The catalyst for it all traced back to the immediate aftermath of the Harmonic Symphony. Deep within the Demon Realm's southern region—a place where the Dragon King's subordinates often congregated—stood a stone tower used by the Four Great Magic Dragons. Inside, Needsveld, having assumed her human form, had placed a uniquely shaped magic tool on the table.
"Hmm? That’s a strange-looking magic tool."
"Ah, Fafnir... This is a new device recently developed by the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company that can record and store music. It is still in the prototype stage and hasn't hit the market yet, but I pressed Tre into letting me have it. I shall have to find a way to thank her properly later."
"Tre? You mean the Underworld King's subordinate... Are the two of you close?"
"No, I was introduced through Agni. They are quite friendly, and I used that connection to acquire it."
Needsveld gave a brief explanation to Fafnir as he approached, then activated the tool. Immediately, the heavy, driving beat of a rock song began to flow from the device.
"It produces a remarkably clear sound... But Eingana aside, I didn't know you were such a fan of music."
"It is not a matter of whether I enjoy it or not. Regardless of the circumstances or the catalyst, once I have sought someone's teachings, it goes against my principles to leave things half-finished. At the very least, it is only a matter of basic etiquette to acquire enough insight to satisfy Eingana."
Needsveld was the embodiment of ambition. Since Eingana had taught her various things about music during the Harmonic Symphony, she had made it her mission to deepen her understanding of the subject. Listening to rock now was simply another part of her studies.
"That said, I find myself preferring this 'rock' genre over the pieces I frequently heard at the Harmonic Symphony. I feel somewhat bad for Eingana, considering she went to such lengths to teach me about classical music, but..."
"Not at all. Music knows no rank. I happen to enjoy rock as well."
"Are you here too, Eingana? It is rare for the three of us to cross paths like this."
Needsveld and Fafnir turned at the sound of the voice to find Eingana standing there with a gentle smile. She seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood, perhaps genuinely pleased that her close friend Needsveld had taken such a keen interest in music.
"Needsveld, I have a proposal for you..."
"Hmm?"
"Why don't you try actually performing music yourself? Listening and studying are wonderful pursuits, but experiencing it first-hand by playing with your own hands will provide you with a far greater level of insight."
"I see... You have a point. Theory is important, but practice is the key to mastery."
"Yes, exactly! Since you seem to have a preference for rock, Needsveld, why don't we try playing it? There is a format known as a 'three-piece band' where even three people can produce a fully realized performance."
"Intriguing indeed."
"...Wait. Three people?"
Needsveld nodded with growing enthusiasm, finding the idea worthy of pursuit, while Fafnir wore a bewildered expression as a cold sense of foreboding washed over him.
However, neither of them took any notice of Fafnir’s trepidation as Needsveld and Eingana became increasingly engrossed in the plan.
"Then, Eingana, I shall rely on you for guidance."
"Of course, leave it to me. Establishing the right image is vital, so let us form a band! Needsveld, a fierce and powerful style of play would suit you best—how does the drums sound? The guitar serves as the backbone of the melody line and is somewhat difficult, so I will handle that while also serving as the vocalist. With that settled, if Fafnir plays the bass, we will have a perfectly respectable band."
"Hold on a moment. Isn't something wrong here? You're acting as if it's perfectly natural for me to be a member... I don't recall ever agreeing to this—"
"Hah! I'm starting to feel the fire. No matter the method, learning and testing oneself truly makes the blood sing... If we are doing this, we shall commit to it with everything we have!"
"Indeed. Leave it to me. I will make sure we can perform well enough to take the stage anywhere in no time."
"No, listen to me! You two aren't listening at all! Hey!"
Thus, driven by the high spirits of Eingana and Needsveld, the new band "Dragon Soul" was born. Fafnir, having been dragged into the center of the storm, clutched his stomach with a look of pure misery.
Serious-senpai: "I never expected to find a Stomach Pain Warrior hiding in a place like this..."