Who hid My Corpse!

More than half a month had passed since then.

Throughout this period, the fervor of the festival's selection and competition had reached a fever pitch. This was especially true for orchestras vying for the qualification to perform the Inner Song, as you could see musicians in the dormitory around the clock inventing ways to enhance their sound and practicing their scores.

Rest and sleep seemed to have deserted these people. Only collapsing in exhaustion would bring them down, with some even suddenly dropping dead -- Hewinia had come across several, who fell over in the snow halfway through their walk and never rose again.

As to whether these were truly cases of sudden death, Hewinia didn't know.

For Hewinia, this half month had been exceptionally relaxing. She spent most of her time in a routine cycle between the dormitory, classroom, and library.

The atmosphere of the festival didn't touch her at all; she seemed to be the only student in the academy attending normal classes.

Of course, calm didn't mean complacency.

That was because every two days, Hewinia had to visit that small house to have afternoon tea with Ulysses.

And this afternoon tea had no special significance, it was just idle chat and instruction.

For Hewinia, this was naturally a very dangerous activity, but it was also necessary.

Because this was an invitation extended by Ulysses, and in this academy, there was not a single student who would refuse Ulysses.

So, each time Hewinia would rally herself with the utmost spirit to keep the appointment, trying as best she could to avoid the kind of extreme situation that had required Bai Wei to intervene last time.

However, after the first time, Ulysses had not made any further attempt to test Hewinia. He always held his staff in his hand, then looked at Hewinia kindly and explained matters to her.

He had essentially assumed the role of Hewinia's mentor.

No, not just a mentor -- more like a grandfather.

Because not only did he explain knowledge and scores to Hewinia, but he would also genially inquire about her life and every time prepare a pile of pastries for Hewinia to taste, letting her take the leftovers with her.

Such warmth and kindness made it really hard to believe he was the most powerful Player at the academy.

A clear sound of glass clinking.

Ulysses put down his teacup.

And Hewinia closed her notebook too, because she knew this meant that today's lessons had come to an end.

What followed was time for idle conversation.

"I hear the final piece for your performance has been decided," Ulysses said, looking at Hewinia amiably, "It's 'Joy,' isn't it?"

Hewinia nodded.

"So it truly is that piece," Ulysses said with a smile, "If I remember correctly, this is the first Seven Notes·Divine Song composed by the renowned Lin Dena, intended to capture the joy and delight of the ignorant upon their first encounter with melody."

"You're not mistaken, it's that very piece," Hewinia asked admiringly, "President, do you remember every Seven Notes score?"

"Of course," Ulysses said, "Isn't that worth remembering?"

Hewinia replied with a grimace, "I just can't remember them."

"Ha-ha, it's just for now. Sooner or later you'll be able to grasp them," Ulysses said cheerfully, "Because you have recognized the value of music and melody; you know it's a gift from the Lord. So, sooner or later, you will remember them, and this memory, unlike the Rhein counterpart, will be driven by the longing in your heart."

Hewinia grew curious, "Rhein?"

"Yes, in Rhein there's a scripture called 'Rhein Covenant,' over five hundred thousand words long," Ulysses explained, "And their Clergy have a requirement: they must memorize the entire scripture before they can take office."

Hewinia was even more astonished, "Over five hundred thousand words... is it really possible to memorize all that?"

"Of course, but that's because the scripture is imbued with the power of the Rhein God," Ulysses said, "Once read and understood, one will never forget it for the rest of their life, like a mark left by the Rhein God at the bottom of their hearts."

"...I never knew such a thing existed."

"Yes, the world is quite vast," Ulysses said, stroking his beard, "But what I want to say is, do you think those Rhein Clergy who have memorized the scripture are devout?"

Hewinia pondered, "I suppose they are, after all, they've memorized it. Over five hundred thousand words, that is."

"Ha ha." Ulysses laughed and shook his head, "Is that what you think? Unfortunately, to me, that doesn't count. True devotion doesn't need any binding force; it's something one does unconsciously. Just like I can remember all the Seven Notes scores, not because I'm bound by any power, but because I yearn for such power, yearning for the Lord's grace upon our desolate world."

"Have you ever thought about what a world without melody would be like?"

"How monotonous would a world without melody be?"

"Just look at Rhein. Their scripture is a cold five hundred thousand words, while our scripture... consists of eternal hymns."

"That's why they require their Clergy to memorize the scriptures to understand their god, while we, just by continuously pursuing those wondrous Chapters, can step by step, draw closer to the great Lord."