School Festival Day (End)

The stage lights softened.

The earlier commotion receded like the tide, leaving behind a comfortable tranquility. Students stood or sat in twos and threes, their eyes fixed on the stage.

Yun Jin stood in the center of the stage; the opera had reached its climax.

"Highbrow art may not necessarily go unrecognized."

With a flick of her wrist, her flowing sleeves billowed, blooming into a pale blue flower in the air before slowly closing. Her gaze calmly swept over the audience.

The audience was completely silent, except for her voice suddenly rising in pitch, like a crane's cry echoing through the heavens—

"It has its own kindred spirits and elegant words."

Her gaze was calm and unwavering despite the fact that the audience was not full; it was as if she were simply reciting to the unchanging moonlight that had remained unchanged for thousands of years.

"The red-tasseled sword flutters like a shooting star,"

Her voice rose, carrying the unique pauses and cadences of traditional opera. She turned slightly to the side, making a virtual rein-in gesture, and a heroic air of battle instantly appeared between her brows, as if there were truly thousands of troops and banners fluttering in the wind before her.

"Directly pointing towards the raging tide that washes the sea clean."

The last sentence, with its sudden rise in volume, clear and stirring, abruptly abruptly ended, culminating in a clean and crisp pose. Her flowing sleeves fell, and the sharpness in her eyes slowly softened, returning to a deep, still gaze.

The song ended.

The lingering sound seemed to still be echoing between the beams.

She maintained her final posture, standing still for two seconds before slowly exhaling, retracting her stance, and giving a slight, neither humble nor arrogant, bow to the audience.

Applause rang out from the audience, sparse but sincere, and many students showed thoughtful or appreciative expressions.

The VIP seating area is located to the side of the stage.

Zhongli put down the teacup, and the bottom of the cup made a very soft "click" sound against the porcelain saucer.

He tapped his fingertips silently on his knees, as if savoring the rhythm of the song. After a long while, he whispered to Nahida beside him, "The music may have ended, but the people may not have dispersed; the lingering charm can cleanse the dust of the world. Singing this song before the curtain falls on the clamor is the finishing touch. The world is chaotic, but the pure sound remains, and those who understand it will find their souls."

Nahida swung her legs, held the flower tea, and softly hummed in agreement. Her emerald eyes gazed thoughtfully at the composed figure on the stage.

The stage lights dimmed again, then instantly illuminated them once more in a dreamlike and pure way.

Countless tiny, stardust-like specks of light did not fall from the ceiling, but Robin air from the center of the stage, around the robin, and floated up, converging into a slowly rotating, hazy galaxy of light. An exceptionally soft and pure pillar of light enveloped her within it.

Robin stands in the light.

Her magnificent stage costume shimmered with a pearly, moonlit glow under the light, and the feather ornament at her neckline emitted a gentle, luminous light that resonated with her own magic. She didn't start singing immediately; she simply stood there quietly, her gaze softly sweeping across the audience, a serene smile on her lips that seemed to soothe all anxieties.

Then, she raised her hand, not using her staff, but simply making a light stroke in the air with her slender fingertips—

The first note flowed out.

"We rise... together... as our destiny unfolds..."

Ethereal and pure, it seemed not to come from the throat, but from a tremor directly from the soul, transforming into tangible, iridescent light waves that gently yet irresistibly cleansed everyone's eardrums and hearts.

The melody unfolded like mercury spilling across the ground, her voice joining in, sometimes soaring like the clear cry of a bird piercing through the clouds and reaching the heavens, sometimes lingering like the deep sea bathed in moonlight, gently enveloping everything. The ancient and beautiful language seemed to possess its own magic; even without understanding the meaning of the words, one could clearly feel the surging hope, the yearning for freedom, and a faint, eternal homesickness within.

Magical effects flowed freely with the singing. Points of light transformed into fluttering, glowing butterflies, and musical notes materialized into a winding, flowing river of silver light. Occasionally, enormous, translucent phantom wings would flash and disappear behind her. The entire stage seemed to detach from the academy's stone floor, floating into an independent, tranquil, and magnificent divine dreamland.

A brief, suffocating silence fell over the audience.

Immediately--

"The Robin--!"

"Bird Gate! Eternity--!"

"My faith has been divinely infused! My DNA has moved!"

"It's like angels singing on earth! This isn't a school anniversary celebration, it's a miracle!"

A tremendous wave of sound erupted, more fervent and infectious than ever before. The students, especially the younger ones, were almost swept up in a collective frenzy. They waved glow sticks and light boards with all their might, many with slightly red eyes, their voices merging with the singing and shouts into a boiling sea of faith, filled with reverence and love.

At the very front of the crowd, a figure stood out like a pillar of strength or a fanatical, combative believer.

He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, the hood pulled tightly over his head, and a black mask covering his face, revealing only a pair of blue eyes that were glistening with excitement, filled with 'no regrets entering the bird sect in this life' and 'boundless worship'.

He held up the largest and brightest light board in the entire venue, which displayed the lyrics "I love the Robin! God is in my heart! I will never be a slave to man!" in a dazzling, magical light. He waved the light board frantically from side to side to the rhythm of the song, his body swaying and jumping dramatically. Each wave of his hand was accompanied by the sound of wind cutting through the air, and each jump was filled with a sacrificial devotion. His movements were so exaggerated that he almost bumped into people next to him several times, but he managed to twist them away with amazing flexibility. His actions were filled with a kind of selfless enthusiasm, as if he were performing a sacred ritual.

"Bird Baby! Look here! Bird Baby! This song is amazing too--! I'll always be your favorite! You are my everything!" He shouted hoarsely, his voice muffled through the mask, but his fervor was almost tangible.

Perhaps it was due to the excessive movement, or perhaps it was due to sweat dripping down.

As he leaped once more, attempting to push the light board beyond physical limits and raise it even higher, almost transforming it into a human-shaped tower of faith—

The strap on one side of the mask, unable to bear the weight, snapped with a "snap".

The black mask slipped off his face and floated gently to the ground.

His face, usually handsome and indifferent, was now flushed red with extreme excitement. In 0.1 seconds, his expression Frozen from peak ecstasy to extreme terror, as if he had witnessed the simultaneous arrival of cosmic heat death and his own social death.

An elegant profile, a straight nose, and tightly pressed, bloodless lips.

Sunday.

Time seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

Several students around him subconsciously looked over, their eyes slowly widening and their mouths opening involuntarily.

"Huh...? Wait, this face..."

"Sunday Senior...?! That Sunday Senior who always appears at the top of the academy's disciplinary notices, speaks with the rigor of a textbook, and whose very top button on his shirt symbolizes order and rules?!"

"He's cheering for Robin?! And he's holding up one of those... blindingly bright light signs that look like flowing rainbow disco balls?! And he's dancing like a... high school cheerleading squad?! This is totally OOC!!"

The whispers exploded like cold water dripping into boiling oil in a small area, spreading rapidly backward. Countless gazes focused on Sunday's face, filled with extreme shock, bewilderment at the shattering of his worldview, and an almost uncontrollable excitement and ecstasy at discovering a shocking secret (along with the hand reaching for a phone to record).

On Sunday, all the color drained from his face in an instant, leaving him deathly pale. His ears, however, turned bright red at a visible speed, almost dripping blood. He was frozen in place as if struck by an invisible bolt of lightning, his mind flashing through countless new titles he might acquire at the academy: "Fist of Order (Pseudo)", "Discipline Committee Member (Specifically Referring to Fan Discipline)", "Strongest Single-Pusher on Earth (Physical)".

He abruptly raised his hand to cover the lower half of his face, but in those usually calm and composed blue eyes that seemed to see through everything, the intense panic and despair of "It's over," "It's completely over," "My career and campus image are doubly ruined at this moment," "My reputation is ruined, I have to flee the solar system overnight," and "I might as well let the floor crack open and swallow me up right now" were clearly reflected.

The light sign fell to the ground with a thud, flickered twice, and then went out.

Without even looking, he practically lunged forward and scooped her up, then abruptly turned around. Using what seemed like a spatial teleportation-like escape technique, he scrambled through the crowd, head down, and with a pace drastically different from his usual composed demeanor—almost frantic and desperate, as if watched by a thousand Elation stars—he dashed out of the front row without looking back. Like a white whirlwind, he vanished into the bustling crowd in the blink of an eye, leaving behind only a panicked, disheveled figure, with a long trail of tangible shame trailing behind him.

"... ran away?" a student murmured.

"He really ran away... With that kind of agility, he could probably get an SSS in the physical fitness test..." another voice chimed in, barely suppressing a laugh.

"Pfft... Sorry, Sunday senior, but I really couldn't hold back, hahaha... You've finally met your match! "About the fact that my aloof senior is actually my number one fan"!"

The low laughter, initially suppressed, quickly spread and amplified through the crowd, eventually transforming into a small sea of joy. Many people, while laughing, couldn't help but glance at the Robin, still flawlessly performing on stage, then at the lonely light stick mark on the ground, seemingly still bearing witness to the earlier frenzy. Their expressions became incredibly subtle, conveying "I get it" and "This is so sweet."

Although many people are unaware of sibling orthopedics.

On stage, the Robin's song continued, ethereal and melodious, unaffected in the slightest; in fact, the arrival of the chorus made the emotion even fuller and richer.

But during a brief pause for breath, her gaze seemed to casually sweep over the suddenly empty seat below the stage, and then swiftly pass over the familiar white figure hastily disappearing into the crowd.

Her singing was uninterrupted, without even a single note going off-key.

However, when she turned to the side, facing the audience on the other side, and spread her arms in a gesture of embracing the starry sky—

Beneath that flawless, divine expression during her performance, the corners of her mouth subtly curved upwards into a more pronounced and vivid arc than ever before.

The smile was faint, fleeting, so quick that it seemed like an illusion created by the light and shadow.

But in a fleeting moment, deep within her eyes, reflecting the starry sky and sea of lights, a subtle flicker seemed to pass, a mixture of helplessness, understanding, and...

A clear, tender joy, pleased by clumsy yet incredibly fervent sincerity.

"My brother really hasn't changed at all. Next time, remember to fasten your mask tighter."

In the performing arts area, Lingyang's "Cheese Snow Leopard" name was used as a signboard, drawing bursts of laughter.

Nearby at a dessert stall, Little Tu... Carlotta was comparing heights with some magical creation called Number Seven. The two were standing on tiptoe, neither willing to concede, but at the same time they caught sight of Xiao standing quietly in the distance, and immediately fell silent in tacit agreement, shrinking their necks in unison.

Surrounded by the girls from the academy, Qiu Bai looked somewhat helpless, maintaining a polite smile while subtly shifting his feet, trying to find a way out.

Verina was chased by the crowd chanting "model worker." She ran while looking back, her voice breaking. "I've already said I'm not a model worker! And why are more and more people chasing me?! I don't have any cough syrup!"

Seto Kaiba, having just won a duel, spread his arms wide in triumph and laughed heartily, "Haha! Strong! Invincible! Strongest!!" His voice echoed in the empty arena.

Two students passing by whispered, "How come this guy acts like he's the best in the world after winning a cartoon monster fight?"

"I've noticed something's up; he's a card player in his chuunibyou (delusional) form. Hurry, hurry, or I'll be dragged off to play cards."

Kaiba's laughter abruptly stopped, his lips twitched, he silently put away his Duel Disk, turned and strode away, leaving only his slightly desolate figure with his white trench coat fluttering in the wind.

Jiyan and Eisen were exchanging their strange insights and practical applications on "Some Insights on Strategic Transfer" in the rest area, their expressions serious.

Halfdan maintained order at the scene as always, as calm and composed as a rock.

Hakuji and Koyuki strolled through the streets arm in arm, Koyuki occasionally feeding him a bite of a tricolor dumpling. Both of them wore happy smiles, and it seemed as if invisible pink flowers were floating around them.

Kyojuro Rengoku clasped his hands together, looking at his father with a loud but helpless voice. "Father! I told you I don't want to go on blind dates anymore... We should focus on training and missions now! Killing the Demons is the priority!"

Little Lonely huddled in a trash can in the shadows, watching the Robin from afar, her voice barely a whisper, "She's so dazzling, Cool Rice Cracker... I... if only I could be... No, impossible... I'm the damp trash can guitarist..."

Xing looked at the trash can, her hand almost reaching out, but March 7th grabbed it tightly. "No! That's someone's comfort zone!"

Cantarella's stall displayed a sign that read "Wholesale Miracle Drugs," and she was elegantly promoting her product. "Hey kid, want to try it? It can give you superhuman concentration for a short time! Side effects? Hmm... you might feel a little urge to dance, but isn't life all about dancing occasionally?"

The Leaf Village Dance King sensed the element. "Hmph? Sounds good, give me one, I can't wait to start dancing!"

"Oh! The engine's roaring!"

"Hot Mom in Harbin!"

"Motor!"

"Hot Mom in Harbin!"

"Motor!"

"... Sir, I'm sorry to have interrupted my business."

Kokona and Teppei sat at a corner tea table, with two almost untouched drinks in front of them. The atmosphere was somewhat shy, and neither of them spoke first, but their inner thoughts were a hundred times more lively than what was happening on the ground.

Behind the stage, the Evernight stood silently, its pink hair gleaming coldly in the moonlight. A distant melody drifted in, and she swayed gently—shoulders slightly hunched, waist swaying lightly, her movements stiff yet possessing an eerie rhythm, like a puppet tethered by invisible threads, swaying alone in the Milky Way... no, she was dancing alone in the eternal night, surrounded by strange LONELY... LONELY...

Black Swan led Wriothesley to Tingyun's stall, tapped it lightly with her fingertips, and smiled mysteriously, "Officer... Dean of Students, this is the owner. The things he's selling are clearly wrong, and the pricing doesn't seem very friendly either."

She gazed at Tingyun, who had been handcuffed, and elegantly tossed her hair. "Hehe... the threads of memory sometimes need to be trimmed. After all, chaotic impurities can affect the pure beauty of a 'story.' So I took action."

Watching Wriothesley's figure disappear into the distance, she quickly produced a sign from who-knows-where and held it up. "The most accurate prophetic crystal ball in the entire universe! Buy it now! Free memory reading included! Only 99! Clearly marked price, fair and square!"

Anya, munching on her melon, looked at her with slight shock. "Is this auntie engaging in shady business competition...? Wow, so cool!"

Yae Miko, fanning herself, called out in front of the bookstore, "Come buy! Come buy! 'The Untold Story Between the Three Star Gods Nanook, Aha, and Akivili'! A rare, out-of-print edition, released today! Contains tons of exclusive details and plausible speculation~ Don't miss it, I'll protect your favorite pairing!"

Kaedehara Kazuha and his friend had just come down from Yun Jin's stage, still holding half-cooled tea in their hands, and were quietly commenting on the swordplay and shadows in the music they had just heard.

Cloud Retainer gestured as he spoke, "You wouldn't believe it, when Ganyu was little... she was so chubby, she could roll down a hill without even having to walk..."

Phoebe stared blankly at the tangled mess of wire in her hand. "... This... that... do I have to pull this too? The manual doesn't say where to connect it..."

Holding up a small flag, Huohuo's voice trembled. "Y-you... hello... want to come to the haunted house... it's... very scary..."

"Eh, a haunted house? That sounds interesting, but... what a cute girl~" Elysia stood behind Aime, who shamelessly pinched Huohuo's little face with both hands.

"No, no, don't do this... Grandpa Tail, help me! Help me!"

Not far away, a chimera, its tail twirling a flyer, said to Scott, who was passing by, with an elegant yet affected sarcasm, "Oh my, isn't this our model employee? You're so good at your job~ Unlike me, all I know is how to pity my sister~"

Dan Heng and Dan Feng nearly collided at the corner. The scroll in Dan Heng's hand fell to the ground, and Dan Feng bent down to pick it up, his fingertips lightly touching it as he handed it back—both of them froze, as if a hundred years had been reflected in a mirror. Dan Feng withdrew his hand first, chuckled softly, and disappeared into the shadows. "... This time, don't lose it again." Dan Heng looked at the back of the figure that was so similar to his own, and scratched his head. "This person looks a bit like me..."

Mydei pushed a cart full of blank notebooks. "Selling dictionaries! Special dictionaries for the Xuanfeng people!" Phainon leaned closer. "... Why are they empty?" Mydei raised his head and crossed his arms. "The Xuanfeng people's dictionaries are always empty." Phainon scratched his head. "Haha... what a strange statement! Anyway... Mydei, I brought you braised noodles! Eat them while they're hot!"

Castorice was held tightly by Methode, struggling softly, "Your Excellency Methode... it's our first meeting, could you loosen your grip a little... I can't breathe..."

A cheerful announcement blared from the amusement park. "Leopard Bumper Carnival! Bump away unhappiness!"

A figure raised both hands. "For the Qlipoth! Everything is dedicated to the Qlipoth!"

A certain figure. "Suki suki daisuki, yandere chan, my honey~"

At the nearby beverage stand, Sora, Kyō, and Nanpiao smiled and raised their glasses together, "Would you like a special cocktail?"

The CEO—the captain—leaned against the counter. "A drink, please."

"One cup isn't enough! Let's drink to our hearts' content!" This was Varka.

"Give me Grandma a cup of the hottest one!" That's Citlali.

"Klee wants a cup of Dodoco Sunny Day Duet!"

"Sorry, Klee, let's go to the solitary confinement room for a drink. Your 'fishing in the back hill' thing has been exposed." This was Jean.

"What...! How did you know, Qin Guild Leader! Mom, run!"

"Ms. Alice is already inside."

"Wow--! Mother and daughter have both returned home! (Solitary Confinement Version)!"

At the edge of the square, near a secluded flowerbed close to the statue of the college's founder.

Himmel and Argenti stood side by side, away from the last ripples of the main stage. The light here was dim, with only dappled shadows filtered through the leaves by the distant magical streetlights.

The atmosphere between the two was one of natural harmony that required no words.

Himmel crossed her arms, looked up at the sparse stars in the night sky, and wore her usual cheerful and clean smile.

"I've witnessed so much beauty today," he remarked, his voice clear in the silence. "Dance, singing, skill, the children's untroubled smiles, and the lively atmosphere of everyone working together towards the same goal... every single one of them was beautiful."

Argenti stood ramrod straight, like a statue, his hands pressed against his chest, his silver hair shimmering softly in the dim light. His eyes reflected the distant lights and the nearby starlight, his expression solemn yet gentle.

"Indeed, Your Himmel." His voice was clear and firm, like a mountain stream. "The celebration itself is a manifestation of vitality and collective Elation, a vibrant and harmonious 'beauty' full of life and warmth. And on this basis, every passionate performer, every sincere participant, is practicing and shining their own path of 'pure beauty' in their own way."

He paused, turned his head, and looked at Himmel with a sincere and unadulterated gaze.

"Just like you, sir. Even without your armor, amidst the celebration, your magnanimity in accepting rewards after helping others, your silent reliability in protecting your companions, and your radiant aura that seems to illuminate everything around you, even just standing here... all of this is the shining embodiment of the 'pure' chivalrous spirit in another context, in another form. Dazzling, warm, and captivating."

Himmel paused for a moment, then burst into laughter, raising her hand to scratch the back of her head, a rare hint of embarrassment at being praised so directly in her smile.

"I'm actually a little embarrassed by what you're saying. What chivalry... I just felt that I did what I was supposed to do, and then had fun with everyone, that's all." He looked at Argenti, his blue eyes shining like polished gems in the dim light. "But Argenti, you've always pursued and practiced 'pure beauty' so earnestly, that dedication itself is truly remarkable. And..."

He glanced at Argenti's impeccable demeanor, even in casual settings, as if she were always ready to attend a court banquet, and his smile deepened, revealing undisguised admiration.

"Your very existence perfectly embodies the definition of 'pure beauty,' both inside and out."

In the dappled light and shadow, a faint blush seemed to have indeed crossed Argenti's face, but he still maintained perfect manners, bowing slightly, his movements as elegant as a poem.

"You flatter me. The path to 'pure beauty' is long and arduous, and I am but a solitary traveler. To receive the recognition of someone as pure as you is an immense honor." He straightened up, his eyes shining brighter than the stars. "However, to walk alongside you, to discuss the meaning of 'beauty' and 'belief,' and to feel the natural radiance flowing from your words and actions... this itself makes me feel... a step closer to the realm of 'pure beauty.' No, it makes me certain that there are still guiding stars like you on this path."

Himmel smiled, and this time, instead of patting her on the shoulder, she extended her hand to Argenti with the same solemnity.

"Then let's do it together! Although I may never be able to articulate things as eloquently as you... however," he grasped Argenti's outstretched, gloved hand, shook it vigorously, and smiled brightly, "I'll show you through my actions that I'm quite good at it too!"

Their hands clasped, and they smiled at each other. In the distance, the song of Robin drifted in at that very moment, its last long, high-pitched note like a bird returning to its nest, adding a final, divinely inspired footnote to the quiet conversation and handshake in this secluded corner.

It's late at night.

The hustle and bustle of the square gradually subsided, like a pot of boiling sweet soup slowly cooling, leaving behind a lingering, delightful aroma. Most of the stalls had already packed up, leaving only the frames and scattered trash, awaiting tomorrow morning's cleaning magic.

The students, with satisfied smiles, bulging backpacks, and a bountiful harvest, left in groups. Laughter, humming, and groans about tomorrow's classes lingered on the paths leading to the dormitories, eventually swallowed up by the night and the buildings.

One by one, the magical lights went out, like a giant beast slowly closing its glowing eyes, leaving only the streetlights spaced far apart on both sides of the main road, emitting a soft glow, like a string of forgotten pearls, illuminating the few remaining travelers on their way home.

The fountain continued its tireless gurgling, its sound exceptionally clear amidst the growing silence, carrying a timeless and soothing rhythm.

At the Golden Mirage Grand Hotel's booth, Xiangling (at this booth) sat unceremoniously on a folding stool, leaning against the still-open kitchen counter, chugging a large kettle. Meanwhile, Escoffier held a snow-white rag and wiped the last few shiny kitchen utensils with dazzling speed and precision, as if performing some kind of sacred ritual.

"Ha--! I'm exhausted! My bones feel like they're going to fall apart!" Xiangling put down the kettle and let out a long sigh, but her always bright eyes still sparkled. "But I'm so happy! I saw so many ways to eat that I'd never seen before, and that 'my' idea... It's a bit weird, but it doesn't seem like it's impossible to try... Maybe next time I'll add some Jueyun Chili and Qingxin flowers to the boiled fish? Or maybe I'll try using Slime Condensate as a thickening agent..."

"Creative idea rejected, safety hazard investigation initiated." Escoffier didn't even look up, her voice calm and even. A soft "smack" of a rag landed precisely on Xiangling's forehead as she leaned closer. "First, inventory and store today's equipment, and record any losses. We'll operate as usual tomorrow. Signature dishes must not be changed without authorization. The creative idea will be reserved for the experimental kitchen after closing, and will be carried out under my supervision."

"Yes, Escoffier is so strict--" Xiangling drawled, but she got up with a grin and began to obediently count the bowls and plates.

Klee was led by Jean to the solitary confinement room, she kept turning back to look towards the back mountain—where, magically sprouted saplings were unfurling their tender leaves under the moonlight, and the shallow craters that had been blasted out had been filled in and planted with grass seeds.

"Chairman Jean," Klee whispered, tugging at Jean's hand, "Those newly blasted... um, newly cleared areas... next time, Klee help plant some Calla Lily? Calla Lily are so pretty, they even glow! I mean, when the sunlight shines on them, they'll be especially beautiful!"

Qin stopped and looked down at Klee's big eyes, which were filled with expectation and a little bit of guilt. She was silent for two seconds, and finally sighed softly. The sigh was full of helplessness, but also contained a hint of indulgence that she couldn't hide.

"... Go back and write a detailed plan on 'how to conduct safe horticultural and ecological research without causing damage to college property.' It should be at least 300 words. We'll discuss it after you've finished."

"Yay! Jean is the best!" Klee cheered immediately, her slight guilt instantly vanishing.

Yoimiya wandered back from who-knows-where, his "Victory at the Festival" headband askew to one side, his face still bearing traces of fireworks, but he was full of energy.

She was helping the people in the academy workshop clean up the debris left after the fireworks display, humming a cheerful tune, when she saw Wriothesley passing by. She froze, immediately stood at attention, and gave him a bright, almost fawning smile.

The tall headmaster simply nodded to her, his gray eyes sweeping over her and the mostly cleared ground before he left without saying a word, his steps steady.

Yoimiya didn't pat his chest exaggeratedly and let out a long sigh of relief until he was far away. Then he threw himself back into the tidying up work with renewed vigor, even humming a few notes louder.

Hu Tao, clutching the few remaining flyers, let out a huge, unladylike yawn, tears welling up in her eyes.

"That's a wrap... Today's results..." She counted on her fingers as she walked, "Three more potential clients joined the list, although one is a Star God (address to be verified), one seems a bit out of it (needs follow-up), and another just wants milk tea (cross-industry expansion?)... Hmm, and we also successfully got the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's anniversary special offer ad in various forms within the sight of at least ten stalls... Although the methods included, but were not limited to, stuffing it into their brochures, hovering over their signs in the form of a Rebirth Butterfly for thirty seconds, and using fire elements to burn an invisible mark on their wooden tables that says 'Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, your eternal home is definitely not that little box'... Oh well, there's always next time! Time to pack up! Go back and count my copper coins! Hopefully, Elder Zhongli didn't send another bill to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor today..."

Nahida gracefully jumped down from the high chair specially made for her, waved her little hand to Zhongli, Ying, and Venti, and said in a soft, sweet voice:

"What a pleasant evening. Thank you Mr. Zhongli for the tea, Ying for her company, and Venti for the poetry and music."

Ying nodded, finished the last bite of the tricolor dumpling, and the bamboo skewer in her hand turned into tiny purple lightning bolts and dissipated. "A dessert, alright," she commented succinctly.

"If you have time tomorrow, you are welcome to come again for tea. I have recently acquired some spring tea from Qiaoying Village." Zhongli nodded slightly and extended an invitation.

Venti plucked a string from the harp in her arms, and a few light, farewell notes flowed out, like a night breeze rustling through wind chimes. "Goodnight, wise little gods, old-fashioned grandpa, and trouble-averse homebody~ May the free wind escort you into sweet dreams~"

On a bench at the edge of the square.

Lowell stretched out a long, languid yawn, as if loosening every bone in his body, his joints making a series of teeth-grinding "crack" sounds.

"Ah--finally..." His voice was heavy with weariness, but his brows and eyes relaxed, revealing a sense of satisfaction after complete relaxation. "It feels more tiring than fighting with all of you. The excitement is theirs, but all I want is my bed."

Frieren sat beside him, taking small bites of what was probably her umpteenth dessert—judging from the number of wrappers at her feet, it was definitely the last one of the night—a muffin drizzled with excessive honey. Hearing this, she looked up, her emerald eyes appearing exceptionally clear in the deepening night, a speckle of glistening syrup still clinging to the corner of her mouth.

"Occasionally is fine." Lowell slumped back in his chair without any regard for appearances, gazing at the sparse starry sky and the ever-burning symbolic magical aura atop the academy's main tower in the distance. "I can't stand this Tenten. My energy's depleted; I need to recharge. You know what recharging is? It's quiet time, just the two of us, with Frieren, where I don't have to think about anything. I'm someone with low energy levels."

Fern stood quietly to one side, holding several carefully packaged snacks intended for tomorrow's breakfast, her long, pale purple hair swaying gently in the night breeze.

"Everyone seemed to be having a great time at the school anniversary celebration," she said softly.

"Of course! The four joys of life are: having school to attend, having a job, and not having to go to school or work. The four sorrows of life are: having school to attend, having a job, not having school to attend, and not having a job..."

"... What kind of strange statement is this?"

Ruby appeared out of nowhere, like an energetic red fire sprite. Her fiery red curly hair was messy and sticky, and her face had some traces that looked like a mixture of icing and paint, but she was full of energy, and her eyes shone brightly in the dark.

"Haha! Today was so much fun!" She jumped up and down, almost stepping on Lowell's outstretched leg. "By the way, where 'Klee? Where's my 'god-daughter'? I promised to teach her my newly developed 'Cute Star-Flying Magic'!"

"She was taken back to bed by her legal guardian, and," Lowell lazily lifted one eyelid, "Don't casually try to claim kinship across worlds and species. It's neither legally nor ethically supported."

"What does it matter!" Ruby her hips, completely unconcerned. "She's adorable! And she has a real talent for explosions... for the lively expression of energy! She clearly inherited it from me... uh, I mean, she has a lot of potential! She's the future hope of the magical world!"

Himmel and Argenti also walked over from the flowerbed. Himmel had a relaxed smile on her face after a pleasant conversation, while Argenti remained upright, as if what had just ended was not a stroll and chat, but an elegant court ball.

"It's about time to head back," Himmel said, rubbing her shoulders and letting out a comfortable sigh. "Tomorrow... it seems the first class is my 'Hero's Practical Experience Sharing' class? I need to prepare a little."

"Yes, Lord Himmel," Fern confirmed, his voice steady. "It's scheduled for the second session in the morning. Also, Mr. Argenti's elective course, 'Appreciation of Classical Aesthetics and Chivalrous Etiquette,' is in the afternoon."

Argenti bowed slightly. "Thank you for reminding me, Miss Fern. I will be on time for our appointment to share the few remaining fragments of 'Pure Beauty' with my classmates."

Lupa also slowly walked over, holding Linié's hand. Linié was holding half an apple in her other hand, taking small, earnest bites. Her icy blue eyes looked somewhat hazy in the night, as if she was about to fall asleep.

The group briefly gathered in this secluded corner, exchanging simple farewells in hushed tones, afraid to disturb the pervasive tranquility. Then, they dispersed in twos and threes, heading in different directions—back to the faculty dormitories, back to the college hotel, back to their temporary residences in the city... Their shadows, elongated by the streetlights, intersected, then separated, disappearing into different corridors of the night.

The square grew emptier and emptier, and the lights became increasingly sparse.

The wind seemed to have picked up, swirling up scattered confetti and fallen leaves from the ground, making a soft rustling sound.

Finally, only the ceaseless, seemingly self-talking murmur of the central fountain remained, along with the chilly autumn night breeze that swept across the empty stone pavement.

The bells of the college tower tolled slowly and deliberately.

Clang--clang--clang--

There are twelve in total.

The echoes reverberated and swirled in the now completely silent square before finally dissipating into the boundless, velvety night.

The school anniversary celebration has come to an end.

But those noisy, dazzling, heartwarming, and absurd moments, like the few stars in the sky now, may not be seen tomorrow, but they have been truly imprinted in the memories of many people.

The night was gentle, embracing all the weariness and satisfaction after the revelry.

Only the wind, tirelessly, continues its eternal, silent journey across the empty square.