026 Idol Arc 2: Interview

I said I was taking a break, but I ended up writing it anyway, so here it goes.

It’s short, due to section breaks.

I’m prompted by President Kamizawa to introduce myself.

Starting with entry number six — me.

“Entry number six, GN (Gamer Name) Akira. (Using a Wide-Area Communication Device S-type) I’m confident in my voice quality and delivery.”

My eyes meet President Kamizawa’s. Lock on.

“Is that all?”

“Yep.”

(Anything wrong with that?) I silently plead with my eyes.

“Understood.”

The woman next to me stands up.

(Huh? Stand up?)

“Entry number seven, GN Sara. I sing.”

(Huh? Sing?)

Sara performs an a cappella rendition of a famous idol group’s hit song.

“Thank you.”

Sara bows and sits back down.

(Something feels off…)

The other three also performed songs or danced.

(Well, so this is what a fleet member interview’s supposed to look like?)

“Next, we’ll do a walking test. Walk from here… to there.”

President Kamizawa points from one corner of the room to the opposite.

I stand up and just walk normally.

The others, for some reason, are doing runway model walks.

(Definitely feels off… like something’s wrong…)

“Number six, you seem confident in your voice. What’s your take on it?”

“Yes, I possess the top-tier ability—Wide-Area Communication Device S-Type.”

“Could you be more specific?”

“Yes, I can project my voice—through the communication device—with clear, far-reaching audio quality.”

“Ah, impressive vocal talent. Could you demonstrate it?”

“Huh? I can’t do it without the equipment.”

(…So she can’t sing without her device? Got it.)

President Kamizawa was jotting something down on the application form.

After that Q&A, I was left ignored for the rest of the interview.

President Kamizawa had already moved past me, asking questions to the other women.

I was certain I’d been rejected.

“Then, that will be all for today. Whether you pass or fail will be sent to your wristband via message.”

“““““Thank you very much.”””””

We filed out.

I rushed to grab Sal, the woman with entry number seven, and fired off my question.

“Excuse me… what kind of interview was this, exactly?”

“It was for recruiting members of an idol unit. Apparently, they’re building an idol fleet on SFO.”

“What the—what the—what the—WHAT?!”

I must’ve wandered into the wrong interview room.

Well, whatever. I was getting rejected anyway.

(…Huh. How the hell do you even assemble a fleet like that…?)

The next day, the email arrived.

“Congratulations. You’ve passed the second round.”

What kind of joke is this?

The first exam happens when you input your application form.

Like a document screening pass, I guess.