Outside the stage scene, under the starry dome of the theater.

"..."

Antanas gazed at the curtain, his face reflecting the dim light and shadow of the stage, sometimes bright and sometimes dark.

The heartbeat of the Demon Race Governor and the voice of the Half-witch Lady echoed in this space through the panoramic sound system.

Antanas hadn't exchanged small talk with Sinola since the last scene began, focused on the story, as if isolated from the world, staring at the silhouettes of the Demon Race couple.

She knew that this farewell frightened the Governor, not because of death or life, but the separation that meant they could never meet again.

Suddenly, the light in the theater awakened her, bringing Antanas back to her senses.

At this moment, the splendid lights scattered like stars, illuminating the entire music hall, transforming it into a dreamlike universe.

The chandeliers towering tens of meters high inside the opera house reflected enchanting light through countless crystal prisms kissed by the lights, casting a soft yet bright glow onto the burgundy carpet, weaving a kaleidoscopic scene.

Looking again at this empty giant opera house auditorium, Antanas leaned back in her chair, relaxing and gazing up at the sky. She almost forgot today was just a rehearsal.

The fantasy opera, slightly remodeled to appear "thrilling," was actually a wolf in sheep's clothing—a contradiction between Curse and chilliness, once thinking I was no longer your favorite, only in the end found out it was merely the conflict between Illusion and Truth.

All the terrifying atmosphere and suspense served only to lead to the ultimate warm ending.

First published on M|V|L!EMPYR.

The two lonely souls finally got their answers.

The music concluded with a serene, ethereal coda, leaving a lingering resonance.

The distant melody seemed to whisper, pray, and also gaze and ponder, as though wounds may never heal, but the power of love will eventually Heal the scars.

The final note sounded and vanished silently, leaving lingering feelings in the heart.

And with that, the performance finally came to a close.

"Alright, well done everyone, today's rehearsal was great, just some details need to be refined next."

Abigail stood up, applauding the actors on stage, expressing her approval.

As long as this state is maintained, she believes the performance in one month will surely succeed on the day.

The staff on stage had a celebratory look of triumph, except for Lanci and Hyperion who still seemed immersed in the dream, appearing slightly dazed.

Abigail noticed and chose not to call out to them more.

Each actor's situation might be different, but many actors indeed remain immersed in their role's emotions and psychological state for a short time after the performance ends. In the acting world, this is known as being "unable to exit the role," partly due to strong character immersion, character shaping through deep thinking and experiencing the psychological inclinations of the role during rehearsals and performances, with immersion persisting for some time.

Another reason is the continuity of emotions and states. Dramatic performances often involve intense emotional expression. The emotions and physiological states generated while acting do not immediately disappear, and after two hours of wholehearted performance, transitioning from playing a role to returning to real life, an actor may require a psychological adaptation and identity transformation process.

Moreover, the performance itself is an intensely involved and physically consuming process, which may cause excitement or fatigue after the curtain falls, affecting the short-term state.

Abigail slowly walked up to the stage, approaching Lanci and Hyperion.

"Thank you for your hard work today, you both performed brilliantly, please rest well."

She gently pressed Lanci and Hyperion's shoulders, simultaneously indicating to Lanci not to worry too much about the theater side of things, since she would handle the subsequent work.

"Well then Abigail, see you tomorrow."

Lanci gradually awoke, looking at Abigail and speaking, then immediately focused his gaze on Hyperion, seemingly unwilling to take his eyes off her, as if afraid she would suddenly disappear.

"Take her home."

Abigail patted Lanci's back, urging him to leave quickly, or hoping he would go and accompany Hyperion alone.

Hyperion now also appeared fragile; the theater and stage were no longer suitable for them, and they should leave here.

"Mm."

Lanci nodded, grabbed Hyperion's hand, and headed down the stage.

Hyperion was slightly surprised when Lanci took her hand, then she seemed to make up her mind, gripping it tightly.

Lanci and Hyperion strolled up the aisle steps covered with thick red carpet marble stairs.

Together, they passed through the heavy and intricately carved double doors, as if stepping into another time and space.

Leaving the opera house auditorium, they quickly walked through the opera house's internal corridor, somewhat hurried but not disrespectful.

Pushing through a large door, they finally arrived outside the building, seeing the clear and bright city.

They stood on the side of the riverbank bridge near the opera house, on the Stone Slab path of the riverbank park.

This was one of the northern exits of the Ikelite Opera House.

"Lanci..."

Hyperion softly murmured his name, gazing at the afternoon sky of Ichrite.

Though the rehearsal started in the afternoon, after they finished performing, it was already nearing four or five o'clock.

"Hyperion, I've always been here."

Lanci assured her.

"I know. No matter what difficulties I encounter, you will appear immediately. I don't know what more I can pursue in this lifetime after meeting you..."

Hyperion lowered her gaze, recalling several turning points in her life, thinking that the biggest turning point was when the sky fell after her father's disappearance, not expecting the real moment to change her life was the day she met Lanci at Ichrite Academy.