NOVEL NEXT Chapter 727: The Final Moments of 35th Edition of PrimCon
Chapter 727: The Final Moments of 35th Edition of PrimCon
The energy inside the convention center was palpable, even in the final hours of PrimCon. After five days of excitement, fandom, and celebration, the 35th edition of the most important spring convention was drawing to a close. It was Friday night, March 19th, and the crowd that remained seemed determined to savor every last moment of the event. PrimCon had always been more than just a gathering-it was a cultural landmark in the Sakura Abode Country, marking the beginning of the spring season. With cherry blossoms just beginning to bloom outside, the vibrancy inside the convention center felt like an extension of that renewal and energy. The sheer scale of PrimCon was staggering, with five full days of panels, exhibitions, artist meetups, and exclusive announcements from some of the biggest studios and publishers in the industry. But tonight, as the clock ticked closer to 9 p.m., there was a bittersweet air about the crowd.
As visitors moved from booth to booth, their faces reflected both the joy of the convention and the quiet acknowledgment that it would soon be over. Many were still dressed in cosplay, their costumes immaculate despite the long hours they had spent parading through the hall. Characters from the latest anime sensations, manga hits, and even some classic series mingled together. There were giant mech suits, ethereal fantasy figures, and even a few iconic characters from beloved childhood franchises. For many, PrimCon wasn't just a place to celebrate their favorite stories; it was a place to become a part of them.
In the Artist Alley, a group of visitors huddled around a booth, watching as one of their favorite indie illustrators finished a commission. The artist, with quick and precise strokes, brought a character to life on paper, their hand moving with practiced ease. The small crowd that had gathered around applauded as the final line was drawn, and the fan who had commissioned the piece beamed as they held up their prize for a quick picture.
Not far from them, a few vendors were beginning to pack up their stalls. Posters and prints were rolled up, unsold merchandise boxed and taped shut, and the neon lights that had once drawn in eager customers were slowly flickering off. Still, a few last-minute shoppers lingered, hoping to snag a deal on figures or collectibles before the booths closed for good. In the main exhibition hall, the bigger studios were finishing up their last panel of the evening. Elvish Studios, having dominated much of the week with their announcements of new projects, was giving fans one final glimpse into their upcoming animated series. The excitement was still palpable, even though many fans had been attending panels and signings for days on end. The voice actors, animators, and directors who had been tirelessly promoting their work were now seated comfortably on stage, laughing with the audience and sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the projects they had spent years creating.
A few booths still attracted lines, especially those offering exclusive merchandise or limited- edition prints that could only be purchased at the convention. One particular line, leading to a table selling props and replicas from a recent hit anime movie, The Song of the Wind, was long and buzzing with excitement. Fans who had waited for hours to buy a piece of their favorite character's weapon or costume held their purchases with reverence, already mentally planning where they would display them once they got home.
In the far corner of the convention hall, near the exit doors, a small group of friends gathered for one last photo session. They had spent the entire week together, attending panels, exploring the exhibits, and taking pictures with cosplayers. Now, as the evening wore on, they wanted to capture one final memory before they parted ways. Their phones clicked in quick succession, the group laughing and pulling funny faces as the camera flashed. When the last picture was taken, they embraced, promising to meet again at next year's PrimCon.
For many, the final hours of the convention were a time to reflect. Throughout the week, they had met their favorite artists, bought cherished memorabilia, and immersed themselves in the worlds they loved. But the heart of PrimCon was always about community. Fans from all over the world had gathered in one place, sharing their passions with others who understood the depth of their excitement. Whether it was the thrill of seeing a voice actor in person or discovering a new indie game in Artist Alley, the connections made at PrimCon were what made the event special.
As the announcements came over the loudspeakers that the convention center would be closing in an hour, a soft wave of disappointment rippled through the crowd. It was hard to say goodbye to such a magical place, but for many, the memories made would last long after the doors closed.
Outside the main halls, the food court was still buzzing with activity. Though many had complained about the pricy and underwhelming food throughout the week, the tables were still filled with groups huddled over ramen bowls, bento boxes, and the occasional novelty snack shaped like anime characters. Conversations were lively, with friends discussing their favorite moments from the convention, speculating on upcoming series, or planning their schedules for the next big event. Some even traded merchandise or swapped stories about their best finds in the exhibitor halls.
As 8:30 p.m. approached, the energy began to shift. The crowds started thinning out, with visitors making their way toward the exit. Some lingered in the hallways, snapping a few more photos of the massive banners hanging from the ceiling, or saying goodbye to new friends they had met during the week. A few cosplayers, still fully decked out in their elaborate costumes, took advantage of the dwindling crowds to pose for dramatic shots in front of the now-quiet exhibit spaces.
By the time 9 p.m. arrived, the convention center felt quieter, almost serene. The final announcements were made, thanking everyone for attending and promising that next year's PrimCon would be even bigger and better. The lights dimmed slightly as the last of the attendees made their way to the doors, the staff beginning their long process of cleaning up and tearing down the booths.
For those who had stayed until the end, there was a strange mix of exhaustion and fulfillment. They had lived through five days of non-stop excitement, exploring every corner of the convention and soaking in as much as they could. As they stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted them, carrying with it the scent of cherry blossoms from the nearby park. The streets outside the convention center were filled with groups of fans heading toward hotels or the train station, clutching bags filled with treasures from the week. As they walked away, there was an unspoken understanding that while PrimCon was over, its spirit would continue. They would carry it with them, whether through the new friends they made, the merchandise they collected, or simply the joy of knowing that they had been a part of something bigger than themselves.
And so, as the lights of the Sakura City convention center finally went dark, the 35th edition of PrimCon came to a close. It was an end, but also the beginning of a year of anticipation, as fans everywhere looked forward to the next time they could gather together and celebrate the worlds they loved.