Sigh... That was a lot scarier than I imagined...

Are you okay, Saki?

Yeah... I was just surprised because I haven't gone to that many haunted houses before...

The thing that poked my forehead...
I couldn't tell it was just konjac jelly at first!

That was actually pretty funny.

Yes. Some effects were old-fashioned, but their simplicity added to the element of surprise. I've learned much from this experience.

Great! I can definitely handle something like that!

You're volunteering?!
Then I'll prepare some piping hot konjac for you!

Why piping hot?!

Ahaha♪ Tsukasa looks like he's having fun!

He would be with such interesting friends.

Hm? Has that roller coaster always been there?

No, I don't think so.
It must be new.

It feels different from everything else, doesn't it? That whole area seems to follow more of a futuristic theme.

There are more thrill rides than before too.
And they all look pretty scary...

Does that mean they made a new area?

...

Emu...?

Right, I'm sure Emu would know!

Emu, do you know anything about that roller coaster...?

Oh, um...! If you're looking for a fun roller coaster, I recommend the Go! Go! Phenny! coaster over there☆ Come on, let's gooo!

Huh? O-Okay? Uh, let's go...!

...

...

Build suspense by pausing just before the drop...
And then...

...!!!

As the coaster speeds up during the drop, riders are treated to a view of Phoenix Wonderland in its full glory...!

The exhilaration one feels after being liberated from that initial tension... What a wonderful setup, indeed.

AAAHHHHHHHH!!!

Round and round and round and round!
Gaaaaaah!!!!

Waaaargh! This is amazing, Tsukasa!
The whole world's spinning like crazy♪

Ts-Tsukasa!
This is a bit too much, don't you think?!

No! We can do even better!! Let it be known that I settle for nothing but the best performance in everything I do!!!

Well, they seem to be having a fun time...

Tsukasa definitely is.

We don't have to compete with them, right?

Ahaha♪

We're almost at the top, everyone.

Wow...
PXL looks so different from up here!
Isn't this amazing?

We can take our time with the view here, unlike the roller coaster.

I could stay on that ride forever♪

Um, I think I'm okay for now...

Phew... That was certainly a lot of fun.
Shall we find a place to rest for a bit.

Why don't we get some Phenny Penguin manju?
There's a set that comes with drinks too☆

Sounds like a plan. Wait here for me.
I'll go get some for everyone.

Th-Thank you so much...!
You're so thoughtful.

Thanks, Tsukasa!
See you later!

It's already this late...

We haven't had so much fun at PXL together since we were in elementary school.

I know, right! It feels kinda weird because we'd usually still be practicing.

You're right.
But I feel like playing the guitar now, actually.

Me too! I've been tapping to a rhythm for a while already...

You too, Hona?

Yes. I'm still a terrible drummer who always relies on Shiho, but I just want everyone to know that I really love our band!

That's nice...

By the way...
When did you start playing the bass, Shiho?

I vaguely remember it was from elementary school...

Hey, I've been curious about that too!
All of a sudden, you just started playing one day!

Did it seem like that?

Yes, I'd like to know too.

It's nothing that dramatic really...

You know my father's a musician, right?

Yeah! He's a guitarist, right?

Right, and he took me along to see all sorts of shows when I was still little.

Then I saw a girl band perform...
Their show was just so cool and amazing...

Really? I didn't know that! What did they sound like?

You should be able to find them with a quick search. They turned pro just a little while ago.

I can also lend you their CD if you're really interested.

Wait, really?! Thanks, Shiho!
I can't wait♪

Would you mind if I borrow it afterwards?

Sure. They've gotten better since turning pro too, so we could definitely use their performances as a reference.

They must be really good for you praise them like this.

Yes. I respect them.

Their music has a way of really getting my heart going...

It makes me want to shout out or cry...
I just can't sit still after listening to them...

Wow...

And I want to touch someone's heart with my music, like they did with mine.

That's why I have to get better...
I want to become a pro and reach more people.

So that my music can really get them going too...

Now I understand...

A professional, huh?
I've never thought about that before.

We'd probably have to practice even harder than we are right now...

Yikes... That sounds rough...

(I should've known... None of them are thinking about aiming higher, are they?)

...

I can't even begin to imagine what the world of professional musicians is like...

But it has to be fun if it allows more people to listen to our music, like Shiho says.

(But I'd have to get much better first...)

Hm...?

Is it just me or did their conversation become somber all of the sudden?

It's not just you. I can't hear them clearly, but it sounds quite serious.

They're in a band together, yes? I'm sure they have quite a lot to talk about since they're dedicated to the same craft and all.

Gasp...! Guys, it's almost time for the show to start!

What? Already?

Oh, she's right.
Shall we start getting ready then?

Saki! We're heading to Wonder Stage to get ready for the show!

Come and watch us later!

Okay, got it!
Break a leg, Tsukasa!

And everyone from Wonderlands×Showtime too!

Thank you.

I know you'll love our show!
I guarantee it'll make you grin from ear to ear☆