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[ reference song (Click this) ]
Up on the stage, the crew sprang into action.
One by one, the instruments were brought up.
From a massive traditional drum that took several people to lift, to a shamisen carried with the utmost care, to bamboo flutes, all the way down to a keyboard and other modern equipment.
The stage lights still burned bright.
The crew jogged back and forth, making sure every cable was properly connected.
The chatter of the audience gradually died down.
All eyes turned toward the stage.
Before long, the preparations were complete.
The last crew member stepped off the stage.
The MC stepped back up to the center.
"Before we kick off our main event..."
He smiled.
"Let's cool things down a bit first."
Applause rippled through the crowd from all directions.
Then—
Blackout.
Every light on the stage cut out at once.
The crowd instantly fell even quieter.
In the midst of the darkness, the sound of footsteps echoed.
Quick.
Light.
Measured.
