A Bold Invitation

Endmin, once you're ready, make sure to let me know!

Attention to all sectors A, B, and C! Suspicious activity reported nearby! Heighten alert levels and conduct a full sweep of the surrounding area again!

Oh no! They're going to spot us...

Stop right there! Who—

Huh? Dropped the ball? What are you talking about...

What?! You saw her?!

Stay sharp. Joel and the others mentioned someone might have spotted Miss Liino...

Miss Liino?! If we actually run into her, what should we...

We take her straight to Mr. Winston. Didn't I drill that into you during the emergency training?

S-sorry, sir! I thought our priority was to ensure Miss Liino's safety...

Her safety is important, yes. But what matters more is this concert.

He made it clear: spare no effort, we have to bring her back before the deadline at all costs. Understood?

Y-yes sir!

Liino's not the kind of girl who gives up easily! With this many people ... it's the perfect chance to boost our promotion!

Oh right, Endmin, the broadcast station you mentioned...

Alright, let's go then! We have to get the promotion done before they find me!

I expected a crowd, but ... this is way more people than I imagined!

I wonder how Miss Liino is doing... Why haven't those guards found her yet...

I hope she's still willing to come back... Honestly, looking back, Mr. Winston was way too hard on her.

You're not wrong... After all, she's the "ace" they worked so hard to sign back then. Mr. Winston must have had huge expectations for her.

Exactly. Otherwise, he wouldn't have pressured her so much every day and stopped her from having any say in the performance details...

But aside from that, doesn't Mr. Winston practically treat her like royalty? The best of everything in food, clothing, shelter, and all the new equipment she asked for ended up being approved too.

Yeah, I do feel sorry for Miss Liino, but ... I can't help but envy her a little sometimes.

Perhaps there's something more important for her... Or she wouldn't have chosen to run away like that.

Cole, don't you get it? Once we sign this transfer agreement, we can finally work in Alloycarrot!

No more worrying about new uniforms or new equipment! I might even get a decent night's sleep for once!

But Aiden, can't we just wait a little longer? I've heard things about some pretty shady rumors.

Wait if you want, but I'm not missing this! This is our shot at a better life ... who'll be responsible if we pass it up?

Yeah, Aiden's got a point... Sorry, Cole.

The truth is ... life doesn't always get better. We just keep convincing ourselves, that there's no other choice anyway...

It's nothing, just some old memories that slipped back in... I didn't even know you back then.

So ... there's no need to dwell on it. Even "Liino" herself stopped caring about it a long time ago.

This budget has gone way over and profits haven't budged! This is on you! All those rented equipment upgrades were your idea!

Just a moderately successful idol, and you dare to try to negotiate with us? Don't overestimate your importance. You really think you're irreplaceable?

Miss Liino, don't waste your time on those fans. You still have ten scheduled appearances, two program invites, and four ad endorsement events lined up next...

Wait? Miss Liino? Why are you here? Are you—

Oh! I see ... you're filming a reality show, right?

Right, right! It's a very special show! And you'll help us keep it a secret, won't you?

Now, tell me, how many big dudes in sunglasses are over there? They're all part of the crew for the show!

Hmm, let me think... One, two, three, four... There are four of them! Are the crew members supposed to be that scary...

Guess we'll have to wait a bit. Oh, right...

Could you tell me your name, sweetheart?

M-my name is Isaac...

Alright, Isaac, stay right here for a little while, okay? Just in case the crew tries to catch us...

What? Why are they gonna catch Miss Liino?

Oh, um, it's nothing! Just part of the show's game! Don't worry about it!

N-no way! I'll distract them! That way, Miss Liino can find a way to escape!

Twinkle-twinkle! Everyone in Valley IV! Let me hear your hearts! This is your most perfect, most adorable Liino!

I have something super-duper important to announce... So make sure you listen closely, everyone!

Liino will be holding a totally unprecedented, brand-new solo concert right here in Valley IV!

You absolutely have to come! Or Liino will be really, reeeeaaaally sad!

Eheh, that's the end of Liino's invitation! Be sure to keep an eye on Liino's official page from now on! Let's meet again on stage, everyone!

Endmin, hold Liino's hand tight this time too, okay?!

Miss Liino?!

She's over there!

This time, Liino will bring the brightest light in the world to everyone who loves her! To shine on every wandering heart!

But... I'm sure that won't happen! Because just like how Liino loves each and every one of you, I know you all love Liino too, right?

*Huff*... *huff* ... did we shake them all off?

...And?

...You really are something, Endmin. This is the first time I've ever felt like I just can't keep something hidden.

That's right. I've never been some puppet the higher-ups could control.

Yeah. You're the Endministrator. A hero admired by many, and the exact kind of person those higher-ups are wary of.

With your help, even if it's just in name alone, standing by my side ... their dirty tricks will have a much harder time succeeding, right?

But ... you're not quite the Endmin I imagined.

From the very first time we met... Even though the stories made you out to be so extraordinary, being around you feels much more like being with an ordinary person.

Even after losing your memory and seeing I wasn't honest, and after all my attempts to get help, you still stand by me... You really are a strange one!

Perhaps ... it's because you're such a strange one, that I just can't seem to open up.

Otherwise, how could someone as perfect and adorable as Liino get read so easily?

But ... still, you're pretty terrible too! As an apology...

I promise you won't be disappointed! After all...

Huh...?

I just hate how they use my concerts to promote the company... Just so they can poach talent from the UWST. It's happened so many times before. They expect me to play along every single time...

But I never wanted any part of those scams!

Endmin... Would you think Liino was being a little too much?

Truthfully, I've wanted to teach those higher-ups a lesson for a long time now. I was just waiting for the right opportunity...

Heh, with that done, I can wrap up the last few preparations, and the grand Liino concert will be ready to go!

Um? Endmin, why do you have that look on your face...

That's why I dug into every bit of information about you I could find, even had a friend of Seš'qa help investigate... I learned so much about you.

All so that if the chance ever came to meet you, no matter what it took, I could get your attention and help...

You step in to help when you see someone in trouble, and you listen when people talk...

Anyway, I just want to use this chance to turn the tables on them once, host the solo concert I've always wanted, be the most successful, and make it easier to go independent later.

Hmph... You were definitely mocking me behind my back...

Of course, if anyone wanted to work in the cities where I perform because they were genuinely inspired by me... I'd welcome that wholeheartedly!

You absolutely have to pay full attention to Liino's performance!

Hmph ... so scary... But no, Isaac will protect Miss Liino...

Uh, n-no, I mean... I didn't...

I knew it... Luke, you and Jim head to the other side. Marquez and I will check where this kid came from.

Focus on closing the perimeter first. Under no circumstances are we to use force on the target!

Miss Liino? Kid, you've seen her?

Phew... I'm glad they didn't give Isaac a hard time... If we get the chance, I'd love to tell him in person that he helped us out big time, our little "brave hero"!

Hmm?

See those guards over there, Endmin?

Just help Liino distract them, or find a way around them.

Then, just guide Liino through from a safe spot!

Easy enough, right?

Who's there?! Quit sneaking around and show yourself!

Huh? Why aren't the lights working? This is weird... I'll go find a spare battery. You check the engine!

C-copy! I'm on it!