As they made their way through the bustling crowd along the aisles on the first floor, Shiori felt a sense of foreboding.

Nishi nudged her arm. “Hey, look over there. It’s the entrance to the casino.”

Sure enough, the casino in Hikari International Hotel was massive, taking up the majority of the first-floor interior. The air was thick with the scent of cigarette smoke and the sound of slot machines ringing out in victorious chimes.

As they approached the entrance to the stage area, Keiji suddenly tensed up. “Something’s not right,” he muttered, scanning the area with a practiced eye.

Shiori followed his gaze and felt a chill run down her spine. There, standing by the entrance, was a man dressed in a black ninja suit with a fierce expression on his face. He looked like any other cosplayer, but there was something about him that made her feel uneasy.

They continued walking, trying to blend in with the other guests. But as they passed the ninja cosplayer, he suddenly turned and locked eyes with Shiori.

She froze, feeling as if he could see straight through her disguise. But then he turned away, disappearing into the crowd.

Shiori let out a shaky breath. “That was close.”

Nishi chuckled. “Yeah, but we can’t let our guard down. Let’s keep moving.”

The stage area was situated in the casino. It was usually used for the home band or guest artists’ performances to entertain the players, but this time it was fully reserved for the solo concert.

As the team stepped inside, the neon lights flashed overhead, casting an otherworldly glow on the throngs of people flocking up in a massive crowd ahead.

The music was loud, but it was merely a background for Reika Diose’s divinely beautiful voice. Even her song lyrics were audible.

> Come to me, as a shout or a whisper

> Your sweetest words are like the poison of a viper

> Possess me, in my soul, your charms linger

> Drown me deep in your love like a diver

Reika’s haunting lyrics about witches and Halloween filled the air, giving Shiori a feeling of unease. She wondered why Reika had to choose such a creepy love song for the occasion.

Nishi, however, thought differently. “Someone must go all the way to everything. That’s why she’s a diva and you’re not, Shio,” she said, giggling.

Shiori pouted. “She has divine looks and an angelic voice. I think I have those too, although not as great as Reika’s.”

Keiji chimed in. “I believe you can be a good idol, Shio. But your place now is with us, wearing cosplay costumes.”

Nishi added, “It’s okay. That way, we can blend in the crowd and push forward to the front row. When the song ends, it’s time for us to strike.”

Excited, Shiori said, “Let’s do this! By the way, thanks for what you said, Keiji.”

“No problem. Now go!” Keiji urged.

The group made their way to the front of the stage by going around by the wall. They made it through the crowd and stood at a corner right in front of the stage.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

There, performing upstage was Reika Diose, the idol diva. Her golden hair, divine beauty, and flashy golden costume made her look like a real goddess. Four female dancers were backing her up, also dressed as cosplayers with identical costumes.

Shiori asked, “Good, now that we’re here, how shall we confront the singer in the middle of the concert?”

“Err, Shio, can you play any of the musical instruments up there?” Nishi asked.

“Well, I can play the guitar a bit. But what does it have to do with anything?” Shiori asked, confused.

“I think Nishi wants you to interrupt the Halloween concert by singing a ‘shining’ song,” Keiji explained.

Shiori realized what they were planning and said, “That’s right! You’re a genius, Nishi! Ooh, I’ve been itching to convert those dark lyrics. Let me at her!”

Keiji cautioned her to keep it subtle, but it was too late. Shiori had already moved upstage and grabbed a guitar. The group followed her.

“What’s going on here? I haven’t invited anyone to share the stage with me yet!” Reika Diose exclaimed.

“I know. I’m just an admirer who wants to give you a song as a gift. May I sing now?” Shiori asked.

Reika agreed but warned, “Go ahead, but you’ll get worse than rotten tomatoes if you suck.”

Shiori began to strum her guitar and sing a lovely song with joyful, bright lyrics. Reika was surprised. “Hey! That was not a Halloween love song, but it was good!”

Shiori replied, “Thank you. So, let’s get to the point. Tell us where the bomb is.”

Reika stammered, “W-what do you mean by that!? I don’t know about a… bomb, you say?”

Reika’s voice over the microphone sparked panic among the audience almost immediately. The scared ordinary people yelled, “Watch out, there’s a bomb here!” “Save your lives!” “Run!” and sorts. Screams filled the air, and the audience began to disperse haphazardly, all running toward the exit.

“Wait!” Reika shouted over the microphone. “Don’t panic! The truth is not confirmed yet that…!”

But she was too late. The show was ruined into chaos.

Keiji revealed their identities as GI agents and repeated the question. “Where is the bomb you’ve planted in this venue?”

Reika insisted, “I don’t know! I’ve planted no bomb. You know I’m a dedicated artist. So, I don’t want a bomb or anything to ruin my show! The show is everything to me!”

Shiori then mentioned Reika’s boyfriend, Hayato Mori, and his affiliation with the Yakuza.

Reika replied, “Hayato understands and supports my career because singing is my soul, my bushido. So, he won’t set me up for anything, even for his organization or his gain!”

“Even if the order came from the Godfather himself?” Nishi asked, her voice dripping with skepticism.

“If he truly loves me, yes.”

“I don’t believe you. So spit it out and don’t play games with us anymore,” Keiji retorted.

“I told you I didn’t do it!” Reika protested. “It seems we have to play this the hard way. Dancers, back me up!”

The four dancers on stage moved forward, ready to defend their idol. “We’ll make them pay for ruining my show! Attack!” Reika shouted, and the group charged forward.

Shiori, one of Nishi’s trusted officers, watched as the dancers charged toward them. “Here they come!” she warned.