Nextgen Kids: Legend of the Nine Newborn

Operation: AINCRAD, Level 9: CLU's Clues

Fun fact about Sayu's band: their names are based off the Solfege scales, do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do! Anyway, I did have a song battle in mind with this boss, but I don't wanna write lyrics right now, so just the boss theme. XD

The operatives brought Tila's band to the base of Karaoke Tower. A neon Song Road spiraled up around the perimeter of the cone-shaped structure. There were also glowing holes along it. "You know, why does Karaoke Tower look more like a giant horn?" Eddy wondered.

"Maybe it's a microphone, but they didn't design the speaker part." Miko shrugged. "It would be hard to stay balanced on a round bottom, right?"

"Whoa!" Remi tried to walk up the path, but immediately felt his foot slip down. "This road's as slippery as ice."

"The Song Road will only respond to the voice of the one who fully awoke the tower." Boly replied. "That person can otherwise bring allies to be carried up the tower. Your musicbending will also be imperative in combatting the boss. I would suggest allowing Miko to accompany you."

"Only I can collect the Pure Hearts, for some reason."

"Correct, but your guitar-playing skills will be vital as well."

"But I don't have a guitar."

As a response, Boly digitized a purple electric guitar from her glove. "YEAH!" She strummed it with vigor. "I feel the power of my high scores coursing through me!"

Tila bit her lip nervously and stared up the imposing tower. Even with her teammates beside her, this was more important than any show. These guys were depending on her to beat this boss. Heck, probably everyone in Aincrad was depending on her. This was way different from singing in their comfy, safe recording room. "So, uh, are we ready to go?" Dodo asked.

"I don't know..." Tila replied.

"It'll be fine, Tila." Miko assured, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Just pretend it's an ordinary concert. Just imagine yourself on a stage and sing like you always have!"

"A st-st-stage?"

"Uh, I mean, your bedroom! Wherever you actually sing... The point is, just do what you always have. We'll back you up every step of the way."

"I'm ready to show that boss who's boss!" Sofa declared, drawing out an umbrella missile launcher.

"Okay..." Tila closed her eyes and took a breath. She courageously walked to the start of the path. Her friends and Miko lined up behind her as the latter strummed her guitar.

Miko played the opening rhythm of "Currents of Love" with Tila applying vocals. As they soared up the neon road, jets of music burst out of holes, prompting the players to either jump or duck. The "pop" and "bum bum" parts of the music would indicate when to do so. The world outside the tower spiraled around them like a giant merry-go-round, whether it be the city of Danceopolis or the sea and coast bordering the tower. "At least we get a cool view." Dodo smiled as they ducked a jet.

"My eyes are spinning..." Sofa's swirly lenses literally spun.

"And the heart is just up above!" Miko beamed, seeing the yellow glow shimmering above the peak.

"It doesn't seem like there's much room for a boss fight." Remi commented, the group jumping two jets. "Are you sure that it's actually-"

A giant tentacle suddenly slapped around part of the tower, blocking their ascent. The music coming to a halt, they abruptly slid down, but were able to grab some of the holes and stop. The tentacle was a light-cyan and seemed to originate from the nearby sea.