2 Art Festival 2 (Gina)

The screams were deafening. Gina glanced around the audience. She saw them gaping with their necks clenched.

She couldn't tell those reactions from the audience were an expression of admiration for the illusion that was displayed on the stage, or it was actually the release of fearful feelings that escalated to the high level.

She even saw the guy next to her climbed someone as those creatures crawled closer to the audience, she also felt her heart beating faster.

Zeryon quickly picked up the empty canvases and put them in the box. Instantly, it sucked the creatures back in. It was all like a vacuum cleaner sucked up the dust that was scattered on the floor.

The huge creatures shrank into the box. It seemed impossible for them to go inside. Somehow they fit, piled up in there. Then, the doors closed. The audience let out a sigh of relief.

A black cloth was spread over the box. Then, Zeryon touched the box with his left hand and closed his eyes. His hands were shaking violently, as if he was pouring energy into the box. A vortex of strong wind swirling around him. Even though there was no fan installed on the stage.

Gradually, the strong wind lessened and disappeared. Zeryon opened his eyes and pulled the black cloth. The box was reopened, revealing Zeryon's complete paintings.

The illusion artist smiled as he spread his arms, and the audience applauded thunderously. The VIP audience even stood up too.

Watching the show made the young woman feel amazed. Her heart was still in race. She was curious about what kind of trick he had used. Everything looked magical as if it was coming from another world.

Zeryon stepped to the front of the stage. Several people in the audience shouted his name. But the young woman's voice seemed to be choking in her throat when she saw the man more clearly. His bluish black hair was stuck to his sweat-covered brow, his muscles were visible, and his golden-tanned skin glowed. She was only able to look at him while swallowing saliva.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your appreciation by attending this art festival. Therefore, I'd like to give one of you a gift. Do you all agree?" Zeryon inquired.

The audience enthusiastically agreed.

Zeryon's gaze swept swiftly across the audience, and stopped at the young woman who stared at him. The burly man walked closer.

"You look so special among all of the people in this crowd. What's your name?" he asked.

The stage's lights shone down on the young woman in a red casual dress who was standing in the crowd. She took a few seconds to realize that a famous illusion artist was talking to her. And he literally complimented her.

"Hi! My name is Gina Blitz," she answered in a slightly trembling voice.

"Okay, Gina. I like your name."

Gina bit her lower lip. "Thank you."

"I give one second to answer. What's your favorite thing that makes you happy?"

"Um...peonies."

That was the first thing that came out of her minds. Because her most favorite one had already appeared in front her and made her happy. So, she mentioned her second favorite thing.

"Peonies...why?" he asked gently.

"Because it's beautiful. And it's symbol of love, honor, romance, happiness, and beauty," Gina replied.

"And? Did you forget something else?"

"I have no idea..." She shook her head.

"Nevermind."

Zeryon clasped his palms together and stared intently at his hands. Sparks of flame appeared all around him. Something came out of his hand when he drew it back. Gina's shoulders jumped when she saw it.

"Alright, this is special for you." He gave her a flower. The strong scent started to waft in the air.

"Aww, thank you so much! You're freaking amazing, Zeryon!"

Gina reached out the peony stalk, and her fingertips touched Zeryon's. She felt an unusual tremor, and Zeryon closed his eyes for a few seconds before he took a deep breath and looked at her without blinking, as if he had just found a buried treasure.

"No, thank you." The man smiled, then he let go of the flower in his hand and stepped back. He took his position at the center of the stage.

Gina thought she was about to pass out. Her chest felt warm, and she couldn't hide the blush on her face.

She inhaled the scent of the flower in her hand. That was very fragrant. But there was a fishy odor. Whatever it was, she had a feeling she had smelled it somewhere before. And then, she suddenly rolled her eyes; the smell was slightly like a mix of dead mouse and stale milk, but covered in the fragrance of peony itself. She didn't know that black peonies ever existed.

A few seconds later, Gina shook his head to remove the negative thought that had started to infiltrate her mind. 'Ah, maybe it's the odor of the people around here that has been mixed with sweat,' she thought.

Gina felt it was the best day of her life, as if she had conquered the world. She eventually met Zeryon Drax in person. It was like a dream. She even pinched herself on the cheek.

"Aww. This is real! It was a dream, and now it comes true," she whispered to herself. Then, she waved her hand and flashed a row of white teeth at Zeryon.

The illusion artist was still standing on the stage. He raised the microphone and asked, "How are your feelings now? Do you enjoy the show?"

"Great! Once more! Once more!" The audience demanded more performances with high intonation.

"Awesome! I really wanted to do another show, but the other artists were already lining up behind me. I might get scolded later. So, see you next time!" Zeryon waved gently, then he threw a good bye kiss.

Zeryon Drax's opening art show has ended. Then the man disappeared, he was swallowed by thick black smoke.