“The runaway mage, Aozaki Aoko; the noble lady seeking vengeance for her father, Tohno Akiha; the high schooler pursuing the forbidden, Kurogiri Itsuka… The core narrative of this feature revolves around these three leading ladies embarking on separate adventures with their companions to achieve their desires, culminating in a life-or-death struggle against the Great Demon Lord.”
“The plot of this film is full of dramatic twists and bizarre turns, featuring delightful yuri segments laced with just a hint of risqué elements, blending both sorrowful and celebratory tones. In an era where plot has died and moe reigns supreme, this production stands as the ultimate standard-bearer for story-driven narratives—a true once-in-a-century masterpiece. Furthermore, the lead roles are portrayed by internationally renowned, versatile divas whose acting prowess is beyond reproach, as if they were living their own stories. Adding to the splendor, a constellation of ageless deities from Gensokyo make guest appearances; such an extravagant cast is seldom seen, deserving the title of unparalleled in history.”
“Beyond the screen, the behind-the-scenes lineup is equally dazzling. Background and musical supervision were handled by the girl feared even by the dead, Komeiji Satori. Miscellaneous tasks and bit parts were managed by Gensokyo’s current idol, Kochiya Sanae. The script and overall direction were meticulously overseen by the celebrated director, 'Warrior of Love' Lin Luo… Brought to life by the Sky Castle Film Club, spanning ten years and a monumental investment of 365 billion, this timeless epic, The Demon Lord and the Hero, is now playing 24 hours a day—a spectacle not to be missed!”
Lin Luo stood before a screen shimmering with silver light, holding a microphone as he delivered the grand introductory speech. Once he finished the lengthy presentation, he directed the microphone outward, smiling as he asked, “Well, my two audience members, what are your thoughts on our film?”
On a sofa placed before him sat two young women—none other than the supreme existences of this age: the two Counter Forces, Gaia and Alaya.
Ever since the chaos in Fuyuki City formally erupted, these two overlords had grown restless and emerged from their respective dwellings, eager to join the excitement. To prevent them from roaming freely and disrupting his plans, Lin Luo had to employ a few clever stratagems to keep them tethered here. Filming the events unfolding in Fuyuki City had been one of his meticulously crafted, brilliant ideas.
“Hey! Why are your positions so high up, and I’m stuck doing odd jobs?” Before the two supreme beings could offer their critique, Sanae burst out, vocally lamenting her dissatisfaction. She felt utterly cheated.
Lin Luo sighed and addressed her with profound earnestness. “Sanae, you must understand that details don’t just determine success or failure; they determine the difference between a classic and trash. Although being a general assistant seems insignificant, it is precisely where attention to detail shines brightest. Therefore, this film’s classic status owes much to you. Trust me, you can do it. Never underestimate yourself!”
“……” Sanae’s eyes filled with tears. She thought to herself: I’m not underestimating myself; you’re the one looking down on me!
Ignoring Sanae’s mounting complaints, Lin Luo turned his gaze forward.
Alaya sat with serene elegance. Though the characters for “Three-No” weren’t written on her face, her actions perfectly embodied those qualities. Gaia, meanwhile, looked like a starving ghost who hadn't eaten in centuries. She ravenously devoured an entire platter of qiegao placed on the coffee table, chased it with a gulp of water, and then finally nodded.
“Hmm, very good, very good. I like this film, and I like your commentary. However, I must ask: is there no male protagonist in this movie?”
“A male protagonist? What is that thing?” Lin Luo blinked in confusion, instinctively glancing toward Komeiji Satori beside him. Only when he saw her pointing at himself did a moment of clarity strike him. “Oh, I almost forgot about myself. Ah, well, that’s the consequence of wearing too many hats. Actually, there is a main male character—that would be the Fourth Demon Lord, played by myself. He is the protagonist and also the sole male character in this work... unique, you might say.”
“Tch!” Sanae delivered Lin Luo a look of utter disdain.
Lin Luo decisively pretended not to notice, then looked up toward the upper left corner. “Then, audience member over there, what do you think of our film?”
Hanging in that corner was a screen, no larger than an ordinary dressing table mirror. Displayed within it was an exquisitely beautiful, blond woman, her expression as blank as Alaya’s—Lin Xiaoke.
The genuine Fourth Demon Lord had arrived in the Nasuverse nearly a month ago. While she constantly urged Lin Luo to ‘acknowledge his lineage,’ Lin Luo kept delaying things interminably, like an old woman’s foot-binding cloth, leaving her helpless. To pass the time, and driven by a flicker of curiosity, her gaze fell upon Fuyuki City, turning her into the third viewer of this production alongside the two supreme beings.
Although her title had been misappropriated, Lin Xiaoke felt no objection, nodding calmly with her signature concise delivery: “Adequate.”
Lin Luo, the imitation, showed no embarrassment facing the original, and continued with a chuckle, “Since you find it adequate, please watch intently. The climax is about to arrive.”
“I hope you can come over here soon. My parents are eager to meet you too.” Seeing that Lin Luo had truly transformed into a film director, Lin Xiaoke finally couldn't help but interject a reminder; she had pressing matters waiting on her end.
Lin Luo played dumb internally, laughing it off. “Your parents and I have no relation. Why would they want to meet me? Did you tell them you found your intended and are bringing me along for a blind date?”
“If that is what you hope for, it’s not impossible.”
Lin Luo had only been making a joke, trying to shift the subject, but upon hearing Lin Xiaoke’s calm, matter-of-fact reply, his body jolted, nearly causing him to drop the microphone.
Zzzzzt...
Before Lin Luo could react, Lin Xiaoke’s screen instantly dissolved into black and white static; the network connection was severed.
Simultaneously, in a room within a European castle, Lin Xiaoke wore an expression of helplessness. She sighed faintly, “Hong Ling, I’m begging you, can you stop suddenly speaking out?”
It turned out the previous statement had not come from her, but from the bizarre anomaly residing within her.
“Fine, I’ll be quiet then.”
Hong Ling’s reply made Lin Xiaoke feel unusually compliant that day. Though there was a hint of grievance in her tone, she didn't dwell on it, and reestablished the network connection with Lin Luo’s location.
Seeing Lin Xiaoke reappear on the screen, Lin Luo gave an awkward smile. “Uh… you were just joking, right?”
“Yes… I wasn’t joking. Come home with me and get married… Zzzzzt!”
This time, Lin Xiaoke didn’t even finish her sentence before the connection dropped again. However, Lin Luo clearly grasped her intent, leaving him completely scattered in the wind.
In the same room, Lin Xiaoke’s composure finally cracked. Her face twitched, looking as if her entire visage was cramping, as she forcefully suppressed the impulse surging within her. She spoke in an intensely deep tone: “Hong Ling, I didn't take you for someone who goes back on her word.”
“How am I breaking my promise?” Hong Ling’s spectral form materialized behind Lin Xiaoke, her face full of false grievance.
“Then what was that you just said? You explicitly promised you would stay quiet.”
“Well, I certainly didn’t speak out loud. I was only using your mouth to talk.”
CRACK!
Upon hearing this, the armrest of the redwood chair Lin Xiaoke was sitting on instantly shattered into splinters under her grip. This was fortunate only because of Lin Xiaoke’s strong self-control; anyone else might have exploded in rage, perhaps destroying the entire castle instead of just a chair arm.
“I truly cannot fathom why you are so relentlessly intent on forcing me and him together. What is your motive?” After regaining some calm, Lin Xiaoke finally asked.
“The motive of wanting the best for a friend. I know you secretly long for this union too, don’t you?” Hong Ling stated matter-of-factly, then reached out and drew a bright red heart shape in the empty air.
Lin Xiaoke swiftly swiped it away. “I have never held such an idea.”
“It’s not that you don’t have it; it’s just that you haven't realized it yet,” Hong Ling immediately countered. “There’s a saying: before every man finds the boy he truly loves, he mistakenly believes he is heterosexual. It’s the same for you. Before you find your true love, you mistakenly believe you aren't into taboo relationships.”
“……” Lin Xiaoke was speechless for a long moment. “I see. The reason you want to bring him and me together is actually for your own sake, isn’t it? Because the one who truly loves him is you.”
“No, I already have someone I love, and that won't change for all eternity,” Hong Ling shook her head.
“Hmm?” Lin Xiaoke froze for a moment. Hong Ling had someone she loved? At this point, Lin Xiaoke’s inner gossip-monger began to burn fiercely, and she couldn't help but ask, “Who is the person you love? Why have I never heard you mention them before?”
“My true love is my sister, lost to me for many years.”
CRACK!
This time, not just the armrest, but the entire redwood chair disintegrated.
Lin Xiaoke, dark lines faintly visible around her eyes, said sternly, “I recall you telling me you were an only child. Where would you suddenly have a sister lost for years?”
“Precisely because I am an only child that I have a sister lost for many years.”
“You said your parents were devoted, that neither ever had an affair. It is certain, definite, and absolute that they only had you as a daughter. What kind of bizarre premise would you need for you to suddenly possess a long-lost sister?” Lin Xiaoke’s mouth twitched. Even with her intelligence, she could not reconcile this logic.
Hong Ling remained perfectly calm, stating earnestly, “Because I don’t have a sister, the long-lost sister I mentally fabricated becomes my true love. Don't you think that’s romantic?”
After saying this, Hong Ling winked playfully.
Wink at your own sister!
In that moment, even Lin Xiaoke felt the urge to swear violently. (To be continued) RQ