Prelude to the Plan

No wonder this was top of the list! The second I hit the air, a whole new routine just clicked into place. Though ... the altitude on takeoff felt a little low.

The takeoff is the opening act! It's like, the most important part!

If only there was something ... you know, that could give Liino's "co-star" a little extra kick...

The Endmin's friends? They must be super impressive too! Let's go, let's go!

I... I want everyone to see Liino at her absolute brightest! There's no way I'm giving up on the perfect plan this easily...

The other spots probably won't even compare to this one... Hmm, maybe I could get someone to build me a platform ... though time might be tight...

What am I gonna do... This is all messed up...

Tada! Check out my custom-made flight rig! It's my secret weapon for pulling off those stunts on stage, and it lets me soar just like this!

This place is absolutely perfect! Even the breeze feels so fresh. Taking off from here is gonna be amazing!

Endmin, so this favor you mentioned...

Hello there! So you're the legendary, super-genius friend the Endmin was talking about?

Wh-who is ... wait! Hang on, isn't she that girl from the posters? The one on all the ... the...

That's the one! Liino! Wait. Aren't you supposed to be prepping for that big charity concert? What are you doing way out here?

Ehehe! Long story short, our kind-hearted Endmin decided to help me make a little dream come true...

But you see, to pull it off, I'm gonna need a booster that can send Liino flying way, way higher!

Oh? A booster? Even greater heights? Now you're speaking my language! Um, what exactly are we looking for here?

Exactly what I was thinking! My prototype for low-altitude propulsion has been gathering dust for six months, but now it'll get its moment to shine!

Of course. But to reach the altitude you're asking for, the booster is gonna put a serious strain on the user. The safety risks are nothing to sneeze at.

How about considering lowering the power just a bit? Though the height...

Not a chance!

It just wouldn't mean anything that way! To pull off the most unforgettable, sparkling performance, taking a tiny bit of risk once in a while is totally worth it!

Alright, I love that spirit! Since you've put it that way, I'll stick to the original —

All done! Once I'm through with the final tweaks, I'll have it shipped straight to your "launch site", or whatever you call it.

Wow, thank you so much! I knew I could count on you, being a friend of the Endmin!

Ha! Ah, don't mention it! It's all in a day's work, really...

Thank you both, Endmin. With this, it feels like I'm one step closer to that perfect, special stage in my heart. It's ... wonderful.

"Unexpected equipment malfunction"? They'd actually use such a flimsy excuse for a delay just to avoid canceling?

Wha — what? They even plan to sell "limited signed merch"? I haven't signed a single thing! Aren't they afraid the fans will find out and report them? This is just ... just...

This is just the usual trick from the agency's higher-ups... They know how much I care about the fans who came for me...

(Tch. Still refusing to give up... Do they really think this young lady is that easy to handle? Hmph, this time, I'll make sure they learn their lesson!)

Anyway — I don't want to be their puppet anymore! I have to stop them from deceiving my fans any longer!

Oh, right! I just thought of the perfect spot for the landing site! Endmin, come, let's check it out!

Endmin, could Liino also see the message?

So they even emphasized that I'm "in peak condition" to keep the fans "anticipating"? And they added more ticket channels on top of that?

I've compromised so many times in the past, just to keep everyone happy...

Well, of course... I'll keep working hard to prepare for my own solo performance! Once I officially announce the show, no one will fall for their tricks anymore!

Aggeloi?!

Endmin... Could you please help them?

I'm not good at this sort of thing! Really...

Help arrived...? Never mind us, watch out for those Aggeloi...

Wait, Endmin, what about me...

What happened... What's going on here...

Eh?

Oh, whatever! It's time you all witnessed the power of the invincible, dazzling, all-rounder idol!

Phew, it's finally over! So, what do you think, Endmin? Was my little performance just now pretty spectacular?

Heh, Liino is an invincible and all-rounder idol after all! Handling unexpected situations like this is just another part of Liino's charm!

Endmin, Miss Liino ... thank you both for saving everyone...

No, we just ... wanted to take one last look before leaving. That place over there is where we used to work.

Yeah, we're moving to Alloycarrot. We'll sign the formal transfer agreement the day after tomorrow, and then we're off.

I...

Yes, please! Everyone must come, okay? Liino really hopes to see you all there!

Don't worry, Miss Liino, we'll definitely be there.

Is this ... an invitation to your concert?

Twinkle-twinkle!

Uh-huh, they're offering really good benefits. I heard Miss Liino's performance got postponed, so I guess we won't get to see it...

Hah, who would've thought we'd get the chance to meet you in person! Can't say we have too many regrets now.

Ah, we're already behind everyone else by quite a bit... Miss Liino, best of luck with your performance in advance! Even if we can't be there, we'll still be cheering you on!

A what?

That's right! Liino is so lucky to meet everyone here. Here's a little gift Liino would like to give you all!

The transfer agreement ... is it with Brady Mining Group?

Maybe ... don't decide just yet? Or maybe...

Should we still go check out the mining camp later?

Nah, let's not. The place is probably swarming with fans buying merch by now... Better stay out of the crowd.

Hmph, the way you brought that up out of nowhere, you almost gave me a heart attack!

Ah, I almost went off track! Time to check out the landing site! Wouldn't want anything else to go wrong, after all!

Flawless! This is absolutely the perfect landing spot I had in mind!

It's time for a massive promotion of my solo concert, of course!

Let me think... What we need is a way for more people to hear my voice all at once, without it being easily blocked...

Mhmm, based on how the company usually operates, they'd definitely send those bodyguards to drag me back if I'm spotted...

Besides, the most amazing performances always come with a challenge. No one knows that better than I do.

Just in case though, let's make a little more preparation before we head out.

Heh, of course! Thinking on your feet is a must for a perfect idol! And Liino has to do it even better than anyone else!

I just posted a teaser on my personal site — Huh? Why is it being restricted... I wonder how many people even saw it...

Endmin! I just thought of something! Is there a broadcast station or something like that nearby?

Let's go promote there! The agency happens to be selling my merch on-site, so there'll definitely be a lot of fans around!

But with the Endmin here? Heh, even a few dozen more bodyguards won't be able to catch me!

Great, now I'm sure we can make it in time...

Yeah, I know all about that transfer agreement they mentioned... There are actually some hidden clauses in it. The problems won't surface until they start working at the new location...

I just wish they could think it over a bit more. At least not rush into making a choice, you know? Kinda like ... a friend of mine.

Ahem, that's all in the past now... Anyway, even if they still decide to leave in the end, I want to give them a performance that shines brighter than ever —

And leave everyone with a memory beautiful enough to cherish.

But you know, if I could make them change their minds... Or better yet, make the company lose enough to halt that transfer plan, heh.

Yeah! There's absolutely nothing more important than a perfect performance to Liino.

Endmin, you definitely get it ... right?

Heh, so, Endmin? Aren't you just a little bit moved by how brave Liino's being?

(Wait? Seriously... Aren't you supposed to tell me how amazing I am and look at me with total admiration right about now...)

Ha ... haha, is that so? Well then...