"Should we invite the others for this?" The old frost skeleton giant said as he and others watched on their bickering comrades.
"Huh? Which others—?"
"The Guardians and such." Shijuuten clarified.
"Ehhh? Do we need to?"
"I'd see it as a bonding time with our creations." Ancient One shrugged, few others gave their sounds of agreed acknowledgment.
"It would be quite interesting." Brisingr, the sentient sword said.
"It would be quite a pain in the ass seeing them kiss our asses in our moment of relaxation." Jo-Bro muttered.
. . .
"We are most undeserving of your generosity, masters." Albedo bowed, behind her were also the named NPCs and other chosen created doing the same.
"None of that now!" Shijuuten said jovially. "There would be a time for work and proper formalities, but right now? It's a time of rest and relaxation."
After some time arguing from the past 10 minutes on whether they should include the NPCs, at least the named ones created by their respective comrades, to attend and participate in the Karaoke Night. They explained what Karaoke Night was, thoroughly explained it so they'd not make any misunderstandings… Hopefully.
Much to the annoyance of the few, and some awkward moments, most of them don't mind having the NPCs join them.
Although they might need to find something else to call the NPCs aside from… NPCs…
Yeah, it just sticks right in for some reason.
"Well folks, it looks like the party's getting wilder and wilder." Wish III grinned.
"It's a Karaoke Night! Not a party! Variable Talisman grumbled as he nursed his sparkling wine.
"We get to hear them sing!?" Aura exclaimed, much to the growing excitement of the crowd of NPCs.
"Do note, some of us had already sung, see that checked out names on the wheel?" Garnet pointed at the WHEEL TO SPIN. "They're already done."
The NPCs of the respective names that had been checked out slumped in disappointment, certain few felt depressed on not being able to see their Creators sing, whilst the others noticed their Creators' names on the WHEEL TO SPIN still aren't checked out, they are literally anticipating it.
"Before anyone gets on thinking, we've recorded their previous singings for research purposes. You can watch it after this night."
That got those who were disappointed and sad out of their miserable state. Especially Shalltear…
"ALRIGHT!" Dynamite sounded through the chamber, nearly blasting everyone's ears off… At least those who could be deafen by it or irritated.
"It'seems we got newcomers here tonight! I'd suggest you find your seats, we're about to start."
It didn't took long enough for them to find their seats, some sitting close to their respective Creators, if not, then at least those who were close to in relationship.
"Alright," Dynamite took a few glances before nodding in satisfaction. "Onto the next part, is a Battle Duo!"
"Didn't we do that like a while ago—?"
"THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE AINT DOING IT ONCE! FUCK IT, I"M ROLLING IT!" Dynamite spun the Wheel so hard it made a thunder cracking sound that made Perorocino jumped in surprise.
"Oi, what the hell?"
"Place your bets everyone! Who's gonna be in this round!?"
"Wait, we're doing bets?"
"Aint doing this."
"What are we betting though?"
"Let's go singles first!" Perororocino said to the over-excited Harpy. "Then go back to Duos afterwards."
"Fineeeee!" She rolled her eyes theatrically. "Going singles then."
As the SB audience muttered to themselves and to their comrades, the NPCs quietly and politely waited for the wheel to stop spinning at…
"HeroHero!"
"What!?" The Black Slime almost spat out his drink he was sipping through his straw. "B-But, I'm not ready—!"
"No one is, sunshine! NOW, COME MON TOP!"
HeroHero looked around for help, only to see his comrades urging him to step up onto the stage. It also helped that Solution comforted him that he couldn't help but head onto the stage. It would felt wrong to deny…
"Here ya go!" Dynamite gave a microphone to HeroHero, almost tumbling it in his "hands" before managing to find a grip.
It was noticeable that Herohero had a momentary stage-fight, as he never had the thing to do this sort of thing both IRL and in this New World… He took several unnecessary breaths to calm his inner world that is shaking right now, before pulling a [Message] to Whitebrim on his ideal tunes.
(Usseewa / Ado) - English Translated (Slightly modified - Usseewa / Ado (English Cover) 【rachie x flyingbacon1997 】)
What is rightness?
What is stupidity?
I'll show you what they are!
"Whoah!" Several SBs reacted surprisingly at the usually-tired comrade of theirs to start off in such a… bombastic way.
"Holy crap, Herohero!" Tigris paused at his nibbling of his snacks.
"Didn't know he had that in him." Amano blinked.
To the NPCs, they could only collectively (at least most of them) recoil at the sudden outburst of loudness by the usually lax member of AoG.
I was an honor student being young
Before I realized, I was already grown up
A train of thought like a knife
Which I didn't have that with me
But I'm not having enough fun
Something is missing
These troubles better are somebody's fault
I'm just confused today
Well, is that so?
Understanding the latest trends
Checking the stock market on my way to work
Joining a company with the pure spirit
These are the obvious rules for us workers
The stage slowly became a raving mixture of colored lights, as if it had turned into a concert.
The SBs, after a moment of getting through the shock of it all, could see what and how the song fit HeroHero…
More likely on the ones who worked in an office, or those with similar black-hearted companies.
The one more understanding was Shijuuten, the old frost giant who had known what his younger friend had been through… Because he too had experienced such terrible conditions before.
Huh?
Shut up, shut up, shut the hell up!
I'm healthier than you think
You are too mediocrе
To understand me perhaps
Ah, you are so perfect match to
Those ordinary melodies of yours
Huh?
Shut up, shut up, shut the hell up!
I deal with things differently so no problem at all!
The audience could only listen and watch his performance in silent disbelief. More so on the NPC's side. To their perspective, it was like seeing the inner thoughts of their masters. Better yet, it was like seeing the different side of their masters' personality.
To Solution, it was amazing and sad to see her master in such a state. But she can understand this need to "shout" out their frustrations in a way. This only made her feel more connected and understanding to what her master had been through…
How terrible their Creators' world had been for his master to sing this.
Yeah, I'm an exemplary person
So "No thanks" to actually punching someone
If I'll point my muzzle of words
To your head and fire
Wouldn't that be so crazy?
I can't stop Complaining and complaining 'til you die
My spirit becomes sadistic
"Lyrics aside, great fucking song tho." Suratan bopped to the beat.
"Sounds so familiar though…" She-Wolf Ankoro muttered with a frown as her foot tried to tap along with the beat.
I'm FUCKING tired
Pour drinks when glasses are empty
Take off the skewer so it's easier for everyone to eat
Check and order before anyone does
These are the minimum rules for the social manner
The slime maid could now understand, or at least the certain gist of it, on why he was always so tired after all those visits before the Transfer…
He had to fake his exhaustion to the embitterment of his superiors.
The thought made her furious.
Huh?
Shut up, shut up, shut the hell up!
Close your stinking mouth, I can't stand it
I am the modern spokesperson
I'm fed up with
Those rehash parody of yours
Shut up, shut up, shut the hell up!
Draw an X on your fat face
Shut up, shut up, shut the hell up!
Shut up, shut up, shut the fuck up!
I'm just another one of you'd call a
THOUGHTFUL PAWN
NPCs who were listening carefully are becoming spastic are the chosen words, or rather at the words of the song their Lord Herohero was singing.
In most cases, it was like he was degrading himself for being but a pawn in all of the situations despite their beliefs.
Only those who were open-minded and wanting to know more of their Creators' lives secrets were… Understanding of how horrible and nearly as depressing as they grandeously thought it was.
In truth, it wasn't. Far from it.
Shut up, shut up, fuck this shit!
I'm limping in a grave
But I haven't quit
Average slacker, thats your bid
Never understand me but I bet, that I'll win!
Ah, what a boring fit
How many times do I have to listen to those lame memories?
Shut up, shut up, shut the fuck up!
Sure I'm nothing special but, the hell?
Oh well, I'm done with it
I DON'T GIVE A SHIT!
END
The tunes ended dramatically with the lights slowly fading back to normal, with everyone coming around to contemplate what they just heard and witnessed.
Herohero felt the weight on his shoulders (as if he had one) gone as he slowly calmed himself down. As if the load he had been carrying for a very long time vanished. Or rather, lessened the cargo he has been carrying with him.
Just as the audience clapped and shouted words of praises, whilst some muttering hushed whispers to each other.
"Feels good, doesn't it?" Dynamite walked over to him, almost making him jump in surprise.
"Y-Yeah… Yeah, it was quite… Relieving."
"That's great man," Perorocino put his shoulder around the Black Slime's neck… Or at least it should be? "Cuz we felt like ya needed it. Scream out that load of burden out."
"…Wait, did you rig the Wheel for me to do this!?"
"What? No!" The white birb man looked scandalized at the accusation. "The damn Wheel can't be adjusted! I can't even set it to a fixed spin, only add in names."
"Doubt," Dynamite commented plainly, Herohero also agreed to her statement at the suspicious act by Perorocino. "But anyways, mind heading back to your seat big boy? We're gonna need our next contestant!"
The Black Slime wordlessly shifted back to his seat, where his creation maid Solution was waiting on a seat next to his. The moment he sat down, he was granted a lean hug by Solution, to which he accepted without any resistance.
"ALRIGHT!" Dynamite screamed to the microphone, much to half of the audience's irritation to their hearing nerves… To those who would have problems anyways.
"Removing any depressing shit, we go on to the next part! Finally, we can have the Battle Duels!" The harpy birb woman grinned in anticipation as she looked over to Perorocino.
"Spin that shit!"
Perorocino wordlessly obliged as he spun the Wheel resulting…
"Touch Me!"
"Hmm?" The Silver Paladin glanced up at the Wheel, seeing the Wheel stopped to where the arrow was pointing at… His name. "Wait, what?"
Sebas Tian, who was standing near his creator, was looking quite excited by the hint of a glint on his eyes despite his stoic expression.
"Oh snap man!"
"Welp, we can hear Touch Me sing. Finally." Connaidiam snickered as he looked over to Nubo. "Pay up man."
"That was a fucking luck draw." Nubo grumbled as he floated several bright glowing looking ores towards the White Dragon who immediately grabbed the ores and placed them into his inventory.
"Well, well well." Ulbert began. "Looks like we'd see justice man perform on stage now—"
Before Ulbert could finish his sentence, Dynamite had already put Pero to spin the Wheel again and it stopped at…
"Ulbert!"
"—You, Wait, what!?" The Goat Demon did a double take, looking quite incredulous.
Demiurge blinked before humming in anticipation of his master's performance.
Both sides are quite surprised at the results of this scenario. It was the good ol' Good vs Evil cliche. Except, in a singing battle.
"Hahahaha!" Cuttlefish laughed at her friend's reaction.
"Oi! This is rigged!"
"No it aint, goat man. Now get your furry ass up here!" The harpy grinned. "You too Touch Me!"
The two rivals of morality walked up to the stage, the audience in hushed whispers, more so on the NPCs side at the glorious sight with both worry and excited anticipation.
"So, gentlemen? Coin toss or pick n choose?"
The two looked at each other before agreeing to a decision almost immediately.
""Coin toss.""
"Name your call?"
"Tails." Touch Me.
"Heads then." Ulbert.
"Okie~!" She flipped the coin into the air and saw the results be…
"Heads! Ulbert!"
The audience, especially those close to the goat demon, shouted in excitement.
"Let's go, goat boy!" Perorocino added more salt to the embarrassment that they all knew he was feeling, trying to look not embarrassed that he would be the first one to sing…
"Shut your mouth, you feather brain." Ulbert glared at the birbman as he was handed a microphone.
"This will be the one time I'll be doing this. And no more, because from what I know, men like me are… Broken."
(Evil That Men Do - Soldiers of Forgiveness)
Instrumental~
You can mend the men who are broken, you can bless the men who are damned.
For those who are forgotten, you can lend a helping hand.
You can hide from the hateful, play fatal peek-a-boo.
There's no escape from the Evil That Men Do
"That is one hell of an introduction." Jo-Bro said.
"Hell of a start too." Suratan leaned forward.
You can bribe the men of GREED, you can praise the men of PRIDE.
You can try to breathe some life in those who may be dead inside.
If you try to kill the evil, you haven't got a clue.
There's no escape from the Evil That Men Do
"Damn, really singing those words right at Touch Me!" Coup De Grace said.
"If anything, it fits Ulbert quite perfectly." Grievous Sin commented.
"It does…" Nearata hummed.
And you can grow the seeds of HOPE, and you can sow the seeds of LOVE,
You can ask for FORGIVENESS from all the gods above.
When you meet the eyes of evil, there is nothing you can do.
There's no escape from the Evil That Men Do
Touch Me couldn't help but pity his comrade. How disillusioned he saw through the world, how it treated him like dirt. It was no dream or illusion that Touch Me ignored. He did what he could to help back in their Real World. He helped however he could, whatever he can, whenever he can.
However many times he tried to help, there was no helping the world that was dying of hope and dreams.
Instrumental~
When you meet the men of ANGER, when you meet the men of LUST.
You can estimate the danger, or build a wall of TRUST.
Evil will elude you, it knows your every move.
There's no escape from the Evil That Men Do
"Hard to argue on that one." Ancient One chuckled amusingly.
You can minimize the risk, you can optimize the cost.
If you play the game with evil, you have already lost.
When evil calls your number, you already knew:
There's no escape from the Evil That Men Do
Demiurge felt like his master was doing his song perfectly. The lyrics fit his creator's persona. Extruding his philosophy at the same time, inducing a musical passion that he hadn't known his master to have!
He felt giddy at the thought.
And you can grow seeds of HOPE, and you can sow the seeds of LOVE,
You can ask for FORGIVENESS from all the gods above.
When you meet the eyes of evil, there is nothing you can do.
There's no escape from the Evil That men do
Momonga couldn't help but think if the world or rather Ulbert's life went differently… He cant.
He can't imagine how Ulbert would turn out if the world went differently.
If anything, this is Ulbert's way of screaming out his frustrations. A defiant stand against Fate.
So go ahead and ride those rapids, the world is yours to roam!
Most people die of habits, most people die at home!
You can only beat the Evil if the rules are made by you.
Just live your life, it's the only life for you
That's your escape from the Evil That Men Do
And you can grow seeds of HOPE, and you can sow the seeds of LOVE,
You can ask for FORGIVENESS from all the gods above.
Only fool will shed a tear for the victims of the FEAR
Just live with COURAGE…. and your victory is near!
Instrumental~ Fading end…
"…"
A clap, which was surprisingly started by Ancient One, followed by Jo-Bro and Suratan, Demiurge in suit, then the rest followed. Polite and excited claps mixed along each other.
Ulbert heaved, trying to calm his demon heart down from the singing. It did quite took his breath away.
"Here," Ulbert tossed the microphone to Touch Me, who easily caught it. "Your turn."
"…" The Silver Paladin merely stared at him for a good long while before nodding.
(EPIC ROCK | ''Hero'' by Mountains vs. Machines)
You could be a hero
But here you are
Scared of your shadow
Looking at the stars
"Oh shit," Suratan's eyes widen. "No he just didn't…"
"Great comeback from our Heroic paladin." Mekongawa chortled.
"Shhhh!" Yamaiko chastised, making the two sent apologetic looks to her way.
You could be a hero
Scream your name
When the world comes crashing down you'll take the pain
You could be a hero
You'll find a way
Every battle led you closer to today
You could be a hero
"…" Ulbert frowned, but listened.
You're almost there
But you've gotta keep fighting
Gotta stay prepared
You can't be afraid if you want to be great
Gotta give it all before it's too late
This is your moment
It's time for you to take it
As Touch Me sang, he became more animated and his voice turned passionately. Enough that it was arousing everyone's inner souls to… Be determined.
He became lost to it, putting his heart to it. Recalling all those memories with his family, sharing it, it only added more soul to his voice.
You could be a hero
Scream your name
When the world comes crashing down you'll take the pain
You could be a hero
You'll find a way
Every battle led you closer to today
You could be a hero
(You could be a hero)
Sebas Tian, the normally stoic butler, could only tremble in excitement as he witnessed his Creator's performance. Not only did he sing to what he is bound for, but also how passionate he delivered it. This could go the same for other similar-minded/karma creations that watched along in quiet excitement.
You could be a hero
Scream your name
When the world comes crashing down you'll take the pain
You could be a hero
You'll find a way
Every battle led you closer to today
(You could be a hero)
(You could be a hero)
You could be a hero
END
Another round of applause once Touch Me had finished singing.
"Wow! Amazing performance on both sides! Can't friggin chomp that up!" Dynamite exclaimed. "Now! Votes ladies and gents! That includes you guys as well." The NPCs mentioned perked up.
"But please put your honest votes. Whoever's performance you like, vote for em! Alright, so first to Ulbert!"
Many hands raise… Not all NPCs raised their hands, and much to no one's surprise, Sebas Tian didn't. This was expected, as some would be biased to their own Creators.
Ulbert gets 55.
"Oh wow, 55! A good portion. Now next up!"
Another set of hands raised up with others down… Again, not surprise for Demiurge to do the same and put his hand down.
"Ooooh, the same— wait what!? Looks like we got a first ever tie folks, because it's also 55!"
The crowd went wild as they looked at each other on their decisions for the vote. Some were against it, some were surprised that it was a tie.
Both contestants looked at each other. Not that anyone could see the expression behind Touch Me's helm, but the air around the two seemed to be calm with competitiveness instead of harmful rivalry.
"It was a good song, yours was." Ulbert said in a grumbling way.
"So was yours, Ulbert. Not that I agree with your words, but it at least showed me light as to how you saw the world."
"…" Ulbert stared at Touch Me plainly before putting out his hand.
Touch Me looked at it before shaking on it. The crowd witnessed this, and brought out a cheerful roar of approval and excitement.
"Let's not do this again." Ulbert mumbled.
"Hahahaha! Maybe, but who knows?" Touch Me smiled, not that it could be seen, but the gesture was expounded with a hearty tone in his voice.
"We'll see then." Ulbert delivered a cocky smirk, answering him in return.
As the two went back to their seats, both were greeted by their own respective creations to which they praised them for. Which both Players dismissively waved their complements off. But it would be a lie to say they didn't like their words of praise for their performance though…
"Great performance to our two big boys!" "Oi!" "Getting on to the show, we're going back to the singles!"
"You're literally stealing my spotlight, Dynamite." Perorocino said.
"Too bad, feathers, I'm taking charge now." She grinned before switching back her attention anew. "Rolling the Wheel now!"
Rolling onto the name…
"Garnet!"
"Oh crap." SBs nearby laughed at the chosen one's demise.
"Ooooo, here we go honey~!" Buku yelped in excitement.
"Go for it, Garnet." The sentient sword giggled as she tapped the sentient armor on their shoulder eagerly.
As Garnet walked up to the stage, he surprisingly brought out a musical instrument, a guitar that slinged over on his shoulder. Set up the microphone on a stand.
"Huh, Brisingr, did you know Garnet could play a guitar?" Genjiro looked at the sentient sword, along with the others near to her who heard.
"No. I didn't." She sounded quite surprised about it. "But even then, this seems exciting."
"Lets see what your boy could bring out, eh?" Cuttlefish giggled at the sword's flustered manner of trying to give a good response, much to the chuckling of the others around the table and those within earshot.
"Whoah, you bringing out a piece?" Whitebrim said, slightly surprised. Along with Perorocino and Dynamite looking gobsmacked at what they thought would embarrass one of their younger members of AoG.
"Yep!" Garnet said enthusiastically as he strung the guitar strings to see if the tunes had been set right and adjusted the microphone stand's height. Seeing that everything's all good, he spoke.
"Now, since you want to see what I've got?"
The crowd gave a very enthusiastic response.
"Well, you'll see this then." He grinned as he had the beats tuned up. "Because, compared to the rest of you all who just performed…"
(EPIC ROCK | "Make It Look Easy'' by Valley Of Wolves)
I make it look easy (Oh oh oh ohhh 2x)
I make it look easy (Oh oh oh ohhh 2x)
I make it look good (Oh oh oh ohhh 2x)
I make it look easy
Garnet strung his guitar as well as tapping onto it, applying the beat.
"What the shit—?" Were the reactions of the SBs, while the NPCs couldn't help but be astonished.
Don't think you're ready for this
I don't play no games
I'm turnin' up the heat
Betta' move out my way
In the club, gonna show 'em off
Everytime I walk in the room
I'm bout' the swagger oh yeah
Just doin' what I do
"Arrogant prick." Genjiro joked.
"That aside, he really does sing well." Punitto Moe said.
"Ooo, I kinda like it." Lupus started to bop her head slightly.
"Its quite energetic." Yuri stated.
"Its one of the category of music genre, Yuri." Yamaiko. "Its Rock."
Ya ain't seen nothin'
I'm a-comin'
Ain't no stoppin' this
I make it look easy
I make it look good
No doubt about it
It's understood
I make it look easy
I make it look good
All eyes up on me
Just like they should
"Boooo—!" Suratan began before being bonked on his head by their resident's strategist holding a newspaper.
"Quiet! No one booed your ass when you sang! Let him have this!" A tick bulging on the Death Vine's head.
Brisinger sent a appreciated look, not that a fucking sentient sword could express, but having to alter the color of her sword's aura, she could express everyone around what color moods her.
A mix of violet, cyan and white… What could that possibly mean?
I make it look easy (Oh oh oh ohhh 2x)
I make it look good (Oh oh oh ohhh 2x)
I make it look easy (Oh oh oh ohhh 2x)
I make it look good
Don't think you can handle this
I'm turnin' up the flames
'Cause when it's over you're about ta
Get to know my name
I've got the green light, burnin' rubber
Livin' in the fast lane
Better run for cover now
'Cause I'm 'a make it rain
"Kids got balls, that's for sure." Ankoro leaned on her chair, enjoying the show. Smiling slightly as she glanced at her "nephew" Lupus who was enjoying the song.
"That he does. He could have used that confidence back then during our raid to the Crystal Mines." The elder frost giant commented.
"True, but I think he was somewhat new around that time." She-Wolf hummed.
"Point."
Ain't seen nothin'
I'm a-comin'
Ain't no stoppin' this
I make it look easy
I make it look good
No doubt about it
It's understood
I make it look easy
I make it look good
All eyes up on me
Just like they should
I make it look easy
I make it look easy
I make it look good
I make it look good
I make it look easy
I make it look easy
I make it look good
I make it look good
Brisingr couldn't help but think how Garnet look so… Free and handsome as he sang and played the guitar. Made him look like one of those rock stars from the past wearing wild outfits like those Wasteland games.
I make it look easy
I make it look good
No doubt about it
It's understood
I make it look easy
I make it look good
All eyes up on me
Just like they should
I make it look easy
I make it look good
I make it look easy
I make it look good
I make it look easy
END
Garnet deliberately strung a very smooth ass transition on his guitar, and with that concludes the song. Everyone made their own sounds of approval.
"What the hell was that, Garnet!? Never knew you could play a guitar!" Perorocino.
"It's a hobby!" He chuckled.
"It just got off worthwhile then, didn't it?" Dynamite grinned.
As he went back to his seat, Brisingr leaned onto his shoulder as much as she physically could.
"You never told me you could do music, Garnet."
"Heheh, it was kinda a hobby of mine." The living armor scratched at the back of his head in embarrassment.
"…You'll need to show me more secrets once we're done here, Garnet." The sentient greatsword perked to Garnet's faceplate before floating back to her seat.
"…Wah?" Stunned at whatever just… happened.
They all simply laughed at Garnet's lackluster's reaction.
A/N From UL22:
Not gonna lie, that was hell of a fucking writing shit to do. So many characters to think of for the fucking omake.
Also I just estimated how many fucking named NPCs there are in the damn room, so fucking guessed it.
Oh well, fuck it. It's decent in my opinion. Fuck all, just hope yall enjoyed it.