Chapter 365
Where did that guy run off to? Doesn't he intend to look for Rat and Miao Lian anymore?
"Nan Zhu? He left the venue earlier, he seemed to be in a hurry."
"If I wasn't mistaken, he seemed to be chasing someone."
Ning Shuang covered her chin, carefully recalling the previous scene.
She vaguely saw Nan Zhu chasing a woman out of the venue, but she didn't know what happened after that.
"Huh? Chasing after someone...?"
Upon hearing this, Han Yu raised an eyebrow, a sly glint flashing in her beautiful, amethyst-like eyes.
She could roughly guess who Nan Zhu's target was; it was probably the black-haired "woman" wearing a baseball cap that she had met here earlier.
"Heh, I didn't expect that guy to have such a perverse sense of humor. But isn't the Nan Zhu a bit too pitiful?"
Han Yu stretched out her little finger, twirled the end of her hair, and chuckled softly.
Although that guy's starting point was good, it was to let Nan Zhu know the truth and see himself clearly.
But isn't it a bit too cruel to first appear in front of the Nan Zhu lead as a woman to give him hope, and then make him completely despair as a man?
However, it's understandable. If that guy hadn't appeared as a woman first, Nan Zhu would probably have had a hard time accepting it, given his personality.
After all, only by first attracting the other party's attention and capturing their heart can you better defeat them.
"Xiao Yu, what are you saying?"
"It's nothing, I just suddenly thought of something interesting."
Han Yu shook her head and turned her gaze back to the stage.
Whatever happens to Nan Zhu is none of her business; she can just leave everything to that man.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Next, we are about to enjoy a magnificent theatrical performance!!"
"I must say, this is the first time I've ever seen someone participate in an international cosplay expo in the form of a stage play!!"
"I'm sure everyone knows how difficult stage performances are. It not only requires a deep understanding of the characters' traits, but also absolute control over the plot and the ability to build tension! Finally, it demands exceptional acting talent!"
"All three are indispensable. If any one of them is not achieved, the theatrical performance will be a failure. But if they succeed, it will undoubtedly be a highlight moment worthy of being recorded in the annals of International Exhibition!"
"Then without further ado, the theatrical performance of 'The Last Master' shall officially begin."
As the host finished speaking, a lively discussion erupted throughout the venue.
The source of the discussion was undoubtedly the upcoming theatrical performance, which all the audience members were very interested in.
However, most of the opinions were dismissive and sarcastic, since the idea of completely recreating the original story of the game with a stage play was simply a pipe dream.
In a stage play without special effects, poorly executed dialogue between actors can be extremely awkward.
Moreover, it's easy for awkward performances to occur, which could easily make the audience laugh out loud or even treat it as a comedy.
"Wow, the 'The Last Master' storyline... I remember there were really some really flashy fight scenes there."
"I've already finished that game. 'The Last Master' is mostly about intense battles and dazzling special effects. How can they possibly recreate that in a theatrical production? It'll probably be an eyesore. Damn, what bad luck."
"Even a stage play shouldn't choose such a difficult plot. It ruins both the character design and the plot. This will offend both game players and anime fans."
"But I'm still quite looking forward to it, after all, the quality of the cosplayers this time is very high, maybe they'll give a great performance?"
"You don't know anything. Even if a cosplayer can perfectly recreate the character, the game's plot is mostly cool battles and passionate dialogue. Even professional actors might not be able to handle it. Anyway, I'm prepared to wash my eyes."
"It's okay, everyone just treat it as a comedy and have some fun."
The discussions that were heard everywhere almost all expressed skepticism and dissatisfaction with the play.
Especially for plays like this, which are easily misperformed, all the audience members wore expressions of deep displeasure.
If their favorite characters and game storylines are ruined by this play, do you think they won't give the performers a good dressing down?
Some audience members were even prepared to leave, only to watch the beginning. If it was terribly bad, they would slip out to grab a bite to eat and come back after the play ended.
"There are only negative comments around."
He Xue frowned and looked at the people who were having a heated discussion with some dissatisfaction.
Regardless, these people shouldn't have slandered others before the performance.
Making conclusions about someone else's efforts before seeing the truth is itself a sign of poor manners.
"Just like some anime adaptations can easily ruin the original work, so it's understandable that they're worried about this."
"After all, no one wants their favorite character and storyline to be ruined, especially since the storyline of this performance seems difficult to handle."
"However, the cosplayers who can choose such a difficult storyline and dare to perform on stage are definitely not ordinary people. This shows that they have absolute confidence. We just need to watch and enjoy the show."
Ning Shuang stared thoughtfully at the stage as it gradually dimmed.
She doesn't like to comment on others casually, but she actually had some experience with stage performances before.
This is indeed a very difficult performance style to master, and it is extremely difficult to perform it perfectly.
"Stop talking, it's about to begin."
Han Yu crossed her arms and smiled slightly as she looked down at the stage.
It's time to shut up those noisy bugs around us.
.
Backstage Rest Area
The cosplayers who had finished their performance were taking a short break here.
However, the current situation is different from the previous scattered discussions. Now, the cosplayers have all gathered together, and everyone's attention is almost entirely focused on the large screen in the rest area.
They were well aware of the difficulties of performing in a play, and it was even more difficult to recreate the story of "The Last Master".
So when they heard that someone would be performing in the form of a stage play, the cosplayers almost all became interested.
"Oh dear, this is terrible. Someone actually chose such an extremely difficult plot for a stage play."
"Exactly, I really don't know what that squad leader is thinking."
"I think it's going to collapse, Huanhuan, what do you think?"
Mo Qianhuan, who was changing clothes in the corner, paused for a moment, then turned her head to look at the stage displayed on the screen.
"Well, barring any unforeseen circumstances, we should win the championship."
Mo Qianhuan took off her wig and smiled wryly. She was sorry; she really hadn't expected Wu Liang and the others to lose...
Chapter 99: Qijiu's Opening Scene
It had been some time since the stage lights went out, but the audience still hadn't seen any cosplayers come on stage.
This fueled strong dissatisfaction among the audience who were already pessimistic about the play.
The performance was already terrible, and they even tried to be mysterious by refusing to go on stage. Wasn't that just making fun of everyone?
Some audience members even booed, hoping the boring performance would end soon.
They certainly didn't want to throw up their lunch because of a cheesy theatrical performance.
They'd accept any poor performance, all they wanted now was for the play to get done quickly and stop wasting time here.
"Xiao Yu..."
He Xue had been staring at the stage, frowned slightly; almost five minutes had passed.
It's not good to leave the audience waiting here without seeing anyone. Even if preparation is needed, it shouldn't take this long.
"They're here."
Han Yu squinted as she scanned the stage below, glancing discreetly at the dim lights on the ceiling.
The moment the words were spoken, the entire venue was plunged into darkness as if a power outage had occurred.
"Holy crap? What's going on?? Power outage?"
"No way, look, the emergency exit light in the corner is still on. The organizers must have done something wrong."
"Damn it, it's pitch black! How the hell can we watch this show?"
As the entire venue plunged into darkness, the impatient audience members, who had been waiting for some time, began to chatter and complain.
What's going on? Why did they turn off all the lights in the venue during a theatrical performance?
Why are you putting all these weird and strange things here? Are you trying to mess with people's mentality?
The Last Master stood on the stage of the final place, awaiting her two rule-breakers who had broken the rules due to their own selfish desires.
"The numerous battles have left her utterly exhausted, both mentally and physically pushed to her limits."
"But in order to fulfill that person's wish, this Master still chose to come to this final place; she must obtain that omnipotent wish-granting machine."
The ethereal female voice seemed to come from a secluded valley, its desolation tinged with a touch of solemnity.
A beam of white light shone down from above the stage, illuminating a corner of the stage edge.
The gorgeous, luxurious, form-fitting purple gauze dress accentuated the woman's graceful and incredibly sexy figure.
Her full, smooth legs revealed a glimpse of apricot-white skin through the high slits on both sides of her hips, which was especially eye-catching in the dim environment.
A golden crown stood atop the woman's head, and shimmering silver light rose around her long, smooth, snow-white hair, adding a touch of holiness and mystery to her cool and aloof face.
Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her tightly closed eyes slowly opened, revealing striking ruby-like eyes that shone like a flame in the night sky.
"Holy crap? Jiu Hu!!! Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap! Jiu Hu Fox is participating in this competition too?? I had no idea???"
"What a beautiful person... By the way, isn't this costume a bit too much...? The accuracy of the recreation is pretty good..."
"These few sentences seem to be the opening remarks, so does that mean Jiu Hu is just a narrator and not an actor performing?"
"Are you kidding me...? Jiu Hu isn't an actor...? Then who are all these big names who are actors...?"
The moment Qijiu appeared, the previously noisy venue immediately quieted down.
Almost everyone who is involved in the Cosplay Circle knows the name Jiu Hu.
Even some viewers who are not very familiar with the situation have heard rumors about the cosplayer Jiu Hu. After all, her name is so well-known in the community that it would be very difficult not to know about her.
But what surprised everyone was not that Jiu Hu would participate in the play, but that Jiu Hu would only appear on stage as a narrator.
Keep in mind that the other person is one of the very few at the top of the Cosplay Circle, and their fame and skill are unmatched by any other cosplayer.
But this top-tier cosplayer, who ranks among the best in the world, only got a minor role like narration? What kind of international joke is this?!
"I think I'm starting to have some expectations for this play... If even a cosplayer of Jiu Hu's caliber can only do the narration... then what kind of monsters are the real actors...?"
"Me too! As long as Jiu Hu is in a play, I'll praise it to the skies, no matter how good or bad it is!"
"You're notorious for your double standards. You were the one who was shouting the loudest just now, and now you're the one bragging the most."
After Jiu Hu took the stage, the audience's emotions clearly calmed down considerably, demonstrating just how terrifying Jiu Hu's influence was.
But while they may be behaving themselves, the real show is just beginning.
If the performance is too stiff, it could have a significant negative impact on Jiu Hu.
A chilling wind swept across the land shrouded in firelight; the vast, dark underground cavern was now filled only with the stench of rotting corpses and the acrid smell of burning.
The lurking outliers have set their sights on the arriving Master and her accompanying warriors, Heroic Spirit already at their necks. The battle between Heroic Spirit has begun.
The final battleground has begun; the young Master and her Heroic Spirit have arrived!
Qijiu hugged herself tightly and slowly knelt on the ground, her snow-white hair falling to her feet, as she murmured softly as if in prayer.
A playful smile appeared on her pretty face. "I've really got you all in control now."
Now it's up to you guys to see how you perform. Don't embarrass me, I don't want people to say I can only act in bad dramas.
My future reputation depends on you young people, so keep it up!
"Wow... Jiu Hu's voice is so beautiful and gentle..."
"Damn it, I'm dead. Even if the performance was a joke, I'll accept it. I'm already satisfied just to have met Master Jiu Hu."