"The showing of 'Astra: Hidden Terrors' is going to start in 20 minutes～! Please buy the tickets before it's too late～!"
"Popcorns～! We're selling popcorn! Large popcorn servings only for 3 kiels!"
"5 tickets, was it... Here you go. That would be 75 kiels in total."
People were abuzz, several mall staff members hovering around the movie theater as they advertised the movie to the masses. Customers were drawn in by curiosity and excitement, the giggles of children resounding in the air.
Familiar figures lined up after the others, head turning left and right with curiosity and eyes filled with excitement. Neither one of them exactly knew what they were getting themselves into, but there was no harm in trying. Fun lies in exploring.
"Honey, what do you think a 'movie' is? Is it some kind of new show?" ［Alma］
"Well.. I'm not really sure... I saw it in the flyer Grey and Yuna gave us, so I thought we might as well... Though, since it's those Grey and Yuna who came up with this, I'm sure it will be interesting." ［Jiro］
"Fufufu! They do come up with fun things all the time. Ah～... It would have been nice if Father-in-Law could join us." ［Alma］
"Well, it can't be helped. Dad has a stomach ache... I already told him not to eat fish raw... But he never learns his lesson... Haah..." ［Jiro］
"Fufufu! Just like any other old folk in Lista, right?" ［Alma］
It was none other than Jiro and his family. When Grey and Yuna visited the Beldon Marquisate before, they also invited his family, and fortunately, they were free to go. Or rather, they were also planning for a family outing, so it was perfect.
They were actually planning to just have a picnic by the beach, but after their invitation, they are now in Galderia using Grey's Gate. There was no need to prepare anything but themselves. Everything else can be found in the mall.
Jiro has been an adventurer for a long time, but even he has only been to Galderia a couple of times, the last time just last year. One couldn't describe how shocked he was when he saw such a massive building suddenly appear out of the blue.
The building aside, since he doesn't really know the place much, he has been looking forward to visiting and exploring the mall. Even more so for his wife and kids who had never been to Galderia. Everyone was full of anticipation and excitement.
"Dad! Dad! Hurry! Hurry! The line has moved!" ［Alec］
"Hahaha. You sure are excited." ［Jiro］
"Yeah! We're gonna see a movie, after all!" ［Alan］
"Yeah! I bet it's gonna be awesome! It will be a lot of fun!" ［Alec］
"Dad! Let's buy tickets already! They're gonna run out!" ［Lyra］
Or so they say, but in reality, not one of the children knew exactly what a movie was. All they knew is that it was a project Grey and Yuna worked on with a director and select actors. Whatever it was, it was bound to be fun.
The line moved along and before long, Jiro was at the counter. Since there was only one movie showing, there was no need to ask what they will be watching, and they simply paid the price. It was 15 kiels a ticket, half the price due to the Grand Opening.
Be that as it may, there weren't just tickets available at the counters. Further back in, there are also posters, figurines, stuffed toys, keychains, and other merchandise with price tags placed neatly beside them.
It was Grey's idea to make them, hoping to earn more profits from the movies. It wasn't just the workers who made them. The posters were painted by himself, printed over and over again using a photocopy machine. It was a lot of work.
"Excuse me... Those things at the back, are those available?" ［Jiro］
"Yes. How much would you like to buy?"
"Then... Let's see...." ［Jiro］
Aside from Jiro and his family, the sales were still limited, but it was to be expected. After all, the movie has yet to air, and people have yet to gain admiration for the new era of entertainment lying just a couple steps ahead of them.
The merchandise items will only start to shine once people have seen the movie, when it has gained popularity amongst the people. Especially in a world where entertainment is still subpar. It was only a matter of time.
The family were soon given their items and tickets, their seat numbers indicated on them. Since there was still some time before the movie starts, they took a quick look around the place and bought themselves some snacks before heading inside.
"Dad! Let's buy this caramel popcorn! The salted one too!" ［Alan］
"Dad! Let's buy some fries and chips too! Look! There's also cheese sticks!" ［Alec］
"Honey, let's buy some drinks too. I'm curious about this... Soda... There's a lot of flavors so let's buy some too." ［Alma］
"Ah, Dad! I'll help you carry them!" ［Lyra］
It was an interesting list of snacks and drinks, many of which they have never seen before, ranging from simple popcorn all the way to cheesy hotdogs and even chicken nuggets. Needless to say, they purchased a lot of things from the list.
And in a true movie watcher's fashion, they already started eating the snacks even before they entered the movie theater. It wasn't just them, but the other customers as well, eyes filled with surprise as they realized how good the snacks were.
Soon enough, everyone headed inside the theater, only a few minutes left to spare before the movie started. They were greeted by a dim, silent, and open space, with rows and columns of seats lined up neatly one after another.
It mentioned theater, but rather than a big stage where actors will be performing, there was only a large blank, white wall to be seen. There were also a few strange magic tools here and there to be spotted here and there. It was a strange sight.
"265... 265... Oh, here it is. Take your seat, kids." ［Jiro］
"I'll take the center!" ［Alan］
"No fair! I want to sit there!" ［Alec］
"Sshhh～! Be quiet now. Didn't you read the rules outside?" ［Alma］
Ignoring all the oddities of the theater, everyone took their seats one after another, lining themselves near the further rows of the middle aisle. By such time, they were already halfway through their snacks, their stomachs filled.
The seats were spacious and comfortable and the room was cool and fresh. As the clock continued to tick, everyone enjoyed a happy and merry chat with one another, the lights dimming even more as the time for waiting was over.
CLICK CLICK CLICK CLACK WHIIIIRRRRRR
A series of subtle sounds echoed in the air, and lights soon flickered. The projector turned on after a couple moments, the screen painted with colors and the room filled with ambient sounds. The movie has started. However...
"Wh-Whoa!! What the hell is this?! Is this magic?!"
"L-Look! The paintings are moving! They really are moving!"
"So this is a movie! That's hella amazing!"
... Rather than keep quiet like what most people would do on Earth, the whole room buzzed with loud noises, excited cheers, shocked cries, and screams of disbelief. All were flabbergasted at the sight of moving pictures.
Jiro and his family were no exception either, the children squealing with joy and they watched the movie with sparkles in their eyes. They really didn't understand what was happening, but they knew what was happening before them was breathtaking.
"Amazing... So this is a movie... As expected of Grey and Yuna..." ［Alma］
As for Alma, well... Her words speak for herself. She was just as excited as the kids, but as the kids' mother and as an adult, she decided to keep herself calm and rein in the excited children. Still, she couldn't hide the gleam in her eyes.
Before long, the people finally settled down, and they finally started focusing on the movies. They still don't know what was happening, but they knew it was something they shouldn't miss. All were watching with expectant eyes.
It was as if they were watching a play in a theater, but only up close and much more immersive. The scenes were played out differently, with every single detail playing in their eyes and ringing in their ears whilst their hearts raced with joy.
"Ooh～! Look, Grey! They have all sorts of things here!"
"Be careful, Yuna. It's dangerous to wander around recklessly."
"Don't worry! I'm always careful!"
The movie started out mellow, detailing Grey and Yuna's departure from their home village, their journey, and their arrival at Galderia a couple days later. It was a quick montage, taking all the time necessary to introduce the main characters.
The plot moved slowly, and then came the act where they entered the Guild. It was a scene filmed with the use of illusion magic as the backdrop and just a couple props. Yet it was able to convey the message clearly to the viewers.
"You two... You aren't pretty, aren't you? I've been a Guildmaster for a long time... But this is the first time I've met people like you."
"You must be mistaken, Guildmaster. We're just aspiring adventurers."
"Normal, huh... Then, shall we test that out?"
"Guildmaster, you don't mean..."
"That's right! I challenge you both to a duel!"
The plot continued to move, the battle happening between Grey and Yuna against the Guildmaster unfolding in just a couple moments. The clashing of swords and the vicious howls of magic reverberated all throughout the room.
The movie was crude and lacked some refinements in multiple aspects, but to the eyes of the novice, they were magical. Each scene made them feel like they were inside the scene itself, their hearts filled with all sorts of emotions.
"Amazing... Just amazing..."
"Waah～! So cool～!"
Everyone was quiet, and even if they did speak, it was only a few words, their voices low as can be. Everyone continued to watch the movie, their emotions strung along depending on the scene currently playing. It was worth all the effort...
Actually, everyone was so passionate about the movie, that rather than just a short film no more than 30 minutes, it has become a full-fledged movie stretching over 90 minutes. It was a miracle they finished it in just a single month.
It may be because they were used to playing their parts live, but there was very little need for retakes. The trained actors were also able to make complex and dynamic actions impossible even for professional stuntmen back on Earth.
With the use of magic, there was no need for sound and movie effects. They could simply apply everything on the spot, making it quicker and easier to take any and all scenes. With Grey and Yuna supporting them, the impossible became possible.
"Guildmaster, they are..."
"They are General Vanessa von Filastra, and Lt. General Kurt von Helsberg. They are here to inquire about the case we talked about yesterday."
"So you're Sir Grey and Lady Yuna... You are as young as we heard... We heard a lot about you from the Guildmaster."
"We will be in your care."
They didn't just stop there either. After completing the movie, they started working on another project immediately after. It was also the reason why the movie's name is what it is. It was named "Astra" after Grey and Yuna's party, "Aster", subtitles after it.
The 1st movie is subtitled "Hidden Terrors" based on their conquest against Iblis. The 2nd movie will be "Merchant's Greed", based on the Goldstone company incident in Moterno, the 3rd will be "Reign of Vengeance" about the terrorism back in the Royal Capital, with many more following soon after.
Everyone was so enthusiastic that Grey and Yuna had no choice but to go with the flow. They also made sure to create 4 separate movie rooms to accommodate the showing of different movies simultaneously in the future.
"Take this! ⟨⟨Blue Phoenix!⟩⟩"
"Hahahaha! Is that all you can do?!"
"Tsk! You vile fool! I will make you pay today!"
"Hahaha! Try it if you can! Let's see how long you can last!"
The movie continued and all eyes were glued to the screen. Every time there was a fight scene, rowdy cheers and excited squeals would then fill the room. The moment the movie reached the climax, the whole room became pandemonium.
The Fight scenes were intense, the camera angles were on point, the sound effects were immaculate, the transitions were smooth, and the dialogues... Well... They were quite exaggerated, but they were still good. The movie was a huge hit!
Speaking of huge hits, it wasn't just the movie theater which was garnering popularity. All the places inside the mall were filled with people, each place bustling with excitement, and smiles blooming on everyone's faces. One place was especially noisy...
"Take this, Elaine! Let's see if you can block this!" ［Elise］
"W-W-Wait! That's too fast, Elise! Too fast!" ［Elaine］
"Fufufu! All is fair in love and war! Ei!" ［Elise］
"Waahhh!!" ［Elaine］
DING DING DING DING
... It was the arcade, hundreds of figures playing around with all sorts of games and having fun like they never had before. The previous gaming center already provided a lot of games, but the arcade was on a completely different level.
Not only are there many single-player and multiplayer games, there are also simple crane games, slot machines, roll-the-wheel games, and various other games where luck is a major factor, letting one win all sorts of prizes.
In such a place, a number of familiar figures could be seen fooling around, playing games one after another, mostly focusing on multiplayer games where they could compete with one another for scores. It was the Landevar family.
"Uuu... I lost again... Elise is just too strong..." ［Elaine］
"What do you mean? We both just started playing. It's just beginner's luck." ［Elise］
"Then where is my luck... Maybe I'm just terrible at these..." ［Elaine］
"Me next! Me next! Let's play against each other, Elder Sister!" ［Eliza］
Everyone was so engaged with the games that they haven't even had the chance to visit other places. They have been in the arcade for a couple hours already, playing every game they can and releasing all their pent up stress.
After all, the life of a Royal Academy Student is not easy. Most of their time is spent on studying, training, adventuring, and studying more. They barely have any room to breathe, and when they can, all they do is sleep and recuperate. A monotonous life.
That's why, when Grey and Yuna invited them, the two of them accepted in an instant without any hesitation. They went through their week with nothing in their minds but the mall's Grand opening. They didn't even know what a mall was.
"Hm? Should we find another game then?" ［Elise］
"Nuh-uh, this is fine! I also want to play with Elder Sister Elaine later!" ［Eliza］
"Uuu... Liz～! You're the only one who understands me..." ［Elaine］
Now, they are finally having fun after a couple months of hard work and exhaustion, and with their family, no less. It was the most fun they had for a long time, all their problems seeming to fade away as they inserted the coins and started the games.
Though, it wasn't just Elaine and Elise who were having a hard time. The Landevar couple was also just as stressed, handling paperwork every single day. Just seeing their family whole again was more than what they could ask for.
"Fufufu! That's another win for me～." ［Eleonora］
"Ugh... How are you so good at this, Eleanora...?" ［Fritz］
They are a married couple, but they barely see each other, about just 3 or 4 months a year. If only Fritz didn't inherit the position, then they could have spent more time with his family. Being a noble and governing a territory was hard work...
Well, not that complaining would do anything about it. It was better to not think about the problems and just focus on having fun as they are now. It makes the Landevar couple reminisce about their free and innocent past together.
"Fufufu! That's because your movements are too stiff, Dear." ［Eleanora］
"Hmm... That's a problem... It's because of all the paperwork these past few years... Time really hasn't been good to my shoulders." ［Fritz］
"Should we head down the 1st floor then? I heard there was a massage service there? My back and shoulders have also been aching quite a lot lately." ［Eleanora］
"Oh! That's a good idea! Let's go see it later then." ［Fritz］
And so, new plans were made. The couple then continued to watch over the children, cheering on both Elise and Eliza as they played air hockey against one another, the game getting more and more intense the longer the game went on.
Grey also made some modifications on the games a couple days ago, limiting the player's movements and power depending on how powerful they were. Even if an S-ranker were to play against a normal person, the game would be even.
CLINK CLINK CLANK CLINK CLINK CLANK CLANK
Eliza moved her mallet, and struck the disc with as much force as she could, making the disc go bolting towards Elise's direction. The latter didn't just let it pass either, striking back with the great force to bounce the disc back.
The exchange of discs continued and the scores went flying. Elise and Eliza played with such vigor, neither wanting to back down no matter what. Before long, their scores came to a tie, only one more round remaining.
It was an intense round, two players playing eagerly yet clumsily. The disc went flying back and forth, time and time again, close calls occurring back to back. However, all games had to come to an end, and the victor was soon decided...
CLANK CLANK DING DING DING DING
Eliza tried to defend with all her might, but she was just a second too late. The disc passed through her defense, and soon headed for the goal. A series of clanks and dings echoed in the air as Elise achieved victory once again.
"Yes! I won again! That's 2 wins for me!" ［Elise］
"Again! Again! Let's play again, Elder Sister!" ［Eliza］
Eliza has good reflexes and was able to learn it through watching Elise and Elaine play, however, unlike Elise who has played the game firsthand, her understanding was still far too shallow. It was victory through experience.
"I would love to play again, but didn't you promise to play with Elaine next?" ［Elise］
"Ah! Right! Let's play against each other, Elder Sister Elaine!" ［Eliza］
"Okay～! And, since we lost to Elise, should we play a few rounds together? Let's learn how to play and win against her later." ［Elaine］
"Hey! That isn't fair! You're ganging up against me!" ［Elise］
Cried the young lady as she protested against Elaine and Eliza's little scheme. Even then, the two didn't listen to her and simply started the game. They had fun like there was no tomorrow, their spirits fired up like never before.
Well, Elise wasn't left alone either. With no one to play against her, Eleanora was graceful enough to invite her daughter to play against her. She played a basketball shooting game against Fritz earlier, and now she's excited to try another game.
As for Fritz, well, he decided to just watch over the ladies play. He was free for a while so he also bought snacks from the floor above, bringing the ladies a couple refreshments to liven the atmosphere and make it merry.
"Weeh～! Waah～! Ohhh～!" ［Galvin］
"Can you push a bit harder, Dear?" ［Veronica］
"You sure are enjoying yourself, huh?" ［Cedric］
Speaking of merry, another family was enjoying themselves just 2 floors above the Landevars. They were the Aldridges, now playing on a swing by the playground as they enjoyed some quality family time together.
Galvin sat on Elnart's lap, Elnart sat on Veronica's, and Cedric pushed the swing for everyone to have fun. Galvin was especially ecstatic, excited to show their mother around the playground which has become one of their favorite places.
"Mother... I can already swing by myself... I'm already 9..." ［Elnart］
"Fufufu! That means you're still a child. Is it really that embarrassing to sit on your mother's lap? I really missed you, you know?" ［Veronica］
"Uuu... But... No, Mother... That's..." ［Elnart］
"Fufufu! I'm just teasing you. My eldest son has really grown up now." ［Veronica］
Said the loving mother, gently stroking his beloved son's hair before letting him go. She would have wanted to carry him longer, but she cannot always hold them. They are growing up, after all. All she can do is hold them while she still can.
As for Galvin, well... There was no need to say more. He was still acting spoiled towards his mother, relishing on the soft and gentle warmth of her embrace and enjoying the sweet symphony which was her voice.
Cedric could only chuckle to himself, watching his lovable family with warm eyes. It has been quite some time since he's seen such a sight, content in such sweet and simple enjoyment. The joyful times continued to playー
GRRUUMMMBBBLLLLEEEEEEEE～～!!
... Well, that is a loud grumble echoed in the air, making everyone stop and wonder. It was neither the sky nor the ground, nor was it the rowdy folks. Rather, it is someone nearby, his face now painted a light flush.
"Ah... Sorry... That was me..." ［Cedric］
That certain someone was none other than the Lord of Galderia, Cedric. He was so excited to spend the day with his wife and children that he woke up early in order to finish today's paperwork, skipping breakfast all the while... Hunger was upon him...
"Fufufu! It's still a little early, but let's have lunch now, shall we?" ［Veronica］
"Yaay～! I want to eat curry～!" ［Galvin］
"Curry... Fufufu! That's a great choice. How about..." ［Veronica］
CHAPTER 468 END