Chapter 18: Metamorphosis

Woah! This concert is wild!

It's even more bustling popular than a AAA game release!

Stop running around, Nina!

Fiiiine!

You're all fired up. You're not listening to me at all.

Don't be so high-strung, Saya. Anna is such a popular idol. We're all super excited!

I'm not high-strung!

As for you, idiot, you've been on edge since getting out of the hospital!

You look so nervous these past couple days...

What's going on?

Here you guys are. The audience is shuffling in. Let's go backstage and meet Anna.

Mr. Berial is always so sudden.

Mr. Berial! You're here!

Yeah! I didn't want to miss the pre-show.

I'm also glad to see Leader and Anna back in good health again.

OMG! You're beautiful! You're such a queen!

I'm happy to hear you say that!

I'm counting on your support today, everyone! I'm excited for the show!

Don't worry! Nina will lead the audience in support!

That's a new title for you! Support Leader!

Is everything ready to go?

Yeah, all preparations are complete.

Leader... Leader!

Your mind is wandering again.

Are you worried about something, Leader?

Leaaaader! You've been acting strange lately! There's clearly something on your mind! Tell us!

(I can't hide the truth about Berial forever. I have to hint at it somehow...)

Victoria, remember what Tiffany was saying about the "star?" I'm a little worried.

There's no point in worrying, Leader. You don't need to do that.

Victoria is right, Leader. Don't place unnecessary burdens on yourself.

Alright, let's put that all aside for now!

Look at the time! The concert is going to start any minute now!

Let's move out, for Anna's concert!

Aaaaaaaaaaah!

Encore, Anna! Encore, Anna!

Wooooooo! One more song, Anna!

Leader, Saya, Victoria! Anna is such a perfect idol!

That's true, but... your throat is all raspy now, idiot!

I have to scream for Anna! Let it all out, Saya!

Look, Anna is coming back!

Yeaaaaaaaaah! Anna!

I'm not lying! There really is a monster... I'm not lying...

You're a liar! Monsters aren't real!

Get away! You're the real monster!

Monster! Freak!

No, I'm not... I'm not lying... I'm not a monster!

Why won't anyone believe me? !

Why...

Why aren't you heading home, little girl? It's not safe to be out this late!

Come on, I'll bring you home!

Is everyone enjoying the songs tonight?

Yeaaaaaah!

Yeah! Nina super duper likes them!

Then, is everyone having fun tonight?

Yeaaaaaah!

Anna's concerts are the best! Thank you for coming with me!

Of course I had to come with my best friend!

...

What is it, Nina?

I just feel a bit off... Victoria, I felt a little empty when I heard what those two friends were saying.

It's as if... I'm forgetting something important...

...

It's Anna's last song. Pay attention, idiot!

The final song is the most important! I can't miss it!

As an idol, there's nothing that makes me happier than bringing people hope.

I hope that tonight, I can bring everyone eternal happiness, and free them from suffering and sadness.

This is my final song, my song of hope: Utopia!

Woah! The song name is really special, right, Leader? !

(That's the name that Anna mentioned in the lab! Wait, Ashwaya also asked me during the handshaking event...)

(Just what is Utopia...)

You look like you're wandering off again, Leader!

Enjoy! Anna's concert is starting.

I poured my heart and soul into Utopia.

I hope that you all like it.

(Lyrics) When will there only be joy?

(Lyrics) Like the moon, I sink beneath the tide...

So... Nightmares are created from negative emotions?

Well... Simply put, yes.

Then I can see Nightmares because...

Because you're also a Radiant! You just can't control your powers yet.

That's great... Does that mean that I'm not a monster?

Of course! You aren't a monster, you're a powerful Radiant. You can protect normal people from Nightmares!

However, you have to wait until you can control your powers.

Until then, stay with me and learn!

(Lyrics) Let all warfare come to an end!

(Lyrics) Flourish and prosper in Utopia's light.

(Lyrics) Laugh and sing without fear under Utopia's might.

Aaaaaaaah!

Utopia! Utopia! Anna! Anna!

The stage lights are too bright! I can't even see Anna anymore!

Anna glows onstage even brighter than a star.

Do you like this song? Leader.

I think that Frantiva has already opened the seal.

You remember the memories from the underground lab that I locked away.

I think that you would like to know what the Special Lens is for... How about we go outside for a chat?

Mr. Berial, what are you whispering to Leader?

Jeez... The lights are making me feel dizzy!

Alright...

Don't worry, these lights will go back to normal and dim down soon.

How about it, Leader?

... Got it.

I need to help with the end of the show. I'm heading over to backstage.

Don't look away. The real climax of the show is coming.