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Chapter 88 - Chapter 88: A Subversive Performance

Chapter 88: A Subversive Performance

At the Ever-Winter Mechanical Star, a stage, not magnificent but with a great atmosphere, was set up at the entrance. A banner was stretched across the top of the stage. On both sides of the mechanical dance were standees with the band's name and members, and posters were plastered on the walls.

The open space in front of the stage was large, comparable to a small square, and it was filled with a sea of people. The crowd was so large it was obstructing traffic, to the point where Bronya had to dispatch some Silvermane Guards to maintain order.

Crychic.

An unknown, or rather, never-before-heard-of band name, had created a huge wave in Belobog's music circle on the first day its performance was announced.

The reason, naturally, was the band's members: officially certified off-worlders.

What musician or music lover wouldn't want to learn about extraterrestrial music genres? By coming into contact with new musical theories and styles, perhaps they could draw inspiration and, in the clash of ideas, create a timeless masterpiece that would be passed down for a hundred years.

As for the ordinary residents of Belobog, a band composed of off-worlders was a gimmick they couldn't refuse. They had come early with their own small stools to wait.

Even the Supreme Guardian, Cocolia, stopped reviewing documents and stood on the high platform of Qlipoth Fort, gazing towards the gathering crowd.

The performance had begun.

The drumbeat was the first to sound, followed by the unobtrusive but bouncy bassline that made the music dance, and then the lead singer's guitar.

Living up to the fivefold buff of the four legendary guitarists embodied within her, March 7th, who had been pushed to her single-core processing limits, strummed the guitar strings and sang along with the rhythm:

"I am all alone in this world, in this constantly withering spring."

Her voice, different from her usual cheerful chirping, was relatively deep and ethereal.

The song was titled "Haruhikage."

Looking at some of the lyrics, they unexpectedly fit Belobog's situation, such as this line...

"Every year, I only feel the cold, walking forward in a sea of darkness."

"This style and genre... interesting."

The musicians listening intently murmured to themselves in pleasant surprise.

"Awesome!"

"The venue feels like it has become one, it's amazing!"

"Am I the only one who thinks the lead singer is trying too hard?"

The audience near the center was listening attentively. In the peripheral areas, there was occasional whispering, but overall, the reviews were mostly positive.

In stark contrast to the performance of the other pink-haired guitar hero on stage, almost everyone's attention was drawn to little March's lively and cheerful, energetic smile.

But a smooth performance was not befitting of a girl band's debut.

Thump thump thump!

The highly rhythmic drumbeat eagerly caught up with the charging guitar. Stelle delivered the most brilliant performance since she started drumming, then immediately puffed out her chest, as if asking the audience, "Aren't I amazing!?"

Come on, more people look at her, praise her!

Hearing Stelle's sudden change in tempo, Serval's expression stiffened, a vein popping on her forehead as she tried to salvage the situation with her guitar. March 7th didn't notice and was almost led astray by Stelle. White Seele panicked for a moment, but Black Seele stepped in at the crucial moment to stabilize things.

Caelus nodded silently. What's a girl band without a few accidents?

With his one-man sense of rapport, he roughly guessed what Stelle was thinking. But trying to steal the spotlight from the bassist?

You're dreaming!

Caelus sneered, giving Stelle a look that was one part contempt, three parts disdain, and six parts "Is that all you've got?" He took a step, the bass spinning and shaking, and to the gasps of the entire audience, the guitar erupted in a dazzling glow.

"W-what's that?"

"So cool!"

"Is this the music of the heavens?"

Caelus's upper body swayed back and forth, performing flips and handstands, drawing waves of gasps from the audience.

The sudden flashy moves left the audience in awe and his teammates terrified. March 7th's breath caught, and Serval's face changed colors several times. But fortunately, although Caelus was showing off, the bass rhythm never faltered.

Secondary Wings' consciousness has returned. Do you understand the value of a tri-core processor?

Damn it!

Receiving Caelus's provocative gaze, Stelle's face darkened. All the audience's attention was focused on Caelus; no one was looking at her, the drummer. She had practiced her drumming skills for so long precisely to shine and show off during the performance. How could she endure the humiliation of having the audience's attention stolen by Caelus!?

Watch this, come to me!

Stelle immediately opened the system shop and exchanged for the Sound-Sound Fruit, which could turn any part of her body into a musical instrument for performance or attack.

In that moment, Stelle entered the realm of a land-based music immortal. She threw down her drumsticks and shot up from her seat.

Stelle! What are you doing!?

Seeing this, March 7th and Serval, who couldn't stop playing, widened their eyes to the extreme. Their hearts sank into a bottomless abyss. Caelus was showing off, but he hadn't disrupted the ensemble. Why did you suddenly stop drumming?

Oh no, a performance accident on our very first stage!

Just as despair washed over their faces, they suddenly realized that the drumming hadn't stopped.

In the shocked gazes of countless audience members, the five fingers of Stelle's hands transformed into drumsticks. Like fists landing on her left hand, which had become a drumhead, they produced a thunderous sound like rolling spring thunder.

It was the sound of drums, similar to before, but the timbre had undergone a subtle change, striking directly at the soul, making the listeners' thoughts dance with the sound.

She left her position at the back, sliding like a butterfly to the front of the stage to stand opposite Caelus.

You're cheating!

Caelus glared at Stelle, conveying his reprimand with his eyes.

Hmph, how can using my own ability be considered cheating? You're the one who used the glowing lights first!

Stelle glanced back domineeringly, her gaze powerful.

Caelus: You think you've won with just that?

The glowing effects began to change with the music, becoming dazzlingly varied, showcasing skill and catching the eye.

Stelle: Then let's see about that!

Her hands and feet, transformed by the Sound-Sound Fruit into strange drums, emitted soul-shaking sound waves, winning with power and capturing the ear.

The dazzling glow of the guitar, the sound waves of the Sound-Sound Fruit, clashed back and forth like a revolving lantern.

Caelus and Stelle began a dance-off. The situation was evenly matched, a perfect pair of hidden talents, making it difficult to determine a winner.

The audience's senses were split in two for a time, their eyes glued to the glowing lights, their ears captured by the rousing drumbeat. Many were the first to react, whipping out their cameras and pointing their lenses at the rare spectacle on stage.

Only Dan Heng, who held the title of band manager, covered his face with his hand, unable to watch.

March 7th looked on blankly. Fortunately, she was in single-core processor mode, instinctively continuing her performance and singing.

Serval was about to cry!

These two clowns! What on earth are they doing?

And Stelle's palm could actually turn into a drumstick and a drumhead? Were all off-worlders like this?

What was commendable was that neither of them had forgotten this was a band ensemble. While they dueled at the front, attracting the audience's attention, the rhythm never broke.

Serval, March 7th, and White Seele had no idea how this performance ended.

"Crychic! Crychic!"

"Stelle! Stelle!"

"Caelus! Caelus!"

It wasn't until they walked off the stage that they were awakened by the enthusiastic cheers of the audience.

The performance was, without a doubt, a success.

The impact of "Haruhikage" on the musicians of Belobog was subversive! Although a large part of this subversion came from the bassist and the drummer, you can't deny it was subversive, can you?

The band members left the stage and returned to the mechanical house.

"Stelle, what was that just now? How did your hand turn into a drumstick?"

Unable to contain her curiosity, March 7th immediately grabbed Stelle's hand to feel it and look at it.

"Hee hee~ Amazing, right?" Stelle said in the tone of a child showing off a toy to a companion. "I exchanged it for crystals."

"Huh?" March 7th looked bewildered.

Before she could ask further, she saw Bronya walking over gracefully.

"I have never seen this kind of rock music... it was very, very... brilliant, and unforgettable!"

Bronya gave extremely high praise. She didn't understand rock music, but she was greatly shaken!

"And Seele, you played wonderfully!"

She didn't understand music theory, but Seele was definitely the best!

"That was truly unforgettable!"

Serval was like the ashes of a burnt-out candle. The concert wasn't just one song. Apart from "Haruhikage" with March 7th as the lead singer, Serval was the lead for the others. The physical exertion was one thing, but the mental exhaustion was the main issue.

She would probably never forget this unique performance in her life. Combining music, street dance, and strange abilities was just too rock and roll!

Everyone's attention was on the strange abilities displayed on stage earlier. Bronya was also very curious, but there was no time for further questions.

"Now that the performance is over, please come with me. After seeing this performance, I'm sure my mother will misunderstand you."

If they really had ill intentions towards Belobog, why would they make such a grand display of themselves? Forget the kind and lovely Seele, just based on the personalities Stelle and Caelus showed, they couldn't be malicious people.

Yesterday, Bronya had relayed the message that the Supreme Guardian wanted to see the guests again after the performance. She had come here today not only to watch Seele's performance but also to complete the task her mother had given her.

"Cocolia..."

Hearing Bronya's words, Serval's expression changed slightly. The joy of a successful performance was immediately shrouded in a strange sense of gravity. After learning the truth about the Stellaron, she was even more worried about her friends facing Cocolia.

Dan Heng glanced at Caelus, who had a serene expression and a smile on his face, and nodded to Bronya. "Okay."

After a short rest, Bronya led the group to Qlipoth Fort.

On the way, under March 7th's curious questioning, Stelle briefly explained the matter of 'exchanging crystals for abilities', leaving March 7th bewildered. She felt like Stelle was lying to her, but could crystals really exist? Why couldn't she and Dan Heng see them?

Dan Heng was also curious in his heart about Stelle's strange abilities and the crystals, but he didn't have time to think deeply about it. The matter at hand was more important.

"Honored guests from beyond the sky, we meet again. Have you rested well in the city these past few days?"

The Supreme Guardian, seated in her chair, seemed as enthusiastic as ever, wearing the same smile as their first meeting.

"Bronya, you may leave first. Without my command, do not let anyone disturb my conversation with the guests."

Bronya hesitated for a few seconds, but finally bowed. "Yes, Mother."

Turning around, Bronya gave the Express crew, especially Seele, a reassuring smile before walking away.

In the palace, only Cocolia and the Trailblaze team remained. The atmosphere began to undergo a subtle change.

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