Chapter 21
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: The Goddess's Descent
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Bzzzz.
The smartwatch on his wrist vibrated intensely.
Ugh
The fierce vibration stirred Yuhyeon, who slowly opened his eyes.
Bright light was seeping in through the window.
He checked the time. It was already 1 PM.
Looks like I passed out right after composing.
He'd worked on the song all night and had collapsed without even realizing when he'd fallen asleep.
The only saving grace was that he had to get up anyway for the ritual ceremony in a few hours.
After briefly consoling himself, Yuhyeon took out his phone.
Team Leader Park Jeonghu: Hello, Composer. This is Team Leader Park Jeonghu.
A reply already?!
It was a response to the demo he'd sent to Team Leader Park Jeonghu of SAM Entertainment.
He'd scheduled the email to be sent at noon, just in case, but a reply had come back in less than an hour.
That meant the man had checked it just a moment ago and sent a text immediately.
Yuhyeon swallowed hard.
Team Leader Park Jeonghu: I thoroughly enjoyed the demo you sent. It was a perfect match for the concept we're looking for, and the rich, full sound was absolutely brilliant.
Team Leader Park Jeonghu: To get straight to the point, we would like to move forward with a contract. We'd like to discuss the details during the contract process.
Team Leader Park Jeonghu: I understand you prefer to communicate electronically, but if possible, we would appreciate it if you could visit our office to participate in a concept meeting. Of course, only if that's feasible for you. Please reply at your convenience. Thank you.
No way
Yuhyeon's eyes widened.
His expression was one of disbelief, as if he couldn't comprehend what was happening.
It was understandable, given that SAM Entertainment was one of the nation's leading idol agencies.
They want to sign my demo as a title track right away.
Of course, he knew he had poured a lifetime's worth of inspiration into the song.
Still, it was an astonishing turn of events.
Especially considering SAM Entertainment's reputation.
It's difficult today because of the ritual I'll just leave a text for now.
Yuhyeon sent a text: I can visit the office. Any day except today is fine.
The request to join a meeting practically confirmed the contract, and he could manage communication to some extent by reading lips.
To be honest, he wasn't particularly worried about communication.
If he was upfront about not being able to hear, they would likely accommodate him.
And if they can't even do that much, it's better not to work with them anyway.
It might even be the easiest way to judge what kind of company SAM Entertainment was.
Then, Yuhyeon checked the in-game time in Wonderland on his phone.
It's nine in the morning in Wonderland. If I head to the capsule room now, it'll be perfect.
If he left now, he'd have plenty of time for one last ensemble practice before the ritual.
Shall we get going, then.
Yuhyeon casually pulled his hat down low and stepped out the door.
Dum. Dum!
Good work, everyone.
The slender fingers pressing the keys came to a halt.
The final ensemble practice with Yuhyeon had come to an end.
Phew.
Hah
The schedule had been a bit tight, but there was no denying they had practiced intensely.
Nevertheless, the members' faces were filled with anxiety.
With a trembling expression, Charles cautiously asked Yuhyeon.
Honestly, what do you think, Yuhyeon? Is our performance really okay?
He couldn't say he was as brilliant a musician as Geye, but if asked whether he was lacking, he had the confidence to declare he was not.
After all, Charles had dedicated his entire life to music and had never been lax in his practice as the choir leader.
So why, despite all that, was he trembling so much?
This ritual feels particularly nerve-wracking. I don't think I've ever been this nervous in my entire life
Perhaps it was because he had come to know Yuhyeon.
The one who had earned the approval of the fastidious Geye in an instant, the one who had breathed new life into their ensemble through musical expression.
A man whose musical knowledge was so profound that it was difficult to even look up to him.
Playing alongside such a person, it was no wonder their standards had been raised.
You are doing well. It was an excellent performance.
Is that really true!
Those words managed to slightly ease the anxiety on Charles's face.
Yuhyeon smiled gently and said.
Everyone did a great job. If you can't trust yourselves, then trust me and follow along.
Aren't you nervous, Yuhyeon?
How could I not be? I just try my best not to be nervous.
What kind of effort?
I trust in the effort we've put in so far. We've done the best we can, so now we just have to believe in that and give it our all.
Charles's eyes widened.
It was an answer that could only be described as truly dignified.
Even though Yuhyeon was much younger, he felt as dignified as a great mountain.
Yes, let's trust Yuhyeon and follow him.
He had felt something fateful when he first met Yuhyeon in the square.
It was too late to doubt now. It was time to steadfastly believe in that fate.
Understood. Let's go.
For a moment, the members' eyes filled with determination.
But sadly.
Hah, haah. How can there be so many people?
Yuhyeon, it's raining! If the instruments get wet, the sound will be muffled
The goddess is surely testing us
Their resolve didn't last long.
An unimaginable crowd was waiting in the audience, and to make matters worse, rain was falling from the sky.
Pengkun: Yuhyeon! A great performance needs a large audience. I pulled a few strings.
It seemed Pengkun's influence was largely responsible for the densely packed audience.
It was somewhat understandable, as Pengkun's channel had anywhere from five thousand to nearly ten thousand concurrent viewers.
However, that wasn't the problem.
It's raining and it's a downpour.
In the once-sunny town, a torrential downpour accompanied by a storm was raging.
At this rate, not only would the instruments get soaked and their sound muffled, but it was also questionable if they could even be heard over the sound of the rain.
The sheet music was tumbling away, swept up by the strong wind.
It was utter chaos.
Is it possible to postpone the ritual?
Yuhyeon asked Charles in a deliberately serious tone.
No, the ceremony must proceed no matter what.
Then has it ever rained like this during the ritual before?
A hu-a hundred years ago, I heard something like this happened once. Of course, I heard the ritual went on then, too.
Yuhyeon's eyes narrowed.
That means we have to proceed, no matter what.
It was a situation with no retreat.
It was better to perform somehow than to not play at all and receive no blessing.
Quickly assessing the situation, Yuhyeon spoke to the members.
Let's go.
R-Right now? At least if the rain lets up a little!
Waiting for a downpour like this to stop is the same as leaving everything to the will of the goddess.
A performance on stage is a continuous series of incidents and accidents.
No matter how perfectly you prepare, unforeseen accidents always happen.
Some violinists snap a string during the performance of a lifetime, and some pianists have to stop because the piano suddenly breaks.
It's natural to feel despair and resent the world in such situations.
But even so.
Some people manage to create miracles in situations like this.
Yuhyeon smiled faintly.
To not give up and finish the performance even in an absurd situation.
To meet the expectations of the audience who came to see the show.
That, too, was a virtue a performer must possess.
Instead of waiting for a miracle, let's create one together.
Swoooosh.
The raindrops grew heavier, and their bodies, soaked by the rain, gradually became heavier.
Can they even start?
As the rain intensified, worried voices began to emerge from the audience, one by one.
Just as they were wondering if the performance could even begin.
Ting.
A short piano melody echoed.
Silence fell over the venue.
Having silenced the murmur of the crowd in an instant and captured their attention, Yuhyeon slowly placed his hands on the keyboard.
A flourish of notes!
The piano began to play alone.
Hooo.
Somethinghe couldn't tell if it was sweat or rainstreamed down endlessly, and his fingers, wet with rainwater, moved precariously over the keys as if walking on ice.
But Yuhyeon continued to play without hesitation.
It was then.
Ziiiing!
The beautiful melody of a violin layered itself over the piano's.
Yuhyeon glanced in that direction.
He saw Geye, eyes closed, concentrating on his performance.
There was no trace of the fear of failure he had shown before.
Just trust me and follow!
He was following Yuhyeon's lead, just as he'd been told to before the performance.
Seeing that, Yuhyeon let out a sigh of relief.
Show must go on.
As Freddie Mercury, one of the greatest vocalists in history, had said, the show must go on.
Even in his final moments, he fought against his illness and sang.
Because I know it will reach someone.
Yuhyeon, too, knew that his music would reach someone.
To pour my sincerity into it. To convey that to people.
Even if he were to die, to express his heart until the very last moment.
That was what it meant to be an artist, and it was why Yuhyeon continued to play.
Ziiiing. Tararan!
Before long, the instruments were creating a single melody.
Yuhyeon's piano, supporting the melodies of all the other instruments, seemed to be saying:
There's no need to rush. It's okay to make mistakes, just follow my rhythm.
So what if they made a few mistakes? So what if they couldn't play exactly as the score dictated?
Wasn't their devotion to the goddess unwavering?
Wasn't this very moment of playing so incredibly joyful?
This moment, being able to play in front of so many people.
With that thought, their hearts grew calm and filled with joy.
Complex thoughts vanished, and they simply became absorbed, pressing the keys.
Instrument and body became one, and a small smile graced their lips.
!
In that moment, Charles saw it.
He saw Yuhyeon smiling amidst a desperate crisis.
How, in such a critical moment.
The rain was pouring down, and the instruments were soaked, producing muffled sounds.
Not only that, but the music stands and sheet music had long since been rendered useless by the wind.
They were barely managing to follow Yuhyeon's lead, but honestly, it felt like being on a ship in a typhoon that could capsize at any moment.
Unable to see the sheet music, they were bound to make many mistakes, and the performance would surely be a mess.
And yet, how can he be so composed?
Charles recalled the conversation he'd had with Yuhyeon just a short while ago.
Aren't you nervous, Yuhyeon?
How could I not be? I just try my best not to be nervous.
What kind of effort?
I trust in the effort we've put in so far. We've done the best we can, so now we just have to believe in that and give it our all.
From changing Geye's mind to special training with Olsen, and even clearing the Deep Forest dungeon.
Whenever a trial arose, he faced it with a bold attitude and a small smile.
He had said he believed in the effort and sincerity he had put forth.
It wasn't just the musician; my son was the same
Charles remembered his son, who swung his sword in the training grounds every day.
Rain or shine, unless his arm was broken, his son would be there, swinging his sword.
The musician is the same. He asked if he could just play once, no matter what.
He recalled the desperate look in Yuhyeon's eyes when they first met in the square, how he'd pleaded to play the piano.
An opportunity some might dismiss as just one performance, Yuhyeon had treated as a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Have I ever truly put my all into music?
In that moment, Charles realized.
He had been complacent for some time.
Have I ever, even once in my life, given it my absolute all?!
Having realized early on that he lacked the talent of a Paolo or a Geye, he had lived thinking it was enough for an ordinary man like him to hold the position of choir leader.
That he was content with a supporting role.
Even if I resolved to be a supporting actor, did I ever once put my whole heart into that role?
The result is determined by the effort.
In the end, his current state was a reflection of the effort Charles had put in until now.
When he thought of his son, who dedicated his life to the sword to become an honorary knight, or Yuhyeon, who poured his soul into music, his own figure seemed utterly half-hearted.
I don't know where my destination lies, but shouldn't I at least try as hard as they have?
He still had a long way to go as a musician.
Even someone as brilliant as Yuhyeon never stopped moving forward; there was no reason for someone less skilled to become complacent.
And the moment he realized that.
Ting!
Charles has attained an epiphany!
He has transcended his existing knowledge to obtain a higher dimension of musical understanding.
If he continues to hone this, he can awaken as an Advanced Musician, surpassing the Intermediate level.
Ting!
Geye has attained an epiphany!
Martin has attained an epiphany!
Geye and Martin have gained the opportunity to awaken as Advanced Musicians, surpassing the Intermediate level!
A sudden change came over Charles, Martin, and Geye.
It wasn't a noticeable change, like their bodies becoming tougher or their stats increasing.
It was simply that their eyes were filled with resolve.
A strong will that would never be extinguished, even in the face of a typhoon, now resided in their eyes.
Their eyes have changed.
A sense of relief appeared in Yuhyeon's eyes as he watched them.
The fact that they could now possess a firm heart like his own brought him peace.
An Achievement Unlocked! notification had appeared for him as well, but now was not the time to check it.
For this moment, when everyone shared a single purpose, was the time to deliver the best possible performance.
Focus until the very end!
Following Yuhyeon's lead, the instruments of Charles, Martin, and Geye formed a harmony.
Each beautiful sound layered neatly, harmoniously filling in what the others lacked.
The members played their instruments with more focus than ever before.
I'll do what I can.
Just put my whole heart into it.
Yuhyeon is leading us, after all.
There was no way to suddenly become better just by wanting it. That was something that had to be prepared in advance.
But enjoying the momentthat they could do right away.
With that thought, the ensemble became more and more enjoyable, and their tense bodies grew calmer than ever before.
Soon, small smiles began to appear on their lips as well.
Was playing in an ensemble always this joyful?
The sound is beautiful! This is the true joy of an ensemble.
To think I would produce such a beautiful sound in my lifetime.
Harmony, it was truly a harmony.
There was no sheet music, and with the ever-changing direction, they had strayed a bit from what they'd practiced, but.
Funnily enough, their current performance was more harmonious than ever.
This is fun. So much fun!
They felt a strong conviction.
That the audience was also feeling the emotions they were feeling now.
That everyone was experiencing the same joy and happiness they felt through the ensemble.
Ting. Ting!
Ziiiing!
The strings and keys stopped moving.
The performance, which had seemed as if it would last forever, had come to an end.
Somethingrain or sweat, they couldn't tellcontinued to stream down their faces.
Hoo, hoo.
Haah
But the musicians' eyes remained closed.
It was as if they were savoring the powerful afterglow left by the performance.
It was then.
Clap.
At that moment, the palms of Pengkun, who was watching the stage, came together.
From his entranced expression, it was clear he had clapped unconsciously.
The sound of a single clap amidst thousands of people was far too quiet to reach the distant stage.
But it was loud enough for the person standing next to Pengkun to hear.
Clap, clap.
Clap, clap, clap.
Before long, the small ripple created by Pengkun grew into a great wave of applause.
Everyone was on their feet, their faces filled with emotion, giving a standing ovation.
Bravo!
Bravooo!
People who had gathered for different reasons all sent their heartfelt applause without exception.
Because they had just witnessed a performance that money couldn't buy.
It's over
Amidst the pouring applause, the first to open his eyes was Yuhyeon.
All the audience members before the stage were sending him fervent applause.
The feeling of having poured out everything he had, combined with the relief of having succeeded, made his heart swell.
Yuhyeon slowly wiped the sweat from his forehead with his palm.
Only then did he realize that what had been tormenting him during the performance was not rain, but beads of sweat.
When did it stop?
It was no wonder, as bright sunlight was now shining down on the venue as if the storm had never happened.
Truly ironic timing.
So we succeeded in creating a miracle after all.
Perhaps it was a miracle created by his own performance.
While Yuhyeon was lost in thought, the other members also began to open their eyes, one by one.
Soon, as they saw the shower of applause before them, their eyes began to fill with astonishment.
Haah.
To think I'd experience something like this in my lifetime.
My heart is truly overwhelmed.
How long had it been since they'd had such a rare experience?
The thought that this might be the first time brought a surge of emotion to all their hearts.
Even Geye's eyes grew moist, to the point where it wouldn't be strange if he burst into tears at any moment.
It was then.
Ting!
The Ritual Ceremony has concluded.
Determining the grade of the blessing based on the performance.
Calculating grade.
The ritual is over. It is time for the goddess to respond!
Charles's eyes narrowed.
They had put on a performance superior to the one with Saint Paolo last year.
Even if the highest-tier Advanced Blessing was out of reach, he was confident they could receive an Intermediate Blessing.
We performed through a storm. And it was the performance of a lifetime!
It was understandable, as it was the moment he had given the greatest performance of his life.
There's only been one Advanced Blessing in my lifetime. An Intermediate Blessing would be fine. That alone would ensure two years of peace for the village!
Ting!
Grade calculation complete.
Through a special performance, an Advanced Blessing is bestowed upon Hemona Village!
A-A-An Advanced Blessing!
The eyes of Charles, Geye, and Martin widened like saucers.
In all their lives, an Advanced Blessing had been received only once.
It had happened just one time, when the four royal musicians, now resting in peace, had gathered to perform an ensemble.
Does this mean our performance was on par with theirs?!
Just receiving an Advanced Blessing would maintain peace in the village for three years.
Not only that, the weather would remain pleasantly cool, bringing smiles to the residents' faces.
In other words, it was a blessing that aimed not just for peace, but for the happiness of the residents.
The surprises didn't end there.
Ting!
In a single performance, 3 NPCs have simultaneously attained an epiphany.
First-time Achievement!
You have acquired the title Am I Someone's Teacher?.
This time, it was Yuhyeon's turn.
Ting!
The two achievements, 'Advanced Blessing' and 'First-time Achievement', create a synergy.
Calculating a suitable reward.
The existing reward will be further enhanced.
A relentless flood of notifications and messages.
He had definitely seen a message like this before.
When I received the sudden quest from Geye.
Back then, too, he had changed Geye's mind, and the two achievements had created a synergy, resulting in an enhanced reward.
A chain quest that led to a legendary class, no less.
Just as he was wondering what would happen this time.
Ting!
Calculation complete.
Your Charm has increased by 10 due to the special performance.
A special performance!
The fact that the existing reward was being enhanced meant there was still something more to come.
Just as he was holding his breath, wondering what reward would appear.
Ting!
Due to the special performance, the blessing has been upgraded by one tier.
The Advanced Blessing evolves into a Supreme Blessing!
This is a marvelous achievement!
To commemorate this achievement, the Goddess Cecilia will manifest!