CHAPTER 1: The Interstellar Audition Show, I

beep. beep. beep.

[Aristo Canteliaver, it is now 4:30 AM.]

Ugh. Shut up, stupid AI alarm system. Let me sleep five more minutes…

[Aristo Canteliaver, emergency wake up procedures shall be conducted at 4:35 AM.]

I will whack the head of whoever programmed this system. And the one who made it mandatory for all Empyrean CONSTELLATION!! employees.

I finally got up from my bed, patting around in my bedsheets for my lost glasses. I always forget to put it on the bedside table. Once I finally could see well, I headed to the bathroom.

Looking at the mirror, I shapeshift to the humanoid appearance I always default to. A 5'5, pale-faced, male brunette with two white streaks of front hair. It was a rather simple appearance adorned by rectangular glasses with a thin black frame.

I change into my usual work outfit. A plain t-shirt, jeans, and the company-appointed jacket with the Empyrean CONSTELLATION!!'s logo on the back. My name and job title are imprinted on the front pocket.

HEAD PRODUCER

Aristo Canteliaver

After fiddling a bit with my hair, I finally set out for work. I stop by my usual cafè for a breakfast waffle and morning coffee. The news played on the TV as I stood waiting for my order.

– [Empyrean CONSTELLATION!!'s comeback for Season 51!]

The new anchor's antenna ears twitched as she excitedly started her speech.

– "Empyrean CONSTELLATION!! is back for it's star-shaking 51st season! After 50 consecutive successful seasons, the galaxy will be again captured by Clematin Academy's human students' wonderful singing."

The TV showed a couple clips from the past seasons of the show. Some people stopped to listen to a short clip of a contestant's song.

– "We interviewed Empyrean CONSTELLATION!!'s award-winning head producer, Aristo Canteliaver, to ask about his thoughts about the comeback of the most well-loved and only audition show in the entire Ariespertarian system."

My face appeared on the television. The footage came out pretty well and I looked okay.

– "Now, Producer Cateliaver, do you have any thoughts about the upcoming season 51?"

– "...The production team are working hard."

– "Ah…are there any surprises we can brace ourselves from?"

– "No spoilers."

– "Oh! Of course! Of course!"

The reporter nervously laughed at my indifference.

– "I can say one thing though."

– "Really? Please do tell, Producer Canteliaver!"

– "We're introducing a new mechanic our audiences will absolutely love."

– "Ohohoho! We will certainly look forward to it!"

The portion ended and it went on to the weather news. I also recieved my order and I continued my way to work.

Ads for human care are plastered all over the subway station walls. Some of them are being taken down in favor of Empyrean CONSTELLATION!! ads. Music by former winners of the show filled the atmosphere, brightening every creature's day.

Right. In this entire galaxy, the only creature that can sing are humans. Most of them are domesticated pets, but talented ones makes it into Clematin Academy.

Clematin Acadamy sounds like a school at first glance, but in reality, it's not. It's more akin to a development center. Humans who can sing well, draw well, and do all kinds of creative things are taken to Clematin.

We get all our participants from there. Especially since our show's biggest sponsor is PYRECON, the academy owner.

Entering my office, I was greeted by the AI secretary.

"Aristo Canteliaver, check in." I said to the AI.

[August 3, 41XX. 6:27 AM. Head Producer Aristo Canteliaver, we hope today is a productive day!]

The AI chirped happily before listing out my busy schedule for today. I look through the documents that the financing team sent me. Our budget is nice and full, and we'll be able to spend extravagantly this season as well.

I gathered all the materials I need and stuffed them neatly into my backpack.

Today is interviewing the auditionees from Clematin Academy.

"PD-nim! Here's the documents for all 40 participants auditioning today." My assistant producer, Yeoniph, linked our wristwatches and the files projected.

"Thanks. Is our ride ready?"

"Yes, PD-nim. The equipment are already loaded in, and the staff going are already prepared." Yeoniph is a very reliable assistant indeed.

"That's good. We'll leave at 7. Call ahead at the Academy and make sure the participants are ready for audition as well."

Yeoniph nodded and scurried off, her tail wagging excitedly. She picked a more fox-like appearance today, huh?

I look through the files, taking note of the aesthetic and theme I could assign them. I take the front passenger seat as the staff is boarding the company's Luminae. Their friendly chatters fills the vehicle as I quietly stare outside the Luminae.

A bustling city filled with top-tier technology. People walking their pets through the city. Up in the sky is luminated by endless stars alongside Asperier's blue-yellowish sun.

There are also large Aeriaes decorating the sky. Aeria are like floating islands, with buildings or smaller cities on them. Clematin Academy and Empyrean CONSTELLATION!!'s set are both located on Aeriaes. Speaking of which, the Luminae began it's ascent up on Clematin's Aeria.

Our office is currently located down on the ground, but it was a temporary settlement as we prepared for Empyrean's season 51. Our actual office is located up on the gigantic Aeria of PYRECON.

During Empyrean's broadcast, the production staff will be settling on the set's Aeria. The participants are also kept there. Live audience members can buy their tickets beforehand and board the specially provided Luminae to get to the set.

It is a good arrangement. It can prevent the mishaps of human terrorism or participant escape.

We finally arrive on Clematin Academy, and were greeted by the head caretaker.

"Welcome Producer Aristo! Also, welcome to all of Empyrean's staff as well." He happily welcomed with a smile on his face. Most people usually chooses a more humanoid impression, but there are some that don't. Like the caretaker here, who took form of an octopus with a round head.

The caretaker led us into the Academy. The place felt vaguely like Earth, the human's original planet. The green forestry covered the surroundings and the building itself gave a homey feeling which it's brick and wood appearance amplified. Vines seemed to climb over the walls and cover the gates.

"We already prepared all the participants at the atrium, but you're always free to look around first if you like." The caretaker informed us before going back to his office.

I decide to snoop around the rooms. The artists, the writers…general creatives. They really do have a lot of talented humans. I saw a painting by one of the students, and it was indeed very nice to look at. I could never dream of making such a masterpiece.

I finally head to the atrium, where most of the staff that decided not to look around gathered. They had already set up the filming equipment. Someone spotted me from the makeup team and they whisked me away to prepare me as well.

Today is a recorded session for the trailer and for Episode 1.

Once the makeup team was finished with everyone appearing on the panel, I finally called everyone to start recording.

"ALRIGHT! All members of Empyrean CONSTELLATION!! team report to the atrium. We'll start filming in 5." I clapped my hands together and projected to the Academy's broadcast speaker.

The Academy's security finally brought in the participants and made them sit on the chairs. They were dressed in the Academy's uniform, and a collar is wrapped around their necks. They look relatively more well-kept than the humans I saw earlier. One or two caught my eye with their stunning visuals.

The cameras start to roll and the MC started to speak.

"Welcome, all creatures of our wide and vast Ariespertarian system and beyond! This is the unbelievable, star-shaking, and superstellar Empyrean CONSTELLATION!! : SEASON 51 back on intergalactic television!"

My eyes met with a black-haired participant and he quickly looked away.