Chapter 256

We strolled along the city's main street, this time admiring the quaint scenery of Bensei.

Uranos, walking beside me, tilted his head to look at me.

"Aisha, is there any art or artwork you want to see?"

"Indeed...

If you have anything from Japan, please come over. Also, I want to see some ancient art."

"Antiques, huh?

As expected, there are very few things related to Japan, but the range of antiques is broad.

Famous paintings are usually old."

"Paintings are fine, but I particularly like things with a sense of history."

Honestly, it can also serve as a study of history. To be honest, I know very little about the history of this world... plus the diluted knowledge of the original world sometimes seems to be misunderstood. It is similar to wari.

"A bit of a curveball, how about ink wash paintings?"

"Oh, that's good. I'm very interested in that."

"But... this game has been out for over ten years, right?

Do you have things that old?"

Meleoron interrupted my conversation with Uranos. Hm? Hm...

"I think there are quite a few old artworks brought in from the outside.

... Well, as Meleoron said, the island itself doesn't have historical things, so the quantity is limited. Even if there are any, they are just old and cheap."

Hm. Considering the original price of the game was 5.8 billion Jenny, it must have cost a lot to produce, but artworks that are easy to collect with money don't seem very interesting...

"First of all, I don't think this city has many artworks, like sculptures and Furniture.

So, not-too-Heavy Painting and accessories, textiles, books, and then... music."

"Music?"

I couldn't help but ask again; since you mentioned it, music is also an art field. I don't think it fits the atmosphere of this small town.

"It's basically a quiet city, so you can only listen to it in soundproof environments inside buildings.

They also sell music CDs and tapes. Records from old-fashioned places."

"Really?"

Records... very nostalgic.

Thinking of this song suddenly awakened my memory, and Uranos smiled slightly.

"By the way, there is a designated Pocket Card that you can't get unless you sing."

"Hm?"

"What is that?"

Seam, who looked bored, took a bite.

"—'Egg of a First-Class Musician'."

At one of the livehouses in this city, you can obtain it by singing for a total of 1 hour while maintaining a high score in the scoring system.

You need to choose a song from the prepared list, and the same song does not count toward the time.

By the way, I have to sing in front of many game characters; if the average score is low, you will be booed after singing. Or, if you are too bad, you will be mocked even while you are singing."

Well, yes... the key is to get a high score on karaoke.

This is a card that not just anyone can get... I don't have the confidence. How long ago was it that you were good at singing?

"I have to ask, but who is the best singer here?"

Uranos asked. None of the three reacted.

He scratched his forehead.

"I guess I have no choice but to do it..."

"Will you sing?"

I want to hear what kind of song you sing. You seem to hate me.

"I'm not particularly good, but if I get 80 points or more out of 100, I can do something...

Singing for an hour is painful. I'm worried about the choice of songs."

"Can I eat at that livehouse?"

Meleoron asked.... Are you plotting something bad?

"I can, but can I only order drinks and snacks?

It is a Bar, after all."

"Yes.

Then, let's eat while we sing.

Let's end it at noon today."

"Ha—

Hm? Today!?"

No, no, no, you, the story about eating in Otania is..."

"Hm.

It's Uranos singing and livening up lunch."

"Hey...

Shen, are you expecting too much? I'm not that good."

"I'm looking forward to it, oh."

"Until Aisha..."

The joke about my older sister, younger brother, and me went out, but I don't want to sing. Let me get on the boat.

"But do you think this will take a lot of time?

The singing time alone is at least an hour, not counting the intro and interludes, plus choosing the songs; if the score is below 80, it will naturally delay things..."

"When you sing, if I feel bored, I will read a book.

Then there won't be a problem with killing time, right?"

"Oh."

Poor Meleoron.... It makes sense, but Uranus is too poor.

"Aisha, do something.

If time is spent, the Training time will also be shortened, right?"

"Is that so? Hmm...

If it's a designated pocket, that is a card that will be needed eventually, so isn't it fine to get it now?

If we start the activity earlier, it seems we can adjust it so as not to shorten the Training time.

I think I'll leave art appreciation for next time; today, let's find books and sing, Uranus."

Uranus turns blue. Because. I want to listen too. Most importantly, I don't want to sing, so I want to finish the activity early to avoid a crisis.

"Hey, Uranus.

Aisha said so too, so please take me to tour the Cutie Bookstore. I'm looking forward to it."

"My stomach is growling...

Even if it's a sudden decision, I have to prepare myself mentally."

"What are you saying, young girl?

Oh, is your heart a virgin?"

"I'm sorry, I don't know..."

Not applicable. Little singer, looking forward to it.

... I think the egg is B-Rank, but even if it's a card you can buy if you really don't like it, Uranus seems unable to refuse it. Do you really want to sing?

Under Uranus's guidance, we visited various bookstores in Bensei City.

From large bookstores to second-hand bookstores, there is a wide variety of books. As an art town, there are many books related to art, but there are also many books aimed at the general public. Not as cards, but as books.

"This is very helpful.

The books sold at the Department Store are all in card form, so it's hard to get my hands on them."

At the Department Store, there are also monthly and weekly magazines sold outside, but because the contents cannot be confirmed, they are hard to buy. I don't even know the size of the books. I don't want to waste money, and I'm worried about it becoming a burden, so in the end, I didn't buy a single book.

"Yes...

After browsing, you can decide whether to buy."

For some reason, it was Seam who responded. Because we are the people lining up in the manga section of the second-hand bookstore.

Uranus is reading something that looks like a fashion magazine from a distance. Meleoron seems to be in the same store, but it is out of sight.

I don't know how to handle old fashion magazines, but if you don't follow the trends, that might be fine. However, Uranus, who is always wearing the same clothes, is reading this article; it's truly indescribable...

"Hey Uranus. Come here."

"Is that so? What?"

Meleoron came from somewhere, trying to take Uranus somewhere. What is it?

"It's here."

"Oh! Why are you showing me that kind of thing!?"

"Well, I wonder what your reaction would be?"

"Don't be stupid!

It's always this person!"

A bit noisy... What are you doing?

"Hey hey hey, don't you think this girl looks like it? A—"

"Ah!!"

Uranus yelled, what on earth are you doing?

I put down the manga I was reading and walked toward the sound,

"What are you two making a fuss about?"

"────Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"

Wow, why are you so surprised!?

"No, it's nothing!"

"Sorry, I made a fuss!"

Hmm? Are you in a hurry to hide something?

"What kind of book—"

"Nothing, um, let's go to the next bookstore!"

"Yes yes yes, there aren't many good books here, let's hurry to the next place!"

"Um, yes..."

Too desperate... Well, it doesn't matter.

"Hey, Seam, you'll be there soon!"

"Yeah. I want to read a bit more."

"If you spend time in a Bookstore, you won't be able to make it all the way through, so let's hurry!"

Hey, sew!"

"Understood..."

"You, seriously, don't care..."

"Sorry.

... If you were seen just now, that would be really dangerous."

Uranus and Meleoron lead the way, and they walk through the somewhat intricate streets, murmuring to each other.

It looks very suspicious,

"... Are those two strange?"

"This is correct..."

But I have this feeling of bewilderment from time to time... I don't quite understand.

"If you see something like that, you'll be beaten this time..."

"Yes...

Besides that, I'm sure you're very excited about the unnecessary hard Training...

Yamato."

"Seriously, stop talking, I beg you...

In that situation, even I would be completely shocked."

"... De is too.

Don't you think that girl just now looks a lot like you?"

"... They look very similar, don't you think?"

"Are you going to buy that book?"

"... Phew. So what?"

"Even if I ask you..."

"First of all, what are you asking me?"

"Uh... ah, yes. Sorry, I forgot."

"..."

I can hear the intermittent conversation, but I can't understand it at all...

You've been to a dozen Bookstores, big and small? Uranus keeps a memo at every Bookstore. I take notes while reading, so I think I'm checking what books are there.

I was curious, so I asked Uranus, who had finished the memo, in the shop.

"What are you checking?"

"Oh, this?

Using the Specified Pocket card to see which shop has the latest information on the books you need to Collect."

"Is that so?

... Do you need my help?"

"No problem.

It's hard to tell them apart."

"Is that so.

By the way, what kind of books are you looking for?"

"Hmm.

Minmei Shobo, plastic surgery books, encyclopedias, children's books, and other books worth over 1000 Jenny."

Yes? Didn't you say something funny at the beginning?

"Uh... didn't you just say something mixed with a strange book?"

"... Maybe it's about Minmei Shobo.

Do you know Aisha? This series."

"Hmm, hmm... If you say you know, then you know.

As a book that contains a lot of embarrassing things..."

"Hmm, that's right.

It's in my room, you might have seen it.

Because it's a storybook. Sometimes people seriously believe the content, which is scary."

I wonder if that's the case... or rather, it's a Specified Pocket card that can be Collected during such an event.

"Does the Specified Pocket event require this too?"

"Yeah. The 'Top Writer's Egg' is like that.

Well, of course...

At the request of an unpopular manga magazine writer who lives in this town and has recently fallen into a slump, you can obtain it by finding the 20 Minmei Shobo series books lined up in various Bookstores and handing them over."

Scary... what is that?

Finding books is normal, but what about the introduction of the event?

"You know.

Hey, can I go to that CD shop?"

Uranus asked this, and since it was a bit boring to walk around the Bookstore for more than two hours, I readily agreed. I had already bought a few books to pass the time.

I looked at the rows of CD shelves in the shop, but... well, I don't know.

It might be a song I could understand if I heard it, but I don't remember the song title or the singer's name.... Is it a song by the singer Lady Yuhime?... An album? I don't know, it's like that.

Meleoron and Seam are watching with a certain amount of enthusiasm, so they must be able to understand them to some extent. For starters, I don't watch anything except the news on TV.

The game music corner has some things I barely know, but I don't know the basics. Well, my fighting games are old too...

Ouranos is wearing a Headset at the viewing corner, listening with a serious expression.

Oh, is that so? Do you want to prepare for karaoke?... Perhaps I am making you do something a bit cruel. I have no choice but to ask Ouranos to do his best.

Considering not interfering with Training time, I think it would be better to start singing around 11:00 AM before noon. If so, it is time.

Finished shopping at the Department Store.

Ouranos, whose complexion is gradually worsening, leads us to a fairly large livehouse.

It's a bit like a disco. The dimly lit hall is crowded with game characters, dancing to the rhythm of the music playing on stage.

Honestly, it's annoying... I don't like it.

Seam and Meleoron are also irritable; perhaps they cannot be immune to these places.

"Isn't it a bit too annoying!?"

"Yes, yes, yes! That's exactly the kind of place!"

"Would Aisha come to a place like this!?"

"I don't come! I'm not familiar with recent songs!"

Since we are playing, it is difficult to have a conversation. Bending my knees slightly to match Seam's height, I manage to interact.

The entrance fee was also taken, so I want to finish it all at once...

The three of us were entrusted with money by Ouranos, so we can eat, drink, and have fun in this livehouse. I bought simple things at the Department Store, so I am prepared for the time being.

Ouranos, are you okay? Even if you are just watching me, it doesn't look good. Can I talk to you?

After the performance ended, the dim lights became brighter. Together, the livehouse became somewhat quiet. I looked up at the high platform and spoke to the uneasy-looking Ouranos.

"Ouranos.

You look pale, but are you okay?"

"Uh, yes... well, somehow.

Once I start singing, I can do something with the momentum..."

Well, I feel like I'm going to fall over before I even start singing.... This might be impossible.

"Please don't push yourself.

If you feel unwell, can we change the date?"

"... I don't like getting this far. I want to finish it quickly.

I might just be worried right now. It's fine."

I don't understand why it would be fine. Well, I feel like it's a psychological problem...

"Have you done this event before?"

"Uh, well.

I was alone at the time, so I didn't care, but..."

Oh, is that so...

It's stressful because we are here. They will listen to you sing, and they might think that if you take your time or make a mistake, it will cause us trouble.

You are the one carrying it, really...

Feeling sorry for that boulder, I put my hand on his shoulder. I wonder? To Ouranos, who looks back thoughtfully,

"You shouldn't be so nervous.

I will leave it to you, so don't worry about us.... Don't panic."

"..."

"Yes, I will do my best. Thank you, Aisha."

Just like that, he approached the stage. Finally...

Not knowing where to listen, I walked toward the Bar counter away from the stage. If you are in a conspicuous place, they might notice you, so at least stay away.

After a while, Ouranos appeared from the stage wings, presumably having met the conditions for the event to occur.

The audience under the stage cheered in unison. What kind of joke is this? Isn't this just a karaoke event? Well, the prize is a designated Pocket Card, so maybe it's like that...

Ouranos seems to be operating the monitor in the center of the stage. I might use that machine to select songs. The lyrics will also be displayed.

Honestly, I don't remember karaoke in the original world. But I know what it's like because when I cleared Greed Island, there was karaoke in the ending event.... Biscuit also invited me to sing, but I refused, saying I didn't know recent songs. I actually looked it up and didn't find any songs I knew.

Biscuit is singing happily; I wonder if Biscuit also passed this event...

It seems like it will be a long wait, so I'm going to sit on a chair at the Bar.

"What can I get you?"

The bartender asked. Well... I can only see alcohol on the back shelf. I think there will be juice too.

"Water.

... With ice. Please keep the change."

Placed the Money Card on the counter. Immediately, a glass of ice water was placed on the counter.

Putting ice cubes into a stylish glass, I put it into my mouth gently.

On stage, Ouranos seems to have finished operating the machine. Well, let's see how it goes.

The song started playing in the livehouse. The lights dimmed. Uh, I'm nervous too.

The tone is quite strong.

"Testes. Ahhhhhh."

Through the microphone, Ouranos's voice mixed with the song from the speakers. Oh oh oh, from the usual neutral voice, it suddenly turned into a high-pitched female voice. It's beautiful.

Uranus begins to sing.... A neutral voice returns, and an indifferent singing voice rises.

Hmm. This... is just as he said, it might not sound as good as it seems. I'm certainly not good at it, but I feel like I'm someone who is good at karaoke. A Biscuit would be better than this.

Is it okay...? It's been a while since I've heard the audience boo, but whether I get 80 points or more is another matter. I don't know where.

Entering the chorus of the song, Uranus's singing voice intensifies. Oh, you're good here. The audience is responding. Indeed, if the score is 80 or higher, will the game character react?

It enters an interlude, and soon the second verse of the lyrics begins.... A little better than before.

Back to the chorus of the song.... Yeah, I think I'm good at this part after all. The audience response is good.

Furthermore, the chorus repeats with an interlude. Uranus's singing voice is getting stronger, and the audience's response is getting better too.

... The song is over. The hall becomes bright.... Ha, just listening makes me feel so tired...

Hmm. At this rate, I feel like only singing the chorus of Dongguang can guarantee 80 points...

A five-minute song, at most two minutes. This is an unsettling rhythm.

Uranus can be seen on stage operating the machine. I put the cup to my mouth and let the feeling of cold water seep into my mouth.

After operating the machine, Uranus grabs the microphone,

"──Don't worry, I'm just used to it! This is the real thing!"

I was startled by this loud voice. My god. Did I lose a song because of the adjustment?

A good song flows. As the hall becomes dim, Uranus on stage sways the hem of his skirt with the rhythm. He also makes Biscuit.

Uranus's voice rises. The clear high notes spread melodiously.

Uh—

Hmm!! It came too fast, even a layman like me can understand!

The reaction of the audience off-stage is also completely different from the beginning. Raise your voice, clap, dance. Uranus on stage is also shaking his hips, riding the mechanical god.

Very interesting... Of course, this is a song I don't know, but when someone you know sings well, it is so interesting.

When I noticed, Seam, who was standing behind the audience and not mingling with the audience, screamed happily. Meleoron is nowhere to be found. I can feel it, so maybe it's in the audience?

I don't mind. Now, let's enjoy his song.

Even so, you are really good... The high and low notes are sung beautifully. As long as you can hear the faint breathing sound picked up by the microphone, your singing technique is the same, but your breathing technique is also exquisite.

But what is this...

It doesn't feel like the first time I've heard it. It seems like I've heard it somewhere...

Entering the second chorus, Uranus's cheerful singing voice like an idol echoes from the stage to the scene. The vitality is amazing, making the hair bounce.

──Got it! This is Kamiji. The chanting when writing Kamiji at high speed is the same as singing. I see...

Come to think of it, even the Kumite that should use Magic Card has this feeling. Haha, I see.

As I enjoyed it, I realized that Uranus's fifth song had ended.

Seam came to my place on the way to tell me, but Uranus seems to be singing basic anime songs. Hmm, I thought the lyrics were like this.

Therefore, there are many songs that Seam knows, and it sounds like it might be interesting. That's good. Seam must be happy because even if I don't know it, I enjoy it.

At the end of the eighth song,

"Wait five minutes!"

Saying that, Uranus disappeared into the wings of the stage. Hehe... Are you finally resting? I'm a little worried because I flew too much. Hehe, I think you used a lot of Aura.

If this were a normal Nen Ability user and a healthy person, I wouldn't worry, but Uranus might be weaker than a normal person. Uranus has been singing loudly, sometimes even dancing, and cannot be exhausted. Hmm, it would be embarrassing if not enthusiastic, so I think I blew it away...

Well, if you don't cheat with momentum, you can't do that. The lyrics are also quite embarrassing... I'm not good at it.... I love you, don't hesitate, I can't say it.

Seam walked over and sat down at the counter.

"What can I get you?"

Asked, Seam looked at the shelf and tilted his head.

"Seam, I'll handle it. Do you want some juice?"

"Yes, and then orange. And something to eat."

"Yes."

... Excuse me. One orange juice, one grapefruit juice.

Two sets of fruit Biscuit. Pay from your savings.

"Understood."

"Fruit Biscuit takes longer."

"Thank you, Aisha."

"No."

After exchanging such conversations with a smile, I shifted my gaze to the stage.

"Come to think of it, where did Meleoron go?"

"Yeah, I can't see you."

"Looking from time to time, I can't find it either."

There was a sign in the audience, but now it has disappeared. It's like I was just there.

────On the other hand, in the wings of the stage.

It's hard to tell from a distance, but Uranus is covered in sweat and is replenishing water with a plastic bottle taken from the Binder.

"Hmm...

Not even half yet. After all, if it's continuous, it will hurt my throat... keho"

The score and total score of 80 or more can be viewed on the monitor on the stage displaying the lyrics. Previous song, 30 points 20 seconds. It has been about an hour since we entered the livehouse, and it is now about 12:00. The rhythm is not bad.

This is the problem. Listening to my song, my physical strength and throat are worn out. Can I Stick to the end.

While resting with a throat lozenge in my mouth, I choose songs in my mind to minimize wasted time.

Then someone climbed onto the stage. It walked directly into your sleeve.

"Oh? What's wrong, Meleoron?"

"Pfft.

I came here to see how things are progressing."

It seems he went to the trouble of activating Perfect Plan just to see the sleeve on the stage.

"Don't worry, everything is going smoothly, we will be finished in less than an hour.

I will go to Training as soon as I finish, so please eat your lunch."

I am the only one who doesn't have time to eat, so I bought lunch at the Department Store first. I plan to eat it while the three of them are in Training. I don't think I have the energy to go to Training today.

"Anyway, you are wearing that outfit."

"No..."

I realized I was in a dangerous state. I don't think anyone can see it, but it is also true that I want to wipe it dry a little during the break.

"Oh, did you change your clothes?"

The backpack Meleoron is carrying is mine. Of course, there are also clothes to change into.

"Yes, that's what I meant. The book."

"Yes?"

Why a book? Just as I was wondering, Meleoron opened the Binder and took out a card,

"Acquire."

The grooming was removed. The folded clothes appeared in Meleoron's hands, and he unfolded them with both hands.

"Oh, oh?!

Hey, what are you doing!?"

"Of course.

Put on the clothes, change the clothes,"

I know you were looking for something in the women's clothing section of the Department Store, saying you wanted to change your clothes. However, I didn't expect you to buy a change of clothes because I was soaked in sweat.

"Then, Idol Uranos, let's change clothes."

"──Eh!? Idol!?

No, never mind that!

I'm not wearing that kind of thing, am I weird!?"

"I'm fine.

It suits you perfectly. I promise."

"It doesn't suit me, it doesn't suit me!!

You hate it!"

"... And then?

Are you going to stand on stage in a state bordering on see-through?

I'm going to do it. Do you have a hobby of exposure?"

"I'm sorry!!

It's okay, give me normal clothes to change into!!"

"No.

Change into this.

Oh, that's right. There is also an absorbent Towel, take it off and I will wipe it for you."

"Oh, you, stop joking...

Do you have any grudge against me?"

"Impossible, I have no grudge."

This is legal Harassment."

"This guy won't admit it!!

Is it really legal?

"Hehe, if you get worn out by this, you will fail, you know?

Be quiet, make up your mind."

"No...

Please, just this much..."

"No."

"Ahhhh!!"