Twisted Wonderland Book 5: A Beauitful Tyrant

Chapter 58: An Early Impact

Soon enough, the rehearsal was a great success for Night Raven. Once they're done, they leave the stage to meet the others.

Kalim happily asks, "Briar! Grim! Everyone! What'd you think of our performance?"

"You were on fire up there!" Jasper says.

"You all were amazing out there," Briar says.

"That was fantastic," Sereia happily says.

"Yes, it was astonishing. No, beautiful," Tanzanite says.

Trinket happily nods her head in reply.

Epel then says, "The stage was way bigger than our practice room... But it felt kind of nice to dance without worrying about being cramped."

"Heh. Even you're coming around," Jamil says.

Then Vil says, "I'd like to review our footage right now. And not just the front; I want to know how it looks from both sides."

Soon, one of the TV staff says, "Great work, Vil! That was the best performance I've ever seen! I got goosebumps just watching! We're with a Shaftlands news program. Could you spare some time for an interview to be shown on our evening news?"

"Certainly," Vil says.

Then the staff member happily says, "Thanks! Night Raven College got selected as this year's SDC host school... So I'm sure there was a lot of pressure on you. But I'd have never guessed it from the flawless performance you put on! Your powerful singing, your sharp dance moves... It wasn't just good for students—it was professional to a tee! It's hard to find groups as good as yours the world over. And I'd expect nothing less from a team led by Vil Schoenheit!"

"Thank you kindly," Vil says, "We went through some very rigorous rehearsals to get here, so I'm delighted you enjoyed it. We'll have an even better performance at showtime—no, we'll have the fairest in the land. Don't miss it."

"After a first act this strong, I think I'll end up watching the following acts with a much more critical eye," The staff member adds.

"Ooh! That's a promisin' start right there!" Grim happily says.

Then the TV Station staff member says, "Actually, we're planning on posting ten-second promo videos to Magicam. They're going to include footage of the representative teams in their rehearsals, as a preview of what the SDC will be like live. The headmage has granted his permission already. I believe his words were, 'Whatever generates more hype for the SDC.' Would you be willing to review our footage?"

"I'd be happy to," Vil says.

Vil then replies, Ah, I see now. On the surface, the SDC is purely a school music recital. They don't reveal song titles or lineup order until showtime. But it gets a lot of commercial attention, which necessitates advertising to build excitement."

"Sounds like a lot's going on under the cowl," Ace replies, "But it makes sense to wait to the last minute. That way nobody can come up with counter-plays after watching another school's performance, or change their song."

"Thanks for your help! We'll be posting this video right now," The staff member says.

But Vil says with a smile, "No, thank YOU. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Ace looks at his phone and says, "Oh, hey! The video just went up on the TV station's Magicam account!"

Deuce looks at it as well and is amazed, "Whoa, you're right! Gah, I saw myself for a second there...and I think my dancing is kind of stilted."

"Let me see!" Epel says, and sees the video, "Wow... The likes on the video just keep going up. It's getting shared all over."

Even Kalim is excited, "Ooh! I'm seeing lots of comments from Vil fans saying they've been waiting for this!"

"In fact, most of the video centers on Vil," Jamil points out.

"Let's see what viewers are saying... 'Cool!' 'Awesome!' And more than anything else: 'Beautiful!' It's clear how eager everyone is for the SDC," Rook says.

"I suppose so," Briar says.

"Hey look Briar, there's even a small video of you in it, and it's getting great results," Ace says.

Briar blushes to hear it.

"You seem to be getting a bit popular," Deuce says.

"I don't know about that. I'm just the opening performer," Briar says.

"Well it seems people are committing beautiful, amazing, and do question who you are and such. One even asks if you're Vil's protege or something. I think it's because you go to the same school" Ace says.

"Protege?" Sereia asks.

"It means they think Briar is my student, and is taking lessons from me. Well, she did in a way," Vil says.

"I suppose it makes sense. You've been giving Briar some private lessons for her performance," Tanzanite says.

"I don't know. I'm not sure if I would make a career being a celebrity like you Vil. I think I'll be nervous or embarrassed all the time," Briar says.

"Who knows. It really depends on what you want," Deuce says.

While everyone talks, Vil steps away from the group.

He brings out his phone and says to it, "Mira, Mira. Tell me something."

Vil's phone, Mira answers, "What would you like me to look up?"

Then Vil asks, "Who, at this moment, is the most beautiful of all?"

"Displaying results for "account with the most comments using the word 'beautiful'": Vil Schoenheit," Mira says.

This has Vil by surprise.

He soon begins to chuckle with confidence, "Heh heh... Heh heh heh... Finally. At long last!"

Just then, the second crew member calls out, "Next up is the Royal Sword Academy group. Please stand by!"

Got it! We're on our way!" Neige happily calls.

This catches the Night Raven Students off guard.

"Royal Sword Academy's going right after us?!" Ace asks, shocked.

Deuce and Epel smirk with confidence.

Deuce says, "That's perfect. Let's see what kind of performance they've got."

"Good idea! Let's take a break in the audience seating and enjoy the show," Kalim says.

But Vil says, "Not so fast. I told you that reviewing the footage and ironing out our flaws comes first."

However, Rook steps in, "Now now, Roi du Poison. It's important to observe one's rival and get a full grasp of their capabilities."

Vil thinks for a minute, and has to agree that Rook has a point. It's important to observe the competition, especially Night Raven College's number one rival.

Soon, Vil agrees, "...I suppose you have a point. Let's see what Royal Sword Academy's representatives have to show us. Not that it will hold a candle to our beauty, of course."

Then the film crew member says, " Lighting and audio are all set! Royal Sword Academy, you're up!"