The Concert of Shadows
When one note plays on stage… even shadows stop and listen."
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Location: Echo Circle Hideout — Basement Beneath the Old Hall
Noen stood before the flickering shadows —
around him were Sera, Kain, Yuna, Rynn, and other rebels of Echo Circle.
They all had the same question:
> "Are we really going to play?"
From the corner, Finn — their tough, bold leader — crossed his arms.
> "This isn't a concert, Noen…"
"It's a war cry."
Noen looked at him.
Same calm eyes.
Same quiet voice.
> "No, Finn… it's both."
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The Plan
Sera leaned over a blueprint of Harmonia's central square.
Marked areas:
The fountain.
Guard posts.
The Soul Dampener's range.
Their mission?
A public performance.
Out in the open. Forbidden. Dangerous.
And free.
> "We will sing…"
"Right in front of them." — Sera
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Lyra — Inside the Palace
That night, Lyra closed the doors to her royal chamber.
She could hear echoes.
Rebels rehearsing.
Among them… one melody found its way to her soul.
> "I don't want to be like them… But I don't know how to be myself."
She looked in the mirror — saw a version of herself she didn't know.
Then slowly…
She began to hum.
A small tune. Not for anyone.
Just… for her.
But a guard outside heard it.
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Noen & Sera — The Night Before
Noen was tuning his instrument.
Sera stood beside him.
> "Are you scared?" she asked.
Noen smiled lightly.
> "Yeah…
But not singing scares me more."
He looked at her —
That sparkle in her eyes…
The same one she had when they first met in Silencia.
> "Then let's play."
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Final Scene — The Stage
Night.
Harmonia's public square.
Guards everywhere.
But from the shadows…
Echo Circle emerges — quietly, carefully — holding their instruments like secret weapons.
Noen steps into the center.
Crowds stare.
Some afraid.
Some confused.
Some… already hoping.
He speaks into the silence.
> "This… is not rebellion."
"This… is a reminder."
"There's a melody inside you…
I'm just here to help you hear it again."
Noen strums the first chord.
Sera lifts her violin.
The drums begin to beat.
And for the first time in years…
Harmonia hears music.
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END OF CHAPTER 13
"When you're afraid of your own voice… that's exactly when you need a song."