I'm in Morioh, just joined a chat group for cute girls.

Meanwhile, on the Shinkansen bound for Tokyo, the scenery outside the train window rushed past.

Wow! Look at that! Is that Mount Fuji? It's so clear!

Hai Meng excitedly pointed to the snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance outside the window and took out her phone to take pictures non-stop.

Ilya leaned quietly on Gu Ye's shoulder, holding a sketchbook in her hands, but her eyes kept glancing out the window, filled with childlike curiosity about everything outside.

"No, it's not,"

Gu Ye took a sip of his canned coffee and said casually, "You can't see Mount Fuji on this route from Morioh to Tokyo."

"Eh? Really? What a pity..."

Hai Meng was somewhat disappointed, but her attention was quickly drawn to something new.

Ilya looked up at Gu Ye's profile and asked softly, "Big brother, is 'AveMujica' a very famous band?"

"Yeah, it should be really good."

Gu Ye put down the coffee can and gazed into the distance, as if he could see through the carriage and into the magnificent yet eerie stage play that was about to be staged at the martial arts hall. "Their world-building is very interesting, about forgetting and dolls... Perhaps you will like it."

……

Under the cover of night, the martial arts hall resembles a lurking beast, its massive octagonal roof swallowing up crowds surging in from all directions.

The air was filled with the mixed scents of hairspray, perfume, and takoyaki, creating a vibrant and restless atmosphere reminiscent of a summer festival.

"Really?! So many people?!"

Kitagawa Kaimu was so astonished by the spectacular sight before her that her mouth dropped open.

Looking around, all you could see were throngs of people. Many girls were dressed in gothic or Lolita style dresses, waving blue and purple glow sticks, and wearing exquisite makeup. Everyone looked like they were attending a grand masquerade ball.

"This band...isn't it a newcomer?"

She tugged at Gu Ye's sleeve, her eyes filled with disbelief.

"Ah."

Gu Ye's answer was as concise as ever.

He looked down at the two tickets in his hand, then at the petite Ilya beside him, and his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

The original plan was to have Ilya temporarily enter the "Thousand Worlds One Ride" carriage and then come out after entering the venue. This was the safest way to "smuggle" her in.

"Big brother, there are so many people!"

Ilya held Gu Ye's hand tightly, her small body almost swallowed up by the crowd.

She looked around curiously, finding everything new and fascinating.

The queue moved slowly in front of the ticket gate.

When it was their turn, Gu Ye was about to speak when the ticket checker, a friendly middle-aged man, glanced at the ticket in Gu Ye's hand, then looked down at Ilya, who barely reached Gu Ye's waist, and waved with a smile.

"Oh, children this young don't need tickets. But there aren't any extra seats inside, so parents will have to hold them."

"Eh?"

Gu Ye and Hai Meng were both stunned for a moment.

"Great! Ilya can go with her big brother!"

Ilya immediately cheered and hugged Gu Ye's leg.

And so, the three of them successfully entered the venue.

Their seats were in section A, very close to the stage.

The interior of the martial arts hall is a huge bowl-shaped structure, and it is now packed with people. Countless glow sticks have gathered into a blue-purple sea of ​​stars, swaying slowly under the dim lights, and the buzzing discussions have merged into a huge wave of sound.

Wow! It's so close! I feel like I can see the people on stage clearly!

As soon as Hai Meng sat down, she excitedly looked around.

After Gu Ye sat down, Ilya climbed onto his lap as if she knew exactly what to do and settled down in a comfortable position.

Chapter 151: Ave Mujica's debut.

Ilya's little head rested against Gu Ye's chest, her silver hair tickling him a little.

The little girl's body was very light, carrying a faint milky scent, and her warm body temperature emanated through the thin fabric of her clothes.

She adjusted her posture, wrapped her arms around Gu Ye's neck, and rested her chin on his shoulder so that she could see the stage in the same direction as him.

Suddenly, all the lights in the stadium went out at the same time.

The tremendous roar instantly subsided, replaced by a deathly silence, as if everyone's souls had been ripped away. Then, a distant and eerie organ melody began, seemingly emanating from the depths of an ancient church. On the massive screen at the center of the stage, a dilapidated Gothic castle and a waning moon were projected.

"Ave Mujica..."

An ethereal, inhuman voice echoed throughout the venue, telling a broken story about dolls, oblivion, and redemption.

Hai Meng held her breath, gripping the hem of her skirt tightly with both hands, completely captivated by this unique opening.

With a crisp chime, the curtain crashed down.

The entire stage was revealed to everyone—a ruined stage entangled with thorns and withered roses, where five girls wearing ornate masks stood quietly in their respective positions like exquisite dolls.

The spotlight focused on the center of the stage, on the keyboardist wearing a butterfly mask and a gorgeous red and black dress.

Her blue pigtails shimmered with an unusual luster under the stage lights, and even from a distance, one could sense the cold and fragile aura emanating from her.

She raised her hand, her slender fingers landing on the black and white piano keys.

A fierce, storm-like prelude instantly swept through the entire martial arts hall.

The melody is filled with classical splendor and the frenzy of modern rock, creating a dark yet captivating world.

Gu Ye's gaze was fixed on the keyboard player.

is her.

Hair color, build, the almost obsessive focus when playing the piano... Even though she was wearing a mask, he was 100% certain that the person was—Oblivionis, Toyokawa Shoko.

What a coincidence...

I never expected to be in the same world.

He took out his phone, pointed it at Toyokawa Shoko on the stage, adjusted the focus, and took a clear photo of her in the instant a spotlight shone on her.

In the photo, she is tilting her head to the side, her jawline taut beneath the mask, as if she has poured all her emotions into the melody at her fingertips.

Without the slightest hesitation, he opened the chat group and sent the photo.

[Weather Forecast]: [Image Jpg]

After doing all that, he put away his phone and focused his attention back on the stage.

Ilya seemed to sense his movement, shifted in his arms, and whispered, "Big brother, what are you doing?"

"Nothing, just sent a message."

Gu Ye responded calmly, gently patting her back to signal her to continue watching the performance.

On stage, the lead singer began his song.

It was a unique voice that blended operatic coloratura with rock singing, sometimes soaring like a hymn, sometimes low like a murmur, perfectly merging with the intense melodies woven by Toyokawa Shoko.

The entire performance was like a dark fairy tale stage play, with five girls telling their stories through music. The audience was completely immersed in it, waving glow sticks to the rhythm.

Meanwhile, in different dimensions, the chat group notification sound rang in the minds of several girls.

【Devilish Muscle Rin】: Huh? @WeatherForecast, what's this? A concert scene?

[Devilish Muscle Rin]: You actually had time to go to a concert? Sakura and I just came back from the shopping district, bought a ton of stuff, we're exhausted. Sakura saw a really pretty dress, but the price... hmph, luckily I'm working this month.

【American Scythe】: Ugh, so noisy. I'm working right now. @WeatherForecast, who's the girl in the photo? She looks alright. By the way, come over sometime, I have a "surprise" for you.

Vishdale was lying on the roof of an abandoned building, the cold touch of the sniper rifle beneath her giving her a sense of security.

While sending messages in the group chat, she locked onto a patrolling target in the distance through her scope. A cruel smile curled at the corner of her lips.

【Sword Maiden】: A concert...that sounds like a really fun gathering. That sounds great, I'd love to go too. @WeatherForecast, the girl in the photo is wearing a mask, is she performing some kind of special ritual?

In the magnificent prayer room of the Supreme Temple, the Sword Saintess sat alone on a cold bench.

Every day she dealt with tedious church affairs and listened to the believers' monotonous confessions; her life was like a stagnant pool.

【Sword Maiden】: Speaking of which, everyone! When are we having another team-building event? It's been ages since we last went to Mei's world for hot pot, hasn't it? Minecraft may not be the most fun, but it has lots of hot springs! The scenery is also great! Come on, come on!

[Flower Pillar]: Oh, that sounds great. But I can't leave right now; the Butterfly Mansion has been treating quite a few wounded lately. Everyone, please be careful!

Kanae Kocho is gently changing the bandages of a soldier who has lost an arm. Her movements are light and skillful, and her face is always adorned with a comforting smile.

[Fiora]: Dungeon...

Ais's message was concise and to the point.

She had just dodged a Minotaur's charge, the silver blade stained with the monster's blood.

She leaned against the cold rock wall, panting, her eyes burning with the fire of battle.

[The Executioner in Red]: The reconstruction of the new capital is progressing smoothly, but there is still a shortage of supplies. I'm trying to find a solution.

Akame sat in the makeshift command post, looking at the mountain of documents piled up on the table.

She is no longer just an assassin who knows how to kill, but a builder who carries the future of a country on her shoulders.

Seeing the messages in the group chat suddenly become lively, Gu Ye's lips curled up slightly without him even noticing.

[Weather Forecast]: Don't rush, let the dust settle.

After sending that message, he ignored the follow-up questions in the group.

Rin seemed to understand what he meant and didn't ask any more questions.

Seeing this, the others also started talking about their own things.

Gu Ye refocused his attention entirely on the stage.

Ave Mujica's performance has reached a high point, with intense drumbeats, ripping guitar sounds, and gorgeous keyboards intertwining to create a magnificent, apocalyptic atmosphere.

Ilya watched intently in his arms, her mouth slightly open, completely captivated by the lights and music on the stage.

Hai Meng had already stood up and, along with the surrounding fans, excitedly waved her arms and muttered incantations.

"So cool... This world-building... This performance style... It's simply the ultimate love!"

Gu Ye's gaze remained fixed on the blue-haired girl wearing a butterfly-shaped mask.

He watched her burn herself out on stage, watched her use music to build a world that rejected everything.

The stage lights suddenly flashed, and the blinding white light made everyone instinctively close their eyes.

When they opened their eyes again, the five puppets on the stage had disappeared, leaving only an empty ruin and the lingering sound of the organ echoing in the air above the venue.

The debut is over.

There was a three-second silence, followed by a thunderous burst of applause and cheers.

【American Scythe】: Hey, @WeatherForecast, stop playing dead. What exactly is this "surprise" you're talking about? I'm done here and in a good mood, so I'll give you three minutes to explain. Otherwise, next time the "surprise" might be something I've prepared for you.

Vishdel blew away the non-existent smoke from the sniper rifle muzzle, put the gun away, and lazily lay down on the concrete floor of the rooftop, crossing his legs, waiting with great interest for Gu Ye's reply.

……

The backstage dressing room at the Budokan was stuffy and hot, filled with the smells of sweat, hairspray, and takeout food.

The excitement and exhaustion from the recent performance washed over everyone like a tide. The other band members were gathered in small groups, excitedly discussing the audience's reaction, while Toyokawa Shoko sat alone in a corner on a folding chair.

She had removed the ornate, heavy butterfly mask, revealing a sweaty, excessively pale face.

Her long, blue hair was disheveled and clung to her cheeks and neck, and her eyes held an unyielding weariness.

She just sat quietly, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the cold violin case, as if she were still immersed in the exhausting performance she had just given.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket for a long time before she slowly took it out, as if she had just surfaced from the deep sea.

On the screen, there is a notification of a series of unread messages in the chat group.

Meanwhile, at the distant St. Freya Academy, Raiden Mei and Kiana were walking back to their dormitory after finishing their evening tactical theory class.

"Ugh—so boring! Major Himeko's classes are like a lullaby!"

Kiana stretched and yawned exaggeratedly, "I'm still more looking forward to Mei's dinner!"