Boys and Girls War: The Opening - 461 Circus Troupe 'The Protagonist is Missing? Find the Leader!'

Chapter 1: The Invisible Man and the Dawn of Chaos

A corner of an area managed by Sepia Production. A nostalgic breeze blows there today, reminiscent of an amusement park from the good old days. Faded posters, a rusted Ferris wheel, and a huge striped tent standing proudly in the center. This is the headquarters of the '461 Circus Troupe'.

The inside of the tent should have been filled with an excitement that made the silence outside seem like a lie... or so it should have been.

Kumo Fumi: '...Alright. Lighting check complete. Props are in place too. If everyone just arrives on time, today's rehearsal will be perfect.'

In a corner of the tent, where no one seemed to be looking, a young man muttered to himself while holding a binder. White hair with a red X-shaped ribbon. Despite having well-defined features, he was a man who somehow blended into the scenery. He is Kumo Fumi, the leader (supposedly) who manages this group of eccentrics.

Kumo Fumi: '(Sigh... No one cares about the title of former "4ELEMENT" anymore. My job is to manage these beast-like members so they don't go out of control... truly a behind-the-scenes, support role. That is my way of life...)'

Kumo Fumi nodded as if to convince himself and looked at his watch. The meeting time had long since passed.

Kumo Fumi: 'I wonder if they'll be here soon... Please, let today start peacefully...'

As if that wish were a flag, the entrance to the tent was flung open with great force.

Lolo: 'Hey, hey, hey! Clear the way, you commoners! The King is coming through!'

Along with a high-pitched voice that shook the eardrums, a boy with blonde twin-tails stomped in. He wore a crown that was disproportionately large for his head. His attitude seemed twice as big as his height.

Lolo: 'Hey, you air! What happened to my chair! My throne! I told you to prepare one that's fluffy and covered in jewels!'

Kumo Fumi: 'Oh, Lolo. Good morning. If you want a chair, just make do with that folding chair over there. We don't have the budget.'

Lolo: 'What!? Who would sit on a folding chair! I am Lolo! The true ruler of the 461 Circus Troupe, the King of Kings!'

Lolo completely ignored Kumo Fumi's words and kicked a wooden crate nearby. Then, he turned his gaze toward a tall man entering with an elegant gait behind him.

Suzuki: 'Good grief... You're energetic this morning, little one.'

In a black tailcoat and top hat, the mustachioed man, Suzuki, shrugged as if exasperated. He wore white gloves, and from his fingertips, a single rose appeared in an instant.

Suzuki: 'Good morning, Leader. ...Or so I would like to say, but it's too noisy to even exchange greetings.'

Kumo Fumi: 'Suzuki, good morning. You're being pretentious again today. ...Can you get Lolo to sit down before he starts rampaging?'

Suzuki: 'I refuse. Dealing with a barbaric king goes against my aesthetics. Besides, I have to check the condition of the pigeons now.'

When Suzuki snapped his fingers, several white doves burst out from thin air, obscuring Kumo Fumi's vision.

Kumo Fumi: "Whoa, hey Suzuki! Don't release birds indoors! Cleaning up after them is a huge pain!"

Suzuki: "Oh my, surely the effort of cleaning is a trivial matter compared to art?"

Lolo: "Hey Suzuki! Don't ignore me! Be the test subject for my magic! Today we're practicing 'Human Sawing'! You're the one getting sawed in half!"

Suzuki: "...Tch. It's starting again. Running away is the best policy."

Suzuki tried to disappear with a smoke screen, but Lolo chased after him, running around. Doves flew about, and the shouts of a child and the angry roars of a gentleman mingled.

Kumo Fumi: "Ah... seriously. Could you two just calm down..."

Kumo Fumi's voice was drowned out by the flapping of dove wings. Then, a new shadow appeared with a light, unsteady gait.

Masato: "Wow, everyone looks like they're having fun. Is it sports day?"

Masato, a young man wearing a hat with rabbit ears. He clutched more colorful balloons than his hands could hold, and he was floating about half a step off the ground as if ignoring gravity.

Kumo Fumi: "Masato, you're late. ...Wait, you're floating! You're floating again!"

Masato: "Oh, it's Kumo Fumi-kun. Good morning. The balloons, they say they want to go to the sky again today. It's such a bother, isn't it?"

Masato smiled brightly as he floated up toward the ceiling.

Masato: "Oh, it's Lolo-sama. Suzuki-san is here too. Let me join in. How about a game of balloon bomb?"

Lolo: "Oh! Masato! You've come at the perfect time! Tie those balloons to Suzuki and send him flying into space!"

Suzuki: "Masato-kun! Please don't provide unnecessary ideas! And stop tying balloons to my top hat!"

Masato: "Eh? But Suzuki-san, you like high places, right? And you're friends with the doves, too."

Kumo Fumi: "Masato, come down! We're starting the rehearsal!"

Kumo Fumi shouted, but Masato just said, "Eh? I can't hear you very well," and grabbed onto a ceiling beam, starting to swing like a trapeze. No one was looking at Kumo Fumi anymore. It was total chaos. This was far beyond a classroom collapse.

And then, as if to put the final nail in the coffin, a loud fanfare (a self-provided sound effect) rang out.

Keshi: "Hahahahahaha!! Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone!!"

The tent lights flickered in unison, and a spotlight focused on a single point. Standing there was a man with flashy orange hair scattered with star decorations, Keshi.

Keshi: "It's me! Keshi! Don't I look absolutely radiant today!? Come on, applause! Cheers! Dedicate them to me!"

Keshi spread his arms wide and tossed juggling clubs high into the air. The clubs spun in the air, scattering sparks.

Keshi: "Can you see it!? This perfect parabola! This is art! This is the radiance of a star!"

Lolo: "You're noisy, Keshi! Don't try to stand out more than me!"

Keshi: "Non, non, Lord Lolo. Standing out is the destiny of an idol! Being plain is a sin! Yes, just like... oh? Where did the ringmaster go?"

Keshi looked around restlessly. Kumo Fumi was standing right in front of him, at a distance of only one meter.

Kumo Fumi: "...I'm right here. Right in front of you."

Keshi: "Oops! My apologies! You were blending into the background so much that I thought you were a tent pole! Hahahaha!"

Kumo Fumi: "(A tent pole... Is my presence really that...)"

Suzuki: "Good grief, Ringmaster. If you don't assert yourself more, you won't survive in this circus troupe. ...Wait, Seito-kun, let go!"

Seito: "Yay, Suzuki-san capture complete~"

Lolo: "Alright! Keep it like that, Seito! Keshi, throw those clubs at Suzuki!"

Keshi: "Okay! Dangerous juggling tiiiime!"

Keshi readied the flaming clubs. Suzuki turned pale. Seito laughed while adding more balloons. Lolo clapped his hands in delight.

A vein popped on Kumo Fumi's forehead.

Kumo Fumi: "...Hey, everyone."

He spoke up. However, no one listened.

Lolo: "Go! It's execution time!" Suzuki: "Stop it! Pigeons, defensive formation!" Seito: "Wow, I wonder if it'll look like fireworks?" Keshi: "Get drunk on my beautiful technique!"

Fumi Kumo: '(...Why does it always end up like this? I just want to discuss the next performance, confirm our positions, and finish the rehearsal safely.)'

Memories of '4ELEMENT,' the group he once belonged to, flashed through Fumi Kumo's mind. Back then, it was more... no, it was tough back then too, but it wasn't this chaotic. His role is to provide support. But when the person you're supporting is a runaway train, you can't even lay down the tracks.

Fumi Kumo: '(...Fine. If words won't get through, I have no choice but to do it my way.)'

The highlights vanished from Fumi Kumo's eyes. His world changed. The movements of the noisy troupe members slowed down to a crawl. The flying pigeons, the swaying balloons, the spinning clubs. All of them were recognized as 'enemy projectiles' and 'targets' in a shooting game.

Fumi Kumo's hand reached for the pouch at his waist. Inside were the marker balls (colored balls) for rehearsals.

Fumi Kumo: '...Target confirmed. Lock-on.'

In an instant, Fumi Kumo's arm swung with a speed that left an afterimage.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—!

A series of dry sounds echoed.

'Gah!?' 'Ugh!' 'Huh!?' 'My face!?'

All four were hit directly in the forehead by the colored balls at the same time. Unparalleled accuracy. God-like throwing speed. The club Karashi was about to throw was knocked away, the string of the balloon slipped from Seito's hand (flying up to the ceiling), Suzuki's pigeons were startled and returned to their cage, and Lolo's crown was knocked off.

A moment of silence.

Lolo: 'W-what was that!? An enemy attack!?'

Suzuki: 'N-no... this is...'

Everyone's gaze finally focused on a single point. There stood Fumi Kumo, still holding his throwing form. His expression was different from his usual timid self; it was that of a cold-blooded sniper.

Fumi Kumo: '..."Shooting Star (Physical)." Sit down.'

A short, low voice. Overwhelmed by his intensity, the four of them reflexively sat down on the floor.

Lolo: '...Y-yes.' Suzuki: '...My apologies.' Seito: 'We sat down~' Karashi: 'Nice control... I take my hat off to you.'

Fumi Kumo sighed deeply and returned to his usual timid expression.

Fumi Kumo: 'Ah... sorry, everyone. Did that hurt? But you wouldn't stop otherwise.'

Lolo: "W-wait... what was that just now? You look so plain, but you do some pretty ruthless things!"

Kumofumi: "Sorry for being plain. But if we don't get the rehearsal moving, we won't make it in time for the performance. ...Lolo, as the king, couldn't you set an example for your subjects?"

Lolo: "Hmph... W-well, a king must be merciful! I suppose I can listen to what you have to say!"

Kumofumi: "Thank you. Suzuki, the pigeons are wonderful, but please put them away for now. Seito, don't go up to the ceiling. Keshi, don't shine so brightly."

Suzuki: "...Hmph. It can't be helped. If the ringmaster insists, I shall comply." Seito: "Okaaaay. Bye-bye, balloons." Keshi: "To suppress my radiance is a sin... but I will give you credit for that unexpected move!"

Finally, the situation calmed down. Kumofumi let out a sigh of relief. Now, at last, they could get to work.

Kumofumi: "So, regarding the structure of this performance..."

It was just as he opened his binder and began to explain.

Lolo: "Oh, come to think of it, I'm hungry. Suzuki, bring me something." Suzuki: "I am not a cook. ...However, I do have a croissant." Seito: "Oh, I want to eat too!" Keshi: "I want extra spicy curry!"

Chatter, chatter, chatter...

Kumofumi: "Eh?"

Just a few seconds. In the mere seconds he looked away, their focus had dissipated. The atmosphere of a tea party began once again. Kumofumi's presence was rapidly fading away once more.

Kumofumi: "U-um... the explanation..."

Lolo: "What is this bread! It's so dry!" Suzuki: "If you have complaints, I would prefer you not eat it." Keshi: "Not enough kick! I need more passionate spices!"

Kumofumi: "............"

Kumofumi stared into the void. The effect of the 'Shooting Star' from earlier hadn't even lasted a minute. Even when he applied physical force, their 'lack of interest in Kumofumi (or perhaps being overwritten by their own strong personalities)' remained unshaken.

Kumofumi: "(...It's no use. At this rate, the rehearsal will never end. In fact, I can only foresee an accident happening during the actual performance.)"

He felt his own helplessness deep in his bones. As a former member of '4ELEMENT', he should have the combat ability and technical skills. But what this circus troupe needs isn't that kind of 'strength'. It's something more like overwhelming 'charisma', or perhaps 'something' that draws them in...

Suzuki: "Oh, Ringmaster. Standing there staring into space, are you playing 'stain on the background' again?"

Suzuki said with a wicked smile as he sipped his coffee.

Kumofumi: '...Sorry about the stain. Anyway, I'm just a stagehand meant to make you all look brilliant.'

Karashi: 'No, no! Troupe leader, you must have your own kind of "color"! It's just that it's a gray that's infinitely close to transparent!'

Masato: 'Kumofumi-kun is like... air, isn't he? You can't live without him, but... you can't see him.'

Lolo: 'Hmph! Well, as my servant, being inconspicuous is just about right!'

The many words spoken without malice pierced Kumofumi's heart like small thorns. He was used to it. It was the usual. But today, for some reason, he felt those thorns pierce a little deeper.

Kumofumi: '(Air, huh...)'

Kumofumi gripped the script in his hand. They were the leads. He knew that. But as the troupe leader, he didn't have the "light" to guide them. If things went on like this, wouldn't the 461 Circus Troupe fall apart? That anxiety began to swirl deep in his chest.

Kumofumi: '...Alright, I get it. Let's take a break.'

With no one listening, Kumofumi declared a break all by himself. Then, he headed toward the back of the tent as if to escape.

His back looked a little smaller than usual.

When he stepped outside the tent, the orange of the sunset was dyeing the amusement park. It was the melancholic sky peculiar to Sepia Production.

Kumofumi: 'Sigh... Am I unfit to be a troupe leader...'

He threw an empty can into the trash bin. A hollow clatter echoed. That sound seemed to echo the void in Kumofumi's heart.

However, he did not yet know. That this "lack of presence" would eventually trigger a major commotion involving the entire troupe. And that it was the beginning of a strange adventure that would question what a true "lead" really is.

Kumofumi: '...Well, I should go back and clean up.'

Kumofumi gave a bitter smile and returned to the noisy tent. Before his figure could completely melt away and vanish into the twilight.

Episode 2: The Lost "Normal" and the Lament of the Locked Room

The next morning. In the amusement park where the sepia-colored air drifted, the chirping of birds... no, the sound of metal and screams echoed throughout.

Inside the 461 Circus Troupe's tent. Usually, by this time, the cleaning would be finished, the scent of coffee would be drifting in the air, and the day's schedule would be confirmed. However, the situation inside the tent today was different.

Lolo: 'Hey! What's going on with breakfast! My royal milk tea and custom-made croissants haven't been brought out yet!'

Lolo bangs on the empty table. The impact causes the stacked juggling pins to come crashing down.

Suzuki: "...You're noisy. Can't you wait quietly for a bit?"

Suzuki rubs his brow, looking displeased. He holds his favorite coffee cup in his hand, but it is empty.

Suzuki: "(This is strange... Usually, the moment I enter the tent, coffee at the perfect temperature is offered to me. The beans should be changed daily, and blended to suit my physical condition, yet...)"

Suzuki looks around. What he sees is the disaster left behind from yesterday's rehearsal. Feathers, fragments of broken balloons, and scorch marks.

Keshi: "Nooooo!! My mirror is gone! I can't do my makeup! My radiance will be reduced by 30 percent today!"

Keshi runs around, covering his face with both hands. Usually, his vanity mirror would be polished to a shine and set in its proper place.

Seito: "Wow, the ceiling is high. I can't get down. Someone pull the rope!"

And far above, near the top of the tent, Seito was floating aimlessly. Usually, a sandbag would be tied to his feet as a weight.

Lolo: "Ugh, you useless bunch! Hey, you plain one! Kumo Fumi! Where are you hiding! Don't slack off!"

Lolo shouts. However, there is no reply. Neither his usual weak apology of "I'm sorry" nor his words of "I'll do it right away" can be heard.

Flowing through the tent is only a strange silence and the voices of their own selfish complaints.

Suzuki: "...Hmm. It seems he is not here."

Lolo: "Huh? Where did he go? The bathroom?"

Keshi: "That's too long for a bathroom break! Could it be that he left on a journey out of jealousy for my beauty!?"

Suzuki: "...No, he wouldn't have the courage to go on a journey. But, he is nowhere to be seen."

Suzuki snaps his fingers lightly, making a dove appear to search the tent. The dove circles around, returns to Suzuki's shoulder, and shakes its head (or so it seemed).

Seito: "Hey, Kumo Fumi-kun. Is this hide-and-seek?"

Seito's voice rains down from the ceiling.

Yes, Kumo Fumi was gone. The ringmaster of the 461 Circus Troupe, and the only person with common sense. The existence that supported all of their lives and activities like an "infrastructure" had suddenly vanished.

***

Turning back the clock a little, to last night.

To clean up the aftermath of the rehearsal, Kumofumi remained alone in the tent, performing maintenance on a certain prop. It was a giant box for magic tricks newly introduced by Suzuki, the 'Human Disappearance Box (Revised)'.

Kumofumi: 'Sigh... Suzuki's props are so complicated. This part is creaking a bit, so I need to oil it...'

With a screwdriver in hand, Kumofumi had climbed inside the box to adjust the hinges. Combined with his modest habit of feeling calm in tight spaces, the work was proceeding smoothly.

Click.

Kumofumi: 'Alright, this should open and close smoothly now...'

That was when it happened. A gust of wind blew outside the tent, knocking over a mop that had been leaning against the wall. The mop struck the stopper that was holding the box's lid open.

Bang!

With a heavy sound, the lid slammed shut. Then, the auto-lock latch on the outside clicked into place.

Kumofumi: '...Huh?'

The inside of the box was in total darkness. It was an authentic magic box, soundproofed, inescapable, and with a lock that could only be operated from the outside. Normally, there would be an escape mechanism, but it was his bad luck that he had temporarily disabled that feature for maintenance.

Kumofumi: 'Ah, it won't open... Hey! Someone! I'm trapped!'

Thump, thump! He pounded from the inside. However, this box was a custom-made item designed to 'make the person inside look like they've disappeared (and to muffle sound as well).' Only a faint vibration reached the outside.

Kumofumi: 'You've got to be kidding me... My phone, where's my phone... Ah, it's still plugged into the charger.'

Despair. Kumofumi hugged his knees inside the box. If he used his physical abilities as a former member of '4ELEMENT,' he might be able to break the box and escape. But the face of Suzuki flashed through Kumofumi's mind.

Kumofumi: '(...This is a custom piece from Suzuki, and it's incredibly expensive. If I break it... I'll never hear the end of it, and the budget will vanish...)'

The sad nature of a frugal person. Kumofumi abandoned the option of breaking out and decided to wait patiently for help.

And so, the night passed, leading to the present. Kumofumi was still inside the box, which had been left in the corner of the tent.

***

Present day. Inside the tent.

Suzuki: "...This is a problem."

Suzuki said this elegantly, though he was hiding his inner anxiety.

Suzuki: "Without him, I don't know where the coffee beans are, the stock of pigeon feed, or even where the script for the next performance is."

Lolo: "Where is my cape! I told you to have it washed!"

Karashi: "Which one is the light switch!? If things go on like this, I'll be buried in darkness!"

They were beginning to realize. That the fact that "Kumofumi is gone" was not just "one person less," but synonymous with "life functions have ceased."

Seito: "Hey, hey~, there's a notebook over there~"

Seito, who couldn't get down from the ceiling, pointed downward. On the ringmaster's seat... though it was just a folding desk, a single college notebook was placed.

Suzuki walked over and picked up the notebook. On the cover, it was written in meticulous handwriting: '461 Circus Troupe Business Journal and Manual'.

Suzuki: "...What is this? A suicide note?"

Lolo: "Give it here! I'll read it!"

Lolo snatched the notebook from Suzuki's hand and flipped through the pages.

"Month X, Day Y. To Lolo. For the morning milk tea, make sure to steep the tea leaves for exactly 3 minutes. Any longer or shorter and he gets grumpy. Go buy the croissants to match the bakery's baking time (7:15)."

Lolo: "...Hmph. He knows his stuff, doesn't he?"

"Month X, Day Y. To Suzuki. I changed the blend of the pigeons' feed. They've been a bit vitamin-deficient lately. Also, coffee beans hate humidity, so keep them in an airtight container. He won't say it out loud, but there are days (like rainy days) when he prefers beans with a bit of acidity."

Suzuki: "............"

Suzuki stroked his mustache. There was surprise that he had been observed to that extent, and a little bit of embarrassment.

"Month X, Day Y. To Seito. Always tie the balloon string in a double knot around your wrist. The weights for buoyancy adjustment are in the box on the right side of the tent entrance. If he goes to the ceiling, use the handle side of the long-reach pruners to gently poke him down."

Seito: "Ahaha~, Kumofumi-kun is so kind~"

'Date: Month/Day. To Karashi.' 'Make sure the mirror is always polished without a single fingerprint. It affects his motivation. As for the lighting angle, he said he looks best with light from 45 degrees above and to his right, so fix it in that position.'

Karashi: 'Oh my god! That is exactly right! He completely understands my radiance!'

Every time a page was turned, it was filled with incredibly detailed considerations for the troupe members and daily work tasks. Inspection points for equipment, budget management, health management notes, lists of potential birthday gifts for each person...

Lolo: '...What is this? Is he that bored?'

Suzuki: 'No... this means he was doing all this work during breaks in rehearsals or after we had all fallen asleep.'

An awkward atmosphere drifted through the tent. They usually treat Kumo Fumi as 'air,' 'plain,' or a 'servant.' But only now that the air was gone did they realize they were on the verge of suffocating.

Lolo: 'H-hmpf! Well, he gets a passing grade as a servant! But it's meaningless if he's not here!'

Lolo slammed the notebook onto the desk. However, his touch was not as rough as usual; it was slightly gentle.

Karashi: 'So, where did he go? Don't tell me, spirited away?'

Suzuki: '...Given this situation, there are two possibilities.'

Suzuki held up two fingers. It was a detective-like gesture, but since his outfit was that of a magician, it looked suspicious.

Suzuki: 'One: He couldn't take our selfishness anymore and ran away. Two: He got caught up in some kind of incident.'

Masato: 'Third one~. He became a master of hide-and-seek~'

Suzuki: 'That is rejected.'

Lolo: 'Ran away!? I won't allow it! Don't think you can escape from me!'

Lolo stood with his arms crossed, looking like a guardian deity.

Lolo: 'Listen up, you lot! This is the "Ringmaster Recovery Operation"! We will find Kumo Fumi and make him work for me again!'

Karashi: 'No objections! I must have him polish my mirror!'

Masato: 'Okay~. I want to play with Kumo Fumi-kun too~'

Suzuki: '...Good grief. I have no choice, for the sake of my coffee.'

The motives were impure. Everyone was acting for their own benefit. However, as a result, the hearts of the 461 Circus Troupe became one. On that single point: 'Find Fumi Kumo'.

Suzuki: 'Then, let's split up and search. He has a low profile. We must be careful not to overlook him.'

Lolo: 'I'll check the Ferris wheel over there! I'll look down from up high!'

Karashi: 'I'll check backstage! He must be in a dramatic location!'

Seito: 'I'll try drifting with the wind~'

Suzuki: 'I will check the cafes and rest areas in the park.'

With a shout of 'Oh!', the troupe members dashed out of the tent. A silence like the one after a storm visited the tent once again.

***

Silence...

In the corner of the tent. Under a dusty cover, there was an overly decorated box. From inside it, a faint, truly faint sound could be heard.

Tap, tap... tap, tap...

Fumi Kumo: '...Huh? Did everyone go somewhere?'

Fumi Kumo, inside the box, had only been able to hear fragments of the conversation outside. He had only heard the words 'escape,' 'won't forgive,' and 'find,' and he had turned pale.

Fumi Kumo: '(Oh no... are they angry...? Do they think I ran away? That's not it, I'm right hereeeee!)'

Fumi Kumo desperately pounded on the walls. However, this box, Suzuki's masterpiece, absorbed even those vibrations. What a waste of high performance.

Fumi Kumo: 'Sigh... I'm hungry...'

Fumi Kumo searched his pockets. What came out was a spare chocolate he had intended to give to Lolo yesterday. And a handheld game console.

Fumi Kumo: '...Well, I might as well level up.'

He gave up quickly. No, he hadn't given up. He was just too used to 'waiting.' Someday, someone would notice. Until then, he would conserve his energy and keep his mind stable. That is the duty of a support role (?).

Beep, beep... beep, beep...

In the darkness, only the backlight of a handheld game console illuminates Kumo Fumi's face. The high score of the shooting game continues to be updated.

***

Meanwhile, outside, a massive search had begun.

Sepia Land Amusement Park. A strange group dashes between the rusted attractions.

Lolo: 'Kumo Fumi! Come out! If you come out now, I'll let you off with just a pay cut!'

Lolo shouts while running along the roller coaster tracks. The few general visitors are pointing in surprise, but she doesn't care.

Karashi: 'KUMOFUMIIII!! I miss how plain you are!!'

Karashi is riding a merry-go-round horse, shouting while juggling. Children are on the verge of tears, thinking, 'There's a weird clown.'

Seito: 'Kumo Fumi-kun~ Are you riding on this cloud~?'

Seito is drifting through the sky as usual. He has a large bunch of balloons in his hand. That makes him stand out even more, and his location is obvious from far away.

And then, there is Suzuki.

Suzuki: '...Hmm. He's not at the cafe. He's not on the bench. I've checked the restrooms too.'

Suzuki was walking gracefully through the park, but his expression was stern. In his hand, he held a pendulum for dowsing.

Suzuki: 'To think that my divination doesn't work... Perhaps his lack of presence is at a magical level.'

The magician's pride was wounded. And at the same time, he felt a strange sense of impatience.

Suzuki: '(Why is this? ...I have a bad feeling. I feel like he hasn't gone far away, but is somewhere closer, right under our noses...)'

Suzuki's intuition is sharp. However, as if to interrupt his thoughts, his mobile device vibrated. It was an emergency contact from the production office.

Suzuki: '...Yes, this is Suzuki. ...Eh? An emergency request? The appearance of a grotesque?'

A business-like voice echoes from the other side of the phone. 'A reaction of a grotesque in the east district of Sepia Land, the ruins area. Suppress it immediately.'

Suzuki: 'The timing is bad... The troupe leader is absent, is that alright? ...I see, so combat authorization has been granted.'

Suzuki hung up the call and released a pigeon into the sky. It was the signal to assemble the troupe members.

Suzuki: "Enough playing around. It's time to work, everyone."

***

A few minutes later. The ruins area. A place where a building that used to be a haunted house was crumbling, casting eerie shadows. There, several black, mist-like 'Bugs' were writhing.

Lolo: "Tch! Getting in the way of me looking for Kumo Fumi! Hey, you small fry! I'll erase you myself!"

Lolo made his crown shine. However, unlike usual, there was no one to give orders. Normally, Kumo Fumi would give precise commands like 'Lolo, the second one from the right!' or 'Suzuki, provide cover!', but now everyone was trying to act individually.

Keshi: "Hahahaha! If there's no spotlight, I'll just have to shine myself! Eat this, Starlight Juggling!"

Keshi threw glowing clubs. However, the Bugs avoided them with irregular movements.

Seito: "Wow, it's pitch black~. Do you want a balloon?"

Seito tried to approach, but one of the Bugs swung down its sharp claws.

Suzuki: "Look out! Illusion!"

Suzuki deployed a smoke screen and rescued Seito just in the nick of time.

Suzuki: "The coordination is falling apart! This is inefficient!"

Lolo: "Shut up! I'm the leader! Charge!"

Lolo charged in recklessly. The Bugs set up a siege.

At that moment, they were unconsciously searching. For the 'presence' that would protect their backs. For the covering fire that would fly in from their blind spots. For the voice that would say, 'It's okay, I've got your back'—a voice that sounded unreliable but brought peace of mind.

But there was only the wind blowing there.

Suzuki: "...Damn. So the Ringmaster's presence was acting as a combat balancer."

Their attack power was high. Their individual abilities were top-notch. However, without Kumo Fumi as the 'adhesive,' they were nothing more than a collection of 'rampaging beasts.' The Bugs did not miss that opening. Gradually, the 461 Circus Troupe was being cornered.

Lolo: "Damn it! Why won't they hit! Why are they getting behind me!"

Karashi: "The rhythm... the rhythm is off!"

A desperate situation. At that moment, from the direction of the tent, I felt as if a faint, truly faint light had risen into the sky.

Suzuki: "...What was that?"

It might have been just a reflection of the lights, or perhaps a trick of the eye. However, to Suzuki's eyes, it looked like an SOS signal flare.

Suzuki: "Everyone! We're retreating for now! Let's regroup!"

Lolo: "You're running away!? The King is!?"

Suzuki: "It's a temporary strategic withdrawal! Besides... I might have found out where the Ringmaster is!"

At those words, everyone stopped moving.

Lolo: "...What did you say?"

Suzuki: "The tent. It's darkest under the lighthouse. He must still be in there!"

There was no evidence. It was just an intuition. But they had no choice but to bet on that intuition. They threw smoke at the anomalies and raced back to the tent at full speed.

The stage without a protagonist had only just begun. And the "protagonist" inside the box was fighting against a dying game battery.

Kumo Fumi: "Ah, the battery is about to die... I have to save, I have to save..."

His sense of crisis was directed toward a completely different vector than the situation outside.

Chapter 3: The Boxed-in Command Tower and the Moment of Awakening

BOOM!!

The massive tent of the 461 Circus Troupe shook with a violent impact. At the entrance, there was a pile of folding chairs and long desks stacked as a barricade. From the other side, the eerie roars of the anomalies (bugs) and the sound of blows trying to destroy the barricade echoed.

Lolo: "Ugh, you persistent small fry! How dare you try to trample into my castle!"

Lolo shouted, his crown tilted to the side. In his hand, he gripped a short cane he had picked up from somewhere, using it as a pointer.

Karashi: "The lighting! The lighting equipment, which is my life, is shaking! This will ruin the production plan!"

Seito: 'Wow, the tent looks like it's dancing. Maybe I should dance along too.'

Seito was as oblivious to the danger as ever, but his hands were clutching a large number of balloons, and he seemed ready to detonate them at any moment.

Suzuki: '...This is no time for idle chatter.'

Suzuki had beads of sweat on his forehead as he scanned the area near the center of the tent. Exhausted from the previous retreat, they no longer had the strength to push back from the front. Though individually powerful, they were currently uncoordinated and nothing more than 'flailing scarecrows.'

Suzuki: '(If my intuition is correct, the ringmaster is in here. ...Where is he? Where would he hide...?)'

Suzuki's eyes caught the equipment storage area in the corner of the tent. A massive rectangular object sat there, still covered by a dust sheet.

Suzuki: '...Could it be?'

Memories of yesterday flooded back into Suzuki's mind. Leaving a note to request maintenance for the 'Human Disappearance Box (Modified).' And the fact that the box was designed to 'lock from the outside.'

Suzuki: 'Everyone! That box! Protect that box!'

The moment Suzuki shouted, the barricade at the entrance burst apart.

CRASH!!

Grotesque figures wreathed in black mist poured into the tent like an avalanche. There were about twenty of them. The bug-like creatures, with their sharp claws and fangs, stared at the troupe members like starving beasts.

Lolo: 'Tch! They got in! Everyone, start the attack!'

Lolo gave the order, but his voice was strained. No one knew 'how they should move.'

Karashi: 'Hey, don't come near me! Don't crowd around me! It's stifling!' Seito: 'Go, balloons!'

Disjointed attacks. Karashi's juggling nearly hit his ally Lolo, and Seito's balloons got caught on the ceiling beams. Taking advantage of the opening, one of the grotesque figures lunged at the 'box' Suzuki had pointed out.

Suzuki: 'I won't let you!'

Suzuki flipped his tailcoat and threw a playing card. The card, transformed into a sharp blade, slashed the creature's face, but its momentum did not stop. The creature's body slammed directly into the box.

THUD!!

The heavy box tipped over. The sound of the impact was clearly audible even amidst the chaos inside the tent.

***

Meanwhile, inside the box.

Kumo Fumi: "...Ah, oh no."

Click.

The screen of the handheld game console went dark. The battery had finally died. With its only light source and emotional support gone, Kumo Fumi was left behind in total darkness.

Kumo Fumi: "Aw, man... And I was at a good part, too, the boss fight."

She sighed in the darkness. That was when it happened.

Thud!

Suddenly, the world spun. Her body floated into the air and slammed into a hard wall.

Kumo Fumi: "Ouch!? W-what was that!?"

The box had been knocked over. Following that, faint sounds drifted in from outside: familiar shouts of "Gyaaaa!" and "Oraaaa!" mixed with unfamiliar, strange cries. Furthermore, an unpleasant sound like claws scratching against the box echoed.

Scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch...!

Kumo Fumi: "(...Sounds? This box is supposed to be completely soundproof... Oh, right, I had removed the soundproofing seal while adjusting the hinges.)"

Finally, the sounds from outside began to come in as "information." Roro's angry roar. Suzuki's panicked voice. The sound of something breaking.

Kumo Fumi: "(...A fight? Inside the tent?)"

Kumo Fumi's heart rate increased. The feeling of sulking because she thought she had been forgotten vanished in an instant. Her friends were fighting. And in a very desperate situation, at that.

Kumo Fumi: "...Suzuki! Roro! Are you there!?"

Kumo Fumi shouted. However, her voice was still drowned out by the sounds of the chaotic battle.

Bang! Bang!

Impacts ran through the box. Was someone trying to break this box? Or were they trying to protect it? While being shaken inside, Kumo Fumi desperately tried to steady herself. She strained her eyes in the darkness. A single ray of light was leaking through the gap in the hinges. And what she saw through that gap was—

It was Suzuki's back, standing tall before the box while covered in wounds.

Suzuki: "...Ugh, I won't let you lay a single finger on this box! This is my greatest masterpiece... and inside is our ringmaster!"

Kumofumi: "(Suzuki...)"

He was a magician who was usually cynical and made fun of her. Yet there he was, battered and bruised, protecting her (the box she was inside).

Lolo: "Hey, Suzuki! Behind you! ...Damn it, if only Kumofumi were here to give us orders!"

Karashi: "It's coming from the right! No, the left!? Someone tell me the right answer!"

Seito: "Waaah, everyone is scattered!"

The pained cries reached her. They were waiting. Waiting for her—the plain, unremarkable, yet only 'eye' they had.

Something inside Kumofumi 'clicked' into place. It was the switch from when she used to race across the battlefield as a member of the strongest unit. And now, it was the resolve of the person responsible for this group of eccentrics.

Kumofumi: "(Open... please, open...!)"

Kumofumi searched for the locking mechanism from the inside. It wasn't supposed to open. But perhaps the recent impact had shifted something. She focused all her nerves into her fingertips. She recalled the structure. She played back Suzuki's blueprints in her mind. There. That latch must have loosened from the impact.

Kumofumi: "...There!"

With all her might, she pushed the metal fitting.

Click.

A small, yet certain sound of the lock disengaging echoed.

***

Inside the tent.

Suzuki: "Haa, haa... So, this is the end, is it..."

Suzuki was down on one knee. His deck of cards was exhausted, and the doves were weary, perched on his shoulders. Lolo had dropped his crown, Karashi had lost all his clubs, and Seito's balloons had popped and shriveled. The grotesque creatures surrounding them closed the distance, inch by inch, as if certain of their victory.

One of the creatures raised its claws toward the box behind Suzuki. There was no longer any way to stop it.

Suzuki: '(Ringmaster... I'm sorry. I was too late to find you...)'

The moment Suzuki closed his eyes.

BANG!!

A dry sound echoed, and the lid of the box was kicked open with force. What flew out wasn't the lid itself. It was several 'flashbangs' released from inside the box.

FLASH!!!

An intense flash dyed the inside of the tent white. The grotesque creatures, accustomed to the darkness, screamed and recoiled.

Lolo: 'Whoa!? My eyes!' Karashi: 'Beautiful!!'

Just as the light began to subside, a single shadow rose slowly from inside the box. White hair with a red X-shaped ribbon. In his hands, he held a maintenance screwdriver and the game console he had been playing with until just moments ago (for throwing).

Kumofumi: '...Sorry I'm late, everyone.'

That voice was not his usual hesitant one. It was low, calm, and yet carried to every corner of the tent.

Suzuki: '...Ringmaster!' Lolo: 'Kumofumi!'

Kumofumi brushed off the dust as he stepped out of the box. His eyes were completely in 'combat mode.' He instantly scanned the battlefield situation. The number of enemies, their positions, the exhaustion level of his allies, their placement, usable props, and terrain effects. Everything was constructed in his mind as a 3D map.

Kumofumi: 'Situation assessment complete. ...From here on, we begin the counterattack.'

Kumofumi raised his right hand sharply.

Kumofumi: 'Lolo! Right front, 2 o'clock direction, there's a step at the enemy's feet. Use 'King's Coercion' there!'

Lolo: 'Y-yes! ...I mean, yeah! Leave it to me!'

Lolo, who had reflexively almost used honorifics, hurriedly swung his cane. As Kumofumi instructed, a shockwave was released at the point where the enemies were most likely to lose their balance.

BOOM! The grotesque creatures, having lost their footing, piled up and fell over.

Kumofumi: 'Nice. Karashi, that's the opening! Drop the ceiling lights, numbers 3 and 5! It's a spotlight attack!'

Karashi: 'I've been waiting for that order! It's showtime!'

When Karashi pulled the string, the lighting rig fell as if on cue, striking the fallen grotesque creatures directly. Sparks and light scattered, blinding the enemies.

Kumofumi: 'Seito! Send the remaining balloons to Suzuki's feet! Suzuki, use those balloons as a springboard and leap! Clear them out with a "Card Rain" from the air!'

Seito: 'Got it! Suzuki-san, jump!' Suzuki: 'Good grief, you really know how to work people hard!'

Even as Suzuki complained, a smile played on his lips. This was it. This feeling. Even without thinking, everything clicked into place as long as he moved as instructed. The comfort of outsourcing his thoughts.

Suzuki used the rebound of the balloons to soar high, scattering countless cards from near the ceiling.

Swish, swish, swish, swish!!

The rain of falling blades skewered the confused grotesque creatures one after another.

Kumofumi: 'Three enemies remaining... I'll handle them.'

Kumofumi switched his screwdriver to a reverse grip. Then, he dashed off at a speed too fast for the eye to follow. A shadow ran. No, he himself slid into the enemies' blind spots like a shadow.

'Phantom Glide.'

As he passed by, he accurately pierced the vital points (cores) of the grotesque creatures. One strike, two strikes, three strikes. Movements without a wasted motion. After he passed, the creatures collapsed without a sound and vanished into black mist.

Silence returned.

Kumofumi let out a sigh and returned to his usual hunched posture.

Kumofumi: '...Phew. We managed somehow. Is everyone unhurt?'

The face of Kumofumi as he turned around was that of the usual timid young man. However, the way the troupe members looked at him had clearly changed.

Lolo: 'Y-you...'

Suzuki: '...That was a masterful display. As expected, things don't feel right without you.'

Karashi: 'Bravo! That entrance scene from the box gave me goosebumps! You were like a resurrected hero!'

Seito: 'Kumofumi-kun, that was so cool! Are you going to get back in the box?'

Kumofumi: 'No, I've had enough of that box...'

Kumo Fumi approached Suzuki with a wry smile.

Kumo Fumi: "Suzuki, I'm sorry about breaking the box. I'll repair it later."

Suzuki: "It doesn't matter. That was originally for an escape magic trick... Since you escaped on your own, I suppose you could say the magic was a success."

Suzuki gracefully removed his hat and bowed. It was not the bow a magician gives to an audience, but the bow of respect a troupe member shows their ringmaster.

Lolo: "Hmph! Well, you saved me this time! I'll thank you for that! ...So, is the food ready yet?"

Kumo Fumi: "Ahaha... I understand. I'll prepare it right away. But before that, could you help me clean up the tent?"

Lolo: "What, you're forcing labor upon a king!?"

Kumo Fumi: "(Glares)"

For a brief moment, Kumo Fumi had that same 'commander's gaze' from earlier.

Lolo: "...Tch, fine! It can't be helped! This is a special exception!"

And so, the 461 Circus Troupe's 'Ringmaster Missing Incident' came to a close... or so it seemed. However, they had not yet realized that this entire commotion was not merely an accident, but a 'test' orchestrated by someone.

Outside the tent, on the roof of a building far away, a man lowered his binoculars.

???: "...Hmm. Kumo Fumi, your skills haven't dulled, it seems. But this alone is not enough to represent 'Sepia'."

The mysterious man smiled fearlessly and began to write the next 'scenario'.

Episode 4: The Shadow Spectator and the Forced Encore

Several hours had passed since the storm-like battle. The repairs and cleaning inside the tent were somehow taking shape, but the troupe members' fatigue had reached its peak.

Lolo: "...Hey, Kumo Fumi. I can't move anymore. Do you intend to make me, a king, do any more manual labor?"

Lolo sat down, sinking into a torn velvet cushion. His face was covered in soot, and his crown was slightly tilted.

Suzuki: "For once, I agree with you. My fingertips are screaming that they don't want to hold anything other than playing cards anymore."

Suzuki gracefully wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, but his tailcoat was frayed in many places, and his white gloves were stained gray.

Keshi: "My radiance is running out of energy too... Charging... Someone, give me electricity in the name of passion..."

Seito: "I'm still full of energy~! Cleaning is fun~. ...Huh? I can't float because I don't have my balloon."

While the troupe members were lazily entering break mode, only Kumofumi was silently continuing to check the broken equipment.

Kumofumi: "Everyone, good work. I'll be done in a little bit. ...Oh, Suzuki, could you wind up that wire over there for me?"

Suzuki: "...Good grief. If it's an order from the ringmaster, I suppose I have to."

Even while complaining, they moved. After yesterday's "absence incident," a subtle change had begun to emerge within them. The "complete ignoring" of Kumofumi's words that existed before was fading, and an atmosphere of "reluctantly obeying" was starting to take hold.

Kumofumi: "(...Thank goodness. With this, I think we can manage to make it to the next performance.)"

It was just as Kumofumi let out a sigh of relief and reached to close the toolbox.

Snap.

The lights inside the tent went out all at once without any warning. Total darkness. Even the emergency lights didn't turn on.

Lolo: "W-what is it!? A power outage!? Hey Kumofumi, did you not pay the electric bill!?"

Kumofumi: "I paid it! ...That's strange, is it the circuit breaker?"

The moment Kumofumi tried to take out a flashlight.

"Hummm..."

An eerie, low sound echoed, and countless lights resembling pale blue flames emerged from the direction of the audience seats. They looked like will-o'-the-wisps, and yet also like penlights.

"...Show us..." "...Entertain us..."

Inorganic, raspy voices filled the space. Illuminated by the pale blue light were "shadows" filling the empty audience seats. Spectators consisting only of black silhouettes, with no eyes or noses. They were clinging to the walls and ceiling of the tent in the thousands, no, tens of thousands, looking down at them on the stage.

Keshi: "W-who are you people!? You look a bit pale to be my fan club!"

Suzuki: "...Bug (aberration) reaction. Furthermore, this entire tent has become a massive 'barrier'."

Suzuki entered a defensive stance. However, the enemies did not attack. They simply stared at them, exerting silent pressure.

...Cayenne... ...Encore... ...If it's boring, then death...

Lolo: 'Death, you say!? You've got some nerve threatening me!'

Kumofumi: 'Wait, Lolo!'

Kumofumi restrains Lolo. His intuition as a 'former strongest unit' was sounding an alarm. This enemy was not someone who could be eliminated through simple combat power.

Kumofumi: 'These guys are the "audience". ...If we don't entertain them, they'll attack.'

Suzuki: 'Entertain them? You want us to put on a show in this situation?'

Kumofumi: 'That's right. They might be the remnants of "Sepia"... like ghosts of the past. The memories of an old circus have manifested as bugs.'

...Hurry... Hurry...

The shadows ripple. The wave gradually approaches the stage, and the shadows in the front row gnaw at the edge of the stage. A crunching sound echoes.

Seito: 'Wow, they ate the stage. I wonder if they're hungry?'

Kumofumi: '...We have no choice. Everyone, take your positions!'

Kumofumi's voice rings out. However, the troupe members are bewildered.

Karashi: 'Take our positions, you say! We're still in the middle of preparations and rehearsals!?'

Lolo: 'Besides, I'm exhausted! I cannot show the performance of a king when I'm not in perfect condition!'

Kumofumi: '(Ugh... what do I do? With them as they are now, how can we put on an improvised show that will satisfy this massive amount of bugs...)'

At that moment, in the very back of the audience, in a place like a throne of darkness, an exceptionally large shadow appeared. It was a silhouette like a 'manager' wearing a hat and with long arms crossed.

...There is no conductor...

The moment that voice echoed, the ground beneath Kumofumi's feet glowed.

Kumofumi: 'Huh?'

Whoosh!

Kumo Fumi's body was suspended in mid-air by an invisible force. A shadow resembling black tentacles restrained his limbs, pulling him high above the stage.

Suzuki: 'Ringmaster!'

'...A plain conductor is unnecessary. ...Instead, you all shall shine. ...If you fail, this man will be erased...'

The manager's shadow declared. Kumo Fumi's mouth was covered by shadows, preventing him from speaking. He could not move either. He could only look down at his companions from high above.

Lolo: 'Y-you! Let Kumo Fumi go!'

'...Now, begin. ...The theme is "The Masquerade of Chaos"...'

Jang! A fanfare of dissonance rang out. At the same time, countless shadows flooded onto the stage. They did not carry weapons, but they eroded whatever they touched, stealing away its color.

Suzuki: 'Ugh, I'll intercept them! ...My pigeons!'

Suzuki readied his cards, but his hand stopped. Usually, Kumo Fumi's instructions like 'Three on the right!' would be flying in at this moment. But now, there was only silence.

Karashi: 'Wh-which way!? Where should I look!? My misdirection isn't landing!'

Seito: 'Kumo Fumi-kun, I can't pass you the balloon from there~'

Their coordination crumbled. While their individual techniques possessed tremendous power, their aim was unfocused. Because the shadows had no physical form, physical attacks sometimes passed right through them, while at other times they hardened and deflected the blows. Kumo Fumi had been the one making those split-second judgments until now.

Suzuki: '(This is bad...! We were relying on him too much without even realizing it...!)'

A shadow approached from behind Suzuki. Lolo noticed it, but it was too late.

Lolo: 'Suzuki! Behind you!'

Suzuki: '!?'

His evasive maneuver was delayed. The shadow's hand reached out to grab Suzuki's tailcoat.

At that moment.

Clang!

With a dry sound, something fell at Suzuki's feet. It was the 'marker (color ball)' that Kumo Fumi had been wearing at his waist. Kumo Fumi, restrained high above, had used the slight freedom of his fingertips to drop it. The color of the ball was 'red'.

Suzuki: "...Red? ...Fire!"

Suzuki understood in an instant. Instead of a card, he pulled out flash paper and spread it wide.

Whoosh!!

A fierce flame erupted, and the shadows shrieked and retreated. They were weak against heat and light.

Lolo: "I see! That guy Kumofumi hasn't given up yet!"

Looking up at the sky, Kumofumi was being constricted, yet he was desperately pleading with his eyes. 'Don't look at me. Look at the enemy. But I'll send you a signal.'

Kumofumi twisted his wrists and began to make sounds like Morse code using the props he held and the heels of his shoes.

Click, click, click-click.

Karashi: "It's a rhythm! He's keeping the beat!"

Karashi's juggling talent reacted. The irregular tapping sound was perfectly synchronized with the rhythm of the enemy's attack patterns.

Karashi: "Hahahaha! I can hear it, the Ringmaster's heart crying out! 'Endure for now,' 'Next is to the right,' 'Do it with flair!'"

Karashi swung his clubs in time with the rhythm Kumofumi was marking. Then, strangely, the attacks that had been missing until now began to hit the shadows one after another.

Karashi: "Lady Lolo! Give the King's command on the count of one, two, three!"

Lolo: "Don't tell me what to do! But, I'll play along! ...Bow down, you fools!"

Lolo's 'King's Coercion' exploded in time with the rhythm. The shadows froze.

Suzuki: "Masato-kun! The Ringmaster is swaying. Throw the balloon in time with that swaying!"

Masato: "Yay, it's a swing! Here goes!"

The balloon Masato threw followed the swaying of Kumofumi, tracing an exquisite trajectory before bursting in the middle of the enemy's dense formation. Confetti and a smoke screen spread from within.

"...Nunu...?"

The Manager's shadow was shaken. Even though the conductor should have been sealed, the performance hadn't stopped; in fact, it had become even more intense.

As his consciousness began to fade in mid-air, Kumo Fumi watched his companions below. (...Amazing. I'm just providing the trigger. They are starting to understand each other even more than I thought...)

Even without Kumo Fumi, they were able to coordinate. They were beginning to connect as 'lines' themselves, rather than through the 'point' that was Kumo Fumi. Kumo Fumi felt both joy and a slight sense of loneliness at that fact. (...Ah, if it's like this. I guess it's okay even if I'm not here anymore--)

Just as Kumo Fumi's strength was about to give out, he heard a voice.

"You fool!!"

He heard Suzuki's shout from below.

Suzuki: "Ringmaster! You weren't just thinking 'I'm no longer needed,' were you!?"

Kumo Fumi: "!!"

Suzuki was glaring up at Kumo Fumi in the sky while slicing through enemies with his cards.

Suzuki: "Please don't misunderstand! The reason we can move like this is because you are watching from there! If you are in the audience (there), then you are our 'most important VIP'!"

Lolo: "That's right, Kumo Fumi! I, the King, am fighting for your sake! Keep watching closely from your front-row seat!"

Keshi: "It's unfair that you get to watch my best performance from the highest spot!"

Seito: "Kumo Fumi-kun, you can't fall asleep! We're going to play together later!"

Their words pierced Kumo Fumi's heart. 'Support role,' 'behind-the-scenes,' 'shadow.' It was none other than himself who had defined himself that way. But they were saying it. That you are also a member of the '461 Circus Troupe.' A conductor, an audience member, and--a companion.

Light returned to Kumo Fumi's eyes once more.

Kumo Fumi: "(...That's right. I can't end it yet. I, too... am a part of this show!)"

Kumo Fumi poured his strength into the shadow tentacles that were restraining him. He raised the magic power (synchronization rate) dwelling within his body—the former '4ELEMENT'—all at once. His characteristic of 'having no personality.' That meant, conversely, that he could be dyed any color. Now, the colors of the troupe members were mixing within him, overflowing as an intense 'white light.'

Kumo Fumi: "Uwoooooooo!!"

Crack-crack-crack!!

The shockwave released from Kumo Fumi's entire body blew away the shadows that had been restraining him. Freed, Kumo Fumi fell according to gravity—no, he didn't. He spun in the air, adjusting his posture as if performing an acrobatic feat.

Kumo Fumi: "Suzuki! A foothold!"

Suzuki: "I understand!"

The card Suzuki threw became a foothold in mid-air. Kumo Fumi kicked off it to accelerate, charging straight toward the "Manager's Shadow" in the back.

"...Wh, at...!?"

Kumo Fumi: "The ringmaster of the 461 Circus Troupe doesn't just watch!"

In Kumo Fumi's hand, before anyone noticed, was the juggling club that Karashi had dropped. She poured all her magical power into it.

Kumo Fumi: "It's the finale!! 'Shooting Break'!!"

The thrown club became a meteor, piercing the center of the Manager's Shadow.

BOOOOM!!

The Manager's Shadow let out a death cry and dissipated. In sync with that, the shadows in the audience seats vanished one after another, and the pale blue flames flickered out.

The lights inside the tent flickered and restored.

Thud.

Kumo Fumi landed in the center of the stage. She stumbled slightly, but did not fall.

Silence. And then—.

Clap, clap, clap...

Sparse applause could be heard. Perhaps it was the applause of praise sent by the few remaining shadows at the moment of their disappearance. Or perhaps it was what the troupe members sent to each other.

Lolo: "...Hmph. Not bad."

Lolo snorted and gave Kumo Fumi's shoulder a firm pat.

Lolo: "Well done, servant. No, Ringmaster."

Suzuki: "...You've shortened my lifespan. Honestly, you always keep me on edge."

Suzuki collapsed with an expression of relief.

Keshi: "Beautiful!! That final dive, that was the ultimate performance!"

Seito: "Kumofumi-kun, you were able to fly! That was amazing!"

Kumofumi looked around at his companions' faces and collapsed into a sitting position.

Kumofumi: "Ahaha... Seriously, give me a break..."

However, he was smiling. It was no longer the self-deprecating smile of someone who thought 'I'm nothing.' It was a smile filled with the sense of fulfillment that comes from having done it all.

But the story was not over yet. After the manager's shadow disappeared, a black envelope lay on the ground where he had been. Suzuki picked it up.

Suzuki: "...An invitation?"

Written on it in gold letters were these words:

"Passed. The next part is the real performance. Wait at the amusement park central plaza at midnight. --To the 461 Circus Troupe, the final trial."

Kumofumi: "...The final trial?"

Kumofumi stood up and stared at the envelope. There was no time to rest. The mastermind behind this whole commotion, and the true 'client,' was waiting.

Kumofumi: "Let's go, everyone. This is the curtain-raiser for our real show."

The 461 Circus Troupe, battered and bruised but with a firm bond in their hearts, began to walk toward the amusement park in the dead of night. Their backs looked much larger and more reliable than they had yesterday.

Final Episode: Toward a Technicolor Tomorrow

Midnight. The central plaza of Sepia Land in the middle of the night. The bustle of the daytime (though it was sparse to begin with) had faded, and only silence reigned. The hands of the old clock tower pointed heavily to 12.

Gong... Gong...

The sound of the bell melted into the darkness. In the center of the plaza stood the five members of the 461 Circus Troupe. They were covered in wounds. Their clothes were dirty, and the signs of fatigue were deep. But their eyes shone with an eerily intense light.

Lolo: "...Hey, it's time. There's no one here."

Lolo kicked the cobblestones, looking displeased.

Suzuki: "No... they're coming. The air has changed."

Suzuki remains alert, fanning out his playing cards. At that moment, the fountain in the plaza suddenly erupted, shooting up while emitting a golden light.

WHOOSH!

The spray of water became a screen, and the phantom of a giant 'mask' emerged upon it. Half crying face, half laughing face. It was a classic theatrical mask (persona).

'...Welcome, 461 Circus Troupe...'

A deep, heavy voice shook the entire plaza. It was even older and more dignified than the voice of the 'Shadow Manager' heard earlier in the day.

Kumo Fumi: 'Are you the one who issued this request?'

Kumo Fumi steps forward. He is not hunched over as usual. He stands with a dignified posture.

'...Indeed. I am the collective of memories sleeping in this land. I am the "Sepia Phantom"...'

The eyes of the mask glow suspiciously.

'...I ask you. What is the most important thing for a circus?'

Keshi: 'A foolish question! It is the brilliance! The overwhelming drama that captivates the audience!'

Seito: 'Eh~? Maybe smiles~? And balloons!'

Suzuki: 'It must be technique, and elegance.'

Lolo: 'It is domination! My reigning as king is everything!'

The troupe members shout one after another. However, the mask denied them with a low, '...No...'

'...Those are all merely the brilliance of the "individual." ...Look at your ringmaster. Is he shining?'

A light like a spotlight illuminates only Kumo Fumi. Dirty work clothes, plain white hair, an unremarkable stance. Surrounded by the flashy troupe members, he truly looks like nothing more than the 'background.'

'...He is colorless. Transparent. He might as well not exist. A troupe led by such a person has no future. ...Therefore, I make a proposal.'

Rumble, rumble... The ground shook, and from behind the mask, a golden, birdcage-like prison appeared. Inside, it was packed with beautiful jewels, crowns, and top-tier magic props.

'...Abandon Kumo Fumi. ...If you do, I shall grant you an "eternal stage." A dream world where you will never age, never be bored of, and will be showered with applause forever...'

A sweet temptation. The obsession with the past, which could be called the curse of 'Sepia Production.' The comfort of things never changing.

Kumo Fumi clenched his fists. He tried to argue back. His usual bad habit (a spirit of self-sacrifice)—the thought, 'If I disappear, will everyone be happy?'—reared its head.

But.

'...Idiot.'

Lolo laughed through his nose.

Lolo: 'Hey, you piece-of-junk mask. Who do you think I am? I'm Lolo! The king who will rule the world for all eternity!'

Lolo made his crown shine and pointed at the mask.

Lolo: 'An eternal stage? That's just repeating the same thing over and over! Do you think I'd be satisfied in such a boring place? Besides...'

Lolo glanced at Kumo Fumi.

Lolo: 'You're going to discard my servant (Kumo Fumi)? Don't tell me what to do with my belongings! I decide how he's used!'

Suzuki: 'Hmph... I agree.'

Suzuki elegantly brushed back his hair.

Suzuki: 'Magic that never changes is just like a trick whose secret has been revealed. It has no value. Besides, if the troupe leader isn't here... who will manage the temperature of my coffee?'

Karashi: 'Noooo! Eternity is nonsense! A show is beautiful precisely because it is fleeting! And to make my brilliance stand out, that plain background (canvas) is absolutely essential!'

Seito: 'If Kumo Fumi-kun disappears, who will be 'it' for hide-and-seek? I don't want to be lonely...'

The troupe members kicked 'eternity' away without hesitation. And, as if it were only natural, they gathered around Kumo Fumi.

Kumo Fumi: '...Everyone.'

His chest felt warm. He couldn't find the words. It was a bond that was messy, troublesome, and yet warmer than anything else—something he hadn't felt back when he was aiming to be the strongest as part of the former '4ELEMENT'.

'...How foolish. ...Then, prove it to me. ...What kind of color that 'colorless' one can create!!'

As the mask screamed, the playground equipment in the square began to move all at once. The carousel horses jumped out wielding spears, the Ferris wheel rolled like a rotating saw, and the giant clown balloon breathed fire. It was truly a parade of nightmares.

Kumo Fumi: "...I'll prove it. We won't be held prisoner by the past!"

Kumo Fumi threw his binder aside and spread his arms wide. In that moment, what he released was not an attack spell. It was a transparent, yet powerful 'wavelength'.

Kumo Fumi: "Everyone, sync up to my 'rhythm'! Improvisation, the title is 'Dawn of 461 (Sepia)'!"

Lolo: "How cocky! But fine, I'll play along!"

In Kumo Fumi's mind, the path to victory (the score) was already drawn. The enemy's numbers were high. Physical attacks alone wouldn't be enough to push through. What was needed was a 'chemical reaction' that would maximize the explosion of their individual personalities.

Kumo Fumi: "Seito, head to the sky! Pop every single balloon! The contents are 'laughing gas'!" Seito: "Okaaaay! Everyone, have a laugh!"

Seito soared into the sky and popped countless balloons all at once. Pop, pop, pop! The plaza filled with pink gas. The carousel horses that had been attacking slowed their movements due to the gas, beginning to dance in strange ways.

Kumo Fumi: "Keshi! Now! Use your juggling to target those horses' horseshoes! Make sparks fly!" Keshi: "You're demanding, aren't you! But that's too easy for me! Sparkling Shower!"

Clang! Clack-clack! The clubs Keshi threw struck the horseshoes accurately, sending intense sparks flying. Those sparks didn't ignite the gas—because Suzuki intervened.

Kumo Fumi: "Suzuki! Amplify those sparks with an 'illusion'! Make them look like a dragon of fire!" Suzuki: "You're a slave driver! ...Illusion Flare!"

As Suzuki flipped his cape, the small sparks transformed into a giant dragon of fire, intimidating the entire enemy force. There was no physical damage, but the debuff of 'fear' was applied to all enemies.

"...W-What is this...!? This coordination..."

The mask wavered. It wasn't their individual abilities. By passing through Kumo Fumi, the 'nodal point,' their techniques fit together like puzzle pieces, creating an unexpected effect.

Kumo Fumi: "Lolo! Finish it! Strike with the King's blow into the 'opening' we've all created!"

Lolo: "You're slow, Kumo Fumi! I've been waiting forever!"

Lolo leaped high. Behind her, the dragon of fire (created by Suzuki), the glittering stardust (created by Keshi), and the smiling balloons (created by Seito) shone like a halo.

Lolo: "Bow down! This is the true essence of the 461 Circus Troupe! 'King's Carnival Blast'!!"

Lolo swung her cane down. It wasn't just a physical attack. It was a colorful shockwave where the 'hearts' of all the troupe members resonated (synced).

BOOOOOOOOM!!!

A torrent of light swallowed the mask and the golden cage. The ghosts of the past, unable to withstand the overwhelming energy of the 'present,' shattered like glasswork.

When the light subsided, only silence remained. The fountain had stopped, and the hands of the clock tower pointed to 12:05. And where the mask had been, a single old photograph lay on the ground.

Kumofumi picked it up. It was a group photo of nameless troupe members, smiling in the Sepia Land of the past.

Kumofumi: "...I wonder if they were making as much noise as we are now."

Suzuki peered over from behind.

Suzuki: "Perhaps. ...But the protagonists now are us."

Lolo: "Obviously! Those guys from the past don't stand a chance against us!"

Keshi: "Our legend starts right here!"

Seito: "Hey, hey~, I'm hungry~. Let's go home~."

The tension broke, and the usual atmosphere returned. Kumofumi tucked the photo into his pocket and turned toward his companions.

Kumofumi: "...Let's go home. To the 461 Circus Troupe tent."

"Yeah!" "Sure." "Yes!" "Okay~"

The five of them started walking side by side. Kumofumi tried to walk on the edge, but he was sandwiched between Lolo and Seito and forced to walk in the middle.

Kumofumi: "W-wait! I'm supposed to be on the edge..." Lolo: "Shut up! A ringmaster shouldn't walk on the edge! It's unsightly!" Suzuki: "Give it up. You can't run away anymore."

The night breeze pushed them forward. Their steps were light, filled with hope for tomorrow.

***

A few days later. The 461 Circus Troupe tent in a corner of Sepia Land.

"Kumofumi! Juice!" "Ringmaster, we're out of pigeon feed." "Kumofumi! The spotlight is off by 3 millimeters!" "Kumofumi-kun, blow up some balloons~"

A storm of shouting and requests as usual. Kumofumi ran around the tent with a binder in one hand.

Kumofumi: "Yes, yes, I'm coming! ...Ah, man, I'm so busy!"

His face was drenched in sweat, but there was no longer the gloomy shadow from before. Instead, his expression was lively and filled with a sense of fulfillment.

Suzuki: "...Hmph. You've got a slightly better look on your face now."

Suzuki muttered as he sipped his coffee.

Lolo: "Well, yeah! That's because I trained you!"

Kumo Fumi suddenly stopped and looked at them. They were unique, selfish, and troublesome companions. But because they were here, he could be here too. They were the ones who gave color to him—a person who felt he had 'no personality'—by calling him 'Ringmaster'.

Kumo Fumi: "...Alright, everyone! Rehearsal resumes! Let's make the next performance the best one yet!"

""""Yeah!!""""

That command would never be ignored by anyone again. Outside the tent, a clear blue sky stretched out. The 461 Circus Troupe. Their slapstick drama would continue from here on out. No matter how much the world might fade, their brilliance would never, ever disappear.