CHAPTER 799: SYMPHONY OF ANCIENTS AND LIFE

The soft hum of anticipation filled the vast, elegant hall of ArtReam Hall, the lights gradually dimming as the stage slowly came to life. This was the moment the entire world had been waiting for: the start of the High Ceremony of the 130th Sapphire Melody Awards. The audience, a who’s who of the music world, sat around their elegant round tables, their conversations dying down as all eyes turned toward the stage. The Sapphire Awards were famous for their spectacular opening performances, but tonight promised something truly unique—an unprecedented collaboration between two of the most prestigious orchestras in Sakura Abode Country and all of Azure Star: the Oracle Orchestra and the Kodai Orchestra.

These two orchestras represented the heart and soul of Sakura Abode Country’s dual heritage, a perfect balance between modern and traditional, much like the country itself, which was founded by the Pendragon and Yamata clans. Classical music flourished in this land, not as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing art form that captivated audiences of all ages. While the Oracle Orchestra embodied the contemporary style of classical music, with its violins, cellos, pianos, and flutes, the Kodai Orchestra carried the legacy of traditional instruments like the koto, kokyū, zither, and shakuhachi.

Both orchestras had existed for over a century, and their rivalry and mutual respect were legendary. To have them perform together was a monumental event, one that had already created a buzz across the world of music.

The two orchestras had a history of over a century since their creation, so everyone was excited when they saw these two giants opening the Sapphire Awards. Classical music in Azure Star was extremely appreciated even by the major public, and High Ceremony also had several categories for classical music showing how important and popular this genre was around the world.

The decision by the Sakurean Music Society to have these two giants open the High Ceremony was a statement in itself: this was a night to honor not only the future of music but also its deep, intertwined past.

The stage had been transformed into a mesmerizing dreamscape—a seamless fusion of ancient and modern elements. On one side, sleek, crystalline structures rose from the floor, their edges sharp and defined, representing the cutting-edge nature of modern music. On the other side, soft, flowing sakura trees, their blossoms slowly drifting in a gentle breeze, representing the grace and timeless beauty of tradition. At the center of it all, a grand river of light ran between these two worlds, symbolizing the harmony between them.

As the lights dimmed completely, a hush fell over the audience. The silence was almost palpable, the kind that carried a weight of expectation. And then, with a soft, ethereal note from the shakuhachi—a traditional bamboo flute—everything began.

The first notes drifted across the hall like a breeze, delicate and pure, played by the Kodai Orchestra. The sound of the shakuhachi was soon joined by the deep, resonant hum of the koto, the strings vibrating with a quiet intensity that echoed through the hall. The opening piece was an ancient melody, one that had been passed down through generations. It evoked images of misty mountains, quiet temples, and the gentle fall of cherry blossoms in the spring.

The visuals on stage shifted to match the music, a slow cascade of soft light filtering through cherry trees, their blossoms gently falling into an imagined river. The audience was spellbound. Though no words were sung, the emotion behind the music was overwhelming. Each note from the traditional instruments felt like a whisper from the past, a connection to something ancient and profound.

As the traditional piece swelled, the Oracle Orchestra began to join in, their modern instruments blending seamlessly with the sounds of the Kodai musicians. A soft piano melody was the first to intertwine with the traditional instruments, followed by the sweet, soaring notes of violins. The transition was so smooth, so effortless, that the two orchestras sounded as though they had been playing together for centuries. It was as if the past and present were meeting in perfect harmony.

The piece began to grow in complexity, each orchestra responding to the other, weaving a story through sound. The Oracle Orchestra added depth and power with its rich, full-bodied symphonic sound, while the Kodai Orchestra brought an emotional resonance that felt timeless and spiritual. Together, they painted a picture of the journey through life—of joy, sorrow, love, and loss—all without uttering a single word.

The visuals on stage shifted again, moving from the peaceful Sakura trees to towering crystalline structures that symbolized the growth of modern society. The lights became brighter and sharper as the music swelled into a grand crescendo. The modern instruments took center stage now, with the violins and cellos of the Oracle Orchestra leading a triumphant melody. But just when it seemed that the modern world would overtake the traditional, the koto and kokyū re-entered, grounding the music with their ancient, steady tones.

It was a push and pull between two worlds, a conversation between past and present, each instrument telling its own story but never overshadowing the other. It was a performance that reflected the very essence of Sakura Abode Country—a place where the old and the new coexisted in perfect harmony, where neither was diminished by the other.

The visuals became even more stunning as the music built toward its climax. Brilliant beams of light shot across the stage, creating a shimmering effect, as if the audience were sitting under a canopy of stars. Cherry blossoms turned into constellations, and the crystalline structures sparkled like diamonds against the night sky. The combination of light, sound, and emotion was nothing short of magical.

As the two orchestras reached the final movement of their medley, the atmosphere in the hall shifted again. The music slowed, becoming more introspective, and more emotional. The audience, who had been on the edge of their seats, found themselves holding their breath. The notes of the kokyū, a bowed instrument similar to the violin, echoed softly, accompanied by the gentle strumming of the koto. It was a moment of stillness, of reflection, as the music spoke of longing, of memories lost and found, of the passage of time.

It was during this final movement that something extraordinary happened. All across the hall, and in living rooms and viewing parties around the world, people began to cry. The music, so simple yet so powerful, had touched something deep within them. The emotions conveyed through the instruments—without a single word—were so raw, so honest, that it was impossible to resist. Tears streamed down the faces of both young and old, of fans who had come for pop music and fans who had come for classical music. At this moment, the boundaries between genres, between cultures, between people, vanished.

On stage, the musicians played with a quiet intensity, their expressions serene but focused. They were telling a story, not just with their instruments, but with their hearts. The medley they performed had no lyrics, but everyone in the room understood its meaning. It was about life. About the beauty and pain that came with it. About the way music could transcend words and speak directly to the soul.

As the final note echoed through the hall, the light on stage faded, leaving only a soft glow, like the last breath of a dying star. The audience remained silent for a moment, too moved to even applaud. And then, as if a wave had washed over them, the applause began—first soft, then growing louder and louder, until the hall was filled with the sound of thunderous cheers and clapping.

CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP

The performance had been more than just music. It had been an experience, a journey, and the audience knew that they had witnessed something truly special. The Oracle and Kodai Orchestras, two giants of the classical world, had come together to create something that transcended time and space, something that spoke to the very heart of what it meant to be human.

As the applause continued, the musicians on stage bowed deeply, their faces calm but pleased. The stage slowly darkened, the lights dimming as the orchestras made their way off the stage. The performance had set the tone for the rest of the night—a tone of reverence, beauty, and deep emotion.

In that moment, the world felt united in a shared experience, one that would be remembered for years to come. The 130th Sapphire Melody Awards had begun, and it had already delivered something extraordinary.