Story Reader / Affection / Teddy: Decryptor / Story
Navigating through the labyrinth of alleys and dim pathways, the two of you walk quite a distance toward the city. Eventually, you arrive at a spot beside a massive sewer exit adorned with colorful graffiti.
...Quirky collectors always have their odd quirks, don't they?
Anyway, I bumped into him around here last time, and he mentioned he lived nearby, so we should be able to find him at this hour.
Because they asked me to check on Constellia's pipeline... Here he is!
A somewhat familiar mechanoid figure staggers toward you from a distance.
Before you stands none other than the awakened machine Kiske, who had previously invited you to fill in as his band's drummer.
Gray Raven Commandant! Long time no see!
We haven't had the chance to treat you to some gas-booze at Vasi's!
Says Kiske cheerfully.
Hold on, save your gas-booze for later...
I've brought the commandant as promised. So, can you sell me those wireless headphones now?
We had a deal.
...Ahem.
A few days back, this Construct lady took a liking to one of my collectibles—a pair of limited-edition Golden Age wireless headphones.
But I wasn't keen on selling it to her then, so I set a condition: she could have it only if she brought the Gray Raven Commandant over.
...Is it really okay to spill all the beans like that?
Mechanoids don't lie. I thought it would be a very challenging task for a Construct, but I didn't expect...
☆!
She turns her head and begins to hum a tune, seemingly oblivious to your words.
During your previous encounter, Kiske was still a member of the "Thunder Sparks" band.
We awakened machines are free and chase after whatever we desire.
So, I can be a band member or a collector.
Anyway, I've met your condition...
So, where are the wireless headphones you promised?
I don't know.
?
Because I have changed my pursuit in a new direction! I am a free... painter today!
From now on, I will join the ranks of painters! To become a new! Beat painter!
The mechanoid cheerfully waves his hands.
...
Yo! A great painter! Who makes beats!
Commandant... Say, if an awakened machine ditches a deal, and I sneak in a tiny virus to mess with its circuits...
A great... painter?
Constellia won't give me any trouble for that, right?
Well, then...
...Don't threaten a promising beat painter. I will tell you the truth.
Kiske stops his dance.
Those wireless headphones are no longer with me.
You sold them to someone else?
No, we awakened machines always keep our word, but... yesterday, we lost to another group of awakened machines in a music showdown.
They took all of my collections.
I'm done with music. I'm thinking of changing careers.
To become a great beat—painter!
As far as you remember, Thunder Sparks should be a quite renowned band in Constellia.
The competition was about something Thunder Sparks wasn't skilled in, a music genre that was new to us.
...So, what genre was it exactly?
It's a popular Golden Age music genre called "mashup".
Their speed was incredible. We tried our best but still couldn't keep up with their beat at all.
Thunder Sparks was defeated, and those awakened machines said we weren't even worthy of the competition, then they took all our collections...
Including the wireless headphones that you wanted, Construct Lady. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to deceive you.
The awakened machine gives a polite bow to Teddy.
...No need to be so uptight about it.
If you want the headphones, you will have to buy a pair from them, but they don't seem like the type to care about collections.
Hmm... What a hassle.
So, what kind of mashup did that band use to beat you? Can you show it to me?
It's something like this...
Before starting it, Kiske stealthily turns the volume down to the lowest setting on his built-in player.
A lively melody and deep harmony seamlessly blend into a single track of music.
The drummer in the band appears skilled at modulating transitions, allowing this track to flawlessly integrate various melodies with different sounds.
The melody and harmony flow smoothly from beginning to end. It sounds like something that a single band couldn't possibly perform all at once.
They called this the newest form of electronic music and said that we couldn't perform it because we were noobs.
That's how Thunder Sparks ended up getting defeated—it was completely out of our capability. We've attempted to learn more melodies, but mastering such harmony requires a lot of time and effort.
Sigh...
The mechanoid sighs with a long face.
So, if I help you beat those mechanoids and get your band back together, you can reclaim all your collections—including MY headphones, is that right?
...For real?! Are you really going to help us?
Hey, I told you that you gotta trust the technicians.
That's just... fantastic!
On behalf of Thunder Sparks, I thank you! Kind-hearted Construct Lady!
However, I've got another condition. You know, this comes with an additional cost...
The pink-haired Construct squints her eyes and leans in to whisper something to Kiske.
Ah... Is that so? It's not something expensive, but it might be hard to find...
I'll do my best!
Well, you have my thanks in advance.
...It's a secret.
Squinting her eyes, the girl shows you a faint smile.
