Smack!
In the brightly lit venue, all the lights suddenly went out, plunging all fifteen thousand spectators into darkness.
Onstage, spotlights began to shine down one after another, illuminating the center.
Boom!
A burst of celebratory fireworks exploded, scattering colorful confetti beneath the spotlights.
Then, as jets of light and flame erupted around the stage, the world-class songstress appeared beneath the spotlights, wearing a headset microphone, spreading her arms toward the audience, and smiling beautifully.
"Ooooooooooooooooooh—!"
An unprecedentedly thunderous cheer immediately rang throughout the entire venue.
Every spectator widened their eyes at the songstress onstage and shouted excitedly as though they were tearing their throats apart.
Then, the background music began.
"—Let go of the future and dream of the heart, it is no harm to leave it in the future—"
Sylvia's singing echoed outward as though each note had taken flight.
Her sweet, enchanting voice drew another wave of cheers from the audience. Their glow sticks were all raised high and waved frantically.
The concert officially began in that very instant.
"Has it started?"
Outside the venue, Tsuchimikado Motoharu, who was standing guard, looked over.
"Has it started?"
Inside the venue, Yuzuriha Awaki, who was mingling among the crowd, also turned her gaze toward the stage as though she had only just realized it.
"Has it started?"
Near the parking lot, Ezali, who had been scouting the terrain and suspicious individuals, likewise raised his eyes.
"It's already started?"
Accelerator stood high atop the dome-shaped venue, taking in the entire surrounding area. Listening to the cheers and beautiful singing coming through his radio, he took off his earpiece and nearly threw it away.
"Too damn noisy. My ears hurt."
His attitude remained as terrible as ever.
Yet Tsuchimikado Motoharu, Accelerator, Yuzuriha Awaki, and Ezali had all raised their alertness to