Chapter 86

Outtake Case File 86 Date

“Eh, wait!” Hanging her guitar at the center of the stage, full of passionate excitement, Himizuki suddenly remembered a “small” issue.

“What were we supposed to play again?”

Darkcrow? I’ve never heard this song before? Despite racking her brains, Himizuki couldn’t think of what Ash had meant by darkcrow.

Talking about Darkcrow—the black crow—would anyone actually use such an inauspicious and calamitous name for a passionate rock song?

“We haven’t heard this either, and we couldn’t find it online, but it’s okay—” Wild Flower hurriedly stepped onto the drum pedal, whispering softly to reassure Himizuki, who was bewildered. She bared her sparkling teeth and gave a thumbs up.

“Just have the rock spirit, follow along and sing.”

“Ash said so.”

Random singing… Are you messing with me? Even if we’re just a small troupe—this is too casual. Is this some plot from a music show?

“This is really—there’s a limit to how crazy you can get!” Bursting with sarcastic energy, Himizuki, feeling a headache, shouted at Ash in despair.

“No problem.” Instead of Ash, it was Saya, who turned around and smiled confidently, who responded. “Like learning to ride a bike, the most important thing is that everyone has fun.”

Just as Himizuki was about to continue complaining, Ash made a “start” gesture, picking up his harmonica from around his neck.

The melodious sound of the harmonica broke through the spectators’ expectations. Watching the flamboyant instruments in Ash’s hands, the audience, prepared to be hit by a wave of rock music, were taken aback.

Even Hana looked somewhat incredulous. She had never seen Ash so calm and focused before. This made her feel something special, and she couldn’t help but smile happily.

My boyfriend is such a “handsome” guy.

The man blew into the harmonica, and the ancient yet melodious tune carried them back to a time before technology, to a grassland swept by gentle winds, as if the melody should surround a legendary hero when he appears.

But soon, the beautiful harmonica melody was replaced by the roaring of the electric guitar. As if reacting to a signal, Hana, Saya, and Yu started playing their accompaniment. As if in a moment of telepathy, Himizuki could sense the harmony. Instinctively, the metal pick strummed the guitar strings, fitting perfectly with everyone else.

“Going further into the night sky,”

“The black crow is there,”

“Promptly calling out.”

Ash’s youthful voice seemed to contain an unexpected depth and ruggedness, different from his usual tone and demeanor, yet everyone present felt no incongruity with this沧桑感and huskiness.

“In memories like a lifetime apart,”

“There’s a skeleton silhouette laughing cynically,”

“Still mocking my face,”

“Ohohoho!”

The faint sorrow in Ash’s singing paired with his familiarity created some conflict with the fervent interplay of the two electric guitars, while Himizuki tried hard to match the tempo.

How does he make these melancholic lyrics fit so well with rock?

Himizuki thought as she watched Ash, but soon, she had no more time to ponder. Ash suddenly sped up his pace into rap mode, forcing them to quickly adjust their steps and rhythm.

Maybe he’s not just singing?

Himizuki couldn’t help but wonder.

“I sense life through my bloody, raw insides,”

“The blade I wield still honors its vow,”

“I bear the oath until my last breath,”

“Surpassing even the height of a thousand feet.”

“—”

Voices roared, voices growled, and the other members’ performances became increasingly attuned with Ash’s.

Is this really the lyrics of a rock song?

Thought Rumiehu, comparing this with upbeat lyrics she’d heard before. It seemed more fitting for Darkcrow, which Ash had apparently written, much like—

Indeed, besides being Ash, he’s also Timefire.

Then, is he singing about his story as Timefire?

Or perhaps, a preview of his future?

Rumiehu interrupted her thoughts once more. With the rhythm getting more regular as Ash picked up his rapping speed, another sudden change and pause by Ash almost threw everything off again.

“Every challenger turns to dust in my hands,”

“Spectators will witness your downfall now,”

“Life and death aren’t others’ to decide,”

“I am the one declaring my end.”

The climax of rock struck fiercely. Ash’s roar seemed less like a song and more like a symbol—

“I am the one declaring my end”(I’mtheonewhomakesmyfinalcall)!!

Almost instantly, an intense emotional eruption and wild wave of notes crashed down, hitting the confused audience alongside Rumiehu. Cheers and roars rose with the climax of the beat, and even Himizuki found something in her celebration.

“Yes, just like this, just like this, just like this!”

The plectrum in her hand moved faster and faster, glowing under the lights. She seemed to fuse with the guitar, letting loose her rebellion and determination.

She wanted to live, not just survive!

“This is what rock is all about!!”

This is truly the music I love!

Glancing around at the people around her as the high reached its peak, her smile could no longer be taken away.

If this was the occasional moment of light before the inevitable future ahead, then—

I must fully enjoy myself now with the important people!