A comic book, but a librarian

Chapter 105 The True Purpose

Hikigaya Hachiman knocked on the door of the art classroom with a nervous mood. The executive committee members and President Joemai who followed him also seemed a little nervous. For some reason, standing in front of this not-so-thick door, they always seemed to have a feeling of being suppressed, as if they were visitors.

"Please come in."

Hikigaya Hachiman pushed open the door and stepped on the drawing paper on the ground. The colors on it looked disordered and chaotic, but seemed to imply some meaning. Light gray and orange-red were mixed together, and light purple and blood-red were mixed together, which made his eyes feel a little uncomfortable.

"Good afternoon everyone, what brings you here this time?"

Uesugi Sumiko looked like he had just woken up, rubbing his sleepy eyes, as if he had taken a nap in the art classroom. However, the pile of drawing papers and reference books beside him showed that he was definitely not as relaxed as he looked.

"Um, Uesugi-san, what is this program?"

Jonomai took out the program list, and near the end of the second day, there was a strange program with the only name on it being Uesugi Sumie.

"Oh, that... I remember I applied in advance. It was a personal program, and there might be a few more instruments at most. But I didn't fill in the number of people clearly because I hadn't decided at the time. Sorry."

Uesugi Cheng seemed to think for a moment, then he stretched out his hand.

"Can we fill in the roster now? Or should we just stop the show?"

"Ah, no, no, no, we are not here to accuse anyone. We just want to confirm whether this program really exists. After all, the time is arranged."

The city patrol officer looked a little apprehensive and waved his hands, then continued speaking.

"Um... Is this really okay? You've done so much, but you don't even put your name on it or anything."

"What's wrong with that? Will there be any benefit if I put this name on it? Or do I really need this? Rather, shouldn't the Executive Committee pay more attention to your chairperson? I watched the opening speech, and she didn't look that confident."

Uesugi Sumire seemed to have little interest in what Joekai Pan said. Hikigaya Hachiman said nothing and listened silently. He suddenly wanted to understand what Uesugi Sumire wanted, but it didn't matter now.

"Hey, speaking of...Uesugi-san you." Joekai Xun didn't expect Uesugi Sumire to mention Sagami Minami at this time, and seemed a little at a loss.

"Ah, I think you all should understand that the chairman is elected by you all, and has nothing to do with me. Everything I do is to allow myself to have a perfect vacation without anyone disturbing me."

"I'm really sorry..."

Hikigaya spoke, scratching the back of his head and looking innocent. Of course he knew that Uesugi Sumika was referring to him for suddenly bringing someone over.

"Since Sagami Minami was elected by you all, I am not a member of the executive committee and have no right to comment on or interfere with your choices. But I want to remind you that... it is better to pay more attention to the chairperson who I think is not only troublesome but also incompetent. After all, if she does something irrational, the responsibility will still be borne by you, right?"

Uesugi Sumire's words were slow and gentle, and it sounded as if someone was doing his best to analyze the situation for the committee members present. However, Hikigaya Hachiman felt a chill on his back. Uesugi Sumire felt very uneasy because the malice in Sagami Minami's words was so obvious, but the people in front of him seemed to turn a blind eye to it.

"If you ask me... since the matter was raised by everyone on the committee, the responsibility should also be borne by everyone. As an outsider, I can only make this suggestion. If you want to solve this problem, the best way is..."

Cheng Huixun said "oh" as if he suddenly understood something, then he suddenly came to his senses and immediately shook his head.

"No, actually..."

Are you really okay? The words of Johwagi were stuck in her throat. She really couldn't say such words. Everything that Sagami Minami had done and the trouble she had brought to the committee were simply not worth mentioning. She knew that almost all the committee members did not have any good impression of this troublesome classmate.

"That's exactly what should happen..."

Hikigaya Hachiman looked at the people who were whispering, and then looked at the smiling Uesugi Sumika, and suddenly felt that he seemed to be a little more terrifying than Yukinoshita Haruno. At least Haruno couldn't lead people into the ditch so easily, except that the idiot Sagami Minami was fooled at once, or was she just deceiving herself with Haruno's words?

Uesugi Sumire said nothing as he watched the members of the executive committee leave, then turned his gaze to Hikigaya Hachiman.

"You brought people here to disturb me, right? Tomorrow I will double your workload and quota."

"No? Does this have anything to do with me? If I don't bring anyone here, they will come here on their own, right?" Hikigaya Hachiman suddenly felt his fist harden.

"Forget it. And why don't you leave? Don't you have to go to work?"

"A few questions."

"Don't ask meaningless questions. Although I'm not very busy now, I'm not very idle either. I still have to rehearse." Uesugi Cheng waved his hand and sat back in his chair, looking as if he was looking at the sky and thinking.

"You did it on purpose, didn't you? Mentioning Sagami Minami at this time."

"What do you mean by intentional? I didn't do anything. I was just kindly reminding you. Do you think she was in a good state before going on stage?" Uesugi Cheng was telling the truth.

"No, what I mean is that you deliberately induced them to play the most extreme game... But well done. I've been annoyed with that guy for a long time. He likes to be sarcastic and unwilling to take responsibility." Hikigaya Hachiman knew that Uesugi Sumire would not make any admissions, even though he had actually just induced the executive committee to overthrow the chairman they elected.

"People like you would help them do so much work, not only to avoid being disturbed, but also to arrange your own program properly, right? I see that they are so convinced that it really is..."

There was no progress at all. The executive committee members were just like puppets being guided and controlled at will in the past few days. Of course, this was also due to the fact that Uesugi Cheng suppressed them all with his absolute strength.

"So what exactly have you prepared? Why do you have to go to such great lengths to do something so far away? If all you want to do is get rid of Sagami Minami, it shouldn't be that difficult for you, right?"

"I've already said that this is none of my business. As for Sagami Minami, isn't that her own fault? I don't like that position, but isn't it interesting to see a group of people pushing down the leader they elected?"

Chapter 106: Opening the Sky

"Sound effects?"

"Preparation is complete."

"light?"

"Ready!"

"Well... please begin, host." Hikigaya Hachiman stood under the stage, confirming the layout of the venue through the headset. Looking at the beautifully enchanting background painting, Hikigaya Hachiman knew that it must be the work of Uesugi Sumika. However, what he did not expect was that even the costumes for the performance had been modified so well, they looked like the props and costumes used in the theater troupe, or even better.

Then he looked speechlessly at Hayato Hayama and Ayaka Totsuka reciting the lines of "The Little Prince" adapted by Ebina, and fell into deep thought.

"Why is it that the lines in the original book are so normal, but here they have such a weird atmosphere..."

It seemed that the 'director' Ebina, a fujoshi, was so excited by the performance on the stage that he couldn't stand steadily. Then he looked at the screams of a group of girls in the audience. He suddenly felt that the world might be a little crazier than he had imagined.

As a member of the executive committee, he had witnessed the last meeting yesterday. There was almost no resistance. Even Sagami Minami herself did not expect that she would have no idea of ​​resisting such a thing. She was retired from the position of chairman "due to illness". All the work was handed over in an orderly manner, as if Sagami Minami, the chairman, had never done any work before.

He had heard today that some ordinary students seemed to have some opinions about the decision of the Executive Committee, but Hikigaya also knew that their opinions would not cause any waves because the Executive Committee almost unanimously approved the decision on how to deal with Sagami Minami.

It was like a farce, sending an incompetent person to a leadership position and then pulling her down from the position. No one cared about Sagami Minami's idea. Under the intentional or unintentional role model and guidance of Uesugi Cheng, they were obviously more concerned about the work ability of the next leader and whether the cultural festival could be held smoothly.

In the current executive committee, Yukinoshita Yukino has to temporarily serve as the acting chairman when there is really no other choice, but everyone knows that this acting chairman is the same as if she does not exist. Yukinoshita Yukino is the best choice if Uesugi Cheng does not intend to take the position. The public announcement is that the chairman Sagami Minami fell ill unexpectedly and could not preside over the work after the speech, so she had to be replaced, but anyone can see that this statement is just a cover-up.

"So this kind of thing is really... a sinister trap? I don't know why these people are all using this trick."

Hikigaya Hachiman naturally understood that this specious reason could not satisfy the public's curiosity at all. If the gossipers found someone in the know to ask, they would probably come to the conclusion that Sagami Minami's incompetence made the committee unacceptable. As for why they would come to this conclusion...because the people in the know, except for a few close friends of Sagami Minami, are all members of the executive committee who have reached the point where they can no longer tolerate her. Compared to a close friend who might 'protect her friend', the words of a colleague are of course more credible.

Yukinoshita Haruno was sitting behind the scenes, seemingly scrolling through her phone with a thoughtful expression on her face. She had not expected that Uesugi Sumika would clear herself so thoroughly that there was not even a single flaw to be found. Apart from the fact that he had forcibly manipulated the committee to advance its work, his actions were almost flawless, and this only breakthrough was completely suppressed by his personal ability.

"Then we can only wait and see what this Uesugi-san is up to... After all, he has arranged a personal show for himself."

Yukinoshita Haruno has no intention of having any hostility towards the Uesugi family. She just wants to see if she can get some help from Uesugi Sumiya. Even if it's just doing a favor for the Uesugi family, it will be a good thing for their family.

"Strange, is the air conditioner a little too cold?" Yukinoshita Haruno rubbed her shoulders. She always felt that the backstage was a little chilly, as if a cold wind was blowing from somewhere.

"Hello, it looks like the backstage is a little empty. Where are all the people from the executive committee?"

Yukinoshita Haruno subconsciously wanted to answer, but found that the person coming seemed to have no footsteps at all. She turned around and saw several people wearing black masks who seemed to be moving musical instruments. It was obviously physical work, but there was no sound at all. It was as if ghosts were moving.

"Oh, it's you, brother. Is this the stuff you need to prepare for the show later?" Yukinoshita Haruno finally recognized the leader, Uesugi Sumiya, who was wearing formal attire. He looked very serious and just nodded slightly to Haruno.

"Yes, these instruments will be used later for my personal show." Uesugi Cheng gently stroked his heart. He did feel a little nervous, not because of the performance on stage, but because of a more bold and risky move.

Yang No silently watched the backs of those people wearing masks as they put down their instruments and turned away. She was sure that she had never seen these people in the integration, which made her even more curious.

The last show is about to end. Since Uesugi Cheng is confident that he can put his show at the end, according to Yang No's observations over the past few days, she feels that the next show will most likely give her extra surprises.

The stage curtain slowly closed, and the executive committee members who returned behind the scenes looked at the musical instruments behind the scenes with some curiosity.

"Hey, is this the instrument that Uesugi-san prepared? It looks like..."

It seems to be somewhat similar to the orchestra brought by Yukinoshita Haruno, but Yukinoshita Haruno brought a semi-professional orchestra, and she herself is a very good conductor. Does Uesugi Cheng really have the confidence to achieve results under the unconscious comparison of the audience? Many people think so.

But now that the matter was done, they had no time to think about it and could only help bring the instruments to the stage.

"It's a bit strange... but those people look really serious."

Ebina poked the arm of Hikigaya Hachiman who was sitting next to him. Everyone on the stage wore a hat and a black mask, with only their eyes exposed. However, their slightly drooped faces made it difficult to see even the last part of their faces that was exposed. All they could see was that they were probably going to play a song.

"Opening The Sky, please enjoy." Uesugi Sumiko's voice became ethereal, and even Yotsuya Miko was stunned. She remembered that Uesugi Sumiko's original voice was completely different from this.

But without giving her more time to wonder, the instruments began to play.

Chapter 107: Performance: Opening the Sky

It was difficult for Yotsuya Miko to describe what she heard, the music that made her intoxicated. If she didn't have the Yin-Yang Eyes, if she hadn't learned the art of silence, she might have thought so.

But when she looked at the band on the stage, where all the musicians were controlled puppets except for Uesugi Sumikami himself, who was the conductor and singer, she had some different feelings about the performance in front of her.

"Is that a genius... Has any of you heard this song?" Yukinoshita Haruno turned around, and although she seemed to be asking Yukinoshita and the others who were standing behind her, her eyes were directly looking at Hiratsuka Shizuka.

"It's a pity... At least someone like me who doesn't understand music very well has never heard it. If I have to say, the sound seems... a little thin?"

Shizuka Hiratsuka took out a cigarette and put it in her mouth, but thinking that this was the back of the stage and the students were still around her, she could only put down the lighter helplessly and listen carefully to the music coming from the stage.

"It is indeed so...it is as if..."

It was as if each part had been simplified and weakened. Uesugi Cheng devoted himself wholeheartedly to the performance. "Open the Sky" was a record he found in the Silent Bookstore. As a song composed for the coronation of the new king Henry IX, its beauty is self-evident. However, what made Uesugi Cheng determined to perform it on stage again even if the music in this record had to be shortened was his further study of a certain great art.

To this end, he released all of his soul essence and controlled the special puppet made by Himegami Sakura and him to play the instrument in a way that was more like possession.

"It sounds pretty good..." The audience began to whisper. Although they seemed to have never seen the conductor on the stage, his focused look did attract a lot of attention, so much so that no one noticed that it seemed as if the entire stage, including the audience seats, was covered with a thin layer of almost invisible fog.

In the mist, Yotsuya Miko saw a petite figure that seemed familiar, but it only flashed by. The mist was so hazy that it looked like a device prepared on the stage to create atmosphere, and no one noticed anything wrong.

The music suddenly changed, as if the preliminary sound check was completed. Many people's eyes unconsciously began to narrow slightly, and it seemed that the expressions on their faces began to become empty.

The first movement was gentle and soft, with a strong autumn atmosphere. The second movement was anxious and unbearable. Yotsuya Miko and Hikigaya Hachiman finally realized that something was wrong. Uesugi Sumiko's performance was definitely not music in the secular sense. If they didn't know that Uesugi Sumiko would never do anything harmful, and they really didn't have the power to stop him, Hikigaya Hachiman would have thought about how to interrupt the performance.

Yukinoshita Yukino covered her forehead. She felt something was wrong, but it was just a feeling. She suddenly found that her body seemed to be out of control. She wanted to stand up, but her body was firmly sitting on the chair. It was as if...

"Strange... It's really strange..." Yukinoshita Haruno stretched out her hand with difficulty, as if she wanted to wake her body up with pain, but in the end she only felt her body getting heavier and heavier. She realized that there was definitely something wrong with this performance, but it was too late. A black shadow passed by her, as if someone had gently brushed her face with his hand, soft and cold.

Himegami Sakura walked around the arena and blew gently into her palm. Although the puppet could not blow out any gas at all, she only did this out of a sense of ritual before slowly dragging everyone into the illusion.

Although in the eyes of normal people, there was just an ordinary or even sparsely populated band playing on the stage, but to a spirit like Himegami Sakura who was born from self-belief and prayer, what she saw were several powerful souls wantonly wielding their power. The man named Uesugi Sumika was definitely beyond the concept of ordinary humans. If his body died, the horrific existence that might be born inside would make even her, a puppet, feel a chill down her spine.

At this point, the tonality of the music changes again. The third movement is bright and cheerful, high and melodious, and crazy. The fourth movement is as bright as a mirror, clear and smooth, like the tinkling of icicles.

The audience was already mesmerized, and many of them had even begun to sway gently to the rhythm or make subtle movements. The entire stage was filled with the only sound of the music that made people linger.

Yotsuya Miko's eyes gradually narrowed. Such beautiful music made her want to indulge in it, even though it was beginning to look like a cult ceremony.

Suddenly, Uesugi Cheng paused with the baton in his hand, and all the music stopped abruptly, but no one was surprised because they already felt what was going to happen next.

Chapter 5, the chapter that was sealed by the Suppression Bureau, returns to the theme of the third movement again, bright, cheerful and crazy, but this is a choral movement. However, it is obvious that these sounds are too pure and high-pitched to be human voices. They make people think of birdsong - they remind people of the sky after a storm, the blue turns to black at the edge of the higher heaven - they twist the listener's mind in a direction that the Suppression Bureau does not allow.

This is what Uesugi Cheng realized after listening to the music himself. It was the most important reason why the music was sealed by the Silence Bookstore and the Anti-Suppression Bureau, so he made some changes. After crazy cuts, he made it so that the minds of ordinary people would be able to bear the information contained in the music and not have any problems.

The first line of lyrics came out of his throat, followed by the puppets controlled by souls who were playing instruments, and finally a chorus from the entire audience. Under the guidance of some mysterious force, all the audience began to sing along with their voices. Those who were emotionally strong even shed tears or laughed wildly. However, Uesugi Sumiko on the stage remained calm, conscientiously completing the coordination of various instruments and vocals, striving for a perfect performance.

[Memories·Opening the Sky] This is a special ceremony, born out of a thought, and all participants gain something, as if the sky has been opened. (5 domes, 3 hearts, 3 lights)

Hikigaya Hachiman felt as if his brain was completely empty, embracing the blue sky with his whole body and soul, even though they were sitting in a room now.

The music had unknowingly come to an end, and only two people in the audience woke up early.

Chapter 108: Perfect ending and return home.

Hikigaya Hachiman looked at the surveillance video above his head, and thought about everything that had just happened. His empty brain worked so smoothly, just like a machine that was well lubricated.

"It seems like this matter cannot be concealed. Is it possible that we can only try to reduce the spread?"

Hikigaya started biting his fingernails. Although he didn't know what had happened to Uesugi Sumire that he suddenly did such things in various occasions, the most important thing now was to destroy the video and audio recordings. At least this kind of music, which obviously went beyond human common sense, must not be leaked out.

"Oh, don't worry, I'm already doing it. I told you... I'm always careful."

"There is caution in the madness, right? If I believe your words, I'm sure something bad will happen."

Hikigaya Hachiman complained subconsciously, and then his whole body tensed up in fear. He didn't know when Uesugi Sumire was standing in front of him, his face covered in sweat. He looked as tired as if he had run ten kilometers, but also extremely happy.

"I'll go first. I've enjoyed your performance today."

After he said this, the entire stage seemed to be activated as if a switch was pressed. The audience and staff were all as if awakened from a dream. They only remembered that they had listened to wonderful music, and that they seemed to have embraced the boundless sky and the mysterious veil above the sky, but they could not remember what specifically Uesugi Cheng had played.

The executive committee member standing next to the camera was eager to watch it, but found that the camera had been turned off by itself at some point in time, leaving no footage of Uesugi Sumika's performance. It also seemed that the surveillance had been turned off at some point, and there was not a single surviving video of the performance in the entire venue.

"It's really amazing... It seems to be better than any professional band."

Although such words were heard among the audience, no one could describe what Uesugi Cheng played or what they heard, and in the end, the discussion about this matter had to be put to rest.