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Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Date A Live LN’s Translation

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○Prologue It was a truly endless darkness. When people once thought that the earth was flat, they believed that there was nothing at the ends of the earth. If one continued moving far away into the sea, soon or later the earth would run out and everything would disappear into nothing. People in ancient times must have been terrified. A fractured world, a darkness stretching out to infinity, it was a location furthest away from the hands of God. The girl who reached the end of the Tenth Region Malkuth gazed at the sky in mute amazement. The ends of the earth that the ancients once imagined were spread out before her very eyes. “This is──” “Yes, the connecting each region together. ──This is the gate that seals it.” Should it be called a gate? If anything, it should be described as a huge tower. It was a huge castle gate, but one with no fortress to guard. Anyway, there was a white door that shot straight up to the sky. The materials composing it were unknown, but it wasn’t a wooden or stone door. It resembled metal, but felt like plastic when touched by the fingertips. The surface was painted in a golden complex pattern──but; it was so huge that it was unclear what was drawn specifically. Both sides of the gate only peeped out to beckon an inexhaustible invisible darkness. “Please take a look.” As one person finished saying that, a right hand was inserted in. At the moment of entering that space, the right hand disappeared without a trace. But when taken out from that space, it returned to its original state completely intact. “Complete darkness that sucks even light……is that right?” It was just like a black hole said to be across the universe. “Anyway, as far as I know, there have never been any Quasi-Spirits who stepped into here.” “Isn’t this the region where fighting enthusiasts gather? So hasn’t anyone ever been tossed in here?” “……There shouldn’t be.”

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“Why not?” Staring at the darkness with fear, Hibiki whispered. “If something is dropped here, the Neighboring World might break. Because someone once said that……there are rumors about this.” “I see.” The girl was convinced. There were too many mysteries surrounding this world. Presumably, no one would voluntarily press the equivalent to a nuclear warhead button. Even so──the girl looked at the gate and sighed. “If there is a gate for hell, it might be something like this.” ──As if resembling obsidian. The other person, whom was guided here by Higoromo Hibiki, stared at the gate while thinking. Her beautifully wet black hair exuded a different charm than the black sea in front of them. The black and red clothes on her body accentuated her mysterious atmosphere. And what was most distinctive was the clock timepiece engraved on her left eye. Tick, tick. The second hand of the clock moved as if it was a beating heart. Old-fashioned guns at her hands──a pistol and an infantry rifle. A vintage appearance, but Higoromo Hibiki who had once worn that as ‘clothes’ was well aware of their purpose. The two guns could inhale shadows and solidify them into bullets, flying at the speed of sound and sometimes curving trajectory when aimed at a target. The girl felt like a hazy, pitch-black, and glamorous darkness. “Now then, Hibiki-san. Let’s head to the Ninth Region Yesod.”

Her name was Tokisaki Kurumi. The strongest Spirit who could exercise supreme power in this Neighboring World. “Incidentally, how do you open this gate?”

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Listening to those words, Hibiki scratched her cheeks. She was wearing a plain white dress in contrast to Kurumi. “Ah～……can’t open it. Can’t open it at all.” “……Hibiki-san?” Kurumi smiled. That smile meant a countdown to an execution for Hibiki. That is to say, within the span of five seconds, the short pistol was pointed at Hibiki’s forehead. “N-no problem, no problem! Even if you can’t open it, there are other ways to get through!” “Can you move forward without opening the door……?” “Yes…..so long as you align your spiritual body to the same frequency.” That arrogant smile faded without a trace as she stared blankly while lovingly slanting her head in worry, or so Hibiki assumed. “……This gate is said to be created by a Dominion during the early stages of the Neighboring World. The initial reiryoku seemed to be very unstable, as it was often eroded by the reiryoku overflowing from the other regions.” Hibiki’s analogy was comparing this as if a sudden flood occurred. Although there are ten regions in total that are connected by the , it is said that the overflowing reiryoku could inexplicably become active……transforming into huge destructive energy. Therefore, in the case of an emergency, it became necessary to prevent a disaster caused by eroded reiryoku by blocking this gate. “It seems the reiryoku has stabilized recently, so that is likely not going to happen. The Ninth Region Yesod is where Quasi-Spirits of low-fighting ability gather. If there is even the slightest mistake, this will also be sealed off immediately. So please keep that in mind while going through the gate with this method.” Higoromo Hibiki had once departed the Tenth Region to patrol the Ninth, Eighth, Seventh, and Sixth regions. It was a pilgrimage of revenge, but her obsession and ability made it possible for her. ……However, that revenge was already over.

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“The gate is asking for a password. And that password is the equivalent to an Astral Dress. So, after that, you just have to match the wavelength of the spiritual body just like a matching login ID. Uhh, do you understand from that explanation?” Hmm──Kurumi nodded in understanding. “Roughly. But even with that explanation, I don’t know how to implement that.” “I think so too. So let’s do it with me this time. Don’t worry, the protection here is loose. Even if you make a mistake, it’ll only hurt at the level of being kicked.” “…..I find it painful to be hurt.” “Don’t worry. I already know the wavelength of Kurumi-san’s spiritual body.” “Ah……that’s certainly true.” It was not too long ago that Hibiki saw Tokisaki Kurumi right before her eyes. For the sake of revenge, she used her Unsigned Angel to exercise the power of the Spirits. So besides Kurumi herself, she was likely the next person who knew her spiritual body the most. But her unfathomable ability──her unparalleled existence and Angel, it could only trace the surface of that at best. Hibiki gently held Kurumi’s hand. “Then, shall we begin Kurumi-san?” Kurumi didn’t hesitate. She didn’t feel fear, only great hopes and a slight hint of impatience. “Alright, let’s get started. “ Hibiki, who understood the reason behind that quick response, smiled a little sadly.

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○The Ninth Region (Yesod) Hibiki gently touched the gate and whispered. “Connection, code Astral Dress. Authentication starting ‧ Information/Encryption key request ‧standby for wavelength assimilation.” Hibiki’s arm sank into the gate. “Hi, Hibiki-san?” “Please be a bit quieter.” “Ah, yes.” From the indescribable intensity, Kurumi couldn’t help but refrain from speaking. “Wavelength coefficient conversion, NZ 1845. 003. 926. 335. 01……” Crackling, the sound of an electric shock resounded. Kurumi felt her hand sore from Hibiki tightening her grip. Therefore, Kurumi knew Hibiki was in the middle of resisting with great difficulty the anguish as well. The sweat flowing from her forehead was not from exercise, but from a sign of pain. “Hibiki-san!” Even though Kurumi shouted her name, Hibiki didn’t respond as she continued to whisper without emotion in her voice. “Three……certification, coherence setting is complete! Erosion is 32%, transmission accuracy is 83%! Well, let’s go Kurumi-san! Listen, there’s only a single moment to pass through the door. If not done properly, you could merge into the door! Let’s charge throooooooough!” The gate never opened. However, Hibiki still vigorously took a step forward. Her body passed through the door as her footsteps didn’t cease. And finally, with it firmly clasped, Kurumi’s hand also slipped through the gate. “Hiyah!?” Kurumi screamed in horror as she almost stopped moving, but then she immediately recalled what Hibiki had said earlier. ──You could merge into the door.

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How could one reach such a bizarre situation? While pondering that over, Kurumi dived into the door without fear of collision. The touch of the door felt like water. Her eyes were dazzled by a flood of light as rainbow grains of light swirled and rotated around Kurumi’s surroundings, transforming into droplets that splashed incessantly onto Kurumi. “Now, let’s hurry!” As Hibiki and Kurumi held hands, they raced through across the . The road was made of the same material as the gate just now, but curiously they didn’t slip through it. “Hm, why, so, necessarily, in a, hurry?” “Yes, it’s because, you want, to see him, right?” Hearing those words, Kurumi grasped her dream tightly once again. “That’s right!” “Then, hurry up! There’s no time to lose!” Being pulled by her words, Kurumi rushed forward. “Don’t run before me.” Hearing the strong competitive spirit in those words, Hibiki lightly smiled. ──Well, after reaching about 200 meters, both of them were nearing their limits. “A, a little……I overdid it rushing……” “Yes……ah……” In the Neighboring World, each action will consume reiryoku. Unlike the other world, the Neighboring World was full of reiryoku, so it would never truly run out. But on the other hand, it would take some time to recover once consumed. In other words, stamina also played a pivotal role in the Neighboring World. “But thanks to that, it’s coming soon. Look up ahead.” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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The gate to the Ninth Region was within sight. “Un, would the same thing need to be repeated the next time around?” “No, since you have already successfully logged in, this route can be bypassed next time.” Listening to those words, Kurumi issued out a sigh of relief……but then unease creeped into her heart. “That’s right, what was that babbling nonsense Hibiki-san was saying before? “Mogen. What is that supposed to mean?” (Hibiki is confused about Kurumi choice of word about it hiragana

妄言

(mogen) here and asks

もーげん(mogen)

“It’s not a greeting. It’s……um what you said about being an idol.” Kurumi fancied that she misunderstood this or those words were simply misspoken. No matter whatever the case, having to become an idol was extremely ridiculous── “Yes. The Ninth Region Yesod has a strange sense of values; idols that can sing and dance are beloved and well respected.” So it was unavoidable── “That’s too unusual.” Kurumi sighed while holding doubts in her mind. “But, isn’t that strange? Even though you say ‘beloved’, I wouldn’t imagine that there are fans of idols in this Neighboring World.” “No, there are surprisingly many Quasi-Spirits seeking an existence by becoming a fan. Of course, it would be impossible to fill a venue with this alone, so Quasi-Spirits that are determined to be idols will purposely fill the venues with fans full of fan power.” “Fan power……?” It was a very difficult choice of words for Kurumi to understand. “Well, it should be fine. Anyway, just pass through here.” “That’s true, then let’s head to the Ninth Region Yesod!” Thus, the two girls jumped through the gate to the next region──

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◇

“……So, what is this supposed to mean?” “I, I don’t understand. I didn’t expect the security here to be so alert……” There were ten Quasi-Spirits behind the gate, each with their own Unsigned Angel pointed towards them. There was a selection of guns, swords, spears and bows. “Who are you!!” “How did you get through the gate!” “D-don’t move! Absolutely don’t move! Understand, do you understand!?” Who should be defeated first? As such a thought passed through Kurumi’s mind, she soon immediately noticed one thing. ──Ara, ara, ara. These Quasi-Spirits were afraid of dying. Upon closer inspection, the tip of the spear was clearly shaking, the direction of the muzzle was unstable, even the grip of the sword handle was a bit too strong from distress. Unlike the Tenth Region Malkuth which was the world of the Ashura, the peaceful Quasi-Spirits here seemed to be trying their best to fulfill the role of the police. Everyone’s faces were full of confusion and fear as if they couldn’t bear to attack. Hibiki lightly slammed her elbow at Kurumi. “We surrender～～!” After hearing what Hibiki had said, Kurumi sighed. “Yes, yes, I got it.” After saying that, Kurumi put away her pistol and raised her hands. Immediately, the surrounding Quasi-Spirits felt relieved. As Kurumi raised her hands in surrender, the other party also lowered their weapons. “Great～～” “That really scared me～” “It’s my first time encountering this situation～” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Soon after, they began to chatter amongst each other. Certainly, Kurumi and Hibiki were unarmed now. But, in the first place, an Angel that operates on reiryoku could be recovered at any time. “Um, sorry.” Hibiki raised her voice with some hesitation. “W-what, what are you doing!?” “No, I just wanted to ask if it was okay to put down my hands now. Speaking of which, what are you going to do with us?” “Ah, um. How should we handle this……w-wait here for a second!” The Quasi-Spirits gathered again to discuss. Kurumi glanced towards Hibiki as she let out an ‘ahaha’ laugh. “I see this region truly is rather lax.” A gatekeeper is an important but easily ignored role. But no matter how sturdy the castle, it would inevitably collapse if caught in a pincher attack from both the inside and outside. However, there hardly seems to be a precedent for this region to come under attack in this Neighboring World, but…… “It’s a nice place, but a bit painful after adjusting to the Tenth Region Malkuth for a while.” “Three days should be enough to massacre everyone.” “Don’t do that!” Likely having reached a conclusion, a Quasi-Spirit who seemed to be the leader came forward and coughed before speaking. “U-uhh…...so, what are your names?” “Oh uh, my name is Higoromo Hibiki……Quasi-Spirit, seventh genus.” Kurumi sighed for the third time before informing. “Quasi-Spirit, third genus……my name is Tokisaki Kurumi.” Kurumi reluctantly agreed with Hibiki’s proposal of avoiding calling herself a Spirit. According to her, it would be treated as a joke just mentioning a Spirit. …..However, sometimes this would

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be taken seriously; just like when self-proclaiming to be a Spirit when trying to kill each other (date) in the Tenth Region Malkuth. ──So why did you call yourself a Spirit during that time? ──Aah, that’s simple. It’s because I wanted to scare the others.

Hibiki recounted that with an embarrassed look. The opponent she was aiming for was the strongest Quasi-Spirit who ruled the Tenth Region Malkuth, Doll Master. In order to terrify her, Hibiki had called herself a Spirit. Although certainly, at that moment she did have an incomparable power not so different from a Spirit. “This way～Hibiki-chan and Kurumi-chan! Nice to meet you!” (Kurumi is written incorrectly as 胡桃, which is pronounced the same phonetically, but literally means walnut)

For some reason, there was the feeling of her name being misspelled. But she didn’t stop them since calling out such an accusation would be useless. “But why have you come from the Tenth Region Malkuth?” “Ah, yes. The Dominion of the Tenth Region……Doll Master has died, so we were discussing how to escape before the situation grew more chaotic.” “I see～” The gatekeeper Quasi-Spirits nodded as if convinced. Hibiki knitted her brow. The death of the Dominion of the Tenth Region Malkuth shouldn’t have been transmitted to another closed region. “Um……so you agree?” “Yup.” One of the guards decisively expressed her reassurance. “After all, our Dominion Banouin-sama announced that last time, so there is no reason to doubt that～” “Banouin……!? W-wait a minute please. Certainly, the Dominion of the Yesod region was a person who was nicknamed ‘Mellow’. That person’s name was……” Hibiki suddenly recalled the name. “Yeah, I’m sure it was Kirari Rinemu-san!”

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The gatekeepers looked back upon hearing the name Hibiki had said. “That person is gone.” “No longer able to stay in the Ninth Region Yesod……” “Oh, why is it like that? Has she been killed like the Dominion of the Tenth Region Malkuth?” All of the gatekeepers shook their heads at once in response to Kurumi’s inquisitive question. “We wouldn’t do that! This isn’t the Tenth Region Malkuth! But, um, it just means that……being dead……there’s not much of a difference.” “Is she still alive?” “Yes. She’s alive──” At that moment, one of the guards made a very clear explanation of the concept of ‘death’ in this region, “She can no longer sing a song, so she can no longer be the Dominion of this region.” “Can’t sing……a song……?” “In the Ninth Region Yesod, it must be an idol. It must be an idol that can give off radiance when singing and dancing.” “If you can’t do that, you’ll have to become a guard like us, or become a fan and start up a fan club to make all sorts of contributions～” So it turned out to be like this. This region wasn’t as radical as the Tenth Region Malkuth. But just because of that, it didn’t mean that it was easier to survive. “Ah, it doesn’t matter, let’s go. For the time being, we’ll report this to Banouin-sama.” “Ah, my apologizes. I would like to see the Dominion of this region, Banouin-san.” “Impossible～!” “Banouin-sama…… ‘The Saint’ is now the top idol of this region～!” “We all want to see her～!” “At most you can only see the manager!” “But manager-san is also very handsome!” “Can the word handsome be used to describe a girl?” Kurumi and Hibiki ignored the noisy group of guards and quickly left. “Well, let’s go visit the top idol in this region.”

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“Please hold the lethal force means as the last resort～!” “Yes, of course. I am the most polite and elegant among the Spirits.” “Alright, I believe in you. Hibiki-chan believes in Kurumi-san! So please, please, put away that dangerous Angel that has appeared again!” Tch! Kurumi smacked her lips as she put away the old-fashioned pistol. ◇

As the two continued to walk for a while after passing the gate, the bustling atmosphere gradually increased. The gatekeepers were calling this area the central ward. Regardless of the region, development usual centered on the residence of the Dominion. The style of the Ninth Region Yesod was a bit different than the Tenth Region Malkuth. Everything here was built to make an idol shine. The first thing that came into view was a huge building far away as the location headed straight ahead on this road. Likely, it was designed to mimic the Budokan. “Last time I came here, that was a concert venue and residence of the Dominion.” Kurumi’s speculation was likely proven just now. “Hibiki-san, have you met the previous Dominion before?” “I’ve been to and from here a few times, so I gave my greetings to her each time. At that time, there was still some exchange going on between different regions.” “……Why are the regions closed off now and not communicating with each other?” “I don’t know, because I didn’t care about that at all then.” “……Makes sense.” “Yes.” Kurumi turned to look around in order to shake off the atmosphere that was growing a little awkward. It was an odd scene of only girls here, but it also felt the closest to resembling the other world.

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Even so, the streets here were all dedicated to promoting a live idol concert for people to gather. But as a substitute from high-rise buildings, there were concert venues dedicated for an idol to sing and dance. There was what looked to be countless Quasi-Spirits looking like the living dead, waving florescent light sticks in rhythm to a lovely voice. “Hey, look over there. That’s fan power.” “Fan power……” ……As it turned out, from the chemical light, several black shadows could be seen waving from the groups of Quasi-Spirits. Occasionally, a sound was heard as an idol in cute pink clothes was dancing in response to their voices. A song so pleasant that it could even be heard standing from here. Bathed in the glamorous spotlight, it was just like the concept of an idol that Kurumi recognized. “Hey, look over here.” At a small live venue, a little girl was greeting them. Only two other Quasi-Spirits were at the scene, as no huge black shadow was present. “W-well then, please listen to my debut!” “It’s a newcomer. I hope she can work harder.” After playing the song, the girl began to sing, but her dancing was much worse than the other girl just now. “Ah～. Because of just starting out, her entire body is nervous. I think she almost want to sing the wrong lyrics.” “The swaying streets are tempting──ah!” Just like Hibiki had said, the girl seemed to be singing the wrong lyrics, making a blank expression along the way. The Quasi-Spirits speculated to be her friends desperately tried to encourage her: “Come on!” “Hurry up and sing!” The girl nodded to them and continued to sing without being discouraged. Although her singing and dancing were very clumsy, not to be discouraged by the mistakes in the middle, the girl who sang the song once again bowed her head to the audience.

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Peculiarly, the once unaware black shadows seemed to increase in number from the applause. Even though adding two more people made it still less than then ten, the girl bowed once more in thanks while crying. “Mina, Tomo! I did it……I did it……!” The girl who made her debut shared her joy with her two fellow Quasi-Spirits. “Just like that, one can gradually increase the fan power. This fan power converts into reiryoku that helps idols survive. Idols then use this reiryoku to move the hearts of Quasi-Spirit fans. This is the method to survive in the Ninth Region Yesod.” “What a clever mechanism……” This was much different than the killing in the Tenth Region Malkuth. “How to describe it, the extent of killing in the Tenth Region Malkuth far exceeds the other regions. Of course, there are other dangerous places. The Eighth Region is dangerous even among dangerous areas.” “It doesn’t matter to us anyway.” As Kurumi said this, she narrowed her eyes at the concert venue where the noise was particularly loud. “Huh? Kurumi-san, maybe you’re interested about idols──” Hibiki’s joke stopped there. Since Kurumi wasn’t staring at the concert venue, but rather gazing at the Quasi-Spirits walking around the streets. ……No. It wasn’t the idols or the Quasi-Spirits she was seeing. Right now, she was likely looking for her own past memories. After Tokisaki Kurumi had reverted back into being Tokisaki Kurumi, she had faintly revealed this to Hibiki. ──I have almost no memories of the past. How did she become a Spirit and what sort of life did she live in the other world? Such comprehensive memories certainly existed, but she couldn’t even recall how she arrived here. Of course, Hibiki was also completely unaware as well. She had only imitated the personality and appearance. In order to protect her own past, the memories of Kurumi’s life before coming to the Neighboring World had been sealed for her as well. Even so, Kurumi will still occasionally stare into the past. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Staring faintly and endlessly at a crying inducing feeling that was both sad and happy, something that was forgotten just like a dream. Presumably, it must be about “that person”. ──Pay no attention to this noise. ──The usual sickening tide of people was just like a sweet-sounding current. ──For that person, he would smile wryly at her, a little amused as if encountering a great white shark. ──No, maybe it was like that. ──For him, she would devour just a great white shark. It seemed there was no other choice but to think so. ──Even so, even then, I am still…… “……Kurumi-san, it’s almost time to go.” As Hibiki whispered that, Kurumi softly replied back with an ‘okay’. The illusion had passed away. Begrudging with these lingering regrets was tantamount to a waste of time. “Let’s go meet the Dominion of the Ninth Region Yesod──to Banouin-san.”

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○Banouin Mizuha Compared to the exterior of the building, the interior was decorated to look just like an office building. Hibiki leaned close and whispered, “it looked more glamorous before”. A group of Quasi-Spirits that looked to be in charge of security were all wearing uniforms while holding out their own respective Unsigned Angels on standby. Even though the Ninth Region Yesod was a peaceful area, the location where the Dominion was seemed to be heavily guarded. The sharp eyes of the guards kept watch over the two of them entering. Kurumi pretended to ignore them as she headed to confront a Quasi-Spirit that looked to be in charge of reception. “I wish to see Banouin-san.” ──Faced with Tokisaki Kurumi’s inquiry, the girl at the reception desk looked on cautiously. “I’m sorry, but do you have an appointment?” “Hmm, I don’t have that……but I do have some requests.” As Hibiki was asking timidly, the receptionist gave a blunt response. “I am very sorry, but people without an appointment cannot pass. If it is a fan letter, please leave it in that box. We basically refuse gifts.” Acha, Hibiki clutched her head. There should be limits to being blunt. When Kirari Rinemu was Dominion, the response would have been more amiable. Was this the new Dominion’s doing or was there another reason? Anyway, she felt that it would only make matter worse if she compelled Kurumi to retreat. Hibiki pulled on Kurumi’ sleeves but was wonderfully ignored. “That’s a real headache, but it’s impossible for us to not see her. To move on to the other regions here, we must ask for the Dominion’s permission, correct?” “……” The girl at the reception desk narrowed her eyes as if irritated. “Listen, we are busy right now! Even without the preparation of the ‘Idol Star Festival’, I have no time listening to the stories of someone wanting to go to the other regions!” “……Oh dear, can’t you spare just some time?” “There is none! So──”

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The words of the receptionist stopped short. A pistol summoned by Kurumi was aimed at her chest. “Wait, Kurumi-san──!?” Despite Hibiki urging her to stop, Kurumi’s face didn’t change color as even her eyebrows remained motionless. A group of guards rushed towards them, but Kurumi raised her rifle on her other hand to stop them. “Silence. Listen, we just want to see the Dominion. This is neither a fan request nor a desire to interfere and spark confusion in this region. We merely wish to proceed……from here.” The receptionist girl was motionless, frozen, and confused about this situation. Kurumi was so angry that Hibiki’s back felt the chills──it was clear that Kurumi also felt impatient. Her voice was low as the expression on her eyes show readiness for combat. Hibiki took a deep breath to ward off that fear. Tokisaki Kurumi was scary, but not terrifyingly so. Hibiki gently stroked her pistol. “Please let go of your hand.” “No, I swore to follow Kurumi-san. If you shoot now, will you be able to continue farther?” “……” Hibiki took in Kurumi’s gaze. Kurumi’s anger was slightly relaxed by those sad eyes. Even so, the immediate feeling of this mood wouldn’t change. And unfortunately, a group of quivering Quasi-Spirits wouldn’t be able to stop Kurumi.

“Stop.”

A voice echoed on the entire floor, it was a flowery and lovely voice The faces of the receptionist and security guards stiffened. Kurumi and Hibiki weren’t an exception either. After all, this voice was heard as if directly whispered close to the ear. “Mizuha-sama!?” “I want to talk to her, bring her in.”

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The same whisper again. The guards were left confused as they lowered their Unsigned Angels. Hibiki once again pulled on Kurumi’s sleeves. Kurumi sighed as she retracted back . “……Follow me.” The receptionist girl stood up and moved quickly. Her eyes didn’t turn to Kurumi. Rather than being scared, it gave the impression of trying to ignore her. “Shall we go?” “Okay.” Needless to say, the guards took precautions by raising their Unsigned Angels as they gathered around Kurumi and Hibiki’s surroundings. ◇ “It’s here.” As the receptionist girl opened the door, their destination was quite a battlefield. “Please lower the overall volume slightly. It’s faint, but there’s a bit of distortion!” “The third step of the third dance is a bit messy. It’s a difficult part, so please be careful! So, from the top again everyone! Background dancers are too disordered and conspicuous!” “Video playback, what was with that previous mistake? Who is responsible for this screen image? Are you a third-rate amateur!?” “What! My sense of responsibility and quality is well-recognized in the industry～! It has to be improper method of usage! Who was playing that video!?” “Mizuha-chan! Let’s erase the image first!” Everyone was busy running around or setting up the venue. Meanwhile, there was a single girl who stood in the middle of the stage. “Wow……” It was no wonder Hibiki couldn’t help but feel moved in admiration. It’s was likely still rehearsal. In the middle of preparations, one would expect to be dressed simply. But her Astral Dress was worn like a stage costume that didn’t seem worthy for practice. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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However, in spite of all that── She exuded a daunting presence like a Goddess that symbolized beauty. Hibiki discovered that all of the people running, giving instructions, or dancing──they always looked towards her at the center of the stage. Lightly curled black hair, crystal-like pupils, lustrous skin, and doll-like features, but despite the latter there was no artificial atmosphere as each part of her was pulsating with life. Unable to look away. Turning into her captive. Her mind fell into a confused state. As it turns out, this was an unmistakable idol star, a living beautiful idol. “……Banouin Mizuha-san, is that correct?”

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At this spot, Kurumi was the only one who didn’t have her eyes mesmerized by this girl──glaring at this girl as if an enemy. “Yes. ……Although you’re a bit of a different person than I’ve heard.” The distance was far between the stage and audience seating, but somehow a miraculous conversation had been established between these two. “Different person? What do you mean?” “Nothing. What are you looking for?” That voice was like the whisper of the stars. Hibiki shook her head to chase away those charming movements. Likely, everyone on the scene was Banouin Mizuha’s followers (fans). If anything turned hostile, they were bound to wager their lives fighting. Kurumi wouldn’t lose even to an army of dolls with a number over 1000. But could she win against Quasi-Spirits fighting for an idol they believed in? ──Even so, Hibiki glanced over to Kurumi. But not her, she remained composed while floating through this abundant fretful atmosphere. In a life or death situation, there was no one more reliable than her. “I’ll explain briefly. I would like you to send us out of the Ninth Region Yesod.” “For what?” “In order to return to the other world.” As soon as the words ‘other world’ were uttered, noise quickly spread. The other world, the reality where the Quasi-Spirits once lived. Why? How come? Seriously? The sound of those whispers repeatedly continued. “……Can I ask why?” “I refuse.” Well, she couldn’t say it in a place like this. Hibiki felt the corners of her mouth loosen as she tried to endure it. ──There was a person she liked.

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──So she wanted to go see him. In short, her goal was just that. And that was the reason why it was magnificent. “Then I can’t open the gate. The Ninth Region Yesod is the only region that can protect fragile Quasi-Spirits. Since it is impossible to determine the security of the other regions, as the Dominion I have an obligation to guard here.” Silence filled the surroundings. Despite this being the first meeting, even the staff surrounding Banouin understood the hysterical side of Tokisaki Kurumi’s face. A different murderous intent muddled the atmosphere. “So you’re saying you won’t open this gate even with your life in peril?” “Yes, even in exchange for this life and also including the lives around me.” “……” Hearing those words, even Kurumi smacked her lips impatiently. From what Mizuha was saying, the staff members didn’t tremble in the slightest as they looked up in agreement. “Everyone, I’m sorry. If an emergency happens, I’ll need to trouble you all for assistance.” “Yes!” “Happily!” “Anything for you!” It seemed the joy of her relying on them was greater than their fear of death. “It’s fine. By all means, Tokisaki-san isn’t the sort to issue out crude methods. ……If there are other means──isn’t that right?” “Yes, yes, of course. If there are other means, it should be implemented. I am the sort that totally dislikes violence after all.” Again, silence filled the scene. Hibiki, as her self-proclaimed sidekick, thought that she should speak out in turn to correct that. “Kurumi-san, Kurumi-san, those words aren’t convincing at all. I almost carelessly forgot that your outer appearance is terrifying. It gives the image of something wicked strutting downtown.” “……Ara, ara, thank you for the reminder Hibiki-san. I’ll be sure to give you plenty of punishment later.”

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“I dug a hole for myself to jump into!” Despite being stepped on by Kurumi, Hibiki still gave a sigh of relief as she felt Kurumi’s fighting spirit lowered. If she had been a little to late, this entire stage would have unfolded like a combat zone. “……So, what should I do? Isn’t this the same as entrusting me to slaughter them? I can consider murdering any target besides cats. Well, I don’t imagine cats to be in this world anyway.” Mizuha slanted her head in response to what Kurumi had said. “Can’t kill a cat? But there really are no cats in the Ninth Region Yesod.” Yes, wait no, no, absoutely no. Are there really no cats? Surely there has to be at least one or two around.” “Um～a cat isn’t important at all; the focus should be on the other party’s conditions.” “So you’re saying that kittens are unimportant at all, Hibiki-san? Do you have any awarness as my subordiante?” “I’m not your subordinate, I’m your partner!” “Incidentally, Kurumi-san.” “Oh, do you have cats?” “No. There are no cats. ──How about becoming an idol?” Those words lingered in Kurumi’s head like a hymn. That is to say──her words were excessively solemn to the point of being complete nonsense. “Um, I don’t quite understand the meaning behind those words.” “The Ninth Region Yesod is composed of idols and those that support idols. If you wish to pass through this region──” Then next moment, as Mizuha opened her closed eyelids, a jajan sound reverberated like a musical accompaniment from a guitar. “You must become a diligent and exquisite idol.” “That’s too absurd～～～～!” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Kurumi screamed. “M-me become an idol……?” “It’s just as Banouin-sama says.” “Please become an idol that can convince us!” “You look good, I am optimistic as a makeup artist!” “Since voice is also good, there should absolutely no problems with singing.” “If you two think that it’s a little forced──ah, no this is the recommended method. If it is works, it will work.” To be honest, Kurumi thought that becoming an idol was nonsense. But certainly according to what she said, being a top idol was very much in demand in this region. However, she never imagined that becoming an idol was necessary to pass through this region. “……Let’s do it.” “Hiyah?” From those words that unexpectedly sprung out, Kurumi couldn’t help but let out a bewildered cry. “Let’s try it. What is the ranking you want?” It was Higoromo Hibiki who raised the question. She swaggered to walk in front of Kurumi, bluntly speaking while facing Mizuha. Mizuha rounded her eyes and smiled slightly. “I’m indifferent to the genre. How about rank S with 20,000 fans?” Hibiki immediately shook her head to refuse. “……It takes a month of classes for a single S rank. At most A-rank with 5,000 fans.” “Triple AAA-rank, with 15,000 fans?” “Double AA-rank, with 10,000 fans. Then it should be barely enough to complete it in a week. I’m guess that the limit for Kurumi-san accepting idol training will probably be that much.” “……Alright, we’ll just rely on those conditions.” And so, only Kurumi, the person involved, couldn’t keep up with this topic. “Um, um, um Hibiki-san? What on earth are you talking about?” Then Hibiki turned around to speak. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“Kurumi-san, you can endure one week of idol training, yes?” “Huh? Ah? Yes? One week? Training?” “Yes. For one week, Kurumi-san will undergo idol training, practicing singing, dancing, and smiling. Then during the ‘Idol Star Festival’……also commonly known as the Ifesta, you’ll make your debut as an AA-rank idol!”

Bathed in the dazzling spotlight── Wearing a gorgeously sparkling costume── With an angelic voice.

“Now, let’s decide on that, Kurumi-san!” That is what it meant to become an idol. “Wait, wait, wait, hold on a second!? M-me becoming something like an idol is a bit──” “It will be alright! Kurumi-san originally has the qualities to become an S rank idol! But since that requires a month of intensive training, so the conditions are only for an AA rank! In that case, it should be something that only takes a week at most!” As Hibiki continued rambling on with a bizarre vigor, Kurumi felt herself overwhelmed by this imposing momentum. Yes, it was as if her rising aura was completely visible. “Ah!” Someone had suddenly screamed. Looking back, Kurumi found it was the Quasi-Spirit working the reception that they had just talked to. “That person! It can’t be!” “What’s the matter!? Do you know her, Sasaki-san!?” The guards next door had shouted. “That person is the legendary S rank idol producer! Under her tutelage, there has been no idol that hasn’t reached S-rank! Known as the savior of all B-rank idols, the legendary producer! It’s Hibi P!” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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At that moment, even the staff surrounding Mizuha began to grow excited. “W-what was that……” “Hibi P……” “That legendary……” “During the Super Idol Festival, the super genius who made every amateur debut as an S-rank idol……” “I-I will attempt the challenge once again……even if the nature is more like a security guard this trait might work. Even if it is like a security guard idol, I will make that person debut!” “Ah, no fair. Me as well!” “I also want to as well!” “What do you think about a receptionist as an idol?” With a stunned look, Kurumi stared at Hibiki──she was wearing sunglasses that were suspected to have been created from reiryoku and had changed into a suit. “Idol……a sacred image that delivers dreams and flowers to the people…… Come, Kurumi-san. An idol must smile!” Hibiki shouted loudly while offering her hand. Kurumi stared at Hibiki’s eyes (despite her wearing sunglasses) and slowly took a deep breath. And like that, she spoke. “This development has grown too turbulent, I’m left entirely baffled.” “I think so as well☆.” Hibiki adorably struck her head with her fist as an indiscernible flame was lit within herself. ◇ “Like “Like～I～said, don’t look at me like that. Here, I’m pretty much a first rate producer!” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Hibiki said as she puffed her chest up in a conceited and prideful manner. Incidentally, they were far away from the Budokan (provisional name) where the Dominion Mizuha had resided. Now, the two of them were sitting down and talking in a nearby coffee shop. Although it was a coffee shop, there was no focus of a clerk to take orders──rather it was the location of a coffee shop that was important. Both of them created imaginative snacks through their reiryoku. Hibiki brought out sandwiches and black tea while Kurumi brought out black tea without sugar, milk, and lemon. “Ah～wait a minute, please wait. I remember a while ago hearing that you had such a painful past.” With a teacup in hand, Kurumi spoke in a manner as if holding back against a terrible headache. ……According to Kurumi’s memories, Higoromo Hibiki had spent the majority of her life (if the existence of Quasi-Spirit can be described as living) seeking revenge. “Yes, that’s right. In order to buy the components for the nitro dress for my revenge, I worked here as a part time producer. Oh, but it seems I have a natural calling for this. All of the idols I brought up managed to squeeze their way to the top.” As Hibiki replied back while feeling a little embarrassed, Kurumi informed her with an astonished look. “If that was your life’s calling, shouldn’t it have been enough to live from that alone……” “Even if I kept surviving, it was meaningless for me at that time.” Hibiki responded with a smile. There was a suspicious pause with her actions. That’s right, Kurumi quickly reconsidered. Hibiki was trying to achieve revenge even at the risk of losing herself. “……That’s right. That was a slip of the tongue from myself.” “No, no. Moreover, due to this experience, I can assist Kurumi-san. Because of that, it absolutely wasn’t time wasted.” “Yes, I have something to say about that.” “What?” As Hibiki adorably slanted her head, Kurumi lightly poked it in protest. “No, why should I have to become an idol!?” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“Because that is the quickest way. Besides, I know that I don’t have the talent to be an idol.” “You should scout somebody else.” “You don’t understand, Kurumi-san. There aren’t many Quasi-Spirits with the aptitude suitable for becoming an idol. Remember those back up dancers at the Budokan? Those children, while working hard to stave off death, are likely at most A-rank.” “Ara, aren’t they just under me?” “If Kurumi-san works hard, even I don’t know what level you can reach. But I sure it’s definitely at least S-rank.” “……I’m not going to be an idol.” “Ehh～.” As Hibiki let out a sour voice in protest, Kurumi cleared her throat after coughing twice. “There must be another method.” “If you rack your head, I’m sure it can be settled in a bloody way through force.” “Muu……” “If you have talent, I think it should be demonstrated. Then again, I don’t know about ‘that person’ but do you dislike idols or something?” Ugh, (what she felt) Kurumi sipped the black tea. When asked if she disliked or like it──she wondered if the answer might be the latter. To put it bluntly, the obstacle standing in the way was simply due to her feeling embarrassed. But even that became weaker when considering being an idol was accepted as natural. After all, everywhere the eye turned, there were idols dressed in glamorous outfits. Furthermore, not having members of the opposite sex see her was also convenient for Kurumi. However…… But to become an existence that was the farthest from her own self-image, she didn’t know how to acknowledge that. Watching Kurumi’s hesitation, Hibiki pressed forward.

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“How about it?” “Ugh.” “How ・about・ it!” “Ughh” Lost in her confused thoughts, Kurumi was beginning to lose the mental battle to Hibiki. “……Well, speaking of which, what does the ranking mean? From the exchange with Banouinsan earlier, the word genre was used. Please explain more about this to me.” “I understand. I’ll go into it in full detail……” The following was Hibiki commentary on idol rankings. Basically, idols begin from the lowest E-ranking (as seen from coming to this region, those with less than ten fans). Quasi-Spirits who wish to become idols will receive instructions from a producer and given lessons. How much they grow depends on their personal motivation and the skill of the producer. The lowest rank is E-rank. From above A is sorted into AA, AAA, S, and SS. The highest ranking is SSS-rank. SSS-rank has special conditions that Tokisaki Kurumi does not meet the requirements for. However, there are exceptions. The ‘Idol Star Festival’, abbreviated as Ifesta, is held once a month and allows newcomers to make their audition debut. Many are usually E-rank, with at best those of C-rank──but in rare cases, monsters of A-rank and S-rank may appear. According to the information gathered by Hibiki, Banouin Mizuha was one such example. A few months ago, the former Dominion Kirari Rinemu could no longer sing, so the enthusiasm during the Ifesta was used for the purpose of electing a new Dominion. Rising to SS-rank from S-rank, she was overwhelming supported by the Quasi-Spirits as the idol to become the new Dominion. “So rather than strength, the Dominion needs the popularity of an idol?” “Yes, in terms of combat ability, Banouin-san’s guards are overwhelmingly stronger. But here, Mizuha-san is the Dominion.” “Hmm……” “If you aren’t interested, shall we stop the topic here?”

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“…………………No, please continue.” Having taken the bait, Hibiki snickered while continuing the topic. Hibiki explained that each idol has a genre type. First of all, lovely. The so-called orthodox idol with the selling point being cuteness. An idol that gives the impression of a cute, pink lyrical image. Most of the songs are pop, with this type composing no less than 50% of this region. Passion and loveliness are the driving force behind the lovely genre. It is the most popular genre for idols excluding those of the stylish type. Next is stylish. In trying to explain it, it means an idol that best matches that adjective. Not only in appearance, but a unified beauty with talents in both singing and dancing. Lovely and stylish form a contrast with each other. The more skillful prefer stylish, while those favoring popularity choose cute. “I see. So does that mean you want me to debut as a stylish idol?” As Kurumi groaned to express her understanding, Hibiki let out a surprised “ha?” in response. “Hey, wait a minute. It can’t be that you’re saying I should aim for the lovely genre? I know myself well. As it is lovely is……a little…..no, even if that was the only choice……there’s no way……” “Ha?” “……What?” After gazing at each other for a while, Hibiki sighed as she explained. “The idol type Kurumi-san should attempt is the third type. It’s chaos.” “Well, chaos. What is chaos?” “Just as that one word implies……” “Yes.” “It’s the eccentric type.” The wind blew. A wind of murderous intent had blown. Kurumi summoned and pointed the pistol at Hibiki’s forehead. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“D-don’t shoot～!” “I will shoot. If I want to, I will shoot.” “At this moment, you should reply with “I won’t shoot!” “What sort of joke it is to go the chaos style. I would shine best in the stylish trend.” “I-I’m not kidding. It’s a bit ugly to describe it as eccentric, but the chaos genre is very deep. Idols in costumes, idols claiming to be aliens, self-proclaimed prince idols, and idols with songs so unpleasant to hear that it makes a full revolution and becomes irresistible to listen……” “That’s unequivocally too much of shady taste.” “However, this type has an addictive magic! Just tasting it for the first time gives the impression of having been bewitched! Kurumi-san going the super sadistic sensually knowledgeable maiden route is the best selling point──” “Who are you calling a super sadistic sensually knowledgeable maiden?” “Don’t point that gun at me! Fighting is forbidden in the Ninth Region Yesod!” “Anyway, I’ll be taking the stylish route. I will never give in to anything less than that.” “Muu……well, I think stylish will somehow be okay……but chaos is where Kurumi-san will definitely exude the greatest charm……anyway──” Hibiki’s expression suddenly changed. “You’ll do it? Being an idol?” Silence──no listening closely, one could hear a distinctively low “Uuuuuuu” sound. Tokisaki Kurumi was caught in a predicament. “My opinion is ah～if an idol can temper cuteness at will, then it should be within my ability to learn this discipline.” Hibiki was further convinced. “Uuu” “Yes, it may not be directly related to Kurumi-san’s goal──but how about it?” It was like the devil’s whisper. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Kurumi whispered, struggling while covering her face for a while before finally speaking. “Being an idol, I’ll do it” “Great! Hibiki shouted as her raised her fist in a victorious cheer. In that manner, an idol was born here──Tokisaki Kurumi! “Let’s start the lesson!” “Lesson……” “Yes. I’ve temporarily rented a vacant training area to train for a while. Since the most important part of stylish idol’s life is being talented in both singing and dancing.” “Do you want to write the songs now?” “No, there’s no need. This time for the newcomer audition a song is issued for each genre. Then, each person will sing and dance on the stage to decide the ranking.” “That means for a week──” Hibiki smiled and nodded towards Kurumi, who looked to be sentenced to an execution. “Yes, please learn to sing this song in a week like your life depends on it!”

After the two left the coffee shop, a girl appeared silently as if like a ghost. But if it was a ghost, it would seem too disproportionate from the viciousness of her Unsigned Angel. A great Warhammer axe used to crush skulls── With the edge of a long halberd to pierce through flesh. Its name was . Among the many Unsigned Angels, it was one of the strongest and most famous ones. And the owner who wielded it was nicknamed Biscuit Smasher──a title earned by destroying Quasi-Spirits as easily as crushing a biscuit. “Found you.” The name of this Quasi-Spirit was Tsuan.

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She would never miss prey that was targeted. Even if they tried to escape to another region. ◇

Idol training was incredibly strenuous. Dancing while singing, singing while dancing. There must be no trace of confusion. It was forbidden to even consider thinking about the lyrics. If voice and sound didn’t naturally flow, then the song wasn’t truly sung. And even is any mistake occurred, she must bounce back from it immediately. “But──” Even while being sweaty, she kept on dancing. Wearing the usual Astral Dress would have felt too gloomy from being drenched in sweat. Without any other option and with a little fierce protest from Kurumi, she was forced to put on a plain T-shirt and sweatpants. But she considered that it was different matter since it was just the lessons. It was quite embarrassing to do such repeated and monotonous exercises in formal wear. Formal dressing should be saved for later. For that reason, she continued to practice now. “But why!?” “Frankly speaking, being directed by Hibiki-san accumulates a lot of stress.” “Wow, how really candid!” Kurumi pursed her brow while whining. As her self-proclaimed producer, Hibiki (But instead of the role of a manager, was it more like job of a trainer? Anyway, she was in charge of everything) displayed skills that were rather impressive.

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──This verse, Kurumi-san what was the state of your mind when singing that just now? But according to interpretation of the composer, the mood is actually more like this. ──Oh, please be careful, it will cause discomfort for those watching the momentary step being slower here. Please look at the replay image. Do you feel the discomfort? ──Now that each part has improved, let’s consider the overall theme! Kurumi-san is originally a chaos type idol, so there are so parts that are not suitable for a perfect unified beauty. I think that issue can be resolved as long as the design of the Astral Dress is temporarily changed. For now, I’ve chosen around ten designs, so let’s pick one out together.

So this was what it was like to be rendered speechless. Anyway, Hibiki was very component. Between lessons, Kurumi went out to the city alone to look around at some other idols’ training scenes. Most of them only wanted to ‘sing and dance well enough to remain standing on the stage’. There were almost no idols that were working on such vigorous lessons at the same level as herself. Of course, there were a few exceptions, but those were the so-called top idols who had already debuted. Taking the same high-level lessons as those girls──a little bit of Kurumi’s pride was stimulating, serving as the motivation needed to encourage herself to work hard. Each day, she felt herself fuse together with the tune of the song. However, after reaching that level, she began to become concerned about a part she didn’t notice before. “Hibiki-san, I feel that this interpretation of the lyrics is different from my own.” “Uhiyah, so you’ve begun to interpret the lyrics. ……Ah, no. Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh at you. It’s just that few idols that had started training four days ago would have reached this level.” Certainly, Kurumi agreed with what Hibiki said. When thinking of singing and dancing, the song became completely absorbed into herself in a flash. But as she explored the contents of the lyrics next, she realized that the viewpoint was a far cry from her own ideas. “So, what is the song lyrics supposed to mean?” “Impossible. I believe that Kurumi-san will forever be unable to understanding the meaning of these lyrics.” “Why would that──” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Hearing it like this, Kurumi was taken aback. “Yes, it the same as what Kurumi-san thinks. This is song is a song designed for the stylish genre, an introductory song for idols aiming to be a perfect beauty in appearance. Therefore, it is a very different starting point for the chaos-oriented Kurumi-san.” “Ah……” “It’s very difficult to change to chaos now. The base portion of a stylish type idol has been completed to an extent, so you’ll have to destroy that foundation if you want to change genres.” Chaos was definitely a colorful variety, but perhaps that was owed to the bottomless chaos within humans. Kindness, malice, likes, dislikes, wanting to fall in love, wanting to be loved, wanting to be a good person, wanting to be wicked; the fervor of all of these emotions was encompassed here. “That’s why I felt uneasy about this as well, so please make a firm decision now if you wish to continue the cool-headedness path. “Being an idol is difficult, isn’t it?” “At this point, it’ll be hard for no matter the person.” As Kurumi listened to Hibiki, only then did she realize her actual feelings emerging.

In the Ninth Region Yesod, a group of idols would be born every month. Through lessons, they awaken their talents and make a debut by choosing one of the three genres. However, it wasn’t just the end if a debut was successful. From there, they must desperately appeal to fans with all of their might. They must ask fans to listen to their own songs. This would determine if she would be able to survive or not in the Neighboring World. Over here, people who can still remember the other world will say this. ──Overall, there is not much difference to the other world. ──Because, they still had to fight in some form or another in order to live.

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Laziness was not acceptable. Resignation was more terrifying than dying. It meant abandoning one’s self. It would be just like what had happened to Hibiki and possibility to Kurumi in the past, becoming an Empty girl and turning into an existence that could only lethargically wander aimlessly. Both the outward appearance and inner self must be splendid. Even so, these girls sang and danced to prove their own existence. “……Today is the official day on stage. Kurumi-san, are you nervous?” “Not quite at all.” She took a few deep breaths that was not at all convincing. Kurumi’s Astral Dress had been temporarily improved by Hibiki. To change to more of an idol’s style, the black was reduced as a blue keynote was added to the gorgeous outfit. Waiting for her turn, she was guide to a private room along with Hibiki. Contrary to her usual state of self-confidence, Kurumi was very nervous. She was self-aware of herself not being the type favored by a third party. However, in order to become a stylish idol, it was necessary to be yearned after by fans. It was only 50% at best if this debut could be run smoothly. “No problem. If it’s Kurumi-san, it’s sure to be a success.” “Naturally of course, it has been something I’ve practiced after all.” Although it was only for a brief week, both singing and dancing had undergone impeccable training. At the very least, she could show off the best that she could do now──or so she thought. “Entry no. 13, Kurumi-san, please come on stage!” She heard the voice of the Quasi-Spirit that served as the host. As Kurumi stood up, she summoned and pointed the pistol at her temple. “Hey, what are you doing……!” Hibiki urged her to quickly stop, but Kurumi pulled down on the trigger without hesitation. Click. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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The sound was lighter than Hibiki had expected, but rather it was only at the level of the faint volume coming from a firing pin. “Alright, I’ve got it give it my all.” “To shoot yourself in the head every time you want to motive yourself……that way of thinking is really too extreme.” Kurumi gave a fearless smile. “Yes. Because this is also a date (war).” “It’s not a date (war); it’s a live (war)……anyway, it would be nice if Kurumi-san could relax now.” (Live here refers to live performance. But the joke on the series title is intentional) “Well, I’m off to the stage.” Kurumi lovingly and gently waved her hand as she jumped onto the stage. When that happened, Hibiki’s role was now over. At best, she could now only pray for her. Hibiki looked at the appearance of the idols whose turns were already over. Almost everyone was uniformly crestfallen as their matchless feeling of uneasy was permeating. While appearances varied, they were all within the standard scope of lovely or stylish. Among them, even the Quasi-Spirits that shined the best were B-rank at best. This time, all participants below B-rank would likely drop down another rank due to Tokisaki Kurumi’s entry. When a single person’s talents are overwhelming, those less talented either look on in amazement or attempt to desperately work harder. But, the great efforts of these playthings were unusually crafty. These efforts were a sweet whisper, a snare of despair and idleness. “Because I work hard, I should be rewarded.” “Because of already these great efforts, there should be good results.” It couldn’t be like that. Effort was only a process, like trying to complete a marathon, those that couldn’t see results would be forced to drop out halfway through. ……Of course, that wasn’t saying that people shouldn’t make great efforts. There were simply no shortcuts to reach the goal.

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Especially──since all was fair and just in this conflict. With or without luck, an idol just needed to captivate the hearts of fans with her own power. “Now, let’s welcome Tokisaki Kurumi’s assigned song ‘Blue Bride’ please!” The song started playing.

Dressed in her modified Astral Dress, Kurumi sang loudly in a low pitch. Hibiki glanced to the responses of the newcomer idols that had worked on the stylish theme. Stunned, there was no word better that matched their expressions. Their expressions seemed to indicate already recognizing their loss. Although cruel, if one is discouraged by this setback, then that person was suitable for being an idol in the first place. The two Quasi-Spirits clenching their fists subconsciously should be able to become excellent idols. Anyway, there seemed to be no issues. Hibiki breathed out a sigh of relief. Since Kurumi was the last entry, there wouldn’t be any more performances after her moment. She apologized for destroying their dreams, but Kurumi was also carrying a huge dream. And since she had decided to support that dream, Hibiki had to be merciless.

Looking forward to a blue night. A person fills my splintered heart. Though only sadness remains I just keep waiting── “I was the only one to notice, but those lyrics really aren’t suitable for her.” Hibiki stretched out a long sigh. There was more anticipation for terrifying words that better matched Tokisaki Kurumi. She bravely and resolutely pursued her opponents with elegance and splendor while not overlooking as a means to charm the other side. An invitation of temptation, which preyed on the other party’s expectations, she enticed them to herself. While as precise as a watch, it was a love that would ruin the watch into complete disarray. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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As such, chaos was the most suitable for her. “Well, this should be perfect enough. As expected of me!” Fortunately, the appearance of Kurumi’s Astral Dress was not completely chaos oriented and also fit the stylish genre. Since both singing and dancing skills had been thoroughly trained, it was almost perfect. Almost because of the inconvenience of the genre, there were several dance steps seen that didn’t suit Kurumi. Even so, if the other Quasi-Spirits were around 60% of the way there, Kurumi boasted a degree of perfection around 90%. There were no factors for defeat at all. ……Mm?” Hibiki fell into contemplation. The phrase ‘no factors for defeat’ itself was a death flag. But now, how could they lose── “That was great idol power! Thank you very much Tokisaki Kurumi-san!” And so, while Hibiki was dimly thinking that over, the song was already over. “Now everyone, next up from the fan power and support from the audience, the idol levels of those making their debut have been decided……huh, what?” Just as the host was about to announced the end, another Quasi-Spirit rushed over to whisper into her ear. “Huh? There is another entrant? Eh, but on this list……signed up at the last moment? Okay, I understand!” At that moment, she caught sight of the host softly lowering the microphone── “Ah, this isn’t good.” Hibiki suddenly realized that.

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“I-I finally finished singing……” Despite showing her leisurely acting skills on the stage, she was also at her limit. Kurumi tumbled down on the side of the stage. “Are you okay?” A voice came from outside the field of vision. Likely worried about her falling onto the ground, it turned out to be a kind hearted idol──Kurumi thought so, as she felt a small comfort in her heart. “I’m fine. It was just exhausting to dance with all of my energy, so I don’t care.” “So. With all your strength?” “Yes. I did my best.” It wasn’t exactly her best since this was the stylish genre rather than chaos, but there was no doubt that she had danced seriously. “I see, so that is your best?” “Who are you?” Kurumi finally saw the face of the other party talking to her. ──What? “Then I will go all out to defeat it.” “Tsu…..Tsu……Tsuan-san!?” She had appeared once more in front of Tokisaki Kurumi now──no rather that battle had occurred with Hibiki still transformed as Kurumi, a Quasi-Spirit with whom the match had yet to be settled. Battle mania, the celebrated fighter, a Quasi-Spirit known for her all out attacks……her name was Tsuan. No, the problem wasn’t there. Because they had agreed to fight the next time they met, she had made it a point to avoid her as much as possible. “What does this mean? Is that an Astral Dress!?” “I had it specially made.”

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Tsuan proudly raised her barren chest. While the color was still based on blue and white, it improved the existing elements perfectly. It should be mentioned that this Astral Dress looked perfectly made from scratch in order to best suit this song. “Huh? No, wait a minute. You’re not going to fight here, right?” Tsuan nodded. “Yes, fight. Fight as an idol. Coincidentally, my designated song is also ‘Blue Bride’. Fair competition between stylish idols, I will not lose.” “Huh? Can you even fight this way?” “Everything is fighting, everything is a battle. The winner takes all while the loser is left with nothing. My master said this to the disposition of any Quasi-Spirit that descended down to the Tenth Region Malkuth.” “Can I complain to your master?” “The cool-off period has passed.” After informing her of this, Tsuan ran towards the stage at a light pace. “Kurumi-san～!” Hibiki rushed towards Kurumi in a panic. “Hibiki-san, I was suddenly ambushed by someone leaping in.” “Y-you shouldn’t feel relaxed. This is terrible, not good, not good at all.” “So……why is it so bad?” “First of all, her strength is almost equal to Kurumi-san.” “……First of all?” At that moment, Kurumi’s expression stiffened. If they were almost equal than it would be advantageous to perform latter. This was an iron rule separating victory from defeat. “Additionally, as Tsuan’s name would suggest, that song suits her best……that is to say the stylish genre for idols.” “……!”

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Kurumi almost let out a pitiful cry not suitable for a virtuous lady, but she immediately held it back. “The last point is the fatal blow……the Astral Dress she is wearing.” “What is with that? Certainly, it is a dazzling costume……” “Likely, it’s the work of the Quasi-Spirit in charge of the design for the Dominion Banouin-san.” Kurumi suddenly felt dizzy. “Now then Tsuan-san, please don’t hesitate with your singing.” Hibiki and Kurumi quickly peeked at the scene from the side of the stage. “Wow!” “Wow!” Both of them in unison exclaimed out in admiration. Tsuan was so dazzling and charming.

My heart sinks into blue. Please don’t take everything away. Only the moon’s glow is left. Tsuan sang with deep emotions that one could never see by no means the grudge underlying that. Her dance movements were mechanically precise, with an expression that was difficult to tell if she was singing with her all, sometimes her sharp gaze would intermingle. With the appearance of a perfectly stylish idol since Banouin, Tokisaki Kurumi’s performance was easily blown away. “Oh no…….” Next to Hibiki mumbling, Kurumi pressed her hand against her temple. Simply put this was── “My head hurts……” When thinking the huge trouble of Tsuan’s debut, Kurumi gave a long sigh. ◇ Date A Live LN’s Translation

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The host quickly rushed in a hurry at the end of Tsuan’s song. “That, that one, that one!” “……What?” “Thank you very much for bringing such a wonderful performance!” “I just sang that song for the sake of victory, so there’s no need for thanks.” Tsuan spoke arrogantly while looking at Kurumi at the end of the stage. That look was a bit infuriating to stare at. “In order to win……?” “Yes, my victory. This is finally venting a bit of my humiliation.” The host must have instinctively realized she shouldn’t continue pursuing this topic as she quickly shifted the conversation to the audience. “Now, everyone! This is the announcement of newcomer idols that debuted this month! Strict and fair, the rankings are measured by fan power and audience enthusiasm!” Sure enough, the expected results caused the two to turn downcast. Tokisaki Kurumi’s ranking was A. The number of spectators was 8,036 (including fan power). Tsuan reached the prestigious S-rank with an audience of 25,106. This was the single most impressive idol debut since the Dominions Banouin Mizuha and Kirari Rinemu.

“Do you feel contempt?” “T-there’s…… a little bit of contempt.” This was their second meeting in light of having made a request in advance. After performing in the Budokan, the two of them were at a live venue being informed by Banouin Mizuha. She looked at their distressed faces with gentle eyes. “Don’t say that. Her ability is real.” “Didn’t you lend a hand with that Astral Dress?”

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Faced with Hibiki’s acquisition, she slowly shook her head. “I just thought that would be a suitable costume. Even without that dress, she would have definitely defeated Tokisaki-san. There’s no doubt about this. Don’t you also think so?” “Well…that’s….umm……” Hibiki couldn’t muster a reply. Certainly, it was just as she said. If the category chosen was the chaos genre, then Kurumi would surely have been a match for Tsuan. It was a mistake to yield to Kurumi’s demand. No, even so Kurumi’s performance was nearly perfect. It was only afterwards that an even greater talent had emerged. “We now have two choices. Continue idol activity until promotion to AA-rank. The other is to retire first and wait for next month to debut again.” Hibiki expressed a difficult look while speaking. “The first one seemed clear, but it would take an estimated 3 months to advance to AA-rank level. The second choice should be seen with more jade-colored glasses. It’s possible that the ranking we’ve just earned would become degraded upon retrying.” “Three months or one month……either way we’ll be staying here for a long time.” Kurumi sighed loudly. After watching those two leave with their shoulders dejected, the Quasi-Spirit that seemed to be Mizuha’s manager asked while puzzled. “From that rumor, I thought that they would try to solve this via force.” “In any case, we must be prepared to suffer great physiological damage. Or else they might try to kill you all to threaten me.” “For you, we are prepared to give up our lives for you──” “Don’t belittle your own lives. As an older sister, that doesn’t make me happy.” “Banouin-sama……” The girls looked on with tears in their eyes. While smiling and looking at this, Mizuha softly exercised her own Unsigned Angel. “Well……no matter how those two want to leave, I’ll have to keep in touch.”

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○Kirari Rinemu Consequently, the two of them decided to head back to the coffee shop. From now on, the discussion would be about what to do next, but the talks were wrapped around in a heavy atmosphere. Perhaps due to it being late in the evening after the concert was over, the coffee shop had become crowded. “What should we do?” “It’ll take three months……right.” This timeframe was too long. Although it was possible that there was a time difference with the other world, there was also the possibility of three months being the same in real time. There would be the feeling of being crushed by sadness from not being able that person for three months. And this period must be dedicated towards being a stylish idol, trying to increase the number of fans through singing and dancing. “It won’t be easy, it may take half a year depending on the situation……” “How about retiring first and re-debuting?” “That’s even more difficult to achieve. ……Although there was Tsuan-san’s intrusion, the reason of squeezing into A-rank was because Kurumi-san had enough impact. It’ll be a bit too early for the previous performance to be forgotten for a re-debut.” “Isn’t it possible to change to the chaos genre?” “That’s a split fifty-fifty chance. Perhaps you may squeeze into S-rank, but it’s still risky to debut for two consecutive months……” “Nothing to do about it, is that right?” Just as Kurumi muttered that, it happened as both of them turned silent── “There’s no way～!”

Suddenly, a strange voice roared loudly. Both of them reflexively turned their faces to the source of that sound. “I-It’s no longer possible! I can’t sing! Just trying to sing causes me to feel sick and want to vomit! I don’t want to endure the warmth of the fans’ sympathy!”

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A blonde girl yelled out loudly in the coffee shop as she broke down in tears. Sighing as she watched this scene, there was also a girl with faintly red highlights on her hair. At first glance, she had the appearance of a weak animal with a deep penetrating voice──definitely an idol.

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“But, sempai. If you can’t sing, you’ll become an Empty just like this girl.” The red haired girl pointed her finger behind them to a defeated girl who was standing there just doing nothing. A child of nothingness. The future of Quasi-Spirits that fell into such a predicament. The girl hanged her eyes down in regret. “Look, there’s no reaction. You’ll become such a boring girl.” Hibiki looked down, recalling how she used to be in such a state. A powerless person that did nothing and sought nothing, an extremely boring existence── “Hibiki-san.” As Kurumi called out her name, Hibiki vigorously replied back with a “yes!” Kurumi gave her usual tyrannical smile as she lightly pinched the back of Hibiki’s hand with her finger. “W-what are you doing!” “You seemed to be thinking something stupid, so a little bit of punishment was in order.” “Really……” Hibiki rubbed her hand while somewhat embarrassed. “I can survive by being cuter than you guys.” The blonde girl boasted shamelessly as if it was a matter of fact. Likely being unable to disregard hearing that, the red haired girl twitched her eyebrows. And then, when looking at the face of the blond haired girl, Hibiki muttered out loud in amazement. “……No way.” “What’s the matter?” “……The blond haired person talking, it’s Kirari Rinemu.” Where could she recall hearing that strange name before? “Uhh……that’s the name of the former Dominion, right?” “Yes. Even though the Astral Dress has been simplified, I could never forget those looks.”

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Kurumi glanced towards the girl called Rinemu. As expected, she had ample charm. Her golden hair was beautiful, but it was still liable to look vulgar when matched with all five senses together. In that respect, Rinemu was a girl that combined this temperament with a golden radiance. If this region was ruled by the top idol Quasi-Spirit, then she surely deserved to rule here. “……Why was she ousted from her position?” “Her appearance hasn’t changed. But just now……” “She said that she couldn’t sing……” The two of them turned their ears to eavesdrop. The coffee shop was crowded, most of the girls were single mindedly devoted on trying to improve themselves or discussing their favorite idols. They paid no attention to them……or rather that is to say they deliberately did so. “How strange. If it was a former Dominion, wouldn’t it be natural that she would be noticed?” “Yes……the red-haired girl sitting opposite to her also has considerable fan power, she must definitely be S-rank or above.” The blond-haired girl continued to talk incessantly despite the secret conversation of those two happening elsewhere. “Ah, but it’s impossible to make a living just being cute…… After all, I still want to sing. To sing on a grand stage. Then, to make that spiteful amateur Mizuha feel ashamed!” “I see, to make her feel embarrassed? Well, it doesn’t particularly matter.” “Awful, that foul woman! Opening an audition just because I can’t sing for a while, and then promoted to Dominion and ousting me in a matter of seconds! How hateful, because I can’t sing, now my personality is a little sloppy. Show a little concern why don’t you.” “Sempai, I feel your personality was a bit sloppy even before not being able to sing.” “Leave me alone! It would have been fine if everyone else just sang terribly in the Ninth Region Yesod! Then, everyone would have been overjoyed doing my chores! Besides, if I am out of the limelight, the situation will get even more complicated! I only need to be the symbol of this region to live out a leisurely long life!” As the former administrator Rinemu kept throwing out inappropriate remarks, even Kurumi could only look on dumbfounded. “……Is that true?” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“Eh well, she is only interested in singing. As for dancing, she would often just jump onto the stage. But her face was good and her singing ability was super strong. So even if she didn’t do anything, all of her shortcomings would have been forgiven by being cute.” Rinemu continued to grumble out reckless remarks. “Ah～really. I really want to sing, but when I sing I want to vomit. An idol singing while vomiting would be a novelty, but it’s a novelty that no one would follow!” “……Hah, I can’t help you anymore. I can only offer this super-large information as a gift to this sempai wailing in regrets now.” The red-haired girl quietly took out an old notepad. “What is this? Tissue paper? Perfect, I was just about to sneeze.” “It’s not tissue paper, it’s an important document, so please don’t get it dirty!” The red-haired girl quickly stopped Rinemu from using it to blow her nose. “How amazing……to think that is the former Dominion……” “Please stop, listening to you like that, it makes me embarrassed remembering how strange she was before.”

“Well, what is this?” As Rinemu asked sadly, the girl smiled as she tried to begin her story by saying “actually──” “Ah, no. Before beginning, just jump to the conclusion already. Can this help me? Hey, tell me Mayumi.” “It’s Mayu! Momozono Mayuka! Please at least remember the name of your kouhai properly!” Her eyebrows twitched as she coldly glared at Rinemu, but then she coughed a few times before resuming the topic. “This is the magic of singing, sempai.” “……Singing magic?” As Mayuka deeply nodded her head in consent, Rinemu gave a puzzled look.

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“Magic, do you mean like a spell? ……But this is just a map, isn’t it?” “Oh, that’s right. Sempai doesn’t care about the rumors. No friends, marginalized by others, and all alone.” “Hey, was it was necessary to repeat it with something similar for three times?” “Well, anyway. I heard a rumor that there is a magical song──‘The Voice of the Moon’, which is in the Ninth region Yesod.” “What, there was such a wonderful treasure!? Where! Hey, where is it? Hurry up and tell me!” Rinemu wasn’t able to stop herself from standing up as her eyebrows perked up in interest. “Don’t worry, listen to me first, sempai. Is─that─okay─?” Mayuka couldn’t help but comply with the explanation. ──It is said that during Neighboring World Compilation (Compile), one has the opportunity of coming into contact with the joy, grief, shock, despair, hope, love, and all sorts of things felt by the Spirits living in the other world. Even so, it wasn’t like watching a film from the audience seat. There was the empathy of intervening inside there. Only at that moment, a Quasi-Spirit could become a Spirit and experience the same scene. It could either be the madness of despair or the hope of falling in love. However, it would fade away in a brief instant just like a dream. At the same time, black crystals are produced and broken down before dissipating into dust. A few Quasi-Spirits──especially those trying to solve the mystery of this world, believe there ought to be a special meaning to this. Despite trying to preserve it, there had been no successful stories so far since they couldn’t even guess how or when this phenomenon would occur. However, in very rare occasions……the crystals may continue to remain. It is said that those who receive a crystal will undergo a huge transformation for better or for worse. ‘Breaking down’ because of that enormous power. Being ‘controlled’ when trying to use that overflowing power. Or possibly falling into madness and turning into a ‘monster’.

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“……That means ‘The Voice of the Moon’……is in the Ninth Region Yesod?” Rinemu expression brightened. Her dazzling eyes made it clear that she was once a cut above the rest. “Didn’t I just say that?” Receiving that gaze, Mayuka replied calmly and composedly as fidgeted with a spoon. “How can that be? If there was such a thing, it would have been recovered as quickly as possible. After all, that woman prefers this region to be as peaceful as possible.” “But suppose that most Quasi-Spirits don’t know this? Only super-high level idols like me should know.” “……Kurumi-san, I investigated and discovered that she had once landed a big success.” Hibiki whispered in her ear. It seems that she was eavesdropping while also operating a smart phone. “Momozono Mayuka. Genre is lovely. SS-rank idol. If it wasn’t for Mizuha-san, she would have definitely been a good candidate for being the next Dominion.” “Is that correct? That’s very surprising.” “……I agree.” Hibiki understood what Kurumi wanted to say, but based on courtesy she chose to remain silent. “But, isn’t it strange? Usually, you would be the sort to aim for this magic.” “No, I am very comfortable with my current situation. Being the Dominion would be too much of a hassle, isn’t that right? But I don’t want to have the image of a spineless, incurable good for nothing like sempai.” “Do you always have to insult others? Didn’t you learn in school to not always tell others the truth?” “Y-You just admit it was true, sempai.” “Yes, I use to have the skill to be an unprecedented idol genius. But now that I can’t sing, it’s all for waste. Awful, I feel hurt just saying it.”

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“Ah, as I thought, there’s no way to move forward in this conversation when sempai is involved. Anyway! Even for super-high idols like me who know this information, there’s a reason why it can’t be obtained!” “Why’s that?” “It’s said that the location of the ‘The Voice of the Moon” is in the Cradle.” “──────” Hearing those words caused Hibiki’s whole body to stiffen in an instant. With a creaking sound, Rinemu stood up with enough force to knock down her chair. “……The Cradle, are you kidding?” As Rinemu stared suspiciously at her, Mayuka breathed out a sigh while shrugging her shoulders. “As you imagine, the Cradle in Ninth Region Yesod is special compared to the other regions. So no one wants to go at all. Of course, I am also the same. However, I thought that maybe sempai would want to go.” “It looks like……you’re telling the truth. Great, so this isn’t fake news……gyaah!?” As Rinemu tried to sit back down on the chair she had just knocked down, her buttocks only landed on the empty air, causing her to come crashing down on her back. “What are you doing, sempai?” Rinemu sounded a little embarrassed as she replied back while rubbing her back. “Ah, no. I was a little excited just now, but it looks like the pain has allowed me to regain my rationality. So, is there any merit for you in this?” “There is～I know I can’t beat Banouin sempai. But how to say it? I feel our compatibility is very poor.” “Well, I think so too. After all, only me in my heyday could keep pace with that person. Your singing and dancing are slightly less than hers.” “……That’s certainly a calm analysis to get someone riled up, sempai.” “That is to say, it would be better to cooperate with me? Certainly, I have the self-confidence to surpass Mizuha.” “……Anyway, it’s just like that.” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Mayuka twirled her long wavy hair with her finger as she feigned a naïve smile. “The Cradle huh……” “It’s too scary after all even for sempai.” “Alright.” “Ho?’ Mayuka adorably slanted her head as Rinemu pointed her finger at her. “Let’s go! What about the Cradle! After falling so far to the bottom what else can be feared! I want to obtain ‘The Voice of the Moon’!” After saying that, Rinemu rushed out of the coffee shop. Mayuka saw her off with a smile inappropriate for an idol. “Even knowing that, stupid sempai was stirred up to take the bait♪” The ‘Empty’ girl that was behind her whispered nervously. “But is there no problem? In case she actually obtains it……” “Is your head also empty, Luku? Absolutely impossible! Even the possibility of her turning back halfway is fine. She’s already dug her own grave now.” The girl who was suspected of being called Luku nodded with a melancholy look. “……Yes. If she is exposed to the memory of that rain, it’ll be all over for her.” Unlike Mayuka, she thought perhaps Luku was a Quasi-Spirit with some degree of goodness in her, but that didn’t seem to be the case. “That’s right. Banouin sempai seems to be fixated on regarding Kirari Rinemu as an eternal rival. So, I’ll inform her that she’s completely dead just in time for the next ranking performance. “Oh dear.” “Well, I’m not that foolish. It’s all about the timing of the announcement. By chance, I sang without knowing the death of my beloved sempai. Unfortunately, Banouin was informed of the death of her close rival just before singing.” “Yes, I understand.” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“Well, it may be a bit too unnatural. To sing even after knowing the death of a respected sempai. The direction of the future may also be a bit rocky.” “But, there is the risk of being exposed. ……And there is the possibility of Rinemu flinching back at the last second.” “That’s right, the important point is there. Luku, don’t stay with me for a while. ……Follow Kirari Rinemu and deliver the fatal blow to her if necessary.” “Of course. But why did you tell her the real location of ‘The Voice of the Moon’. I thought that one day you wanted to obtain it……” “……Kirari Rinemu isn’t that stupid to not see others lying. She must have fully understood the parts of me lying. But, she had faith that the location and existence of ‘The Voice of the Moon’ wasn’t a lie.” “I see.” “In any case, if she does obtain ‘The Voice of the Moon’, we’ll mercilessly plunder it. That person has no fighting ability at all.” “Yes, understood.” “A dullard like you isn’t enough, go hire more people. If people discover my relationship with you, I’ll have to clean everything up.” “Yes, of course.” A frigid reply with a frigid voice. “Oh, I should proceed with my lesson now.” “Then, I’ll ask to be excused.” The figures of those two disappeared instantly from the coffee shop. Kurumi had her suspicions that they had used some ability like teleporting to move that fast. No, that wasn’t the only thing of concern right now. “…..I heard that clearly.” “Yes.” They heard clearly enough that they hesitated whether they should intervene or not. “This is a huge scandal.” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“But there is no evidence. Moreover, that woman’s intrigues have nothing to do with me.” “Is that so? If Banouin-san falls from the position of Dominion, it’ll be a real headache for sure. That person is strict but fair. However, Momozono Mayuka is pure evil in nature.” “……Well, that’s certainly true.” “Apart from that, I’m really worried about Rinemu-san.” “Are you concerned about why she can no longer sing?” “There’s that as well……but ah, I feel there is something making me worry.” Hibiki twisted her neck. There was something stuck in her throat refusing to come out to speak. “What is the reason why she can’t sing?” “I’ve only heard rumors, but it’s said that the Compile can often cause great damage to the mind of a Quasi-Spirit. Some people who can no longer sing even disappear. ……Rinemu-san has it quite tough. If it is true, she will disappear from no longer being able to sing.” “If she regained her position as Dominion──” “If she came back, we could pass on through without needing to be an idol.” “Hmm.” “Hmm.” “Let’s take action.” “Let’s take action.” And so, things have transpired to this point. ◇ Kirari Rinemu was a former idol and former Dominion……but now she was nobody. Being a nobody meant that she could no longer express herself anymore. Euphemistically speaking, it was like Quasi-Spirit that had nothing to do every day except for idling around.

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“Uuu, uuu, uuu” She wanted to cry a little when confronted by her own misery. But she wouldn’t cry, idols can never cry even if hit directly by onion juice. She wouldn’t even eat garlic despite liking the taste. When did she come to this region? There was a certain degree of memories left about the human world, but she was sure that she wasn’t an idol during that time. She should have been an ordinary high school student. Ordinary, but from her good looks she would have been something like a school idol. Rinemu had guessed it was feeling similar to that. Anyway, in the Neighboring World, laziness was undoubtedly the same as searching for death. She didn’t want to be an idol at first, only trying it out for the first time after seeing it. ……It was fun. By just concentrating on singing and dancing, the enthusiasm of the fans filled her body with strength. It was fun, fueling the desire to survive and giving her the feeling that she could do anything. She thought her life was in good shape. Just by saying what she wanted to say, there were lots of allies and enemies that were made. The end that led to the fall was a trivial matter. A black pillar had appeared during Compile. After touching it, she saw hell. The moment of seeing hell, everything had lost its color. Her throat could still make a sound. But she couldn’t sing or dance anymore. “An idol that looks just like an idiot.” The negative thoughts branding her mind lingered. As soon as she stepped on stage, her mind fell blank and she couldn’t remember the lyrics or dance steps. Even so, despite still wanting to convey something, they soon found out she could no longer stand in front of the stage. The Quasi-Spirits that flattered themselves in the past to me became the first to go and soon the fans began disappearing little by little. Soon afterwards, by the time the audience became even less than when she debuted, she couldn’t stand on the stage anymore, just continuing to exist aimlessly.

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Even so, there were some Quasi-Spirit fans that said that she had to stay. But that just made her more miserable and made the choice of leaving all the more appealing. ……In the past, there were several idols that fell to an end like this. Experiencing the same scene, they could no longer soar as Quasi-Spirits. Without exception, they became Empty girls and disappeared without a trace not long afterwards. In the Neighboring World, it was a phenomena as close to death as possible──Lost. Becoming one with the reiryoku that floated in the Neighboring World. ……Well, it wasn’t too terrible. Strangely, this world was perfect. At the moment of giving up on survival, you’ll be wiped out with a trace of pain or nostalgia. Compared to the real world, death was fantasy-like just like a fairy tale──with no pain or sadness. “But why am I still alive?” Why was it like this? Rinemu had her doubts. She couldn’t sing. She couldn’t dance. She could no longer stand on top of the stage. Her original thought was being doomed. However, as mentioned earlier, Rinemu’s only confidence was in her super cuteness. If the legend of ‘The Voice of the Moon’ causing people to sing was really true, could she use it to cure her own inability to sing? Another issue was where the legendary ‘The Voice of the Moon’ was located. The Cradle……a place similar to the concept of hell, it was a location where no Quasi-Spirit should ever wander to by mistake. “But, except for there, I have no where left to go.” She had been to various places. She had thought about moving to another region, but the new Dominion Banouin Mizuha insisted on not allowing it. “The former Dominion going to other regions would be source of all sorts of problems.” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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When she objected otherwise, she was almost taken into custody. “Well, forcibly opening the gate would bring trouble to everyone. As expected, even I would rather drop the idea than go that far.” She took a deep breath. This was her last chance. Although she didn’t know what that black-hearted kouhai was thinking, this was undoubtedly high-risk and high-reward. “Okay, I’ve decided. If I’m going to die anyway, might as well give a final struggle.” While considering that insecure thought, Rinemu felt her back being pulled the moment she tried to take a step forward. “Gue!” “Your voice sounds just like a toad.” At that point, what she heard was a bit distorted, like voice that would drag a person into the darkness── “Eh, I think that’s because Kurumi-san grabbed her from the back of the neck.” It was together along with an empty yet indiscernibly optimistic voice. ◇

It was simple to catch up to Rinemu. Her dazzling appearance made her clearly stand out. Even with the gloomy aura above her head, it didn’t detract from her charm. So, since Kurumi calling out only made her mutter to herself, she grabbed her by the back of the neck. “Gue!” Rinemu let out a voice remarkably similar to a toad. “Kurumi-san, you didn’t hesitate to do this at all. Don’t tell me you were affected by the other party’s idol aura?” After listening to Hibiki, Kurumi shrugged her shoulders.

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“Aren’t I also an A-rank idol? There’s no reason to fear this person.” “Are you finished talking now! So let go of this rude hand you moron! Idiot! Fool!” Kurumi narrowed her eyes as she silently removed her hand from her neck. “Who are you guys? What do you want with Kirari Rinemu?” “Oh, we are……” “Hey, aren’t you Higoromo Hibiki! That famous Hibi P!” “Ah, yes. That’s me all right.” “So are you looking to be my producer? No problem! But, I can’t sing or dance. Is there a solution to this!? Like standing in the right place to lip-sync, let the backup dancers dance behind, and sell a ballade with the lyrics as the focal point. Is it feasible to start from this aspect?” “There’s no way that would work.” Hibiki replied back bluntly. “Eh, can’t you do it? Can’t it work?” “Lip syncing a popular ballade, aren’t you underestimating the idol industry too much?” Hibiki cut her down with a cold glare. “But I can’t sing.” “……Do you want to be able to sing?” “Very much so, but if I’m no good I want to live a long leisurely life in comfort.” “So it’s like this, Kurumi-san. This person is useless.” “From the prior conversation, I could already make that out.” “What’s up with you two! Why did you come seeking the self-recognized no-good Quasi-Spirit Kirari Rinemu? Reiryoku? My reiryoku is not much to give to you. If you want it anyway, then kill me and take away this power! Don’t hurt me and try to make it feel as good as possible!” “This person is suffering from the problem of not listening to others.” “From the previous conversation……the following was omitted.”

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After pausing for a minute, Kurumi decided to use a superficial and extremely effective method in line with her personality. Tap, it was the sound effect of ’s short gun was pushed against Rinemu’s forehead. “My apologizes, but could you please cease this chatter and silently listen to this story.” With tears in her eyes, Rinemu nodded. “It’s no different than from a robber in broad daylight.” It was precisely like that. “Now, let me think. Let’s find a calm place to talk.” “I-I know. Uhh, I’ll take us to the coffee shop, so please don’t shoot～～”

……So as it turned out, the three of them returned back to the coffee store. The surrounding gazes looked a little stunned as Rinemu turned her head to looking away as the three of them all took a seat. “Hmph!” “Oh, are you quite disliked here or something?” “I haven’t provoked any dislike!? Probably, definitely! They should all be ex-fans that probably feel guilty. I don’t care at all!” “Ah, well, I think so too.” Anyway, the surrounding people seemed to have decided to consciously ignore them. Since there were fewer guests at the coffee shop now, they shouldn’t be heard as long as they talked softly enough. “I’ll get right to the point. Are you looking for ‘The Voice of the Moon’?” “……Where did you hear about this?” At that moment, Rinemu’s eyes entered full alert mode. On the other side, Kurumi slowly pointed at the table. “Here, just a moment ago.” “How strange. It’s usually already set up to not be audible.” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“Set up?” “Forget that, it doesn’t matter to me anyway. ……So, what are you going to do to me? Acting as bait? Are you going to use me as bait? Just like a canary in a coal mine!” “Well, it’s similar to that, but also a little different.” “Where’s the difference! The only thing I have left is this idol-like face! If that is taken away, I’ll have nothing left!” “……Hibiki-san.” “I don’t want to, I don’t want to, I absolutely don’t want to. I definitely won’t to use on this person!” Hibiki’s was an Unsigned Angel with the power to rob another person’s face, personality, and abilities. A while ago, she had used it to transform into Tokisaki Kurumi. If that was possible, Kurumi thought it would be simple to do the same with Kirari Rinemu. “Hey, I’m sensing you’re rushing a step too far……” “Moreover, isn’t it meaningless to also take away the part of her that can’t sing?” Hibiki’s Unsigned Angel couldn’t plunder away what had already been taken. What Rinemu was capable of, Hibiki was likely able to perform the same. But if Rinemu was unable to perform, the same principle remained the same for Hibiki. “Hey! Don’t leave me out while you’re talking about such a dangerous topic okay!” Kurumi cleared her throat to inform the still terrified girl. “Please listen to me. We want to depart this region and for that we need your cooperation. So──I will help you search for that ‘The Voice of the Moon’.” “……You want to help me?” “That’s right.” “But why do you want to leave this region? Aren’t you and an idol and producer respectively?” “……I don’t want to be an idol. I want to head to a different region.” “That means, if I obtain ‘The Voice of the Moon’ and you return back to being Dominion, can you allow us to proceed to another region?”

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“Yes, can the Dominion do something simple like that?” “Well, that’s not really a difficult thing. Then, the deal is made. I’ll resume singing and return to being the Dominion and then open the door so that you can have permission to proceed to another region.” “We will assist you in obtaining ‘The Voice of the Moon’.” “What is your name? I know Higoromo Hibiki, Hibi P, but this is the first time seeing you.’ “My name is Tokisaki Kurumi. I hope you remember it.” Kurumi lifted up the hem of her skirt and gracefully performed a curtsy. ◇

Kurumi and Hibiki had tacitly agreed to not reveal their true identities and goal. Kirari Rinemu was merely a stakeholder with aligned interests after all. It didn’t mean they couldn’t trust her, but getting her involved only served to increase the complications of the matter. After all, Hibiki was convinced. If Rinemu listened to Kurumi’s goal and treated it in a disdainful or dismissive manner, there mutual beneficial relationship would fall apart at the seams. Moreover, that mistake would lead to Rinemu’s last rites be performed by Kurumi’s hand. Kurumi was also self-aware of this, so it was decided that Hibiki would be primarily responsible with communicating with Rinemu. However…… “Hey, hey, Kurumi. Is that old-fashioned pistol your weapon?” “Yeah. Please don’t talk to me.” “Anyway, Kurumi, that clock piece on your left eye……is that a cosmetic contact lens?” “No, it’s always been like that. Also, please don’t talk to me.” “What’s the name of your Unsigned Angel? Is it the type that can be used in a concert? By the way, my Unsigned Angel is called , which is this microphone stand.” “……Hibiki-san, can you handle this problem?”

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Kurumi sighed as she pushed back Rinemu, who was continually approaching closer. How to describe it? Rinemu seemed to particularly admire Kurumi. Like a child craving for attention, she incessantly kept asking questions around Kurumi. “Even if you ask me, I can’t do anything about it.” Hibiki knew that her own attempts wouldn’t go anywhere at all. Because the girl called Tokisaki Kurumi was already making a threatening gesture. With thorns as razor sharp as a Japanese sword, it covered her body like a defensive weapon just like a hedgehog. Daring to talk to her so naturally, there was likely only herself in the past──her old self truly held that self-confidence. However, for Rinemu, she was talking familiarly without fear to the girl named Tokisaki Kurumi. It wasn’t so much as amusing as it was exceedingly self-destructive. “……Are you also capable of being ruthless?” “Nothing of the sort, you’re being too suspicious. Anyway, I haven’t stayed in the Ninth Region Yesod in a long time. What kind of place is this Cradle?’’ “As long as you live in this world, a place you don’t want to draw to close to even if you want to die.” Rinemu’s voice felt faintly cold. “……That explanation is too vague.” “For now, I’m planning on going to the nearby security station today. I’ll explain there. If you try to flee midway, it’ll be a real headache.” “How can we run away? After all, we are making every effort to get out of here as soon as possible.” After hearing that, Rinemu snickered. “There is the end of the Ninth Region Yesod. A place where all hope has been abandoned.”

After visiting several regions, Hibiki was faintly aware that each region was shaped like a huge circle. Although it was unclear if it was a cylinder or disk shape, generally speaking each region was depicted as a huge circle.

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The closer to the edge, the more dreary the landscape would become. The edge of the Tenth Region Malkuth only had craters left as marks of destruction from meteorites. “That’s a little different from the Ninth Region Yesod.” “I suppose, since each region is different. What is it like here?” “It’s said that Empty girls linger in the Cradle, eager to fade away.” “Empty?” Having grown familiar of hearing that word from Hibiki, Kurumi suddenly froze. “Yes, Empty. We call a child that has lost their dreams Empty. Or do you have another name for this?” Hibiki shrugged her shoulders in reply to Rinemu’s question. “The name is the same. We also called those girls Empty.” “In the Tenth Region Malkuth, how do the Empty become lost?” “Eh, very ordinarily. Disappearing right in front of one’s eyes, ah disappearing just like that.” “……Really, a Quasi-Spirit living in the Tenth Region must be very tough.” In the Tenth Region Malkuth, even if an Empty suddenly disappearing right in front of someone, any Quasi-Spirit would quietly accept this without issue. This wasn’t the case for those in the Ninth Region Yesod. Their sudden disappearance would cause other Quasi-Spirits to feel uneasy──with the fear of death causing them to unable to display their usual demeanor as idols. The first Dominion who worried about this created a sacred place for them. Its name was the Cradle of Dreams. A miserable hell contrary to that gentle name. “But I also haven’t seen it with my own eyes either!” “……If you haven’t seen it for yourself, then why call it a miserable hell?” “Because there was a Quasi-Spirit idol, driven by curiosity, went there to play. The next day, she returned back as an Empty and disappeared soon afterwards.”

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“That’s……really scary.” “It seems that person want to prove being special by doing something different. Unfortunately, she just picked the wrong place. It’s rumored that only Empty girls are unaffected there.” “……That type of existence is truly inconceivable.” “Does Kurumi think so too? I agree.” Kurumi ignored Rinemu, recalling the moment she claimed herself to be Empty. During that time she truly matched that name by acting without thinking. It appeared more to be like the name of a race, perhaps because of that Hibiki had used that as a term to describe her. Then, when remembering Hibiki transforming and behaving like herself, she slammed her elbow at her. “It hurts, it hurts, Kurumi-san. Why did you suddenly strike me!?” “I was remembering the past.” “Hey, sorry I was sort of misbehaving then…...hehe, the past……it hurts, it hurts!! I-I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Hibiki looked strangely delighted while being attacked by Kurumi. ◇

“……Tokisaki Kurumi, Higoromo Hibiki, Momozono Mayuka, Tokisaki Kurumi, Higoromo Hibiki, Momozono Mayuka……” As the girl called Luku muttered to herself, the other Quasi-Spirits felt spooked and consciously avoided her. Luku was an Empty girl that only obeyed Momozono Mayuka’s commands. In the past, when Tokisaki Kurumi was replaced by Higoromo Hibiki, she was called Empty, but that term was originally a generic term used to describe an existence like them. They don’t have rich emotions like a Quasi-Spirit and aren’t afraid of death. To be more precise, they had adjusted to the mindset of preparing to accept death. In the Neighboring World, death meant annihilation, and annihilation meant disappearing──just like submerging into sleep. Even though Quasi-Spirits were extremely afraid of death and vanishing, Empty girls were strangely resistant towards this fear. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Rather than fear, it was closer to resignation. But even this state wouldn’t last long. Soon, they would suddenly disappear without a trace. But during this period, they were soldiers that did not fear death. In the Ninth Region Yesod, there wasn’t only beautiful idols singing and dancing, but also abrupt flesh and blood strife that lead to mutual killing. Those moments were their turn to play. No longer fear death or the taboo of abusing their Unsigned Angel on another. Luku didn’t feel anything. There was nothing felt but indifference towards her own death and the death of others. That was the reason Mayuka undoubtedly doted on her until she died. And that was the only pleasure Luku could respond to. She silently chased behind those three companions. ◇ “We’ve arrived. It’s already night so let’s take a break here.” The building was alone in the wilderness, tempting targets like a moth to a flame. The design was an extremely stylish apartment, with the interior being unexpectedly modern living room with a sofa and TV. Perhaps it was created due to the idol that had come to challenge this only to disappear in a miserable state. The former Dominion Rinemu likely learned of this story and established this surveillance base for a brief period of time. “Well, here was designed to monitor the Emptys, but I guess it’s pointless to try and stop those girls. Ah, as long as you use reiryoku, you can even take a shower here!” Kurumi gave a confused look after hearing what Rinemu had said. “Yes, I never paid special attention to it until now. But why do we even sweat here?” “Perhaps because anything can happen in this world as long as you believe in it.” “I’m an idol. I don’t sweat or need to use the bathroom!” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Kirari Rinemu proudly puffed out her chest. “Ah, this person sincerely believes so! No sweating! Amazing!” Hibiki reached her hand to Rinemu only to discover it was exactly as she had said. Despite the obvious long walk, there wasn’t a single bead of sweat. It appeared there was also no need to use the toilet. “Idols are really amazing!” “Yeah, I’m amazing! Obviously I’m an idol, yet I can’t sing……there’s nothing that can do about it……singing……” Rinemu, who had suddenly become depressed, awkwardly cuddled to the corner of the room. “Kurumi-san, first she’s prideful, then self-deprecating, and now depressed.” “……Um, a thought just passed my mind. If you’re not an idol anymore, won’t you start sweating?” “Ah.” “Ah.” As soon as Kurumi pointed that out, Rinemu began to sweat profusely like a waterfall.

“I actually, I actually, I actually started to sweat. I’m certain to start having to use the bathroom now that I’m not an idol anymore.” “Yes, yes, if there is any itch～” Hibiki forcibly dragged the downcast Rinemu to the shower while at the same time helping her to wash her hair. “This bathroom is really spacious and splendid.” Kurumi had already washed herself before those two since only a single person could fit in the bathtub. It was a leisurely feeling that hadn’t been felt in ages. “Haah……” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“Uwah, I actually, I actually……” “You expect it to be noisier with three girls here, but one is muttering to herself while other is enjoying the bath, so it’s strangely quiet.” “Could it be that Hibiki-san is shouldering the noise for all three of us?” “I’m not that noisy!” “You aren’t noisy?” “Please be quiet.” “Muu, that’s unreasonable. Even so, both of us have stylish figures” “……Because I am an idol. Idols must keep their bodies in mind.” Hearing Hibiki’s praise, Rinemu’s spirits brighten a little. There was the impression of her stretching out her back from her curled up position. “Fufu. Well, it’s a little worse when compared to me.” Hearing Kurumi’s causal joke, Rinemu curled up once again. “That’s right, my stature is no better than an amateur……I am a water flea……toilet paper……” “Kurumi-san, she hasn’t recovered yet!” “Looks like quite the headache.” It appeared that her trauma was still very severe. ◇

After taking a shower, Rinemu was sitting in the corner of the room, her hands performing athletics in air while already asleep. The other two who had taken a shower had transformed their Astral Dress into pajamas and decided to go to bed. There was a double bed on the second floor, but other than that there was only the sofa remaining. “Shall we decide through rock paper scissors?”

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Kurumi shook her head at Hibiki’s suggestion. “I’m just as exhausted as you. I give up, let’s just share it.” “Good night, Kurumi-sa──” Hibiki spoke as she was just about to enter the bed, when Kurumi suddenly called out to her. “……Hibiki-san, are you alright?” “I’m fine, what’s the matter?” Kurumi’s eyes looked serious. Judging from Hibiki’s experience, even from the tension of her eyebrows, it was quite serious indeed. “Empty. The reason I called myself that name was from the remaining vestiges from you, correct?” “……Yes.” “When you told me about your past, you were first born as an Empty. And now……that you have accomplished your revenge for that girl.” “I have already accomplished that……now a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.” The target that Hibiki had dedicated her life for the sake of revenge, the Dominion Doll Master, had already lost and disappeared. No, it was Hibiki who herself who had dealt the killing blow. Her revenge was over and her dream realized. In other words, she currently has no purpose to sustain herself. “So, I am asking if you’ll be okay. If you’ll become an Empty again──” Hibiki shook her head as she pressed her index finger against Kurumi’s lips. “It’s okay, Kurumi-san. Because I am very happy now. Just being with each other is so much fun that each day is great and exciting, so I won’t become an Empty again.” “……It would be good if that were true.” “Perhaps you are worried about me?” “No way. If you disappear halfway, I wouldn’t become lost, there’s just nobody left that will help me depart here.”

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“Lost……” “I hardly remember anything before coming to the Neighboring World. Even the names of the most important people I cherish are blurred. I only remember having lived in the real world and……fighting.” “You were fighting?” “Yes, I was fighting. Something……awfully absurd one way or another.” It was a target that hellishly exceeded reality. Regardless of the timing, “we” would never forget that murderous intent towards her. However, for the cause this was founded on──trying to remember it was like── “Kurumi-san?” A serene voice pulled Kurumi back from the past to the present. “If you force yourself to look behind at the past, you’ll become caught by it.” “Caught by it?” “Yes, no longer able to escape. Because that’s what used to always happen to me.” Looking back at the past. The longing to embrace a person that was already dead. However, those matters were already a thing of the past. The past should be used for nostalgia, not persistent attachment. Even if persisting, it wouldn’t bring back the feeling from that time, only the emptiness could be perceived. Hearing Hibiki’s words, Kurumi sullenly whispered. “That’s correct. But I am lacking a past even now.” It was impossible for her to not be attached to the past. She would always attempt to remember when asleep. His words, his face, recalling any memories involving him.

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“Even so, if all you can see is a hazy phantom image──then you must keep marching forward from the present.” And so, Hibiki wouldn’t allow Kurumi to act this way. No, she wouldn’t permit this for herself. “……That’s quite strict.” “It’ll be a long journey to achieve your dreams. So, let’s talk before sleeping, the journey from here onward.” “Yes, can you tell me? What sort of places you’ve reached up to the Sixth Region Tiphareth, and what I should do to confront them all.” Hibiki endured the weary sleepiness as she continued talking. Tokisaki Kurumi’s combat ability far exceeded a Quasi-Spirit. The only existence comparable to her would likely be Tsuan. But even for Tsuan, the chances for defeat were very high if Kurumi played out her hand in earnest. The strongest and worst trickster, Kurumi’s , still had bullets hidden away. However, it would still be difficult for Kurumi to cross over to the other world. The Dominion, as the name would imply, was a person that ruled over each region. The laws enacted by these adolescent girls were flexible, unreasonable, and diverse. In all likelihood, the Ninth Region Yesod personified this best. The power of an idol meant everything here, which made it a great obstacle to overcome even for Kurumi. Therefore, Hibiki had to impart the means of overcoming these obstacles. “For example, like how to use reiryoku to create the sensation of feeling full in the wilderness when the stomach is grumbling.” “For example, like how to pick locks when imprisoned.” “For example, like how to draw out even more reiryoku for a limited time when one’s limits are reached.” This was how things were in the Neighboring World. A survival method that was possible only through the soul rather than a physical body. Hibiki thoroughly taught her each trick. Soon after, when the drowsiness reached its peak, Hibiki reluctantly informed Kurumi.

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“Let’s continue each day, talk each day, and teach each day, all so that Kurumi wouldn’t collapse completely midway through this world.” It was unclear even to herself if she had responded, but Kurumi had nodded back to Hibiki. A dream of meeting again in the other world.

The next morning, Kurumi woke up finding herself under the bed. Judging from the mirrors, there were faint remnants of a footprint on her cheek that matched Hibiki’s sleeping posture. It appeared that she was knocked out of the bed during the middle of the night. “Good morning (gunshot).” Kurumi decided to shoot first no questions asked. “Nya────!! Wwwwwwhy are you suddenly opening fire!?” “It’s merely my morning greeting for you oversleeping.” “Hey! It’s unreasonable to get this angry this early in the morning!” But that wasn’t necessarily unreasonable this time, as Kurumi responded with a full smile to Hibiki whose entire body was trembling. ◇ “Good morning you two! Well, today’s the day to arrive at the Cradle!” Rinemu had completely recovered her spirits to the point of being excessively energetic. “Ah, there’s milk, milk!” “……It’s incredible to know that there are no cows but milk here.” “It’s because here is a convenient world that above all else caters to materials in demand. There are only no dogs, cats, and people of the opposite sex.” “……So there really aren’t any cats. No, never mind.” For Kurumi……besides his absence, this was the most disappointing thing about the Neighboring World. “I don’t really care about milk. Ah, but I still need to drink to make my breasts grow bigger.” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“That is obviously an unfounded legend Rinemu-san.” “As long as you believe, it usually works well! My breasts are! Definitely! Growing!”

Five minutes later, the two of them were outside the surveillance station waiting for Rinemu. “It really got bigger, Rinemu-san’s chest.” “Rinemu-san’s chest was too exaggerated. It was roughly 200 centimeters.” “Rinemu-san was sobbing uncontrollably saying that it was getting smaller and smaller. Are breasts really useful?” “P-perhaps.” After another ten minutes, Rinemu appeared out with her eyes swollen from crying. “H-How is it now? Is it the perfect style?” “Well, the more the better.” “It feels a little thinner than the first time I saw you.” “No! This time it’s too flat! Wait a minute; I’ll go make it bigger!” The two of them dragged Rinemu’s arms and forced her to leave. “Let──me──go──!” “You’re being too noisy. How long will it take to get there?” The fact of the matter was that the conversation continued while dragging her along. “I think you should be able to see it after climbing this hill……” After climbing halfway through the hill, Rinemu finally gave up and proceeded to move forward by herself. Since arriving at the surveillance station, there haven’t been any Quasi-Spirits seen to the point that the usual hustle and bustle of the Ninth Region Yesod was now inaudible. After no longer talking, there was silence in their surroundings. The two outside of Kurumi seemed to be afraid of this atmosphere as they kept chatting about irrelevant topics. Kurumi finally asked.

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“Is it so horrible to be quiet?” “I’m scared, I’m terribly scared. Can you believe that there’s no sound at all?” “I hate being noisy……but in this case I wouldn’t mind a little bit of celebratory noise.” “You’re the one that’s acting weird. If there’s no sound, that means you’re not alive. If I can’t make a sound, that means I’m not qualified to survive……” Since Rinemu was getting depressed again, Hibiki quickly tried to change the topic. “Kurumi-san, are you fond of the noise from a festival?” Kurumi immediately sank her face down upon hearing that question. “Um, Kurumi-san?” “My apologizes, Hibiki-san. I have no memories of participating in a festival, so I can’t answer that. Please don’t mind, since it’s nothing more than natural to be like this.” “Ah, I don’t know very clearly……but it looks like you don’t have it easy either.” Having unknowingly rebounded back a bit, Rinemu spoke out. Kurumi gave a faint surprised look at this. “Kurumi-san?” Hearing Hibiki question again, Kurumi shook her head as she replied. “No, it’s nothing. Yes, I don’t have it easy……in all respects.” “All things can be solved as soon as I can sing! Okay, it’s coming up soon! We’ll be able to see the Cradle of Dreams soon!” Rinemu began running forward with a bitter smile as Hibiki chased after her. Kurumi, not knowing if she was caught contemplating her worries, was the last one to arrive. As the two of them climbed up the slope, their feet came to a stop after seeing what was in sight. The Cradle──a wonderful place in name only. In truth it was a sea of emptiness that accepted death and destruction. ……So Kurumi wouldn’t be surprise if it was a black sea or filled with craters like the Tenth Region Malkuth, or a completely barren like the surface of Mars. However, she was surprised at this. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Kurumi understood their responses after seeing it herself. A serpent-like roller coaster passed through a huge mountain, some of the gondolas were missing, the Ferris wheel missing a few carriages, a merry go round with a brown horse rather than white, a mascot character that had deteriorated with time, and weeds on the asphalt that spread around like acne. Instead of a cradle of dreams, it was like a playground of abandoned dreams. “An……amusement……park?” Hibiki whispered as her feet didn’t move another step. “It seems to be.” Rinemu also whispered as her feet stood frozen as well. Of course, there were no moving objects in this amusement park. At most there was a creaking sound of the Ferris wheel from the wind blowing. “…..Aren’t you going?” “I have a great idea. Hibiki and Kurumi should go first to get ‘The Voice of the Moon’.” “Oh, then what about Rinemu-san?” “I’ll stand here, responsible for keeping contact and finding help in case of an emergency!” “In other words, that means you’ll do nothing? (gunshot)” After Kurumi fired the first shot, Rinemu cried out with tears, promising that she’ll go. “Kurumi-san, stop being trigger happy with that pistol……I still have the trauma from this morning……” “This method is best when time is precious. Now, let’s proceed.” Kurumi took a step forward──inevitably Hibiki soon followed suit. And finally, it was Rinemu’s turn to move forward while she was trembling in fear.

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○Cradle After walking down the slope, the wretched aspects were even more on open display. An artificial pool that had dried up without a droplet of water left, an unmanned ticket counter, and a dirty letter-blemished guidebook──it was undoubtedly no less an inferior stage to that of a horror movie. On the other hand, Kurumi thought the location looked appropriate for the end of the world. In the past it must have looked like──a pure and innocent playground. What existed now was──a place where innocent dreams would end. “……Kurumi-san.” Hibiki pulled on Kurumi’s sleeves as she silently pointed to a bench. The wooden benches, which were once white, were now battered and decayed. A single girl was sitting there. An empty girl who was unknown to Kurumi, Hibiki and Rinemu. She was staring at the sky in vain, doing nothing to respond their footsteps. “What are you doing in this place?” “────” The only reply was silence──making Kurumi grow a little impatient. “I asked what you are doing──I’m still waiting.” As Kurumi was in the middle of speaking, the empty girl didn’t even glance at her as she kept mumbling while looking up at the sky. “……What are you waiting for?” “I will melt. My body will melt and disappear. But it’s not scary. I will merge with here, so it’s not scary at all. Because here is a happy amusement park. The merry-go-round, the Ferris wheel, the roller coaster, around, around, everything goes around as it melts away.” Rather than reassuring herself, it sounded more like a certain declaration that she held to be true. Those words struck Hibiki’s chest like a spear. So much so that it incited the idea of wanting to disappear that she would usually keep hidden within the bottom of her heart. “……Is that so? Then, you must have nothing else to say to me.” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Kurumi spoke in a calm manner. It strange tenderness given to an existence that was about to die. The girl was silent, breathing in one more sigh of relief……before disappearing into thin air. “……Disappeared, she disappeared.” Rinemu was overcome by surprise as she muttered repeatedly. Hibiki was also in shock from seeing after witnessing a scene she hadn’t seen for a long time. Only Kurumi was nodding with an understanding look. “Calling this the Cradle certainly seems appropriate. That is to say, even if this ruined amusement park looks like a gorgeous playground, we must remain alert.” Hibiki nodded in agreement to what Kurumi had said. Only Rinemu was slanting her head to express her doubts. “What do you mean?” “In the eyes of an Empty, it looks like a happy amusement park, dazzling as if everything is new as ever.” “These ruins!? But……everything here is in ruins!” Rinemu raised both of her hands as if finding this incomprehensible. “So that’s why it’s called a cradle……” For a girl that was supposed to die, it must be a paradise. For a girl that didn’t want to die yet, it was a place closest to hell. “I already feel my spirits crushed because of her sudden disappearance. In the blink of an eye, she disappeared without a trace. How are you two able to move on so nonchalantly?” “Because I’m used to it (ah).” The replies from those two were exceedingly straightforward and clear. “Alright, thinking about how that girl just disappeared won’t help the current situation at all. Focus on finding ‘The Voice of the Moon’, a crystal which is said to grant people the ability to sing.” “E-even if you say that……where is ‘The Voice of the Moon’?”

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Although Rinemu still felt frightened, she still recalled their primary goal here. Hibiki picked up the guidebook and quickly flipped through the map. “Everyone, let’s examine each area one by one.” “Isn’t it more efficient for the three of us to search separately?” Hibiki shook her head to refute what Kurumi had said. “It’s more efficient, but also easier to be neglectful. The two of us should be fine, but I imagine Rinemu-san would miss a lot of details because of her fear.” “Ah……ah……” “Kurumi-chan, why are you nodding several times in agreement to that? Well, it’s not like I would deny that myself!” “So, the discovery of ‘The Voice of the Moon’ is on us! Let’s do our best!” “Yes. I would like to see ‘The Voice of the Moon’ as well since we’ve come all this way.” “S-sorry. Being ignored, my mood has become very depressed. Can I leave this to you?” Kurumi and Hibiki pulled both of Rinemu’s demoralized arms as they continued the search for ‘The Voice of the Moon’. ◇ ──In terms of conclusion, nothing could be discovered. “Can’t find it……” “We’ve looked from above and behind every building. We can’t find it; it’s bad enough that we don’t even know where to search. We’ve turned each building inside and out……could it be possibly hidden underground?” “If that’s the case, then there wouldn’t be any rumors. Assuming that the rumor itself is true, if ‘The Voice of the Moon’ was hidden underground, it would have already been discovered at the same time.” “That’s also true. At the very least, there would be some traces of excavation.” “To re-bury something once discovered……no, it would be too out place to think that way.”

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“I wonder if I’ve been deceived……I wonder if I’m being teased. Not that I am an idol that can no longer sing, my only worth is being a pretty girl worth being teased……” Kurumi and Hibiki paid no attention to Rinemu feeling disheartened as they continued their deductions. “……Thinking it over carefully, isn’t the rumor itself strange. Usually discovering this would be the same as obtaining it. But why are there only rumors with no one having obtained it yet?” “Could it be a trap?” “Impossible……I’m not a woman that deserves to be scammed by others.” “……What Rinemu-san says is also reasonable. It seemed that Momozono Mayuka and her assistant Empty were worried on the off chance that Rinemu-san actually found ‘The Voice of the Moon’. Rinemu-san, did Mayuka give the impression that she was lying?” “Hm? Well, Mayuka has a bad personality that is wily, treacherous, and willing to throw things into mayhem without hesitation, but that means she’ll be easily exposed when lying. In order to preserve her idol image, she tries to conceal those thoughts. It seems that she self-aware of having no other choice but to do that. I think that’s a little cute though.” Rinemu’s analysis was relentless as it was accurate. “So, what that person said couldn’t have been a lie. At the very least……even if that girl was lying, I would have been able to see through it. That’s my strength.” “I still have doubts on another matter. Memories of rain……what is that?” “……It hasn’t fallen at all, rain.” Kurumi reached out her hand, but there were no signs of it raining anytime soon. “In the Ninth Region Yesod, there’s almost no rain. There is deliberate rain used to enliven the audience during a performance, but even that’s limited to the local areas.” “So it’s true that rain won’t occur as a natural phenomenon?” “Yes.” “……Rain……rain, rain, rain……a place where it rains……” Hibiki noticed something after re-checking the guidebook. “We haven’t checked here yet, right?”

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Hearing this, both Kurumi and Hibiki turned to the guidebook──shouting out a subsequent “Aah!”

A roller coaster called Storm Mountain passed through a huge mountain-like object along the way. The interior of the building had been explored, but they hadn’t examined that object in the middle of the roller coaster tracks. “Let’s go check it out.” If it wasn’t there, defeat would be forced into their hands……but somehow the three of them couldn’t help but give a convinced nod when looking at each other. Despite being completely unfounded it was just pure intuition. “Can you fly?” Confronted by Hibiki’s question, Rinemu straightened her chest and replied back with ‘naturally!” “If I couldn’t fly, then I wouldn’t be able to descend down from the sky for a concert.” “Descend from the sky……” “Yeah, the concept is based on a living God swopping down from the sky as the embodiment of an absolute God.” “I want more Gods.” Hibiki whispered in amazement as Rinemu ignored this as she began to float up into the sky. The three of them traveled along the path of the roller coaster tracks and to the huge mountainlike object. “Wow!” ‘Wow!” ‘Oh my.” The three of them expressed their surprised due to three different reasons. One of them was furious because of the sudden downpour; another understood the meaning behind this rain, and the last one sensed the huge reiryoku deeper inside. “……Do you know what to say at a time like this?” “Bingo?” “Well said.”

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The three of them stood at the entrance. Droplets of rain continued to fall; it was obvious from the color that it wasn’t ordinary rain. It may have been dark, but this liquid was clearly black. “What happens if you bathe in this rain?” “Since it’s a rain of memories……it should be some sort of recollection.” “……Memory.” Rinemu’s complexion turned gloomy as her face looked as if she was about to cry. She stepped back to avoid the splashing water droplets. “I’ll go in to check the situation.” “Will you be okay?” “Well, if anything happens──I still have this.” Kurumi lightly tapped . Whatever mental damage inflicted could be theoretically suppressed by ‘rewinding time’. “Now then, I’m off.” Kurumi took a deep breath as she jumped a step forward. The heavy rain immediately drenched her entire body.

In that moment, Kurumi sighed as if giving up. ──This was unbearable. Kurumi marched forward into the darkness inside the mountain, unafraid of the downpour of rain as she walked towards ‘The Voice of the Moon’. “……No problem?” Hearing Hibiki whisper, Kurumi turned towards her and smiled. “How about you?” For some reason, hearing that provocation, Hibiki felt a sense of dissatisfaction turning her heart inside out. “Then I’ll take a look too. If anything goes wrong, Kurumi-san can use her Angel to eliminate the memory.” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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As Hibiki finished speaking, she set foot to accept the memory baptism. Exchanging glances with Kurumi, there was a serious look of deep sorrow and grief. Turning to look over at Rinemu──it was pity. “……Rinemu-san may not be able to withstand this.” The look of pity from those two appeared to be intentional as Rinemu tried to ignore it while also stepping forward. The memory immediately poured down, penetrating her skin, hair, flesh, nerves and then crawling into her brain. ◇ ──Alright, let’s detail a malicious story. As the saying goes, three is a crowd. Regardless of being a man or woman, nothing could surpass a crowd speaking slanderous gossip about another person behind the scenes. This was especially true if the target was an idol rising in fame. Fanaticism turned into disappointment, disappointment into hatred, hatred flowing like a muddy stream. If legitimacy was easily added to this slander, it would stir up people to speak ill of the target. What she was suffering was this situation── “Oh, so it turned out to be this.” And so, Rinemu sighed. This was the hell she experienced when touching that black pillar that appeared during the Compile. ──Wrong! I didn’t do that! No matter how much shouting, there was not a single person understanding or sympathizing with her, no one raised their voice to speak up for her. To tear apart those malicious lies (How have you not dropped dead) Something absurd that couldn’t be refuted. (You’re sleeping around to get promoted) Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong (It’s all slander, libel, smear, and nonsense)! Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Her shouts, cries, screams of anger, they pick apart to find fault in everything, turning it all into an object of ridicule and mockery. ──You’re selling your body to stand on this stage. I have never done that── ──You’ve been treating your fans like fools behind their backs

How could everyone think that── ──Smoking, drinking, living a life of debauchery each night. I am an idol, I can’t do that── Like this. If that was the case. Why Why were such words being weighed on me?

You sold your body to sing, sold your body for the sake of comfort, sold your body in order to become filthy, sold it fall to an all-time low, cheaply selling dignity for love, becoming a machine selling your songs loudly for the fans you treated as fools, your pleasant to hear songs have been polluted because of your selling your body for the support of the staff, you worthless, worthless, good-for nothing! “Gu…...ah.” She knew this well. The world on the other side was not trivially cheerful; Rinemu once again was made aware of that. But still, she didn’t want to be aware of this. It was the feeling of the world spinning around herself, yet with everyone sneering and ridiculing her. Becoming the target of an internet mob was no longer adequate to describe this. Rather, the malice had reached a critical point, feeling as if a blazing iron pipe had pierced her heart.

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Just standing on stage caused shudders to spread through her entire body. It felt nauseous just trying to speak. As soon as my mouth was open, my throat felt crushed. And so, Rinemu was even more ridiculously mocked. ──Hey, why is it? Why are you so desperate to sing when idols are a dime a dozen here?

If the abuse felt before was like being roasted on a stake, then those words felt like every bit of blood had drained from her arteries. She didn’t expect everyone to be her fan, just wanting for them to listen to her songs……only requesting that luxury for herself from everyone. She wanted them to wait. The idols that sang, danced, and laughed worse than her, and most of all those foolish fans that ridiculed her. But why? Why did the fans choose her and not me? It was as if declaring her songs as irrelevant, having no impact on the world and unable to change the values of others. No, it was the attitude of picking up whatever is at hand when hungry. The memories mixed together, trampling on the ideals she’s always believed in. So she was unable to sing, unable to trust the wild enthusiasm she saw before in the fans’ eyes. Because the wild enthusiasm of those girls wasn’t directed at her. It was because that wild enthusiasm was needed to stave off death for those girls. That was all. They just stood there, indifferent to whom their target of affection was. Even if you see yourself trying to delay death, no one else would notice it. Even if it was noticed, they’ll just laugh it off as a futile act. She could no longer sing. Because singing no longer made sense. Just like that girl who realized this in the real world. “Ah……ugh.” To keep being struck by this rain of memories meant being contact with ‘her’ memories. That’s right, this rain was exactly from the Ninth Spirit──the source of this hell was a girl that had never visited the Neighboring World before. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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At the same time as becoming a Spirit, that girl’s scars were engraved onto the Neighboring World. Rinemu thought. Absolutely no one could sing after being forced to watch those circumstances. She could no longer advance or retreat. Like a meteorite of malice, it could only come down to crush someone with savage criticism. “……Don’t……want…..” “──If you don’t want to continue bearing this, then go on ahead.”

In a flash, a voice responding to her rejection had echoed through into her ear. “──────Ah.” That’s right, putting myself in this position, why did I want to step forward? The reason was simple, the two people up front were easily forging ahead in this rain. So, she had begun to think she could do the same herself. “Why?” Why could these guys be drenched in this malicious rain and still stand calmly? It was Higoromo Hibiki who replied. “Well…… for a Quasi-Spirit living in the Tenth Region Malkuth, this sort of malicious thing is commonplace. Moreover, trifling circumstances have caused me to confront this malice head on.” Tokisaki Kurumi informed her next. “……The world is cruel and human beings are incarnations of malicious. There is no redemption in this world. Idols are nothing more than entertainment seen by fans that only derive pleasure from the surface level.” While saying so, Kurumi pointed her pistol at the damp artificial sky. “But what about that?”

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The trigger was pulled. The meaningless bullet disappeared into the air. The faint sound of an impact landing on the ceiling was heard intermingled with the heavy downpour. “Singing is a skill and technical ability crafted by humans. As for you, rather than the embarrassment of an idol without the qualifications to sing, you are under a curse that prevents you from singing.” “……Curse……” “Yes, it’s a curse. The determination to sing and the vow to become an idol, even for a brief moment, you vowed to please the fans at least once. Even if you are forgotten or insulted, you cannot stop singing. And even now there are two fools who want to be your fans.” “……A fan……means……” In front of her eyes were two people──the soaking wet Higoromo Hibiki and Tokisaki Kurumi. “Did you notice yet? You are already moving forward.” “What?” Rinemu became confused as she turned to look back. She thought that she had lost consciousness the moment she passed through the entrance, but it didn’t occur to herself that half the distance was already traversed unknowingly. While groaning. While weeping. She endured the ill-intent malice and moved forward step by step. “Like I may have said, I am no interested in idols. But I want to see this through──I consider that you’ve endured and endured being immersed in that memory that was painful enough to die to advance forward to that powerful song.” “……What are you saying……idiot……ah.” Rinemu turned to go forward. Step by step, she kept moving onward. She was amazed at her pace not stopping. The whirlpool of torrent memories still agitated and tormented Kirari Rinemu’s head. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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She mustered her remaining strength to respond to what Kurumi had said. “My……my……song is……an orthodox……idol……pop song……not yet existing……strong……that key factor……” “Stylish to sing, glistening to dance, and exceedingly amazing ahhhh!” She reached out her hand. The two people in front also reached out to her. “Yes, in that case, I……” “Then, I……” ──Will become a fan of Kirari Rinemu.

With her grabbed hands being pulled, Rinemu leaped into the spot the two of them were at. Because there was something glimmering in the only area where there wasn’t raining, shrouded by a dim light. Rinemu thought it was just like a spotlight. “This is……a microphone……?” There was a single microphone on the floor. “Maybe this is what we were looking for──‘The Voice of the Moon’?” Was this it? If it was, then Rinemu thought as much. But could she sing? As usual, just trying to open her mouth to sing caused no sound to be heard. She felt scared to even speak on account of just traversing through the rain of memories. “Although I don’t know if this could really make a person sing, this object is indeed filled with reiryoku.” Kurumi nodded in agreement to that remark. “Yes, even if you simply absorb this reiryoku, you should feel stronger.” In the Neighboring World, reiryoku was physical strength, energy, currency, and power. If they broke the microphone, then they would certainly be able to taken in its reiryoku.

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“……Can I really accept this?” “Hurry up and take it or I’m afraid that I will change my mind.” Rinemu trembled while listening to what Kurumi had said. It was because what she said was sincere. Rinemu took in a deep breath. While praying and wishing, she picked up the old microphone. ──Pitch black. No, this was different. There was a ray of light shining. It appeared to look like the sea of fluorescent light sticks seen on TV. A single girl exhaled out a sigh. Even her nervous tension was being transmitted to Rinemu. (Aah, right. This is──) In an instant everything became clear. She was once an idol in the real world and her memories were being seen by Rinemu. Embarking while firmly believing it to be the correct path, yet that girl declined and suffered from grave slander. So that was the reason why that girl could only shudder in fear in the waiting room. (……Oh, isn’t that strange?) She noticed an immediate sense of discomfort. Why was this beaten girl trying to control the shudders and still staying in the waiting room? If it meant retiring, she could understand that. If that girl didn’t want to leave home, that was understandable as well. Even if meant no longer singing and relegating only to work related to her past dreams──she could even understand that a little. However, the clothing she was wearing now was undoubtedly the stage costume for an idol. Even when afraid to sing, she was still waiting for her name to be called onto the stage. (Why? You shouldn’t be able to sing.) She had experienced that memory herself, even if she wasn’t the actual person who underwent such circumstances. So, she knew the great difficulty it would be to just barely open her mouth Date A Live LN’s Translation

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to speak. If it was Rinemu, she would definitely refuse to speak or come in contact with others again. No, her memories revealed that she had indeed fallen into that state. Unable to make a sound. Thoughts of seeking death. Every day was difficult to live, just like hell. She was holding a deep darkness within herself, so how did she arrive at this present scene? A mystery since whatever memory that sparked this change couldn’t be seen. Anyhow, there must have been some spiritual catalyst that led to this turn of events. But that something was enough to make her want to stand on the stage again. “──chan. You’re up on stage!” Hearing the call from the assistant, the girl energetically stood up. The trembling instantly disappeared as she switched to an expression befitting for an idol. But having seen through that girl’s memories, Rinemu could tell that the tremors shaking her heart had not disappeared yet. There was the fear of being insulted, despised, and laughed at. However, her footsteps didn’t stop for a moment while approaching the stage. (Hey, why? Why did you find the means to accomplish this?) This girl shouldn’t be able to sing. Unable to speak. Even seeking death wasn’t too surprising. However── Why was she standing on this stage? A sea of overflowing glow sticks, cheers and the spotlight. If was her, Rinemu wouldn’t have been able to do anything. However, that girl began to sing. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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The song was clear and pleasing to the ear──her expression was dignified, her smile lovely, and at times the corner of her eyes were moist as if from weeping. Her posture was perfect, with the only flaw being that it appeared as if she was whispering to audience. Just like loving someone, it was like magic that made people fall in love. The purpose of an idol was to believe in this magic, to believe in the song, to believe in love. Still trying to believe even after being shown the ugly world. As those memories rose to the surface, Rinemu unconsciously reached her hand out──it was the words that were there. The words that were desperately conveyed from the bottom of one’s heart. (──Yes, you believed in that.) What allowed this girl to break free from that distrust was no mere scheme, it was those courageous words. Even if the world turned against and condemn her, she would keep believing in herself. However, it wasn’t just that. One day she noticed, she recognized the faces of those watching. Just as there were spiteful things in this world, there was an equal amount of loving things in return. Just today she saw the manager that was running about everywhere for this day, the designer making the best costume with that tight budget, and the assistant traveling back and forth now. And also, the idols working just as hard as herself.

So finally at last Kirari noticed. Who was the one casting the spotlight to where she was singing? Who was the one who choreographed the dance together? Who was the one that wrote the song given to me? There was always someone who believed in her and was pursuing the same dream together.

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There was an unknown girl who was also desperately singing. If not for this, she would have wanted to run away from this anxiety. It was clear for Rinemu that she was bottling up such emotions. What suppressed these feelings wasn’t herself, but rather the people who believed in her. Even after witnessing that filthy darkness and experiencing that ruin, she still wanted to sing about the beautiful colors of the world──still believing that to be more correct than anything else. No, even after feeling that, she wanted to convey that belief.

Rinemu recalled the second stage she performed. She was confident due to raising the audience excitement during the live audition. But deep down, she was still worried about failure. It was a common occurrence to perform it flawlessly in front of a live audition, only to have it flop after carrying out it again in front of an audience── “It’s all right, Rinemu-san.” That girl held onto her hands and spoke while looking closely at her. “You’ll be absolutely fine.” No excuse given for reasoning, unsophisticated words of encouragement. (Ah, that’s right.) Courage was something impossible to be born from Rinemu’s chest. She was always scared, always afraid. Just thinking about a fan being bored of her songs was enough to keep her up at night. But always, someone else had given her courage. It happened whenever someone other than herself would support her by saying it would be fine. However, she would always forget that starting point, mistakenly believing herself to be the strongest and number 1 presence singing on the stage. A fatal contradiction of a coward that had forgotten the courage once gained from others.

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……The moment she could no longer sing, she panicked and didn’t even try to listen to those voices again. Because of prioritizing no longer being the greatest, she felt like she was the weakest. Undoubtedly being unable to sing meant no longer being able to receive the courage that others would grant her. “But then, who should I receive from courage from?” Just like this girl who had the courage to sing imposingly.

“What isn’t that quite simple?”

Unexpectedly, time stopped for this memory. The sound of the song stopped, even the raised hands of the frenzied fans were frozen in place. The idol in this memory turned over to whisper to Rinemu. “If you want courage, then say it in front of those two. Because they are your fans.” “……Like that, I can sing?” “Of course～～even if there is only one person cheering, as long as there is someone believing in me, I can sing properly.” That idol pressed her hand against her chest as if recalling a past memory. “……Just like that, you can sing a song. If you say that, I’m sure there is no doubt.” The idol spoke with a smile. “Would you like to come to this world? You’ll be very welcomed──by the real me.” “Unfortunately, there seems be someone supporting my song. It would be one thing to proceed together, but I can leave her behind.” “Ehh, what a pity～you look so lovely though～” “Although I want to listen to your songs properly, being able to sing myself is my priority right now……anyway, can you stop touching my head, ears, and chin!”

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The girl in the memory gave a hearty laugh as if not in the least concerned before her expression turned more serious. “It’s a bit regretful, but this memory is only up to here. This is one of the most important and precious memories of everyone who has made me my current self. As long as there is this memory, I…..can sing at any time. But, I think that this must be a one-time utility that won’t work for you.” “I think so too. It’ll be fine; I’ll just have to try something else.” As Rinemu reached out her hand, the idol responded back with a smile, “It must be unusual to shake hands with someone other than a fan～.” “Yeah…….Also, as an idol, I want to give you a piece of advice.” “Yes?” “Every time when you are shaking hands with a beautiful girl, it’s best not to show those beastlike eyes.” “Opps～I carelessly revealed my natural instincts～” Hehe, that girl scratched the back of her head while seemingly reflecting on that point. Well, Rinemu let it pass as she smiled. “Sorry for hindering the opening of this concert.” “No, no, don’t say that. Cute girls are welcomed at any time.” Suddenly, a gust of wind blew. Rinemu realized that must represent the end of this memory.

──Then, let me give one last piece of advice! Whether if it is a friend of lover, no matter which category, it’s best to attach importance and hug tightly those you value.

Finally, this explosive statement was dropped. With no time to protest, Rinemu was thrown out of the memory. ◇

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She opened her eyelids. Higoromo Hibiki gave an anxious look, while even Tokisaki Kurumi gazed on at Kirari Rinemu with particular interest. “How long have I been in a daze?” Hearing those words, Hibiki raised a brow. “Not long at all. It’s been less than five seconds since you took the microphone.” “Oh, I see. It turned out to be just a moment.” In that moment’s interval, that girl’s memory was read through the mic. The memory woven by this enormous reiryoku was likely the memory of a Spirit living in the world on the other side. Considering that Yesod was the Ninth region, it should have been the memories of the Ninth Spirit.

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She seemed to also be an idol on the other side. Or possibly because she was an idol, they had discovered the reason why our existences were linked to being idols here. Rinemu stopped thinking here. Anyway, what was more important was that she was an idol now. “So, do you think you can sing?” As Kurumi asked that question, Rinemu slowly shook her head as she stood up. “Things won’t go that smoothly. I think that I still shouldn’t be able to sing.” “……Still?” Rinemu clutched onto her chest. “After all, it’s not so sweet in this world. This is just a crystal that came out during the Compile.” “Oh, but didn’t those black pillars that appear during the Compile?” “I have heard rumors that such unusual crystals can appear, but this my first time seeing this.” “Well, anyway this is just a lump of reiryoku. Thinking from the perspective of the other world, this is a rich treasure. Even if you become an Empty, it’s possible to keep surviving by using this to prevent reiryoku from being exhausted.” As if not particularly interested, Rinemu put down the mic from her chest. “Aren’t you going to absorb the reiryoku?” “If I absorb it now……I might still be unable to sing. Sorry, but I think it’s best for me to hold on until the last moment.” As Rinemu finished speaking, she showed a sullen smile. “To wait until the last moment, that somehow suits you……” Hibiki lowered her shoulders. Rinemu thought of her as an understanding child. She felt that she finally had the strength to care for others now. “……I can’t sing alone. But are the both of you my fans?” I have a fan. There is someone who wants to hear me sing. She would never forget that. It was just as important to sing for others as for herself, both matters were incomparably balanced on the scales.

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“So, give me courage, give me your courage. I will surely sing for you.” “Well, aren’t I obliged to support you for myself?” “……No, that’s not it, Kurumi-san.” Abruptly, Hibiki raised her voice. Curiously, her voice was shaking while full of joy. “What do you mean?” “What are you going on about?” Both of them let out a confused voice. But Hibiki didn’t seem to be listening as she kept muttering to herself. “One more person, one more person……lovely, chaos, though someone as stylish as Banouinsan is impossible. But……wait a minute, rather than using a genre it is a color. Blue, blue, Tsuan……Tsuan-san!” Unexpectedly hearing that disgusting name, Kurumi frowned. “It’s really unpleasant to mention that girl’s name all of a sudden.” “Ah, sorry, sorry! Anyway, plan A has been assembled! A breakthrough plan to give Rinemusan courage!” “What is it?” “Anyway, let’s return to the Central District! It’s too exhausting to start here! No, it’s likely to be a big project!” Confronted by Hibiki’s excitement, Kurumi felt an ominous premonition. In any case, they couldn’t go back the same way through that rainfall of memories again. Kurumi decided to shoot down the celling so they could leave.

──Now. Kurumi was the first one to emerge from the ruined hole, which is what decided their fate. Despite having said that, this wasn’t a matter of life or death. The only difference was whether one of them would be defeated or not.

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The Unsigned Angels possessed by Quasi-Spirits are weapons that can be used for self-defense. For example, the Unsigned Angel owned by Kirari Rinemu has the ability to manipulate sound but it is not suitable for killing others──although at the very least the impact from the sound could be used to cause someone to faint. However, one’s mental state is often more important than skill when operating an Unsigned Angel. The weapon cannot be used unless the body agrees with the simple and clear motive of killing the enemy. In that sense, it would be impossible for Rinemu to defeat an enemy. For her, that Unsigned Angel was only a tool to increase the distance a song would echo. On the other hand, Higoromo Hibiki has fought in the past under the name Tokisaki Kurumi and was familiar with the practice of Quasi-Spirits killing each other. However, it would be difficult for her Unsigned Angel, the claw-shaped , to cope with this situation. There might be the vulnerability to a counterattack if her first strike missed due to poor luck. And with Tokisaki Kurumi. A disaster known in the real world as the Worst Spirit of all time, she was a 100% pure Spirit with an extraordinary power. ……Again, it must be stressed that they were truly unfortunate. When describing what went through Tokisaki Kurumi’s head as she emerged from the hole, it could only be described as the sound of a trigger being pulled. Floating through the exit, as Hibiki was idly chatting about with Rinemu, Kurumi had sensed their murderous intent with a degree of smoothness that she had almost unconsciously pulled out ’s short pistol. The other party was quick to pull the trigger, but there was no point to that. After noticing the killing intent and judging the circumstances of their first strike, she responded in kind. Tokisaki Kurumi was able to subconsciously accomplish the aforementioned divine feat through her copious amount of accumulated battle experience. Sure enough, bullets fired by the sniper were offset by the bullets from Kurumi’s short pistol. “Both of you please stay here!” As Kurumi shouted, she slammed on the edge of the hole to leap into the air. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Upon visual inspection──there were four people. First person, a sniper. Her Unsigned Angel is a sniper rifle. Likely, she was not a considerable enemy due to the ease of offsetting her bullets. Priority order C. Second person, also a sniper. Her Unsigned Angel is a so-called stone-throwing tool──a slingshot. Bur rather than stones being pelted, it was a mass of reiryoku. The destructive power was higher than the sniper rifle. Priority order B. Third person, a guard. Her Unsigned Angel was a large Gatling gun. Likely she would deploy a barrage of bullets to prevent others from getting close. Priority order A. The fourth person, her identity was a mystery. She certainly existed until the moment she leaped into the air, but by now all traces of her had disappeared. Someone who understood her abilities and was afraid of showing up──in heavy contrast to the other three whom looked like in a daze. Kurumi coughed a little. So she called out to those girls that looked dumbfounded. Of course they did not surrender. Since (the other side likely considered) the gap in combat power meant an absolute advantage, doing something like that would be meaningless. “Who is the woman that just left?” Instead of replying, they shoot an icy glare at Kurumi──her body trembled as a joyous feeling ran up her spine. So, Kurumi decided to shoot herself first. “──The First Bullet !” The other party was speechless once more. The person they were trying to kill had actually shot herself in the head. The situation had changed drastically that it seemed foolish to even try to raise their weapons now. However, the moment that girl, who had already committed suicide, gave a smile just like a crescent moon, they soon immediately realized their error. “Body strengthening……!!” “How repulsive!”

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Mowing down everything with the Gatling gun, the reiryoku bullets poured down like heavy rain──but Kurumi dodged, dodged, and dodged. “Huh?” She disappeared without a trace while shooting down the girl with the Gatling gun. Just as the girl was thinking where she disappeared, she was subjected to a sudden shock and lost consciousness. After disappearing, the idea that the girl came up with was that it was just inexplicable……but from the perspective of the two snipers, they had no idea what had happened to her. ──Why was she standing still? The answer was Tokisaki Kurumi’s bullet. “The Seventh Bullet .” Stopping the time of the object struck, it was a killer move without counter. As the person responsible for launching the barrage was defeated, the two snipers attempted to flee the scene. One fled to the Ferris wheel in the amusement park and the other ran to the roller coaster. “Ara, ara, ara, to set up a shooting battle is quite rare in my experience with Quasi-Spirits. Before that at least, how about a self-introduction?” Reticence. Silence. Refusal. That attitude made it clear that they were first-class killers. Focusing on eliminating the target rather than seeking glory, perhaps these girls were from the Tenth Region Malkuth. According to Hibiki, Quasi-Spirits that left that region engaged in a life as mercenaries, bodyguards, killers, etc. It is said that their livelihood was related to combat for as much as one could think of. The Quasi-Spirit with the sniper rifle was heard muttering something. Soon afterwards, the sniper rifle shrank in size as the barrel became slightly shorter──transforming into an assault rifle. “……!” Kurumi smacked her lips as she flew to higher altitude. As expected, countless bullets rushed forth from the rifle that had been single fire up until now.

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The power of those bullets was weaker than before. Even if a few hits struck, it wouldn’t be a fatal injury……however; she would definitely be in danger if she kept shooting. Additionally, the reiryoku projectile she had been vigilant towards since the very beginning was also finally being thrown. “Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” The Quasi-Spirit with the slingshot snarled as she launched the reiryoku projectile. The projectile was moving in a zigzag trajectory at improbable speed, dragging along as the barrage approached Kurumi. Of course, Kurumi, having shot the First Bullet at herself, withdrew at high speed. The location she was just at──and the building next to it, were razed to the ground as if a meteorite had struck it down. “A direct hit from that would mean my head being crushed.” Kurumi sighed. Even at this moment, she was completely lacking a fear of death. Kurumi summoned the long rifle of as she clasped onto her guns with both hands. The air battle had begun. Temporarily ignoring the assault rifle, Kurumi approached the one with the slingshot. However, that girl calmly kept her distance as she prepared to fire again. Kurumi evaded the second projectile, but now the attacks from the assault rifle were more precise than before. The reiryoku bullet swept towards Kurumi as if reading her flight route. It wasn’t fatal, but the pain caused her bones to creak. While she was distracted by the pain, the projectile from the slingshot flew instantly. Complementing each other perfectly──simply the ideal partner. This wasn’t through eye contact. Perhaps they were communicating to inform each other of the correct coordinates. “Then, allow me to trample on the bonds between you two.” Kurumi exposed a crescent moon–shaped smile that was unafraid of death.

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“Loading────The Ninth Bullet .”

“B! At 3 o’clock, now is the time to deliver the final blow!” “I know, A!”

The Quasi-Spirit with the assault rifle, as Kurumi expected, was a person from the Tenth Region Malkuth that understood best that fighting can be used as a method for survival. Don’t ask for anything extra and complete task regardless of the reason for being hired. Mercenary, seems like this sort of job would be called that in the other world. Somehow, she always liked that word. There was a long association with the owner of the Gatling gun that had just been defeated. ……Despite never asking for the other’s name, it was enough to call herself A, the slingshot owner B, and the Gatling gun user C. The initial barrage would be set by C while B and herself would finish the target. If C was unable to start the barrage because of circumstances, she would take over that role. And then, with B’s slingshot, the target would be struck down without fail through a single blow. By polishing their teamwork, the three were as infamous in the Ninth Region Yesod as much as they were useful. Even if the Ninth region singed about peace, as long as capable Quasi-Spirits gather, resentment for whatever reason would be sparked and followed by overflowing outrageous anger. Scraping by and taking advantage of those grudges were their job. When hired for 50 pieces of Sephira Crystal, she first thought that person was messing around. A usual job meant three to five people. This large sum was already worth around ten people. The girl who timidly offered the reward had informed them to completely clean up the target. Inevitably, that meant that no third party could learn that the party had been assassinated. Although hesitating at first due to the difficulty of achieving this in the Ninth Region Yesod, it wasn’t a huge issue. Since their target had already left town and headed for the Cradle. In this manner, their task became so much easier. Merely they needed to aim at and kill with their Unsinged Angel. It was supposed to have been like that, so why? Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“──!” A bullet had struck. It hurt a little, but there was nothing wrong. It was only a single shot landed at the end of the day. This was proof as though she was attacking while trying to route the enemy.

“She ran to 2 o’clock now!”

It was B’s voice as usual. She quickly chased after the target at the direction of 2 o’clock, pushing the target into a more desperate corner step by step. She could see that the target was beginning to become exhausted. She had barely dodged the last projectile, so she won’t be so lucky next time. A judged that from her years of experience.

“Keep up the pressure at 6 o’clock; it’s time to deliver the finishing blow.”

She heard that voice. For a split second, she thought something was odd, but didn’t take it seriously. She didn’t hesitate to continue shooting at the direction of 6 o’clock──but then she saw an unbelievable sight. “Why?” A was stunned while B was overcome with surprise. B’s projectile was thrown towards A, while A’s assault rifle had struck down B. Although B was not killed immediately, she was shot several times from being caught off guard. Because all of B’s reiryoku was gathered towards the slingshot, there was little defense in her Astral Dress. It was A and C’s task to cover for that. The slingshot projectile B released was quickly approaching. It could no longer be avoided. Despite the speed of her thinking, her body couldn’t keep up. However, as A stared at B’s projectile, her thoughts shifted from the situation and to how beautiful this attack was. Suddenly, she wanted to know more about B. There were regrets of things she wanted to know. Even for a pro, they ought to have chatted about things they liked or disliked. Ah, at least she should have learned her name── Date A Live LN’s Translation

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◇ “……It appears that I am the villain.” Kurumi sighed after confirming the disappearance of B. A hired solider should be prepared for death sooner or later. Moreover, since the other party was intending to kill her, she mustn’t be merciful. Still, she used the Ninth Bullet to leave a message to both of their heads through a future timeline and caused them to kill each other. Was that too much in poor taste? Kurumi sighed once again. “Is it over?” “It’s over.” “What is this all about? Why were you trying to kill each other? Why did you shoot? Why did you kill them?” Rinemu’s entire body was constantly trembling. The common scene of killing in the Tenth Region Malkuth seemed to be too rough for Quasi-Spirits in the Ninth Region Yesod to handle. On this battlefield, a different type of courage was necessary compared to what was just displayed moments ago. “It’s a common occurrence.” While saying that with a leisurely voice, Kurumi pointed towards the Central District of the Ninth Region Yesod. “Likely, it was the work of the Quasi-Spirit that passed this information to you.” “Eh, Mauri……how come……” Rinemu collapsed onto her knees from shock. “I want to remind you, its Mayuka not Mauri.” Hibiki pointed out calmly. “I don’t think……that little citizen would have the courage to hire this sort of Quasi-Spirit……at most I thought it would be putting a thumbtack in ballet shoes or sending a razor letter full of spite……”

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“What sort of era have you been living?” “But if she could dare to do something like that, why do you think she wouldn’t hire mercenaries?” Confronted by Kurumi and Hibiki playing the role of tsukkomi, Rinemu slanted her head. “Well, it’s because it’s not her style.” “So──” Kurumi wanted to say something but immediately decided to hold back her words. “What did you want to say?” “Nothing, let’s head back to the Central District. If you have no idea what the other side has in mind, it’s best to be careful and not use that accommodation facility.” “So we have to sleep outdoors!?” “Yes.” “Ah, but I don’t want to! I have already decided to need to take a shower every day!” Hibiki grabbed Rinemu through a rear naked chock, causing her faint. “Okay, let’s head out with no delays. And then at the Central District, I will announce my breakthrough plan!” “……You, occasionally your attitude is tough and unscrupulous.” “Yes, it’s thanks to Kurumi-san’s influence! Sasukuru!” (Shorten version of Sasuga Kurumi, or

roughly translated as

expected of Kurumi)

“Sasukuru? What is that supposed to mean?” “Sorry, it’s an abbreviation for Tokisaki Kurumi-san.” In order for this abbreviation to never again appear in the future, Kurumi included physical attacks while inflicting her instructions onto Hibiki.

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cheerfully approached the flaming combustion. Soon after, a subsequent explosion sent her flying with bruises covering her entire body. “Do you have any thoughts for survival going on in your head?” “Rinemu-san, is your brain stuffed with tofu? Or is it completely empty?” “Sorry, I have deeply reflected on my life as if dying……” As Hibiki was carrying Rinemu, Kurumi was still cautiously holding onto . However, in the end there was no further incident of another surprise attack and they soon reached an area where many Quasi-Spirits could be seen. “N・o・w” Hibiki gave a cheerful smile as Rinemu and Kurumi expressed doubts about her expression. “What are you smiling about?” “Right, it appears like you are giving the odor of scheming something.” “Yes! This idea is terrific! I have a great idea for the both of you!” Hibiki was waving her hands as she brought her face closer to both of them. “Listen well; here there are two top idols of the Ninth Region Yesod, Rinemu-san and Kurumisan.” “Un, well of course!” “So, what about that?” “At first, I thought it would be fine to form a two-person combination──” “Eh～I’m not good at coordinating with others.” “Me too.” “Don’t worry. That’s why I’m planning on adding one more person. It’s not a duo, but a trio. In other words……an idol group!” “P-Please hold on a second, you want to add one more person?” “Yes, adding one more person! It is someone Kurumi-san is very familiar with!”

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Kurumi, have been made aware of the situation after listening to Hibiki, exposed an expression of disgust from the very depths of her heart. “……If we were Americans, would this be the time to shout OMG?” “That’s right……”

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○Three Man Group (Unit) Tsuan felt faintly perturbed. She had defeated Tokisaki Kurumi, which was great, but she had to become an idol. Since she took up the duty of being an idol, she had to win the favor of the fans. Therefore, she had just finished a live concert and was left in a daze in the waiting room. Performing regular live concerts to circulate reiryoku with fans, this was the survival method in the Ninth Region Yesod. Particularly, there was the desire to abandoned everything and head to another region, but that would mean running away. More importantly……it was difficult to say that she had defeated Kurumi. Not because it was a song match── She felt disapproval over the fact that a playful scheme allowed her to be victorious. After all, there was a great advantage even without considering that her Astral Dress was personally designed by a first-class designer under the Dominion Banouin Mizuha. During that idol confrontation, as a result of her ability to promote herself in advance, it was like taking advantage to suddenly attack from behind. She couldn’t even call it a duel. Something like that was too contemptible. “Tsuan-san, could you give me a little more enthusiasm. If you go on like this, you’ll be stuck at S-rank. You have the potential to reach SSS-rank──at the same level as Banouin-sama.” The manager assigned by Banouin tried to zealously persuade her. However, Tsuan merely shook her head. “Not very interested.” “Uhh. I want you to be enthusiastic with your innate skill, but for idols without talents……” The manager was disappointed. However, while feeling sorry, Tsuan had no choice but confide honestly with her own heart. Since relying on any other motivation would be useless. “So then, I’ll go greet the venue manager. Tsuan-san, please wait here.” After saying that, her manager went away. Tsuan decided to wait quietly while quenching her thirst with a sports drink.

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“──────” The sound of a brief gunshot caused her eyebrows to instantly jolt up. She quickly made preparations for battle by summoning her Unsigned Angel . Someone was outside this door. “Who is it? Are you a ruffian that has become aware of me and my status as an S-rank idol?” Tsuan pointed her halberd at the door. Then, there was a voice coming from the other side of the door. “Of course, I would know.” “……Tokisaki Kurumi……!” “Can you please open this door? Also please put down your weapon. It is also forbidden to swoop down at us the moment of opening this door.” “What did you come here for?” “I want to discuss the future with you.” Despite still having her doubts, Tsuan understood and slowly opened the door. “Well, if possible, I really didn’t want to meet with you……” Entering in this room was Tokisaki Kurumi, Higoromo Hibiki, and one more person; a blonde girl. “It’s been a while. I thought you were training for revenge against me somewhere.” Hearing what Tsuan had said, Kurumi displayed a displeased expression without any attempts at covering it up. “I won’t use that ineffective method. I intend to leave this region through the fastest shortcut.” “Hmm.” Tsuan shifted her gaze from Kurumi to Hibiki. For some reason, she was wearing a suit and muttering to herself that she wasn’t mistaken. Finally, Tsuan pointed to the remaining girl and rudely asked. “Who are you?” “My name is Kirari Rinemu! I am an idol in this region; I think it’s too much to not even know my name!” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“I don’t know. More than that, Tokisaki Kurumi, a match? A match? A contest to settle the tiebreaker? It could be fighting as idols or hand to hand……anything is good……” Trembling in anticipation, Tsuan approached Kurumi closer step by step. “Not at all.” Kurumi answered with a brilliant smile. Tsuan lowered her shoulders dejectedly. “Eh, it’s sudden. But we’ve come to take Tsuan-san away!” “?” Tsuan slanted her neck. “Hmm, although the expression is quite monotone, this girl’s response is quite amusing. Certainly promising stock……Kurumi, apart from that, do you think you can keep up at my pace?” Rinemu let out an hmph sound while looking down at Tsuan. Tsuan turned to face Kurumi, giving a look as if asking what was going on. Seeing that look, Kurumi impatiently waved her hand. “For details, please ask Hibiki-san. Honestly, I am absolutely disinclined for this at all.” “I don’t understand. Higoromo Hibiki, what is going on?” “That・ is・ to ・say.” Hibiki, or rather Hibi P, smiled proudly. “This is a revolutionary project that will allow Rinemu-san to return to the stage, let Kurumi-san escape from this region, and force Kurumi-san to owe a favor to Tsuan-san.” “I’ll join.” Tsuan replied back immediately. ◇ “You failed?”

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“Yes……unexpectedly, Kira……Kirari-san? She was stronger than the people employed.” “Hmmmmmmm……like that?” Mayuka slapped Luku, who was kneeling, on the face with all of her strength. Luku’s cheeks gradually turned red. Not only that, but because the strength of her palm was too strong, blood was seeping from her lips. However, Luku wasn’t bothered. She just calmly accepted it. On the contrary, Mayuka, the one who had beaten her, regretted a little that she had taken this too seriously. At her core she was malevolent and cowardly, but each time she would feel a little regret for kicking others down to reach the top. She, more than anyone else, hated this ubiquitous contradiction. Mayuka coughed a little. “So, can she really sing? And that ‘The Voice of the Moon’……has been taken into sempai’s pocket.” “Ah, it appears that she hasn’t absorbed its power yet.” “What? Why? She’s carrying around that much reiryoku that causally?” “Yes.” Having arrived at this point, Mayuka recognized Kirari Rinemu as a fool in earnest. In the Neighboring World, reiryoku combined elements of violence, power and wealth. Just like the fragments of the Sephira Crystal, the crystallization of reiryoku was the equivalent of gems from the other world. Unlike Sephira fragments which couldn’t be taken unless the user was killed, as long as it is absorbed, ‘The Voice of the Moon’ would become part of her flesh and blood. Why would she leave it be? As usual, Kirari Rinemu’s thought process was way too unclear. “If you want a means of disposing of Rinemu and obtaining──” “I’ll hire a better quality killer. And then after getting rid of Banouin Mizuha, Mayuka-sama will become the Dominion of the Ninth Region Yesod.”

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While surprised at the dangerous words of killing, becoming the Dominion was very appealing to Mayuka. Even if you flee to another region where you have contacts, you’ll be able to live leisurely for a lifetime.” “……That is quite……appealing.” “As long as you obtain ‘The Voice of the Moon’ and absorb its enormous reiryoku, you’ll be invincible. “Hmm.” Momozono Mayuka gave it some thought. Although she liked to sing, it was frustrating not being the best. In that case, being an idol in another region wasn’t a bad idea. She had occasionally heard rumors of Quasi-Spirits that fled to other regions doing well as idols. She was confident in her singing voice that could bewilder Quasi-Spirits in any region. ……Of course, on the premise that there were no monsters like Banouin Mizuha and Kirari Rinemu present next to her. Shifting her goal to a new land might be a good choice. “Then, let’s obtain ‘The Voice of the Moon’ first. Create an opportunity and steal it.” “Yes.” “Then, in the other regions……since in the Tenth Region Malkuth the promising Quasi-Spirits have all fled because of Doll Master, I would go to the Eighth Region. Fortunately, that area is in the midst of a war. You’ll be sure to find a killer with high strength there.” “…..Yes.” “Standing at the summit, Mayuka-sama. You have that qualification.” Upon hearing that, Mayuka slapped Luku on the face once again. “Of course I understand that! If it wasn’t for Banouin Mizuha, I would have definitely become the Dominion! The other idols aren’t even worth looking at!” Luku rubbed her cheeks, smiling calmly as she summoned her own Unsigned Angel. A huge sickle held by the God of death──with its sharp blade and ominous design, truly a ridiculous object designed to mow down human lives rather than weeds.

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Above all else, the flashy red color was too disproportionate to Luku, which brought out her purity even more out to the forefront. “……Your Unsigned Angel is as creepy as ever.” “My apologizes.” “Well, forget it. Anyway, I want to steal it during the chaos. Your……uh, what is it called again?” “It’s called .” (Kanji reads as Crimson Slaughter General) Like a dreaming maiden, Luku hugged her cherished huge sickle. Mayuka didn’t know Luku’s past. However, she also felt that she didn’t need to know. The rescue of giving reiryoku to an Empty to save them from disappearing occurred frequently in the Ninth Region Yesod. But due to the fact that these girls could be treated as slaves, it can be said that not too many Quasi-Spirits approved of this behavior. Was it to save them or treat them as slaves? Mayuka only thought of the latter. Apart from Luku, Mayuka had already used several others as being disposable. Luku was merely the latest one. The destructive power of her Unsigned Angel was far greater than below average Quasi-Spirits and her consciousness was still clear. And above all else, she was willing to give up her life. From Mayuka’s perception, she was a very convenient tool. ……No, if she was tool, then for Momozono Mayuka perhaps this entire world was a ridiculous man-made prop. This world was too lacking in a sense of reality, floating on just like a pipe dream. As long as you can sing, you can survive. Even if you can measure time on a daily basis, who knows how many days, months and years passed here. Apparently, it was the same for the other Quasi-Spirits. How long since they come here──why were they living here? Mayuka was scared of gradually forgetting this. She was terrified of singing, singing, always singing until eventually becoming an Empty. However, the other idols kept singing and dancing without a worry at all. Mayuka felt it was difficult to understand. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Concealed by the word lost, wasn’t it the same as death? There was no difference from dying from being shot and dying from losing one’s dreams and becoming lost. What she sought was eternal life and joy. That was what Momozono Mayuka wished for. ◇ “……Disappeared?” Mayuka’s scream echoed through the coffee shop. Luku still replied back in a flat tone. “I’m not sure what has happened since they obtained ‘The Voice of the Moon’. At the same time, an idol who debut at S-rank has gone missing.” “Don’t tell me, even with ‘The Voice of the Moon’, it was impossible to retrieve her singing voice and she disappeared……?” “Possible. Or she may have run away.” “You mean to another region?” “There have been relatively less killings in the Tenth Region Malkuth since Doll Master has disappeared. Moreover, as long as they have ‘The Voice of the Moon’ they can provide reiryoku to an Empty and use her as bait. No, with that maybe she doesn’t even need to be an idol anymore.” “Did you observe the flow of reiryoku when they captured ‘The Voice of the Moon’?” “The distance was too far and difficult to capture a response. ……Of course, there is a good possibility it hasn’t been used yet.” “For example, like being in anguish for no longer being able to sing and becoming lost……?” “Possibly.” Mayuka sighed while showing Luku a piece of paper. “This was announced while you were searching.” “This is……”

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“Banouin Mizuha’s emergency one-man live concert. It is said that she didn’t hesitate in canceling the concert she already booked and insisted on hosting this. “What is her aim……is it some sort of memorial service?” “Sempai’s memorial……that’s not it. Rather sempai is hosting this concert to convey her hopes of searching for Kirari Rinemu, hoping that some Quasi-Spirit in this region will be able to find her.” Luku slanted her head. “……Is Kirari Rinemu worth that much?” “I don’t know. But Mizuha seems to think so……” “So why not let that rumor flow?” “Rumor? What rumor?” Luku smiled as she told her. “The rumor that Banouin Mizuha’s live concert is to a memorial to Kirari Rinemu.” Mayuka widened her eyes. “If that rumor reaches her ears, she will definitely have to show up. Her fans are scarce enough as it is, so this news would definitely be a decisive blow to the remaining fans. If she wishes to continue being an idol, she can’t hesitate in declaring her survival. On the other hand, if she doesn’t show up──” “It means she’s either given up on being an idol or living in the Ninth Region Yesod……” Mayuka thought about it for a while before giving Luku the orders to spread the rumor. “In any case, this should be able to cause damage to Banouin Mizuha. ……If she isn’t hurt by this, we’ll have to try something else. Really, Mizuha-sempai is almost too perfect. I can only tail behind her in order to survive.” Mayuka said that while letting out a selfish sigh. ◇

Banouin Mizuha rarely exerted her power, especially if it involved a concert.

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She left everything to her manager and concentrated on singing alone. That was her usual attitude towards life. Her manager would adjust the schedule so that she could always sing at full strength. Cooperating together like this, they were successful in every endeavor. Mizuha’s singing voice felt sad yet serene at the same time, giving the impression of washing away the fatigue and poison accumulated throughout the day. This was why the manager was meticulously careful with the state of Mizuha’s voice if it was ever tired, sore, or hoarse…… It was extremely rare for Mizuha to say, “I want to open a live concert.” At first, the manager had disagreed. Her physical condition was definitely at its worst. Besides, the discussion of her in the various regions was beginning to pile up, causing her to be visibly exhausted. However, while usually obedient, she refused to give in this time. “Please, please let met sing──” ……If she would go that far in asking, the manager threw away the planned schedule for next week and ran around preparing to set up a stage would cause excitement to boil. However, Mizuha’s condition wasn’t good, so the staff repeatedly suggested an extension, but she insisted on continuing. The staff became filled with an inexplicable sense of anxiety and soon rumors began spreading in the Ninth Region Yesod in one form or another. ──Did Banouin Mizuha sense her limits and was intending to retire? ──Could Banouin Mizuha no longer sing anymore? Such rumors have always been spread──or rather it has been repeatedly emphasized by Momozono Mayuka and Luku. If Mizuha’s genre had been lovely or chaos, such rumors wouldn’t have amounted to much. However, Mizuha was a stylish idol. There as a need and desire from the fans to be impeccable. And her perfection was gradually about to collapse. “Mizuha-sama, are you listening?” ……She felt dizzy while waking up. There was a feeling of being in a daze while having her eyes open. Her manager in front of her gave a bewildered look. Mizuha remembered that she was in the middle of a meeting. “Sorry, I seem a little tired.” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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The manager slowly shook her head. “No, I can’t allow this. Please take a short break. It will be necessary to regain your usual state.” Normally, she would reply that there was no need, but this time she felt sincerely obliged to accept this proposal. Taking a nap in the room, Mizuha thought to herself. Why was she in such a world? She had long lost the reason for singing── While thinking of such a thing, the color of her hair gradually faded away. ◇ “Okay, are you all ready?” “Of course.” “Perfect! I’ve thought it over again and again, but I’ve decided on a gamble. You’ll be first at the center!” “Only at the beginning, that’s all.” “Yes, yes, then switch to me during the middle.” “At the very end, I’ll leisurely receive the position of center from both of you. So, please don’t selfishly occupy the center position.” “Hey, is that really something you should say to them? How many times have you clashed, while those two were still singing, about not be able to relent the center spot?” “That’s because I’m a little hooked on the spotlight…...” “……Same……” “Alright listen you three; the most important thing in an idol group is to emphasize cooperation. Strive to behave better than the other two and smoothly exchange the center spot. Otherwise, the overall image of the group will be destroyed in an instant; that especially means you Kurumisan!” “Yes, yes, you’re not wrong.”

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Higoromo Hibiki was broadly grinning while wearing a suit. She presented her hand out to the three of them with a fearless smile as all of their hands began to pile up on each other. Then, they shouted in unison. “Live concert hijacking, commence!” ◇

Banouin Mizuha stood on the stage. Momozono Mayuka, who had snuck into the concert hall, looked on at her with joy. Mizuha’s hair color was beginning to fade partially and the audience looked on anxiously at that. “So they didn’t find Kirari Rinemu after all.” Momozono Mayuka and Luku, located in a hidden corner on the second floor and left side of the concert hall, were observing at Mizuha. There were rumors about her appearance……but she didn’t think it would be so!

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“Yes……” “Forget that. From a glance, she is slowly becoming the same as you. So it turns out Kirari Rinemu wasn’t irrelevant after all! Let’s take a look of that woman’s fall from here.” “……The day that you become Dominion isn’t far off.” “If only Banouin wasn’t here. Oh, I wish I had killed Kirari Rinemu from the very beginning!” “But, she isn’t dead. If Banouin Mizuha discovers that Kirari Rinemu is still alive in this world, then she is likely to regain her vitality.” “Yes. But there isn’t any problem. As long as she thinks that Rinemu is dead during this song, then it’s fine.” “How come?” Mayuka exposed a scornful smile while informing. “After this song, I will sing. A song of repose for Kirari Rinemu. And, instead of Banouin Mizuha who can no longer bear this responsibility, the title of Dominion will pass onto me.” “……Do you think everyone will agree?” “They absolutely will. The other regions as well, in the Ninth Region Yesod there are few idols that wish to be Dominion besides me. Those guys can only care about what’s good to sing.” “Isn’t that natural for an idol?” “──That’s not it, Empty. There’s an absolute difference. As long as you can sing is very different from singing for the sake of singing. Those idols always have to think of the former rather than the latter.” Mayuka smacked her lips──exuding out a level of spite that perhaps even Luku has never seen before. “Kirari Rinemu and Banouin Mizuha are no exception. I am proud to be an idol……how utterly idiotic. Before we became idols, wasn’t there something more important to us?” “More……important?” “It’s to survive. Wherever, whenever, to live a life free from pain every second. These guys are doing it all wrong. So when I become Dominion, I will destroy the Cradle and let everyone witness the process of an Empty disappearing just like in the Tenth Region Malkuth.” “That’s brutal.” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“You’re opening your mouth of wanting to sleep in the Cradle?” “No way. If I were dying, I would definitely prefer the wilderness. Rather than sleeping, to turn breathless, that’s all. “……Hmm. That’s something that I like about you for the first time.” Mayuka laughed. In response to her laughter, Luku slanted her head while inquiring. “So……that’s why you hated me before?” “Didn’t I tell you? I hate who Emptys abandon all hope and just wish to die. But, you didn’t give up, you think of yourself like a tool, right?” Truly unusually, Luku opened her eyes. “That, that’s right, correct.” “Alright, now the song is starting!” Slowly, the venue played the background music.

Ah, my love has faded into mist── Mizuha began to sing, but she didn’t have her usual perfect appearance. She was probably selfaware of this. The audience’s response was that their confusion outweighed their fanaticism and that confusion lead to worries that the rumors had been proven true. Mizuha could likely also feel it; her color was turning translucent, even the Dominion wasn’t an exception. In the Neighboring World, when you believe that your life has lost meaning, death will arrive at that moment. “I’ve won♪” Mayuka sneered while boldly grinning. “────!” At that moment, Luku trembled. Noticing this, Mayuka twitched her eyebrows. “What happened?” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“Nothing……I think it would be best to re-work the plan.” “What did you say…………!?” Mayuka was at a loss for words. The stage suddenly flashed blue and white, yellow and white, and red and black in the blink of an eye. At the same time, the blue and white hands grabbed Mizuha, who was still singing, and moved her to the side of the stage at great speed.

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○Sing A Song! “──Hey? Huh?” Rinemu thought to herself that it’s been a long time since she saw Mizuha’s stunned expression. “Sorry, but please let us sing first.” “Eh, but, umm……” Mizuha’s manager and staff came rushing in a hurry. “You guys……how on earth did you break in!!” At the same time that sharp voice resounded, the commotion from the audience was growing louder and louder. The feeling of the audience turning into the enemy──that was what that girl had felt during that moment. Rinemu shivered as she considered that feeling for a little. “Are you trembling?” An indifferent voice came from the side. Blue──her cool demeanor as a stylish idol was comparable to that of Mizuha, which she presumably gained through her fighting ability. When Rinemu heard Tsuan’s true identity as the Biscuit Smasher notorious even in the Ninth Region Yesod, she screamed. “Hmm, be careful with that. If you keep doing that several times, your dance steps will be slightly misaligned.” “That’s because you are sloppy. Tokisaki Kurumi and I have synced perfectly.” “That’s because the two of us feel it would be inadequate to just jumping around.” “It’s a real headache, but democracy should be adopted at times like this.” The incarnation of black and red smiled. Tokisaki Kurumi was on her other side. When she confessed that she was not a Quasi-Spirit, but rather a Spirit, Rinemu screamed even louder than when she discovered Tsuan’s identity. She couldn’t believe it, but she could understand that she wasn’t telling a lie. On the side of the staged, the panicked manager hesitated if she should rush up onto the stage. Unless she was given instructions by Banouin Mizuha, she could not stand on top of the stage. But still, she needed to make her decision within ten seconds. The group of guards would flock towards them and the manager would announce that the concert was suspended. A broadcast would occur a few minutes later as they grabbed those three off the stage. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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……But that was only on the premise that they were ordinary idols. Okay, just let out your voice Just sing, just start singing. The heaviest pressures from the past came rushing forward──the memory of being swallowed up by the Compile relentlessly tormented Kirari Rinemu. Ridiculous, boring, meaningless. Spiteful, envious, scornful. Such nauseous hate crushed her spirits, proving to be too much of provoking existence to ignore. ……Until now, her voice couldn’t escape out. But that was only until now. She looked to her side──her everyday expression had a warlike tint just like a battle machine. Her dance steps were impeccable without the slightest hint of derailment that would affect a usual stylish idol. She looked to her other side──an evil grin like a cat, a chaos idol with beauty like a clockwork doll spreading disorder and disaster. And herself──an idol that combined perfect looks, vocals, and dance steps. She was getting a bit nervous, but she was now trying to recover from that. It was so scary that it was tempting to cry. She was scared, but the sight she saw while holding that microphone wasn’t a dream. That girl, the girl that should have fallen into despair had recovered. In that case, it was possible to once more pull herself together, open her mouth, and sing. She can do it; she has to do it, she is eager to do it. Rinemu took in a deep breath. As the audience’s noise and distrust reached its peak, Mizuha’s manager finally decided to step in── Her voice resounded through the entire concert venue. “Listen to my soooooooooooong!” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Her scream was filled with an overwhelming aura that suppressed the audience’s distrust. Everyone was shocked and held their breath. Even the manager was equally numb and couldn’t move. There was only one Quasi-Spirit that was active behind the scenes. “Music……start.” She smiled as she played the secretly changed track. The gorgeous guitar sounds were heard around the same time as the first lyrics appeared.

You and me floating between the cracks of reality and dreams. Will you sink? Or fly into the sky? Flying too high with cuts and bruises. You can quietly sleep at the bottom of the sea. “Kirari Rinemu……is singing……” Momozono Mayuka froze, unable to budge at all. Luku didn’t intend to take any action unless instructed. However, even so Luku thought. If it was only Kirari Rinemu singing, the audience would have only been surprised and Mizuha’s manager would have been able to respond in time. The reason why everyone froze was because a new idol had been born. A three person idol group──not of the same category but with each one different from the three genres. Lovely──Kirari Rinemu. Her glistening blonde hair and powerful vocals was reminiscent of her heyday. Having seen her staring at the world with such cloudy eyes, Luku was a bit shocked to see her like this. Stylish──Tsuan. An urban legendary class Quasi-Spirit called Biscuit Smasher. It was absolutely unimaginable that she would be wearing an Astral Dress with a blue keynote, dancing

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in line with the principles of Ninth Region Yesod. Rather than dancing though, her dynamic steps were more reminiscent of the swift movements used for combat. The dance steps were completely inconsistent. Usually, this sort of dance would feel uncomfortable. If the movements did not have a neat sense of integration, it was possible for the audience to feel annoyed. However──it was a different matter if one could exude beauty from this. Chaos──Tokisaki Kurumi. The Spirit girl. Perhaps the strongest known person in the Ninth region Yesod. Although Rinemu was at the center, the conductor that led this trio was undoubtedly her.

Getting bruises is all well and good Being loved is all well and good. What’s important is in my heart. The song of us who have decided to fly!

The audience had begun waving her florescent sticks. Usually, the fluorescents sticks waved during Mizuha’s concerts were standardized into cool colors like blue. However, the Quasi-Spirits gathered at this spot chose this time to wave their own favorite colors. Red, yellow, blue── There was no fixed area with the same color as each fluorescent stick was arbitrarily waved. Chaotic, but the overall image was harmonious. “……” Mizuha’s manager intended to take action. This was bad, this was really bad. The impression they left was already too dangerous. The moment this song ends, the trust of the Quasi-Spirits would be presented to those three. In other words, Banouin Mizuha will no longer be the Dominion. That must be prevented by any means possible. However, she didn’t move. She couldn’t move. On the contrary, her heart was violently beating incessantly. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Boiling emotions──it was different than the feelings brought by Mizuha. Instead, there was an impulse to scream enthusiastically as possible. “It’s fine.” There was a voice penetrating into her ears. She looked to the stage, looking at Mizuha, and then lowered her shoulders. She understood what Mizuha wanted to say. “Let them sing.” Mizuha softly told her. Three people, three colors, after 4 minutes and 23 seconds, the song finally came to an end. The song was done as silence took over──Rinemu fell to her knees, her entire body having reached its limit. Incidentally, although Kurumi was smiling, her knees were beginning to tremble. “I, I……I sang a complete song……” “Yes……” “Sorry, sorry, I’m completely fine, but both of you physically exhausted?” Tsuan straightened her thin chest as Kurumi casted a cold gaze onto Rinemu. “I don’t want to think how much effort I spent making up for your incomparable dance.” “I’ve said it several times, isn’t there a slight gap from your dance steps not being on tempo?” “It doesn’t matter. Compared to that──” Tsuan glanced to survey around her surroundings. “No response. Has it failed?” Rinemu felt her chest tighten upon hearing those words. Anxiety loomed as her heart felt it might break at that moment as a hand lightly patted her shoulder. “It’s a great success. ──Please take a look.” Hearing Kurumi’s words, Rinemu turned to look at the audience seats. “Ah……”

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The audience was left speechless. Dancing and singing, everything about that performance had gone perfectly. And as if finally returning conscious from a transient dream……they offered the greatest round of applause to those three. Shouting and sobbing while they clapped in applause. “Thank……Thank you everyone! Thank you! Thank……Uaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!” Rinemu waved back, but now she couldn’t hold back the tears anymore as she crouched and cried on the stage. She had finally returning back here. She had come back to being on this stage. Moreover, she could sing. She was able to sing and dance, indulging a euphoric sensation that could blow away all those nasty things. She couldn’t stop. How could she forget this fun and exhilarating experience? As long as she remembered this feeling, she would no longer be misled by that illusion. “I can sing……I was able to sing. That was really my voice……!” And so, she cried. The Quasi-Spirits who were familiar with her voice couldn’t help but also cry. The Quasi-Spirits that had forgotten her voice were choking with sobs from having their memories reawakened. Even new Quasi-Spirits that had never heard her before were also crying after understanding what had happened. Incidentally, during this period, Kurumi also elegantly waved back and Tsuan straightened her chest and a V hand gesture to them. At this moment, the sound of high heels walking onto the stage was heard. Hearing those strangely vigorous footsteps, Rinemu finally lifted her crying face. “……” Mizuha, who was still silent, was standing in front of her eyes. “W-what do you want.”

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Rinemu didn’t stand up, pouting her lips while uneasily searching for the presence of her two companions──who have long since fled. Those two scoundrels. “Aah, umm, sorry for disturbing your live concert.” “It doesn’t matter.” “Y-yes. Well, that’s right, uhh……ah, um. I’m not going to become the Dominion. That position is too bothersome, so you continue being it.” “It doesn’t matter.” How could it not matter, at the side of the stage Kurumi was about ferociously protest. So, Rinemu reached out her hand to soothe her. “Instead, I have a condition……” “It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter!” And like that, Mizuha rushed forward to tightly hug Rinemu.

Banouin Mizuha is an eight type Spirit with no ability to manipulate sound…..but she had the natural talent to be an idol. She used the power of wind to spread the distance her songs could travel, drawing in many Quasi-Spirits. However, when describing why she had become an idol── It was because of the songs sung by a glamorous girl. The girl who ruled the Ninth Region Yesod, Kirari Rinemu. Adoring freedom, even that unruly personality was faltering, she was a girl who could cause others to be excited just by staying by her side. One day, she suddenly couldn’t sing. The reason was clear. The black pillar that appeared suddenly at the live venue──a phenomena others called Compile. She touched that black pillar and was deprived of her ability to sing. Mizuha watched her lose her voice and weeping. How many Quasi-Spirits remember her singing──Mizuha began to worry. Even such wonderful songs had become past tense in this region.

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The reason why she became Dominion was to support Kirari Rinemu’s comeback ant any critical moment. With that power, she should be able to make her re-debut instantly. In preparations for that, Mizuha always made the arrangements. But Kirari Rinemu never tried singing at all. She no longer did any activities as an idol and her fan power gradually disappeared. Meanwhile, she gained more and more fans. It felt due to Rinemu falling out, her songs had become the next substitute. Still, she gambled on that glimmer of hope. So, she sang from the bottom of her heart so that they would remember the girl called Kirari Rinemu. So practically all of the lyrics in her songs were done modeled after Kirari Rinemu. Therefore, although she had the position of a stylish idol, her lyrics were inexplicably filled with a sense of vitality. But there was an inherent weak point in this singing style. She believed that Kirari Rinemu would return. Even if it was lonely at the top, she would continue to endure. However, Kirari Rinemu had disappeared a little while ago. It was natural to disappear due to no longer being able to sing. Yet, for the first time, Mizuha had the feeling of wanting to defy that common logic. So, she exercised her power as Dominion to try and hold a concert call for Rinemu. Even if her condition wasn’t good, if her throat felt sore, she couldn’t help but want to sing about her. And if possible, she wanted the audience to help find Rinemu──firmly believing that if everyone would support an outstanding idol that had fallen into a difficult predicament, Rinemu would recover her voice back without fail. But earlier than that time, another rumor passed through the ears of the Quasi-Spirits. Kirari Rinemu had become an Empty and disappeared completely from this world. She had traveled around the Ninth Region Yesod seeking the legendary ‘The Voice of the Moon’. But such a thing couldn’t be discovered so conveniently──she had become an Empty and headed for the Cradle. And over there, she finally vanished.

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It could be described as the most basic disappearing process for a fallen idol; even Mizuha couldn’t disagree with that. After all, she could no longer sing. It was obvious she was unable to sing. “Because of myself, she lost the ability to sing.

“……Mizuha?” “I’m glad……I’m glad, sempai. Really……I am glad……! I wanted……I wanted to apologize to you! I always wanted to apologize to you! But!” Everyone on the scene was shocked to see Mizuha slowly crying. “……So it turns out that person can actually cry.” Despite what Kurumi had muttered being rude, the once impeccable idol was crying like an ordinary girl. “Huh? What do you mean? Apologize? Why? You haven’t done anything──” “Good posture, singing, and amazing dancing while sparkling!” “That’s my motto? ………Ah!” Kirari Rinemu clapped the palm of her hand with her fist. She had finally remembered the previous incident.

She had appeared on the audition hall on a whim. But despite being on a whim, since this was dedicated to discovery the star of tomorrow, she had to open her mouth to talk. Blushing and tense girls looked at themselves and became even more nervous. Rinemu told them all that they looked too nervous for their debut and called out to each one of them to relieve the tension. And finally, she spoke to the diamond in the rough. “Are you alright?”

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“Ah, yes. No, um, yes, no……” “Calm down first. Since you’re pursuing a stylish type idol, you need to seek perfection. The fans want to see your cool side.” “I……am not a ninth type.” “Oh, that’s rare.”

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The majority of the Quasi-Spirits aiming to be idols were of the ninth genus. For other Spirit types, there would be a gap in the abilities of their Unsigned Angel and Astral Dress, which meant they had to become idols relying on their own talents. Moreover, the ninth genus had a strong penetrating volume that made them suitable for being idols. It’s been declared that the existences of these Quasi-Spirits were born to be idols that were adored. So, she had a natural handicap. “Yes, but, um, uhhh……I want to be like you. But I am totally different. Hair color, style, everything is completely different……but I still want to be like you. Am I overestimating myself by wanting that……?” “How stupid, how is that going to happen? Regardless of the genre, if you came here because of worshipping me, that means you have the talent to be an idol!” “Someone like me……can really be talented?” “I am here to judge whether or not you can be talented! Is there still any time to be nervous? I am waiting for glamorous posture, singing, amazing dancing while sparkling!” “Y……Yes!” The girl bowed her head and ran up to the stage. As expected, that girl had a natural idol aura and the absolutely necessary eye-catching talent. The challenge song began playing. The song went well. As Rinemu imagined, she had a clear and permeating voice. As Rinemu was convinced that she would be a future rival or someone she would long associate with, she saw that her legs were shaking. The earth was shaking so much that she had to stop singing. An ominous premonition──at the same moment Rinemu rushed towards her. The girl who was originally singing should have been a Quasi-Spirit that was born recently. She likely didn’t know that the black pillars produced during the Compile would pull in nearby Quasi-Spirits. And if you touch that black pillar, you’ll see the memories of the Spirits in the real world.

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In other areas, it is said that touching the memories would cause them to fall in love. But it was different in this region. The memories of the Spirit peeped in this region was── “Here, hurry!” Rinemu pushed the stunned girl out of the way……chills spread through her entire body. That was the last thing Rinemu saw before being invade by the memories of that Spirit──even the girl that didn’t know anything was left speechless. ◇ “……I remember, I remember now. I met you before.” While still sobbing, Mizuha nodded. “At that time I didn’t know anything……I had no idea of how important it was what you did for me, I didn’t even thank you……!” “It’s fine. I didn’t even remember it anyway; even if you thank me it won’t be of any use.” “But, but……!! I couldn’t do anything for your suffering!” “Ah……honestly, you’re making really hard to say it out loud.” Both of them had their own respective standpoints and so much time had already passed. For Mizuha, the object of her worship had resigned and for some reason she was elected to the latter’s position. Being kicked upstairs, there was already no leeway to back out already. The longer time dragged on, the harder it became to say it. Still, if Rinemu was still recovering, this confession would have been impossible. She had always been decadent──until now. Rinemu wiped away Mizuha’s tears and smiled. “It doesn’t matter. I can already sing and I gained valuable experience, so valuable that I never want to go back to the days where I just sang casually. I even formed an interesting idol group. Life is always accompanied by all sort of suffering, but its fine so long as you get through the difficulties. Ah, also you’ll have to continue being the Dominion. I plan on going on a trip anyway.” “Huh……?” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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Mizuha gave an expression like it was the end of the world. “Un, did I say something strange? I want the people in the other regions to listen to the songs that I sing.” She didn’t have this idea in the past, but now that she was able to sing again, she hoped to promote her songs outside of the Ninth Region. But── “B……But aren’t there regions that won’t recognize your songs?” Mizuha was correct. The world wasn’t that peaceful even if they would listen to her songs. If she sang to people with different values, there was no guarantee they would be moved. “Hmm, how to describe it, I’ve already seen it occurred. Like those two over there, Kurumi and Tsuan, unknown people who will become my fans after listening to my song. Hasn’t this already happened in this region? That is enough. The point is that I have recognized the value of this matter. Once, like in the past, as long as I have someone supporting and sympathizing with my songs, that is what is most important.” So no matter where she went she could sing. Rinemu passed on these important, cherished words to her. “One day, you might also want to leave the Ninth Region and embark on a journey. When that moment comes, you don’t have to be afraid because I’m going to have an early start. If we may meet in a certain region, let’s form a two-man group. Because you’re my most important……fan, idol, and kouhai.” Seeing Rinemu smile to her hearts content, Mizuha smiled while crying. She couldn’t stop it. Mizuha couldn’t stop her from leaving and even felt happy for her departure. She wasn’t hesitating because of losing her voice; rather, she regained that and still wanted this. Leaving the Ninth Region Yesod and wandering freely on her own. It seemed wonderful. Ah, but── Mizuha glanced to her manager and then towards everyone who had gathered around her. She couldn’t leave them for now. She didn’t want to, as both an idol and as the Dominion. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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So, Mizuha answered back with tears. “Yes, one day.” Mizuha and Rinemu would continue singing while looking forward to that day. “──So, you won’t need ‘The Voice of the Moon’ then?”

As a transparent voice echoed in the concert hall, the air in this place distorted and spiraled like a solid. “Capture.” The edge of a blade slashed. After a moment, everyone there understood that Kirari Rinemu had been cut down. “Noooooooooooooooooooo!” Mizuha screamed as Rinemu collapsed onto her knees. The Empty girl held ‘The Voice of the Moon’ in her hands.

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○Luku (Rook) “Sempai, sempai, sempai!” Mizuha cried out to the struck down Rinemu── “Eh? Strange? Why? Wasn’t I cut down just now?” “Sempai……huh?” Mizuha started blankly at Rinemu as Tokisaki Kurumi instantly moved onto the stage while revealing her pistol. The passion, zeal, and dreams from just a moment ago, this white girl had trampled on it all. The Empty that was standing next to Momozono Mayuka──that girl’s servant. Or that’s what she is supposed to be, but── “Who are you?” The girl smiled coldly while looking on at Kurumi. Kurumi returned the glare. “I’m not interested in knowing your name or Spirit type. What exactly are you?” Kurumi’s gaze clung onto that girl with a cold stare. Hibiki recognized that under these circumstances it was very possible for them to transition to killing each other right away. ……No, before that. This Empty in front of them didn’t feel like a Quasi-Spirit, there was an extreme abnormality surrounding her that made Hibiki scared. This fear was different than what one would experience during battle. If she were to put in into words, it was similar to the impression Doll Master gave. In other words, it was the impression of not knowing her true identity. It was still completely unclear how that attack had transpired just now. “Memory──” “……?” Unexpectedly, the girl opened her mouth. While her eyes were delusively kept on Kurumi, she looked like she was muttering to herself. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“Memory is poisonous to me. Malice and hatred are irrelevant. Only memory can pollute me, so we must first let others read the memory. This way it reaches the goal of being simply pure reiryoku.” “So, that’s why you incited Kirari Rinemu to take it first.” “Yes.” “Eh? I……Mayuka…..told me…...” “What are you doing!?” Momozono Mayuka was yelling at the second floor of the concert hall──shouting at an inconspicuous corner. No, this was more similar to a shriek. “I, I didn’t ask for this……!” “Yes. You mentioned earlier about the timing. It should have been considered at the end of the concert as they were returning home. However, my head is empty so I wanted it to be in my hands as soon as possible.” The girl let out a kusu kusu laugh. Some accusations were thrown blaming Momozono Mayuka──but this girl was undoubtedly getting more attention. An Empty girl below even a Quasi-Spirit, presumably she had a lack of reiryoku that meant being easily killed even by the Quasi-Spirits that have gathered here without any fighting experience. “Don’t screw around, don’t screw around……! Acting on your own, running about wild on your own, I should cut you off from my reiryoku! You’ve become worthless rubbish!” Snap, there was the sound of a line being broken apart. An Empty was a living body that would slowly die if it was not continuously replenishing its reiryoku. So there must be a fear of death──yet. “……Ah. You’ve actually stopped providing reiryoku. It was brief, but thank you. Well, that level of reiryoku only amounted to the level of a speck.” Kusu, kusu. Kusu, kusu Kusu, kusu, kusu.

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While watching her laugh, Kurumi pulled the trigger. However, the girl dodged by twisting her body in a strange manner. Kurumi let out a sharp sigh as she immediately jumped backwards. “Extend.” The huge sickle that served as that girl’s Unsigned Angel stretched out from its handle. Kurumi immediately used ’s rifle to protect her flank──the ensuing shockwaves reached the audience seats who were helpless to guard from this. “Kurumi-san!” “…..Fall back for now!” A traffic light flicker in Kurumi’s mind as an absurd substitute for a warning signal. If Doll Master in the Tenth Region Malkuth was a Quasi-Spirit that fought to suppress this warning signal, then she was the exact opposite. She was a mass of poison that was oozing a danger signal. “What……what the hell is going on……why?” Mayuka looked stunned at how the Empty, which should have followed her orders, had transformed into something so creepy. “Hah, let’s do it……” Kurumi, who had crashed into the audience seats, stood up. A group of Quasi-Spirits there had fainted from the shock, but right now Kurumi had no time to pay attention to them. “Ara.” The girl looked overjoyed while glaring at Kurumi. Kurumi also smiled in response to this sight. Mizuha, Rinemu, even Hibiki couldn’t move another step. Tsuan was the only one with the physical and mental ability to keep up with those two. But she didn’t act because of the courtesy as a warrior. This girl was marked as Kurumi’s prey. The two girls confronted each other at the center of the stage. Kurumi opened her mouth to speak.

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“I would like to withdraw my pervious question. What is your name?” Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“My name is Luku.” “What is your goal?” “This, ‘The Voice of the Moon’.” “That’s merely just one of the stages. What is you ultimate goal?” “Unable to disclose.” “So, you can’t disclose it?” “Yes.” “Is that true? If so──” “I’ll kill you.” “We’ll each try to kill the other.”

As Tokisaki Kurumi summoned her Angel , a huge clock appeared. The sound of gunfire echoed against the glistening sickle. Kurumi approached Luku while continuously firing her shadowy bullets. Yes, approaching. Despite wielding a gun, she chose close-range combat. That was judgment of a skilled warrior with a repertoire of battle experience. As long as she didn’t know the extents in which that sickle can stretch, it was better to choose close range. Luku jumped, leaning back to avoid the bullets. As Kurumi immediately reloaded── ‘Bend.’ ──The handle of her huge sickle she already avoided curved around. Kurumi was amazed by this extraordinary power. Just a while ago, she had uttered the ‘Capture’ command. Even though she slashed Rinemu, the blow didn’t take away her life, only taking away what was necessary. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“This……!!” The blade of the sickle grazed Kurumi’s cheek. The Quasi-Spirits in the audience were screaming as they began to flee. The Quasi-Spirits serving as Mizuha’s bodyguards pulled her, Rinemu and Hibiki to the side of the stage. Kurumi fired a bullet at herself from a poignant position. Her opponent continued her attack. “The First Bullet ──!” A bullet shot for the purpose of acceleration, but Luku was still able to keep up with her speed. Unbelievable. This person was incredibly strong. “Ku, then……The Seventh Bullet !” The moment she heard that, Luku let go of her huge sickle and shifted her coordinates a little. The Seventh Bullet struck the huge sickle and stopped the time of the Unsigned Angel. But that was only the weapon, not Luku herself. Luku immediately grabbed the sickle after letting go, shaking it as if shredding away the sealed time. The handle struck Kurumi’s stomach, forcing her into a now unmanned audience seat. “Kurumi-san!” Kurumi stood up in response to Hibiki’s cry. She still had that much energy left over. However── The reiryoku gained from that exquisite concert was being rapidly consumed. Moreover, shooting the various bullets from required the consumption of reiryoku and time──that is to say the life of the user. It was an indispensable fact that this needed to quickly end. Of course, this cost was worth the ability of her Angel. The ability to exert tremendous power through a combination of bullets was ’s hallmark. In extreme cases, she could shot the First Bullet at herself and the Second Bullet at the opponent to attack at a speed several times faster than the opponent.

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However, this couldn’t be done now. As long as she shot the First Bullet at herself, the opponent would retreat to the rear. If she tried firing the Second Bullet , the other party would evade her attack. It was difficult to predict fighting against something so fluid-like. No matter how she shot, she would escape. Even if she landed a hit, it wasn’t enough as the damage was being controlled to make it as minimal as possible. “It’s a waste of time.” Those indifferent words agitated Kurumi to the upmost extent──but she also understood that these words rang true. The identity, purpose, and reason for being able to predict her actions were all a mystery. Kurumi looked around for something to use. Almost all of the prospective Quasi-Spirits in the audience had fled, only Momozono Mayuka was standing at the same spot. Those bodyguards──they couldn’t be used, since they were needed to protect Banouin Mizuha. Kirari Rinemu and Banouin Mizuha, they couldn’t be used because they virtually had no fighting ability. It was good that Rinemu was being protected alongside Mizuha. Higoromo Hibiki──couldn’t be used ‘now’. A strange revelation occurred where she realized she might need to rely on her later. In that case, what should she do?

A flash of inspiration struck Kurumi. This method was foolish and devious, but it was because of this that she believed it would have an effect. However, this method could only be used once, if it failed there would be no afterwards. In other words, it wasn’t quite different from her current situation. “!” The hands of the clock begun to spin. Luku was alert as she stopped. Important point number 1……Luku knows, although it wasn’t clear if it was all of them, her abilities.

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Important point number 2……she was especially vigilant towards the Second Bullet and Seventh Bullet , but also towards the First Bullet which strengthened Kurumi’s physical abilities. Important point number 3……there was absolutely nothing known about the other party. Even her personality was a mystery, while colorless like an Empty she was far from innocuous. The ability of her Unsigned Angel──a huge sickle that could change shape through vocal instructions. However, Kurumi was convinced that wasn’t only thing it could do. First of all, she would use the First Bullet to accelerate her own speed. “I’ll reach the very depths of your core──the Tenth Bullet !” Kurumi shot a bullet originally only used for interrogation rather than combat. Sure enough, Luku swung her sickle to deflect the bullet──this evasive movement was the same as between the 13th and 27th bullets she had fired earlier. Kurumi breathed out a sigh of relief. The sound of impact, the non-lethal Tenth Bullet has the ability to read the memories of those struck. Kurumi felt the rebound from the Tenth Bullet in her chest. In that instant, the memories of that scythe crumbled like snow. “────!” Again, another unbelievable event. Much of the message was undecipherable, but that was within Kurumi’s estimations. However, there was some information that was leaked. ──Yes, I offer everything I have to you my dear Queen. ──White Queen, you are everything to me. ──Yes, yes, please let me know. I am your piece, existing to protect you. ──I must use this Unsigned Angel to remove all obstacles for you. “Just now……” Luku gave a confused look to Kurumi. Then, Kurumi immediately decided to begin the pursuit.

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“Ara, ara, ara. So you’re a believer.” “……What did you just say?” The atmosphere condensed. “Is she called the White Queen? And you are her chess piece, so it’s not Luku but Rook. Such a handsome name. But in the end, a piece is still a piece. Just a puppet that serves a foolish miserable queen. Ah, so I have nothing to worry about. A person serving someone with such a gaudy title would probably die from being betrayed. Alright, alright, do you want to say that cliché line now? But I’ve done so much to serve you!” She took the bait. Rook’s entire body trembled. The anger coming out from her could be felt by everyone present. “That name……” Despite this situation, Hibiki couldn’t help but laugh. As expected of Kurumi, the tactic chose in the very end was to make this calm girl mad. “How dare you say the Queen’s naaaaaaaaaaaame!” Rook’s temperament exploded as she let out an earth-shaking howl. It was as if Kurumi had stuffed the hollow hole in her heart with salt, pepper, and hot sauce. The huge scythe was swung down in anger. Kurumi repeatedly retreated backwards; away from the range of the huge scythe──but such behavior was meaningless. “Extend!!” Naturally, Luku made that command. But if she had considered calmly, the instruction she should have yelled was── “If you had let go of that scythe, you would have already cut me down.” Kurumi used both her rifle and pistol to block the huge scythe containing her anger. “Ku, ugh…!!” Only girls that have escaped from the verge of death could repel such a huge scythe at this critical moment.

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“Re──Recovery!” “Too late!” Kurumi fired consecutive bullets from both her rifle and pistol. If shot once, her posture would be out of balance. If shot twice, she could shoot again before her opponent could get up. Kihihihihi, Kurumi laughed like a Grim Reaper peeping through the gates of hell. Luku, or rather Rook, was shot by a subsequent round of 18 bullets. “Gaaaaaaaaaah! Fly……Fly!!” Surprisingly──it wasn’t too shocking──but Rook fled into the air. Rather than consuming reiryoku to gently float into the air, the huge sickle spew out flames to propelled itself up like a jet. “Kyaaaaaaaaaaaah!” And in the process of flying into the air, she also snatched away Momozono Mayuka. Furthermore, they broke through the roof of the live venue and flew away. “……Tsuan-san!” “──Understood. I’ll catch up, contact me at that time.” Tsuan, with her expression unchanged, informed her as she chased after them. “Now……Rinemu-san, are you alright?” Kurumi walked towards Rinemu. The bodyguards had already disarmed themselves upon Mizuha’s commands. Rinemu slowly nodded. “S-Somehow, I’m fine.” “Fortunately, her goal was stealing not hacking a person away.” “It was still frightening…..say, Kurumi-chan, what will happen to Mayuka?”

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“That’s up to Luku or rather Rook, but……she most likely will be killed. Likely in order to take in her Sephira fragment to replenish her reiryoku.” After all, 18 shots had been landed, the treatment for that must require a great deal of reiryoku. If she’s not pursued, she wouldn’t hesitate to kill other Quasi-Spirits to ensure her survival. Rinemu listened to what Kurumi had said and gave a heavy sigh. “Like I said, Momozono Mayuka is an idiot, vicious, and cowardly, but I still think that part of her is incurably cute.” “Yes, yes, you’re right.” “I’ve never seen someone so willing to live like her. I think she’s already reflected on this, so can you save her?” “Um, I would also ask that of you. Her singing ability is still quite good.” Banouin Mizuha also made the same request. “I also want to save her, but as for the condition……I’m going to need to take your time.” Kihihihihi, it looked as if Kurumi was smiling like a Grim Reaper once again. “……But before that, Hibiki-san.” “Y-Yes……” Hibiki came rushing over. “……I’m going to settle things with Rook. It doesn’t matter if you show up late, but you must be there.” “……” “That girl is a concept that cannot exist in this region.” Kurumi’s eyes, whether if it was the clock version or the normal one, revealed her serious intent. “……I understand!” Kurumi turned around, looking at both Mizuha and Rinemu who both had pale looks on their faces. “Umm, what do you mean by time?”

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“W-Will we have to become grandmas!? What should I do? I’ll have to change my route as an idol!” It seemed that Rinemu was planning continuing being an idol well into old age. Well, no matter how old she was, she would continue singing cheerfully. “……I’m not that cruel.” Kurumi replied while somewhat angry. But it was no wonder that they were scared. “For you Quasi-Spirits, it’s not something worthy of being afraid of. You’ll only feel sleepy and tired. You won’t be aging instantly.” Despite having said that, Kurumi also presented another plan. “If you’re still anxious, then let me take it little by little from everyone. As a result, everyone’s burden will be reduced in a single breath. Even if you feel tired, call upon the audience to sing. Won’t you instantly recover if you do that?” Kurumi said while looking to all of the seats that were now completely abandoned. “Mu.” Rinemu began to seriously think. “Fortunately, the Quasi-Spirits that had escaped know that Luku has fled from here. If it is the Dominion, isn’t it possible to reconvene the audience immediately?” “……That’s the only way. Mizuha, can you sing?” “Eh! Y-Yes! I can sing.” “The appointment I promised you is about to arrive. Can you sing a duet?” As Rinemu winked towards her, Mizuha’s stoic features instantly crumbled. “Yes, I want to! I would love to sing along with you!” The manager immediately tried to stop this idea but soon gave up since Mizuha’s expressions were filled with an unprecedented joy. For the manager that had only seen Mizuha’s calm demeanor in the past, this image was fresh and splendid. “Manager, what do you think we should sing?” Hearing that question, the manager smiled.

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“This originally should have been the last piece……but Enjoy My Life which expresses joy should be a good fit.” “Understood!” The two responded in unison as they both walked to the center of the stage. Mizuha conveyed her voice through the wind, telling everyone that the danger had subsided, they were all safe, and that she would sing in a live performance alongside Kirari Rinemu. In less than five minutes, Quasi-Spirits rushed onto the concert hall at once. During that moment, Kurumi and Hibiki retreated to the side of the stage. “Wow, a combination between past and present Dominions filled the audience in an instant. Gugugu, it’s a bit vexing. Originally, these customers should have all been ours” Hibiki made a complicated expression while muttering. “I don’t plan to be a serious idol here.” “I know～” “Additionally, Hibiki-san, stay away from the concert hall at the beginning. The will indiscriminately absorb everyone’s time. Although it’s only feeling a little fatigue, the person performing the next task better not stay here.” “Ah……I understand!” After Kurumi had confirmed that Hibiki had left the concert hall, her entire body sank into the shadows at the same time Rinemu and Mizuha appeared on stage. “Sorry for just now!” “As you can see, the seeds of trouble are already gone. Please take a good look──” “Listen to our singing! Enjoy the songs we bring!” The music flowed out──the audience began to jubilantly cheer. The song had begun, exuding an overwhelming impression. In that whirlpool of enthusiasm, Kurumi whispered something in the shadows. “For our goal, itadakimasu.” Instantly──the Quasi-Spirits in this concert hall felt a strange sense of fatigue. The , taking away the time of Quasi-Spirits within its range, was a skill that could not be misused in the peaceful Ninth Region Yesod. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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In Kurumi’s left eye, the clock hand begun turning in reverse, gradually absorbing the meager “time” from the Quasi-Spirits at the concert venue. ……But for them, they will feel just a little bit tired. And this degree of burnout would soon be erased by the emotions brought by Mizuha and Rinemu’s song. Kurumi laughed, the so-called ‘forgotten time’ referred to this situation. She was ready. Kurumi, who had replenished her time to such an extent, didn’t want to burden the Quasi-Spirits in the concert hall too much by exercising ’s power. “──the First Bullet !” The secret sound of gunfire mixed within their singing voices. Kurumi, who leaped out of the concert hall, tore through the skies of the Neighboring World at great speed. Glancing back, there was a pure white girl desperately trailing on in her direction. Kurumi felt at ease as long as she was chasing after her. “I’m going on ahead, Hibiki-san.” Such words would likely not be able to reach her ears as Kurumi increased her speed. She had a vague hunch on the place where the final battle will be.

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○And now, White Queen Love, love, deeply in love with you. Loving, loving, falling in love with you. Thinking only of you in my heart. Not expecting, not excepting this love to bear fruit. I only wish, I only hope that you must…… Not forget me── ──Singing like a mayfly. ──Dying like a mayfly.

◇

Her teeth were unceasingly shivering. In front of her, that obedient girl had completely changed into a monster for some reason. But the biggest problem was that she was brought in here for some reason. Her heart was full of an incomparable ominous feeling. Moreover, this place was── “The Cradle……” “I decided on here for the appointed meeting because this place is the first place where I met──” Rook muttered while having an intoxicated look. In the previous battle, she was already understood her abilities and her views on herself. In order to survive, it was necessary to make the maximum effort possible. Whatever it took to live a second longer──she held onto that prayer. But at the same time, she understood that possibility was extremely low. Date A Live LN’s Translation

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“……” If she chose silence, the other party would inevitably kill her if she didn’t do anything. Anyhow, she had to keep her talking. Stopping Rook from being immersed in her memories, she saw her opportunity to open her mouth. “……Besides me, have you been serving someone else?” “Of course, did you think that you were my master?” Rook shrugged her shoulders. “I guess I had convinced myself of that.” “Yes, I haven’t even the faintest recollection of your name.” “Momozono Mayuka! Really, at least remember someone’s name!” The sounds of rough breathing. A comical skit performed in the sense that the feeling of death was approaching by the second. “……Huh, aren’t you going to ask me?” “Ask? Ask about what?” “Why I brought you here.” “To serve as your hostage, right?” “No, you aren’t worthy of being a hostage.” She was well aware of this as well──Mayuka grouchily complained in her mind. “In order to replenish my reiryoku, I’m going to gouge out your Sephira fragment now.” Aah, sure enough──it had turned out to be this. “Wait, wait. Even if you don’t absorb my insignificant reiryoku, you still have ‘The Voice of the Moon’!” Listening to that, the girl pulled out ‘The Voice of the Moon’ in front of Mayuka.

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“That is no good, that can’t be done. Because that is something offered to that person. Because I came here to obtain this.” “Huh……w-wait a second, did you pretend to obey me just to obtain ‘The Voice of the Moon’?” “Yes, all for the sake of that person.” Her response was filled with devotion and faith. It was frightening to imagine the object of this girl’s fervently devotion. “But, I have obtained ‘The Voice of the Moon’. All I have to do now is waiting for that person to come──” “Don’t you think they’ll catch up to you?” “I can kill any Quasi-Spirit following after me.” “Ah……even if that opponent was Tokisaki Kurumi?” Rook’s expression broke down. Agitated, she stared at Mayuka with cold murderous intent. Here was the critical moment. Mayuka desperately kept thinking while letting those words roll off from her tongue. “You didn’t win, right? You couldn’t win so you had to escape here. If she catches up, how much stronger do you think you can be by absorbing my reiryoku? During that battle, you’ve already wasted so much reiryoku. Don’t tell me that you think you can win against her now?” Rook grabbed her by the neck──shaking it with all her strength. This moment was the last threshold separating life and death. Mayuka didn’t want to think like that as she prayed at the same time. God, the great Spirits, future generations, I will never plot any schemes ever again. I will never sing again as an idol. I will change careers, I will find another way to survive and find the right path for herself. “Such a noisy fly. I’ll extract the Sephira fragment now.” So please, don’t let me disappear……! “──!”

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At that moment, even Mayuka could feel the thirst for blood as a monster swung down without hesitation. A so-called combination weapon that combined a hammer with a halberd. In the Ninth Region Yesod, there was only one girl who could handle such a dangerous weapon. “Guard!” This girl was Biscuit Smasher, or otherwise known as Tsuan. Her killing blow was blocked by . “Tsuan……!” “Tokisaki Kurumi is my prey. Anyone trying to intercept that is my enemy. And incidentally, I want to fight you too.” “A troublesome person has showed up……!” Rook smacked her lips as she retreated to the back──Tsuan would not tolerate this insult as she moved forward and swung her weapon. At the same time, Mayuka softly landed on the ground. She deeply thanked God for answering her prayers and renewed her oath. “……Going to another region……” Everything was good as long as it was a place where she could live a stable life. While thinking so, Mayuka decided to hide first. While she was unseeingly crawling about, she still felt the joy of survival. As long as she firmly believed in this joy, she could continue holding onto the belief of not wanting to disappear (die).

◇

In fact, Rook was exceedingly calm fending off Tsuan. Because she only though of charging forward to attack, it was easy to read, easy to control, and easy to avoid. Despite this, she was still at a disadvantage. Naturally, it was because she wasn’t able to extract Momozono Mayuka’s Sephira fragment while engaging in that frank chat.

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Insufficient, her power was completely inadequate. Still, it was better than fighting Tokisaki Kurumi right now. Twice, three times, four times, five times, six times, during each exchange of blows Rook smoothly evaded. The slightest mistake would mean her head being smashed in, but Rook was unafraid. She originally wasn’t afraid of death or pain. As long as she did her best to die fulfilling her duty, she could contribute to that person. No, she intended to be useful. ──When helping others, you’ll have value. ──So, she could die now without any regrets.

Yes, she could die at any time. She was now dedicating the remainder of her time exuding the brilliant radiance of her life. Come, shine more and then disappear──! “Scatter!” “Discharge!” “Take her life!” The huge scythe shrank, splitting apart into innumerable pieces and released as arrows. “What……!” So this was the reason why she secretly kept fighting in close range. Tsuan’s body was targeted by the red arrows shot out with tremendous force. “──Great Rotation!” Tsuan spun her body and halberd with great vigor while activating . Still, she couldn’t completely block the attack as countless arrows pierced her body. “Guuuuuu.” “Ku……” But she wasn’t dead. Her ability to respond to this situation was no small feat──she had used her own Astral Dress to freeze the stabbed areas to prevent a fatal injury. It appeared she was enduring the pain of frostbite. Then, now was the time to deliver the fatal blow.

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“Combine.” It changed back to a huge sickle. This time Rook rushed forward to gouge out her Sephira fragment.

The sound of a gunshot. Rook stopped while stunned. No way……it couldn’t be.” “Tokisaki……Kurumi……!!” It wasn’t the same idol dress she used while dancing. Such gorgeous clothes were not suitable for the Cradle. In other words, Kurumi was wearing her usual dress that brought out her elegant, lovely, and terrifying qualities. The Astral Dress bearing the name of the highest rank──Spirit Dress of God’s Authority Number 3 . “……Surprisingly fast.” Kurumi shrugged her shoulders in response to what Tsuan had said. “It’s because I was supplied an ample amount.” “Supplied……no way.” Luku was stunned. Kurumi had used her Angel on the crowd gathered by the Dominion Banouin Mizuha and Kirari Rinemu──after getting prior consent beforehand. “However, flying all the way here was tiring. I believe it must be the same for you?” Kurumi spread out both of her hands──and roared. “