On stage…
Nijika: "Are you sure we can handle this? W-we've never played for this many people before..." she said nervously.
Ryo nodded furiously. Despite her calm appearance, the blue hue on her face and her trembling legs betrayed her fear.
Ai: "Hehe, don't worry, everything will be fine. Just look at Bo... I mean, Hitori-san, look how calm she seems..." she said, pointing at Hitori.
Hitori stood quietly, tuning her guitar with a confident smile on her face, though there was still a slight tremor in her legs. However, this was already a great improvement, all thanks to the YorHa Tactical Visor.
Tadano had noticed that Hitori gained more confidence when her sight was covered and she felt like she was in an enclosed environment. With this in mind, he modified the visor. Thanks to his high programming skills and some help from Tomoya's Electrician skill, he was able to adapt it to fit Hitori's preferences without hindering her other senses.
This allowed Hitori to play with relative ease, without the fear of facing the crowd. While this wasn't the best way to address her problem, it was only a temporary solution. Surprisingly, Hitori adapted quickly and even completed her training, walking normally with the visor on.
Now, every time she practiced, Hitori would wear the visor, creating the image seen now.
Ado: "Alright, everyone ready?" she asked from the side.
Ai: "Always! I'm counting on you for that part. I still don't have enough strength to do it without destroying my throat..." she said a little sadly.
Ado: "Haha! The little star finally has a weakness… Don't worry, it's not a matter of skill, you just need to grow a bit more and develop your vocal cords. With time, you'll be able to do it yourself," she said with a smile.
Ai: "Alright... and in 3... 2... 1!"
As Ai finished counting, she raised her hand with her index finger pointing upward. That was the signal to start.
[BGM Death of the Law - (Evil Neuro Cover)]
Suddenly, the entire atmosphere was filled with the sound of electronic music. The crowd roared in excitement—this entrance was something similar to *Gokuraku Jodo*. However, everyone was left stunned when they saw a pink-haired girl with her eyes covered by a black bandage.
With agile finger movements, she brought forth the furious and wild sound of a guitar. Behind her, the drums, bass, and the secondary guitar followed in perfect accompaniment.
Then Ai's sweet voice emerged, but this time it had a more altered and energized tone.
Ai: "Nice to meet you, we are extraterrestrial life... although we look like homo sapiens... You say everything on TV and the internet is a lie... So, are we lying to you now too?"
The guitar continued as Ai sang on. Everyone was amazed—the lyrics, the tone, the guitar, the drums. It was simply otherworldly, just like the message in the song.
Especially the chorus…
The crowd grew more excited with each chorus.
Ai: "Law... Law... Law... Law... Law... Law... and yet you're still mulling over anachronistic ideas..."
In the middle of the last chorus, Ado quietly moved closer to Ai. At that moment, Ai continued while still playing her guitar.
Ai: "We are an exception… We're the new generation… How will things change..."
She threw the microphone to Ado, who, with a slightly deeper voice, continued.
Ado: "When you meet us?"
Right after, Hitori exploded with intense guitar notes, drawing everyone's attention.
And then it happened.
A deep and booming voice filled the audience's ears.
Ado: "Exceptions terrify, Law Guy – how's life?"
When they turned, they saw the woman with long blue hair looking at them with a wild gaze. Everyone was stunned for a second, but Ado didn't give them time to recover and pressed on.
Ado: "Death of the Law, Those laws are already outdated… Death of the Thought, That philosophy is already outdated… Death of the Law, When those laws die… Death of the Thought, Everything will begin anew..."
The crowd's shock didn't last long as a new wave of limitless euphoria washed over them with each chorus sung by Ado.
In the end, as Ado held the final note, the crowd roared with her. At that moment, Ado quickly tossed the mic back to Ai, who continued the song while playing the accompaniment as the second guitarist.
Ai: "Humans are much, much more complicated and mysterious… and yet much worse and yet much better than that."
While singing this line, Ai moved closer to Ado, who did the same, and shoulder to shoulder, they sang the chorus together.
Everything reached a magnificent climax with a guitar solo from Hitori.
When the song ended, the entire crowd was silent for a few seconds before erupting into thunderous applause and cheers.
...
In a hotel...
Tadano watched with a smile as the live broadcast played on the television.
Resting against his chest, Shouko, who had her head comfortably nestled, also watched the broadcast.
Shouko: "Ai-chan has grown so much..." she said with a smile.
Tadano: "Who would've thought that little girl would now be singing such heavy rock? Hehe, the world is a curious place, don't you think?" he said, gently stroking Shouko's long obsidian hair.
Shouko purred happily and spoke.
Shouko: "Well, she had a good teacher. I'm also glad to see Hitori-san have the courage to play… I even feel a bit envious of her quick progress..." she added in a low voice.
Tadano: "Hehe, do you want to sing too? If you make me happy, I might let you..."
Tadano couldn't finish his sentence because a hungry gaze fixed on him.
"If you gaze long enough into the abyss, the abyss gazes back at you."
Tadano thought of this as he looked at the fierce-looking Shouko in front of him.
Tadano: "I think I slightly regret what I've turned her into..."
Shinomiya: "Rest in peace..."
Nagisa: "Don't worry, Tomoya-kun and I will light incense for you every month..."
Tomoya: "See you on the other side..."
Author's Note: "Here's another chapter, hope you all enjoy it! Remember to drink plenty of water and that I love you all. Sincerely, your favorite depressed author."
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