“So this is the preliminary venue.”
Nina looked up at the large, two-story building. A sign proudly declared “Chanmio Limion Theater” on the rooftop, with each letter individually placed. A creature… a wildcat, to be exact, was perched on top of the “A.” Was it owned by the theater?
(By the way, “Limion” is short for “Limion Theater.”)
“Whoa, there are three vending machines!”
“The red one is that company’s, isn’t it? And the blue one is that one. I saw a vending machine like that at the hospital too.”
“The yellow one is from a famously cheap manufacturer.” “Clam soup? Who would buy something like that?”
The Otherworlders were buzzing with excitement. These were the machines where you put in copper coins and get sealed juices and coffees. They were known as “Automated Vending Magic Devices,” and people from the countryside were delighted to see them. It made sense that they could also be called vending machines.
(I remember seeing something like this near the Golden Tree.)
Though, of course, there was no clam soup.
“Let’s go in. We need to register for the preliminaries.”
Inside, the wind magic stone air conditioning kept the place pleasantly cool. In Chanmio, where the seasons were apparently distinct, it seemed like a comfortable place to watch plays, whether it was hot or cold.
“Welcome to the theater!”
At the front of the entrance, where there would normally be a ticket booth, stood a cute receptionist with a blue ribbon on her chest.
(Her name tag says ‘Ichika’.)
“I’m here to register for the preliminaries.”
“Yes, do you have the application form?”
“There are four of us. Can Summon also participate?”
“Only with a letter of recommendation.”
The participants were Otuha, MAINA, Niizuma, and Nataira.
“…Yes, the preliminaries will be held tomorrow and the day after. That’s soon.”
“Normally, you would be exempt if you had a recommendation from the Guild Master.”
“What time?”
“You can come anytime from morning to evening. The main event is the following week!”
It’s good that we don’t have to worry too much about the time. Anju’s school only has the farewell party and graduation ceremony left. By the way, she passed her tests. The reason given was her contribution to Shucco’s peace.
(Points don’t matter at all?!)
Well, it is a special course.
“Would you like to see the stage?”
“Hmm, scouting is important.”
“Then please feel free to look around!”
Looking around the lobby, I noticed a souvenir shop. They were selling pudding recommended by a singer. It said, ‘If you put it in the theater’s refrigerator, it will be stolen by anyone.’ How’s that for public order?
(There’s also a staircase to the second floor…)
Then, we opened a heavy door and finally entered the theater. Seats were lined up, the stage was lit, and three girls were already practicing.
“Flying… Cockatrice!!!”
They were jumping around, incorporating dance into their routine.
“Messha, you’re jumping too high.”
“Fuurin, you’re not showing enough enthusiasm.”
“Both of you, try to synchronize.”
“Ayaka, your only talent is smiling, so be quiet!”
“Messha, that’s cruel…”
Ah, these were the girls whose voices I heard from the coffee shop!
“Hey, someone’s here!”
“Oh, sorry, are you going to use the stage?”
“Wow, there are so many of you! Are you all participating?”
The three girls in yellow, blue, and pink practice outfits lined up and looked at us. Nina responded to them.
“No, we’re just scouting. Sorry to interrupt. Four of us from our party will be participating, but… what about you?”
“Yes! Everyone, let’s go. A small step forward… and form a line!”
Wow, the three of them, perfectly in sync, turned sideways and thrust their hands out slightly near their chests!
“We are the singer trio, ‘Next Newcomer Generations,’ or ‘NexGene’ for short. I am the leader, Messha, born and raised right here in Chanmio! And…”
“I’m Fuurin, nice to meet you.”
“I’m Ayaka! Let’s do our best together!”
“No, we’re rivals.”
Ayaka shyly said “That’s right…” in response to Nina’s cold retort. She’s so cute.
“We are the adventurer party ‘Nina Starlights’.”
“Oh, I know you! You’re super strong, right?!”
“I heard you’ve been defeating the Seven Great Demon Lords.”
“They’re participating in the main event, aren’t they? The Seven Great Demon Lords.”
They know about us… No, the participation of the Seven Great Demon Lords was plastered all over the posters!
“We can handle the fight against the Demon Lords, but the problem is as ‘singers’.”
“Hmm, if you win, you might be able to defeat the Seven Great Demon Lords, but we can’t hold back either.”
“Messha, I have a great idea!”
“What is it, Fuurin?”
“If we win the championship, can we have five helpers?”
Is that allowed?
“Hmm, well, we’ll think about it.”
“Yay, peace!”
Ayaka cheered. Her smile really is her most popular feature.
“As adventurers, by the way…”
“I, the leader Messha, am the magician! And…”
“Fuurin, the swordsman.”
“Ayaka, the cleric, I’m doing my best!”
Given their age, their levels might not be very high… but they seem good as singers.
“Understood. If our preliminary matches are on the same day, we’ll see you again.”
“Yes, and in the main event too!”
“We’ll practice hard until then!”
“Hehehe.”
“Well then, please continue. Let’s go.”
As we returned to the lobby…!!
“Anju, you didn’t come with us?”
“I brought the wildcat from the rooftop!”
“Nyaaaaaaaaaaaaaa~~~~~!!!”
It had a collar with a name tag. The name was “Ooooyabun” (Big Boss). Yes, that insolent look perfectly suits a boss.
“Alright, let’s head back to the Great Tree. The participants will have special training, understood!”
” ” ” “Yes!!!!!!!!” ” ” ”
…Ah, before we go, I should buy some clam soup.
