Performance
My performance had grown so powerful that it echoed throughout the entire paradise. The dissonant sounds emanating from the crystal ball gradually faded, and eventually, silence enveloped the space. Yet that silence was oppressive, like the calm before a storm. A low, heavy voice resonated within my heart once more. “...That was a magnificent performance. But isn’t it a bit premature to think that this is the end of it all?” This time, I could clearly identify the source of the voice. From the center of the paradise, inside the giant crystal ball, a shadowy figure emerged. It was undoubtedly the Shadow Leader of the Atlantis civilization, or his representative… some entity deeply connected to the Atlantis civilization. Its form differed slightly from that of a human, appearing distorted by the refraction of light, its outline vague. However, the overwhelming magical power and eerie aura emanating from that being were unmistakably filled with hostility. “Who… exactly are you?!” The Librarian raised his staff, heightening his vigilance against the shadow. The Historian closed his notebook with trembling hands and stared at my face. I clutched my lyre to my chest and fixed my gaze on the shadow. “I have come to save this world. And to thwart your scheme.” My words echoed, cutting through the silence. The shadow laughed derisively. “Save the world? You are a horrifyingly self-sacrificing idealist. But that ideal will destroy this world.” “That is not true. I understand the symphony of the universe. Your scheme is part of it. I can control it.” The shadow slowly approached the center of the crystal ball. “Control it? Interesting. Then let me put that to the test. With the fate of this world at stake.” The shadow began to release even more powerful energy from the crystal ball. Paradise began to tremble once more. I raised my lyre high and began to play again. But this time, it was not merely a defense. This was the beginning of a grand confrontation between the Creator’s will and the schemes of the Shadow of the Atlantis civilization. My performance played a crucial role in determining the fate of Paradise—and perhaps even the future of the universe. The Librarian and the Historian listened to my performance with a sense of prayer. Their future, and the future of this world, depended on my performance.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
