Music flowed out and the stage darkened. With the top light turning off after shining down on the fallen soldier, the stage turned completely dark. A moment later, the background music became fainter and a faint light appeared on the stage. The main character walked out amidst the actors.

Maru applauded. The other people in the audience started clapping as well. Eventually, the background music was buried under the sound of applause. The juniors, who were waiting behind the curtain, all went out on the stage. They pulled up the actors on the ground before bowing towards the audience. As they bowed, the applause became louder. The main character appeared at the end and grabbed the hands of the actors, joined the line, and raised his hands up high before putting them down while bowing. It was a good curtain call that was worth all the preparation.

-Woosung Engineering High school’s performance has ended. The next performance will be in 40 minutes including lunchtime. Thank you.

The lights among the audience seats turned on along with the announcement. Maru stood up from his seat and headed to the stage. The independent soldier, who was shouting ‘independence’ until just moments ago while dying, was now trying his best to peel off the glowing tape on the ground, and the...