Game Market 1983

Chapter 216: Gala Show

Draped in a pristine white dress, she effortlessly captivated onlookers, eliciting awe.

Kaori, holding a violin's bow, seamlessly blended into Ueno-san's piano melody. Her violin's entry synced perfectly with the commencement of the performance.

While the audience remained unaware, this segment was the result of Ueno-san's painstaking efforts to synchronize with the character on-screen.

Gradually transitioning from a piano solo to the violin's accompaniment, Ueno-san's rendition of "Sorrow of Love" amplified the concert's atmosphere.

Could it be the mood conveyed through classical performances?

Yukinojo Kaori, the vibrant character leading the protagonist in the drama, somehow exuded a mature aura in the gala concert version, evoking distinct emotions from the audience, unlike those experienced in the game.

"There's something very grown-up about this, isn't there?"

"Yeah... It feels different from the Kaori I knew. It's like seeing her after a passage of time."

Undoubtedly a love song, Chrysler's renowned "Joy and Sorrow of Love" contained contrasting moods.

Of the two pieces, the current rendition of "Sorrow of Love," compared to its counterpart "Joy of Love," held a somewhat weightier and more poetic ambiance.

If the 'Joy of Love' encapsulated the exhilarating emotions of budding love, then what could 'Sorrow of Love' represent? Perhaps the longing one feels after a beloved departs?

Music's interpretation varies from person to person, but at least for me, Chrysler's 'Sorrow of Love' felt that way.

As Ueno-san and Kaori's performance neared its climax...

The screen zoomed in on her face, bathed in radiant white light.

"To you, who listened to my violin..."

"Huh? What's this?"

Kaori's sudden voice left the audience perplexed.

However, Ueno-san's accompaniment continued uninterrupted, and the concert persisted.

"On the day we first met, do you remember? A little child, holding their mother's hand, gazed at me quietly..."

"From a small instrument stand in a Tokyo music store, I, having passed through the hands of many musicians, was given the opportunity to step onto the stageall thanks to you..."

"In the small room illuminated by moonlight, we gazed up at the beautiful stars together... And when I stood under the spotlight for the first time, feeling a slight tremble in your hand, I still remember."

"Relying on your shining talent, I, too, could shine again that day. And now, at this very moment, our final performance together...!!!"

Alongside Kaori's farewell on the screen, memories of their days together flashed.

Simultaneously, Ueno-san's 'Sorrow of Love' intensified, its impassioned keystrokes culminating alongside the emotional climax of both performers.

"Goodbye... Thank you for everything until now..."

As Kaori dispersed into scattered white light on the screen, sounds of sniffles echoed throughout the audience.

Or rather, without having to search for someone crying, Yuki next to me was already tightly holding my hand, tears streaming down.

"Wow... I came expecting a classical concert centered around "Gift from the Gods", but this feels like an ending after the ending..."

Amidst someone's commentary from behind, I felt an unusual sense of satisfaction. As he said, this gala concert focused on farewells with each heroine after the game's ending.

Originally planned as an ordinary concert featuring songs from the game, the Gala Concert had to be extended due to the Kobe earthquake cancellation. Reviewing user feedback, I felt the need to tweak the final scene of "Gift from the Gods" a bit, just like now...

Beep... Beep... Beep...

The sound, reminiscent of the protagonist's death in the game's final ending, reverberated rhythmically through the concert speakers, freezing the expressions of the audience.

"Oh... So the story isn't over yet!"

"Wow! Amazing..."

The interplay between reality and the game world.

While planning this gala concert, my imagined utopia seemed to perfectly align with reality.

For those who still remembered the ending of "Gift from the Gods", today's performance would be an unforgettable memory.

Ueno-san on stage, looking at the applauding and cheering audience, wore a satisfied smile.

&

The Gala Concert, bidding farewell to the four heroines from "Gift from the Gods", turned the audience into a sea of tears for about an hour.

Especially, the violin concerto with Kaori, who led the protagonist through the very end, continued to move many even after the concert's end.

After the first part, themed around the finale of "Gift from the Gods", a 15-minute break ensued.

"Oh... I think I cried too much during the performance."

Yuki, wiping her tears with a handkerchief, approached me after stepping outside to catch some air.

"Did you like the ending?"

"Yeah... a lot..."

With reddened eyes, Yuki smiled gently at me.

Then, Yuko asked me, "But what about those who couldn't attend today's performance? It feels unfortunate that they might miss out on something that feels like a continuation of the story..."

"Well, after today's concert, we plan to produce and sell a video or VCD of the live performance separately."

"Oh, if it's released, I'll get a copy too."

"If you do, I'd appreciate it. The profits from the live performance VCD will be donated to disaster-stricken areas, so it'd be great if it sells well, right?"

Responding to Yuko's question, Yuko smiled, acknowledging the praise from people around.

"Hmm... If those who attended today's show spread the word, I bet everyone who's played "Gift from the Gods" will want a copy."

"Well, I have a friend who'll write a good article about this event, even if it doesn't spread through word of mouth."

As I said this, suddenly, a voice behind me chimed in.

"Hey! Great show. It was totally worth coming from far away!"

At the sound of Junpei's familiar voice, I turned to see him standing next to someone I hadn't seen since the earthquake incident.

Perhaps it was his short hair? Misato seemed a bit more boyish than when we last met.

A rare combination of a game reviewer and a broadcasting journalist, but if you really think about it, my job with Yuki wasn't related at all, so I hoped we'd all go on smoothly...

Just then, an announcement echoed from the external speakers installed on the building.

"In a moment, the break will end, and the second part of the concert will begin. Please take your seats. Once again... in a moment..."

"Oh, seems like the second part is about to start. Should we head back in?"

"Sure thing. See you after the show, Junhyuk."

"Yeah, enjoy the rest of the performance."

&

Beep...

As the bell signaled the start of the second part, and the curtains rose, I, standing in the center of the stage, slowly lifted my head.

Thanks to Ueno-san, in the first part, I could comfortably enjoy the concert with Yuki. However, in the second part, I had to take charge.

The audience's expectant gazes and the brief eye contact I had with them prompted a smile to spread across my lips as I greeted them.

"Hello,

everyone! Welcome back to the Gala Concert for "Gift from the Gods"!"

Enthusiastic cheers and applause filled the hall as I continued.

"I hope you've all enjoyed the first part of our performance. Now, for the second half, we have a special surprise for you all!"

Whispers of anticipation circulated throughout the audience.

"We've prepared an exclusive preview of a new project related to "Gift from the Gods". This preview will provide a glimpse into the future of this beloved story. So, without further ado, let's begin!"

With that, the lights dimmed, and the screen behind me illuminated, revealing the first teaser of the upcoming "Gift from the Gods" project.

The audience's excitement soared as they glimpsed scenes from the preview, hinting at a continuation or a spin-off of the beloved game.

As the teaser ended, the lights brightened again, and I faced the audience once more.

"I hope you're as excited as we are about the future of "Gift from the Gods"! Stay tuned for more updates and announcements coming soon."

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their anticipation palpable.

"Thank you all for being a part of this incredible journey. And now, to conclude this Gala Concert, let's welcome back our talented performers for a final encore!"

The atmosphere brimmed with excitement as Ueno-san, Kaori, and the other musicians returned to the stage for a spectacular finale.

The music soared, filling the hall with an aura of celebration and nostalgia, marking the end of a memorable Gala Concert dedicated to the beloved characters of "Gift from the Gods".

>

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