Even if you're a corrupted magical girl, you still have to try to redeem yourself.

Even Nishio Reki, who hadn't said a word, nodded vigorously a few times.

But the only two who remained silent were Minato Nana and Tenrai Herika.

Minato Nana volunteered herself, but messed things up again. The mistakes she made needed to be resolved by her friend's younger sister, so she felt a little embarrassed to ask to go along at this point.

The reason why Helica was a little conflicted was even simpler: she was the one who said she was going to see the live show, which resulted in her idols arguing. Although she didn't do anything wrong, as the one who caused the argument, she felt she was partly to blame.

After all, she has an arrogant and reserved personality. Even though Helica tries her best to control the arrogant part, the reserved part of her heart is not something that can be controlled just by trying to control it.

Yuuki En once again personally experienced the troublesome aspects of Ao Chen, even though she had already experienced enough of it.

But what can be done? After all, Helica is both his favorite idol and a magical girl he's been through thick and thin with.

"Herika, I don't know much about live houses, can you show us around?"

Yuuki Yukino didn't give Helica any chance to refuse and directly made a request to her.

This is a method that Helica uses most often. In the past, whether it was going to the mountains for barbecue or going to the beach, Helica would use this simple, direct, and irresistible method.

Although Helica rarely does this kind of thing now, the principle of "an eye for an eye" always works well.

Herlica was slightly taken aback; she hadn't expected Yuuki Yuki to bypass everyone and come directly to her, who had remained silent all along.

“Miss Minato should be better than me…” Helica muttered softly, even though she was already inclined to refuse Yuuki Yuki’s invitation.

“The store manager is unreliable,” Yuuki Yui replied immediately.

"How am I unreliable?!" Minato complained in protest.

"In short, the store manager is unreliable, so I have to ask Helica for help." Yuuki Yuki said expressionlessly.

"Well... okay, let me think about it. No, let me check on my phone." Helica hesitated for a moment, then took out her phone to check.

One of the best ways to quickly improve a person's mood is to give them something to do.

Empty platitudes like saying it's not your fault and that you're excellent, or seriously analyzing the pros and cons to help you correct your mistakes, are not the best methods, Yuuki Enishi believes.

Only by first diverting this person's attention with other things, and then making her feel that she can be of use in this matter, will it be easier to deal with the rest.

Finding a live house is a simple task that could be left to either Heraclia or Minato Nana. However, Minato Nana is an adult and has a much more mature mindset than Heraclia, so Yuuki Yukina went to comfort Heraclia openly.

Moreover, Minato Nana had gone through such a terrible ordeal. She and her sister had supported each other to get through it, while Minato Nana, who had also suffered considerable harm, was all alone.

She can still maintain this mindset; if Minato Nana didn't have a strong heart, she probably wouldn't have been able to hold on much longer.

No matter how you look at it, Minato Nana doesn't seem to fit the danger that Shirogane Rei mentioned.

Yuuki Yukino still thinks that way.

However, a few hours later, Minato Nana, whom Shirogane Rei called dangerous, encountered real danger.

Chapter Sixteen Officially Begins

This was also Yuuki Yukina's first time entering a live house.

Although I've seen various live houses in anime and mobile game storylines, the feeling of being there in person is completely different from seeing it through a screen.

The first impression Yuuki Enishi got here was sweetness—the cloying sweetness of popcorn, the sweetness of fruit juice, and a very faint floral scent in the air, probably from some kind of aromatherapy or air freshener.

The room's decor didn't seem to have that heavy metal feel. Before coming here, Yuuki Yuen thought it would be a steampunk style made of steel bars or wire mesh from a construction site, but there wasn't a single similar element on site.

Although Yuki Enishi thought the band was easily associated with steampunk, she realized that she did have a bit of a stereotype.

The room is predominantly black. If we really had to give this style a name, Yuuki Enishi thinks the most suitable one would be modern light luxury style.

The stage, not particularly huge but taking up about a fifth of the room's area, had a counter selling various drinks and snacks in the corner. The rest was a completely black open space of over a hundred square meters, and at the very back of the room, where the entire stage could be clearly seen... a mixing console? Or a control panel?

The rest were just some small doors in inconspicuous corners, labeled with things like equipment room, restroom, and backstage. Yuuki Yuen figured she probably wouldn't come into contact with these rooms.

Although the performance hadn't officially started yet, there were already quite a few people in the room, but the spacious environment didn't feel crowded.

Although it was a single room, Yuuki Yuki felt that the room could even be roughly divided into three parts.

First and foremost is the room's absolute focal point: a large stage used for performances, where musical instruments and sound equipment have already been set up.

The middle section is where the audience members are gathered to watch the performance, and the rest of Nijisanji stay in this section.

Finally, there's the beverage counter where Yuuki Enishi is currently located. Apart from customers queuing to buy things, almost no one lingers nearby, so this area is relatively spacious and convenient for people who are tired of being jostled to take a break.

Live houses are usually a place where everyone stands to watch the show, but there are a few seats near the counter for people to rest. Although if you sit down, your view will definitely be blocked by the people in front of you, let alone watch the show, Yuuki Enishi is probably used for resting.

This live house was chosen by Helica, but this time everyone dutifully bought tickets, and each person paid their own share.

Entering a completely unfamiliar place and waiting for the performance to begin was a very novel experience for Yuuki Eri.

Actually, it wasn't entirely unfamiliar; at least I was quite familiar with Yuuki Yuki, the shop assistant who stood behind the counter in the far corner of the room, responsible for checking tickets and selling snacks.

"So, when did you start working here again?" Yuuki asked quietly while buying a drink. The woman, Laughing Mountain, was wearing a shop assistant apron and had bright red highlights that perfectly matched the environment.

"I was already working here when you last came looking for me." Lancelot quickly took two large glasses of juice and pushed them on the counter to Yuuki Yuuki.

Yuuki Yui recalled that the last time she met with Lava Mountain Lantern was the day she went to ask her for some clues related to magical girls, and they ended up fighting. It had been a while since the distance restriction was lifted.

"That's quite a long time."

"That's right. Is there anything else you need? We also have popcorn and ice cream." Lamplight pointed to the other items on the counter and quickly introduced them one by one.

Yuuki Yui rolled her eyes and thought for a moment: "There shouldn't be any more, right?"

With a blank expression, Lava Mountain Lantern gestured for customers to proceed: "If you don't have one, please don't stand in front of the counter and inconvenience other customers."

Was it the image of the incredibly dedicated working warrior, Lancelot, that surprised Yuuki Eri, or was it Lancelot's words of "please" that surprised her more?

In short, faced with the invisible pressure emanating from the Lava Lantern, Yuuki Enishi returned to the main group with two drinks.

When Yuuki Yuki returned, Helica was still quietly explaining the rules of a live house to the other members who were gathered in a circle.

"Therefore, audiences at live houses usually don't request specific seats. The distance between the audience and the performers is unmatched by any concert, and everyone is more free. It feels more like a music festival, but there are definitely some rules. If things are a bit strict, they will check whether anyone is carrying dangerous items."

Seeing Yuuki Yuen carrying two drinks and walking over from a distance, Yuuki Yuen paused her explanation and, as if afraid that Yuuki Yuen wouldn't see her, raised her hand and waved it several times, beckoning Yuuki Yuen to come over quickly.

Yuuki Yuuki stopped beside Helica and handed her one of the drinks.

"After saying so much, how about a drink to soothe your throat?"

The other cup was casually handed by Yuuki Yukino to Minato Nana, who was standing to the side. Although her expression had returned to normal, she still seemed a little downcast.

"Manager, have a drink. We'll need you to teach us later."

Feeling a little embarrassed by the concern shown to her by Yuuki Yukino, a character who is like a younger sister, Minato Nana still accepted the drink: "Okay, thank you."

"People don't need to come to the show with any other mindset. Ultimately, a show is meant to make people happy. Only by letting go of all worries and enjoying the show with a pure heart can you have a better experience."

Yuuki Yukino, who had handed out the drinks, turned to the others and began to speak.

Even if Yuuki Yuki didn't hear what Helica said, she could guess that Helica's explanation must have contained some of Helica's unique pressure, making everyone's minds wander while watching the performance.

Even if Helica didn't do it on purpose, that's just the kind of aura she naturally exudes, but that's not the result Yuuki Yukino wanted to see.

"Everyone hasn't even decided on the instruments they want to use, and they don't have any related knowledge. Even if they want to learn through this performance, they can only imitate without grasping the essence. Even skilled band members may not be able to learn anything substantial from the performance."

As Helica listened to Yuuki's words, her eyes flickered slightly, and her expression seemed a little serious. Clearly, what Yuuki was saying now conflicted with what she had just mentioned to everyone.

But in the end, Helica didn't voice any objection. Instead, she nodded and said, "That's right, everyone should just listen to Yuuki Yukino and enjoy the performance."

“That’s right, that’s right. Everyone should enjoy the performance together. When we get back, we can use the enthusiasm from the performance to do a good review. For now, let’s just enjoy the excitement that the music brings.” Yuuki Yuen nodded, crossed her arms, and looked at the stage at the front.

It was already quite late when the group left the Platinum Raibou shop. With the time spent on the road and waiting here, the performance was just around the corner.

Not long after, the lights around the room began to go out one by one, leaving only a few dim nightlights that barely illuminated the room, and a particularly conspicuous sign at the exit indicating the emergency exit.

"Cough, hello, hello."

Then came the voices of young women coming from the loudspeakers on both sides.

Every audience member held their breath, staring intently at the empty, pitch-black stage, eagerly awaiting the official start of the performance.

"Dear audience, our performance is about to begin. Please pay attention to the rules. In order to ensure the viewing experience for you and other audience members, please do not push, shove, make noise, or attack others in the venue."

"Is it really possible for someone to attack another person?" Baqi muttered to Yuuki Yuuki.

"I don't know, there might have been similar situations before, but in any case, you're not allowed to attack others," Yuuki Yui replied in a low voice.

Ba Qi pouted: "Xiao Yuan, do you think I'm the kind of person who would attack others?"

“We used to be able to do that,” Yuuki Yui said seriously.

“That’s true. Back then, when we were unhappy, we’d beat up that short, blond guy to vent our anger. I really miss those days.” Baqi nodded, then fell silent.

But the instructions coming from the speaker continued.

"To ensure the smooth running of the performance, please do not interfere with the performance, shake the stage equipment, climb the stage, or throw objects onto the stage."

"Smoking is prohibited throughout the venue. Any filming is also prohibited. Please put your phone on silent mode. Violations may result in warnings, fines, being asked to leave the venue, or the police being called, depending on the severity of the violation."

It was also Nishio Reki's first time in a place like this, and after hearing this series of confusing rules, he couldn't help but start complaining to Yuuki Yuki in a low voice.

"Why are there so many rules?"

“We do this during exams and when we watch movies too,” Yuuki Yui reassured her.

Every rule has its reason, no matter how outrageous it may seem, so Yuuki Yuki is not surprised at all.

While Yuuki Yuki was talking, the instructions playing on the speaker were almost finished.

"If you encounter an emergency, please follow the instructions broadcast to evacuate through the safety exits. Do not crowd or push."

"Alright! Everyone, please hold your glow sticks tight, our performance is about to begin!"

Splash splash splash splash.

A thunderous applause immediately erupted from the audience, along with several shouts that livened up the atmosphere.

Yuuki Yukino turned her head and looked at the others standing in a row with her.

The girls who were complaining to themselves just a moment ago are now all focused on the dark stage where they can vaguely see figures.

Not only them, but probably no one present looked anywhere else except at the stage, which was the sole focus of attention.

In those few seconds, which were destined to be short, everyone, including the magical girls who were here for the first time, chose to remain silent. Even the slightest bumps and the rustling of clothes could be heard very clearly.

The sudden burst of dazzling stage lights and the unexpected strumming of strings were like a bomb exploding in the crowd, making everyone's hearts clench at the same time.

Despite some setbacks, the stage for the girls' destiny was ignited at this moment.

Chapter Seventeen: This is the Real Music

Strictly speaking, although Yuuki Yuuki really likes bands, this was the first time she had ever seen a live performance.