Chapter 285: The First Phase [2]
*Step*
The single step drew the attention of everyone present.
It resounded quietly throughout the theatre, and yet, it was almost as if it rumbled inside their minds.
*Step*
The step was soon followed by another.
*Step*
And then another.
Before anyone realized it, everyone’s breath started to sync with the rhythm of the steps.
The tension rose.
It almost felt unbearable now.
And then—
Creeeeeaaak.
A loud creaking sound echoed.
A foot stepped on the edge of the opera stage. The moment it appeared, the tension rose even further.
In that moment, everyone shared the same feeling.
One of utter dread.
Creeaaaak—
The stage creaked again. This time, sharper than before.
And soon—
It arrived.
Crooked and towering, its limbs stretched far past what nature allowed, skin pulled thin as parchment over protruding, uneven bones. Where eyes and mouth should have been, rough black stitches sealed its lips and eyelids.
Yet it advanced without hesitation, each step calm and steady. As though it had always belonged beneath the theater lights, as though it was proclaiming this place to be its domain.
No.
This was its domain.
Everyone felt it.
Stopping right at the center of the theatre, the conductor slowly turned to face the audience. In that moment, the theater turned completely silent.
An invisible pressure spread, so heavy it could even be felt through the camera’s recording of the entire interaction.
Be it those from the main island or those from Malovia Island, everyone felt the weight. Some more than others, as they paled considerably, struggling to remain conscious.
But of everyone present, a single individual was struggling the most.
Her eyes shook, and her body trembled. Staring at the figure that had been haunting her for a very long time, she felt her entire mind growing blank.
I-mpossible... no, why... why...
The conductor remained standing in the middle, before all, as its gaze swept the surroundings.
And then—
Its lips parted. The sound of skin ripping echoed throughout as the conductor forced its mouth open against the stitches.
Soon, its voice echoed.
"Welcome, everyone."
Like a whisper, the voice quietly bled into the surroundings, slipping through every corner of the theater.
"...I’m extremely glad that all of you accepted my invitation. Today, I will be performing before everyone present. The performance will be divided into two parts. The ensemble, which will be comprised of three sections, and the solo performance. I’d like for all of you to try your best to listen to the entire performance. But of course, I won’t be the only one performing. There will be a special guest today."
The conductor stopped there, but soon its lips pulled up tightly, ripped flesh dangling in its mouth, the sight sending a cold shiver down the spines of many.
"...Without further ado, I will now begin to introduce the ensemble."
Turning his attention toward the side of the stage, the conductor extended his hand. The steps groaned once more as a figure stepped onto the stage, hands holding a small violin.
But the creepiest aspect of all...?
The figure had no face as it calmly walked onto the stage.
"Let me first present the violinist of my ensemble."
***
[The scenario is now starting...]
[Operation: The Conductor’s Trial]
Class : ■■■
: The stage is set. The Conductor awaits. Survive his trial and claim his soul.
The trial will unfold in two movements:
<Phase I: Ensemble> Play in perfect harmony with the Conductor and his orchestra. A single mistake, a single discordant note, and death will claim you.
<Phase II: Solo> Should you endure the first movement, the Conductor will grant you a stage of your own. Perform your solo and captivate both him and the faceless audience. Fail to move them, and the Conductor himself will end you.
[Scenario candidates will be joining shortly. Do you wish to purchase any item?]
[From the moment the scenario begins, you won’t be able to purchase items]
[You have sixty seconds]
"...."
It all happened incredibly fast. In one moment, I was in my office, and in the next, I found myself in this dark space that felt a little cramped.
I felt disoriented at first, but the moment I came to, my expression changed drastically as I found myself standing in front of a group of figures.
’Fucking shit...!’
I nearly had a heart attack as I stumbled back a couple of steps, simultaneously raising my head to stare at the figures.
They each held an instrument in their hand, and after my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, I finally understood.
They were the members of the Conductor’s ensemble.
And sure enough...
"Let me first present the violinist of my ensemble."
With the Conductor’s voice echoing, one of the faceless figures stepped up.
Creaaak—!
The wooden floor groaned under its step.
I understood immediately then where I was. I was backstage. Waiting for the Conductor to call my name.
"Next up, let’s bring the cello!"
Another figure stepped forward. Time seemed to move incredibly fast in that moment as I hastily looked at the scenario once more.
It was also then that I finally took notice of the description.
’Two phases!?’
Wha...
I took a moment to look at the description again to make sure I wasn’t seeing things, but I really wasn’t!
’What sort of situation is this!?’
I had previously assumed that I’d only have to perform one piece before the bet was over. There had never been any talk about other things.
’No, no, no, no...’
The nerves were starting to get to me. This sudden situation threw me off, but only for a short while as I hurriedly calmed myself down.
’There’s no use panicking. This situation is unexpected, but it’s not impossible. Just take it as a warm-up for the final performance.’
I took several deep breaths before nodding.
’Yeah, this is just a warm-up. Warm-up.’
"Let me introduce the trumpet."
My heart raced.
Another one of the faceless musicians stepped forward. I looked up to see that only three members remained.
My breath paused for a moment as my mind stirred, and I hurriedly looked at the shop to see if there was anything I needed. But after just a few seconds, I realized something.
Even if there was an item I wanted, I was too poor to afford it.
The realization made me laugh bitterly.
Right...
I was very poor at the moment. I closed my eyes in resignation and got my mind ready for the upcoming situation. At the same time, I took out my phone and looked at it. On the screen, a certain clown appeared.
"Next up, the drums."
The last member entered.
The backstage was extremely quiet. It was just me and my own thoughts as I stared at the last member entering the lights of the stage.
I could see the Conductor from where I stood. He stood at the center of the stage, bathed in the bright lights from above. It was almost as if he were the main star of the show.
And soon...
His gaze turned to face my direction.
The world seemed to pause in that moment.
He smiled.
And—
"Lastly, let’s welcome the Jester. The pianist and the special guest of this performance."
It was as if something took over my mind in that moment as I took a step forward, my hand pressing against the mask on my face as bells gently began to fall before my eyes, and I walked past the darkness and into the light.
[The time limit is up]
[The shop is now closed]
[Best of luck!]