sesera

Location: Behind the school

Natsume: ...........
Stop, little kitten. Could you slowly take a step Back?
Yes, that's a good Girl. I'm in the middle of an important ritual, so I don't want anyone passing through Here. All the magic I've worked so hard to gather up would Escape.
It looks like you're in a hurry, but you'll reach your destination even if you don't pass through this way, won't You?
After all, you're headed for the Grounds.
It's so obvious that you're wondering how I know that by how wide your eyes just Got... ♪
The answer is Simple.
I didn't ask, but Baru-kun told Me.
He said, "Today after school the transfer student's going to be watching us practice on the grounds☆"
This area behind the school is a shortcut to the grounds, so the fact that you're hurrying through here is nothing more than things happening as Expected.
That said, I apologize. Until the ritual is over, I'll have to ask you to stay right There.
It won't take too long, so I recommend you just Wait.
You'll do as I Say? If you'd tried to force your way through I would have used magic to stop you, so you've made the best Choice.
Now, let the ritual Begin. An ancient treasure sleeps in the ground here, and paired with a powerful symbol it holds even greater magical Power.
One, Two, Three... ♪
Yes, that concludes the Ritual. It was over in a flash, Right?
Now you can head for your destination and I was able to complete my Ritual. It was a good outcome for both of Us.
What is it, little Kitten?
There's nothing in your way Anymore. Baru-kun and the rest of Trickstar is waiting for you, so shouldn't you hurry to the Grounds?
...A secret Passage? That's right, I did tell you about the secret passage through the blackboard connecting the classrooms, didn't I.
And that had the same Symbol... a pentagram written on the wall, so it's not so strange for you to wonder if there's a similar secret passage here Too.
That time I happened to have my hammer with me and was able to break the seal, but I don't have it with me Now. There's no way for you to Confirm.
...Mmm, even if you ask me, "If it's not a secret passage, then does that mean it's not connected to anything?"...
Wanting an easy answer is the same thing as giving up on using your Brain.



Natsume: In that case... how about you try to figure it Out? Make your brain work at full power and you'll find the Answer. You can do it, can't You?
Just that would be mean, so I'll give you a Hint.
The answer is hidden in the chant from the Ritual. If you solve it, I'll give you a Reward.
You can look forward to finding out what the reward is when you give me the right Answer. It will probably be the best reward for you as a "Producer," I Think.
If you're too late, Baru-kun will get impatient and go looking for you, won't He?
There's no time limit, so think it over nice and Long.
Goodbye, little Kitten... ♪

Location: In front of the school gates

Natsume: ...Oh? Little kitten, what a coincidence meeting you Here.
Are you heading home now Too?
Hmm, so Baru-kun and the rest of Trickstar are going to practice a little while Longer. True, it's dangerous to have a girl accompany you until Late.
Sending you home early was the right Decision. I can only accompany you partway, but shall we walk home Together?
...Hm? You're tugging on my sleeve, did you forget Something?
Ah, so you've figured out the answer to my Question. I told you to take your time, but you're impatient, aren't You?
So, will you let me hear your Answer?
..."Isn't a 'treasure' buried at the symbol of the pentagram"?
Yes. It's not so grand a thing as a treasure, but something I consider very good is buried there. Good job figuring it out, little Kitten♪
Ah, so you solved it by thinking about the words "An ancient treasure sleeps here." I suppose more than a hint, I gave you the full Answer.
Next time it'll be fun to use a more difficult incantation and test your Brainpower...♪
Ahaha, I don't mean right now, so don't be Worried. Replenishing the magic that I've used doesn't happen Overnight.
Now, kitten, I'll give you your Reward...♪
You are a "Producer." You need the ability to be aware of an idol's capabilities and give them work Accordingly.
Of course, right now no one expects you to be performing at such a high level, but it would be negligent to always let those around you spoil you and never achieve any Growth.
I'll show you one of our Performances. It'll be a good opportunity for you to memorize what kind of performance we Do.
Once everything is ready, I'll contact You. Until then, be a good girl and Wait.

On to Part 2