Elysian's Monogatari

Chapter 74: Tatsumi's Talk Towards Idols

"First allow me to briefly explain how this place works." Tatsumi said. "Since we have someone new today not to mention Jun-san and the brothers left last time without hearing what I had to say." He added. "We've said it before. We don't want anything to do with this place. Just by the looks of it it's sketchy as hell." Shiro said with a sigh.

...A group of non-honored student-like people gather in this dim, gloomy place, wearing eerie smile on their faces. They seem more relaxed here than they ever appear within the school's walls. They are all laughing carelessly as if they have no complaints or worries. Jun thought.

Looking at these faint-hearted people. I know I should keep myself away from here or I too will become good for nothing. He then thought. "Well then let's start with the premise. The idol industry is on a steady decline." Tatsumi said.

"Back then super idols were bright stars in the sky, lighting up the entire industry, even the entire world. However those glory days are long gone." He added. "...We don't need a history lesson here." Kaname said.

"Indeed that is common sense for us idols after all. I'd love to delve into the detailed history with you, but HiMERU-san probably already learned it all in his classes when he was an honored student." Tatsumi said.

"I heard about it from my bastard father too. I didn't even ask but he just kept going on and on about the past, complaining about 'how great the good old days were'." Jun said. "Hmm perhaps your father is from the last generation of idols who experienced the heyday of the idol industry, Jun-san." Tatsumi said.

"Ever since the 'original super idol' retired, the idol industry's fortunes have taken a plunge. The bubble economy burst and everything vanished. This tragic situation has continued to this day." He added.

"Are you suggesting that we're foolish for wanting to become idols in this ice age? Are you mocking me for being such an idiot?" Kaname asked "No not at all HiMERU-san. You seem sensitive about being turned down. I assure you. I'm not looking down on you or making fun of you." Tatsumi said.

"On the contrary I never want to hurt anyone. Although this may sound like an unrealistic dream for ordinary humans like us I've created this place in order to make that fantasy a reality." He added. "...?" Kaname can be seen confused.

"It is not anybody's fault. It is not anybody's responsibility so no one deserves to be punished. It's the fault of the times, of the environment, of everything except the humans." Tatsumi said causing Kaname to continue to be confused.

"Just like HiMERU-san just said we are currently in an 'ice age'. The idol industry is on a downward spiral yet it continues to churn out more idols than the world actually needs. It's all because if the numerous facilities and agencies established by the original super idol over the country even all over the world." Tatsumi then said.

"...Well I sort of understand where you're coming from. Countless idols are still being trained but most of them are bound to remain unrecognized underdogs unlikely to find a place in the industry." Shiro said.

"Hai that's correct. Most of the training facilities and agencies are currently facing financial crises, have been acquired by other companies, or have pivoted to different business models. However their idol training departments which were established due to early deals with the original super idol, have remained intact." Tatsumi said.

"These departments are like the heart or brain of the organizations and have continued to operate even if they have been running at a deficit for years. And in order to cover those losses they have no choice but to create other departments to keep their business running." He added.

"Even Yumenosaki the most influential academy in this industry ended up advertising itself as a normal high school with vocal and other general courses. Even Yumenosaki had to make compromises by admitting students who weren't aspiring to be idols in order to collect tuition fees." He then said.

"I have a basic question. If the whole industry's future is not promising why were new idol training schools like Reimei and Shuuetsu established?" Kaname asked. "Ahh you're right Reimei is fairly new isn't it?" Jun asked.

"From what I know It used to be missionary school where no one knew what they were teaching then it was renovated extensively with new buildings added and became the Reimei we know." Shiro said. "Hai. Facilities like this Catacombe were established long ago." Tatsumi said.

"It's fun exploring you know, the many weird sites here and there. I found this Catacombe when I was wandering around out of curiosity when I just entered the school actually. I do enjoy aimless strolls like that." He added.

"You're getting off track." Kaname said. "Oh right. To understand why schools like Reimei were established we'd have to ask the investors, in other words the higher ups at Cosmic Production." Tatsumi said.

"Maybe it's because they can't forget the good old days of the idol industry. Maybe it's not out of nostalgia or some sort of coincidence. Or perhaps it's just a strategy to avoid taxes." He added.

"If that's the case they're definitely pushing it too hard. The facilities and equipment are all top-notch here." Jun said. "Or rather why don't they just build something more profitable?" He added.

"Haha you're asking the wrong people for that." Tatsumi said. Yumenosaki huh? Now that I think of it Akkun is currently in that school. I just hope nothing bad happens while he is there. Especially not about 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁. Shiro thought.