Scenario:The Doss! End of the Line Farewell Tour - Chapter 1: Heavens on Fire - Episode 4

The Doss! End of the Line Farewell Tour - Chapter 1: Heavens on Fire - Episode 4

The performance has a few detractors, but is otherwise a big hit. Lyria's heartfelt singing reignites Aoidos's creative fire, or so it would seem; his writer's block still remains. His manager believes the continuing slump has to do with a band called Vicious Three appearing on the festival set list.

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Lyria: Huff... Phew... Thanks for listening, everyone!

Lyria bows at the end and is treated to wild applause.

The band's passionate performance succeeds in drawing a good-sized crowd.

They pack up their gear and squeeze through the people to get back to the inn.

Lyria: Whew, still trying to catch my breath. How did it sound, (Captain)?

1. It was wonderful.
2. I don't need to say anything.

Choose: It was wonderful.

Lyria: ...!

Lyria: That's great. It almost brings a tear to my eye to hear you say that, haha.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: I don't need to say anything.

Lyria: What! You have to! I gave it my all, you know!

Aoidos: Heh. (Captain) doesn't need to speak when accolades are raining down around us.

Aoidos gestures toward the people who had listened to them.

Continue 1

Man 1: Dude, that was a sweet performance!

Man 2: I'll say. It takes guts to show off your band out here, knowing the greats will be arriving for the festival.

Lyria: Hehe...

Lyria blushes at the praise.

Woman 1: That girl was a little unsteady at first, but once she started singing, you could tell she has a great voice.

Small-Framed Man: Sounds like a gimmick to me. They're using her youth and innocence to play up her inexperience.

Lyria: ...

Aoidos: Don't listen to that person, Snowdos. Embrace the compliments you deserve.

Bandaged Man: Eh, the singer's fine, and the two guitarists were pretty good, but what's up with that rhythm section?

Rackam: ...

Vyrn: ...

Manager: Aoidos is right. It's important to separate positive and negative feedback.

Manager: If you weren't good, no one would've stopped to listen or clapped.

Aoidos: Was there silence when the music stopped? No. So I declare we march back to the inn with our heads held high.

Vyrn: You seem more... cheerful than before, Aoidos.

Aoidos: Oh? But I'm always bright and beautiful.

Manager: Is it because you've found what you've been looking for?

Aoidos: Yeah.

Aoidos: The initial impulse. That feeling when you're left with nothing but your music and guitar; that's the pathos I'm looking for.

Aoidos: Snowdos. Watching you sing today helped me remember that. I owe you a great deal of thanks.

Lyria: Oh, I don't think I did anything like that. Just happy to help. Do you think you can write that new song now?

Aoidos: Heh. When the gods throw you into the gauntlet, your only option is to overcome it.

Aoidos: My genius shall dance across a blank score. Ah, I can't wait. Even the road back to the inn feels like it stretches for an eternity.

Aoidos: "Take back your initial impulse on the festival stage and let it scream." That's what the premonition has foretold.

Aoidos: I'm back, baby. My mind is clear. Get ready, festival, because this next song is going to flip your world upside down!

Aoidos suddenly takes off in high spirits.

Manager: Thanks a lot for everything. I guess it's safe to say he's got his confidence back.

Baal: What a handful. I hope his creation is worth the work we put in today.

Manager: Well, you won't have to wait long, seeing how he ran off like that.

Lyria is pleased by the comments she received for her singing. As for the other members...

Rackam: ...

Vyrn: ...

Vyrn and Rackam appear less enthusiastic.

Baal: The real event is fast approaching. We should treat each practice from now on as dress rehearsal. Rackam. Vyrn. Shall we go?

Rackam: Hm? What'd you say? Oh, practice. Yeah, yeah, I've got this. My schedule's free since ship maintenance wrapped up.

Vyrn: I'm good to go too! I'm ready to knock it outta the park!

Baal: ...?

Lyria: Is something wrong, you two?

Rackam: Nah, it's all good. Don't worry about it, 'kay?

Rackam: Gotta hand it to you, Lyria. They loved you out there.

Vyrn: Yeah. People realized you weren't a pro, but they didn't seem to mind.

Lyria: Heehee. Aw, you guys are too much.

Manager: Haha, say what you will, Snowdos. Truth is you're the one who reignited Aoidos's spark.

Manager: Heck, he'll probably be done composing by the time we get back.

(Captain) and the others laugh as they return to the inn, satisfied that everything seems to be back on track.

Aoidos: Aaaaah!

Baal: What a mighty scream. It seems the anguish in your voice has amplified.

Aoidos: How did I already lose my touch! It's as if pathos has leaked out of a gaping hole in my heart...

Aoidos: Could this be a trap within a trap set by the jealous gods? How many layers must I peel back to reclaim my talent!

Aoidos: Aaaaah!

Baal: This is obviously not his normal behavior. What's causing him to act this way?

Manager: ...

Baal: Do you know something we don't?

Manager: You're not the only band playing at the festival that's staying at this inn, remember?

Baal: I'm aware of that. The sounds of their practice sessions are a constant din in these halls.

Manager: I think one of those bands is getting to him. I noticed it when he heard a certain bassline as we passed by one of the practice rooms.

Aoidos: ...

Manager: Aoidos?

Manager: It only lasted for a second, but he jolted to a stop, kind of like how a stretched spring snaps back. The more I think about, the more I'm convinced it's a sign.

Rackam: Because of someone playin' a bass guitar?

Manager: Yes. When I saw the festival lineup that just got released, it finally clicked.

Manager: One of the bands is Vicious Three.

All Three: ...!

Baal: I've never heard of them. Who are they?

Rackam: That name came up before when we got into a scuffle. That's really all I know though.

Manager: The people in that band are the keys to unlocking Aoidos's past: a past I'm convinced he should leave buried.

(Captain) and company's anxiety worsens when they hear this news. How will Aoidos's fate coincide with the upcoming concert?

Will his dream of performing at Auguste Festival succeed or fail?