Rilla 

My name is Rilla. I’m a totally ordinary high school girl living in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture. I love anything cute and pretty!
But actually, I have a dream♪
I want to have a wonderful romance with my Prince Charming.
So, just in case that special someone comes along, I never miss a day of working on my girl power♪

You know that saying, “Life is short, so fall in love, young lady”?
It’s one of my favorite sayings. Youth passes in the blink of an eye.
I absolutely don’t want any regrets, so I always give it my all!

“Oh no! I’m going to be late!”

In my class, the usual crew is always chatting about love and how to improve their girl power.
Lately, though, a certain athlete has been dominating the conversation among us modern girls♪

It’s the prince of figure skating, “Yuzu-kun,” the red-crowned crane!

“Rillaa, did you see Yuzu-kun yesterday!? He’s seriously so precious, isn’t he?”
“I saw him! I swear, it’s like he’s got a halo around him!”
“Sigh… I wonder if a Prince Charming like Yuzu-kun will come to pick us up someday…”
“””FOR REAL!”””

I long to be like the high school girls in the big city of Tokyo.
I bet their days are filled with cutting-edge fashion, Hinstagrammable photo spots, and fluffy pancakes.

Thinking about that, I pass by the “Saitama Station” arcade on my way home.
Suddenly, a particularly loud cheer erupts from in front of the store.

“KYAAAAAA!! AMAZIIING!!!”

What a scream! What’s going on!? I’m curious!

“Excuse me! Let me through, please!”

I pushed my way through the crowd with both hands.
There, ahead of me, was someone dancing gracefully on a game machine set up on the ground.

“Huh? Whoa? Yu-Yuzu-kun!?”

I can’t believe it! My idol, Yuzu-kun, is right in front of me!
I can’t just stand here, I have to say something!

“Um, excuse me, are you Yuzu-kun!?”
“Hmm, who’s that? Do you play rhythm games? I don’t talk to people who don’t know about rhythm games.”

With that, he went right back to playing the game.

Rhythm games?
For someone like me who was always thinking about how to boost my girl power, it was a completely unfamiliar term, and it sounded incredibly appealing.

“Are you interested in Morioka-san, by any chance?”
“Morioka-san… So that’s his name, Morioka-san!”
“He’s mastered every rhythm game out there. He’s a pro gamer whose skills have been recognized by companies.”

The clerk, Chameleon-san, was saying something, but my head was already completely filled with thoughts of Morioka-san.

I’ve decided. Meeting Morioka-san today must be fate. If that’s what he says, I’ll master rhythm games and make him notice me!
I’m great at boosting my girl power, so I’ll be a pro at rhythm games in no time!

“Hehehe, just wait for me, Morioka-san! I’ll catch up to you in a flash!”

From the very day I met Morioka-san, I started researching to see if there was a rhythm game that suited me.

“Dance Dance Flash” was the one Morioka-san was playing.
“Yourbeat” looked like a series of connected cubes.

Hmm… There are so many, but none of them seem like a good fit for me, so I just can’t decide.
At this rate, I’ll never get close to my Prince Charming!
…I need to calm down. I’ll take a little break.

As she sat down on a nearby chair, a certain rhythm game cabinet caught Rilla’s eye.

Is that read as “Music Volteka”?
I wonder. I can’t quite put it into words, but this game gives me that spark!
Maybe this is the one…!
Once I thought that, I acted immediately! A maiden’s time is short!

“Alright, let’s get started!!”

I immediately checked out the Music Volteka tutorial.

It seems this game involves tapping the screen in time with the notes falling from above, while also turning the two dials positioned on the side of the screen.
It appears the key is to press the notes flowing down from the top at the right moment to keep the combo going.
I also discovered that as you progress through the game, there’s a system called “Ranks” that serves as a measure of your skill.

“𝓜𝓸𝓷𝓴𝓮𝔂”
“𝓒𝓱𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓪𝓷𝔃𝓮𝓮”
“𝓞𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓾𝓽𝓪𝓷”
“𝓑𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓷”
“𝓖𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓪”

Hm… What’s this one called? Oh, Gorilla?

Awesome! I feel a real connection to them somehow.
I guess I’ll just give it a try.
Turns out there’s a trick to turning the dial!
I mean, when the white and yellow notes come at me at the same time, I have no idea what’s going on!

Can I… really master this game?
No way! I’m such an idiot! I’m going to win Morioka-san over!
Alright, starting today, I’m going to really get the hang of this!

Rilla played relentlessly, as if possessed.
As a result of spending every after-school hour at Saitama Station, she had grown into a Volteker whom everyone respected.

“Rilla-chan, it’s amazing you can already handle this chart!”
“Rilla-san, you’re such a pro!”

In just a few months, Rilla had risen to the highest rank, “Gorilla,” becoming Saitama Station’s strongest Volteker.
And in the process of reaching the top, she had, without even realizing it, developed a strong obsession with the charts.

“Uhoho, I totally get this chart!”
“That’s right, that’s exactly the kind of chart I want!”

Rilla had no idea that facing these ultra-difficult charts was about to awaken the wild side that lay dormant within her.

Rilla, who had become the face of Saitama Station, received an offer to participate in the Uchuichi Otogefes.
A staff member approached me as soon as they spotted me.

“Hey, Rilla-chan, have you heard of the Uchuichi Otogefes?”
“No, is it some kind of music game tournament…?”
“That’s right. And the host of the tournament is… Morioka-san!”

The moment I heard that, a surge of intense emotion welled up inside me.

“Aaaah, I can’t just sit here! Tell me all about it!”
“Ri-Rilla-chan!? Calm down!”

The Uchuichi Otogefes gathers the winners of in-store score attack competitions, and only those who emerge victorious from that group can participate.
It was a tournament worthy of determining the strongest music gamer.

My chance has finally come!
I’m going to show Morioka-san just how much I’ve honed my rhythm game skills!
It’s decided. Starting today, I won’t go home until I land an Ultimate Combo (UC in short)! Plus, I need to build up my stamina, too.
Uhoho, I’m going to be busy♪

The day of the in-store qualifiers…
The announced challenge song was “Raging Thunder.”

Here it comes! This chart is my absolute specialty!
To be honest, I don’t think anyone can beat me!

Rilla’s hunch was spot on.
Even on a flowing staircase chart where a single mistake can cause your score to plummet, she pulled off a UC without a single miss.
She racked up the highest score in the store’s history and advanced through the preliminaries.

“Hehe, my body has this chart etched right into it.”

Once I got to the regional tournament, a whole bunch of unique characters started showing up, and I can’t help but feel the pressure.
I heard they’re famous Voltekkers in the scene – people dressed as shrine maidens and witches, the youngest champion, and even an active gravure idol.
They’re all just as eye-catching as I am.
But, sorry.
In the face of my feelings for Morioka-san, none of them even register!
The song selected for the Regional Tournament was “Play Nocturne.”

This has a unique chart, so not many people are good at it. But I’ve practiced and practiced over and over for this very day.
You know what? Practice never lets you dooooown!

I took a deep breath before the song started. I let my consciousness sink deep, deep down, diving into an ocean of concentration…
“If it’s an irregular chart, I don’t think anyone can beat me!”

The game began.
From the very start, Rilla accurately shot through the notes flowing in a smooth pattern. Moving right into the chorus, she handled the frantic barrage of notes flying at her without losing her composure, playing with her usual poise.
Even the Dial Zones hidden amidst the storm of countless flying notes were never missed, thanks to her delicate adjustments.

While no one else could achieve a UC, Rilla alone pulled it off. She achieved a result that left everyone else in the dust.

Rilla’s advancement to the main tournament is confirmed!
“Whoa! You’re ten years too early!!”

“It’s that time of year again! Welcome to the Uchuichi Otogefes!! What kind of drama will we witness this time?!”

Host Morioka-san is getting the crowd fired up.

“I’ve made it to the stage I’ve always dreamed of. This isn’t a dream…!”

Being able to see my idol up close was more than enough to make me happy.

But if I make it through the main tournament, I’ll be able to see him even closer, and I should even be able to talk to him. So, I’m going to fight my way through this, no matter what!

Just as I was psyching myself up, Morioka-san came into the contestants’ waiting room to announce the tournament schedule.

“Thank you all for participating today. And congratulations on making it to the main competition. This is where it really begins, so do your best!”

Just as Morioka-san was about to leave with a smile, Rilla hurriedly stopped him.

“Mo-Morioka-san, do you remember me? I’m Rilla, we met at Saitama Station.”
“Hmm, I’m afraid I don’t really remember… Sorry.”

It wasn’t exactly a heartwarming reunion. But then again, I hadn’t even told him my name in the first place.
“You’re in the Music Volteka division too, right? Well, good luck.”
“I’m so happy! Thank you!”
“Well, I’d better be going now!”

Cornered by Rilla’s almost frantic expression, Morioka-san quickly left the room.
The match schedule and required songs were posted on the board at the venue.
The tournament format was a score attack, with the player achieving the highest score advancing to the next round.

The chosen song for the quarterfinals was “BahamuT:F melodic.”
It’s a song that makes heavy use of the so-called outreach technique, where you have to turn the dial with your opposite hand.
When I saw this song announced, my heart raced with excitement. Here we go, the song is about to start!

My opponent seemed to be making their debut just like me.
“Starting with Bahamut right off the bat isn’t exactly lucky, is it? Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too.”

It seemed my opponent hadn’t practiced this song much.
I felt a little sorry for them, but I’ve memorized this song perfectly!

With a huge margin of 980,000 to 860,000, I advanced from the quarterfinals.

She looked just like a delicate flower blooming in a field.
That was the impression I got from my opponent. Maybe that’s what they call the “soft and fluffy” type that supposedly lives in big cities.
I wonder if guys actually like those types…?
Her slender body and curly hairstyle. Comparing her to myself, I couldn’t help but feel a bit down.

(It seems I still don’t have enough girl power.)

Just then, Morioka-san appeared, and the semifinals were about to begin.
“We finally are at the Main Tournament Semifinals! And the one who’s made it this far is none other than a rhythm game girl!”
Morioka-san interviewed my opponent.
“Congratulations on making it to the semifinals! You’re cute and good at rhythm games too; God sure is unfair~”
“Hehe, not at all~. I’d lose to you, Morioka-san♪”

With an aura that seemed to radiate flowers and hearts, the way she chatted with Morioka-san made them look just like a couple.
“Well then, good luck!”
The interview ended, and it was finally my turn.
I wonder if I can answer well…

But then, without even glancing at a nervous Rilla, Morioka-san had already moved to his designated spot.
Huh? He totally ignored her. Did he run out of time because he was talking to that girl too much?
Still confused, the game was about to start.
“Alright, the semifinals song is~!?”
The song title appeared on the monitor.
“Chaos Over Holy My Lord!”

A song with an insanely difficult chart that’s representative of Music Volteka.
It’s a song where the game ends in an instant if you can’t get through not only the high-speed staircase patterns and rapid-fire sections, but also the mad-dial zones.

I had expected it, but the continuous stream of difficult charts was still incredibly draining. I suppose it was also because it was my first tournament.

“Are you both ready?”
We looked at each other. Then, the soft and fluffy type looked at my face and said something without speaking.
“Morioka-san won’t even bother with you.”
The moment I understood what she’d said, a wave of panic washed over me. I was too late to enter that deep state of concentration.
“Damn it!!”

I pressed the wrong note at the very start!
I made a three-note mistake. That really hurts.

After that, I managed to get back into concentrating and stringing together some combos, but if my opponent was UC, it was practically a guaranteed loss.
“Alright, the song has started! Rilla is off to a slightly slow start. Which of them will rack up the higher score?!”

Rilla made it through the rapid-fire section that started right at the beginning.
By then, a certain thought was racing through her mind.

“There’s no way I can lose to this soft and fluffy girl! I’m going to squash her like a pancake!!”

It was the highest level of concentration I’d ever experienced.
From then on, I didn’t miss a single note and managed to clear the stage while maintaining my combo.
“What’s the result!?”
(Please, God…)
“930,000 vs. 910,000! The winner is Rilla!”
“Woohooooooo! I did ittttt!!”

“Haa, haa…”

The relentless string of brutal charts since advancing to the main tournament had even pushed me to my limits.
I have to face the final match with my grip strength already fading. If I can just get through this, it’ll be over. Then I’ll be able to see Morioka-san…
“Rilla-chan, are you okay? It’s fine if you quit now.”
Wait, I’m seeing a hallucination of Morioka-san right in front of me.
I didn’t realize I was that exhausted.

“Hey, Rilla-chan, can you see me?”
“Huh? Morioka-san, why are you here?”

W-what do I do? Morioka-san is really right in front of me! I wasn’t mentally prepared for him to speak to me!

“Calm down, Rilla-chan. You looked completely exhausted, so I was worried.”
“N-no! I’m fine!”
“You don’t have to push yourself. If it looks like you can’t make it, I’d recommend withdrawing.”
“I’m so happy! I can’t believe you’re so worried about me! Thanks to you, I’m feeling motivated again!”

“W-well, if you say so, I won’t stop you…”
He walked away with a look on his face like he’d swallowed a bitter pill.

Ah, what a wonderful person.
All the fatigue I’d been feeling just a moment ago has vanished.

At that moment, I felt something surge through me. Strength is welling up from the depths of my body. Right now, I am… “the strongest”!

“Alright, from here on out…! 100 percent of 100 perceeeent!!”

The song for the final match was “Universe Ruler”.
Even though I’ve made it all the way to the finals, I can’t help but feel sorry for my opponent.
For having been born in the same era as me right now.

Rilla unleashed a flawless, perfect UC with terrifyingly precise movements!

“This is incredible! Rilla made a Perfect Ultimate Combo on this grand stage! The greatest, unprecedented record in the history of the Festival! An undisputed victory!!!”

I have become the Uchuichi Volteker champion!

“I am the strongest in the universe! I don’t feel like I’ll lose to anyone!!”

With her excitement reaching its peak, Rilla raised both arms high into the sky. She let out a roar that drowned out even the roaring cheers.

Amid the still-rousing cheers, Morioka-san offered his congratulations and made a proposal.
“Congratulations on your victory, Rilla-chan. Watching your passionate play really got my rhythm game blood pumping. Would you like to play an exhibition match with me?”

I was going to face off against the one I’ve always looked up to! There was no reason to refuse.
But I couldn’t help but feel a little skeptical that he’d bring this up when I was in such a battered state.

“…I’d love to!”
“I won’t go easy on you. Do you think you can beat me, the Dial Demon King?”

With this unexpected exhibition match, the crowd’s excitement was off the charts.
The song we were tasked with was called “Xenon”, and it was a track no one had ever played before. Since it was still in development, it was said to be extremely finicky, offering a wildly insane chart that was in a league of its own.

The song began just as we both turned to face the screen.
The curtain had risen on a fierce battle!

Both players navigated through a storm of bullets that rained down from the very start. Since it was a song they were experiencing for the first time, even the legendary Morioka-san was struggling to string together combos.

Yet, despite the chart being so extreme, Rilla kept chaining combos one after another…

“Unbelievable! Rilla hasn’t broken a single combo since the start!! This is insaaaaane!”

Realizing the situation from the commentary, Morioka-san began to lose his composure.
“That’s ridiculous!? She’s been mastering charts like that all along… where on earth is that power coming from?!”
“I’ve continued to evolve and grow throughout this tournament! This is my Blaster Mode, Super Voltekker!”

A pale blue aura erupted from Rilla’s body with fierce intensity!

“You gorilla bitch! There’s no way I’m losing!”
…The moment I heard those words, I felt as if something inside me was crumbling.

What did you say?
Try to say it agaaaaaain!!

“Don’t fuck with me! I’ll turn you into yakitoriiiiiiiiiiiii!”

Amidst the two of their screams, it was Rilla who emerged victorious from the fierce battle.
Since she’d beaten Morioka-san himself, normally she’d be crying tears of joy. But right now, loneliness outweighed her happiness, and she couldn’t bring herself to celebrate wholeheartedly.

“Hehe, I lost, Rilla-chan… I’m sorry for saying those harsh things earlier. If you’d like, after this…”
“I’m sorry, I’m going home now.”

Rilla left without waiting for the awards ceremony.
During this tournament, she had realized something. Morioka-san might look like Yuzu-kun, but he was a completely different person.

“Sigh, I guess I’ve just been dumped…”

What should she do now?
She could look for a new romance or a new relationship, or maybe try a new rhythm game.

She had no basis for it, but she felt like whatever she did right now would be a success.
Maybe a girl who’s just been through a heartbreak is invincible.

…Oh?
It seems I must have dozed off without realizing it and was dreaming about the past.

“I miss those days… After winning the Uchuichi Otogefes, I conquered every rhythm game out there, didn’t I?”

It was actually my appearance on TV as the Uchuichi Otogefes Champion that led me to meet My Darling.
You really never know what life has in store for you.
I managed to win him over by putting all my girl power to work and going on the offensive, and I still think it was worth it that neither of us gave up.

Parenting has kept me so busy that I haven’t been able to play rhythm games at all lately, but I wonder if that feeling is still there.

“I’ll try to get back into it once things settle down. I’d love to play against My Darling and Rick, too♪”

The one Rilla was looking at was her son, Rick. He was dancing through a difficult chart in DanceDanceFlash, stepping in time without even breaking a sweat.

“Mommy~! This chart is so much fun!!”
“Oh my, you really do take after me.”

He really does have talent. I’m going to make him the best rhythm game player in the universe.

“Let’s see now, I’m a strict judge~! I wonder if you can get a full combo?”

A photo was propped up in the living room. It showed Rilla and Rick, with a red-crowned crane hugging them both…

The songs featured here are parodies of Chunithm boss songs, namely
– Raging Thunder -> Ikazuchi (this one also appears in Seito Maizono’s story)
– Play Nocturne -> Toy Frenzy -The End-
– BahamuT:F melodic -> TiamaT:F minor
– Chaos Over Holy My Lord -> Konton etc.
– Universe Ruler -> World Vanquisher
– Xenon -> Xevel
Similarly, the games mentioned are parodies of Konami’s rhythm games
– DanceDanceFlush -> DanceDanceRevolution
– yourbeat -> jubeat (also featured in Skyfeather’s story)
– Music Volteka -> SOUND VOLTEX

• “Gorilla” is a slang term for someone really good at rhythm games

• The primate-themed ranks were written in ateji in the original Japanese. Since this doesn’t translate well in English, I decided to use a fancy font.

• Morioka-san is inspired by DOLCE., a legendary rhythm game player also known as “the Great Demon King”

• Uchuichi Otogefes is a parody of Tenkaichi Otogesai, an old rhythm game tournament with Sega, Konami, and other companies’ arcade game.

• the people dressed as shrine maidens and witches are probably Reimu and Marisa (the Touhou protagonists) cosplayers

• Ep 6: “You’re ten years too early!!” is the catchphrase of Akira from Virtua Fighter