Pluto Rhythm's set was a perfect opening act. Their brand of upbeat pop music did a great job of energizing the crowd and setting the mood. However, the sheer quality of their performance had set the bar so high that the acts to follow were likely feeling the pressure.
"Alright, next up is our second group... Uh, one of my executives, Tiamat—the Shitty Snake—and Phoenix, otherwise known as the Shitty Bird."
"Geez, Shaltan, you're awfully harsh on your own staff."
"It depends on the person. I’m quite nice to Pandemonium and his lot, you know..."
As Alice made the announcement in an exasperated tone, Media, the giant lamia, appeared on stage with Phoenix perched on her shoulder. This was one seriously unsettling duo.
Still, with Alice and so many other powerful figures present, I figured things would be fine. I recalled that Media had a lovely singing voice, even if she didn't typically use lyrics. As long as she kept her eccentric fetishes in check, the performance should turn out okay.
I had wondered how she would handle an amplification magic tool given her five-meter height, but at her level, she probably didn't even need one. As if to confirm my suspicion, Phoenix began to speak; her voice carried clearly across the venue, even from a distance. She was definitely using amplification magic.
"Hello, everyone... transcendents, high and mighty ones, assorted trash... and, of course, My God!"
Phoenix was someone whose likes and dislikes were far too extreme. I was a rare exception, but she never bothered to hide her total lack of interest in anyone who wasn't powerful enough to kill her. It wasn't that she looked down on the weak or found them offensive; she simply had zero interest and didn't want them near her. She was utterly cold to anyone who didn't catch her interest.
"Ah, the world is truly filled with such sorrow. Even with so many souls gathered here, many of whom I feel I could truly call friends, it seems we cannot even manage to deepen our fellowship..."
"Since Shaltier-sama is watching and this is My God’s birthday festival, we’d probably be kicked out the second we did anything weird. So, Tiamat and I are both on our best behavior today."
"It is sad. So very sad. But amidst all that grief, we have the precious and joyous occasion of Kaito Miyama-san's birthday. I rarely have the chance to sing in public, but I hope my song, humble as it may be, serves as a worthy tribute to Kaito Miyama-san's birth."
"Faith and music have always shared a deep bond. It's the same with hymns. Since this is My God's festival, the music we offer must be filled with power. Well, Tiamat is the one singing, and she only ever sings Requiems, but still..."
Media was the type who, despite being insane, at least attempted to show some restraint. Of course, her madness still bled through her words, and her eyes lacked any spark—giving off a "unstable" vibe—which, combined with her massive size, made her incredibly intimidating. In fact, I could see quite a few people in the audience looking genuinely frightened.
"It is a tragedy, but I see death so often that when I think of peace, Requiems are all that come to mind."
"Ahaha, isn't that just because you murder people yourself to satisfy your fetishes? Talk about setting a fire just to play hero."
"That, too, is part of the chain of sadness."
"Stop depressing the audience and just get on with it already!"
Alice’s sharp interjection spurred Media and Phoenix into action. Phoenix’s body suddenly flared with intense heat, and in the next heartbeat, she had transformed into a massive harp forged from jade-colored flames. Media took the instrument in her hands and began to play with a quiet intensity.
Since they'd mentioned Media was the singer, I had assumed Phoenix would be the accompanist... but she had actually turned into the instrument itself.
It was an unexpected development, but Media looked majestic holding the flaming harp, creating a surprisingly solemn atmosphere. When she finally began to sing, I was stunned—she was incredible.
It was a mournful tune, very much in line with a Requiem, but her clear, crystalline voice and the ethereal tones of the fire harp combined to create a hauntingly beautiful piece.
With every chord, shimmering sparks drifted through the air like stardust, turning into a pale light that washed over the crowd. I felt a slight wave of relief from my own fatigue; she was likely using the vibrations of the music to disperse those restorative flames she had shown me before.
The awkward tension that had filled the air before the performance vanished instantly. Everyone stood in silence, captivated by the beautiful music and her soaring voice.
Serious-senpai: "They're a handful, but I guess as long as Alice keeps them under her thumb, they're civil enough to show up at an event like this..."
???: "Seriously, isn't the burden on me— I mean, Alice-chan—getting heavier every time? I'm not supposed to be a troubleshooter for problem children."
Serious-senpai: "...Wait, aren't those two literally your own subordinates?"