Everyone Has Talent. If Only We Could Realize It - Volume 1 Chapter 5.4

All-Direction Lost Child Catalog

“If she’s an enemy of Shiika, I won’t forgive her. If she’s a friend, then it’s total LOVE. If neither, then I don’t care. That’s my only standard.”

“Rakuto…”

Knowing that the anti-comments targeting Shiika came from Shibuya’s smartphone, my goodwill towards Shibuya had plummeted. However, Komae’s testimony opened up another possibility.

Maybe one of Shibuya’s entourage was the one using her smartphone to post the anti-comments.

If that’s the case, maybe I should wait before making a clear enemy out of her.

At least, until the truth is uncovered.

Of course, I want Shiika to win this mid-term contest.

“Well, whether we cry or laugh, the result will come out. Let’s just quietly watch.”

“Heh, heh, indeed. You’re right, Rakuto.”

Komae looked slightly more relaxed and turned his attention forward.

I straightened up my posture too.

──Now, let’s see. The true effort of these two geniuses.

Just as the atmosphere was heating up.

Akiha, sitting next to me, cleared her throat conspicuously to insert her comment.

“Two guys deepening their friendship while completely ignoring the girl sandwiched between them… what’s this?”

“Ah, right, Akiha. Can you throw this slug outside?”

“Isn’t my treatment getting progressively rougher?”

Honestly, it was.

Well, let’s consider this a sign of trust and reliance.

＊

“It’s not quite sharp enough. You’re relying too much on superficial techniques. You’d do well to train your core more. I’ll give you 60 points for now, but keep working hard.”

“Ah, thank you, Oomuta-san!”

After performing her dance and vocal routine, the female student descended from the stage. Upon receiving her scorecard from the judges, she bowed deeply and left.

This was my first time watching a mid-term exam live, and only now did I finally understand how the exam worked.

Students are to showcase their talents on stage when it’s their turn. The method is up to them. Bringing instruments is allowed, and if they apply in advance to the sound staff waiting in the auditorium, they can even play soundtracks. It seems they can even lower the screen to display video files or presentation materials.

After their presentation, they step down from the stage and go in front of the judges’ seats. There, they directly hear the judges’ impressions while receiving a card with their scores written on it.

The scores seemed to be based on a 100-point scale per judge, hence 300 points in total from the three judges, but it didn’t seem like getting a perfect score was common. Only one person received 115 points from the jazz violinist, Ebina.

This means that if there’s a clear difference in skills, it’s possible not to end up with a tie even if both have 300 points.

The superiority and inferiority between Shiika and Shibuya would be definitively determined.

Amidst the focus of many, one girl stepped out to the center stage without showing a hint of the pressure.

──It was Shibuya Erio.

Do people with talent naturally draw others to them just by being there? Her presence on stage was unparalleled compared to other students. Even just adjusting the stand mic and tuning her voice was incredibly picturesque.

Whether it was fashion or demeanor, it was unclear what exactly made her so compelling. Just by existing, she had a violent pull on everyone’s attention similar to a tornado.

Her ash-colored hair with pink-blonde inner color, piercings, chokers, every icon adorning her body made everyone think, “Ah, she’s different from me. An extraordinary being.”

No other student had been so conscious of being observed.

I was certain.

As someone who launched the existence known as V-SINGER “Seeker” alongside Shiika and was conscious of being seen by the masses, I could confirm it.

Shibuya Erio believes that as long as her “face” is good, that’s enough.

Not literally.

Shibuya Erio perfectly plays the character of Shibuya Erio.

She cherishes the “face” of Shibuya Erio.

It might be better to call it a “signboard.”

Nervous──she must be. It’s a critical battle for her.

Excitement──likely. It’s natural to respect and aspire to seniors who have achieved in the world she aims for.

Anxiety──must be riddled with it. On a stage where trouble could arise at any moment, the things she has built up could unjustly crumble to zero.

These emotions surely exist within her.

And she even thinks it’s okay to have such emotions.

As long as her “face” is good──as long as the existence she’s built up as Shibuya Erio remains intact, it’s fine as long as people listen to her song.

This overwhelming presence comes from the utmost rationalization and affection for her character.

“Now, please begin.”

“Yes. ──Music, please.”

Music started to fill the auditorium, Shibuya shook her head to the rhythm, and then…

A storm of sound blew fiercely.

Starting with a unique bass intro, it quickly escalated to high notes. Accompanied by intense guitar and drum sounds, her voice, which varied in pitch and intensity effortlessly, ravaged the auditorium.

Just listening made your body tremble under the pressure of the sound, sweating as if after light exercise.

“Whoa!? It’s electrifying to the bone!”

“Such a stabbing sound… Ah, this stimulation… it’s addictive.”

“I see, this is quite something…”

The three judges were also overwhelmed by the exceptional singing. The students gathered in the auditorium with various thoughts had their malice and distractions blown away, left with no choice but to be mesmerized.

Chest voice, falsetto, mixed voice, whistle register. She used them all freely.

Singing a high-difficulty uptempo Japanese rock song with a six-octave range voice was like Lu Bu from the Three Kingdoms, riding his Red Hare, tearing through enemy generals in a grand display of might.

The crystallization of Shibuya Erio’s singing technique was certainly here.

She sang unwaveringly to the end, and as the sound abruptly stopped, a sort of anxiety sprouted within me. Surely, it wasn’t just me; everyone present must have experienced this phenomenon simultaneously.

The gap between the explosive sound and silence was so vast that we felt a sense of loss when the sound disappeared.

Then, applause erupted like heavy rain.

In just about five minutes or so, it even induced symptoms of addiction, potentially making listeners dependent.

This is professional level. This is first-class.

Shibuya Erio, having proven her strength, grinned triumphantly with her face soaked in sweat, casting a challenging look towards Shiika, who was waiting for her turn.

──How about that? Even now, can you still talk back?

It seemed that glance carried such a message.

“I’m moved! Wonderful! You’re the number one! 120 points!”

Oomuta Tomoya greeted Shibuya as she descended from the stage, cracking peanuts shell and all.

“Your passionate singing is lovely… If only I could have such flair, maybe I could find happiness… 130 points.”

Ebina Hamako praised Shibuya’s talent with a dreamy face.

“Thank you.”

Shibuya bowed confidently and received the scorecards from the judges.

She paused at one of the cards, causing her shoulders to twitch slightly.

” Kurso-san?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

With a flourish of his gloved left hand, Kurso Reirou smiled warmly.

Shibuya asked with eyes that seemed to seek approval.

“90 points, it says.”

“Is there a problem? It’s the highest score I’ve given today, and I believe I’ve properly evaluated your talent. The other two easily give out scores over 100, but from my standpoint… If I feel even a slight negative, I deduct points. Sorry.”

“Could you give me some advice on where I was lacking?”

“I won’t say. It’s better not to ask.”

“Ah?”

“I think it’s riskier for you to bend yourself based on my opinions. You have enough talent as you are to work as a professional. Isn’t that good enough?”

“I see… Alright, if you say so…”