"Cheers!"

Outside the national arena, Sonya caught the small bottle tossed to her and raised an eyebrow. "You actually carry alcohol with you?"

"If you had lost, this would've been a healthy dose of spirits to drown your sorrows." Adele laughed, hooking her arm through the country girl's. "Ugh, we don't look that different, do we? So why are you the one who can instantly wipe out five contestants with a single strike?"

Louisa chimed in, "It's not the same at all. You've got a bigger butt and more flesh."

Adele bared her teeth. "That's called a well-balanced figure! And all the flesh is in the right places. I don't have a single trace of… excess fat…" 

She pinched her waist, then fell into a long, defeated silence.

Sonya twisted open the bottle and took a sip just as a familiar voice called out from behind.

"Sonya!"

Sonya turned to see Senior Leona. The Orange Dancer walked up and gave the country girl a firm hug, smiling brightly. "Well done. I can't wait to face you on stage."

Sonya teased. "You still think you can beat me after seeing my Blood Moon, Shattered Lake?"

"Of course," Leona snatched the bottle, took a heavy swig, and hummed. "I admit you're stronger right now, but before we meet in the bracket, I'll figure out a way to counter that Miracle. Besides, my Rhythm Melodies might still...