Hero Stories: Shining Star!

A cabin deep in the forest, where others rarely tread. I've been here for some weeks already.

I heard this place was originally an outdoor lab for students studying magic...

But somehow it ended up under the responsibility of Katis of the Public Security Club.

If I hadn't met him that day, maybe I...

Where... Where am I...? My head...hurts...

I was...looking for someone....

Phew, if we were any later, she might have died.

She's already inhaled so many mushroom spores... She's going to experience some serious memory loss.

Move her to Tree Stump Lab first. I'll install a sign warning people to keep out of this area.

Okay!

...

At first, Katis's appearance scared me, but as time went by, I came to realize how friendly he is.

He would often leave early in the morning for Public Security Club duties, and not come back until late in the evening, or even the next day.

I tried cooking for myself a few times, and just ended up ruining all the pots... But then he began to come and go on a more regular schedule.

I guess maybe he felt sorry for me needing to eat by myself...

He also did whatever he could to try and help me recover my memories. It's all thanks to him that I was even able to remember my name, Tamarinne.

He did so many things for me it's hard to keep up. I even asked him a few days ago why he is being so good to me.

When he replied, he was frowning as usual.

If I had already installed a warning sign there, you never would have ran into those mushrooms and ended up being poisoned like that.

And you wouldn't have gotten such serious amnesia, either! So, there's no need to thank me for any of this. Rather...

You should hate me!

After saying that, he turned away, but I could see his ears turning red. He clearly felt guilty for me losing my memories.

There was no need to be...

So I tried preparing a small, special dinner. It was a little burnt...

But since it was both of their favorite foods... Ah, right, I invited Karin too, she was the other person who helped save me.

*beeping*

Oh no, look at the time! I haven't been able to prepare the wreaths yet, I should go find some flowers before it's too late.

Tamarinne! I'm here! How have you be...

Huh...? Where is she? Hmm...

Second Lieutenant Karin, what are you looking at? Oh, and where is Tamarinne?

Look at this.

Number two hasn't been marked off yet. Wait...those new machinery should be patrolling the forest right now, right?

Ready to attack anyone who isn't a Reingar student...

I'll go ahead!

...

This should be enough flowers... I hope Karin likes them.

TRESPASSER IDENTIFIED. BEGINNING REMOVAL.

Ugh, what's that machinery doing here... Wait, removal? Is it talking about me?

Wait! Identification Public Security Club Lieutenant Karin Fanataria, cease combat order!

KARIN FANTARIA...HAS SIDED WITH THE ENEMY...MUST ALSO REMOVE TRAITOR.

W-What!? I know they tend to malfunction a lot, but did it have to be now!?

REQUESTING BACKUP. BACKUP REQUESTED.

Back...up?

Karin...? What are you doing here? That crowd surging towards us isn't made up of machinery...is it?

Tamarinne! Stay with me!

Sorry! I was too preoccupied looking for flowers, I didn't realize I entered a restricted area!

INSUFFICENT POWER... ENEMY ELIMINATION IMPOSSIBLE... REQUESTING MORE BACKUP.

More backup?! I'm struggling even now, how am I supposed to...

Anyway, where is Katis!? What is he doing!?

ARTILLERY SUPPORT STANDING BY.

Artillery!?

Don't worry, Tamarinne! I won't let the...

TARGET LOCKED. FIRING IN 3...2...

Broken Machinery keep flocking in. At this rate, I won't be able to protect Tamarinne for much longer...

SHUTTING DOWN.

They've...all stopped moving?

I see I arrived just in time. Are you both okay?

Phew, that was close. But why did they all stop moving?

There have been a lot of cases of Machinery attacking students lately, so remote control functions became a necessity.

But the remote control's operating range was narrower than I thought. I'll need to have a word with the Machinery Research Department.

Well...I'm not really sure what you're saying, but we're alive and that's all that matters! Right, Tamarinne?

S-Sorry, Karin...Katis... I caused trouble again...

No, I should be sorry...

...Why?

I took responsibility for you, yet I leave you all alone in a remote forest cabin.

No, no, this is all because I wandered into a restricted area.

I've been thinking about it for a while, and I've decided. I can't take care of you any longer.

W-What do you mean, Katis?

Here. It's an application form.

Application...form?

With the student council president away it took a lot longer than I expected, and the vice president is busy too.

So, Tamarinne...

That's right. From tomorrow, she's a Reingar student.

M-Me?

That's great, Tamarinne! No more living alone in the forest!

That also means no more special treatment. If you cause another incident like today's...

I'll come after you as Officer Katis of the Public Security Club.

Ah...o-okay! I'll be a good student!

That's good to hear. Hmm, we still have some time until sunset, let's make our way back to the lab and pack your things.

Tomorrow, I'll be...a Reingar student...

Wow, I don't think I've ever seen him move so fast. Shall we get going too, then?

Karin, wait for me!

S-Sorry, Carrot! Am I late today as well?

Hmm, don't worry. A student as cute as you can arrive whenever they like.

Hmm, but since we need to go prepare for the song festival...there's less time left than I thought.

Let's review the new magic you learned last time.

Ah, okay. Right, if I do this...

PIIIING

I tried doing it how I remembered, sorry if I screwed it up...

She's a natural talent... Normal students like Adlay take days to perfect these kinds of spells...

She's only tried it once before, how is she already so good...

Did I do something wrong...?

Oh, no, not at all. This time I'll teach you something a little more difficult.

Ah, Carrot, I knew you'd be here. Oh, and Tamarinne too!

Merlon, what are you doing here? Are you already finished?

Indeed. It has finally been successfully stabilized!

Oh, you're right! The magical power emanating from within the machinery does feel a lot more stable.

Such a small necklace... She asked for this as a favor?

Tamarinne, come over here please.

Oh, is this not for Carrot...?

Oh, no! Carrot and I poured our heart and souls into this... A gift to celebrate you becoming a student here!

Oh? Th-Thank you...I never expected to get a gift...

So, if you press the jewel in the middle of this necklace...

Wah...!

My... My appearance has completely changed!

This should make a perfect stage costume.

Stage...costume...?

A week ago, you were waiting here for Carrot. I happened to hear you singing...

After I told Carrot, she said something interesting...

She mentioned how she'd often catch you staring at the song festival posters posted on all the bulletin boards.

Ah... It just...felt like something I used to like...

I knew you wanted to take part, so I made the necklace for you. If you want to go perform, you need a cute and pretty costume too.

B-But, the deadline for applications was last week...

You didn't have the chance to, did you? I imagined as much, so I went ahead and did it for you.

But...I'm not confident enough to...

You're worried people will recognize you and you'll feel embarassed, aren't you?

That's why we combined the strength of our respective departments and made you this "Blooming Pendant." Nobody will ever know it's you up there.

Make sure you get a lot of practice in, there's not long left now.

...

Thank you so much, I never imagined I'd get this kind of gift...

If you really want to thank us, you'll get up on that stage and blow Reingar away!

I'm still not sure I can even bring myself to stand in front of so many people...

Stop worrying about it! In all my life, I've never heard such a beautiful voice.

As long as you keep your nerves under control, you'll win for sure!

That's right, there's no way you won't, Oh!? Is that already the time!?

Hurry! Hazel said she'll cut the budgets of anyone who is late to help prepare for the festival!

What!? I didn't hear about that! Take me with you!

Can I really...perform on a stage?

Don't be mad, I know cleaning the storage room sucks...but this is the only thing left.

It's okay, I'm used to cleaning...

Still, it's a big room for you to do all on your own. Are you sure it's fine?

Of course, I'll just take it slow.

Well, if you say so. Tell Hazel when you're done.

Hmm...it really is big in here. Where should I start?

*sighing* Maybe I can't get it all done today after all... Oh, what's this?

Cleaning Captain #3...? It looks a bit scary, but I guess it's a cleaning robot... If I just turn it on, it should be pretty helpful, right...?

But where's the button... Ah, here we are!

Are you cleaning this big warehouse all by yourself? Ginger, honestly, he's gone too far this time. Wait...

Step away from that!

What's wrong, Carrot? It's just a cleaning robot...

ONLY THOSE GRANTED ACCESS CAN ENTER. EXTERMINATING TRESPASSER.

Huh?! Exterminating...?

It broke and now it's stuck on Guard Mode!

I knew they put it in storage because it malfunctioned while they were adding a new feature... But did it have to be here of all places?

W-What do we do!?

The only way to stop it is to destroy it, otherwise it will completely undo all of your hard work.

I can't take it out on my own. Tamarinne! Help me with the spell I taught you!

UNNECESSARY BUILDING DETECTED... DESTROYING.

Where did that machine come from? Stop! Don't destroy the stage!

CRAAAAAAAAACK

No...the stage! Uwaaaah what do we do now!?

The stage is in ruins! This is all my fault...

Blame yourself later, for now we need to buy time for the students to evacuate!

Carrot! What is Cleaning Captain #3 doing here!? I thought I'd hidden it pretty well...

Merlon! Is there any way to stop Cleaning Captain #3 without breaking it!?

Ah, there is! I have some parts especially for such an occasion!

But...the problem is they have to be inserted directly into its body...

ADDITIONAL TRESPASSERS DETECTED... NOT FOUND ON THE RESEARCHER LIST... ELIMINATING...

It doesn't even recognize Merlon! Maybe it's completely broken...

Karin Fantaria is here! I came as soon as I heard!

Leave that job to me, Merlon! Carrot, Tamarinne, cover me!

TRESPASSER. ELIMINATING...

Shut up you stupid machine!

ONLY THOSE...GRANTED ACCESS...CAN ENTER...

Phew... Everything is back under control. Yuna won't be happy to see the state Cleaning Captain #3 is in, though...

Yuna...? Why do I feel like I've heard that name before...?

She'll be sad at first, but she loves fixing things too, so she'll cheer up soon enough.

More importantly, what do we do about the stage? How can we hold the festival now? This is all because of my carelessness...

What does she mean?

Ginger, may I have a word with you...

I'm the one that turned it on. You can blame everything that happened on me...

I'm glad we were able to discover who was responsible so quickly. I'll leave it to the Public Security Club to hand down the appropriate punishment.

...Understood.

Clean-up will be left to the student council. Thankfully no students were injured.

But, the song festival stage...

Hmm, that is indeed a shame...

I guess it will have to be cancelled...?

Cancelled? Oh, no, not at all. *chuckling* Did you think we only had one stage in all of Reingar?

I guess Hazel never told you, this area was only a practice stage for the contestants.

The real stage is somewhere else.

Here...my 100-page apology letter.

Thank you. Next, we need to get you one of these...

Oh, it's the flower I used to make your wreath with...?

That's right, it can be found all over Reingar, and contains magical energy. It's one of the things we need for this year's song festival.

If you bring back 250 of these, then you're finished with everything you need to do.

Okay, I'll be back in no time!

Oh, no, we're collecting them together. Who knows if something might happen again.

Going together with Karin... This feels more like a reward than a punishment.

Oh, Karin told you to come to the Magic Research Department with all these flowers?

That's right, she said you would know what to do with them.

Though she wouldn't tell me what...

Karin is more cooperative than I'd have thought... *chuckling*

Excuse me? What do you mean...?

Nothing. It's nothing. You just wait here!

Do you like it? It's a special mic, just for you. Pretty, isn't it?

It was originally meant to be ready with your costume, but I didn't have the time or materials.

...

What is it? Do you not like it?

No, I'm just...so thankful. I didn't imagine you would go to such lengths for me.

If you want to pay me back, make sure you give the best performance anyone in Reingar has ever seen!

I'm not sure I can, but...I'll keep practising.

A few days later...

Welcome, one and all, to the annual Reingar Song Festival!

There is plenty of food and entertainment on offer for you...

Wow! There are so many people this year! According to the map, you get your contestant card from...hmm...over there...?

I'm s-so nervous... W-What if I make a mistake up on stage...?

Don't be nervous, just sing like you always do! Anyway, nobody will know it's you after you've transformed!

Do you want to give up? If you do...then all that time you spent practising will all be for nothing.

No...no... I'll be brave. I'll go up on stage.

That's my girl! Now let's hurry, or we'll be late!

I didn't think we'd have to spend the entire song festival helping the student council and not having any fun...

But when Hazel asks while holding that ledger of hers... How could we possibly say no?

*sighing* ...I practiced a lot for this year's song festival.

*rustling*

Careful! Even if the cage weakens their magic, they're still pretty fierce!

Oh, really? You said these are going to be used for special effects, right? There are a lot more than I expected.

Have you seen the stage? It's gigantic! Maybe even the biggest in the world! That's why we need so many.

But is it okay to keep so many of them in such a small space...

If they manage to get out, it's going to be chaos.

We need to be super, extra, double, triple careful.

Is that true? There's going to be a gigaaaaantic stage where these things are going?

Who are you? Hey, stand back! Stay away from me!

She's so cute...!

Heh... Well what's the harm if she just wants to look around a bit?

You literally just told me how careful we need to be...

Oh, you're so sweet! Then will it be okay if I take a slightly closer look at them?

Oh, of course! They're a little dangerous, but as long as you're with me there's nothing to fear!

Hmm, I see. So, the cage works like this...

Are you...a Reingar student? I've never seen you around here before. I'm Adlay...

And if I just do that...and that... Oh, how easy!

Ta-da! You were so frustrated being cooped up in there, weren't you? Come out and play!

*rustling*

Th-The cage! What are you doing!?

I came because I heard there was going to be a festival, but it's so booooring! There wasn't even anywhere for me to give a magic show...but now!

Thanks to you, I know the big mess releasing these friends will bring, and where to find a nice, big stage! The biggest in the world!

What are you talking about!? That's not why I said it!

But now thanks to me this festival is about to get noisier and a whole lot more fun! Isn't that great?

Okay, now the atmosphere is ready to ignite, I'm off to find my stage!

Where are you going? Stop right there, you troublemaker!

*rustling*

What? How did they get out!? No, stay away from me!

Adlay! I'll evacuate the students, you follow that girl!

Don't try and fight them, escape! They're extremely violent!

I've ruined everything again... *whining* How does this always happen!?

*sighing* They'll make me pay for it later, but I guess I should alert the Public Security Club...

Don't just stand there! Get out of the way!

S-Sorry!

Has something gone wrong? I got swept up in the crowd and lost Carrot and Merlon...

I'll need to find the way to the stage on my own, otherwise I won't make it in time!

*hissing*

Get back!

*hissing*

Oh, it vanished...

Are you hurt anywhere?

...What are you doing here?

Katis tasked me with ensuring you safely participated in the song festival.

Even though he's so busy, he's still looking after me...

I didn't expect this to happen, but... Anyway, I think I did my part.

Then, I'm sorry to ask even more of you, but would you be able to escort me to the stage?

Of course. There isn't much time, so stick close.

Oh wow, look at that! It's so big! That must be the main stage.

Broom friends! Make sure none of these brats can bother me until I'm up on that stage!

*hissing*

Shall we get going, then?

She's the girl who caused all this chaos. Why is she heading for the main stage?

Look out! Red broom...!

*hissing*

*rustling*

I think we've subdued all the escaped monsters... Now we just need to get to the stage...

Pew! Pew pew pew!

That sound...I've heard it somewhere before...

That voice...these memories... What...?

Everyone, you were all so bored with this dull festival, weren't you? Lucky for you, I'm here to make everything more exciting!

Is she on the stage? What are the event staff doing?

We have to get to the stage... I can't let the festival get ruined!

Don't worry, I'll get you there.

I feel like...if I can get up on that stage, I will remember everything again.

I won't hesitate any longer, so many people helped me get here...

I'm going to stand on that stage, no matter what. If only for myself!

There are people surrounding the stage...but they don't look like students.

It's the event staff, they're trying to pull that girl off the stage.

*giggling* You all look like you're having so much fun! But that doesn't mean you're allowed to come up on my stage!

Who is that girl!? It's already time for the song festival to begin, there will be tons of students here any minute now!

Do you see those machinery protecting her? I think she must be controlling them... When are the Public Security Club going to arrive!?

*whirring* *clicking*

W-Wait. Why are they aiming at us!? Everyone, get away from the stage!

Thing seem to have settled down now. Time for my magic show!

She's acting like a child pulling pranks. I don't think there's any bad will behind what she's doing, but still...

Still, we can't let her carry on. If I can fight her...

Karin Fantaria is here! I came as soon as I got the call!

Hey! You can't run onto the stage in the middle of a magic show! You're ruining it!

Stop ruining the song festival stage this instant! If you would obediently follow me...

No! Do you think I will ever have a chance to stand on a stage this big ever again!? I won't leave it until I finish everything I've prepared!

Well then...

I guess I'll have to drag you off!

Hmph! I don't think so! Friends, get rid of this annoying old lady for me!

*whirring* *clicking*

She...She's only doing this for the sake of her own entertainment...

Let's hurry. We need to save Karin, and let that girl know what she's doing is wrong!

*whirring* *clicking*

Have I taught you your lesson, yet? Are you ready to leave me alone now?

I'm not giving up until you're in jail, criminal!

Now!

*violent buzzing*

The threat has been dealt with. Are you hurt?

Of course not! What do you take me fo, T-Tamarinne! What are you doing!?

*frantic whirring* ...THUNK!

Ugh, the Gigantes won't stop coming. The way is blocked again.

Oh my! You're so cute! Have you come up to assist me in my magic show?

Why did you take this stage for yourself?

What sort of question is that? Because it's fun, of course!

When you go up on stage, you get people's attention! What else can be as fun and exciting as that?

Even if it means trampling all over the efforts of those who worked themselves to the bone to prepare this stage for today?

Sure, why not? My magic show is more amazing than you could ever imagine!

On my way over here, I remembered a lot of things, and there's something I think you should know...

The stage does not exist for you alone, but for the happiness of everyone.

That's why I must get you off of this stage.

Hmph, and what if I refuse? I'm still not finished!

You have no right to this stage. Your game ends here.

No! Stop it! You're being mean!

There are no machinery left to protect you now. If you go quietly...

Take responsibility for what you've done and hand yourself into the Public Security Club.

There's no use trying to escape, we have you surrounded.

Why!? Why are you ruining my show!? Everyone was having so much fun!

Do you really believe that...?

Hooray! The Public Security Club have arrived! Now they can arrest that weirdo.

Going on and on about a stupid magic show nobody cares about. Over there, Katis! Arrest her!

...

Now do you get it?

Hmph! It's not my fault!

You're all too stupid to appreciate my show! I'm too good for this stage!

Fine, whatever! I'm leaving! I'm never going to come perform in a dumb, boring place like this ever again!

Like a passing breeze, Ta-da!

She just vanished...without a trace. She can't have gone far. Everyone, search the immediate area!

Leave it, Katis. There's something more important right now...

Alright! Now the gatecrasher is gone, let's get moving everybody! Fortunately the stage wasn't damaged much.

Everyone will be arriving soon. We can't hold the song festival like this!

That's right. We need to help the people who spent the last year preparing for today.

Tamarinne! Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you? When we lost you in all the commotion...

I'm fine. But I'm so sorry, I only just realised...I think I lost my contestant card in all the chaos...

Thankfully the song festival can still take place, but without that card...

Are you talking about this?

How did you...?

There's no time to explain. Let's thank everyone who helped and get you to the dressing room.

Sorry I'm late! Oh wow, the stage is on an airship! You must have put a lot of work into this, Ginger.

Don't worry, I'm used to it. How was your research of the Crack in the World?

Nothing much compared to the hard work you were doing back here. Hmm... Ah, there was one thing!

Oh?

According to Kazran, there were traces of someone else from my world having come here to Orbis...

It's just a guess of course, but...there hasn't been any random strangers wondering around, has there?

Hmm...there is one who comes to mind.

Really!? Who? What are they like!?

Thank you, contestant number six! That was a wonderful performance! Although the audience response was a little lacking...

Just in time! Contestant number seven should be the person you're looking for, Yuna.

She's called Tamarinne, Katis found her in the forest...

Tamarinne...? Hmm, why do I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before...?

Surely not...!

Standing alone in the dark backstage, with so many people outside...

The tension of realizing they're all waiting to hear my voice...

I remember clearly now. Who I am... Why I was so desperate to stand on this stage...

Now, once that black curtain lifts...

Our next contestant, number seven, had originally asked to remain anonymous...

But just before the festival began she changed her mind. So, without further ado, allow me to introduce to you... Tamarinne!

...Shining Star.

Hmm? What was that?

Shining Star!

My childhood friend, Somi Choi, is really the idol star Tamarinne...? How did she...

Hello everyone! Your idol, Tamarinne, is here! I hope you will all enjoy my song!