Apocalypse Forecast

Chapter 466 404 Performance (Thanks to the overlord for naming) _1

Where's my cello? My big cello, where is it? Did you guys swipe my equipment?

It wasn't until an enraged Huai Shi picked up the bracelet to examine it closely that he glimpsed the vague outline of the cello within the amber adornment.

Is this the surprise? We turned your cello into a specimen and placed it inside amber—surprised or not, expected or unexpected, happy or not?

In that sliver of trust he had for the Association, Huai Shi followed the instructions on the back of the note and fastened the bracelet—CLICK—it fit tightly against Huai Shi's arm.

Made of iron rings about four to five millimeters thick, it appeared somewhat like a watch at first glance. Inlaid on the back of the hand was a square piece of amber, engraved with the emblem of the All Hells United Music Association. However, after its Alchemy transformation, its hardness was astonishing. It could probably withstand the impact of bullets without shattering. If Huai Shi had confidence in his skills, he could even use this gadget as a tiny shield. Although, no matter how you looked at it, it seemed all too easy to play with and shatter the village's means of survival.

The position of the amber was rotatable, and once flipped, it revealed an exquisitely detailed cello contour.

The note said, infuse Source Substance.

So, Huai Shi infused Source Substance.

And then he was nearly blinded by the bow that suddenly sprung out.

Instinctively adopting a tactical backward stance, Huai Shi then saw a huge cello fly out from it, and he caught it in a fluster.

It wasn't heavy; instead... it was unexpectedly light.

For a moment, Huai Shi couldn't stop his momentum and nearly fell backward.

Once he steadied himself and took a careful look, he found the temperature of the cello to be the same as his body temperature. More importantly, his sense of touch spread out the moment his four fingers touched the fingerboard. He felt the deep rhythm of the cello's breathing.

Soon he realized that it was his own breathing. His Source Substance and his perception flowed over the body of the cello, and the sound of his heartbeat echoed in its resonating chamber.

It was still the familiar shape and the unchanged feel to his hand, but it seemed to have undergone a metamorphosis, becoming something entirely different.

When Huai Shi gently stroked the strings, the first note flowed out, as if the delicate reverberation danced in the air, echoing within his being.

"Would you like to give playing a try?"

The old man who appeared at the door smiled and presented a score. "The concert hall is available any time."

"Huh? Doesn't this cost money?"

After Huai Shi took the score, he sensed the ancient Source Substance contained within it—without a doubt, a precious piece from the Association's collection. Huai Shi had seen the exchange list; each piece was so expensive he could cry a storm. Yet, each one held a massive allure, making him clench his teeth, hesitating between spending money and saving it.

"This is my personal collection, not part of the Association's inventory," the manager said with a smile. "If you don't mind an additional audience, may I be privileged to experience your Performance Method?"

"Performances are meaningful because there's an audience, aren't they?" Huai Shi also smiled.

"Then, if you'll excuse me."

The manager nodded and snapped his fingers.

In an instant, Huai Shi's vision blurred, and he found himself seated on the stage.

The elderly manager changed into a formal suit and sat upright in the front row, looking forward with eager anticipation for the performance to begin.

"Please begin, Mr. Huai Shi."

Then, a spotlight shone down on Huai Shi, illuminating his place and the music stand where the score fluttered of its own accord.

—Edgar "Cello Concerto in E minor"

I feel like this is going to be difficult.

Huai Shi took a deep breath, calmed his mind, and stared at the score that seemed to come to life on the page.

Subconsciously, his fingers moved.

A deep and sorrowful sound erupted from his fingertips.

Without even thoroughly reading the music, it was almost as if he was sight-playing, reacting to what his eyes saw in an instant.

Huai Shi hadn't even realized what was happening. He was so focused, he forgot about himself.

It was as if in that instant, his very being was emptied of all thoughts, leaving behind any distractions. In this meditative state, his body instinctively began to move, smoothly playing the first section of the piece amidst the flow of Source Substance.

Following that, legions of phantom violinists slowly emerged from behind him, heads bowed, providing a perfectly synchronized accompaniment to this performance. They followed the melody created by Huai Shi. Their Remnant Souls were guided by the cello's notes, seamlessly integrating like flowing water into this growing, sorrowful movement.

"So beautiful..."

Subconsciously, the manager leaned forward, wanting to get closer. His eyes shone brightly. Like flames burning, he was intoxicated by the melody.

Yes, that's right... just like this...

Ecstatic, the old man gripped the armrest but desperately controlled himself not to crush it.

This melody, this performance, isn't this exactly what I have been longing for? Wasn't it because of my immersion in the pure, almost hellish beauty of this art that I served the Association, just to be able to listen to such outstanding performances frequently? So sad, yet so marvelous. This melody… no matter how many times one listens, it's never enough!

Now, the low and mournful sound of the cello drifted towards him from the stage, like a farewell embrace, clutching at his hands with its sweet sorrow. The reverberation spread out from his marrow.

As the sound of the cello rose, it quickly soared amidst its spirals. After a brief pause, the low sound of horns burst forth alongside the clarinet from the lingering notes of sorrow.

Thus, the spiraling of the cello recommenced, transforming into a tidal wave that engulfed the entire concert hall.

The grand and solemn performance began!

Within the surging melody, Huai Shi bowed his head, hand grasping the bow, steering the majestic river of music.

In the midst of the pure performance, the Source Substance within his soul burst forth. It brewed and collided within the resonating chamber of the cello until it finally formed a subtle transformation. It was the combination of the myriad complex life forces in his blood and the Apocalypse within his Source Substance.

With the melody, the Mountain Ghost's Stigma cried out in a piercing lament.

The numerous forces of the Abyss transformed continuously within the sorrowful cello piece. They seemed to morph at will, from flowers to trees, then from trees to twisting vines, in an endless cycle. At last, the once uneven forces of the Abyss appeared to be remade anew. Both their quantity and essence subtly began to change. Precisely balanced within the musical piece, they harmoniously combined together to form a complete Abyss Plant Ecosystem, growing vigorously.

The Mountain Ghost's Stigma incessantly drew upon the Apocalypse contained within Huai Shi. It extracted nourishment from the dark and deathly Yin Soul, and thus, the power of life began to burgeon. After the cold winter, a multitude of flowers bloomed upon the spring meadows.

Never before comprehending such harmony, Huai Shi felt as if he had returned to his time of advancement. He felt transformed into countless plants, taking root and sprouting amidst soil and rock. Regardless of spring, summer, autumn, or winter, he looked down upon all the sorrowful changes of the human world with a detached gaze, watching quietly amidst the rise and fall.

Until time flowed on, and he awoke from his dream, immersed in the remaining echoes.

He took a long breath.

After a long moment, crisp applause came from below the stage.

"Thank you for your performance, Mr. Huai Shi."

The manager slowly stood up and bowed deeply towards the performer on the stage. "A marvelous performance, truly worth the journey."

"Let this serve as a token of my appreciation for your warm hospitality these past few days," Huai Shi replied modestly, nodding. "If anyone should be thankful, it's me."

It felt as though he had endured a battle, exhausting and devoid of Source Substance. But his spirit was unexpectedly full, bright and spirited.

After a long absence from playing, his technique had not grown rusty. On the contrary, on the now-transformed cello, he was like a fish in water, and his skill had advanced by leaps and bounds.

It was unclear whether it was an explosion of long-accumulated insights or if the comprehension gained during this period allowed him to grasp the essence of this piece of music. Regardless, the performance was even more astonishing than he had imagined.

And the rewards were terrifying.

[Cello Performance LV15]

[Sword Art: Ornament Play LV13]

This wave of experience was incredibly rich. The Cello Performance skill, which had been static for a long time, leveled up by more than half a level. In the Current Circumstances, Huai Shi guessed he could win awards until his hands were sore. Moreover, Sword Art: Ornament Play also benefited, rising by one and a half levels. It was a night and day difference.

Beyond his own insights, it was likely the effect of this musical score.

A practice piece?

A manuscript personally composed by a departed musician, containing the Engraved Source Substance from Metamorphosis within exquisite artistry, producing an effect almost like that of a Border Relic.

Huai Shi carefully picked up the music score, starting to yellow and with curled edges, and offered it back with both hands. This time, the advantage he had gained was indeed great. It turned out the score had a limited number of uses. After Huai Shi had reaped its initial, most potent benefits, its effect would likely greatly diminish, leaving few uses remaining.

However, the manager did not take it, but simply smiled. "An occasional piece of sheet music I collected; it's of no use to me really... after all, I am but a spectator," he said. "It comes into its own in the hands of someone who truly cherishes it, doesn't it? If you feel uncomfortable about it, just perform for me a few more times in the future."

"I'm deeply grateful for your generous offer."

Huai Shi no longer refused, accepting the score with heartfelt thanks.

"It seems you have some visitors." The manager looked toward the door. "I will not disturb you further. I shall take my leave."

His figure gradually faded away.

In the blink of an eye, Huai Shi was back in the dressing room.

There was a knock at the door.

"I didn't disturb your performance, did I?" Ai Qing asked from outside the door, eyeing his calm demeanor. "Seems like you've had some new insights?"

"Just a bit of progress."

Huai Shi tried to stand, but his arms gave out; only then did he feel his weakness and fatigue.

It wasn't just Ai Qing who had come; there were other visitors as well.

When Huai Shi saw the horse-faced Sublimator leaning against the wall, he suddenly realized, "Ah, you are that what's-his-name... that soothsayer!"

"...Just call me TONY, thanks." Flopping his droopy horse face as if he were a village barber, the long-missed member of the Casting Iron Legion greeted Huai Shi with a nod. "My main purpose here is as a tool, please don't mind it."

"Likewise, we are all tools," Huai Shi nodded with empathy. "We're all tools; let's make sure to get along well later."

It wasn't until they finished their niceties that Ai Qing glanced at them. "Done catching up? Seems like there's no need for introductions. I'll give you a chance to exchange experiences later… but first, let me introduce a few other helpers who have come specially to assist."

She stepped aside, revealing the guests in the corridor.