Flora

To tour with OpenSky Agency artists, bringing joy to audiences while recruiting and mentoring performers and help them become star artists.

About OpenSky Agency

OpenSky Agency is a newly established agency that broke away from the traditional model of securing performance opportunities with one city at a time. Instead, it operates with complete flexibility, touring and performing regularly across Nova. Scope of services include: magic performances, stage plays, talent training, and Monolith exploration. Permanent address: Southern Forest, near Flavio Office Number: 62442

About Magic Performances

Magic performances involve creating visual wonders using magical powers, which requires the performer to possess exceptional magical skills. The origins of magic performances are unclear, but available records suggest that the practice dates back centuries, possibly even a thousand years. The founding figure of modern magic art is known as the "Clockmaker's Apprentice." He was the first to combine traditional magic tricks with acrobatics and other theatrical illusions, bringing the folk practice to the nobility and transforming it into an art form. However, due to various historical reasons, magic performances gradually lost its appeal among the general public. A few years ago, Celine Robert, the last direct descendant of the Clockmaker's Apprentice, passed away in Flavio, marking the end of an era for this art form.

Career Highlights

Previously signed to a 15-year contract with Scarlet Sights Media's Radiant Promotion. Has starred in 32 films (9 as the leading actress), 15 stage plays, and 48 live performances.

Awards: Best Newcomer Award, 26th Flavio Film Festival Best Actress Award, 26th Flavio Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, 27th Flavio Film Festival

Signature Magic Performance Techniques

I've refined traditional magic tricks, using a wand to expertly control magical powers. With exquisite magic props and my graceful dance moves, I put on a spectacular visual feast of magic show entirely on my own.

A Lavish Costume

After inheriting the legacy of a Magician Maximus, I recreated her iconic stage costume from her youth as a tribute, adding a few personal touches. However, I found myself overwhelmed by the weight of her legacy. But with time and practice, I managed to step into her shoes and embrace the responsibility it carried.

That's the story we tell the public. The truth is Miss Flora had no idea how to put the costume on. —Fannie, Assistant at Ozora Production

I've heard about Miss Flora's accomplishments as an actress in Flavio. Unfortunately, I couldn't travel there, so I could only watch her work on a projector Artifact. I often wonder when she'll return to Flavio to resume her actress career again. —Aobelle

We deeply regret that Miss Befana, or rather Miss Flora, has left the film industry. While Radiant Promotion has officially severed ties with her, we promise that the honors and awards she earned will not be revoked. —Flavio Film Association

Highly questionable. Miss Flora, a skilled magician, always demonstrates excellent social skills, reflecting her background in the entertainment industry. However, the rumors about her, both on the media and in the industry, cannot be ignored. The opinions about her seem poles apart, which has led us to doubt the authenticity of her resume. Rather than a typical resume, we see this more as an invitation letter. If you're lucky enough to receive it, think of it as Flora inviting you to join her on stage for a magic performance. —Willow

About the Contract Dispute Between Miss Befana and Radiant Promotion

From records in Flavio Archives: Miss Befana filed a lawsuit against her employer, Radiant Promotion, citing its inhumane working conditions, inadequate pay, and failure to provide career development opportunities aligned with her goals. Before a verdict was reached, the dispute between Miss Befana and Radiant Promotion drew significant public attention in Flavio, with many other artists coming forward to expose similar exploitative practices by talent agencies and entertainment companies. The case was ultimately settled with Miss Befana agreeing to pay the penalties for breach of contract. As one SSM reporter stated, "Although Miss Befana lost the case, she has sparked the fight against the unfair contract terms of artists."

When did she first start noticing it?

Perhaps it was the moment the applause faded, the spotlights dimmed, and the curtains fell. Flora stood at the center of the stage, bowing still, until the darkness completely enveloped her. A beam of light broke through from behind as one staff from Radiant Promotion approached, reminding her of her meeting with the producers. She nodded. Before the meeting, she wanted to check her makeup, only to discover that her heavy, ornate gown had no pocket to hold a compact mirror. No matter. As a celebrated star, all she needed was her ever-present smile. The meeting went smoothly. Flora secured another film project, a victory for both herself and the company. Once the staff was gone, she went to the bathroom to remove her makeup. The cold water washed away her makeup, erasing the traces of her stage persona. The sound of unfamiliar footsteps drew near. "Miss Flora? Still here? It's been a long day, hasn't it?" "I'm fine, thank you. Just need to remove my makeup before leaving." Flora replied in a perfect manner, though she neither knew the speaker nor cared to. "But...you look weary. Are you alright?" Where did that come from? Had her perfect mask slipped off? Flora slowly raised her eyes to the mirror in front of her. In the reflection, her face had no features.

"Ah!" Flora jolted awake, realizing she was in the back seat of a luxury limo speeding into the night streets in Flavio. Her agent sat beside her. "What's wrong, my superstar? Still not used to riding in a high-end Artifact car?" Flora offered a tired smile and shook her head, her gaze drifting to the neon-lit cityscape outside the window. It occurred to her that she didn't even like this city. At night, the streets of Flavio were teeming with drunken office workers, underground idols who were rushing to their next part-time jobs with their stage makeups, and art-pursuing talents who were forced to trade everything they had in a bet-on agreement for their long-overdue opportunities. Everyone seemed to be caught in a cycle, siphoning joy from each other's struggles. "Stop looking at those losers. Focus on what you have—talent and better access to resources." Flora stayed silent, her eyes fixed on the view outside. In the blurry background, she caught a glimpse of a familiar red-haired girl, her figure fading into the night. "Ma'am... I think..."

"Don't even think about quitting. There's no going back now."

Suddenly, the car screeched to a sudden halt. Flora instinctively braced herself, her heart started racing. She looked around in shaken silence, she realized that everyone—both inside and outside the car—was staring directly at her. They were all faceless versions of herself.

Knocks at the door broke the silence, followed by a concerned voice from the other side of the door. A cool breeze slipped through the cracked window of the old hotel, sending a chill to the figure hunched at the desk. Flora finally woke from the nightmares that felt disturbingly close to reality. "Flora, Are you alright? We are going to the rehearsal for the show booked by the House of Trekkers' Affairs." "Ah...yes! Six shows in six consecutive days are just a warm-up for a Magician Maximus." Flora rubbed her temples to collect her thoughts. She rose up from the chair, placing the unfinished book back on the shelf. Routinely, she put on her performance attire, as if nothing had changed in the past decades. Before leaving, she paused in front of the mirror, summoning the courage to look at her own reflection.

When did she first start noticing it? The realization that she barely recognized herself in the mirror.

"Miss Flora, perhaps we should...postpone the show. Everyone is worried about your health." No response. Inside the quite room, only the crying of summer cicadas from afar could be heard. After a moment, the door creaked open. The familiar, ever-confident magician emerged once again. "Nonsense. In OpenSky, the show must go on!"

A little girl, like a frightened kitten, shuffling through the bustling crowd, calling out for her mother. When she was about to fall, a pair of hands, showing the marks of time, supported her. "Goodness, I thought you were one of those red-haired Wood Rats! Turns out you're a little girl." The girl looked up, an old lady in elegant gown was standing before her. She quickly wiped off the tear streaks on her face and thanked the woman in a proper manner. "Did you get separated from your mother? Do you need help to find her?" "Mother... She...she's no longer with me. I came to Emor with my father." "Oh... I didn't mean it, dear." The girl shook her head, feeling the familiar twitch in her nose as tears threatened to fall again. "Thank you, but I really must go now." "Not so fast, little one. Check what's in your pocket." "Huh?" The girl fumbled through her pocket, pulling out one handkerchief after another, as if her pocket were a bottomless treasure chest. Each handkerchief had the name Celine Robert embroidered on it. "Oh my, sorry! I'm getting old and forgetful. Your handkerchief is right here." The woman pulled out the handkerchief that belonged to the girl from her own pocket and knelt down to gently wipe away the girl's tears. But as she did, a drop of tear evaporated, transforming into a butterfly with fiery wings. "Wow, that's amazing! What was that?" "This, my dear, is a magic trick." "Magic trick? I've only heard of magic spell... What's the difference?" As the old woman spoke of the history of magic tricks, her fingers flickering, countless handkerchiefs seemed to come to life. They fluttered together like paper dolls holding hands, finally settling on her shoulder. From folk magic to the Clockmaker's Apprentice, from grand magic performances to Flavio, the girl was attracted to the tales of the past and forgot her sorrow. "Listen closely. There are many types of magic tricks, but whether grand or simple, their essence is the same—to bring joy to the audience." "I want to learn magic tricks! Everyone in Emor always looks so sad!" "Shh! Don't say that loud again, Okay?" The old woman panicked a bit, covering the girl's mouth. Making sure no one had paid any attention, she sighed in relief. The girl found her flustered reaction amusing, laughed at her. The woman chuckled at herself, too. "You laughed! Does that mean I've grasped the essence?" "Aren't you a clever one? When you're older, come find me in Flavio, and I'll teach you properly." "I will! Don't go back on your word!" At that moment, the girl caught a glimpse of appreciation in the woman's eyes—something she had never seen before. The woman smiled softly, gently ruffled the girl's hair, and slowly rose to her feet. Then, just like magic, she vanished into the crowd, as mysteriously as she had appeared. All that remained was the fiery butterfly on girl's fingertip, fluttering its wings, guiding her home.

"Please, tell me how to make magic props!" "Get lost."

The door slammed shut, and the momentum sent raindrops against Flora's face. Above her, the dim light flickered on a sign that read: Garrod's Magic Prop Shop—CLOSE DOWN. The sign swayed helplessly in the downpour. Flora stood there, unwilling to leave. Minutes later, the elderly man reappeared with a grumpy face, tossing a pile of books and materials at her. With another slam of the door, the meeting between Flora and Nova's last magic prop maker came to an abrupt end.

Flora set up a makeshift shelter on a nearby hill, immersing herself in the study of magic props day and night. In later days, she would look back and joke about herself, "I must've looked like a witch from a picture book back then."

Flora was working on a tool designed to control magic power—a small, convenient device, much like a conductor's baton, but capable of channeling the power and coalescing it into a physical form. She sent the idea to Master Garrod, but his response was nothing short of scorn. "For generations, magicians have honed their skills in isolation, trying to control magic with their own hands. Magic props are just tools. What you're trying to do goes against tradition!" "But sticking to tradition won't revive magic tricks." Flora replied with a single sentence before she set off to gather the three essential components for her wand: the body, a magical stone, and the core. She didn't need Garrod's approval—a word of advice will be enough to shed the light. Just like her magic performances, interacting with the audience was a mere distraction. What truly mattered was the show itself.

When Garrod received Flora's latest letter, he was surprised to learn that she had already gathered the materials for the wand's body and the magic stone, and was still working hard to find the right core. He couldn't imagine how a celebrated star from Flavio city had managed to journey across mountains and valleys in search of magic conducting material that were rare-finds even in the black market. Later, the bedridden Garrod, bored and restless, began flipping through old newspapers from a year ago—he found his answer. No matter which one he picked up, the headline was the same: "Famous Actress Befana Breaks Away with Radiant Promotion, Plans to Go Solo!"

Garrod froze. Slowly, he reached into his drawer and pulled out a finely crafted wooden box. Inside was a crimson feather, a gift from his old partner, Celine Robert, given to him over a decade ago, right after she made it around the world and back. The feather was said to come from a mysterious creature. Some legends claimed it was a monster, while others described it as a divine beast. In all accounts, however, there was one thing in common: whenever the creature dies, it will reborn through fire. Garrod wrote a brief letter to Flora, the last one he would ever send. He told her to use the feather as the core for her wand, and promised to see the debut of the wand once it was done.

But on the day they were supposed to meet, Garrod never showed up. Instead, Flora was greeted only by a torrential downpour. Shortly after, Garrod's eldest son arrived to inform Flora that the old man was dying. Flora fell silent. She stared out at the storm for a moment and left the showroom. Against the warnings of the others, she began her ascent up the hill. Alone atop the hill, she bowed silently as if acknowledging an invisible audience, and then drew her Phoenix Wand...

Down in the cottage at the foot of the hill, Garrod lay on his deathbed, sustained only by a medical Artifact. In the last minute of his life, he turned his head toward the hill. In the distance, he saw a flickering red light—a flame, just like the first magic trick performed by his partner magician. It was a simple fire trick. The familiar burning flame would take him toward her in the afterlife. Surrounded by his family, Garrod passed away. That same day, countless people reported seeing a firebird, its wings ablaze, break through the dark clouds and soar into the boundless blue sky.