At the director's request, Sam Li quickly changed into the Star Emblem Knight costume.
It was a red suit of armor, much like the outfits seen in Earth's special effects shows, full of technological and futuristic vibes.
If it could be described in one word, it would be handsome.
Seeing this
the director was very satisfied, nodding repeatedly.
"As expected of the agent I picked. Once dressed up, he's even more fitting than the movie's actual actor!"
Then
at the director's request, Sam Li performed several classic poses of the Star Emblem Knight, exactly like in the movie.
Nearby,
Billy couldn't take his eyes off him, staring so hard it was as if he wanted to jump over, rip off Sam Li's armor, and put it on himself.
Sam Li already looked so handsome.
If he were the one wearing it, wouldn't he look even better?
At that moment,
Nekomata glanced at Sam Li, then at Billy, and suddenly looked as if she had discovered some great secret.
She said excitedly,
"Hey, have you guys noticed? Sam Li in the Star Emblem Knight armor kind of looks like Billy!"
Anby also leaned in to take a closer look.
It was true.
Especially from the upper body — one wore a red jacket, the other a red suit of armor.
Even their head designs shared a bit of that wild, carefree look.
Nicole pinched Billy's head, touched Sam Li's armor, and said seriously,
"Yeah, they do look a little alike. Why don't we let Billy try it on? Might be a fun surprise."
Hearing the chatter,
the director instantly got angry.
"Who's the director here? Are you questioning my judgment?! The Star Emblem Knight is a great, noble knight, mature and steady!
How could he possibly be a frivolous robot?!
This kid's all wild, with a showy voice, twisting his waist and screaming — how could he play the Star Emblem Knight?
Letting him do it would ruin the Star Emblem Knight's reputation!"
It was as if he had been personally insulted.
The director scolded everyone loudly, fiercely defending the image of the Star Emblem Knight.
Nekomata couldn't stand his attitude and decided to just ignore him.
Billy covered his face in shame, speechless.
A smart robot crafted from lost technology — and yet, here he was, being completely belittled.
It was over.
His handsome image was finished.
On the side,
Nicole, an experienced agent, kept smiling outwardly but was already roasting the director in her mind.
Star Emblem Knight is just a movie, a made-up story. What great image?
It's all fake!
This director was just like Anby — completely unable to separate movies from reality — and it was even his own movie!
Still,
since he was the client, and they had accepted his money, Nicole naturally wasn't about to start a fight.
"Alright, alright, everything's ready, director. Let's get filming," Nicole said, smoothing things over.
The director snorted.
"Who said we're ready?! You, little girl, put away that knife. Ordinary people don't carry knives around all the time.
You're supposed to be a regular person waiting for rescue, got it?
And you, 'Electric Boy'—don't just stand there! You're playing an Ethereal! Act like it!
Otherwise, I'll deduct your commission!"
Hearing this,
Anby sighed.
"...Electric Boy…"
Nekomata couldn't help but cover her mouth, laughing quietly.
"Meow, can't wait to see Billy as an Ethereal..."
Billy froze.
Not only could he not play the Star Emblem Knight,
he also got nicknamed Electric Boy and assigned to play a monster.
It was too unfair!
Billy wanted to protest.
Billy wanted to go on strike.
Before he could say a word, though,
he got kicked.
"Stop dreaming and help set up the scene! Hurry up and finish filming — I've got more important things to do," Nicole ordered.
"Yes, Nicole Boss!" Billy answered.
...
Nearby,
Anby watched the director walking away and frowned.
"Nicole, something's off."
Nicole asked, puzzled,
"What's wrong?"
Anby said seriously,
"He claims to be the director of the Star Emblem Knight movie. Based on what he said, he should have a large professional crew.
Even if the lead actor is sick, the crew should still be here.
But right now, it's just him — and us from Hare's House."
Not only that,
Anby noticed that aside from the Star Emblem Knight's armor,
most of the props he brought were old and dusty, looking like they'd been sitting around for years.
Even the filming equipment was outdated.
Everything about it was suspicious.
Nicole hadn't noticed before.
But after Anby's analysis, she immediately realized the truth.
This director is broke.
Way too stingy — only offering 300,000 Dennies for the commission — totally unlike a famous director.
Anby asked seriously,
"Should we expose him?"
Nicole shook her head.
"Of course not. The rest of the payment hasn't arrived yet.
Let's finish the job first."
With that,
Nicole went to help.
According to her plan, they'd complete the commission first,
then go treasure hunting in the Hollows.
According to the forum, many people had already ventured deep into the Hollows to search for treasure.
If they went too late, everything would be gone.
Very soon,
under the director's arrangements,
Billy put on a weird, obviously cheaply-made costume.
He was supposed to be an Ethereal, but he just looked like an ugly monster.
Anby also put away her weapons and took off her headphones, getting into character as the stranded girl.
A little while later,
the director adjusted the camera.
"Young lady, have you memorized your lines?"
Anby nodded.
"All memorized."
The director was very satisfied.
"Good. We can start.
First scene: disaster erupts in the Hollows, the frail young girl falls in…"
Following the director's command,
the filming began.
As dust clouds filled the sky,
the Hollow disaster erupted.
Anby solemnly walked through the ruins, trying her best to act scared.
"Owww, I've been eroded by the Hollow and turned into a monster! Owww owww—"
Watching Anby struggle so hard with her acting,
the director exploded in rage.
"No, no! That's not your line!
You just fell into the Hollows, you've only just been eroded — you haven't turned into a monster yet!
Why are you howling already?!
Did you even memorize your lines?!"
Billy helplessly covered his face.
Nicole sighed.
Nekomata was speechless.
Sam Li: "..."
Clearly,
they had all overestimated Anby's acting skills.
Nicole coughed lightly.
"This is Anby's first time acting. She might be a little nervous.
Director, please give her another chance."
The director shook his head helplessly.
He had thought about changing the actress,
but after looking at Nicole and Nekomata, he still felt Anby was the most suitable.
"Shoot again.
And this time, don't mess up your lines."