back of his neck, glancing toward Ryo. "So you've been watching, huh? Since when?"
Ryo smirked. "Since TI6. And I gotta say, you were kind of a wreck back then. Getting swept by a Chinese band of all things."
The jab hit its mark. Riku winced, earning confused glances from the others.
Aoi frowned. "Riku, what did she mean by that?"
He sighed, his tone softening. "I lost my first International back at TI7. OG placed seventh or eighth, I think. Honestly, one of the worst performances of my career."
The reaction was instant.
Everyone except Afterglow, Aya, Hatate, Marina, Eli, and Aichi stared in disbelief.
Kotori's hands flew to her mouth. "Riku-kun... lost?"
Maki's brow furrowed. "The 'Second Coming of Mozart' losing a major tournament... that's unreal."
Riku gave a wry chuckle. "Yeah, it stung. But I needed it. After that, I took a break from music—didn't touch an instrument for months. Eventually, someone told me to try something different. That's when I met Atsushi-san. He taught me to sing... properly this time. When I came back for TI8, everything changed."
Ryo's smirk softened into something resembling respect. "So all those rumors about burnout and ego... they were wrong after all."
Riku shrugged. "People say what they want. I just play how I like. If they don't like it, that's their problem." He exhaled slowly and looked around. "Anyway, I've done what I needed to do here. Aya, Hatate—let's go. Marina, I'm leaving the rest to you."
The three snapped to attention almost in unison.
Aya, Hatate, Marina: "Hai!"
Riku slung his keytar over his shoulder and walked toward the exit, Aya and Hatate falling in behind him. The door closed softly behind them, leaving an echo of his footsteps and the weight of what just happened.
For a few seconds, no one spoke. Then Aichi and Ran climbed down from the stage, instantly surrounded by their friends. Everyone bombarded them with questions and praise—Ran blushing deeply while Aichi tried to downplay it.
Tomoe patted Ran's shoulder. "See? Told ya you'd kill it."
Himari clasped her hands, eyes shining. "That was amazing! You really looked like you were having fun!"
Ran just smiled, half-embarrassed, half-proud. "Guess it wasn't so bad."
Marina, now standing at the front, cleared her throat—an exaggerated cough that broke the chatter. The sound carried the weight of authority, honed from years of managing pros.
"Alright," she said, tone brisk yet amused. "Now that our impromptu concert is over, let's return to the actual meeting."
The crowd straightened immediately, focus snapping back to her. But beneath the surface, the awe lingered. Every one of them had just seen a glimpse of what true mastery looked like—and none of them would forget it anytime soon.
----------
Nagae Estate – Riku's Room
9:30 P.M.
Riku's POV
The day had stretched longer than I thought it would. After parting with Marina and the others, Hatate, Aya, and I stopped by my office for a short meeting about TI's campaign. It's still a few months away, but I prefer to plan early—fewer headaches down the road. Once that was handled, Roselia and I went out for dinner at a quiet family restaurant just outside the district.
The place had that nostalgic hum—soft chatter, the faint clink of glasses, and the smell of coffee that never really leaves the air. While waiting for our orders, Yukina leaned back in her seat, eyes fixed somewhere distant, then asked what was happening below the live house earlier. I told her the groups for the second live were meeting. That sparked the others' curiosity almost immediately.
Sayo, ever the calm analyst, asked which bands were taking part. When I mentioned Rondo, Yukina's expression subtly changed—a small frown, hardly noticeable unless you knew her well. I didn't press. Everyone has someone or something that lingers behind their silence.
When I mentioned μ's and MORE MORE JUMP, Rinko and Sayo exchanged glances, wondering if μ's would still perform at Hanasakigawa. I told them to bring it up with Eli directly. No point in speculating when the answer's just a conversation away.
After dinner, Rinko and I returned to the estate. The night was quiet—the kind that stretches softly across the city, almost reluctant to sleep. Miyu and Eli were waiting for us in the living room, and what greeted us there was... a mountain of cheap candy. Dozens of crates piled like a sugar fortress.
I remember blinking at it, half amused, half confused.
"Miyu," I asked, "am I supposed to guess how this happened, or will you save me the trouble?"
She looked guilty right away, fingers fidgeting at the hem of her sweater. Turns out she and her friends went overboard after discovering a discount shop that sold sweets in bulk. Twenty crates later, the headmistress found out—and they got scolded, of course. She asked me what to do with the excess. I told her to donate them; she brightened up instantly. By the end of it, she and the girls had already decided to team up with Hello, Happy World! and Lyrical Lily for a weekend charity event. Typical Miyu—turning mistakes into something meaningful.
After that bit of chaos settled, Eli approached Rinko and asked if she could spare a moment to discuss some band matters. Rinko agreed, and since the topic partly involved me, we decided to hold the conversation in my room.
By the time they arrived, the estate had quieted down. The only sound was the faint rustle of trees outside the window. My room was dimly lit by the warm glow of a single desk lamp, throwing soft shadows across the floor. The three of us sat facing each other—Eli by the chair near the bed, Rinko beside me on the couch.
Rinko started gently, her voice steady but curious. "So, μ's plans to perform at CiRCLE instead of Hanasakigawa, right?"
Eli nodded, crossing one leg over the other. "Yeah. We realized we were being a bit narrow-minded about venue choices. It hit us only recently. Sorry for the sudden change—it probably messed with your coordination."
Rinko smiled faintly, shaking her head. "It's no problem. We were about to talk to the teachers to check if the arrangements were fine, but since you changed your mind, that saves us a lot of trouble. Especially with expenses."
Eli chuckled softly, the kind of laugh that carries more relief than humor. "True enough. How will you tell Hikawa-san and Ichigaya-san?"
"I'll let them know tomorrow at the student council office," Rinko replied. "It's easier to handle face-to-face."
I leaned forward slightly, resting my elbow on my knee. "Then if I may ask, what exactly did Marina discuss with you girls?"
Eli straightened, her expression turning thoughtful. "She brought up the performance order for the next event. She wanted μ's and MORE MORE JUMP to perform last during the Love Live qualifiers. We all agreed. Among the other invited groups, Kessoku Band will open, Afterglow follows, and Rondo closes that segment."
I gave a small nod. "Makes sense for pacing. Did she set any conditions for the performances?"
"She did," Eli said, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "Each group needs to perform one of their regular songs and one new song."
I let out a small hum of acknowledgment. "Same condition as mine during the first live then. What about μ's and MORE MORE JUMP—how many songs total?"
"According to the rules, we must perform a song we've never sung before," she replied. "But since we decided to perform at CiRCLE, we'll follow Marina's plan—two songs. The second will also be recorded for the Love Live qualifiers."
Rinko tilted her head. "So you'll have to write a new song from scratch?"
"Exactly. Maki and Umi are working on it right now. Aichi's helping too. They said it's almost done—just missing choreography."
I smiled a little. "Aichi always finds a way to stay involved. What about your training schedule?"
"Umi usually handles it," Eli admitted, "but I'm thinking of asking Mitsuri to plan it this time. She's more balanced about rest and endurance."
"That's for the best," I agreed. "No need to burn yourselves out again."
Silence drifted between us for a moment—comfortable, like the kind that doesn't demand to be filled. The lamp flickered slightly, casting a soft amber glow across their faces. I could see how the day had worn on them: Eli's eyes a touch heavy, Rinko's posture looser than usual.
I exhaled quietly. "I think we're done for tonight. You girls should head to your rooms. We've got school tomorrow."
Eli rose from her seat, smoothing the hem of her blazer with that easy grace she always carried. "I guess so. Thank you, Riku."
Before I could respond, she leaned forward, pressed a gentle kiss on my left cheek, and smiled—soft, unhurried, the kind that lingered.
I didn't say anything, though my pulse gave me away. She caught it, judging by the faint curve in her lips before she turned and walked toward the door.
Rinko, who had been quietly watching from the couch, froze for half a second, her face slowly coloring crimson. She stood up abruptly, clutching her skirt like she didn't know what else to do with her hands.
Her voice came out smaller than usual. "G-Good night, Riku."
Before I could even reply, she leaned closer and kissed my right cheek. It was quick, fleeting—more like a whisper than a gesture. She then darted toward the door, her face red enough to rival a sunset.
I sat there for a moment after they left, the room falling silent again. The faint scent of their perfume lingered in the air—a mix of lilies and powder, soft and strangely grounding. I leaned back against the couch, letting out a quiet chuckle.
Eli's calm confidence, Rinko's shy warmth... both left their own kind of mark. It wasn't about romance, not yet, but there was a tenderness that hung between moments like these. Something unspoken, quietly alive.
Outside, the wind stirred the trees, brushing against the windowpane. The moon hung high, pale and steady. I stared at it for a while, then glanced at the clock—9:56 P.M.
"Guess she's not used to it yet," I murmured, half amused, half resigned, thinking back to Rinko's crimson face as she hurried out earlier. "I'm sure she'll get over it."
Just as I was about to turn in, a light tap-tap-tap came from the window. I tilted my head and saw a small black cat perched on the sill, tail flicking impatiently. Kuroka.
I opened the window, and she slipped inside with the easy grace of someone who'd done it a thousand times. Mid-leap, her body shimmered, stretching into her human form before landing soundlessly on her feet.
"Thanks for letting me in, Riku~," she purred, tail swishing behind her.
"No problem," I replied, folding my arms. "Where have you been all day?"
"I was wandering around," she said with a lazy smile. "Wanted to get familiar with the city. I also placed a few wards, just in case."
I raised an eyebrow. "If it's for safety, I'll let it slide. Just give me a heads-up next time before you start messing with the leylines."
She winked. "Duly noted~" Then her tone softened, a flicker of genuine interest beneath the teasing. "Oh right, I met that bakeneko you mentioned."
"You mean Chen?"
"Mm-hmm." Kuroka chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "A bundle of energy, that one. She kept clinging to me, calling me her new onee-sama. Honestly... kinda cute, even if I already have Shirone."
A faint smile tugged at my lips. "Chen always wanted an older sister. You two are pretty similar, so it makes sense she latched onto you."
"Since you met her," I continued, "I'm guessing you ran into Ran-san too?"
"Yeah." Her playful tone dimmed into quiet awe. "And just by looking at her, I could tell—she's stronger than Yasaka-sama."
"Yasaka?" I asked.
"She's the leader of the Youkai Faction in my world," Kuroka explained, her golden eyes momentarily reflecting the faint lamplight. "A true kyuubi. But Ran... she feels ancient, grounded. Like someone who's carried the weight of centuries without letting it crush her."
I nodded slowly. "That sounds like Ran-san, alright."
Kuroka hesitated, chewing her lip. "There's... something else. I don't know if I should even tell you this, but—ah, screw it." Her usual playfulness slipped, replaced by something sharper. "While placing my wards around the city, I felt a pulse. Faint, but cold... wrong. I followed it, just for a second, and saw—"
I held up a hand. "You don't need to finish. I already know."
She blinked. "You do?"
"To think those cultists are moving again..." My tone came out lower than I intended. "It's been a decade."
Kuroka's ears drooped slightly. "You really think it's them?"
"I'm certain." I pushed back from my desk. "Head to Grandfather's office. He should still be awake. Tell him exactly what you felt—he'll know how to handle it."
She nodded, eyes narrowing. "O-okay. I'll go right now."
In a flash of smoke, her form shrank and fur sprouted once more. The black cat gave me one last look before darting out into the hallway.
The room went quiet again. I leaned back in my chair and rubbed at my temples.
"To think they're back... after all this time."
From the gem embedded on my right hand, a familiar voice rumbled gently.
[You seem troubled, partner.]
Albion's tone carried that steady patience of his, like a friend who'd seen enough of war to skip straight past sympathy.
"I am," I admitted. "If there's one thing the Celestial Families have always struggled to deal with, it's cultists."
[They make things difficult for you?]
"That's putting it mildly," I muttered. "When they were last active, they almost overthrew the Japanese government. Turns out several high-ranking officials were cult members themselves—people we trusted. It was chaos."
Albion hummed low in the back of my mind.
"It only ended when His Majesty ordered us to wipe them out completely," I continued. "All the Families united to crush them. Most of the leaders were executed... the rest, imprisoned. The smaller cells were given a final warning."
[And from what Kuroka said, these remnants are now meddling with magic.]
"Exactly." I leaned forward, staring at the faint reflection of my face on the window. "That's what worries me most. Cults like that don't die easily—they evolve. If they've learned to harness magic, it won't just be a nuisance anymore."
[You believe they'll try to seize control again?]
"Wouldn't put it past them," I said darkly. "And if that happens... people will get hurt. Maybe even the girls."
A heavy silence followed.
Then Albion's voice returned, quieter this time. [Partner, your eyes...]
I blinked. "What about them?"
[Look at the mirror.]
I turned to the full-length mirror by the closet—and froze. My left eye gleamed back at me, slit-pupiled and luminous blue. A dragon's eye.
"What the hell—?" I muttered, touching it. The air around me felt different, like static before a storm.
[It seems your instincts are bleeding through,] Albion said. [You thought of your companions getting hurt, and your dragon nature responded—protective, possessive. It's not uncommon for hosts with strong emotional ties.]
A faint growl rose from my throat before I caught myself. "Great. So now I'm half-possessed by overprotectiveness."
[You'll be fine. It'll fade once you calm down.]
"Better be."
I took a slow breath, and within seconds the light receded. When I opened my eyes again, both were normal.
"...Huh. That's new."
[Told you. Now, get some rest, partner. You've got a long week ahead.]
"Yeah," I murmured, stretching as the tension eased from my shoulders. "Thanks, Albion. Good night."
[Good night to you too.]
The glow from the gem faded, leaving the room bathed in soft lamplight. I stood, stripping off my shirt and swapping it for my usual sleepwear. The quiet hum of the night settled over the estate—crickets, faint wind, distant murmurs of magic from the wards Kuroka set earlier.
Sliding under the covers, I let out a long exhale. The events of the day replayed behind my eyelids: the rehearsal, the faces of the girls, Tsubaki's quiet smile, the revelation that the cult might be stirring again.
Too many threads weaving together. Too many fires starting at once.
Still... one thing at a time.
"Whatever comes," I murmured to the dark, "we'll handle it."
The ceiling lights dimmed automatically, and sleep came easier than expected. The last thing I remembered was the faint pulse of the gem in my hand—steady, reassuring, alive.
And for the first time in a while, I allowed myself to rest.
Hanasakigawa Girls High School – Student Council Office
June 24, 2021 – Thursday – 4:30 P.M.
Third POV
A few calm days had passed since the second CiRCLE gathering, and the mood around Hanasakigawa felt lighter for it. Rondo and Kessoku Band had spent most of their time inside CiRCLE's practice hall—Rondo learning to play as one pulse, Kessoku chasing their own raw spark under Riku's careful eye. Both groups left the space buzzing with sound and laughter that lingered long after the amps went silent.
Now, Riku was in quieter territory—the student council office. The steady shuffle of papers filled the room, broken only by low conversation. Rinko sat at the head of the long table, posture polite but relaxed. Beside her, Sayo reviewed a neat stack of reports. Across from them, Arisa and Misaki compared figures, red pens moving briskly. Riku, as always, anchored the rhythm between them—manager of general affairs, unofficial problem-solver, reluctant bureaucrat.
His role hadn't been planned. Yuyuko had reminded him—half-teasing, half-serious—that every student needed a club. Months without joining one had earned him this seat, and to everyone's surprise, his efficiency had transformed the council's pace. Even Rinko's quiet leadership had gained new energy with him there.
At the moment, they were knee-deep in paperwork about μ's decision to perform at CiRCLE.
"So Ayase-san and μ's decided to perform at CiRCLE instead of here?" Arisa asked, adjusting her glasses.
Rinko nodded lightly. "That's what we discussed a few days ago."
Arisa frowned. "And you're only telling us now?"
"I was busy with other things..." Rinko admitted softly, a faint blush rising. "It kind of slipped my mind."
Misaki sighed, leaning back in her chair. "At least we won't have to cover the expenses if it goes through, right?"
"That's what Eli and Rinko told me," Riku added, eyes still on the forms. His tone was calm, matter-of-fact.
Sayo paused, pen hovering over the page. "Still, how do we explain this to the other students? Some overheard and were expecting μ's to perform here. There are fans among them."
Riku shrugged, a ghost of amusement in his voice. "If they want to see them perform, they can come to CiRCLE. I'll give them a discount."
That made Arisa perk up. "A discount? You can actually do that?"
Riku reached for his tablet, tapping through a few screens. "Let's see... from today's quota, about six hundred tickets are left."
Sayo raised a brow. "So at least a thousand have already been sold. That's a solid turnout." Then, a small smile. "And that includes us."
Riku looked up. "Say what now?"
"Minato-san seemed interested in CiRCLE's second live," Sayo explained. "She pre-ordered tickets ahead of time."
Riku blinked. "Of course she did." He exhaled slowly. "Alright. For the remaining tickets, I'll message Marina to apply a thirty-percent discount this week. That should clear the rest. Let the others know."
"Got it," Misaki said. "I'll post it on the billboard tomorrow."
They returned to their tasks, pens scratching softly. The hum of the air conditioner and the faint rustle of trees outside lent a quiet steadiness to the room. It was easy to forget how many moving parts their world now had—bands, events, factions, responsibilities. And yet, somehow, Riku made it all flow.
The door clicked open.
"Good afternoon, everyone~ Is Riku-kun here?"
Yuyuko's singsong voice broke through the calm as she peeked inside, waving cheerfully. The members straightened instinctively—she had that effect on people.
Riku glanced up. "Yuyuko-san. What do you need me for?"
She stepped inside, heels soft against the floor, smile as radiant as ever. "Well, Gin-chan called me yesterday. He wants you to come to Tōtsuki tomorrow."
"Tōtsuki?" Arisa echoed, eyes wide.
Yuyuko nodded. "Apparently, they're finalizing their top hundred chefs before the week ends, and Riku-kun's name is on their list~"
Riku frowned faintly. "You do know I still have school tomorrow, right?"
"That won't be a problem~" Yuyuko sing-songed again, the lilting tone that always made Riku slightly nervous. "Because I thought of something beneficial for both schools~"
Riku stilled. Experience told him those words never led somewhere predictable. He glanced at her warily. "...What are you planning this time?"
Before he could say more, Rinko lifted her head. As student council president, she kept her tone polite but cautious. "Yuyuko-san, what exactly are you suggesting?"
Yuyuko's grin widened. "Simple~ Tomorrow, the Hanasakigawa Student Council will go to Tōtsuki!"
The room went silent.
At Yuyuko's words, silence rippled through the room. The papers that Arisa and Misaki were sorting slipped from their hands, scattering across the floor. Sayo's glasses nearly slid off her nose, and Riku could only drag a hand through his hair with a quiet sigh.
Sayo blinked twice before speaking. "Yuyuko-san... are you serious?"
"I am serious, Sayo-chan~" Yuyuko answered cheerfully, her tone far too light for the gravity of what she'd just said. "There are a few reasons why you five will be going there, after all."
Misaki leaned back in her chair, brow furrowed. "And those reasons would be...?"
"Well~" Yuyuko sang, clasping her hands together, "I managed to strike a deal with Gin-chan. Totsuki will be providing food for our cafeteria for the next ten years~"
The words hit like a spark in dry air. Rinko shot up from her seat so fast her chair screeched against the floor. Riku and the others turned to see her eyes gleaming like stars.
"Really?!"
"R–Rinko-senpai?" Misaki stammered, startled by the sudden outburst.
Realizing her reaction, Rinko froze, then cleared her throat and eased herself back down, cheeks faintly pink. "Ahem... sorry. That just caught me off guard." She folded her hands neatly in front of her and tried to sound composed again. "Yuyuko-san, did you really make that deal? It's official?"
"Not quite yet~" Yuyuko replied, floating lazily toward Rinko's desk. "I've already signed the papers, but your signatures are needed too. Once all of you sign, it'll become official~"
Arisa raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Then what about our classes tomorrow?"
Yuyuko smiled as if that question had been waiting for her. "You five are excused from classes tomorrow~ It'll count as official student council business. And," she added, glancing toward Riku with an impish grin, "it also ties in with the job Riku-kun's been given."
Misaki turned toward him. "A job?"
Riku leaned back, crossing his arms. "Totsuki tasked me with selecting the top hundred freshmen who'll compete in the Autumn Election this year. Normally their own council would handle it, but since the Celestial Families oversee the process now, that duty fell to me. I finished the list a few days ago, just haven't delivered it yet."
Sayo adjusted her glasses, still processing. "I see... but this deal, is it really that big of a deal?"
"It's a very big deal, Sayo-san," Rinko said earnestly, her tone slipping into excitement again. "You have no idea how good their food is..."
Riku smirked a little. "She's right. Remember when we went to the Totsuki Resort back in May? Rinko's been thinking about their food ever since."
"R–Riku..." Rinko muttered, flustered again.
Misaki and Arisa exchanged amused looks.
Arisa, however, raised a practical concern. "What about the cafeteria staff? Won't they lose their jobs if Totsuki takes over?"
"Ah, that's already covered~" Yuyuko said, waving her fan. "As part of the deal, Totsuki chefs will train our school cooks in their methods. So nobody's losing their jobs—it's more like an upgrade~"
Riku nodded, his voice steady again. "Makes sense. You said we're leaving tomorrow? Did they give a specific time?"
"Yup~" Yuyuko said. "They expect you five to arrive by ten in the morning. Oh—and you're probably wondering why you've been buried in paperwork this whole week, right?"
Misaki narrowed her eyes. "Don't tell me..."
Yuyuko grinned wider. "That's right~ These documents are part of what you'd have to do tomorrow. And next week's paperwork too~ Which means—ta-da!—you'll have more free time next week~"
Riku gave a faint, dry laugh. "Well... how about that."
Yuyuko, still smiling, turned her attention back to him. "Oh, and Riku-kun. There's an emergency meeting tonight at eleven. You and Kuroka are both required to attend."
At that, the room's light mood dimmed slightly. Riku's expression tightened; he understood immediately what kind of "meeting" she meant. He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'd go, but... I already made plans with Tina tonight. I think Kuroka can handle it—she's the one who saw what happened anyway."
Yuyuko's grin turned teasing. "You have plans with Tina-chan? Don't tell me you—"
"Get your mind out of the gutter, you gluttonous ghost," Riku cut her off flatly. "Tina asked for my help training. She didn't tell me why, but I said yes. That's it."
"Hmm~" Yuyuko floated closer, clearly amused. "Alright then. I'll tell Kyoya-san you won't make it. We'll just send you the meeting's outcome by week's end."
"Appreciate it," Riku said, sighing. "And tell him I'm sorry I can't be there."
Yuyuko gave a playful salute. "Will do~ Now, if you'll excuse me—I need to find Youmu~ Yoooumu!!!"
She phased halfway through the wall before anyone could react, her voice echoing faintly down the hallway.
The student council sat frozen for a moment, all of them staring at the door she'd just floated through.
Arisa broke the silence first. "You think... some students might've seen that?"
Sayo shook her head. "Unlikely. Aside from us, only a few club members are still on campus."
Riku exhaled slowly. "As long as she doesn't get spotted mid-float, it's fine." He turned to Rinko. "Ready to go?"
Rinko blinked. "Huh? Oh—yes."
Misaki looked up. "Go? Where to?"
"The supermarket," Rinko answered. "We were asked to buy a few things."
Riku added, "Normally the staff handles it, but it's their day off. We volunteered to take care of it."
Sayo nodded, slipping a few papers into a folder. "Understood. You two go ahead—we'll finish up here."
"Thank you, Sayo-san." Rinko stood, gathering her bag and notes. "Riku, shall we?"
He gave a light nod and pushed his chair back. The two left the room together, their voices fading down the hallway as the door clicked shut behind them.
Arisa leaned back in her chair with a sigh. "Our principal really doesn't have an off-switch, huh?"
Misaki smirked faintly. "She's Yuyuko-san. If she did, the world might end."
Sayo chuckled quietly before turning back to the remaining paperwork. The air gradually settled again—only the soft sounds of shuffling papers and pens scratching filled the room.
Meanwhile, Riku and Rinko walked side by side along the quiet school corridor. The late afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows, casting long golden streaks across the floor.
Rinko walked a little ahead at first, then slowed to match his pace. "You know," she said, voice calm but light, "you didn't seem surprised at all when Yuyuko-san announced that deal."
"I've known her long enough to stop being surprised," Riku said with a faint smile. "The moment she says 'I have a plan,' you just brace for impact."
That earned a small laugh from her. "Still... if that deal goes through, it'll help the school a lot. I'm grateful."
"Yeah," he said, glancing her way. "It's a good thing. And... you'll finally get to eat Totsuki food again."
Her cheeks tinted faintly pink, but she smiled all the same. "You remembered."
"Hard to forget," Riku replied, a trace of fond amusement in his tone.
They continued down the hall together, the quiet between them not heavy—just easy.
Outside, the wind picked up, brushing through the trees lining the campus. Tomorrow would bring a trip to Totsuki, new faces, and new challenges. But for now, the evening felt still—balanced on the edge of calm before whatever was coming next.
-----------
Nagae Estate – Training Room
June 24, 2021 – Thursday – 9:00 P.M.
Riku's POV
Hours had slipped by since we left Hanasakigawa. After a quick stop to restock the house supplies, Rinko and I found ourselves wandering into a small debate about dinner. She mentioned, half shyly, that she'd been craving a barbecue. That gave me an idea.
So, after the errands, we headed to a local butcher and bought enough meat to feed a small army. When we returned home, I announced we were having Korean barbecue. The news spread fast through the estate like wildfire. The others—Mafuyu, Tina, even the house staff—lit up at the idea.
At first, the workers hesitated. They weren't used to joining their employers at the table. But once I told them this was a thank-you for their effort these past weeks, they relaxed and took part. Soon, laughter and smoke filled the garden; the smell of grilled beef and pork belly mingled with the soft hum of evening cicadas. Rinko manned the grill like she'd been waiting her whole life for it, flipping cuts of meat with quiet precision, eyes shining every time someone complimented her cooking.
For a few hours, the estate didn't feel like a fortress. It felt... alive.
After everyone turned in for the night, I finished my homework, cleaned up, and headed to the training room—where Tina had asked me to meet her.
The air inside was cool and faintly metallic, carrying the scent of steel and ozone. The fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead, casting long reflections across the polished floor. Tina was already there, stretching near the center mat. To my surprise, Mafuyu had joined her.
All three of us were in training gear—tight, functional, and suited for movement. I wore compression leggings and an indigo tank, while Mafuyu sported a violet sports bra and fitted shorts. Tina's outfit matched in style, though hers was bright grassy green. It had taken her a while to find something that fit her smaller frame, but she'd made it work.
Tina looked up as I entered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Sorry you have to waste your time here, onii-san."
"Don't be," I said, dropping my bag near the wall. "If you need help, you ask. That's how it works."
She made a soft hum of acknowledgment, then turned toward Mafuyu. "Then why is Mafuyu-nee-san here too?"
Mafuyu smiled faintly, leaning against the wall. "I was curious about your training. When I realized you were sparring, I wanted in. My initiation's in two years, and I can't slack off before then. I asked nii-san if it was okay."
I nodded. "It'll help her in the long run, too. Now, you said you wanted my help. I take it you want a spar?"
Tina's lips curved into a determined smile. "Yeah. I want to make sure I haven't lost my edge."
Mafuyu tilted her head. "But why train this late? Don't tell me you're nocturnal."
Tina crossed her arms. "Right before I came here, my code name was Midnight Owl."
I chuckled. "Fitting name for someone who yawns through daylight hours."
Tina smirked. "Maybe. Anyway, let's get started."
"Alright," I said, stepping toward the center. "How do you want to run this?"
"With this, Formation Delta." she said.
The shift was instant. Her eyes flared crimson, and three mechanical orbs materialized around her in a slow, hovering orbit. Each was smooth and black, lined with a thin red ring that pulsed like a heartbeat. They emitted a soft hum as they scanned the room, small lasers flickering along the walls.
"What are those?" I asked, though I had a guess.
Tina's voice carried a quiet pride. "These are my eyes—Shenfield. My father built them for me. I control them through a neurochip in my brain, but I can manage them with magic too. If I reinforce them, they can attack or block in close quarters."
Mafuyu whistled under her breath. "That's impressive. What's their range?"
"Two kilometers at most," Tina said, her tone clinical. "Beyond that, they start to drain my mana fast."
"So you want to extend their range tonight?" Mafuyu asked.
Tina shook her head. "No. I want you two to fire your danmaku at me while I dodge—using only Shenfield's vision."
I raised an eyebrow. "You're closing your eyes while doing that?"
"Mm." She nodded once.
"That's... bold," I muttered. "Fine. But Mafuyu's joining you."
"Eh?" Mafuyu blinked. "You want me to what?"
"You've gotten good at channeling energy," I said. "Now it's time to work on movement—agility, reaction, barrier control. You'll dodge alongside Tina."
Mafuyu exhaled slowly. "So, a three-in-one lesson then. How long are we talking?"
"Thirty minutes."
Tina turned toward Mafuyu, eyes alight. "Let's work together, Mafuyu-nee-san."
Even with her usual calm face, Mafuyu couldn't hide a small smile. "Alright."
As they discussed quick formations, I stepped back, measuring distance. Before they could react, I flicked my wrist and fired a danmaku between them.
The air rippled with light—both girls dodged on instinct, the blast hitting empty space.
"Good instincts," I said, smirking.
Tina glared at me. "That was rude, onii-san! Attacking without warning."
"I felt that coming," Mafuyu said dryly. "I knew you wouldn't make it easy."
"Then you're both ready," I replied, my tone shifting serious. "Let's begin."
A wide magic circle bloomed behind me, pulsing indigo. I snapped my fingers, and streams of danmaku erupted into the air—bright shards of light, humming like angry hornets.
They scattered in every direction. Tina's orbs darted around her in rapid, precise movements, mapping out every incoming pattern. Mafuyu's approach was more instinctive; she moved with a kind of flowing rhythm, sidestepping each wave with measured grace. For all her inexperience, her body already carried the natural poise of a Nagae.
It didn't take long before sweat beaded across their foreheads.
Hmm... this might be more fun than I thought, I mused silently.
A familiar voice brushed through my mind as Albion spoke through my mind through telepathy.
[You're enjoying this, aren't you?]
Just a little, I thought back. Watching them weave through the patterns is... satisfying.
Iku then chimed in as my habit was kicking in again.
[Riku, your sadistic streak is showing again.]
Yeah, yeah. I smirked faintly as another volley lit the room. Don't ruin the moment.
The next fifteen minutes blurred into a cascade of light and movement. Tina's orbs traced scarlet arcs through the air as they fed her data. She was precise, almost mechanical—each dodge calculated to the millisecond. Mafuyu, on the other hand, was pure instinct—rolling, twisting, her movements fluid but reactive. She'd leap to avoid a beam that passed inches from her shoulder, then counterbalance with a shield spell before pivoting away again.
To anyone else, it might've looked chaotic. To me, it was progress.
By the time thirty minutes passed, both of them were sprawled flat on the floor, panting hard. The lights dimmed as my magic circle dissolved into mist.
"Finally..." Tina gasped between breaths. "It's over..."
"That," Mafuyu said, voice raspy, "was... exhausting."
I crouched beside them, passing each a water bottle. "Good job. You both lasted through the whole set without getting tagged. Not bad."
Tina managed a weak grin. "We... still need a minute to breathe..."
"Good," I said evenly. "You'll need it for exercise two."
Both turned their heads toward me at the same time.
"Huh?"
I stood, arms crossed. "You've got one hour to rest. After that, we'll do another round—except this time, I'll be adding my spell cards."
The color drained from both their faces.
Mafuyu sat up abruptly. "You're joking."
"I'm not."
Tina groaned, flopping back against the floor. "You're evil, onii-san..."
I only shrugged. "See you in an hour."
As I left the room, their protests faded behind me. In the hallway, I exhaled and leaned against the wall, rolling my shoulders. My Sacred Gear flared faintly—two distinct presences stirring within.
Albion said flatly to me.
[You're a monster, partner. You know that?]
Iku added as she remembered a moment from my past years ago.
[He's always been one. Remember the time he put his childhood friends through that "special endurance training"?]
Albion said as he just gave up.
[...I don't think I want to know.]
I chuckled under my breath. Relax, both of you. They'll thank me later.
Iku said as Mafuyu and Tina might plan their revenge against me in the near future.
[That's what you always say before they start plotting revenge.]
Maybe he was right. But I knew my methods worked. Pushing people past their comfort zones had always been my way—sometimes harsh, but never cruel.
Through the training room's glass wall, I could still see them lying side by side, breathing slow, the glow of mana fading around them. Tina's orbs hovered close, circling her protectively like loyal familiars. Mafuyu had one arm draped over her eyes, the other resting loosely on her stomach. They looked tired, but also—content.
The kind of exhaustion that feels earned.
I smiled faintly and pushed off the wall. There was still an hour before round two. I'd give them that much.