Half an hour ago, in the Central Observation Room of the Race Organizing Committee.

"The Correction Value has risen?"

Older Cousin sat in the chair behind the large screen, looking up intently at a pile of data that anyone other than a professional couldn't make heads or tails of, "Doesn't sound like good news."

"Although currently the change is minor, only around one percent, the issue is that this one percent has come about inexplicably, entirely outside our predictive range."

The data expert from Tomorrow's News was a middle-aged man with an expressionless face who spoke in an utterly flat tone, "There could be a variety of reasons. It might just be a simple butterfly effect, or it might not be that simple."

"Can't we just follow up with a modification in time?"

"We can, but it's quite troublesome."

The expert spoke calmly, "Moreover, that's not the issue we should be concerned with. Mr. Zhu, you need to understand—as a neutral organization, Tomorrow's News shouldn't get involved in the affair between the Dongxia Genealogy and Yingzhou Phylogeny. This is already the limit for us."

"This is the first time I've been startled by such an ethical statement from you." Older Cousin glanced at them, somewhat surprised. "In any case, you're saying we're short on funds and need to pay more, right?"

The expert didn't respond.

Older Cousin asked again, "How about we double the amount, would that work?"

The expert coughed awkwardly, seemingly moved by the suggestion, but then saw Older Cousin shake his head, "Double is too expensive, forget it, we can't afford it... Let's leave it as is."

With that, he leaned back leisurely on the sofa, tossing aside the expert's reminder about the renewal fee.

"Aren't you worried about where that one percent variable comes from?" the expert asked. "If we ignore it, the situation could deteriorate rapidly."

"Of course, I'm worried, but isn't this just a game?"

Older Cousin retorted, "Where's the game that guarantees only wins and no losses? You have to give the opponent a chance to turn the tables, right?"

"...This is the first time I realize you have such a competitive spirit."

Even the serious expert's face couldn't help but twitch. They're using so many cheats and still claiming they want a fair fight with their opponent… The Great Genealogy certainly has thick skin.

"It's less about a competitive spirit and more of a gambler's spirit."

Older Cousin took one last look at the screen before turning away his gaze, "Let the changes come. Since everyone has already made their bets and let go, let's not pull any stunts, and wait to compare the points when the dice cups are lifted."

"Not afraid it'll capsize?"

"There was never a boat to begin with, so what boat could capsize?"

Older Cousin shrugged indifferently, "When the big wave comes, everyone relies on their own skills. After the wave passes, we'll see who's swimming naked."

The conversation about this topic ended there.

Only on the screen, that one percent Correction Value was climbing rapidly.

In an unknown corner of Xiematai, changes were quietly brewing.

「Half an hour later.」

Inside the spotless drawing-room, the aroma of black tea gently rose from the cup.

"I see, a Luthier?"

Upon hearing Huai Shi's words, the Skeleton slowly nodded its head.

Although it was just a skeleton incapable of any expressions, its demeanor conveyed a sense of loss, "I thought you would hold a concert, what a pity."

"COUGH, COUGH, to tell you the truth... I can only play the cello, and even if I did hold a concert, I wouldn't have many pieces to perform, right?"

Huai Shi shrugged helplessly, "And my cello is broken."

"Well, about that, the gallery has some in its collection, all from tasks delegated by the Association. However, they've been stored away for so many years, and no one has come to claim them, probably forgotten."

After pondering for a moment, the Skeleton suggested, "With your status, going in to choose a couple wouldn't be an issue, and among them are no shortage of treasures. Moreover, as you've said, the cello you use is merely ordinary, hardly befitting the noble identity of a Disastrous Musician..."

"Although I haven't felt that this identity is particularly noble, it's still better not to change cellos."

Huai Shi scratched his head hesitantly, "Up until now, there have been many opportunities to change it, but every time I seriously consider it, I end up giving up... How to put it, we've accompanied each other for so many years, suddenly replacing it would feel a bit like betrayal."

The Skeleton fell silent for a long while, sighing softly, "You are a person of deep affection."

With that, it used the chair for support as it slowly rose. Its joints continuously creaked as it began to shuffle forward. "Please follow me, I remember a medium left by a craftsman who passed by forty years ago; let me check where it is..."

The space inside the art gallery was surprisingly large, as if it once was a bustling place. It's a pity that it's unclear how long it has been vacant. Even though it's immaculately clean and tidy, walking inside gives one a sense of emptiness.

Only footsteps echoed.

Accompanied by distant roars and bustle, it felt all the more desolate.

"It's quite lively outside."

Gazing at a column of fire rising through the clouds outside the window, Huai Shi slowly shook his head, withdrew his gaze, and continued to follow behind the Skeleton, casually asking, "May I ask how long you've worked here?"

"I forgot, it seems like I've been here since the music hall was established," the Skeleton replied hoarsely, "Even though it's been a long time, it's only been time idly spent, not something worth talking about as an accomplishment."

It opened the warehouse door and gestured for Huai Shi to wait a moment, then it entered. Not long after, it came out, carefully cradling a box in its hands, which it handed over to Huai Shi.

Inside the box was a soft velvet cloth encasing a small item. Huai Shi unwrapped it to find a ring-shaped iron piece, resembling a valve, no larger than the palm of a hand, with a smile engraved on it, which seemed to be the Luthier's trademark.

"How do you use this?"

"Xiematai is now inconvenient to enter and exit, so it cannot be used for the time being."

The Skeleton explained, "When you return to Current Circumstances, or find any open Border, just pick any pipeline, replace the valve with this one, give it three twists, and the master will receive a message and come as quickly as possible."

"It's that convenient?"

Delighted beyond expectation, Huai Shi exclaimed, "And it's a door-to-door service?"

"Since the master is usually hard to pin down, to make it easier for customers to find him, he simply opened such a service," the Skeleton said, pausing with hesitation before adding, "However, the master is a little..."

"Difficult to talk to?"

Huai Shi instantly thought of the various rumors about quirky masters and waved his hand in understanding, "As long as there's talent, I can understand a master having a bit of a temper."

The Skeleton cleared its throat twice. It awkwardly explained, "No, actually the master is quite approachable, and he deals with people with the warmth of a spring breeze. His craftsmanship is superb, and he has never let any flaws slip through his hands..."

Confused, Huai Shi said, "Then that's even better, isn't it?"

"It's just that he's expensive."

The Skeleton gave him a serious look and added, "Very expensive."

"..."

Huai Shi's expression twitched and his hand holding the valve trembled slightly. Clutching at straws, he asked, "How expensive?"

The Skeleton thought for a moment, "It's said that whether he takes the job or not, he'll charge an ounce of Source Crystals just for the visit."

Huai Shi gasped in shock, almost losing his balance.

What the hell kind of master is this, charging over a million just for a visit? And repair costs are separate? Based on the standard amount of Source Substance for an adult being 2.1 ounces, this master would be asking for half a person's life just for a house call! If it were an ordinary customer, they'd probably never live to see the master's third visit…

"However, the master often offers discounts. You can try during the winter or summer," the Skeleton suggested, "Although the prices are steep, the results are always worth it. I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the final outcome."

No matter whether it works out or not, at least it's an option.

Huai Shi thought it over and carefully tucked the token away, nodding his thanks to the Skeleton.

He had been prepared to make a fruitless trip, but to his surprise, the Skeleton here was so easy to talk to that it gave him the task reward right away, skipping the process of running the task.

"No need to thank me."

The Skeleton shook its head, "Offering this service to members is part of my duty for the association. It's just unfortunate that Xiematai is but a small place. In other, larger venues, there are craftsmen on-site, so there's no need for all this trouble."

That being said, I don't actually feel much attachment to the Hell Music Association, and this Disastrous Musician certificate came about rather inexplicably… Besides, there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world, right?

Huai Shi pondered for a moment before earnestly asking, "Is there anything I can help you with? Despite appearances, I'm actually rather capable. As long as it's not something extraordinarily difficult, I can generally handle it."

"..."

The Skeleton appeared astonished, looking at him in confusion as if it had never been addressed in such a manner before.

After a long period of thought, it seemed to muster courage as the two ghostly flames in its eye sockets leapt with hope, "Please forgive my boldness, but may I dare to ask you to perform a piece for me?"

"Huh?" Huai Shi was puzzled.

"When I started serving the association, they promised me that once this work was over, a Disastrous Musician would come to bring me peace," the Skeleton sighed with resignation, "But it's been far too long, Mr. Huai Shi. Although the association has a plan for my next destination, I feel that I can't go on... If possible, could you help me find release?"

"..."

After a long silence, Huai Shi scratched his head, "Although I don't understand the situation, if that's what you want, I won't refuse. But I'm not sure how to go about it."

"You only need to do what a Disastrous Musician is supposed to do."

With gratitude, the Skeleton bowed. It carefully pulled out a letter from the inner pocket of its suit, presenting it with both hands. "This is the notice and permission given by the association when I reported to them. It would be a great favor to me if you are willing to carry it out."

Huai Shi took it with curiosity, finding a dismissal document and beneath it, a stack of very old manuscripts.

The paper was yellowed, marked with many alterations, but the staves and symbols on it remained clear. As if filled with an incredible Magic Power, after looking over the first two passages, Huai Shi felt many insights on music theory become clear, and a flood of new ideas and understandings bubbled up in his mind.

Experience Points UP!

His Level 12 [Cello Performance] skill had actually improved slightly?

Noticing the anomaly, he flipped directly to the last page. When he saw the signature at the bottom, his eyes twitched uncontrollably, "Johann Sebastian Bach..."

Oh my God, a manuscript of Bach's compositions!

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