A blockbuster with both stunning visuals and a compelling plot is the finest nourishment for the soul.
Having just fed their souls and partially filled their stomachs with snacks, the group of friends walked out of the cinema with a sense of satisfaction.
Looking at the people still queuing outside to enter, Elina couldn't help but continue the discussion: "Daisy acted so well, that love story was so touching. I'm glad it had a happy ending, or I might have cried."
Sophia nodded in agreement: "It's good that it ended happily, even though the man was disabled, they survived and stayed together. But I think if it had been a tragic ending, it could have elevated the film even further."
"It was released during the cheerful Harvest Festival. If it had made all the gentlemen and ladies on the continent cry, that would have been too cruel," Hal said, tightening his linen robe.
"Exactly, comedies and happy endings are the best fit for festivals," Lanen added.
It wasn't until the latter half of the film that Lanen fully immersed himself.
As a young and straight male creature, Lanen had no interest in the romantic scenes. What captivated him were the intense and exhilarating battles, the grand spectacles, and the various imaginative concepts.
"Did you notice? The soundtrack this time is a qualitative leap compared to previous films. The theme song too—it felt like I was at a concert!" Sophia pointed out.
"Indeed, I wonder which master from the City of Music composed it. I suspect it was recorded in a real symphony hall."
"It must be the work of a master. Otherwise, every piece of music wouldn't fit the scenes so perfectly."
As they talked, the group had already entered the school gates.
"It's getting late. Let's split up and head back to our dorms. There's an event tonight, and we need to freshen up," Elina said to Lanen and Hal.
"Freshen up? Can't we just go in our uniforms?"
Then Lanen gave him a sharp tug, and Hal immediately realized his blunder, wisely keeping his mouth shut.
...
The sky grew darker.
When Lanen, Hal, Lee, and Danny arrived at the open field behind the campus, they found that the senior students, under the teachers' guidance, had already set up the venue.
On the dry, flat expanse, several large bonfires were already lit. The split but still thick logs were stacked in pyramid shapes, crackling as they burned. The school cafeteria's chefs and staff, dressed in white uniforms, were carrying large open pots with handles to the site. At the edge of the field, a group of students in robes were tuning instruments and amplifiers.
Earlier, Lanen had followed the trend and taken a shower, combed his short hair, and then spent the rest of the time at his desk under the bunk bed, studying a newly purchased box of magic relays.
"Hey, we're over here!"
Lanen waved to catch Sophia's attention as she approached.
"Where's Elina?" Hal asked.
"She went to the senior section. She said she'd join us soon after the party starts. The bonfires are divided by class—one for each of the first and second-year classes, one for the third-year class, and one shared by the rest. The teachers have their own."
Lanen noticed that Sophia was wearing a brand-new school robe and pointed hat, with a hint of elegant makeup and a few small accessories, looking radiant.
"You look beautiful today," Lanen complimented.
Sophia smiled warmly and pointed to the girls' side:
"They're all the same today. It's a rare big gathering, so of course it's a day to dress up."
The large pots were placed over the fires, and as Lanen chatted with his classmates, the rich aroma of meat began to fill the air.
Following Harvest Festival tradition, everyone would enjoy stew and dishes made from the year's new harvest that evening.
Boom—Boom—Boom—
A loud sound startled a few people. Turning around, Lanen saw it was Headmaster Blank. This time, there was no podium for his speech, but he had a unique solution: his feet were surrounded by magical energy, floating in the air, his robes fluttering in the evening breeze.
He raised a wired microphone and cheerfully announced: "Students, the annual joyous festival has arrived once again. Happy Harvest Festival to all! Aside from ensuring safety, there are no set programs tonight!" The amplified voice was clear, and the field fell silent within moments. "Also, while the teachers enjoy themselves, they'll help maintain order. Eat, drink, and be merry—and I hope none of you have already had dinner. Now, let the party begin! Cheers!"
A deafening cheer erupted across the field, startling the last few birds from the nearby trees.
Even the girls abandoned decorum, shouting with joy, and Lanen jumped around, joining in the excitement. He quieted down with the majority, listening as a few senior tenors competed in a drawn-out vocal battle until a winner emerged, who was then lifted by his classmates.
The chefs wheeled over food carts.
Whole wheat bread baked from the new harvest was piled like small mountains in carts with charcoal heaters, emitting the unique aroma of freshly roasted wheat.
Each person received a napkin and a small fork, using slices of bread as plates to cut meat from the chefs' trays by the bonfires. The large chunks of meat, lightly spiced and perfectly salted, were tender from the stewing. Along with the continuously sliced bread, they were served without limits.
After receiving steaming hot meat from the servers on whole wheat bread slices, the savory juices soaked into the bread, creating a hearty and satisfying meal—perfect for the ravenous appetites of these growing teenagers.
Elina, after grabbing a knife, joined Lanen and the others, eating, wandering, and chatting around the bonfire.
As everyone finished eating, music began to play, igniting the atmosphere.
The school's music club and a few instrumental groups took turns performing, occasionally joining together. Those with talent could even step up for an impromptu performance.
The sky had darkened completely, and the bonfires became the brightest light sources.
Some started dancing, others sang along to familiar tunes, and some cheered and clapped—everyone found something they enjoyed. Eventually, the class groupings dissolved as everyone mingled, chatting, dancing, and occasionally grabbing another piece of meat from the pots. Full and joyful, the night was a celebration of camaraderie.
Even years later, Lanen could vividly recall this day—the festival, the bonfires, the music, his friends and classmates.
It was one of the brightest highlights of his serendipitous youth.