Ch 4 vol 2

○Kirari Rinemu

Consequently, the two of them decided to head back to the coffee shop. From now on, the discussion would be about what to do next, but the talks were wrapped around in a heavy atmosphere. Perhaps due to it being late in the evening after the concert was over, the coffee shop had become crowded.

"What should we do?"

"It'll take three months...right."

This timeframe was too long. Although it was possible that there was a time difference with the other world, there was also the possibility of three months being the same in real time. There would be the feeling of being crushed by sadness from not being able that person for three months.

And this period must be dedicated towards being a stylish idol, trying to increase the number of fans through singing and dancing.

"It won't be easy, it may take half a year depending on the situation..." "How about retiring first and re-debuting?"

"That's even more difficult to achieve. ...Although there was Tsuan-san's intrusion, the reason of squeezing into A-rank was because Kurumi-san had enough impact. It'll be a bit too early for the previous performance to be forgotten for a re-debut."

"Isn't it possible to change to the chaos genre?"

"That's a split fifty-fifty chance. Perhaps you may squeeze into S-rank, but it's still risky to debut for two consecutive months..."

"Nothing to do about it, is that right?"

Just as Kurumi muttered that, it happened as both of them turned silent──

"There's no way~!"

Suddenly, a strange voice roared loudly. Both of them reflexively turned their faces to the source of that sound.

"I-It's no longer possible! I can't sing! Just trying to sing causes me to feel sick and want to vomit! I don't want to endure the warmth of the fans' sympathy!"

A blonde girl yelled out loudly in the coffee shop as she broke down in tears. Sighing as she watched this scene, there was also a girl with faintly red highlights on her hair. At first glance, she had the appearance of a weak animal with a deep penetrating voice──definitely an idol.

"But, sempai. If you can't sing, you'll become an Empty just like this girl."

The red haired girl pointed her finger behind them to a defeated girl who was standing there just doing nothing.

A child of nothingness. The future of Quasi-Spirits that fell into such a predicament. The girl hanged her eyes down in regret.

"Look, there's no reaction. You'll become such a boring girl."

Hibiki looked down, recalling how she used to be in such a state. A powerless person that did nothing and sought nothing, an extremely boring existence──

"Hibiki-san."

As Kurumi called out her name, Hibiki vigorously replied back with a "yes!" Kurumi gave her usual tyrannical smile as she lightly pinched the back of Hibiki's hand with her finger.

"W-what are you doing!"

"You seemed to be thinking something stupid, so a little bit of punishment was in order."

"Really..."

Hibiki rubbed her hand while somewhat embarrassed. "I can survive by being cuter than you guys."

The blonde girl boasted shamelessly as if it was a matter of fact. Likely being unable to disregard hearing that, the red haired girl twitched her eyebrows.

And then, when looking at the face of the blond haired girl, Hibiki muttered out loud in amazement.

"...No way."

"What's the matter?"

"...The blond haired person talking, it's Kirari Rinemu."

Where could she recall hearing that strange name before?

"Uhh...that's the name of the former Dominion, right?"

"Yes. Even though the Astral Dress has been simplified, I could never forget those looks."

Kurumi glanced towards the girl called Rinemu. As expected, she had ample charm. Her golden hair was beautiful, but it was still liable to look vulgar when matched with all five senses together.

In that respect, Rinemu was a girl that combined this temperament with a golden radiance.

If this region was ruled by the top idol Quasi-Spirit, then she surely deserved to rule here.

"...Why was she ousted from her position?"

"Her appearance hasn't changed. But just now..."

"She said that she couldn't sing..."

The two of them turned their ears to eavesdrop. The coffee shop was crowded, most of the girls were single mindedly devoted on trying to improve themselves or discussing their favorite idols.

They paid no attention to them...or rather that is to say they deliberately did so.

"How strange. If it was a former Dominion, wouldn't it be natural that she would be noticed?"

"Yes...the red-haired girl sitting opposite to her also has considerable fan power, she must definitely be S-rank or above."

The blond-haired girl continued to talk incessantly despite the secret conversation of those two happening elsewhere.

"Ah, but it's impossible to make a living just being cute... After all, I still want to sing. To sing on a grand stage. Then, to make that spiteful amateur Mizuha feel ashamed!"

"I see, to make her feel embarrassed? Well, it doesn't particularly matter."

"Awful, that foul woman! Opening an audition just because I can't sing for a while, and then promoted to Dominion and ousting me in a matter of seconds! How hateful, because I can't sing, now my personality is a little sloppy. Show a little concern why don't you."

"Sempai, I feel your personality was a bit sloppy even before not being able to sing."

"Leave me alone! It would have been fine if everyone else just sang terribly in the Ninth Region Yesod! Then, everyone would have been overjoyed doing my chores! Besides, if I am out of the limelight, the situation will get even more complicated! I only need to be the symbol of this region to live out a leisurely long life!"

As the former administrator Rinemu kept throwing out inappropriate remarks, even Kurumi could only look on dumbfounded.

"...Is that true?"

"Eh well, she is only interested in singing. As for dancing, she would often just jump onto the stage. But her face was good and her singing ability was super strong. So even if she didn't do anything, all of her shortcomings would have been forgiven by being cute."

Rinemu continued to grumble out reckless remarks.

"Ah~really. I really want to sing, but when I sing I want to vomit. An idol singing while vomiting would be a novelty, but it's a novelty that no one would follow!"

"...Hah, I can't help you anymore. I can only offer this super-large information as a gift to this sempai wailing in regrets now."

The red-haired girl quietly took out an old notepad.

"What is this? Tissue paper? Perfect, I was just about to sneeze."

"It's not tissue paper, it's an important document, so please don't get it dirty!"

The red-haired girl quickly stopped Rinemu from using it to blow her nose. "How amazing...to think that is the former Dominion..."

"Please stop, listening to you like that, it makes me embarrassed remembering how strange she was before."

"Well, what is this?"

As Rinemu asked sadly, the girl smiled as she tried to begin her story by saying "actually──"

"Ah, no. Before beginning, just jump to the conclusion already. Can this help me? Hey, tell me Mayumi."

"It's Mayu! Momozono Mayuka! Please at least remember the name of your kouhai properly!"

Her eyebrows twitched as she coldly glared at Rinemu, but then she coughed a few times before resuming the topic.

"This is the magic of singing, sempai."

"...Singing magic?"

As Mayuka deeply nodded her head in consent, Rinemu gave a puzzled look.

"Magic, do you mean like a spell? ...But this is just a map, isn't it?"

"Oh, that's right. Sempai doesn't care about the rumors. No friends, marginalized by others, and all alone."

"Hey, was it was necessary to repeat it with something similar for three times?"

"Well, anyway. I heard a rumor that there is a magical song──'The Voice of the Moon', which is in the Ninth region Yesod."

"What, there was such a wonderful treasure!? Where! Hey, where is it? Hurry up and tell me!"

Rinemu wasn't able to stop herself from standing up as her eyebrows perked up in interest.

"Don't worry, listen to me first, sempai. Is─that─okay─?" Mayuka couldn't help but comply with the explanation.

──It is said that during Neighboring World Compilation (Compile), one has the opportunity of coming into contact with the joy, grief, shock, despair, hope, love, and all sorts of things felt by the Spirits living in the other world.

Even so, it wasn't like watching a film from the audience seat. There was the empathy of intervening inside there.

Only at that moment, a Quasi-Spirit could become a Spirit and experience the same scene.

It could either be the madness of despair or the hope of falling in love. However, it would fade away in a brief instant just like a dream.

At the same time, black crystals are produced and broken down before dissipating into dust. A few Quasi-Spirits──especially those trying to solve the mystery of this world, believe there ought to be a special meaning to this. Despite trying to preserve it, there had been no successful stories so far since they couldn't even guess how or when this phenomenon would occur.

However, in very rare occasions...the crystals may continue to remain. It is said that those who receive a crystal will undergo a huge transformation for better or for worse.

'Breaking down' because of that enormous power.

Being 'controlled' when trying to use that overflowing power. Or possibly falling into madness and turning into a 'monster'.

"...That means 'The Voice of the Moon'...is in the Ninth Region Yesod?"

Rinemu expression brightened. Her dazzling eyes made it clear that she was once a cut above the rest.

"Didn't I just say that?"

Receiving that gaze, Mayuka replied calmly and composedly as fidgeted with a spoon.

"How can that be? If there was such a thing, it would have been recovered as quickly as possible.

After all, that woman prefers this region to be as peaceful as possible."

"But suppose that most Quasi-Spirits don't know this? Only super-high level idols like me should know."

"...Kurumi-san, I investigated and discovered that she had once landed a big success."

Hibiki whispered in her ear. It seems that she was eavesdropping while also operating a smart phone.

"Momozono Mayuka. Genre is lovely. SS-rank idol. If it wasn't for Mizuha- san, she would have definitely been a good candidate for being the next Dominion."

"Is that correct? That's very surprising." "...I agree."

Hibiki understood what Kurumi wanted to say, but based on courtesy she chose to remain silent.

"But, isn't it strange? Usually, you would be the sort to aim for this magic."

"No, I am very comfortable with my current situation. Being the Dominion would be too much of a hassle, isn't that right? But I don't want to have the image of a spineless, incurable good for nothing like sempai."

"Do you always have to insult others? Didn't you learn in school to not always tell others the truth?"

"Y-You just admit it was true, sempai."

"Yes, I use to have the skill to be an unprecedented idol genius. But now that I can't sing, it's all for waste. Awful, I feel hurt just saying it."

"Ah, as I thought, there's no way to move forward in this conversation when sempai is involved.

Anyway! Even for super-high idols like me who know this information, there's a reason why it can't be obtained!"

"Why's that?"

"It's said that the location of the 'The Voice of the Moon" is in the Cradle."

"──────"

Hearing those words caused Hibiki's whole body to stiffen in an instant.

With a creaking sound, Rinemu stood up with enough force to knock down her chair.

"...The Cradle, are you kidding?"

As Rinemu stared suspiciously at her, Mayuka breathed out a sigh while shrugging her shoulders.

"As you imagine, the Cradle in Ninth Region Yesod is special compared to the other regions. So no one wants to go at all. Of course, I am also the same. However, I thought that maybe sempai would want to go."

"It looks like...you're telling the truth. Great, so this isn't fake news... gyaah!?"

As Rinemu tried to sit back down on the chair she had just knocked down, her buttocks only landed on the empty air, causing her to come crashing down on her back.

"What are you doing, sempai?"

Rinemu sounded a little embarrassed as she replied back while rubbing her back.

"Ah, no. I was a little excited just now, but it looks like the pain has allowed me to regain my rationality. So, is there any merit for you in this?"

"There is~I know I can't beat Banouin sempai. But how to say it? I feel our compatibility is very poor."

"Well, I think so too. After all, only me in my heyday could keep pace with that person. Your singing and dancing are slightly less than hers."

"...That's certainly a calm analysis to get someone riled up, sempai."

"That is to say, it would be better to cooperate with me? Certainly, I have the self-confidence to surpass Mizuha."

"...Anyway, it's just like that."

Mayuka twirled her long wavy hair with her finger as she feigned a naïve smile.

"The Cradle huh..."

"It's too scary after all even for sempai."

"Alright."

"Ho?'

Mayuka adorably slanted her head as Rinemu pointed her finger at her.

"Let's go! What about the Cradle! After falling so far to the bottom what else can be feared! I want to obtain 'The Voice of the Moon'!"

After saying that, Rinemu rushed out of the coffee shop.

Mayuka saw her off with a smile inappropriate for an idol.

"Even knowing that, stupid sempai was stirred up to take the bait♪"

The 'Empty' girl that was behind her whispered nervously.

"But is there no problem? In case she actually obtains it..."

"Is your head also empty, Luku? Absolutely impossible! Even the possibility of her turning back halfway is fine. She's already dug her own grave now."

The girl who was suspected of being called Luku nodded with a melancholy look.

"...Yes. If she is exposed to the memory of that rain, it'll be all over for her."

Unlike Mayuka, she thought perhaps Luku was a Quasi-Spirit with some degree of goodness in her, but that didn't seem to be the case.

"That's right. Banouin sempai seems to be fixated on regarding Kirari Rinemu as an eternal rival.

So, I'll inform her that she's completely dead just in time for the next ranking performance.

"Oh dear."

"Well, I'm not that foolish. It's all about the timing of the announcement. By chance, I sang without knowing the death of my beloved sempai. Unfortunately, Banouin was informed of the death of her close rival just before singing."

"Yes, I understand."

"Well, it may be a bit too unnatural. To sing even after knowing the death of a respected sempai.

The direction of the future may also be a bit rocky."

"But, there is the risk of being exposed. ...And there is the possibility of Rinemu flinching back at the last second."

"That's right, the important point is there. Luku, don't stay with me for a while. ...Follow Kirari Rinemu and deliver the fatal blow to her if necessary."

"Of course. But why did you tell her the real location of 'The Voice of the Moon'. I thought that one day you wanted to obtain it..."

"...Kirari Rinemu isn't that stupid to not see others lying. She must have fully understood the parts of me lying. But, she had faith that the location and existence of 'The Voice of the Moon'

wasn't a lie." "I see."

"In any case, if she does obtain 'The Voice of the Moon', we'll mercilessly plunder it. That person has no fighting ability at all."

"Yes, understood."

"A dullard like you isn't enough, go hire more people. If people discover my relationship with you, I'll have to clean everything up."

"Yes, of course."

A frigid reply with a frigid voice.

"Oh, I should proceed with my lesson now." "Then, I'll ask to be excused."

The figures of those two disappeared instantly from the coffee shop. Kurumi had her suspicions that they had used some ability like teleporting to move that fast.

No, that wasn't the only thing of concern right now.

".....I heard that clearly."

"Yes."

They heard clearly enough that they hesitated whether they should intervene or not.

"This is a huge scandal."

"But there is no evidence. Moreover, that woman's intrigues have nothing to do with me."

"Is that so? If Banouin-san falls from the position of Dominion, it'll be a real headache for sure.

That person is strict but fair. However, Momozono Mayuka is pure evil in nature."

"...Well, that's certainly true."

"Apart from that, I'm really worried about Rinemu-san."

"Are you concerned about why she can no longer sing?"

"There's that as well...but ah, I feel there is something making me worry."

Hibiki twisted her neck. There was something stuck in her throat refusing to come out to speak.

"What is the reason why she can't sing?"

"I've only heard rumors, but it's said that the Compile can often cause great damage to the mind of a Quasi-Spirit. Some people who can no longer sing even disappear. ...Rinemu-san has it quite tough. If it is true, she will disappear from no longer being able to sing."

"If she regained her position as Dominion──"

"If she came back, we could pass on through without needing to be an idol." "Hmm."

"Hmm."

"Let's take action."

"Let's take action."

And so, things have transpired to this point.

◇

Kirari Rinemu was a former idol and former Dominion...but now she was nobody. Being a nobody meant that she could no longer express herself anymore.

Euphemistically speaking, it was like Quasi-Spirit that had nothing to do every day except for idling around.

"Uuu, uuu, uuu"

She wanted to cry a little when confronted by her own misery. But she wouldn't cry, idols can never cry even if hit directly by onion juice. She wouldn't even eat garlic despite liking the taste.

When did she come to this region? There was a certain degree of memories left about the human world, but she was sure that she wasn't an idol during that time.

She should have been an ordinary high school student.

Ordinary, but from her good looks she would have been something like a school idol. Rinemu had guessed it was feeling similar to that.

Anyway, in the Neighboring World, laziness was undoubtedly the same as searching for death.

She didn't want to be an idol at first, only trying it out for the first time after seeing it.

...It was fun.

By just concentrating on singing and dancing, the enthusiasm of the fans filled her body with strength. It was fun, fueling the desire to survive and giving her the feeling that she could do anything.

She thought her life was in good shape. Just by saying what she wanted to say, there were lots of allies and enemies that were made.

The end that led to the fall was a trivial matter.

A black pillar had appeared during Compile. After touching it, she saw hell. The moment of seeing hell, everything had lost its color.

Her throat could still make a sound. But she couldn't sing or dance anymore. "An idol that looks just like an idiot."

The negative thoughts branding her mind lingered. As soon as she stepped on stage, her mind fell blank and she couldn't remember the lyrics or dance steps.

Even so, despite still wanting to convey something, they soon found out she could no longer stand in front of the stage. The Quasi-Spirits that flattered themselves in the past to me became the first to go and soon the fans began disappearing little by little.

Soon afterwards, by the time the audience became even less than when she debuted, she couldn't stand on the stage anymore, just continuing to exist aimlessly.

Even so, there were some Quasi-Spirit fans that said that she had to stay. But that just made her more miserable and made the choice of leaving all the more appealing.

...In the past, there were several idols that fell to an end like this.

Experiencing the same scene, they could no longer soar as Quasi-Spirits. Without exception, they became Empty girls and disappeared without a trace

not long afterwards.

In the Neighboring World, it was a phenomena as close to death as possible──Lost. Becoming one with the reiryoku that floated in the Neighboring World.

...Well, it wasn't too terrible.

Strangely, this world was perfect. At the moment of giving up on survival, you'll be wiped out with a trace of pain or nostalgia.

Compared to the real world, death was fantasy-like just like a fairy tale──with no pain or sadness.

"But why am I still alive?"

Why was it like this? Rinemu had her doubts.

She couldn't sing.

She couldn't dance.

She could no longer stand on top of the stage.

Her original thought was being doomed.

However, as mentioned earlier, Rinemu's only confidence was in her super cuteness.

If the legend of 'The Voice of the Moon' causing people to sing was really true, could she use it to cure her own inability to sing?

Another issue was where the legendary 'The Voice of the Moon' was located. The Cradle...a place similar to the concept of hell, it was a location where no Quasi-Spirit should ever wander to by mistake.

"But, except for there, I have no where left to go."

She had been to various places. She had thought about moving to another region, but the new Dominion Banouin Mizuha insisted on not allowing it.

"The former Dominion going to other regions would be source of all sorts of problems."

When she objected otherwise, she was almost taken into custody.

"Well, forcibly opening the gate would bring trouble to everyone. As expected, even I would rather drop the idea than go that far."

She took a deep breath.

This was her last chance. Although she didn't know what that black-hearted kouhai was thinking, this was undoubtedly high-risk and high-reward.

"Okay, I've decided. If I'm going to die anyway, might as well give a final struggle."

While considering that insecure thought, Rinemu felt her back being pulled the moment she tried to take a step forward.

"Gue!"

"Your voice sounds just like a toad."

At that point, what she heard was a bit distorted, like voice that would drag a person into the darkness──

"Eh, I think that's because Kurumi-san grabbed her from the back of the neck."

It was together along with an empty yet indiscernibly optimistic voice.

◇

It was simple to catch up to Rinemu. Her dazzling appearance made her clearly stand out. Even with the gloomy aura above her head, it didn't detract from her charm.

So, since Kurumi calling out only made her mutter to herself, she grabbed her by the back of the neck.

"Gue!"

Rinemu let out a voice remarkably similar to a toad.

"Kurumi-san, you didn't hesitate to do this at all. Don't tell me you were affected by the other party's idol aura?"

After listening to Hibiki, Kurumi shrugged her shoulders.

"Aren't I also an A-rank idol? There's no reason to fear this person."

"Are you finished talking now! So let go of this rude hand you moron! Idiot! Fool!"

Kurumi narrowed her eyes as she silently removed her hand from her neck. "Who are you guys? What do you want with Kirari Rinemu?"

"Oh, we are..."

"Hey, aren't you Higoromo Hibiki! That famous Hibi P!"

"Ah, yes. That's me all right."

"So are you looking to be my producer? No problem! But, I can't sing or dance. Is there a solution to this!? Like standing in the right place to lip-sync, let the backup dancers dance behind, and sell a ballade with the lyrics as the focal point. Is it feasible to start from this aspect?"

"There's no way that would work."

Hibiki replied back bluntly.

"Eh, can't you do it? Can't it work?"

"Lip syncing a popular ballade, aren't you underestimating the idol industry too much?"

Hibiki cut her down with a cold glare. "But I can't sing."

"...Do you want to be able to sing?"

"Very much so, but if I'm no good I want to live a long leisurely life in comfort."

"So it's like this, Kurumi-san. This person is useless."

"From the prior conversation, I could already make that out."

"What's up with you two! Why did you come seeking the self-recognized no- good Quasi-Spirit Kirari Rinemu? Reiryoku? My reiryoku is not much to give to you. If you want it anyway, then kill me and take away this power! Don't hurt me and try to make it feel as good as possible!"

"This person is suffering from the problem of not listening to others." "From the previous conversation...the following was omitted."

After pausing for a minute, Kurumi decided to use a superficial and extremely effective method in line with her personality.

Tap, it was the sound effect of 's short gun was pushed against Rinemu's forehead.

"My apologizes, but could you please cease this chatter and silently listen to this story."

With tears in her eyes, Rinemu nodded.

"It's no different than from a robber in broad daylight." It was precisely like that.

"Now, let me think. Let's find a calm place to talk."

"I-I know. Uhh, I'll take us to the coffee shop, so please don't shoot~~"

...So as it turned out, the three of them returned back to the coffee store. The surrounding gazes looked a little stunned as Rinemu turned her head to looking away as the three of them all took a seat.

"Hmph!"

"Oh, are you quite disliked here or something?"

"I haven't provoked any dislike!? Probably, definitely! They should all be ex- fans that probably feel guilty. I don't care at all!"

"Ah, well, I think so too."

Anyway, the surrounding people seemed to have decided to consciously ignore them. Since there were fewer guests at the coffee shop now, they shouldn't be heard as long as they talked softly enough.

"I'll get right to the point. Are you looking for 'The Voice of the Moon'?" "...Where did you hear about this?"

At that moment, Rinemu's eyes entered full alert mode. On the other side, Kurumi slowly pointed at the table.

"Here, just a moment ago."

"How strange. It's usually already set up to not be audible."

"Set up?"

"Forget that, it doesn't matter to me anyway. ...So, what are you going to do to me? Acting as bait? Are you going to use me as bait? Just like a canary in a coal mine!"

"Well, it's similar to that, but also a little different."

"Where's the difference! The only thing I have left is this idol-like face! If that is taken away, I'll have nothing left!"

"...Hibiki-san."

"I don't want to, I don't want to, I absolutely don't want to. I definitely won't to use on this person!"

Hibiki's was an Unsigned Angel with the power to rob another person's face, personality, and abilities. A while ago, she had used it to transform into Tokisaki Kurumi. If that was possible, Kurumi thought it would be simple to do the same with Kirari Rinemu.

"Hey, I'm sensing you're rushing a step too far..."

"Moreover, isn't it meaningless to also take away the part of her that can't sing?"

Hibiki's Unsigned Angel couldn't plunder away what had already been taken. What Rinemu was capable of, Hibiki was likely able to perform the same. But if Rinemu was unable to perform, the same principle remained the same for Hibiki.

"Hey! Don't leave me out while you're talking about such a dangerous topic okay!"

Kurumi cleared her throat to inform the still terrified girl.

"Please listen to me. We want to depart this region and for that we need your cooperation.

So──I will help you search for that 'The Voice of the Moon'."

"...You want to help me?"

"That's right."

"But why do you want to leave this region? Aren't you and an idol and producer respectively?"

"...I don't want to be an idol. I want to head to a different region."

"That means, if I obtain 'The Voice of the Moon' and you return back to being Dominion, can you allow us to proceed to another region?"

"Yes, can the Dominion do something simple like that?"

"Well, that's not really a difficult thing. Then, the deal is made. I'll resume singing and return to being the Dominion and then open the door so that you can have permission to proceed to another region."

"We will assist you in obtaining 'The Voice of the Moon'."

"What is your name? I know Higoromo Hibiki, Hibi P, but this is the first time seeing you.'

"My name is Tokisaki Kurumi. I hope you remember it."

Kurumi lifted up the hem of her skirt and gracefully performed a curtsy.

◇

Kurumi and Hibiki had tacitly agreed to not reveal their true identities and goal. Kirari Rinemu was merely a stakeholder with aligned interests after all.

It didn't mean they couldn't trust her, but getting her involved only served to increase the complications of the matter.

After all, Hibiki was convinced. If Rinemu listened to Kurumi's goal and treated it in a disdainful or dismissive manner, there mutual beneficial relationship would fall apart at the seams.

Moreover, that mistake would lead to Rinemu's last rites be performed by Kurumi's hand.

Kurumi was also self-aware of this, so it was decided that Hibiki would be primarily responsible with communicating with Rinemu. However...

"Hey, hey, Kurumi. Is that old-fashioned pistol your weapon?" "Yeah. Please don't talk to me."

"Anyway, Kurumi, that clock piece on your left eye...is that a cosmetic contact lens?"

"No, it's always been like that. Also, please don't talk to me."

"What's the name of your Unsigned Angel? Is it the type that can be used in a concert? By the way, my Unsigned Angel is called , which is this microphone stand."

"...Hibiki-san, can you handle this problem?"

Kurumi sighed as she pushed back Rinemu, who was continually approaching closer.

How to describe it? Rinemu seemed to particularly admire Kurumi. Like a child craving for attention, she incessantly kept asking questions around Kurumi.

"Even if you ask me, I can't do anything about it."

Hibiki knew that her own attempts wouldn't go anywhere at all. Because the girl called Tokisaki Kurumi was already making a threatening gesture. With thorns as razor sharp as a Japanese sword, it covered her body like a defensive weapon just like a hedgehog.

Daring to talk to her so naturally, there was likely only herself in the past──her old self truly held that self-confidence.

However, for Rinemu, she was talking familiarly without fear to the girl named Tokisaki Kurumi.

It wasn't so much as amusing as it was exceedingly self-destructive.

"...Are you also capable of being ruthless?"

"Nothing of the sort, you're being too suspicious. Anyway, I haven't stayed in the Ninth Region Yesod in a long time. What kind of place is this Cradle?''

"As long as you live in this world, a place you don't want to draw to close to even if you want to die."

Rinemu's voice felt faintly cold. "...That explanation is too vague."

"For now, I'm planning on going to the nearby security station today. I'll explain there. If you try to flee midway, it'll be a real headache."

"How can we run away? After all, we are making every effort to get out of here as soon as possible."

After hearing that, Rinemu snickered.

"There is the end of the Ninth Region Yesod. A place where all hope has been abandoned."

After visiting several regions, Hibiki was faintly aware that each region was shaped like a huge circle. Although it was unclear if it was a cylinder or disk shape, generally speaking each region was depicted as a huge circle.

The closer to the edge, the more dreary the landscape would become. The edge of the Tenth Region Malkuth only had craters left as marks of

destruction from meteorites.

"That's a little different from the Ninth Region Yesod."

"I suppose, since each region is different. What is it like here?"

"It's said that Empty girls linger in the Cradle, eager to fade away."

"Empty?"

Having grown familiar of hearing that word from Hibiki, Kurumi suddenly froze.

"Yes, Empty. We call a child that has lost their dreams Empty. Or do you have another name for this?"

Hibiki shrugged her shoulders in reply to Rinemu's question.

"The name is the same. We also called those girls Empty."

"In the Tenth Region Malkuth, how do the Empty become lost?"

"Eh, very ordinarily. Disappearing right in front of one's eyes, ah disappearing just like that."

"...Really, a Quasi-Spirit living in the Tenth Region must be very tough."

In the Tenth Region Malkuth, even if an Empty suddenly disappearing right in front of someone, any Quasi-Spirit would quietly accept this without issue.

This wasn't the case for those in the Ninth Region Yesod. Their sudden disappearance would cause other Quasi-Spirits to feel uneasy──with the fear of death causing them to unable to display their usual demeanor as idols.

The first Dominion who worried about this created a sacred place for them. Its name was the Cradle of Dreams.

A miserable hell contrary to that gentle name.

"But I also haven't seen it with my own eyes either!"

"...If you haven't seen it for yourself, then why call it a miserable hell?"

"Because there was a Quasi-Spirit idol, driven by curiosity, went there to play. The next day, she returned back as an Empty and disappeared soon afterwards."

"That's...really scary."

"It seems that person want to prove being special by doing something different. Unfortunately, she just picked the wrong place. It's rumored that only Empty girls are unaffected there."

"...That type of existence is truly inconceivable." "Does Kurumi think so too? I agree."

Kurumi ignored Rinemu, recalling the moment she claimed herself to be Empty. During that time she truly matched that name by acting without thinking.

It appeared more to be like the name of a race, perhaps because of that Hibiki had used that as a term to describe her. Then, when remembering Hibiki

transforming and behaving like herself, she slammed her elbow at her.

"It hurts, it hurts, Kurumi-san. Why did you suddenly strike me!?"

"I was remembering the past."

"Hey, sorry I was sort of misbehaving then...hehe, the past...it hurts, it hurts!! I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

Hibiki looked strangely delighted while being attacked by Kurumi.

◇

"...Tokisaki Kurumi, Higoromo Hibiki, Momozono Mayuka, Tokisaki Kurumi, Higoromo Hibiki, Momozono Mayuka..."

As the girl called Luku muttered to herself, the other Quasi-Spirits felt spooked and consciously avoided her.

Luku was an Empty girl that only obeyed Momozono Mayuka's commands.

In the past, when Tokisaki Kurumi was replaced by Higoromo Hibiki, she was called Empty, but that term was originally a generic term used to describe an existence like them.

They don't have rich emotions like a Quasi-Spirit and aren't afraid of death. To be more precise, they had adjusted to the mindset of preparing to accept death.

In the Neighboring World, death meant annihilation, and annihilation meant disappearing──just like submerging into sleep. Even though Quasi-Spirits

were extremely afraid of death and vanishing, Empty girls were strangely resistant towards this fear.

Rather than fear, it was closer to resignation.

But even this state wouldn't last long. Soon, they would suddenly disappear without a trace. But during this period, they were soldiers that did not fear death.

In the Ninth Region Yesod, there wasn't only beautiful idols singing and dancing, but also abrupt flesh and blood strife that lead to mutual killing.

Those moments were their turn to play.

No longer fear death or the taboo of abusing their Unsigned Angel on another.

Luku didn't feel anything.

There was nothing felt but indifference towards her own death and the death of others.

That was the reason Mayuka undoubtedly doted on her until she died. And that was the only pleasure Luku could respond to.

She silently chased behind those three companions.

◇

"We've arrived. It's already night so let's take a break here."

The building was alone in the wilderness, tempting targets like a moth to a flame. The design was an extremely stylish apartment, with the interior being unexpectedly modern living room with a sofa and TV.

Perhaps it was created due to the idol that had come to challenge this only to disappear in a miserable state. The former Dominion Rinemu likely learned of this story and established this surveillance base for a brief period of time.

"Well, here was designed to monitor the Emptys, but I guess it's pointless to try and stop those girls. Ah, as long as you use reiryoku, you can even take a shower here!"

Kurumi gave a confused look after hearing what Rinemu had said.

"Yes, I never paid special attention to it until now. But why do we even sweat here?"

"Perhaps because anything can happen in this world as long as you believe in it."

"I'm an idol. I don't sweat or need to use the bathroom!"

Kirari Rinemu proudly puffed out her chest.

"Ah, this person sincerely believes so! No sweating! Amazing!"

Hibiki reached her hand to Rinemu only to discover it was exactly as she had said. Despite the obvious long walk, there wasn't a single bead of sweat.

It appeared there was also no need to use the toilet.

"Idols are really amazing!"

"Yeah, I'm amazing! Obviously I'm an idol, yet I can't sing...there's nothing that can do about it...singing..."

Rinemu, who had suddenly become depressed, awkwardly cuddled to the corner of the room.

"Kurumi-san, first she's prideful, then self-deprecating, and now depressed."

"...Um, a thought just passed my mind. If you're not an idol anymore, won't you start sweating?"

"Ah." "Ah."

As soon as Kurumi pointed that out, Rinemu began to sweat profusely like a waterfall.

"I actually, I actually, I actually started to sweat. I'm certain to start having to use the bathroom now that I'm not an idol anymore."

"Yes, yes, if there is any itch~"

Hibiki forcibly dragged the downcast Rinemu to the shower while at the

same time helping her to wash her hair.

"This bathroom is really spacious and splendid."

Kurumi had already washed herself before those two since only a single person could fit in the bathtub.

It was a leisurely feeling that hadn't been felt in ages. "Haah..."

"Uwah, I actually, I actually..."

"You expect it to be noisier with three girls here, but one is muttering to herself while other is enjoying the bath, so it's strangely quiet."

"Could it be that Hibiki-san is shouldering the noise for all three of us?" "I'm not that noisy!"

"You aren't noisy?"

"Please be quiet."

"Muu, that's unreasonable. Even so, both of us have stylish figures" "...Because I am an idol. Idols must keep their bodies in mind."

Hearing Hibiki's praise, Rinemu's spirits brighten a little. There was the impression of her stretching out her back from her curled up position.

"Fufu. Well, it's a little worse when compared to me." Hearing Kurumi's causal joke, Rinemu curled up once again.

"That's right, my stature is no better than an amateur...I am a water flea...toilet paper..."

"Kurumi-san, she hasn't recovered yet!"

"Looks like quite the headache."

It appeared that her trauma was still very severe. ◇

After taking a shower, Rinemu was sitting in the corner of the room, her hands performing athletics in air while already asleep. The other two who had taken a shower had transformed their Astral Dress into pajamas and decided to go to bed.

There was a double bed on the second floor, but other than that there was only the sofa remaining.

"Shall we decide through rock paper scissors?"

Kurumi shook her head at Hibiki's suggestion.

"I'm just as exhausted as you. I give up, let's just share it."

"Good night, Kurumi-sa──"

Hibiki spoke as she was just about to enter the bed, when Kurumi suddenly called out to her.

"...Hibiki-san, are you alright?" "I'm fine, what's the matter?"

Kurumi's eyes looked serious. Judging from Hibiki's experience, even from the tension of her eyebrows, it was quite serious indeed.

"Empty. The reason I called myself that name was from the remaining vestiges from you, correct?"

"...Yes."

"When you told me about your past, you were first born as an Empty. And now...that you have accomplished your revenge for that girl."

"I have already accomplished that...now a weight has been lifted from my shoulders."

The target that Hibiki had dedicated her life for the sake of revenge, the Dominion Doll Master, had already lost and disappeared. No, it was Hibiki who herself who had dealt the killing blow.

Her revenge was over and her dream realized.

In other words, she currently has no purpose to sustain herself.

"So, I am asking if you'll be okay. If you'll become an Empty again──" Hibiki shook her head as she pressed her index finger against Kurumi's lips.

"It's okay, Kurumi-san. Because I am very happy now. Just being with each other is so much fun that each day is great and exciting, so I won't become an Empty again."

"...It would be good if that were true."

"Perhaps you are worried about me?"

"No way. If you disappear halfway, I wouldn't become lost, there's just nobody left that will help me depart here."

"Lost..."

"I hardly remember anything before coming to the Neighboring World. Even the names of the most important people I cherish are blurred. I only remember having lived in the real world and...fighting."

"You were fighting?"

"Yes, I was fighting. Something...awfully absurd one way or another."

It was a target that hellishly exceeded reality. Regardless of the timing, "we" would never forget that murderous intent towards her.

However, for the cause this was founded on──trying to remember it was like──

"Kurumi-san?"

A serene voice pulled Kurumi back from the past to the present.

"If you force yourself to look behind at the past, you'll become caught by it." "Caught by it?"

"Yes, no longer able to escape. Because that's what used to always happen to me."

Looking back at the past.

The longing to embrace a person that was already dead.

However, those matters were already a thing of the past. The past should be used for nostalgia, not persistent attachment.

Even if persisting, it wouldn't bring back the feeling from that time, only the emptiness could be perceived.

Hearing Hibiki's words, Kurumi sullenly whispered. "That's correct. But I am lacking a past even now."

It was impossible for her to not be attached to the past.

She would always attempt to remember when asleep.

His words, his face, recalling any memories involving him.

"Even so, if all you can see is a hazy phantom image──then you must keep marching forward from the present."

And so, Hibiki wouldn't allow Kurumi to act this way. No, she wouldn't permit this for herself.

"...That's quite strict."

"It'll be a long journey to achieve your dreams. So, let's talk before sleeping, the journey from here onward."

"Yes, can you tell me? What sort of places you've reached up to the Sixth Region Tiphareth, and what I should do to confront them all."

Hibiki endured the weary sleepiness as she continued talking.

Tokisaki Kurumi's combat ability far exceeded a Quasi-Spirit. The only existence comparable to her would likely be Tsuan.

But even for Tsuan, the chances for defeat were very high if Kurumi played out her hand in earnest. The strongest and worst trickster, Kurumi's , still had bullets hidden away.

However, it would still be difficult for Kurumi to cross over to the other world.

The Dominion, as the name would imply, was a person that ruled over each region. The laws enacted by these adolescent girls were flexible, unreasonable, and diverse.

In all likelihood, the Ninth Region Yesod personified this best. The power of an idol meant everything here, which made it a great obstacle to overcome even for Kurumi.

Therefore, Hibiki had to impart the means of overcoming these obstacles.

"For example, like how to use reiryoku to create the sensation of feeling full in the wilderness when the stomach is grumbling."

"For example, like how to pick locks when imprisoned."

"For example, like how to draw out even more reiryoku for a limited time when one's limits are reached."

This was how things were in the Neighboring World. A survival method that was possible only through the soul rather than a physical body.

Hibiki thoroughly taught her each trick.

Soon after, when the drowsiness reached its peak, Hibiki reluctantly informed Kurumi.

"Let's continue each day, talk each day, and teach each day, all so that Kurumi wouldn't collapse completely midway through this world."

It was unclear even to herself if she had responded, but Kurumi had nodded back to Hibiki.

A dream of meeting again in the other world.

The next morning, Kurumi woke up finding herself under the bed. Judging from the mirrors, there were faint remnants of a footprint on her cheek that matched Hibiki's sleeping posture. It appeared that she was knocked out of the bed during the middle of the night.

"Good morning (gunshot)."

Kurumi decided to shoot first no questions asked.

"Nya────!! Wwwwwwhy are you suddenly opening fire!?"

"It's merely my morning greeting for you oversleeping."

"Hey! It's unreasonable to get this angry this early in the morning!"

But that wasn't necessarily unreasonable this time, as Kurumi responded with a full smile to Hibiki whose entire body was trembling.

◇

"Good morning you two! Well, today's the day to arrive at the Cradle!"

Rinemu had completely recovered her spirits to the point of being excessively energetic.

"Ah, there's milk, milk!"

"...It's incredible to know that there are no cows but milk here."

"It's because here is a convenient world that above all else caters to materials in demand. There are only no dogs, cats, and people of the opposite sex."

"...So there really aren't any cats. No, never mind."

For Kurumi...besides his absence, this was the most disappointing thing about the Neighboring World.

"I don't really care about milk. Ah, but I still need to drink to make my breasts grow bigger."

"That is obviously an unfounded legend Rinemu-san."

"As long as you believe, it usually works well! My breasts are! Definitely! Growing!"

Five minutes later, the two of them were outside the surveillance station waiting for Rinemu.

"It really got bigger, Rinemu-san's chest."

"Rinemu-san's chest was too exaggerated. It was roughly 200 centimeters."

"Rinemu-san was sobbing uncontrollably saying that it was getting smaller and smaller. Are breasts really useful?"

"P-perhaps."

After another ten minutes, Rinemu appeared out with her eyes swollen from crying.

"H-How is it now? Is it the perfect style?"

"Well, the more the better."

"It feels a little thinner than the first time I saw you."

"No! This time it's too flat! Wait a minute; I'll go make it bigger!"

The two of them dragged Rinemu's arms and forced her to leave.

"Let──me──go──!"

"You're being too noisy. How long will it take to get there?"

The fact of the matter was that the conversation continued while dragging her along.

"I think you should be able to see it after climbing this hill..."

After climbing halfway through the hill, Rinemu finally gave up and proceeded to move forward by herself. Since arriving at the surveillance station, there haven't been any Quasi-Spirits seen to the point that the usual hustle and bustle of the Ninth Region Yesod was now inaudible.

After no longer talking, there was silence in their surroundings. The two outside of Kurumi seemed to be afraid of this atmosphere as they kept chatting about irrelevant topics.

Kurumi finally asked.

"Is it so horrible to be quiet?"

"I'm scared, I'm terribly scared. Can you believe that there's no sound at all?"

"I hate being noisy...but in this case I wouldn't mind a little bit of celebratory noise."

"You're the one that's acting weird. If there's no sound, that means you're not alive. If I can't make a sound, that means I'm not qualified to survive..."

Since Rinemu was getting depressed again, Hibiki quickly tried to change the topic.

"Kurumi-san, are you fond of the noise from a festival?"

Kurumi immediately sank her face down upon hearing that question.

"Um, Kurumi-san?"

"My apologizes, Hibiki-san. I have no memories of participating in a festival, so I can't answer that. Please don't mind, since it's nothing more than natural to be like this."

"Ah, I don't know very clearly...but it looks like you don't have it easy either."

Having unknowingly rebounded back a bit, Rinemu spoke out. Kurumi gave a faint surprised look at this.

"Kurumi-san?"

Hearing Hibiki question again, Kurumi shook her head as she replied.

"No, it's nothing. Yes, I don't have it easy...in all respects."

"All things can be solved as soon as I can sing! Okay, it's coming up soon! We'll be able to see the Cradle of Dreams soon!"

Rinemu began running forward with a bitter smile as Hibiki chased after her. Kurumi, not knowing if she was caught contemplating her worries, was the last one to arrive.

As the two of them climbed up the slope, their feet came to a stop after seeing what was in sight.

The Cradle──a wonderful place in name only. In truth it was a sea of emptiness that accepted death and destruction.

...So Kurumi wouldn't be surprise if it was a black sea or filled with craters like the Tenth Region Malkuth, or a completely barren like the surface of Mars.

However, she was surprised at this.

Kurumi understood their responses after seeing it herself.

A serpent-like roller coaster passed through a huge mountain, some of the gondolas were missing, the Ferris wheel missing a few carriages, a merry go

round with a brown horse rather than white, a mascot character that had deteriorated with time, and weeds on the asphalt that spread around like acne.

Instead of a cradle of dreams, it was like a playground of abandoned dreams. "An...amusement...park?"

Hibiki whispered as her feet didn't move another step.

"It seems to be."

Rinemu also whispered as her feet stood frozen as well.

Of course, there were no moving objects in this amusement park. At most there was a creaking sound of the Ferris wheel from the wind blowing.

".....Aren't you going?"

"I have a great idea. Hibiki and Kurumi should go first to get 'The Voice of the Moon'."

"Oh, then what about Rinemu-san?"

"I'll stand here, responsible for keeping contact and finding help in case of an emergency!"

"In other words, that means you'll do nothing? (gunshot)"

After Kurumi fired the first shot, Rinemu cried out with tears, promising that she'll go.

"Kurumi-san, stop being trigger happy with that pistol...I still have the trauma from this morning..."

"This method is best when time is precious. Now, let's proceed." Kurumi took a step forward──inevitably Hibiki soon followed suit.

And finally, it was Rinemu's turn to move forward while she was trembling in fear.