Reason

(Bai Ziye)

The old man named Han Shuo was very decisive and was the first to give a high score of 9 points.

As a former top producer, he commented:

"Hmm, such a unique performance! I not only heard your beautiful singing voice, but also the voice of your heart. The young girl's emotionally charged singing was truly moving... From the costumes, lyrics, stage effects, to the rhythm control during the performance, I could feel your dedication... Well, I couldn't refuse such an excellent performance."

If you're so satisfied with what you said, why did you deduct a point?

"As for the point deducted, it's because you still have a lot of room for growth, Ceruno. You'd better find a way to get a perfect score from me."

I have to say, this old geezer is quite the actor.

SpiCa thought for a moment, glanced at the scoreboard in front of Grandpa Han Shuo, and finally... gave it a score of 9.

Unexpectedly, the Tactical Division Association of the Association is also a shrewd scholar.

Miluno's performance was in no way inferior to "Flow Princess's," so why is that?

"Ceruno, I really like this song; it contains your genuine emotions... but you didn't fully utilize your magic. In terms of stage presence, your magic could have done much better, so I'm deducting one point here."

She even came up with a plausible reason for deducting points.

Fortunately, with two consecutive nine-pointers, Ceruno's qualification for the finals is basically secured, and Flow Princess is probably just cannon fodder.

Although I want to say this...

When it was Sirius's turn, they showed a score of 8.

"Huh? What's Sirius up to? Did he grab the wrong thing?!"

I couldn't help but complain aloud, and the Doggy on my back started barking too.

"Exactly! Ceruno is so devoted, Master is going too far!"

"You'd better keep quiet and listen to what reason Sirius might have for doing such a disgusting thing..."

On a scale of ten, eight is indeed not low.

However, it's hard to accept that Ceruno only got an eight out of ten for her outstanding performance.

Is this to protect her image and show that she's not someone who's overly protective of her own?

Sirius, one of the judges, spoke up.

"Ceruno- chan, the Superstar Idol Festival is a stage for selecting new idols, you know?"

"Yes, of course I know."

Ceruno's answer prompted Sirius to ask again, "Then I'd like to ask, what do you think the existence of 'idols' is?"

Malicious.

Extremely vicious.

There is no absolutely correct answer to this question. No matter how Ceruno answers, Sirius will most likely shake his head.

"Idols are... beacons that guide fans onto the right path."

"Oh! That's a good answer!"

Sirius nodded in agreement.

"As an idol, should your emotions be directed towards the fans present at the event, or towards someone who isn't here?"

"..."

Ceruno stared wide-eyed, bewildered by Sirius's theory.

I think I finally understand Sirius's "twisted logic"...

Now that things have come to this, does she still want to say that idols can't date?

"Looks like you understand now? That's why I deducted points. Idols are beacons that guide people forward. When you stand on stage as an idol, your 'service' should be to your 'fans' and 'audience.' Don't think I'm being presumptuous by saying this; this is a principle I've always adhered to. Idols are everyone's idols. Even my love songs don't have a specific target like yours... Love confessions and the like, please do them in private at a karaoke bar. It's a bit insensitive to romance on this stage."

Sirius explained this by crossing his fingers and resting his hand below his nose.

Because she's a professional idol, that makes sense... What a load of rubbish!

Do idols really not have the freedom to date?

Ceruno's final score was 26 points.

She's only one point ahead of the underperforming "Flow Princess." If Halley and the other magical girl also have their ultimate moves ready, she still risks being eliminated...

But there's no use in getting angry. I can't exactly go on stage and argue with Sirius right now, since the Supernova Idol Festival is being broadcast live across the entire internet.

"Little Yezi, are you dissatisfied?"

I heard Aunt Yuehan's voice behind me. She was stroking the tail of the Golden on my back with practiced ease, and the Doggy made a whimpering sound.

"Of course I'm dissatisfied; those reasons for deducting points are just nitpicking."

"Actually, Sirius isn't wrong, is she? If you consider being an idol as a job, then 'serving the fans' is the job's responsibility. She's just fairly fulfilling her responsibility as a judge, yet you want her to favor Ceruno. Doesn't that mean you want her to be an unfair judge? Or are you just being too protective?"

"... well."

That stage was prepared for idols.

Ceruno's performance, driven by her feelings for me, was indeed disrespectful to the other audience members.

"Besides, 26 points isn't low, I think Ceruno has a high chance of advancing to the finals."

"Um..."

Since Aunt Yuehan, who is also a mother, has said so, it would be inappropriate for me to say anything more.

Despite her resentment, the die was cast, and Ceruno's qualification for advancement was now left to fate.

"Good evening, esteemed judges! I am Magical Girl Halley, and my goal is... the pinnacle of idoldom!"

Halley's voice brought me back to reality.

Is it her turn next?

A top-tier, all-around idol warrior;

Even when plunged into darkness, the succubus's heart still yearns for the light!

Despite her despicable pre-match antics, I'm genuinely curious to see what kind of performance she'll deliver, as that would be a testament to her talent.

"Halley? Hmm, I remember you."

Grandpa Han Shuo opened his eyes, which had been squinting, and his bright eyes beneath his white eyebrows showed no signs of being a retired man in his seventies.

"I won't bother with formalities. Welcome back to the stage as a magical girl idol. Don't leave with any regrets."

But that one sentence broke through Halley's defenses.

She froze on stage, displaying an unprecedentedly flustered reaction.

"... Yes, thank you, Teacher Han."

"Now, begin your performance."

"Um!"

With its wings spread, the translucent wing membrane appeared hazy under the stage lights.

Halley slowly flapped its wings, which were theoretically unlikely to generate enough lift, and soared into the sky to the tune of an ancient prelude...

It was even taller than the spotlight stand.

Snap--

Sirius snapped his fingers.

Several laser beams extended from behind her, transforming into stage lights from different angles to illuminate Halley in the air. A drone camera formation followed, forming a new circle around her.

It's not only a hassle for the judges, but also for the photography team.

If Halley can't deliver a performance that wows the audience, she'll definitely be eliminated, right?

She gently raised her hand, and began to spin in a circle in the air, her light veil swaying in the wind, leaving trails of purple shadows.

Her elegant figure was like that of a flying fairy.

Being banned from speaking is a bit upsetting, so I can only thank all the readers here for their monthly tickets.