"……I’m impressed. I knew you were talented, but this is beyond what I expected."
Four days after we began our special training, Saria’s eyes widened as she finished listening to my piano performance.
"It’s almost like I’m listening to myself play. Truly remarkable."
"Ahaha…… thank you."
I offered her a polite smile in return.
In reality, I was simply copying Saria’s own performance. I was using 'Transcription', a type of Control System Magic that allowed me to perfectly mimic and reproduce a target’s movements down to the smallest detail. I had originally used it to replicate Sylpha’s swordsmanship, but it obviously had other practical applications.
"Though you haven't quite escaped the territory of being a pale imitation of me. If you practice more and find a way to inject your own originality into the music, you should be able to reach even greater heights. Well, we’re out of time, so I’ll give you a passing grade—just barely. Clap, clap."
Well, since I was just copying her movements, originality was out of the question.
"Congratulations, Lloyd-kun. You've received Saria’s seal of approval."
Isha joined in the applause.
For the record, I had already passed my singing evaluation two days ago. Isha’s standards were considerably more relaxed than Saria’s; on a scale of one to ten, she had given me a pass when my 'Transcription' reached about a four. Saria, on the other hand, hadn't been satisfied until I pushed it to an eight. She was a tough critic.
Finally, the day of the concert arrived, and we made our way to the Church Headquarters. We didn't need to bring any equipment today, as the headquarters apparently housed a massive grand piano. Since Sylpha and the others were busy investigating other individuals suspected of being the mastermind, only Saria, Isha, and I made the trip.
The headquarters sat on a sprawling estate surrounded by iron gates, with several buildings tucked inside. Guards were even stationed at the magnificent main entrance.
"Phew, no matter how many times I come here, this place is massive. At this rate, it might actually be bigger than our castle."
"I don't think it goes quite that far, but…… as expected, the headquarters is on another level. Compared to my church, it’s like night and day."
The church where Isha lived was quite large, but this place looked at least ten times its size. Regardless, we spoke with the guards and were granted entry. The grounds were already swarming with believers.
"Whoa…… that’s a lot of people."
"The Church announces these events far and wide when they’re held at the headquarters. Since the general public is allowed in, people gather in droves."
"I suppose it serves as a good recruitment tool for new followers. Honestly, their business spirit is a bit too bold for my taste."
Saria let out a sigh. Avoiding the crowded main thoroughfare, we were led by a guard through a back entrance, circling around toward the Main Hall where the concert was to be held.
"Even so, this is a fine piece of architecture. They really do say a priest’s profit is a clean sweep, eh? I wonder how much gold it took to put this place up, Boss."
"The scale of the building simply reflects the depth of the people's faith. Hmph, a feat an incompetent Majin could never hope to understand."
"What was that!?" "I beg your pardon?"
Grimo and Gillian were bickering again. Those two really seemed to get along; perhaps they were more compatible than they looked.
"We’re finally here."
After walking for a while, we arrived at the Main Hall. It was a gargantuan, dome-shaped building that looked capable of holding thousands. We entered through the rear and were shown to a waiting room.
"They’ll call us once everything is ready, so just relax for now."
"Are you feeling nervous? Don't worry, Lloyd-kun, I’m sure you’ll be fine. Even if you make a mistake, we’ll be right there to back you up."
As it turned out, I had been assigned the role of the opening act, performing a short piano piece followed by a song. I wasn't entirely sure how it happened, but Saria had apparently forced my name onto the program. She really didn't hold back. Still, since I was just copying their skills, it wasn't a problem for me. Besides, being the only one on stage would make it easier to act.
"Sorry to keep you waiting! The concert is about to begin, so could the opening act please get into position!"
I was called sooner than expected and stood up.
"Ah, looks like it’s my turn. Well, I’ll be back."
"Good luck out there!"
"Go and have some fun."
With their encouragement ringing in my ears, I headed for the stage. As I stepped out, a wave of confusion rippled through the audience. They had likely been expecting Saria and Isha, only to see me instead.
Well, my target was the Pope. Now, where was he sitting?
"……There."
Glancing over the crowd, I spotted an elderly man in vestments wearing a gentle smile in a reserved section of the audience. He was surrounded by other elderly men in high-ranking formal attire; that was undoubtedly the Pope.
Right, it would be bad if I stared for too long. I gave a polite bow, sat down at the piano, and began to play.
—♪
I started to sing while playing a soft, quiet melody. It was a simple children’s song, but since I was using a perfect copy of Saria’s piano skills and Isha’s voice, the audience’s initial confusion was quickly replaced by rapt attention.
—Alright, now’s the time.
I activated the Holy Magic 'Glimmer'. I had modified the Spell Formula beforehand, ensuring that no visible light was emitted when I cast it.
……However, not a single groan or cry of pain came from the audience. Even the Pope remained perfectly composed, his expression unchanged.
"Hmph. I was keepin' a close eye on 'em too, Boss, but not a single one of 'em even winced."
"There is no way a servant of the holy Church could be a villain. As I suspected, the culprit must be someone else."
Hmm. I decided to fire off one more pulse just to be sure. This time, I sustained the magic for a bit longer. Yet, aside from a few people blinking, there was no reaction from anyone in the hall.
By the time I finished the song, my investigation was over. I stepped down from the stage to the sound of warm applause. Saria and Isha met me at the wings.
"That was a wonderful performance. You didn't seem nervous at all."
"Yes, it was incredible! I was so surprised! To be that unfazed in front of such a massive crowd…… you really are amazing!"
"Thank you, both of you."
Despite their praise, I hadn't achieved my goal. No one had shown even a hint of a suspicious reaction. Was the mastermind really someone else entirely? It was frustrating, but I would have to look for clues elsewhere.
"……To think he gave a debut performance like that and he’s still not satisfied…… Hmph. It seems my intuition was right. Lloyd, you might actually become a musician who surpasses even me one day."
"It’s wonderful, Lloyd-kun. The most important thing for growth is never being satisfied. To be able to make such a dissatisfied face after a performance like that…… you will surely become a singer who surpasses even me."
The two of them were muttering to themselves, but shouldn't they be getting on stage? For now, I suppose I would just have to wait for the others to report back.