Volume 13 Chapter 426 Shirogane Aqua, Humanity’s First Space Live Concert.
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
July 7th.
One step ahead of the rest, we arrived at the new space station, Cooper.
We welcomed the members who had boarded the late-arriving Discovery and Independence with applause and warm smiles.
For a split second, I wondered what I would do if President Maitrix¹ came piloting the ship himself, but as expected, that didn’t happen.
The Captain over there caught my eye and flashed a gentle smile.
”Everyone from BERYL, we have been looking forward to today’s live concert very much,” the Captain said.
”Thank you so much,” I replied.
I exchanged a firm, tight handshake with the Captain.
The Captain, wearing a remarkably serene expression, swept her gentle eyes across each of our faces.
”To tell you the truth, even during our training and our breaks, keeping our minds on this topic is the reason we have made it to this day… no, it’s why even now, we can still remain true to ourselves,” the Captain said.
The Captain’s words pierced straight through my chest.
I had heard that the people assigned to this mission to obliterate the meteorite were all individuals who had already accepted their own deaths.
There was a high probability that the detonation device rigged to the nuclear warhead couldn’t be operated remotely due to magnetic field interference.
If that turned out to be the case, someone would have to stay behind on the meteorite to manually press the detonation button.
Of course, whoever pressed that button would be right at ground zero, meaning there was absolutely no way they would make it back alive.
Fully aware of that reality, these brave souls had still steps forward to volunteer for this mission.
”Shirogane Aqua, a charismatic male idol and BERYL’s leader, commands global broadcasts with booming shouts that spark hope. His striking stage presence…sharp eyes, sleek hair, confident stance…energizes crowds, driving social change. Once a different person, now a husband to several wives and a father, he blends past‑life wisdom with present influence.-san, everyone from BERYL… please, give courage to my comrades who are about to march into the jaws of death,” the Captain said.
What incredible courage these people possess.
If I were placed in the exact same situation, would I really be able to throw my own life away for the sake of total strangers like that?
My body trembled ever so slightly as a wave of intense emotion welled up inside me.
”Leave it to us. I promise you the absolute best performance of our lives,” I said.
”Thank you… truly, thank you so much!” the Captain replied.
The Captain’s hand gripped mine, shaking with a faint tremor.
Yeah… that makes sense, doesn’t it? It’s not like they aren’t terrified.
These people had lives they wanted to live, futures they wanted to see, much more than any of us.
”Now, everyone, right this way. We still have some time before the live broadcast begins, so please make yourselves at home and relax inside the space station,” the Captain said.
”Yeah, we’ll gladly take you up on that. It was incredibly cramped inside our ship. Compared to that, this place is quite a luxury,” Shintaro replied.
While the crew took their break, we set out to run our final production checks and get the broadcast equipment fully operational.
Unlike our usual live concerts, we didn’t have a massive crew of production staff to assist us today, meaning we had to set up everything by ourselves from scratch.
”Alright, I’m going to handle the camera calibration, so Toa, I need you to double-check our communication lines,” I said.
”On it! Okay!” Toa replied.
For the sake of this single day, on top of our intense performance rehearsals and rigorous astronaut training, we had spent weeks learning directly from our respective professional staff members just to maximize the production value of this broadcast.
”And Tenga-senpai, please take charge of the audio levels,” I said.
”Indeed!” Tenga-senpai declared.
Tenga-senpai began fine-tuning the specialized audio gear that had been entrusted to him by MojaP².
According to MojaP, the specific texture of the sound waves fluctuates depending on the quality of the electrical power source being utilized, so the two of them had been huddled together calibrating the frequencies right up until the moment we launched into space.
”Shintaro, I need you to run through the entire master checklist to guarantee we haven’t missed a single detail,” I said.
”Yeah, leave it to me,” Shintaro replied.
Using Director Hongou’s technical notes as my reference guide, I carefully adjusted the camera framing and viewing angles.
Right around then, Kohina-senpai wandered over, looking completely bored out of her mind even in the middle of outer space.
”You’ve got a ton of cameras to manage, so I’ll lend you a hand,” Kohina-senpai said.
”That’s a massive help!” I replied.
During the actual live broadcast, the plan was to leave the complete operation of the control deck entirely in Kohina-senpai’s hands.
Yet, standing here right now, I couldn’t help but feel a sudden wave of anxiety over whether it was truly a good idea to trust a tech-illiterate person who literally smacks televisions to fix them with a multi-million dollar space console.
I mean, the fact that not a single one of us had pointed this out until now just goes to show how completely overwhelmed and pushed to our limits we all were…
I silently prayed to the universe that Kohina-senpai wouldn’t completely crash the system during the live show.
”Everything’s set on my end,” Toa said.
”Same here,” Tenga-senpai said.
”I’m all finished too,” Shintaro said.
Shintaro cross-referenced his digital tablet’s itinerary, placing a crisp checkmark next to every single operational item.
”We’re completely ready over here. No anomalies detected. Honestly, I think we’re totally fine with this setup… no, I know we’re fine,” I said.
We all nodded naturally, drawing strength from Shintaro’s reassuring words.
With the stage setup fully complete, we took turns heading into the makeshift dressing room installed inside the space station to change into our stage clothes one by one.
According to John, the designer who styled these outfits, the overarching concept behind these garments was ‘boys shining brilliantly across the galaxy.’
Clad in a magnificent, prince-like costume gleaming in sterling silver, I struck a theatrical pose right in front of the mirror.
As expected of John’s masterful design work.
No matter which angle you looked at it from, I looked incredibly handsome.
As I was indulging in my own reflection, Kohina-senpai stepped into the room from behind and muttered a blunt word.
”Loser,” Kohina-senpai said.
Totally uncalled for!
”Hey, Kohina-senpai! I’m clearly still using the room here?!” I yelled.
”You’re already done changing, so what’s the big deal? Come on, you’re the absolute last one, so quit acting like a total clown and hurry up so we can get moving!” Kohina-senpai yelled.
I was shoved firmly by my shoulder blades as Kohina-senpai practically corralled me out of the dressing room.
Give me a break, Kohina-senpai. Can you please stop aggressively pushing me around when we’re literally in outer space?!
Regrouping with Shintaro, Toa, and Tenga-senpai, we immediately locked arms to form our traditional pre-show huddle.
”Wait, Kohina-senpai, what are you just standing around dazing off for? Hurry up and get in here with us!” I shouted.
”Huh? Is it really okay for me to join the circle too?” Kohina-senpai asked.
Well, obviously. Since Kohina-senpai is acting as our entire production crew today, we need you to step into the circle in place of A professional associate of Aqua who provides logistical support and encouragement for his idol activities.-san and the others.
With Kohina-senpai matching our stance, we tightly locked our arms together.
”Everyone… you guys might think I’m suddenly acting way too distant or formal, but let me say these words of gratitude from the bottom of my heart. Thank you all so much for sticking by me and following my lead all the way to this point,” I said.
The guys fell completely silent, listening intently to the weight behind my words.
”Shintaro, Toa, Tenga-senpai… I am so incredibly incredibly grateful that I got to form a group with you guys. It’s solely because you three were here that we were able to become BERYL. If I’m allowed to voice just one completely selfish desire in this life, I want to keep being a part of BERYL with all of you until the day I die. I don’t ever want to just be an ordinary man,” I said.
Hearing my words, Toa nodded his head with a bittersweet smile that looked as though he might burst into tears at any moment.
Shintaro closed his eyes tightly, fully digesting the gravity of my words, before letting out a sharp, decisive nod.
Tenga-senpai chuckled softly at my speech, giving a firm nod that radiated absolute certainty.
”Humanity’s very first live performance from deep space… and on top of that, carrying such a monumental responsibility, it’s only natural that our nerves are on edge. But honestly, facing that kind of insane pressure is just business as usual for us, isn’t it? Because for us in BERYL, the physical size of the venue has never mattered,” I said.
There are people out there who might only get the chance to watch a BERYL performance once in their entire lives.
Therefore, we have always deeply treasured every single once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
There was absolutely no scenario where it would be acceptable for someone’s final memory of our music to be a half-hearted, lazy performance.
That was the exact reason my heart pounded with fierce adrenaline before every show, driving us to burn our very souls to cinders, pouring out every ounce of energy until there was absolutely nothing left.
”Today is no different. There are people out there who are genuinely looking forward to our performance from the very depths of their hearts. So, for their sake, let’s go out there and deliver the absolute best show of our lives,” I said.
I shifted my gaze over to Shintaro standing right beside me.
Noticing the look in my eyes, Shintaro slowly opened his mouth to speak.
”I… I am truly glad that I was able to meet Aqua, Toa, and Tenga-senpai,” Shintaro said.
Same here, my brother.
”Even right now, rather than feeling any fear of failure, I’m filled with absolute excitement. I’m just thrilled wondering what incredible things we’re going to achieve together next. That kind of mindset is something the old me from back then could have never even dreamed of,” Shintaro said.
Shintaro turned his head, locking his eyes directly with mine.
”Thank you, Aqua. Thank you for pulling me along and bringing me all the way to this stage. I’m telling you right now, I’m staying in BERYL for life until the day you decide to call it quits,” Shintaro said.
”Well then, just to ensure we can keep putting on live shows even when we’re in the afterlife, you better make sure to purchase a graveyard plot for the two of us to share when we get back home, best friend,” I said.
The entire circle burst into immediate laughter at my sarcastic reply.
Shintaro, out of everyone in the world, I am so incredibly glad that the very first true friend I made was you.
Thank you, brother. Thank you for coming all the way to outer space right alongside a guy like me.
”I feel the exact same way. I’m so deeply happy that I got to meet all of you,” Toa said.
I nodded warmly at Toa’s confession.
”Aqua… I’ll happily say it as many times as it takes, but thank you for reaching out and pulling me out of that dark room all those years ago. Though, to be completely fair, you definitely omitted the part where our career path would literally launch us into orbit,” Toa said.
The group broke out into chuckles at Toa’s teasing comment.
Honestly, I never in a million years imagined that my path would lead me to a space station either.
But because I had every single one of you standing by my side, I was able to push forward and make it this far. Thank you, Toa.
”Heh, Shintaro and Tenga-senpai always end up completely enabling and spoiling Aqua, and if we actually left the trajectory of BERYL entirely up to him, there’s no telling what crazy dimension we’d end up in. That’s why I’m dedicated to staying in BERYL for the rest of my life to keep you grounded,” Toa said.
”Yeah, yeah. Thanks for looking out for me, Toa,” I said.
Toa swiftly looked away, trying his best to mask the flush of embarrassment on his face.
But within seconds, his gaze drifted back toward us, his face breaking into a radiant, genuine smile.
”Before my wonderful juniors arrived on the scene, I existed in a state of absolute, perpetual loneliness,” Tenga-senpai said.
Tenga-senpai…
”Aqua… thank you for extending your hand and inviting a dramatic eccentric like me to join BERYL. I hereby swear an absolute oath to remain a pillar of BERYL for the rest of my days. For this group has truly become my rightful home nano,” Tenga-senpai declared.
Every single member nodded in profound agreement at Tenga-senpai’s words.
For me as well, BERYL had grown into a second family, a place where I truly belonged.
Because of that, hearing that everyone else felt the exact same way filled me with an indescribable sense of joy.
”So, whatever you do, please promise you will never, ever fire me! I swear, I still have vivid nightmares where I wake up in a cold sweat because I got kicked out of the band…” Tenga-senpai said.
The entire huddle erupted into roaring laughter at Tenga-senpai’s sudden confession.
Haha, Tenga-senpai, seriously, what kind of ridiculous anxiety dreams are you having?
That sort of absurd scenario is absolutely impossible, you know?
…Though, come to think of it, I had a brutal nightmare a while back where Kanon completely lost all affection for me and demanded a cold divorce, so I guess I didn’t really have any right to laugh at Tenga-senpai’s fears.
As I stood there with a pale face, Kohina-senpai, who was standing right beside me, spoke up.
”Honestly, if everyone hears you bragging like that, don’t you think Kanon-san達 or Haruka-san, or Awashima-san辺り are going to get incredibly jealous? So let’s keep this today’s matter inside minNano and keep it a total secret, okay?”
We all laughed at Kohina-senpai’s words.
Wait, huh? Is it just me, or is the lamp on that camera over there glowing?
No, come on. This isn’t exactly a venue set up for a live broadcast, so there’s no way we’re actually on camera.
I turned my attention back to the rest of the group.
”Alright, everyone, let’s move! It’s time for us, BERYL time!”
””””Ohhhhh!!””””
Kohina-senpai moved ahead of us, heading out toward the designated Stage section inside the space station.
The rest of us took our positions in our default starting formation, waiting for Kohina-senpai to drop the intro track.
The first song we are going to perform is that song where we declared war on the entire world.
It was an intro I had listened to countless times before.
Moving in perfect synchronization with the opening beat, we all leaped out onto the floor where the stage area was set up.
”””””Whoaaaaaaa!”””””
The crowd, holding handmade fans and glowing penlights, surged forward all at once in pure excitement.
We skillfully navigated our way around the poles installed throughout the station, executing flawless turns and swapping positions seamlessly under zero-G conditions.
(We can do this…!)
Watching my own performance alongside minNano’s performance, a sudden wave of absolute certainty washed over me.
The fact that I had constantly thrown reckless, unscripted ad-libs at everyone during our real shows was undoubtedly paying off now as invaluable experience.
This moment was only possible because everyone had always been willing to humor my wildest antics.
Now that I actually thought about it, the fact that our live shows were always packed with ad-libs was entirely my fault, but I decided to pretend it was just my imagination and promptly forgot about it.
Right then, the track switches from [Beautiful right?]³ into [stay here]⁴.
”””””Ohhhhh!”””””
A zero-G moonwalk—I had always wanted to try doing that just once in my life.
Our performance was sending the entire crowd into absolute hysteria.
By the time the second song of the medley, [stay here], came to a close, the timer read exactly 3 minutes and 24 seconds.
Due to the station’s strict power constraints, our maximum allowable performance time was locked at exactly ten minutes.
That left us with only 6 minutes and 36 seconds remaining.
The moment I spun around to face the group, I flashed everyone a confident wink.
Let’s enjoy this live show that has only a little over 6 minutes left!!
Right on cue, Toa stepped up right alongside me as we began singing our third song, [華火]⁵.
Our very first live performance at the Beryl Festival. Toa who couldn’t keep up with me and dropped his performance quality is no longer here.
Singing with every single fiber of our beings, it felt as though we were fiercely competing against each other with every lyric.
My voice seemed to stretch out infinitely, soaring past the stars and reaching into the furthest edges of the galaxy.
”””””Ahhhhhhhhhh!”””””
For our fourth song, Shintaro and I performed a duet, launching into [Shikiori (Season by Season)]⁶.
You just keep on growing boundlessly, my absolute best friend.
That’s exactly why I will never stop holding the highest expectations for you. Shintaro!!
”I have no regrets in my life…!”
”Captain! It’s too early for that! The live show isn’t over yet!!”
That’s right. The live show isn’t over, and our souls are still burning white-hot!
For the fifth track, I performed a duet with Tenga先輩, singing [Phantom requiem]⁷.
The crowd went completely wild, swept up in the intense, passionate vocal performance from me and Tenga先輩.
Ah, if only this time could last forever!
Every single time I do a live show with you guys, I always end up feeling this exact same way.
The closer we get to the end of a set, the more a profound sadness creeps in—yet at the same exact time, I get completely thrilled wondering when the next show will be.
Because you guys are exactly like that, I…!!
”Hey, everyone, you all know what the final song is, right?”
”Let’s do this. All of us, together!!”
”This isn’t just our show anymore. With the singing of the fans included, this is a cosmic live show brought to life by all of humanity!!”
I locked eyes with Kohina-senpai, who was manning the camera.
In that split second, Kohina-senpai gave me a silent, intense look that practically shouted, “Go!”, firing me up completely.
”We’re going all out for the finale! Everyone together now! Heaven’s Sword⁸ is next!”
””””””””””It’s hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!””””””””””
We tore off the quick-release outfits designed by John, instantly revealing the skin-tight specialized suits we were wearing underneath.
We immediately docked with our respective armor components, transforming into our Driver⁹ states right then and there.
With only a minute and some change left on the clock, we burned through every last drop of our energy to deliver our absolute best performance.
Ah, thank you.
I am truly, deeply grateful that I got reincarnated into this world.
Being able to meet everyone, and truly becoming a real idol… Hisui-chan, no, Lily-san.
I wonder if I’ve managed to draw even a single step closer to you?
I will take over your thoughts and your fire, you who passed away right in the middle of your ambitions.
And this soul of mine will surely be passed down to someone else who is watching this right now.
Just like your passion set my own heart ablaze, I’m going to ignite a fire inside someone else’s heart, too.
Because this is the live show nano that I—no, that every single one of us idols have woven together.
”””””Bravo!”””””
Having sung our hearts out down to the very last note, we stood there, shoulders heaving as we gasped for air.
It was over. Man, I really want to keep going. But our time is up.
We took advantage of the brief moments we had left to interact and share a few words with the people who were about to head out toward the mission.
”Well then, it’s time. I’m heading out. Everyone, thank you so much, truly.”
”…Yes.”
Noticing the look on my face, Captain peaked over and patted me on the head.
It looked like, despite my best efforts, my lack of energy had shown right through on my face.
Damn it! I still have a long way to go. I need to work harder, way harder.
”Don’t make a face like that. Come on, take a good look at everyone’s faces. Everyone is smiling right now because of your live show, aren’t they?”
He was right… Everyone was smiling for us.
Seeing that made me feel an overwhelming mixture of pure happiness and deep sorrow.
Captain faced our group and gave us a warm, respectful salute.
”Even though you aren’t astronauts, you risked incredible danger to come all the way out here. On behalf of everyone involved, I want to express my gratitude to you. Thank you. You’ve given us courage. So, leave the rest to us.”
”Yes, sir!”
Fighting back the tears that were desperately trying to well up, we stood firm and saw Captain and his crew off.
At the very end, we all stood by the window together, saluting in unison as we watched the figures of the Independence and the Discovery blast off into space.
——–
And with that, the cosmic live show was a success.
So, things move forward from here.
—
Summary:
BERYL sets up technical gear inside space station Cooper alongside the crew of a high-stakes asteroid interception mission. Tensions mount as internal production concerns contrast against the raw mortality of the volunteers. Aqua rallies his comrades through an intensely emotional circle huddle before the impending launch, exposing lingering fears and unresolved historical choices
Aqua orchestrates an intensive zero-gravity live concert sequence within a space station alongside the idol group members. The performance triggers a deep internal retrospective regarding reincarnation into this world and the memory of a deceased predecessor named Lily. The segment concludes as the crew ships blast off into space, leaving the future of the mission hanging in uncertainty
—
Trivia:
- The nuclear detonation gear is sensitive to specific local magnetic disruptions
- Tenga’s acoustic parameters are dependent on the pristine wave quality of space-borne voltage
- The mention of specific power grid limitations tracking down to an absolute ten-minute execution roof.
- The mechanical integration steps from quick-change outerwear into armored tactical Driver components
—
Character Insight:
Aqua expresses an uncompromising, permanent devotion to his collective identity as a member of BERYL, revealing that he values this shared artistic bond far more than separate individual fame or private domestic security.
Aqua exhibits a profound shift from outward stage showmanship to existential solemnity, embracing the legacy of Hisui/Lily while accepting the weight of inspiration left on the civilian crowd.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Shirogane Aqua – Shirogane Aqua (aka Master Aqua/Aqu‑tan), BERYL leader idol, sports a striking face, sparkling eyes and a beige suit on live broadcasts. Easy‑going yet cool, he recently fathered Satsuki, is married to multiple women including Kanon, is dubbed a ‘libido monster’ by Yukari, and his ‘descending god’ aura fuels the group’s ethics amid a tabloid scandal over his many wives. His family name is Shirogane.
• Shirogane – Shirogane Aqua (Master Aqua/Aqu‑tan) is the charismatic leader of idol group BERYL, known for his striking face, sparkling eyes, and beige suit. Easy-going yet cool, his “descending god” aura shapes group ethics amid scandal over his multiple wives, including Kanon, and child Satsuki. Dubbed a “libido monster” by Yukari, his unprecedented success globally elevates his lineage in a skewed-gender world.
• Aqua – Aqua is a charismatic male idol and BERYL leader with sharp eyes, sleek hair, and a commanding stance. Wielding global influence through past-life wisdom and booming broadcasts that spark hope, he balances his public stardom with his roles as a husband to several wives and a father. He is close with BERYL, plays competitive games with Yukari, and was instrumental in reintegrating Shintaro into society.
• Shintaro – Shintaro Mayuzumi is a bespectacled, gentle-calm BERYL idol, Aqua’s schoolmate, and her loyal, protective original best friend who views their meeting as fate. He handles BERYL’s logistics, training, master schedules, and technical compliance. After accidentally receiving a White Day gift from Aqua, he remains deeply committed to stopping the Meteorite alongside his companions.
• Toa – Toa is a male BERYL idol and Aqua’s classmate with a dual “cute-cool” aura who winks at cameras and speaks lovingly. Once a shut-in, he is deeply grateful to have been rescued from isolation. He now handles communications during space broadcasts and serves as the straight man to Aqua’s antics, sharing a deep bond with Aqua and instinctively following his lead.
• Tenga – King Tenga-senpai (Akira) is a rough-looking senior member of the male idol group BERYL who manages their sound engineering while secretly fearing removal. Despite his harsh exterior, his family lives near a farm, and he is Aqua’s supportive pillar—urging him to own his story and clashing in a fierce fight, yet proving his integrity by returning extorted money.
• Kohina – Kohina is a petite veteran actress and senior pilot who manages BERYL’s space logistics and production. She wears a Bicorn Beetle Powered Suit over a sentimental wool belly-warmer. Despite being tech-illiterate, her disciplined craft and theatrical gravitas make her a fierce mentor. A cynical yet protective rival to Shirogane Aqua, she uses her quiet authority to guide and defend her team.
• Kanon – Kanon-sama is a celebrated fashion icon, Internet Master, and idol-group member who serves as the chapter narrator. Married to Aqua and now a mother, she balances a cool, occasionally jealous demeanor with a tender side, evidenced by her emotional “helmet kiss” with him in the quarantine zone. Close to Emily, she observes the turmoil between Aqua and Kukuri with a mix of admiration and exasperation.
• Awashima – The Awashima family name, carried by Chigiri.
• Haruka – A gentle and maternal woman who lives with Akira. She finds deep healing from past trauma through his affection and is currently pregnant with his child.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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