| VS Postlude
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| Level Requirements
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| Release date: October 18, 2024
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In the aftermath of their fated duels, the girls face their rivals one last time. Before them lies the road to a new future, and to their final battle...
Characters
Story
The next day, STΔRLIVHT comes into the office exhausted from their battles. Producer asks what happened, and the group summarize the night before-though Sera keeps her word to Grace and omits how she learned the Final Burst. Producer notes their sync data has increased, wondering if they've become strong enough to defeat Gaius for certain. Sera declares they will, and Hakuno states they'll win the Clash of Twilight as well. Producer decides to let the group have the day off while she works on a PR response about the fire, though Hakuno stays behind to get some extra practice in.
Hakuno finishes her practice right as Sumire texts her to tell her she's doing better. Sumire is still dealing with the feelings the night before brought, and Hakuno decides to go over to help her. She stops at a convienence store to grab snacks, and arrives at Sumire's apartment with them in tow.
Hakuno notes that Yumi isn't home, which Sumire clarifies is because she's staying over at Asuka's for the night. Sumire and Hakuno decide to have their own slumber party while she's away. Hakuno notes Sumire is looking better, and offers to let Sumire talk about it to try and help. Sumire admits the entire situation has brought up feelings she didn't know she had-such as the anger she felt when she saw Yashiro had outed Hakuno to the press. She feels as if she's relied on Hitori and Firebird to handle these emotions while she lives a carefree life hiding behind them. Hakuno tells her she does a lot herself, and admits she also has parts of her she doesn't want to acknowledge, like her jealousy over Shion.
Hakuno reaffirms Sumire she doesn't have to face these feelings alone; she has her, Hitori, and now Firebird to help her. Sumire still feels as if she's caused too much trouble for everyone, but Hakuno assures her it's not a bad thing. The conversation dies down, and the two sit in silence until Sumire reaches for more chips. The two stay up late chatting, Hakuno happy she could be a source of strength for Sumire as well.
The next morning, Sera notes things are strangely normal for the time being. She gets the feeling these "normal" times are coming to an end as their battle against Gaius approaches. Despite the chaos of fighting Noise Beasts and the looming fight ahead, Sera is still grateful she could follow her dream like this.
The group discuss their performance for the Clash of Twilight; Sumire suggests bringing back their old duets from their time at HI-LIVE. As they discuss the choreography, Shion comes up in the topic. Sumire asks Hakuno if she's doing okay, which Hakuno says she is, having stayed at Heather's apartment with her for the time being. Hakuno didn't discuss moving away from her parents with her, as she felt like SUNRaiSE is closer to her and more suited to help her there, though she does want to someday be a proper older sister for her. Hakuno confirms Shion wants to continue the competition, saying she'll kick their asses, which Sera replies that they'll make her eat those words.
Meanwhile, at Hikari's place, Shion suddenly sneezes, claiming it's from someone talking about her. Hikari asks her if she's doing alright, to which Shion says she is, as she wasn't there for the fire itself, and she's happy to not be home at the time. She notes she'll have to go back once things blow over, however; she knows her aunt didn't want kids and she'd feel like a burden if Hikari or Asuka had to take care of her. Hikari tells her she would never be a burden, and that she considers SUNRaiSE a family. Shion muses over this kind of love, knowing she had been loved once back at home. A part of her tells her it's her fault or Hakuno's fault things changed, and Shion feels she needs to stay distanced to avoid losing what she has now. Shion suggests they focus on winning, to which Hikari relents, but tells Hakuno she has a home with SUNRaiSE.
Producer and Sumire are discussing their progress on finding a way to defeat Gaius; Beyond and her have been scraping data from R&D to get a better idea of what they're up against. The first thing of note is the original NOISZ-Gaius and Stornel are obviously going to be using it. Producer says this shouldn't be an issue, despite STΔRLIVHT using the inferior RS version; with the four of them, they can link to one person and match it's power. Since there's only one NOISZ, they won't have to fight Gaius and Stornel at the same time either. Producer moves on to Gaius's tools, the first being the Antiphon Armament, a bodysuit that greatly enhances the user's strength. He'll likely be using it alongside a weaponized version of Antiphon's accessibility tools and prosthetics as well. While this still sounds defeatable, Producer suspects that Gaius has been carrying around human souls in the test tubes on his belt; while they can't figure out what he plans to use them for, knowing how the NOISZ feeds on souls, he'll likely use them to power up the NOISZ somehow. Sumire, remembering what Arietta had asked her to do, asks the Producer to come with them to the final fight; she could likely modify her wheelchair to carry some weapons as a distraction. Producer agrees to look into modifications with Beyond, and Sumire begins to feel as if they can actually win this fight.
Grace arrives back home late, where Lily begins heating up dinner in the microwave for her when she arrives. Grace is still unsure if they can win, but Lily assures her she's still proud of what she's accomplished. Grace reflects on how despite the anxieties of being an idol, she's never let it stop her, and the rest of STΔRLIVHT has always been there for her. Her dinner finishes reheating, and Grace begins to dig in.
Sera arrives home, surprised to find Setsuna also home for once. Setsuna had arrived after hearing of what Yashiro had done, and offers to help even the playing field by revealing his affair with her. Sera decides not to, not wanting to blindside Shion and wanting to uphold her own honor. Setsuna tells Sera that if she changes her mind or needs help, she'd stoop even lower for her. This causes Sera to suddenly hug her, telling her she doesn't have to be terrible, just here. Setsuna promises she'll be here for the rest of the competition, and will be at the last show, though she'll likely be called away for work afterwards. Despite this, Sera is still happy to be with her mother.
Yumi arrives home, where Sumire teases her about her relationship with Asuka. Yumi admits they aren't official right now, but admits she wasn't sure she'd be wanted by anyone in her current state. Sumire points out Asuka wouldn't worry about that, having always been serious about her. Yumi admits she'd known of Asuka's feelings, but had ignored them since she couldn't return them at the time. She worries that she's kept Asuka waiting for too long, and that she can't give her what she's wanted now. Sumire muses on Hakuno's feelings for her; while she regrets being unable to return those feelings, she doesn't want to pretend for Hakuno's sake either. Sumire tells Yumi that she can give Asuka the love she wants now, and that she deserves the good things in her life now. Yumi hopes they'll go her way as well, but Sumire muses she already feels she has; between her friends at STΔRLIVHT, her idol career, and even the NOISZ/RS, she feels she's made up for the pain she's faced in the past. Yumi then decides to ask why Sumire says she straight, despite having never shown interest in other boys. Sumire answers she believes her destined partner is out there, and Yumi assures her that her prince will come to her someday. Sumire muses she doesn't know if it will come true, and that she'd be happy even if it didn't, but lets herself continue dreaming of it nonetheless.
Hakuno arrives home and is fussed over by Heather over her exhaustion. Hakuno says she has to win for Shion, but Heather tells her she needs to rest as well. Hakuno attempts to counter by bringing up Heather's own sleeping habits, but Heather tells her any good adult wouldn't want to see the next generation make the same mistakes they did, admitting she knows it's bad for her and wanting Hakuno to avoid that. Hakuno admits she's right, musing on how she feels as if she needs to make up for her past guilt. Regardless, she resolves not to push herself too hard so she can take on SUNRaiSE at full power.
Shion returns to her family's apartment as the final performance looms closer. Her parents have spoken with her less, clearly shaken by the entire incident. Shion wishes to shine on stage regardless of her father's efforts, and had wanted to make a statement about the situation on stage. Hakuno told her, however, that all that matters is facing STΔRLIVHT at their best.
On the day of the final performance, Shion is in awe of the energy STΔRLIVHT gives out on stage, raw and unfiltered and human. Hikari and Asuka reassure her that they'll be giving their all as well, and prepare to take the stage.
With one more set to go through, Hakuno admits she's happy to have become an idol, having finally learned to love it after all these years. Grace agrees, admitting she'd thought she'd be too shy for it, but finding that she's enjoyed it as well. Sumire is also happy to have a chance to compete and perform with SUNRaiSE, the group that first inspired her. Sera thanks them all for putting up with her, saying she got to realize her dream because of them, and resolves to continue down this path after this show, regardless of what comes next. The other three agree, and all four of them perform their group chant together as they head out on stage.
If the player used the SL Link from 2ECONDS TO STΔRLIVHT+, the following scene will play:
Akira and Yoko are cheering STΔRLIVHT on in the audience, with Yoko having become a journalist for the Neo-Metro Times. She asks Akira who she thinks will win, to which Akira answers STΔRLIVHT. She asks him for an objective answer, but he still gives the same answer. She goes to interview the other audience members, starting with Rise and Ai.
Yoko asks if the two are fans, noting their dour expressions. Rise admits the two had been bullies back then. She asks if Yoko will record this, but Yoko promises she won't include details, asking solely for the sake of curiosity. The two admit to writing a note threatening to out Hakuno to her parents, having wanted to scare Hakuno. They didn't actually plan to tell her parents, however, and were shocked to find Hakuno was outed and kicked out of her home because of it. Rise admits she'd like to think she's changed, and Yoko asks her if she'd like what made her change to go on the record again. The two recount that, years after the incident, they had listened to one of STΔRLIVHT's songs out of curiousity, and had realized the person they'd bullied had been just as human as they were. Yoko thanks them for her time, returning to her seat, but is interrupted by Rise asking if she'll help others understand too. Yoko says it's her job, and returns to her seat.
Akira notes her own meanness back then, but Yoko claims she'd never been truly hateful; she simply riles people up to get the best news. She brags about how she'd pre-planned an article for Grace and Sera's ungagement for years, and that it'd skyrocketed her career when it finally came to pass. Akira then asks who she thinks will win the competition, but Yoko admits she doesn't know, having prepared three separate articles for the outcome. Akira questions why she'd make a third, but Yoko simply says she hopes everyone gets to see it, as unlikely as it is.
The concert goes without incident, to the surprise of STΔRLIVHT. Producer suspects it's due to the weakening link between worlds, but decides not to focus on it for now. The group head back to the office and wait for the results, huddled around Producer's computer. When the site finally updates, it shows a shocking result: both group have perfectly tied. No one had thought of such an outcome, though Producer says it's unlikely anyone will be expected to disband. Despite the abnormal result, the group still celebrate the outcome.
Shion is utterly baffled by the results, almost wondering if they'd been rigged somehow. As Hikari and Asuka wonder what their plan is now, Shion's phone starts ringing. She answers, and the caller requests to be put on speaker. She introduces herself as Sera's mother, Setsuna, and asks them to break their contract with Bakeneko and cut ties with Yashiro. She offers to help pay off any fines for the action, free of interest. Hikari questions why she would offer such a thing, to which Setsuna simply responds she's Yashiro's biggest hater; STΔRLIVHT will still be around, and SUNRaiSE will slip away so he can't profit off the event. She admits she was only planning to call if SUNRaiSE won when questioned by Asuka, but admits this is a far better outcome.
Setsuna then tells Shion that, since she's now eighteen, she can claim the money she makes from her idol career from Yashiro, offering her one of her lawyers if he refuses to hand it over. Shion hesitates, but Setsuna tells her she isn't doing it for Shion, but out of spite, and if she still feels she owes Setsuna she can rent one of her apartments. Shion says she'll keep it in mind, and Setsuna wishes them a nice day before hanging up.
SUNRaiSE burst into excitement over the sudden news, happy to have a chance to go indie again and free Shion. Shion herself is nervous about the future, but is even more excited to see what it holds.
Meanwhile, Stornel informs Gaius the seperation between worlds is almost complete. Gaius tells him to shut down the replica Noise Beasts, which Stornel does without question. Gaius questions this lack of response, to which Stornel says he isn't required to question his choices; he does clarify that if Gaius is insinuating Stornel wants him dead, he is correct. Gaius simply laughs this off, and Stornel asks if Gaius is also looking to die. He answers he simply wants to see Arisa surpass him, and see if her ideals can truly overcome him.
Drops
Clearing this chapter also grants access to Queen's Ascension.
Song
There is no song for this chapter.
