Chapter 8
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Performance
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Virtual Realitys Music Genius
Chapter 8
Should I call you sir?
Uh, pardon?
Pengkun wore a momentarily bewildered expression.
What the is this the same person?
Yuhyeon, who had been exuding the air of an artist, had suddenly transformed into a business professional with maxed-out social skills.
It was a shift in demeanor so fast it was hard to follow with the naked eye.
- Wow, an Udyr-level stance change lol
- hahaha the difference before and after payment is real hahaha
- Sir Give me a job, sir
The chats reaction mirrored Pengkuns.
Everyone was cracking up at Yuhyeons instantaneous transformation.
Hamdin has donated 10,000 won.
- Yeah, yeah, call him sir.
- Money really is the best.
- If youre rich, youre my brother, youre my boss.
Pengkun let out a smirk.
Talent alone would have been enough, but this guest even had a great personality. It seemed hed brought on someone quite entertaining.
Please, call me whatevers comfortable. Nim or Pengkun-nim is fine.
Being called sir was flattering, but for a broadcast, a relaxed atmosphere was always best.
Ill send you a party invitation. Could you tell me your username?
Its Yuhyeon.
Invitation sent.
As Pengkun spoke, a notification window popped up before Yuhyeons eyes.
Ting!
Pengkun has sent you a party invitation.
Would you like to accept?
Yes.
Confirmed. One moment
Pengkun opened the party window and began to look over Yuhyeons information.
Lets see, lets see
Ting!
Username: Yuhyeon
Level: 1
Class: None
.
.
.
It was a familiar and utterly ordinary status window.
Since he was level 1, he naturally had no class, nor did he have any skills or titles.
That meant all of his assumptions had been correct.
Youre telling me he played like that with absolutely no buffs?
Pengkun swallowed hard.
Whats going to happen from here on out I dont even have a clue yet.
He cleared his throat and continued speaking like a professional.
Before we begin, a brief explanation. Dont think of this as a broadcast; just be comfortable. You dont have to force yourself to look this way, and Ill be the one asking questions, so you can just answer casually.
So you mean I should just do my thing without worrying about it?
Yes, yes, as comfortably as possible.
Understood. Shall we go, then?
Go where?
The judge told me to come to the cathedral earlier. We need to go there to proceed with the content. Shall we?
Ah, yes, of course.
Pengkun replied, a momentarily dazed look on his face.
Well, Ill be.
Hed told the man to make himself comfortable, but he never imagined Yuhyeon would take the lead and make the situation comfortable for everyone else.
Usually, it was the streamer who had to work to create a scene.
This is getting more and more interesting.
Pengkun watched Yuhyeon with a look of keen interest.
The two headed straight for the cathedral.
Ive been to a lot of places while gaming, but this is my first time visiting the cathedral in the starting village.
Pengkun naturally slipped into streamer mode, exploring the cathedrals interior as he narrated.
- I didn't even know a place like this existed lol
- I just passed by it when I was in the starting village.
- Who has time to come here when youre busy grinding? lol
In contrast, Yuhyeon looked around like a tourist on vacation.
The inside of the cathedral was quite magnificent. Its architectural style, which emphasized symmetry, harmonious proportions, and the golden ratio, was reminiscent of the Renaissance era.
Its just like the cathedral I saw in Brussels.
He wasnt sure of Wonderlands exact historical setting, but it had a medieval feel, so he figured the time period was probably close enough.
A violin hung on one of the walls. It was a violin that highlighted the color of its maple wood.
Theres a practice violin.
Judging by its size, it seemed to be a practice violin for children.
Seeing one after so long filled him with a strange sense of nostalgia, and Yuhyeon stood there for a long while, just looking at it.
Just then, Charles spotted Yuhyeon and called out cheerfully.
Maestro, youve arrived! Please, come this way.
As they entered the chapel, Charles greeted Yuhyeon warmly.
Weve been waiting for you. These are the musicians who will be performing with us.
Where he gestured, there were three other musicians besides himself.
The instruments they held immediately caught Yuhyeons eye.
One has a violin, one a cello does that mean the judge will be playing the viola?
It was a familiar quartet formation. If so, what was the pianos role here?
I should focus on the harmony.
Yuhyeon instantly assessed the situation and calculated his part.
Given the urgency, there was no harm in running a simulation beforehand.
Allow me to introduce everyone. I am Charles, and I will be playing the viola. This is Martin on the cello, and finally, Geye on the violin.
Im Han Yuhyeon, and Ill be on the piano. Its a pleasure to work with you all.
Yuhyeon shook hands with each of them in turn.
Haha, thank you so much for coming.
Charless hand was warm.
Its a pleasure, Yuhyeon-nim.
Martins was as well.
Im fine.
But Geyes hand, for some reason, made no move to be extended.
The expression and look in his eyes as he regarded Yuhyeon were just as cold.
It was a look of clear displeasure.
Whats this? Have I already made an enemy before weve even started?
His expression was so frosty that the thought naturally crossed his mind.
Nevertheless, Yuhyeon replied with a gentle smile.
I look forward to working with you.
Ah, and if you dont mind since its getting late today, I was hoping we could sign the contract after we rehearse. Would that be alright with you?
Charles asked cautiously.
The proper thing to do was to sign the contract immediately, but they also needed to rehearse as soon as possible.
Financial matters are sensitive. I wonder how hell take this
What if this proposal offended him?
As Charles worried, Yuhyeons reply came.
Of course. We can sign the contract whenever its convenient for you.
Th-thank you!
Charless face brightened. Then, his gaze happened to fall on Pengkun.
And for what reason is this person here?
The rude man from the plaza was standing before him.
His goodwill extended only to Yuhyeon; Pengkun was a complete stranger to him.
Moreover, this was their personal practice time, not a worship service, so there was even less reason for an outsider to be present.
Oho, perfect. Nows my chance to!
Just as Charles was about to step forward.
Charles-nim, if its not too much trouble, would it be possible for this gentleman to observe our practice?
Words flowed from Yuhyeons mouth like a river.
He is essential for my practice. He also has a deep appreciation for music.
The only reason Yuhyeon had survived and made it this far from the orphanage was his ability to read the room.
If the situation called for it, he would be deferential, or he would persuade gently. Adapting his attitude to the moment was Yuhyeons survival strategy.
He had just forgotten it for a while, living on his own.
He will observe quietly from a place where he wont be a distraction. If he does become a hindrance, you may ask him to leave then. Nothing is more important right now than the ritual.
Uh
Charles blinked. He was taken aback by the flawless logic.
The man was needed for practice, he would be quiet and out of the way, and if he was a disturbance, they could kick him out
He was kind enough to let us sign the contract after the rehearsal I suppose this is fine.
Yuhyeon had stated his case clearly yet politely, to the point where refusing would make Charles himself look unreasonable.
V-very well. If the maestro requires his presence. But you must remain quiet so as not to be a distraction.
Charles gestured toward Pengkun.
You, sir, may sit over there.
He pointed to a spot far away, next to a pillar. The distance was as great as the warmth Charles felt for him.
Pengkun smiled slyly and said.
Haha, thank you. Ill just sit here quietly, then.
Once everyone was seated, Charles gestured to Yuhyeons spot and said.
Well then, shall we begin? Yuhyeon-nim, the sheet music is on the piano.
Sitting at the piano and looking at the score, Yuhyeon wore an expression of relief.
Hmm, its a relief the sheet music is normal.
Since it was a fantasy game, he had been worried the notation might be different, but thankfully, it was the same as modern sheet music.
He was also immensely relieved they wouldn't have to tune to just intonation.
Oh, but
As Yuhyeon calmly examined the score, his eyes narrowed.
Theres a lot of piano. This is more than just an accompaniment.
In fact, the viola and cello in the lower register were handling the accompaniment, while the piano and violin were driving the overall flow of the piece.
In other words, his role wasn't just to build harmony in the background; he had to be one of the stars of the stage.
With so little time left, it was a heavy responsibility.
Feeling the urgent need to synchronize with the others, Yuhyeon spoke in a firm tone.
Ive read through the score.
Oh, have you? Then shall we try playing it through?
At Charless words, everyone quickly grabbed their instruments and took their positions.
As if they were about to start playing immediately.
Hmm? What about tuning? More importantly, whats the overall musical interpretation?
Yuhyeon tilted his head.
There were things that needed to be done before starting a rehearsal.
They had to share their impressions of the score and decide on the overall direction of the piecehow they would express it.
After that, they had to tune their instruments together.
Were just going to start without deciding on anything?
At that thought, Yuhyeon cautiously asked.
Is there a particular musical interpretation youre aiming for?
Interpretation? What do you mean by that?
Charles replied to Yuhyeons question as if he didnt understand.
You just need to play whats on the sheet music.
To be precise, it felt like he didnt understand the concept of musical interpretation itself.
Yuhyeon was about to explain further.
No, I mean how we should express this piece. For example, the mood of the song, the overall flow
It was then.
Ugh, I cant do this!
A sudden shout erupted.
Just do as youre told! Why all the yapping?
The one who had shouted was Geye.
G-Geye, what is the meaning of this? I thought we settled this before you came
Charles said to Geye urgently.
That was when we thought hed just be reading the score and playing a simple accompaniment. But now some stranger shows up talking about interpretation and what not. If you were in my shoes, could you just stand by and watch?
Geye glared at the outsider, Han Yuhyeon.
In truth, he had been displeased with the entire process, from Paolos departure to the search for a replacement.
Of course, he agreed they needed to find someone to replace Paolo. If it had been a renowned court musician, he wouldnt have cared.
But no matter how urgent the situation, bringing in an outsider of unknown origin was crossing the line.
This performance wasnt some casual jam session for fun and games; it was a crucial performance that would determine the villages blessings for the year.
And he brings a nobody of an outsider to such a sacred occasion?
For Geye, that was absolutely unacceptable.
Unless, perhaps, the mans skill was so great that he could be called a god of music.
You bring in some riffraff and now hes going on about what? Mood? Flow? In all my years of music, Ive never heard such nonsense!
Geye erupted in frustration.
How good can he be if hes spouting such ridiculous drivel! This is laughable!
Geye! I understand what youre saying. But still, how can you be so rude to our guest musician!
What, musician? Musician? We havent even heard him play properly yet! What poppycock! Hes just an outsider!
Their shouts echoed back and forth, and the chapel instantly descended into chaos.
It was a rare sight, and the chat window quickly became just as noisy.
- wtf wtf what is happening
- That user said something about mood and the old guy suddenly blew up
- Wow Ive never seen an NPC say poppycock before in my life lol
Pengkun also sighed inwardly.
Whats going on?
He had spent a fortune to set up this collaboration, and now it seemed like it might end before it even began.
While everyone was lost in their own worried thoughts.
I understand.
Then, an unexpected phrase came from Yuhyeons lips.
Pardon?
He should have been offended and red-faced at Geyes words, but instead he said he understood?
Could he mean, I understand. Im also uncomfortable being a last-minute addition, so Ill leave?
For a moment, Charles thought Yuhyeon was about to quit the performance because Geye had upset him, and he quickly tried to intervene.
Maestro! Please, just listen to me for a moment
Theres no need for further discussion. The elder is right about everything.
But Yuhyeons expression wasnt upset at all.
In fact, he was even smiling faintly as he looked at Geye.
If I were in his shoes, I wouldnt be happy either if someone Id just met today suddenly joined the ensemble and started offering opinions. Its been so long since Ive played with others, I failed to consider everyone elses feelings.
Maestro, what are you saying!
Just a moment.
Yuhyeon shot up from his seat and looked around.
The violin.
He remembered seeing a violin hanging on the wall when he first entered the cathedral.
Soon, Yuhyeon found the violin and took it down.
Maestro! Why that violin Thats a practice violin we keep for the children who come to the cathedral. It probably isnt even properly tuned
I will show you.
But Yuhyeon didnt answer his question in detail and instead drew the bow across the violin.
Its been a while.
Jiiing. The sound that resonated from the violin sent a shiver through his entire body.
He had expected it to feel good, but he hadnt known it would be this incredible.
The sound isnt the prettiest, but this is more than enough to play.
Yuhyeon looked at Geye and spoke.
Since you, elder, have also dedicated your life to music, I trust this performance will show you what kind of person I am.
Hah, you think you can satisfy me? Go on, lets see what youve got!
Just as Yuhyeon was about to bring the bow to the violin again.
Ting!
A quest has been generated.
Spontaneous Quest: Impress Geye
Rank: B
Restriction: User participating in the ritual.
Reward: Geyes trust, endless praise from Charles and Martin, follow-up quest.
Failure: Decrease in affinity with Geye, Charles, and Martin, and inability to participate in the ritual.
Description: Nothing will happen if you refuse this quest. If you refuse, Charles and Martin will somehow persuade Geye. However, you will not be able to touch the violin again until the ritual is over.
Yuhyeons eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the quest window.
It was a quest with no risk for refusal.
It meant that if he gave up and moved on, nothing bad would happen.
On the other hand, failure carried the heavy risk of being barred from the ritual.
A normal player wouldnt bother accepting this quest.
But was that truly what he wanted most?
Did I really pick up this violin for a quest?
He asked himself the question, but the answer came far too quickly.
No. I just want to play this violin. With all my heart and soul.
Of all the many instruments, the violin was the one he was most confident with.
And it was with the violin that he had won the first-place honor at the Queen Elisabeth Competition.
Jiiing. A long stroke of the bow sent the sound of the violin echoing through the cathedral.
Ill show you.
It was the moment a man once called Akseong was reborn in Wonderland.