[61 days left until Alvorna's Rite of Asecension]

[The day of Odyssey’s commencement]

Jihoon's eyes fluttered open, his mind still hazy from what felt like an eternity of sleep. As his vision cleared, he found Karim sitting beside his bed, looking utterly exhausted.

"Welcome back to the land of the living," Karim said, his voice hoarse and strained. "You've been out for two days straight. Barely woke up in time for the opening ceremony."

Jihoon bolted upright, wincing at the lingering pain from his battle with the Doppelganger.

"Two days? But the Odyssey—"

Karim raised a hand to silence him. "Don't worry, I've been cleaning up your mess. Again." He sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "Do you have any idea what playing that infernal guitar of yours whose thrash on one’s ear as brutal as a demon claw for an hour straight does to someone who's never touched one before?"

Jihoon's eyes widened as he remembered Karim's role in his victory. "Karim, I'm so sorry. I didn't think—"

"No, you didn't," Karim interrupted, but his tone was more resigned than angry. "My fingers are blistered beyond recognition. I've got a migraine that feels like a Harpy's screech, and I'm pretty sure I've developed some kind of magical tinnitus. The things I do for you, kid."

Guilt washed over Jihoon as he took in Karim's disheveled appearance. "I never meant for you to suffer like this. How can I make it up to you?"

Karim leaned back in his chair, a wry smile on his face. "Well, for starters, you can win this damn Odyssey. After all the trouble we've been through and the crud that you made me suffer, it'd be a damn shame if you didn't at least make it to the finals."

Jihoon nodded solemnly. "I promise, Karim. I won't let your sacrifices be in vain."

"Good," Karim said, standing up with a groan. "Now, get dressed. The opening ceremony starts in an hour, and you've got a lot of explaining to do to your fellow contestants. They're still pretty shaken up by your little display with the Doppelganger."

As Jihoon prepared for the ceremony, Karim filled him in on the aftermath of his battle. The other contestants were a mix of awed and terrified, unsure whether to view Jihoon as a potential ally or a dangerous threat. The Odyssey organizers had been in an uproar, debating whether to disqualify Jihoon for his actions.

"It took a lot of smooth talking, and a few favors called in, and every other contestant who despite suffered because of that whatever esoteric magic of yours still vouch for your sincerity" Karim explained.

"But I and the people who believed in you managed to convince them that your actions were unintentional and that you pose no real danger to the other participants."

"Thank you, Karim. I don't know what I'd do without you." Jihoon said with gratitude once again, he couldn’t fathom himself navigating this unfamiliar world on his own.

Karim smiled tiredly. "Just remember that feeling when I ask you to compose a soothing melody for my poor, abused ears and this soul of mine after this is all over."

As Jihoon is about to make his way out of his bed. Karim also made his gesture for him toward the bedside table beside him. An azure envelope remained there seemingly inviting him. Its sender: Aquarius, the Merfolk Princess herself.

“Huh? When did this thing appear?” Jihoon said as the receiver address on it has his name and the title of Maestro to go along with it. Since his title of Maestro is being used, then this must be a formal invitation. Being the fastest and youngest Maestro in the entirety of Absence since his arrival probably gives him a lofty reputation that doesn’t seem to be destroyed or exceeded anytime soon.

Jihoon carefully opened the azure envelope, his curiosity piqued. Inside, he found a letter written in elegant script, the ink shimmering with an iridescent quality reminiscent of fish scales.

Dear Maestro Jihoon,

I hope this letter finds you well. News of your extraordinary feat in becoming the youngest and fastest to attain the title of Maestro has reached the depths of Calphennis, causing quite a stir among our people. Your reputation precedes you, and many are eager to witness your unique musical style firsthand.

It is with great pleasure that I extend to you an invitation to perform at the Odyssey's opening ceremony. Your unique and innovative approach to music has intrigued many, and we believe your performance would set a perfect tone for the commencement of this grand event.

Furthermore, I wanted to inform you that I, too, will be performing at the ceremony. The "Forgotten Melody" you taught me has become a source of strength and solace for me when I was lost in my own sorrow. I have practiced diligently and wish to share its beauty with all those in attendance. It would mean the world to me if you could be there to witness this performance. Even if it is a small repayment for the kindness and understanding you showed me during our unexpected encounter.

I ask for no impossible favors, Maestro Jihoon. Your presence alone would be an honor. To see you there, supporting me as I take this step forward, would give me the courage I need to face what lies ahead.

May the currents be ever in your favor during the Odyssey.

Sincerely, Princess Aquarius of Sargasso.

After reading it and then rereading its content again, Jihoon felt a surge of complex and mixed emotions whirling in his mind. Pride at the recognition that the music he made resonated with the people of Absence and that his name is still spreading wider than ever. Some nervousness of showcasing himself at the grand stage within the sight of many spectators witnessing his craft.

But most important and ever. He changed someone’s life with his music. That in itself is an impossible milestone that many musicians and composers the like. Even if the “Forgotten Melody” wasn’t his exactly, to see it bring someone’s life direction around means that he wasn’t wrong to go on this path.

How many typical overpowered protagonists actually used their power to meaningfully change someone’s life around? He is certain that alone pushed his ranking above the mediocre amongst them and any that would be created later. He doesn’t care if he prides himself on doing better than examples of subpar fiction, his life has already become a terrible one at that.

"Welp," Karim said, noticing Jihoon's expression, "it seems you've made quite an impression on our aquatic princess. Are you up for a performance of a lifetime?"

Jihoon returned with a nod and a solemn smile on his face. He couldn’t exactly call himself as a strong-willed or determined someone, but he certainly has the obsession to keep up with determinators and the like.

“It's the least I can do after everything that's happened. Plus, I'm curious to hear how Aquarius has interpreted the 'Forgotten Melody'." Jihoon said as he wonders just what her interpretation of it would be like.

As Jihoon began to prepare himself mentally for the upcoming performance, he couldn't help but feel anticipation of the event ahead of him. He mostly stuck into his studio, not actually performing in front of a crowd. Nervous is too strong of a word to be used in this situation for him but he certainly feels the pressure in the atmosphere.

"Karim," Jihoon said, turning to his friend, "I think I know what I'm going to play. It's time to show them what Song Magic can really do."

Karim raised an eyebrow, a mix of curiosity and concern on his face. "Just try not to bring down the entire venue, alright? I don't think my nerves can handle another cleanup operation so soon."

Jihoon chuckled wryly knowing his rotten luck, but he remained optimistic either way.

As Jihoon prepared to leave for the opening ceremony, his mind wandered to deeper philosophical territories out of boredom. He couldn't help but contemplate the trope of the "overpowered protagonist" that dominated so many stories he'd encountered in his world before Gate.

One which has its philosophical implications for his actions and the nature of power itself.

"You know, Karim," Jihoon mused as they walked together toward, "I've been thinking about the whole 'with great power comes great responsibility' trope. It's funny how many stories feature these incredibly powerful characters, yet they rarely use their abilities to make meaningful changes in individual lives. Let alone fulfill the responsible part of theirs."

Karim raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Jihoon's train of thought.

"I mean, sure, they save the world and all that," Jihoon continued, "but how often do you see them actually sitting down with someone, understanding their struggles, and using their gifts to help that person grow? It's like... there's this fatal disconnection between having immense power and actually applying it on a personal, transformative level."

He thought about Aquarius and how the "Forgotten Melody" had given her a new perspective, a method for her to overcome her pain and find a way forward. It wasn't a world-shattering event, but to her, it was everything that mattered.

"It's not about grand gestures or epic battles all the time. Sometimes, the most profound use of power is in those small, intimate moments of connection and understanding." Jihoon said as he is fully aware that he would have a horde of angry mobs formed if overheard because he dared voice his opinion.

Karim nodded thoughtfully. "I see your point... It's the difference between spectacle and substance."

Jihoon can't help but feel that so many of these 'strong' characters in stories are... well, kind of flat. They have all this power, but their impact often feels shallow. They lack the depth that comes from truly engaging with others on an emotional level. So many of these fictions have a title that says outright the premise of the story and often they become the reflection of author’s depth themselves.

These fictional strong protagonists often seem to exist in a vacuum, their strength serving no purpose beyond defeating the next big bad or overcoming the next challenge. But real strength, he is starting to think, lies in the ability to connect with others, to inspire change and growth

They're strong, sure, but are they wise? Are they compassionate? Do they use their power for anything beyond self-serving goals or vague notions of 'protecting and saving the world'?

He shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "I know it's ridiculous to compare myself to fictional characters, especially given how absurd my own situation has become. But I can't help but want to be better than that flat characterization. I want my strength, my music to have meaning beyond just its surface, to create anything tangible positive change in this world."

As they made their way to the ceremony venue using the hired boat again, Jihoon couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. Here he was, in a world of magic and technology united with mythical beings as common as minor human traits, participating in an epic quest that he is on, yet his most significant achievement so far was helping a mermaid princess find solace through music.

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"Life really is stranger than fiction," he mused. "And far more complex."

Under the clear starry night never seen before in his recent memory, and the sea wind blowing seemingly soothes his weary soul. At their arrival destination and as their boat approached the venue, Jihoon's breath caught in his throat. Rising before him was a structure that defied imagination and expectation of his. A colossal stadium that seemed to blend the ancient grandeur of Colosseum of ancient Rome with cutting-edge modern architecture.

And based on his estimation, there probably are at least tens of thousands of people from all over of Absence there right now.

He was genuinely struck awed and that it is unbelievable that he hasn’t yet seen everything that Absence has yet to offer.

The stadium wasn't merely floating on the water. It seemed to be an integral and natural extension of the sea itself. Massive support structures extended deep into the ocean, while floating platforms and bridges connected various sections. The entire complex pulsed with an ethereal blue glow, as if the very essence of the sea had been captured and woven into its design.

As they approach the immediate vicinity, Jihoon once again recognized various cultural echoes of his world in the vessels around them. From the early Eastern boats that looked like they sailed straight out of ancient China, and sleek vessels that could have been designed in the most advanced shipyards of the future.

He also saw ships that looked like they came out directly of Norse mythology, their dragon-headed prows cutting through the waves. There were elegant elven boats that seemed to be grown rather than built, their organic forms blending seamlessly with the water. Dwarven steamships chugged along, their brass fittings gleaming in the starlight.

Jihoon noticed a clear trend toward authenticity rather than performance. Guessed that living in a post-scarcity society means that having obvious solutions to any flaw could just be omitted for one’s sake of freedom of artistry. It’s not the most effective but certainly cool to say the least.

As they drew closer, Jihoon could see beings of all shapes and sizes moving about - merfolk gliding gracefully through water channels, winged creatures soaring between floating platforms, and land-dwellers of various races navigating the intricate network of bridges and walkways.

To say that all of Absence has poured all over wasn’t wrong to say the least.

As they finally docked onto one of the platforms and leave the boat, Jihoon could feel the excitement in the atmosphere around even if he couldn’t share in it. The familiar elements from his world, juxtaposed with the fantastical and magical, created a surreal atmosphere that both comforted and thrilled him despite his jaded attitude that came from how his life turned out to be.

“Guess it’s time to add our melody into this grand symphony”. Jihoon thought to himself as he and Karim navigated through the massive crowd of people that only continued to converge here.

Using the pre-given instructions that came additionally, they found the employee route separated from the tourist path. Since he has shown proof of his identity and Aquarius’s recommendation, he was given the fast pass by the Colosseum’s staff to the designated area. The massive interior that came about from the sheer scale makes this place difficult to navigate without a guide for any first-time visitor.

As Jihoon and Karim made their way through the spacious labyrinthine corridors of the grand stadium, they finally arrived at the performers' quarters. The moment they stepped inside, Jihoon was struck by the sheer diversity and talent gathered in one place.

The expansive room was a hive of activity, filled with performers from every corner of Absence. Still wide-eyed as he was, he looked upon the lineup that will perform in the opening ceremony.

There were ethereal elven harpists tuning their instruments, their fingers moving with inhuman grace. There are some dwarves adjusting their brass instruments arguing about some musical theory stuff that Jihoon himself don’t have too much experience with said instrument to understand. In one corner, a trio of merfolk vocalists practiced their scales, their voices blending in haunting harmonies that seemed to make the very air shimmer.

That’s just what he could discern in the moment. There are many more races that he hasn’t yet given the proper attention to but suddenly, he felt like he was being dwarfed by all the people who has centuries of study in the making.

Jihoon didn’t say anything but intimidated is his certainly is something he is feeling in the moment.

“Well, any large-scale ceremony would certainly attract a massive gathering of performers everywhere across Absence. Not just strength and wit but certainly cultural prowess too”. Karim said as he doesn’t hide his impressed expression of the performers.

As they made their way through the room, Jihoon couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation about the various acts. There was talk of a Harpy wind ensemble that could literally control the weather with their music, and rumors of a Yokai illusionist whose performance would blur the lines between reality and fantasy.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Jihoon sought out the performance schedule. His heart sank a little as he found his name near the bottom of the list, scheduled to perform after nearly everyone else.

"Well, that's certainly not ideal," Karim said, peering over Jihoon's shoulder at the schedule. "Being one of the last acts means the audience might be tired by the time you get on stage."

Jihoon nodded, a crease of worry forming between his brows. "And after all these incredible group performances, my solo act might seem... underwhelming in comparison."

He glanced around the room again, taking in the elaborate costumes, the exotic instruments, the sheer spectacle of it all. For a moment, doubt crept in. How could his lone performance possibly measure up to all of this?

Taken a deep breath, steadying himself. He remembered the impact his music had on Aquarius, how the "Forgotten Melody" had touched upon her tormented soul. He thought of the unique power of his Song Magic, something none of these other performers possessed.

"You know what, Karim?" Jihoon said, a determined glint in his eye. "Maybe being last isn't that bad a thing after all. After all the flash and spectacle, maybe what the audience will really need is something... genuine. Something that speaks and resonates to the heart of each individual."

But Aquarius likely will perform the ‘Forgotten Melody’ and Jihoon has nothing that has that soul-touching capability that it has. And despite him being the one to teach it to her, he would immediately be drowned in plagiarism complaints if he dares try to play it after her.

“Something that unquestionably mine, huh?” Jihoon thought as he scrounges his memory for everything that he could make his performance about. The already diverse selection leaves little for Jihoon to leverage.

Then he glanced back at the electric guitar on his back and realized that it is a solely unique instrument even in the world of Absence. While everyone and their mother was using the classical instruments of theirs, this thing was the only thing that he brought which has nothing replicate it despite their technology.

He had an idea… And he intends to leave a lasting impression to all of the Absence’s denizens.

The grand colosseum-like stadium was abuzz with excitement as spectators from all corners of Absence filed into their seats. The air was thick with anticipation, a cacophony of unified language and dialects blending into a symphony of expectation.

Beings of all races and forms found their places, merfolk in their water-based area, winged folk in their high balcony and the usual land-dwellers of every description filling the main seating areas.

As the last of the audience settled in, the lights dimmed, focusing attention on the central stage. A circular platform that seemed to hover over both water and land, accessible to performers of all elements. A shimmering curtain of light surrounded it, ready to project images and enhance the performances.

A hush fell over the crowd as a voice boomed across the stadium, magically amplified to reach every ear:

"Esteemed guests, noble contestants, and citizens of Absence! Welcome to the opening ceremony of this year's Odyssey!"

The announcer, a tall figure with iridescent skin dressed in a sharply prepared suit, continued with a brief history of the event and its significance. As he spoke, holographic images danced above the crowd, illustrating the rich tapestry of Absence's cultures and the spirit of unity the Odyssey represented.

"And now," the announcer's voice swelled with pride, "to commence our celebration, we are honored to present a very special performance. Please welcome Her Royal Highness, Princess Aquarius Sargasso of the Merfolk Kingdom!"

A collective gasp rippled through the audience as Aquarius gracefully rose from a pool of water at the center of the stage. She was a vision of ethereal beauty, her scales shimmering with an otherworldly light. In her hands, she held an instrument that looked like a cross between a harp and a conch shell.

Dressed specifically for the occasion, her beauty in this very moment exceed all that is imaginable to everyone here. Like a goddess descent from the mythical tapestry in the flesh, she positioned herself into a sitting position. Her long azure hair unfurled like curling waves of the sea. Her pure white sundress seemingly creating the feel of divinity out of the ether itself.

A silent expectant spread fell all over the stadium. Then with a gentle touch of, she played the first note of the Forgotten Melody.

D~~~| E F A~| G F E~| D~~~| C F~~|

F C~~| B A G~| D~~~|A~ F B |G F A~|

The introduction melody was played in C major chord, the most simplistic chord possible seemingly to display the pristine and innocent nature that this melody has. Everyone who has first stepped into the learning of music knew this very chord when they first familiarize themselves with the notes.

As the melody unfolded, it seemed to touch something deep within each listener. It was at once deeply personal and universally resonant. Seemingly already about to move into tears with just the introduction alone.

Both Jihoon and Karim are watching the broadcast of the performance right in the perfomers’ quarter. Karim seemingly lost amidst the melody itself that he just heard. Jihoon, however, isn’t surprised to say the least since this was the first Song Magic that he made and what saved him from his aimless life.

______-----{////\\\\}-----______

Forgotten Melody

Classification: Song Magic

Rank: Intermediate

Effect (MAG 30):

-Immunity to all negative mental status effects

-+500% EXP gain.

'A music piece composed of a nostalgic past that can't ever be returned to. The harmonic of the Goddess's harp brings peace to the tortured souls but since long forgotten for eternity.'

------_____{\\\\////}_____------

C B A B| C E F E| D E F~|

C B A G| A B D E| D C D E|

B A G F| G A C D| C B C D|

A G F E|F G F E|F E Eb F|

A hushed silence fell as Aquarius's rendition of the "Forgotten Melody" filled the air through the broadcast. The bustling activity from earlier ceased entirely, replaced by a collective stillness as the music washed over them.

D E F E| D E F A| Bb~~~|

The band of elven harpists stood motionless, their instruments forgotten in their hands. Tears glistened in their eyes, reflecting the deep emotional resonance they felt with the melody. One of them whispered, barely audible, "In all my centuries, I've never heard anything quite like this..."

Bb A G F| E D F~|

E D C D | E G A~|

The dwarven percussionists, usually boisterous and animated to prepare for the performance that will surpass their previous, sat in stunned silence. Their leader, a grizzled veteran of countless performances, removed his cap and held it to his chest, a gesture of profound respect and his eyes closed as if deeply praying. His weathered face showed a mix of awe and a hint of envy at the raw emotional power of the piece that he willingly concedes to.

A G F E| D C E~|

D C Bb- C|D F G F |E F G~|

In the corner, the merfolk vocalists who had been practicing earlier now listened with rapt attention. One of them, overcome with emotion, sank to her knees, her hand covering her mouth as silent tears streamed down her face. The melody seemed to touch something deep within their aquatic souls, reminding them of the vast, mysterious depths of their oceanic homes.

D+ C+ Bb A| G F E D| E F G A|Bb C+ D+ E+|

As the scales of the chord progression run higher and higher, Aquarius moved the whole song one octave higher as if to emulate the heaven’s feel through the higher notes.

F+ E+ D+ E+|F+ A+ Bb A|G+ A Bb~|

A group of Yokai illusionists, known for their ability to create stunning visual spectacles, stood transfixed. Their leader, a being of usually ever-shifting form, had solidified into a static appearance for the first time in memory, too moved by the music to maintain their usual fluid state.

F+ G+ F+ E+| D+ C+ Bb A| Bb A G A| Bb A G A| E+~~~|

Even the Harpy wind ensemble, who had been boasting earlier about their weather-controlling abilities, now stood with wings slightly drooped, humbled by the sheer emotional impact of Aquarius's performance. A wordless sentiment shared amongst them. They may control the wind but this… controls the heart itself.

Bb A G A| Bb D E D| Db D E~|

Bb A G F| G A Db D| Db E Db D| Db C~~|

Throughout the room, performers of all races and backgrounds found themselves united in a shared experience of wonder and emotion. Many who had come with a competitive spirit now felt a sense of camaraderie, recognizing the universal language of music that transcended their differences.

For a moment in time, no one moved or spoke, each lost in their own thoughts and feelings stirred by the Forgotten Melody.

Left hand: A~~~|G F G~|~~F E |F~~~| G A Bb~| A G A~|

Right hand: DEFABbAGF|EDCDEGAG|FEDCBbCD|FGFEFGEA|E~~~|

(No space means half-note)

“Did she just perform a polyphony on a live instrument!?” Jihoon’s thought suddenly raced across his mind as he directly witnesses the act that Aquarius just did. Playing two different melodies even if simple at once is something that can only be feasibly conceived in a music composer, not in a live solo performance with real instrument.

Then, the melody approached its decrescendo phased as her fingers run across all the note in descending tone as if fallen slowly from the heavenly approach she once was. All across an entire octave lower. All finally to play the introduction melody again.

F E D E| F A Bb~| A G F E| D C D E| D C D E | G A~ G F |E D C Bb| C D C Bb |

C D F G| G F E F|~~~~|

The ending approaches as if all the wistful feeling contained within are about to imparted completely into the melody itself. Like a last farewell, not knowing if one will reunite ever again. Like a lasting decision that one can’t ever undo.

D E F A|~ G F G |E F G~|

C D E G|~ F E F |D E F~|

E F G Bb|~ A G A|F G Bb A|

As the final notes of the "Forgotten Melody" faded away, a collective sigh seemed to ripple through the performers' quarter. For a moment, no one moved or spoke, each lost in their own thoughts and feelings stirred by the music.

Then, slowly, they began to turn to one another, exchanging glances of shared understanding. Without words, they acknowledged the profound impact of what they had just witnessed. The bar had been set incredibly high, and many were reassessing their own planned performances in light of this opening act.

During everyone else’s quiet moment of reflection, Jihoon stood apart, a small and unnoticeable smile remained on his lips. Only he knew the origin of this melody and witnessing its impact upon not only talented artists but the average audience has ascertained and strengthened his resolve.

Still, with the thought about his own performance occupying his mind, Jihoon can only hope that one day, he would manage to create something unforgettable on his own.