As the beautiful music spread, the conversations among the guests gradually ceased, and everyone was drawn to the bard's performance onstage.
After nearly ten minutes of buildup, the music entered its climax. The surrounding scenery slowly began to change, and everyone suddenly felt as though they had been transported into the legendary heavenly realm.
The ground was paved with adamantine, the walls were built from jasper and all manner of gemstones, and the windows were made of crystal-clear glass.
The doors were inlaid with multicolored pearls. Beyond the crystal glass lay golden streets paved with gold bricks and jasper walls built from the finest jade.
A miraculous Tree of Life stood in the courtyard, its branches laden with life fruit, while life water brimming with vitality flowed gently nearby.
At first, the guests were still able to control their emotions. But as the music continued, some were gradually lured in by its mood, and greed began to grow in their hearts.
By then, some had realized something was wrong. Just as they stepped forward to interrupt the bard's performance, they discovered that their bodies were no longer under their control. As time passed, strange looks of intoxicated delight slowly appeared on their faces.
As time went on, more and more people were hypnotized by the music and fell into wondrous fantasies, making utter fools of themselves.
"Such a petty trick, yet he dares show off before an expert!"
Hussein glanced at the Count, then smiled. "He doesn't know his place. He clearly doesn't take Nether's Arcanists seriously at all!"
"He is talented. Both the structure of the spell and the invasion of the five senses through the music are nearly perfect." The Count closed his eyes and listened carefully for a while before sighing. "Ah... what a pity he chose