Chapter 146: Drafting the List
At the dining table, the band members who had been joking around stopped and looked at the images projected, and a sense of shame, insecurity, and worry quickly emerged in the contrast, rapidly dissipating the little confidence they had built up that morning.
"Sorry, I selected the wrong video." The personal terminal used to play the video was closed off, and the student, seeing the unfavorable atmosphere in the cafeteria, quickly stood up to apologize before seizing the opportunity to leave the area.
Lunch continued, but the mood had significantly dropped; after all, they were up against a famous singer, a Starshine Level Songstress recognized by the Federation, not someone just anyone could rival.
"Does Geyin like today's lunch?" Tilan asked the quiet girl beside her at the table.
"I don't dislike it."
She really wasn't good at giving compliments, but Tilan sensed that the other was indeed not lying, truly didn't dislike it, her heart as calm as an ancient well.
"As long as you don't dislike it, let's order dessert later as a snack for the afternoon." Caring for this girl, Tilan felt like she was taking care of a small animal.
"Mhm."
After a short and quiet exchange between the two, the emotions of everyone else gradually stabilized, as if they had found a pillar of strength, realizing that their previous concerns were not as serious as they thought.
Is this the power of a Songstress, Efnie wondered as she blinked and turned her gaze once more to the black-haired girl sitting by the window.
Just a few words of exchange with a companion seemed to have a magical power that calmed everyone down.
It was only recently that she learned of Tilan's identity as a Songstress, and today's interaction made her realize how strange and awe-inspiring it was to have the power to invisibly alter everyone's emotions.
No wonder the histories of the Federation recorded that those famous songstresses could easily gather around them powerful forces and numerous people.
After lunch, the group returned to the music room and began the afternoon's rehearsal, which was now much closer to the real stage.
The light Illusory Crystal Mist gradually filled the room, and then the high-definition speakers placed around began to simulate the live environment, including sounds of footsteps, talking, shouting, and waving, and under the influence of the Illusory Crystal Mist, the surrounding environment also became identical to the real scene with crowded, roaring crowds, the vivid faces, eager gazes, various flags waving, lights spinning, creating a dream-like feeling, with a mix of tension and excitement coursing through their spines.
Is this what the real live scene is like, dazzling and numbing to the senses?
The thick atmosphere made the air feel heavy, and the performances of the group became slightly immature and disjointed, with beads of sweat showing on their foreheads.
It was at this critical moment that a solitary, ethereal violin began to play, calming the minds of the band members once again, like a chilled water droplet seeping into the heart, bringing back their calm.
Fingers pressed against the strings, then gently plucked them, and the voice swaying with the rhythm began to sing anew, with the mic capturing every nuance in the voice, the subtle changes in the breathing and intonation. The unique timbre of the girl's voice was intoxicating, like the explosive fizz of orange soda in the heat of summer.
Once immersed in their element, the members of the band gradually blocked out the boiling cheers and scenes of the outside world, losing themselves in the world of music and focusing on playing their songs. They sang of the unique bittersweetness, longing, anticipation, passion, and the hidden flicker of uncertainty of their youth, like a never-ending sweet candy chocolate.
After they finished playing, the venue erupted in enthusiastic cheers, which did not stop for a long time until finally, the lights gradually dimmed, and the vision slowly phased out, returning them to the original music room.
Looking back at the surrounding walls, furnishings, and the now-quiet speakers, everyone felt as if they had been in another world.
"With such an environment, it's almost indistinguishable from the real thing; I really believed I was performing on stage just now."
"Indeed, I almost cried from being moved." Someone pretended to wipe away tears.
"Phew, it's tiring, but it feels great, as if letting out everything."
"I don't know what the real stage will look like that day, but it seems I'm not as panicked and worried anymore."
"Just do our best."
As the members exchanged thoughts, Tilan set down her violin and walked over to Geyin, who was adjusting equipment offstage.
"Was that the highest simulation environment just now?"
"No, if we were to increase the level of realism further, an increase of 3%-5%, the scale of the venue and equipment needed would expand by more than five times." She explained clearly and calmly.
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"So, let's start training in this environment then," Tilan pondered.
"About the musicians you were asked to help find, have you located any yet?"
"Yes," Geyin nodded.
"Oh, who is it?" Tilan's curiosity piqued; she had previously granted Geyin access to search the student records, allowing her to painstakingly review and seek out potential members.
"Me," Geyin turned to face her after speaking.
"You?" Tilan blinked, quite taken aback, almost thinking she had heard wrong.
"Do you play an instrument?"
"I do," Geyin's voice remained calm.
"Which ones?"
"Guitar, bass, violin, piano, flute, clarinet, trumpet," she listed a series of instrument names, prompting one to wonder what made this girl, obsessed with the internet, skilled in so many instruments.
"Why learn so many?"
"Because my mom thought I didn't talk much," she revealed a family reason.
"So, you've learned them all then?"
"I have."
"Do you like music?"
"I don't dislike it." That was all, her emotions still as steady as ever.
"I see," Tilan lightly pressed her fingers together, thinking about how to explain to Geyin.
"Can you bring your instrument to the music room tomorrow? I can help you carry it."
"Mmhmm," the other nodded.
Let's leave it at that for now, and see what level Geyin is on. Truthfully, it was a surprise; Tilan had not expected this silent and unique girl to be proficient in various instruments. And judging from her previous behavior, Geyin was not one to lie about such things.
Next would be assessing her instrumental skills. As for the Transcendent Sequence, there was no need to worry; this child was only a step away from Sequence 5 and a genius who could surpass others through self-study alone, probably also because of her years immersed in the Aijeika network, which must have given her a vastly broadened perspective and source of information.
The afternoon rehearsal concluded, and Efnie announced the dismissal, after which everyone left the music room one by one.
The band members began to take shape, and the fighting members were also nearly chosen.
After returning to the student council, Tilan received a list submitted by Kolter. It contained about 20 names, all Sequence 5 students, who would be considered geniuses in any external school, garnering attention from both teachers and the Academy.
"Bennett, third-grade, Slashing Blade Sequence 5: Swift Shadow Walker."
"Sitasia, third-grade, Natural Sequence 5: Forest Spirit's Dream."
"Toklay, third-grade, Natural Sequence 5: Red Poison's Aroma."
"Koshi, third-grade, Withering Sequence 5: Night Terror."
"Ying Huo, third-grade, Primordial Sequence 5: Qi Fighter."
"Sitasia, third-grade, Blood Pupil Sequence 5: Crimson Claw Blade."
After the fourth-graders graduated, these talented individuals, previously reserves, emerged from under the shadow of higher grades and began to shine on their own—each hoping to make a name in the upcoming competition; whether it was for the glory of the Academy or their own futures, it was an excellent stage and opportunity.