Ayakashi Parade in mahorova - Track 3

Woah, so this is a “Bio Avatar.” This might be the first time I’ve used this kind of thing in mahorova.

Bio Avatar… An abbreviated name for Biometric Scan Avatars, created by utilizing data from real-world body scans to achieve an avatar that closely resembles the user’s real-world appearance.

I see… The other people around here definitely don’t look like sea creatures. I won’t have to worry about being crushed by a yokozuna slickhead.

Besides that, the positive opinion of Bio Avatars is largely due to the ability to come into contact with others within the virtual space.

(Contact… with others….)

…!

Ah, my bad.

…Don’t worry about it.

(Damn… it was just a light touch, but I still can’t deal with it even through an avatar…)

Huh? That guy just now, I feel like I saw them on TV the other day…

Now that you mention it, that person over there’s an artist who’s been making waves lately…

Even *I’ve* seen all of the people here before.

So we really were invited to such a high-profile event…

…Chief. I’m sorry, but let’s triple the amount of flowers planned for tomorrow… No, quintuple⁠—

Apologies for the delay. The briefing session ran a bit long.

It seems you all managed to login with the Bio Avatars just fine. Have you had the chance to try out the costume app?

Ah, Nayuki-kun. We were just about to do that.

There’s tons of default costumes in here, but you can also make your own designs… You really can create a completely personalized cosplay with this.

Indeed. The system is also quite simple to use. That being said… There’s one thing the president wants you to be aware of.

On the day of the event, the team selected by the judges will win the privilege of having their designs displayed in the heart of mahorova for one week.

This is a perfect opportunity to promote HAMA Tours, so he’s hoping that the five of you will go for the prize.

Well then… I’ll go for this serpent outfit. It’s a bit on the revealing side. Reptiles and I are quite compatible creatures, you know.

Nagi, what do you think? Isn’t it a perfect fit for me?

It certainly is revealing… That’s a lot of skin showing.

It looks like it’d get chilly, and besides, it’s geared towards professional cosplayers.

And? There’s nothing wrong with shedding a few layers.

That’ll just make it even colder… but I guess that’s the cost of being stylish.

A bold yet stoic choice, as expected of you, Kuguri-san. I’ll have to take a page out of your book.

Look, Nanaki-kun. Isn’t this Kappa costume cute?

Eh!? Yeah, Kappa… Um, it’s cute… yeah.

I think it would be cuter on you, Chief…_

Huh? I’m sorry, could you say that one more time?

T-The Kappa! I-It’s super cute!!!

Shut up.

Kinari-kun, what do you think? Any costumes that catch your eye?

I have no particular preference.

I will leave the choice to Master’s discretion.

Pfffft. Did you hear that? “Master’s discretion,” he said.

Are there really such boring, mannequin-like people at this event? They don’t seem to be anyone noteworthy, unlike us.

…!

Oh, did you catch the film show last Friday? The one with the android in the supporting role. Doesn’t he remind you of it?

That android’s facial expressions were horrendous~ The fact that it didn’t look alive was a toootal turn off~

Well, at least the foil character was pretty good.

…

…Um. That was a bit ru–

Maaan.

People who need to look down on others to maintain their pride are such a sorry sight.

…Eh?

Personally, I sure hope I won’t become a shallow adult like that.

Hold it, what was that?

It’s nothing. Didn’t you say something about going to a film show last Friday?

The one about humans being way more repulsive than androids, right?

Eh, what? This blows… Let’s just go.

U-Ushio-kun! You crossed a line there.

So what? I thought I’d teach them a lesson, since they clearly can’t recognize bad manners despite their age.

But, that was quite aggressive…

That said, I’m happy that you got mad on behalf of Kinari-kun.

Kurama-sama. I apologize for causing you trouble.

…Nah. It’s not like it was any trouble… or anything.

Well, let’s pull ourselves together and think about what to do for Kinari-kun’s costume.

…

…Hey, Azekawa-san⁠—