NOVEL NEXT Chapter 883: Lanci's Sacrifice (Part 5)
And the second version to be performed tomorrow is the real truth unveiled at dusk—the Half-Witch has become a phantom, the Governor needs to awaken from his dreams.
When the stories of Version A and Version B are combined, everything changes.
The original version to be officially performed by Hugh tomorrow, under Lanci's groundwork, will become a masterpiece that truly shocks the audience's heart with a contrast of joy and sorrow.
Applause erupts in the performance hall.
Most of the audience, without realizing what the next day's performance hides, is already very satisfied with today's show.
The performances of the male and female leads are quite distinctive, making the audience genuinely entertained from a performance perspective.
When the male and female leads finally become a couple, confessing their feelings under the Temple at dusk, ending their tumultuous journey with silent listening, resulting in a perfect and fulfilled love, the entire audience is moved to applause.
The lights gradually brighten, illuminating the troupe taking their bows on the stage.
Endless applause thunders on, with most actors' eyes shimmering with emotion.
Once again, they've performed a play completely different from rehearsals.
Now I somewhat understand why the Cat Immortal left the troupe to do street dance after the last show.
Front row of the audience.
"Lanci, it's really a blessing to have you..."
Abigail leans back on the chair, still with shock lingering in her heart.
She covers her face and makes a sobbing sound.
"Abigail, are you alright?"
Bianca puts down the Little Black Cat she holds and pats Abigail's shoulder with concern.
She feels that Abigail is too emotional at this moment.
Like she has survived a life-and-death ordeal.
"Can this be saved, meow?"
The Cat Boss lies on Bianca's leg, already dumbfounded.
It feels like Lanci has exhausted all his tricks.
He has given it his all.
On the stage.
"Lanci, it's a blessing to have you."
Talia stealthily hooked her pinky with Lanci's, whispering thankfully to him.
"It's also thanks to you."
Lanci looks at Talia, smiling wearily.
Talia also saved the show today; the successful navigation of the crisis wasn't achieved by his efforts alone.
They were always the least synchronized partners.
But at the last moment, they were the most synchronized, able to complement each other perfectly.
"So is it all over now?"
Talia asks Lanci.
Tomorrow, Hugh and Lanci will be able to perform all the content they rehearsed, unlike the impromptu opera she and Lanci put together on the fly today.
Her task is also coming to an end, and she can sit in the audience next time and enjoy the show at ease.
Similarly, Talia can see Lanci is already at his limit; he might really be exhausted, ready to collapse at any moment.
"Yes."
Lanci nods with satisfaction.
His real vacation is also arriving.
His journey, his mission, his work—all are reaching a perfect conclusion.
The applause continues to rise and fall in the opera hall, never ceasing, with some audience members standing up to shout praises and pay the highest tribute to the actors taking their bows on the stage.
Throughout the audience, people gather in small groups, enthusiastically discussing the unique aspects and heavenly voices of the male and female leads, marveling at the artistry of the stage design and lighting, and savoring the profound meanings behind the plot's twists and turns.
Different audiences express their emotions differently, sharing their experiences of appreciating the opera.
Some citizens of Ikelite City begin reminiscing about the most memorable scenes and arias right after the curtain falls, faces revealing a smile of intoxication and satisfaction. Others, eager to share this wonderful experience, send messages to friends and family with their impressions, inviting them to come and enjoy next time.
The entire Ikelite Opera House lobby is immersed in the opera's aftertaste.
Some in the audience prepare to leave, others remain clapping, still lost in the aftertaste.
The actors still bowing on stage, musicians still organizing scores and instruments.
Amid the festive atmosphere across the venue.
No one notices in a corner of the front-row VIP section...
A gray-haired, golden-eyed figure smiles subtly.
A tiny, almost unnoticeable bug rests on her fingertips.
[Friendship Forever Bug]
[Category: Alchemical beast]
[Grade: Blue Preciousness]
[Level: 1]
[Effect: Can learn to hear the target's voice, then speak words based on the summoner's intent.]
[Note: If you can't speak, I'll speak for you]
She props her cheek with one hand, eyes filled with mischievousness, having already sent more bugs to rest on the shoulders of media reporters she had already targeted.
Back at the Demon Examination Field, Lanci used the Friendship Forever Bugs to sow discord between two examiners, making them converse heart-to-heart.
This simple alchemical beast that Lanci was capable of making in the past is even easier for her to produce, as its function is solely to secretly communicate a message, being the weakest of alchemical beasts.
She would never sabotage Hugh and Tata's opera.
Yet she knows exactly what Lanci has been up to all day.
At this moment, these Friendship Forever Bugs are already drifting to the media reporters nearby, delivering a message that is enough to drive the media frenzy—
[Emperor Cret suspected to be in a box upstairs, rendezvousing with several women.]
"Lanci, do you know what real despair is? Just like that day when I couldn't escape, couldn't die, could only get spanked."
When success is just a step away, or when he thinks he's succeeded, is undoubtedly when he's most relaxed.
Did you really think I would let you go?
Lan Fu's mouth twitches slightly, breaking into a mocking smile.
Just teasing you.
"Struggle for me to see, ·my· master."
While the audience is still immersed in the opera's aftertaste, savoring and reminiscing, the reporters who are preparing to interview the director and lead actors about the troupe's finale also slowly stop their actions.