Metamorphose - Ark
This story is fully voiced in-game.It's recommended to listen to the story in-game while reading!
This story wasn't proofread.See the specific non-proofread story TOS.
I would love to get this proofread someday, if you have interest, contact me on Twitter/X!
Chapter 1
...
Um, Anzu-san, what do you usually do on your days off?
"You already asked that"?
Then, maybe I'll try asking a different question—
What made you want to become a Producer, Anzu-san?
"You already asked that too"? S-sorry, Anzu-san. I can't even manage a proper interview—
P-please don't fire me…! I've only got three lives left, so just count that one as a near miss, okay?!
How's the documentary filming going, Tsuzura-kun?
The new project that's about to be announced is a massive one I've carefully nurtured myself
I'm counting on you to capture every moment of this new era idol project ♪
Y-yeah, I'll do my best—
The harder I try, the more I just spin my wheels and end up bothering Anzu-san though—
Uu… Just please don't fire me, okay…?
Fufu. That will depend on your efforts, so I won't promise anything
So then, what kinds of questions have you been asking?
L-like… hobbies, or how she spends her days off, maybe…?
I just want to get along with Anzu-san first, so I've been asking about whatever comes to mind—
Hm. This isn't a matchmaking meeting, it's work, you know. Are you really alright with that?
Anyway. I'd like both Anzu-chan and Tsuzura-kun to witness the moment the Four Kings of the Sky are formed
It's almost time to gather. The others should be arriving soon as well
Unfortunately, Itsuki-kun declined. But Rei-kun, who came early, will be followed by Rinne-kun and Mikejima-kun as well
Hm. I'm glad they're coming soon. I was left out in the cold and at a bit of a loss here
By the way… Tsuzura-kun, was it? Why are you holding hands so affectionately with young Anzu over there?
It looks like you've suddenly gotten quite close. Care to explain what's going on in detail?
Eh? Ah, s-sorry—
I've been clumsy since I was little, often getting separated from others, so I kind of developed this habit of grabbing the hand of whoever's nearby
Besides, when someone holds my hand, their pulse helps me calm down…♪
With their pulse…?
Hm. Being friendly isn't bad, but I'd say you're a bit too close for comfort
Anzu, I've told you before, you shouldn't get too comfortable with someone who isn't your lover
Oh? Compared to the old days at Yumenosaki, it's nothing worth worrying about, is it?
Well, times and positions have changed. We're respectable adults now, after all. Be careful not to let strange rumors spread
Y-yeah. Sorry, Anzu-san—
I'm glad you said you don't mind, but I'll try not to cling so much
It's a habit, so I might not be able to fix it right away—
Tsuzura-kun, you sometimes hold my hand too, don't you?
I take it as a sign of trust, so I don't mind. But suddenly grabbing someone's hand might startle them, so you need to be careful
R-really sorry…! Should I grovel on the floor too!?
How should I put it… you're quite an eccentric one
Fufu. His restlessness is a flaw, but he's still a promising talent
It would be a shame if his badge ran out of lives and he was dismissed under Thunderbolt's policy. I'd hope for leniency
Wah—ah…! Anything but that!
If I got fired from Thunderbolt, I'd be completely lost with nowhere to go…!
I didn't intend to make it such a big deal…
…Well then. Thanks to Tsuzura-kun's eccentricities, the topic drifted off track
Since you came early, Rei-kun, I'll share a bit with you
Though it's more idle talk than anything. But I'd like you to be aware of the sense of crisis I'm about to mention
Are you familiar with the unit I produce?
MELLOW DEAR US. Wasn't they your greatest masterpiece?
I sometimes go to Europe for family rituals, so I've heard of them
I wouldn't call myself a fan, but they're a unit that's made a vivid impression overseas, right?
They haven't really made it to Japan, right? It's mostly overseas info—
The idols of this country evolved in a different form than overseas idols. No one thought the two would intersect in the present age
It could be said domestic idols were enough to satisfy demand here. But now, information about overseas idols flows in. That's diversification
But surely they're not coming to invade Japan. What does MELLOW DEAR US have to do with this sense of crisis of yours?
I mean that such an invasion could indeed happen
Oh…?
In this modern age where people get what they want as they wish, I can't imagine them deliberately attempting cultural invasion—
Wasn't the cooperation between Thunderbolt and ES meant to prevent exactly that?
Yes. That was my intention too. But the audience will make more realistic choices
The reasons may vary, but the existence of idols supported simply because "they're from the same country" is unnatural in itself
Hm. Supporting not the idol themselves, but their nationality, isn't the essence of it
Even for UNDEAD, with Adonis-kun among us, that's not a mindset I can agree with
If there were an "Idol Japan Representative" or something, it might be a different story, though
Fufu. In that case, I'd prefer selection based on their base country, not just nationality
Anyway. You must grow in order to be chosen
My next plan—the Mega Sphere Project, is a completely different program from 4piece
MELLOW DEAR US was formed before the Mega Sphere Project
They didn't cross the straits, so they never brought foreign idol culture into this island nation
But once the Mega Sphere Project is launched, that barrier will be removed
The Mega Sphere Project is that much of a powerful substance
At the same time, the Mega Sphere Project is also a gospel bringing fruit to the relationship between idols and producers
Japanese idols, too, will be able to more easily cross the sea and expand overseas
I wanted to bring such a wonderful plan into this country as quickly as possible
Otherwise, we cannot stand against MELLOW DEAR US. Without it, we'd be trampled helplessly by yet-unseen talents from overseas
That's why I had no choice but to rush the plan into action
Before the idol industry of this country is destroyed
Chapter 2
The idol industry of this country will be destroyed…?
Kukuku. You're being rather pessimistic, aren't you, NiceP?
I don't know what this so-called Mega Sphere Project is, but we're not such a fragile bunch that we'd bow to outside pressure♪
Ohh, Rei-san, already jumping into a debate?
So, this is our first meeting, huh, NiceP?
I don't think I need to reintroduce myself, but, I'm Madara Mikejima of MaM. I'm honored beyond words to be invited here todayy♪
Not only is Anzu-san under your care, but also being recognized by a world-class producer. It's truly an honor—
But the real talk hasn't even started yet. Care to tell us what exactly you've brought us here for?
Rightt, Rinne-san?
Yeah. If word about your precious project leaked it'd ruin everything, sure, but keeping it a secret even from those involved? That's not impressive, y'know?
The new project's being announced in an hour, right? Meaning we've got no time left
No time for emotional reunions either. Hurry up and tell us what you're trying to pull here
Fufu. I'm well aware
First, take this device, the "Mega Phone"
Hm. Looks like any ordinary smartphone… and this is supposed to be something?
There's a more suitable place for explanations. I'll explain the Mega Phone once we're aboard the helicopter—
From now on, you three will take on the name of the "Three Demon Gods" and support the new program
The "Three Demon Gods"…? Not the "Three Eccentrics"?
Perhaps NiceP is imitating Tenshouin-kun's habit of dramatic naming
Me, Shinkai-kun, and Hibiki-kun… To bundle such strong personalities together, an ostentatious name is needed, after all
No, it's merely coincidence. I've heard of such a group existing at Yumenosaki Academy long ago, though
Originally, I intended for you to be called "The Four Kings of the Sky"
On the point of needing a grand name worthy of launching a new program, I find myself in agreement with Tenshouin-kun
However, since Itsuki-kun didn't join, only three of you are here. Thus, I had no choice but to compromise
"The Four Kings of the Sky" without four members would be a laughable failure, wouldn't it?
Hahaha! If that's all it is, then fine!
Honestly, having one of the Three Eccentrics join the "Three Demon Gods" sounds like an in-joke, doesn't it? If it were intentional, I'd want nothing to do with such a name
I don't care if we're the "Three Eccentrics" or the "Three Demon Gods"
More importantly, you've got a grand plan to match that grand name, yeah?
I'm getting bored already, so show us. Yoshihide-kuun?
Ahh. Naturally, that's my intention
Now then. Let's board the helicopter. You, the rebranded "Three Demon Gods," formerly the Four Kings of the Sky—
Waaaait just a second!!!!
Oh…? Himemiya-kun, why are you here?
What do you mean "why"?! You're starting a new project, aren't you?!
No way I could just sit still after that announcement! I was determined to track you down and negotiate my way into performing!!
Ugh, I'm exhausted! I didn't know the exact location, so I checked every single airport I could!!
...
Fufu. To think you'd figure out our location from that broadcast
Yes, very nice. Truly, perfectly nice...☆
That video wasn't so much a recruitment as it was a teaser. The project we're announcing will take place in the sky—hence this location
Eh? Then all my effort coming here was for nothing…!?
That's too cruel! After I searched so hard!
Calm yourself, Himemiya-kun. To be honest, I'm just as surprised
I never imagined someone would actually fly here in person just from a few hints
In fact, I was proceeding under the assumption the fourth member wouldn't come at all
But it seems I must revise that assumption. Himemiya-kun, with your arrival, the flow has changed
Your extraordinary initiative and ambition, yes, you're truly fitting for a new era of idols
Here and now, I declare the formation of the Four Kings of the Sky—with Himemiya-kun as the fourth!
Do you all agree?
U-umm…
Agree or not, we ain't been told jack to begin with. Adding one more guy doesn't change anything
Right. It was meant to be the Four Kings of the Sky anyway, so it's no problem
More importantly, let's hear about this new project. Deciding whether to accept the job or not can come after that
NiceP. What exactly are you plotting? What's the meaning of this phone you gave us? Isn't it about time you told us?
Fufu. I understand, Mikejima-kun
The explanation will be given aboard the helicopter. On our way to the destination, I'll tell you everything
Chapter 3
Once again, thank you all for coming, members of the Four Kings of the Sky
From here, you'll be heading to a certain facility floating in the sky
Can you see that airship floating up ahead?
An airship...?
Could it be that thing peeking through the clouds?
Indeed. It's something that should be received with proper astonishment. It's not something we can show off lightly
To stay hidden, it's currently stationed far out over the sea. But in one hour, it will move above ES's airspace
In the sky...? Don't tell me we're going to be working inside that airship?
I can't really wrap my head around it. After all that big promotion, it just looks like you moved the stage to the sky
Even if we're filming a show there, wouldn't it just be like some "in the air" location shoot?
No. Once you know the truth, I'm sure you'll be astonished
Because that airship is so massive, it could fit several music domes inside it
Ahaha, come on, stop joking around♪
Teasing me won't work, you know. I've been involved in building "ATLANTIS" — a whole theme park!
There's no way a flying ship that huge could actually float! It's physically impossible!
Fufu. To me, it's far more surprising that conglomerate heirs and foundation members are all enthusiastically working as idols. Myself included, of course
Events often unfold in completely unexpected ways. That's both the fascination and absurdity of human endeavor
Thunderbolt is the world's largest comprehensive entertainment company. Naturally, it houses some of the world's top research divisions
When their technological prowess is united, all forms of entertainment technology are brought to completion — it may even look like technology from a distant utopia future
Tsuzura-kun. Could you show everyone that footage?
Y-Yeah! I've got everything ready! I've been holding my breath this whole time so I wouldn't mess it up...!
Uh, right! The video's all set, so I'll just play it, and—
What the hell... is this?
This is... an idol?
This is augmented reality — cutting-edge technology that will completely redefine the concept of a live performance forever
Perhaps you'd understand it better if I called it a "Transformation"
It's the same kind of surreal method that special-effect heroes use to enhance themselves, and now, it's become reality.
Hoo... So this is the technology you spoke of, the one that could spell the downfall of our nation's idols
If I recall, Aoba-kun was also studying augmented reality devices with a game company. So you're saying anyone could now wield their kind of "magic"?1
That's one way to interpret it, yes
However, that alone does not represent the entirety of the Mega Sphere. The "Transformation" only reaches perfection when combined with the "Mega Stream"
Until now, streamed concerts couldn't reproduce the essence of a live show, the ability to feel and transmit the audience's passion beyond the screen
But with the "Transformation" and the "Mega Stream", that sensation can be experienced through augmented reality as something nearly indistinguishable from the real thing
So what you're saying is, if overseas hopefuls like MELLOW DEAR US were to obtain such advanced technology, what would happen?
I doubt it would change everything at once, but even I can see that it would deal a heavy blow to our domestic idol industry
The overseas scene I've seen is way different from this. Even watching that footage, it feels like something out of a dream. Kinda hard to believe it's real
But since you went out of your way to call it "Transformation," that Mega Phone you gave us earlier, that's the device for it, huh?
Ahh. You were once a member of Ryuseitai2. I appreciate how quickly you grasp the idea of a "Transformation".
What I've given you is the crystallization of Thunderbolt's new technology — the Mega Phone
By possessing both the phone and the activation ring, the Sphere Ring, idols can transform and perform live shows with enhanced production effects
Something called Sphere Live, that is the new form of expression required for the idols of a new era
Gotcha. Including not just a smartphone but also a ring, that's a bit much, don't you think?
Well, since it's not a show made with merchandising in mind like a tokusatsu series, I'll assume it's just a matter of technical limitation
Hmm~ I don't really get it, but the Ryuseitai guys would probably understand it right away, huh?
Huh~ So Anzu kinda gets it too? Because Morisawa-senpai converted her to the tokusatsu side or something?
Anyway, Anzu doesn't have to babysit them like that. They always turn everything into a story about themselves
Seems that story is saving me this time, though. An old man like me can't quite keep up with all this...♪
Still, fascinating. From what I see, it seems one could display an even more advanced version of the "magic" that Aoba-kun and the others use
Once you start "transforming," I do wonder if it still qualifies as being an idol, but it's certainly worth seeing
Tools are merely tools. Even with this "Transformation," an idol's radiance will not be corrupted by its use
That's precisely why I've chosen to grant it to you first. Once idols wield this technology, the Sphere Live will belong to them alone
To be honest, I originally planned to launch Sphere Live in the United States. But through 4piece, my thoughts have changed
There are still countless promising idols in this country
To convey that charm to the world, simply singing and dancing isn't enough. The "Big Flow" is changing that much
I was able to witness firsthand the immense potential of this country's idols through 4piece
There's an even greater potential in this nation — the kind of talent that will dream and delight in a project like this
I wanted to launch a new project in the very place where I once stood on the dream stage as an idol myself. That desire took shape as the Mega Stream
Everyone. Will you join me in creating the future?
The idol of a new era. Let us define what that should be like
Chapter 4
I see. I get what Yoshihide-kun wants to do
But I still don't get the logic behind gatherin' us all here, y'know?
Something still doesn't sit right with you, Rinne-kun?
Talkin' about the lineup. You're tellin' us to ride some "Big Flow," yeah? But for that, you sure picked a bunch of weirdos with quirks all over the place
Like Mike-nekochan over there, he got all suspicious about me and Yoshihide-kun and even came all the way to meet me in person!
Who'd deliberately pick a bunch of walking fuses like that, huh?
Hahaha! It was faster than overthinkin' things, wasn't it?
Straight to the point! Simple methods work best!
Otherwise, I'd end up giving long-winded explanations like NiceP or Eichi-san, you see?
Talkin' about the lineup. You're tellin' us to ride some "Big Flow," yeah? But for that, you sure picked a bunch of weirdos with quirks all over the place
Like Mike-nekochan over there, he got all suspicious about me and Yoshihide-kun and even came all the way to meet me in person!
Who'd deliberately pick a bunch of walking fuses like that, huh?
What, are you saying you've got a problem with Eichi-sama?
Look in the mirror! You're the one who always makes things complicated!
I won't deny that Tenshouin-kun's stories tend to drag on
But Sakuma-senpai, you move at an old man's pace! Can you even cross a streetlight in time!?
Gyahaha♪ You said it, you said it♪
I mean, no one would think to gather these four together, right? Yoshihide-kun, you didn't just pick us at random, did ya?
Of course not. I made sure to look into each of you thoroughly
Each and every one of you isn't easy to handle. None of you joined the 4piece project, nor had a chance to work hand in hand with me
However, that hardly matters, I sense immense talent in all of you
As I said earlier, there are still unpolished gems of talent buried within this country
Rei-kun and Mikejima-kun, who've already shown glimpses of it overseas… Rinne-kun, whose growth has been remarkable… and Himemiya-kun—
You all possess the ability to lead others, perhaps one could call it a kind of charisma
Having you represent the new project was, naturally, the only choice
Hmph. You ignored me at first though, didn't you?
I apologize for that. I was originally selecting from the units that hadn't joined 4piece, so you were unfortunately left out of consideration
However, in the end, I'm glad you became one of the Four Kings of the Sky
Your initiative and deduction skills in seeking me out truly impressed me. I now believe Himemiya-kun is worthy of being a king aboard that airship
Ehehehe. As long as you appreciate me properly, I'll forgive you!
So easily swayed, Himemiya-kun
Anyway, who's that with Anzu-san?
We still haven't gotten an explanation about who he is, have we?
Ah, you don't really have to worry about me—
I'm just a behind-the-scenes staff member, here to cover the upcoming project. It'd actually be great if you could think of me like air, really!
I had been wondering myself. You've been near young Anzu for quite some time, so it's only natural to get suspicious
I missed the chance to introduce you earlier, but since you're behind the scenes, are you with the press, perhaps?
U-uhm…
That reaction suggests… not quite, but not entirely wrong either, hmm?
It may be rude to judge by appearances, but from your earlier demeanor and lack of confidence, you seem quite unreliable for someone involved in a NiceP led project, don't you think?
Ah, well, of course— I'm only twenty-four, still a newbie, you know!
Don't even look twenty-four, dude… you reek of low confidence, honestly
Hiii... I-I know that myself...!
All the ES idols just seem so mature, like… like they're not even the same species as me…!
They give off the aura of veterans who've crossed death's door countless times—
It's only natural. They're veterans who've weathered the stormy seas of the entertainment world
By contrast, you've only just joined Thunderbolt. That gap in experience is inevitable.
Allow me to introduce him. This is Tsuzura Chitose-kun, who's only recently joined Thunderbolt. He's accompanying us to film a documentary
In the capacity of assistant director, he's currently covering Anzu-chan's work
I see. Then he'll also be handling our filming, I take it?
Joining Thunderbolt and being entrusted by Nice P to handle the filming… that must mean he has some remarkable talent
He hasn't shown it yet, but… I'll be looking forward to seeing it…♪
Ah, that's… not really my part, actually—
I think the idols will probably be filmed in a different way entirely
Hmm…?
Fufufu. We'll discuss that in due time
Oh, don't mistake me for being secretive. I'll explain everything to the other idols soon enough, that's all
Now, look straight ahead. At last—our next stage has appeared
Whoa...! Everything just went pitch black!?
So enormous a flying ship… truly fearsome indeed.
And aboard it reign… the Four Kings of the Sky—
Honestly, I've got no clue what kinda work this is gonna turn out to be, huh?
But are you really cool with this, Mike-nekochan? You're basically fallin' under Yoshihide-kun's command, y'know?
You were all wary of him just a bit ago. What's with the change of heart?
If Anzu-san says it's fine, then it's fine by me. That's all there is to it.
Even if I refused, this airship's arrival couldn't be stopped anyway, could it?
In the end, whatever NiceP's plotting, I've got to stay close to Anzu-san. Otherwise, I'll just repeat what happened with Gatekeeper
Now then, everyone! We're finally arriving!
The Mega Sphere Project. From this moment on, we become witnesses to history
It's not every day in life that you get such a truly Nice experience, is it?
Chapter 5
"Mega Sphere," heh... It's just too unreal. I still can't wrap my head around it
So we "transform" here and then start the live, right?
Indeed. NiceP will soon begin his explanation to the idols in ES
We shall transform at the signal and present our new selves to the world... that's how it shall go
However... I still haven't the faintest clue how to use this "Mega Phone" or "Sphere Ring"
Hmmm. I do not understand. Is there anyone well-versed in this?
Come on, get it together, Grandpa!
But honestly, it's kind of confusing, huh? You need both the "Mega Phone" and the "Sphere Ring" to transform, right?
Yeah. The ring seems to be for personal identification. If anyone could transform, it'd lose its charm, wouldn't it?
As proof befitting idols of a new era, we should treasure them
Since we're at it, let's do a final check. Open the app on the Mega Phone and hold your Sphere Ring over it
And just like that, the "transformation" outfit— the "Sphere Coord", will be equipped
Damn, you're just rollin' those fancy names off your tongue, huh?
Didn't think you'd be that much of a nerd, Mike-nekochan
I still call the latest game consoles "Famin". 'Cause I'm a mama!3
...Just kiddin'. I'm not as into tokusatsu as Chiaki-san, but I was part of Ryuseitai once. I've got some grasp of transformations
If you'd like, I could even come up with transformation catchphrases for everyone♪
Hmm. Then I shall entrust that to you, Mikejima-kun. I'm doubtful even about my grasp of smartphones, let alone new technology
If you wish, you could also step forward as the leader of the "Four Kings of the Sky"
Me, the leader? Hahaha, don't joke like that!
We're already doing something as wild as transforming. If I started calling myself the leader of the Four Kings of the Sky, they'd think I've lost my mind
Oh my, that's unexpected. The one called "Mama" is embarrassed to call himself a King of the Sky?
"Mama" is greater than any King of the Sky. It's way nicer to be called that, isn't it?
Is it!???
Don't know what you're goin' for, Mike-nekochan, but callin' yourself "Mama" sounds way crazier than "King of the Sky"
First off, bein' a Mama ain't something you can aim to be
Hahaha! I think Rinne-san just doesn't know the full extent of my Mama energy yet!
Look, Rei-san. Mama will teach you how to transform~♪
Babuu, babuu♪
Oh, geez... Is this really okay for the Four Kings of the Sky...?
Gyahaha♪ Lighten up, Uri-chan, takin' this too seriously'll only make ya nervous♪
I don't care about bein' some "King of the Sky" What matters is makin' noise and entertainin' people
That's what an idol is. Transform or not, that core doesn't change
Let's make the most outta this Mega Sphere Project, yeah?✩
Geez, they're all so selfish...!
Can we really become "new-era idols" like this...?
...But
A chance to be a pioneer of something new doesn't come often...
Hibiki-senpai bloomed so suddenly under NiceP's production...
Maybe... I'm about to witness a miracle moment like that myself. So—
—I'll do it. I'll transform
Sakuma-senpai, you ready? If you keep stalling, I'm pushing you off!
Kukuku. Even an immortal wouldn't survive being pushed from this height♪
Rest assured. Thanks to Mikejima-kun's lesson, I now understand it
The world is vast. While we single-mindedly expressed our songs and selves, others devoted themselves behind the scenes to making idols shine even brighter
Those who stand on stage and those who support from behind, it's no hierarchy. Both are equally human
Never did I think the two paths, once intertwined, would bring forth a future like this
And that's precisely what makes life so fascinating
Let us, transformed as we are, show this wonderful future to the world!
"Bright me up!! — Let that voice carry us!♪"
"Alright! Our live show's finally beginning!"
"From now on, you'll be witnesses to history, don't even blink! Don't miss a single moment!"
"Kukuku... Through the stage equipment, the outside world is visible. ES idols, can you see us?"
"Oh? Was that Koga's voice I heard? He sounds quite furious"
"Hahaha, that's so like Rei-san"
"Bet the UNDEAD guys didn't expect Rei-san to just start calling himself one of the Four Kings of the Sky without warning"
"Hmph. Our bonds aren't so fragile as to crumble over something this trivial"
"Koga, your turn to experience transformation will come soon. Look forward to that day"
"Until then, watch and listen to our live, and enjoy this grand feast of the moment."
"Heh... I can't help but feel giddy, learning about this brand-new culture...♪"
Translation Notes
- ↑ Rei is probably referring to Shinsekai, the augmented reality game created by Switch, first presented in "Shinsekai". A fun fact it's that in "Phantom Airship", the stage that ALKALOID performs (Believe 4 leaves) is within the game created by Switch, and as Mega Sphere, is also an Airship.
- ↑ For those who might not know, in "Meteor Impact" it is revealed that Madara was a member of Ryuseitai, as Ryusei Purple.
- ↑ (In Japanese, "ファミン (Famin)" is a playful shortening of "ファミコン (Famicom)," the old name for the Nintendo Family Computer, Japan's version of the NES. When Madara says he still calls new consoles "Famin," he's joking about being old-fashioned, like someone's mom who still calls every game console a "Nintendo.")