Chapter 47: Echoes in the Depths (Second Installment)

Chapter 47: Echoes in the Depths (Second Installment)

The concert garden for Deep Space Echoes was a three-story-deep oasis, its open-air stage nestled amidst autumn vines and blossoms. Spotlights piercing through the floral arrangements cast an ethereal glow across the space.

The entire garden was enveloped by holographic interactive devices, projecting pink butterflies fluttering between the flowers. Above the main stage, a deep-pink galactic halo illuminated the sky, with celestial nebulae descending dramatically onto the stage, as if divine wonders had descended upon earth.

"…So you suspect there might be something off about this band?" Chen Shu leaned closer to Rong Mi, whispering from their seats not far from the stage.

Both wore simple long pants, sweaters, and jackets, blending seamlessly into the bustling crowd around them.

Chen Shu held the rabbit, while Ayin sat on Rong Mi's lap. As the owners conversed, the rabbit cautiously approached the young wolf. Ayin, with a cold demeanor, sniffed at Damon Rabbit before lifting its head and giving a low growl as a greeting.

"Damon seems a bit nervous, but it's alright – it's just that there are too many people here, and it's quite noisy," Chen Shu said, glancing down at the rabbit and pulling it closer. "For now, there doesn't seem to be any connection between this place and Ice Butterfly."

Damon was dressed in a dark red knitted vest, complementing the red of the rabbit's eyes.

Rong Mi glanced at the rabbit, then at the wolf, contemplating the possibility of persuading Ayin to wear a stylish pet outfit for a photoshoot.

Rong Mi, mimicking Chen Shu's actions, gently stroked the rabbit with his wolf-like claws, suggesting that since Ayin had touched it, he wanted to do so as well.

After petting the rabbit's soft fur a few times, he nonchalantly withdrew his hand under the wolf's disgruntled gaze.

"Has Damon been undergoing ice butterfly detection tests lately?" Rong Mi inquired curiously.

"Yes," Chen Shu replied. "I was supposed to be on vacation, but it's turned out just as busy as when I'm with the legion."

"Our return route didn't match yours; we detoured to an ice butterfly research institute where they breed them for study – you know, like captives."

"After confirming that Damon can distinguish the mental energy of ice butterflies, they conducted more tests at the capital star's Academy of Sciences' ice butterfly research institute upon our return. The academy is now devising a further training plan for Damon to see if they can expand its sensing range."

"They're also seeking other gem rabbits willing to undergo training... But there aren't many rabbit keepers within the military, so only a couple of people responded after searching for quite some time. They're still in the early stages of testing."

"You know what? The ice butterfly research institute isn't too far from here." He pointed, directing Rong Mi's attention to a cluster of pure white skyscrapers in the distance. "We came straight here after finishing our training."

The sun had set over the capital star, and the city's lights flickered on one by one, casting a spectrum of hues on the buildings.

As night fell, a few lights remained on inside the research institute, indicating that researchers were still working overtime.

The Ice Butterfly Academy of Sciences on Capital Star didn't seem to occupy a vast area; it was a cluster of buildings with remarkable depth, stretching across three ground levels.

"Seems small from the outside," Chen Shu muttered, "but it's huge inside thanks to space-folding technology." He then refocused his attention on the Deep Space Resonance concert.

"So you suspect something's off with Deep Space Resonance?" he asked again.

"Just a suspicion," Rong Mi replied casually. "They incorporate too many butterfly elements in their performances, and they're affiliated with the same entertainment company as the Ice Fire Tournament organizers."

Before arriving, Rong Mi had researched Deep Space Resonance, watching numerous videos of their concerts. He even spotted Yu Tiantian as a guest performer in one of their shows.

Rong Mi: "In the Ice Fire Tournament case, although the investigation isn't over and many details remain unclear, it's certain that the program team has members from the Ice Butterfly Guild. Who knows if Deep Space Resonance might also have some... issues."

Chen Shu: "..."

Chen Shu found himself at a loss for words.

"Butterflies are also 'butterflies'," he whispered, "even though seeing all these fluttering butterflies gives me the creeps! It's like encountering miniature, color-altered low-grade Ice Butterflies everywhere. Let's not mention that few military personnel would dare visit insect or botanical gardens... They might lose control and massacre all the ordinary butterflies."

"Still, your reasoning seems a bit stretched," Chen Shu commented objectively. "Ordinary residents in the Safe Zone don't exhibit such a reaction."

"Besides, that entertainment company has a wide range of businesses! The military investigation is now leaning towards the idea that the Ice and Fire Tournament incident was unrelated to the company, but rather the private act of the organizers. If you were to mention those reasons publicly, people would definitely say you're just envious of Deep Space Echo's popularity!"

Rong Mi: "?"

Perplexed, he looked at Chen Shu, "Envious of what?"

"Hey, weren't you part of Phantom Chord before?!" Chen Shu exclaimed. "Even though you've announced your retirement from the Star Network music scene... Deep Space Echo and your band were established in succession, but their popularity has consistently surpassed yours. This month is the Autumn Band Season on Capital Star, they have concerts every week, which makes them even more popular than Phantom Chord. Speaking of which, I saw fans of both bands arguing on the Star Network this afternoon!"

Rong Mi: "....I wouldn't have remembered if you didn't mention it."

He didn't have a strong impression of many events from his original identity's memory, and couldn't recall them unless someone specifically brought them up.

"The Star Network music scene is quite lively too!" Chen Shu, who normally didn't follow these Star Network bands, had done his homework after Rong Mi invited him to attend with Damon. Now, he was full of enthusiasm discussing the gossip, "I heard that Deep Space Echo poached Phantom Chord's music production team, causing Phantom Chord's upcoming album recordings to be suspended..."

His rambling was drowned out by a long, drawn-out note from an electric guitar.

The acoustics on the stage were exceptional, and as the music started, the noisy venue fell silent.

Immediately following, the surrounding crowd erupted into even louder cheers.

"Oooohhh! Echoes of the Deep Cosmos resound!!"

Amidst roars like mountainous waves and tumultuous seas, a rhythmic drumming filled the air.

The nebula above the stage transformed, its flowing colors morphing into the emblem of the Deep Cosmos band.

Beneath the suspended stars, an equilateral triangle connected, abruptly expanding like the wings of a butterfly.

In the center of the butterfly's wings, figures emerged from below the stage. The guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer...

One by one, figures clad in black leather appeared, followed by the lead singer with his long hair flowing loosely, wearing a sleeveless vest.

His fair tresses swayed with his movements, as starlight cast by the stage's holographic effects danced around him.

The pink butterfly wings on the screen flickered and vanished amidst his muted crooning.

The beat of the drums was heavy and rapid, accompanied by an exhilarating electric guitar melody distorted in a uniquely captivating way.

The audience below was energized, pulsing with the rhythm of the music, swaying their bodies in time.

The song is titled "Deep Space Butterfly," one of Deep Space Echo's signature pieces.

Rong Mi frowned amidst the music, whispering, "He's using mental energy."

"Wait—what?!" Chen Shu leaned close to Rong Mi and shouted, "Wow! You can't appreciate it fully unless you're here! Their music is so intense! —The drumbeat feels like it's hitting right inside my brain!"

Amidst the lead singer's roaring voice, a deep pink spark of mental energy splashed, intertwining with the stage effects, making it almost impossible to distinguish them apart.

The musical phrases were like a glowing red hot iron, embedding themselves deep into the listeners' minds amidst the fiery atmosphere.

"The butterfly of the deep cosmos soars freely in the supreme universe..."

Song after song ignited the atmosphere, stirring hearts and souls with their intensity.

Rong Mi's slightly furrowed brow contrasted with the surrounding excitement, his serene expression standing out.

"The members of Deep Space Echo... Their release of mental energy should exceed the legal limit," he said, activating the mental energy measurement function on his communication wristband and checking the reading, "By quite a margin."

To prevent adverse effects in public, the Federation prohibits ordinary citizens from exceeding the standard limit of mental energy emission, except in emergencies.

The standards set by the Federation were not overly stringent; usually, those with mental powers below grade B would find it challenging to reach such a level even with their full exertion.

However, the band on stage, or more specifically, their lead singer, was undoubtedly an uncommon A-grade mental power user.

The manner in which he employed his mental powers was also peculiar.

By utilizing a unique frequency vibration, he enhanced visual and auditory sensations, along with subtle hints from all directions.

It was similar to how Rong Mi once released a distinctive frequency that could lull ice butterflies into a slumber.

Deep Space Echo resonated through another distinctive frequency, vibrating its mental energy to connect the image of "butterflies" and "butterfly wings" with the joyous atmosphere at the venue.

Audience members did not feel any fear towards them; instead, they unconsciously developed a fervent worship when faced with this imagery.

The atmosphere in the venue was electric. Most people's mental power levels were not at the A-grade, so they were defenseless against the planted suggestions in their minds, and they wouldn't notice anything amiss with the surrounding energy field.

Rong Mi uploaded the energy measurement records and filed an anonymous report to the Mental Power Administration, requesting the enforcement team to intervene and halt the performance. Afterward, he opened the chat window of his friend, Seiko, who had once invited him to meet.

What Deep Space Echo was doing wasn't a major incident but certainly not insignificant either.

Though it could be classified as hypnosis, the effect would fade away gradually if one didn't listen to their music or attend their concerts for a while.

However, due to the hypnotic influence, once someone attended one of their shows, they were likely to come back for more, thus repeatedly reinforcing the implanted impression in their minds.

Deep Space Echoes could easily attribute this to their intense focus during performances, which unintentionally triggered their mental abilities – without any ill intentions.

This level of violation might end with a fine, compelling them to rectify their actions.

But if there was someone backing the band... being penalized once or twice wouldn't hinder their next concert at all.

The people behind them clearly posed a greater danger.

"Are you acquainted with Deep Space Echoes?" Rong Mi, unfamiliar with the Star Network's music scene, turned to Seiko, who knew the original owner of his body. "They poached your album recording team. Do they have connections?"

If he recalled correctly, Seiko was the leader of Phantom Chord.

"They do," Seiko replied promptly, as if he had been waiting on the other end of the communication device. He sent a photo. "This guy, he's a major shareholder of their entertainment company, known as the 'Blue-haired Wizard' Lu Tianchen, a master of financial resources."

Seiko spoke candidly, "We're furious! We're trying to find ways to dig up dirt on him through paparazzi to bring him down!"

The figure in the photograph had long, light blue hair, a slender build, and exquisite features that defied gender. Their bright crimson eyes gazed into the camera, a hint of a smile playing on their lips.

The image was slightly blurry, lacking in detail, as if it were taken from a distance by an intrusive paparazzi.

Rong Mi clicked his tongue.

...That hair color, those irises, such meticulous beauty, and that smile... It's highly characteristic of a high-ranking Adonis in humanoid form.

But it wasn't exclusive to Adonises.

Many humans in the Northern Star Region possessed similar traits.

During the era of interstellar nomadism, these individuals were once severely ostracized and discriminated against due to their resemblance to Adonises. The situation only marginally improved before Rong Mi's passing.

Until they actually encountered this person, nothing could be definitively concluded.

Rong Mi studied the photo for a moment before finally saving it.

Beside him, Chen Shu had already risen to his feet, swaying to the music and howling like a banshee.

Damon Rabbit, perplexed by his master's sudden antics, was left dizzy by Chen Shu's movements. With a hop, it leaped from Chen Shu's arm and landed precisely on Rong Mi's leg.

Ayin: "....Ow!"

The Silver Wolves grumbled in dissatisfaction, swatting Damon Rabbit gently with its tail. Stretching out, it claimed the spot on Rong Mi's lap entirely.

The rabbit hurriedly retreated two steps, rolling into a ball on the adjacent seat, emitting a pitiful whine. "....Squeak!"

Rong Mi regained his composure. He patted the silver wolf soothingly. "No worries, this human lap is reserved for you."

As he spoke, he held the wolf's paw and stroked the aggrieved rabbit as an apology.

Wolf: "...."

The wolf withdrew its paw and turned its head away from Damon Rabbit.

The rabbit, not daring to confront the silver wolf and feeling rejected by the other furry creature, unhappily nibbled on the edge of its owner's pants.

Chen Shu looked down and, being very responsible, lifted the rabbit into his arms.

"When did you sneak off?" He pinched the rabbit's ear, "What if you run away?"

As he spoke, he held the rabbit with his left hand and raised his right arm high, energetically swaying to the music.

Damon kicked with its hind legs, struggling to jump down again.

Rong Mi glanced over and pulled Chen Shu's wrist, urging him to sit down.

"What's the matter—Ami—" Chen Shu's eyes were still fixed on the stage, "Why are we sitting? Let's stand up and enjoy the vibe together! —"

Rong Mi casually replied but didn't move, simply snapping his fingers in front of Chen Shu.

A purple aura shimmered momentarily at the tip of his finger, producing a crisp snap that was drowned out by the music but echoed in Chen Shu's mind.

That faint sound seemed like a thunderbolt, shattering the music that filled his thoughts.

Chen Shu: "..."

Chen Shu paused, locking eyes with Rong Mi. After a few seconds, he couldn't resist muttering an expletive under his breath.

Chen Shu: "Uh, something's off here."

With the rabbit in his hands, he recollected the sensation he just experienced. "It's like my mind was being swayed by the music... even the butterfly visuals around me seem clearer and more enchanting..."

Rong Mi glanced at the stage. "Excessive use of psychological suggestion through mental power. The alarm has been triggered. But you're a military investigator, after all."

"I didn't expect your influence to be so profound," Chen Shu observed.

He scrutinized the setup of the venue once again and then had an epiphany.

Flowers, lights, holographic projections everywhere.

It was as if they formed another world filled with subtle cues.

On the stage ahead, the lead singer belted out a high-pitched roar that ignited the entire crowd.

His muscles tensed, and with his arms wide open, he leaned back as if offering himself to a deity, opening up his body.

A burst of pink mental energy erupted from behind him, materializing in the air as an immense, awe-inspiring butterfly wing, even more striking than the opening display.

Mental energy etched fluid patterns on the butterfly wings, resembling pulsating glands in motion.

The spectators cheered, completely oblivious to any anomaly in the butterfly wings.

Rong Mi: "…This is going a bit too far."

He had intended to wait for the police to arrive and officially dissolve this frenzied gathering.

But the blatant symbolism of the ice butterfly organs, surrounded by human applause...

It was a blatant insult to the brave mecha pilots, therapists, and military personnel who risked their lives.

Rong Mi stood up, scanning his surroundings to locate the garden's emergency lighting system. Then he turned to Chen Shu.

Rong Mi: "You keep order here."

Chen Shu: "…Huh? What? Maintain what… Hey!"

A flame ignited at the tip of Rong Mi's finger.

The young man cradled the wolf in his left arm while casually extending his right hand, pointing with an air of nonchalance that resembled selecting an item from a menu hanging before a diner.

Yet, a deep purple radiance shot forth from the tip of his finger.

Flames danced across the sky above the audience, like a magical prelude to an extravagant performance. They split into two, one to the left and one to the right, tracing symmetrical arcs before descending upon the center of the virtual butterfly wings on stage.