Chapter 2

<——If you're a demon, then I've got all the reason I need to cut you down.>

<I slay all demons who bring harm to mankind......!>

<Oh? So there’s a man hunting demons? Sounds like someone with a death wish…...>

<How intriguing.>

....This place is packed with students immersed in their solo practice, no matter where you look!

Yeah, so this is what Morinomiya feels like during audition season.

Look! They’re doing stage combat practice over there too!

Incredible...… Their movement is so sharp and clean!

It’s powerful, yet graceful...… Absolutely magnificent!

You look like you’re really enjoying yourself, Tsukasa-kun.

Of course!

I feel lucky just to experience this kind of atmosphere in person.

We weren’t supposed to participate in any of the boys division's auditions while we’re here, after all.

Nene did mention it, but I didn’t expect Morinomiya to be this intense and full of life.

This time’s different from their usual auditions so maybe that’s why they’re all so fired up.

I didn’t think they’d hold a competitive audition just to pick cast members for the Kikyo Troupe’s show.

Yeah...… I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little envious.

Being on stage with Kikyo Troupe is a huge opportunity for growth.

Since it’s our classmates participating, we should give them our full support.

Yeah, let’s wish them all the best.

What caught me off guard was the audition piece they picked.

Yeah...… The Legend of the Sakura Blade.

The same play we saw from Kikyo Troupe ended up being the audition script.

I hadn’t even gotten over how moving that show was, and it’s already come back around.

With how intense and layered that script is, it makes perfect sense for an audition.

Not just acting skills, but stage combat and movement are key too.

It’s the kind of role that really tests your mettle.

Ever since I saw it, I’ve been imagining how I would perform it myself—

The swordsman protagonist and the demon antagonist; both demand you show intensity and sensitivity.

I struggled so much with how to shape those aspects into a consistent performance.

Fufu. Judging by your usage of past tense, I'm guessing you’ve already worked out your own take?

Of course.

I’ve got a full plan for how I’d bring those roles to life.

Unfortunately..... There’s no stage for me to present them on.

Yeah.

Since we're technically guests here, auditioning is off-limits.

But...… I do wonder how your take would be received in this environment.

True, though I don’t feel too bitter about it.

How so?

We might not be in the audition, but there’s nothing stopping us from challenging the material as if we were.

I worked hard on this plan. Finishing it in this inspiring environment would be an unforgettable experience.

We should take in as much of Morinomiya’s energy as we can while we’ve got the chance!

I see.......

In that case, I’ll join you.

It’s better to have some friendly rivalry when you’re sharpening your skills, right?

Excellent!

I was counting on you to say that!

Now...… Which scene should we tackle first? I’d suggest—