Chapter 30: The Audition

Today is the audition day for the Autumn Festival concert. Kayden decides to skip class, the band period. He isn't ready yet. So he comes back after the fifth teaching period of his band teacher ends. 

"Professor Freedom, sorry for not attending the class today, I was busy with personal work". Kayden begged his teacher wholeheartedly. "May I have a chance to do the audition? Please".

"Sure, it's totally okay". He kindly said. "I'm currently in my free time".

"Okay, okay, I'll perform right away!". Kayden happily pulled out his ancestral instrument.

"This instrument is called Aqua Heart". Kayden had shown Professor Freedom the precious sirenic instrument. "And now, I will perform one of the siren songs, it is 'Serenity', one of my mother's favorite songs".

"Go on". Professor Freedom sat down.

The music starts, it sounds like water flows and ocean winds. The room suddenly becomes the sea shore. You can see the moon above is illuminating all over the night sky and the herd of whales are moving across the surface. Such tranquil scenery to admire.

When the music ends, Professor Freedom still feels a little bit wistful. Everything turns back to normal, the illusion fades away.

"You almost made me cry". Professor Freedom wiped off his tears. "It reminds me of a memory".

"What is it, Professor Freedom?". Kayden asked gently.

"It reminds me of my wife, she's long gone to the realm of spirits". Professor nostalgically answered. "The last place that we have met each other was the seashore, I still cannot forget it until now".

"It's okay Professor Freedom, time will heal your heart". Kayden comforted him. "The song 'Serenity' brings us to the dearest memory of our life, I hope you did enjoy my performance".

"No more words to say". Professor Freedom lended Kayden a sigil. "You're in!".

"Wait, what?!". Kayden was surprised. "This isn't a joke right? Why are you deciding so fast?". 

"This performance deserves to be seen by everyone". Professor Freedom smiled. "And you deserve to be acclaimed too".

"Thank you Professor Freedom! I will not disappoint you". Kayden cheerfully received the musical sigil.

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While that, Phoebe, Adelphia, and Olivia are with other students preparing and decorating the selected area for the Autumn Festival.

"Adele, can you help me move this thing to the top of the large rock?". Phoebe gave Adelphia a dazzling look. "We need to set up for the VR performance".

"Sure, my lovely cutie". Adelphia used her ability, she literally lifted a giant machine up to the top of the rock within seconds. "Here you are".

"Stop". Phoebe was being shy. "Everyone is here".

"Ooh what are you two doing here?". Olivia hobbled jokingly. "Sounds really naughty".

"Are you done with decorating flowers and plants?". Adelphia scrutinized everything that was behind Olivia. "Look exquisite".

"Yeah, we just need the student with the blooming ability only to finish the last step". Olivia stretched her back. "Maria's workers are super helpful, I've never seen the progress go up that hotfoot".

"Maria's workers?". Phoebe was confused.

"Oh, these helpers are Maria's people". Adelphia explained shortly. "She promised to aid us with almost everything, so I could help her with the first quarter test in our Prestige class".

"Oh, that's understandable". Phoebe fixed her hair. "I don't even know if I can pass, I don't have a high power point to take care of myself while in there". 

"Don't worry my little angel, I promise to protect you at all cost". Adelphia gently played with Phoebe's hair. "Trust me".

"Can y'all stop flirting with each other? I'm single". Ophelia finally can't stay quiet any longer. "And Olivia, go back to work, we still have a lot to do!". 

"Yes ma'am!". Olivia returned back to where she came without hesitation. For some reason, Olivia is super afraid of Ophelia. 

"And you two, stop flirting, we have minimum time to finish everything!". Ophelia lectured everyone irritatedly. 

"Oops, let's get back to work before she transforms and ties us with poison ivy vines". Adelphia grabbed Phoebe's hand and bolted to the next working destination.

Seems like these you have gone far away enough.

"Okay people, stay away from this area". Ophelia ordered people to keep a distance from the flowery area. "I'm starting to do the incantation now".

"My grandfather, please bless me!

You told me that my power will grow like the grape that thrives on the vine.

You said that all the wishes that I've dreamed of will soon become mine"

When Ophelia finishes chanting, the grass becomes flowers, the berry bushes become rose bushes, and all other things. Mystically, the whole place becomes a maze of floral gardens. 

"Oh my god". Olivia's mouth opened widely. "This is so beautiful".

"I know, that's the power of vitality and nature!". Ophelia walked elegantly to the next area. Each of her steps built up a trail of flowers and adored weeds. 

She is Ophelia Mangrove, the elegance of forest and the blossom field.