115: Chapter 114

In stark contrast to the unexpected but generally warm (and occasionally artistic) atmosphere over at Kim Taeyeon's place, the IZ*ONE dorm was currently filled with a stagnant, complex air—a mixture of absurdity, shame, despair, and a hint of eerie excitement.

The twelve girls sat in a circle on the living room floor, each holding a freshly printed, beautifully bound copy of the "twelve star envoys Personal Settings and Team Relationship Guide," complete with conceptual illustrations. This was the final version of the plan finalized by Jiang Zhiyu's team after the "Grilled Fish Theory" and "Lion Charge Duck Punch" meetings, following "deep consideration" (?) and "artistic sublimation" (??).

The living room was terrifyingly quiet; the only sounds were the rustling of pages being turned and the occasional sharp intake of breath or suppressed groan.

Kwon Eunbi (Leader, leo - Star Envoy · Lionheart Sovereign)

Ultimate Move: Lion Charge Duck Punch (Finalized). Detailed Description: Channeling the kingly aura of leo and the passion for protecting the team, this is a punch of justice! The user must shout the move's name while punching; there is a chance to summon flash effects and a majestic lion's roar (to be added in post-production). Bonds: Has a "Charge Duck" combo skill with Choi Yena (pisces) (to be developed); she is the absolute tactical core and spiritual pillar of the team.

Kwon Eunbi closed the manual expressionlessly, her gaze vacant as if her soul had already left her body. She could already see the future encore stage of a music show where she would suddenly strike a chuunibyou pose and scream "Lion Charge Duck Punch," only to be turned into a meme that would circulate for eternity. Her idol career... seemed to have hit a strange turning point.

Miyawaki Sakura (Sakura, virgo - Star Envoy · Saintess of Sakura)

Ultimate Move: Love and Justice Sakura Kill! Description: Derived from virgo's ultimate pursuit of perfection and purity, and a gentle resistance against the world's injustices. Specifically manifested as—the Rice Cake Ball Instant Kill Array in the season of falling cherry blossoms! Explanation: Sakura controls "spiritual rice cake balls" symbolizing purity and reunion, throwing them with pinpoint accuracy under the cover of a flurry of cherry blossom illusions. It combines beauty and power, and is particularly effective against the minions of the evil Star Demon (Note: The rice cake balls are a product from the show's sponsor; their soft, chewy, and sweet nature must be highlighted).

Bonds: Has a "Secret Resonance" with Kim Chaewon (scorpio), as both pursue extremes (one pursuing a perfect facade, the other a profound truth); she often finds Jang Wonyoung (aquarius)'s "wild imagination" a headache but has no choice but to look after her.

"What... what is this?!!!" Sakura finally couldn't take it anymore. She slammed the manual onto her lap, clutched her head, and let out a low moan of collapse. "What do you mean 'Rice Cake Ball Instant Kill Array in the season of falling cherry blossoms'??? I have to throw rice cake balls???" She had been in the industry for years and had seen it all in both countries, but this kind of character setting... it was a complete disaster for her career! She could see the elegant, cool, and hardworking image she had cultivated for years crumbling under the title of "Rice Cake Ball Saintess." The future? Pitch black! She just wanted to buy a plane ticket back to Japan immediately!

Choi Yena (pisces - Star Envoy · Dreamy Twin Spirits)

Ultimate Move: Bubble Maze · pisces at Play. Description: Utilizing the nimble, fickle, and imaginative traits of pisces, she creates illusory Bubble clones to confuse the enemy while her true self darts through like a swimming fish to perform surprise attacks or provide support. Her combat style is elegant and unpredictable. (Note: Successfully avoided "Grilled Fish" descriptions but retained "fish" and "water" elements.)

Bonds: Has a "Charge Duck" fate with Kwon Eunbi (leo); belongs to the "Water Sign Alliance" with Honda Hitomi (Hitomi, cancer) due to similarly delicate emotional perceptions; often engages in "off-the-rails" actions with Lee Chaeyeon (Sagittarius) to create unexpected laughs.

Choi Yena looked at her setting and breathed a sigh of relief; at least it was much better than "Grilled Fish"... but "Bubble Maze"? Did she have to blow Bubbles? She was already imagining the ridiculous scene of herself blowing Bubbles while giggling like an idiot.

Jang Wonyoung (aquarius - Star Envoy · Star Spring Guide)

Ultimate Move: aquarius · Pure World Star Spring. Description: Summons pure star spring water from the depths of the galaxy, which can heal allies, purify darkness, or be transformed into offensive water arrows. (Note: Deeply integrated with the mineral water sponsor; the Star Spring's design is modeled after a specific water bottle.) Bonds: Part of the long-standing "Earth-Sky Duo" with An Yujin (Capricorn) (one as steady as the earth, the other with thoughts as jumping as the starry sky), sharing perfect chemistry; often disciplined by Miyawaki Sakura (virgo), but looks up to Kim Minju (libra)'s elegance.

Jang Wonyoung silently looked at "Star Spring Guide" and "Pure World Star Spring," then thought about the "aquarius transformation device" and "mineral water battle suit" Jiang Zhiyu might be hiding. her small face turned red and white in turns. Fine, at least it sounds more normal than "Golden Toilet"... right?

An Yujin (Capricorn - Star Envoy · Firm Rock Guardian)

Ultimate Move: Capricorn · Immovable Rock Fortress. Description: Using Capricorn's unparalleled patience, perseverance, and sense of responsibility, she constructs an indestructible defensive barrier to block all attacks for her companions. She is the team's most reliable shield.

Bonds: Jang Wonyoung (aquarius)'s most trusted guardian; resonates with Yabuki Nako (Nako, taurus) due to their shared pragmatism (one guarding the team, the other guarding the "high ground"?); often needs to rein in the runaway Choi Yena (pisces) and Lee Chaeyeon (Sagittarius).

An Yujin nodded. This setting fit the vibe she gave off—reliable! Although "Immovable Rock Fortress" sounded a bit clunky, it was better than throwing rice cake balls.

Yabuki Nako (Nako, taurus - Star Envoy · Abundant Artisan)

Ultimate Move: taurus · Treasure Alchemy. Description: With taurus's keen sense for materials, beauty, and practicality, as well as excellent hands-on skills, she can quickly craft useful props, tools, or temporary weapons from materials in the scene, making her the team's all-purpose logistics. (Note: Can cleverly insert various handicraft materials or tool brands.)

Bonds: Shares a mutual respect with An Yujin (Capricorn); frequently cleans up after Kang Hye-won (aries)'s impulses; shares inside jokes or observations with Kim Chaewon (scorpio) that "only we understand."

Nako looked at "Abundant Artisan" and "Treasure Alchemy," then thought about her "Cloud Ladder" endorsement, and her face flushed again. However, this setting at least made her look useful, not just a fish that would "jump onto the shore."

Lee Chaeyeon (Sagittarius - Star Envoy · Meteor Cruiser)

Ultimate Move: Sagittarius · Gale Meteor Arrow. Description: Condenses Sagittarius's optimistic, free, and exploratory spirit into arrows, firing attacks that are fast, have tricky trajectories, and are full of surprises (or scares). She often acts against common sense but frequently manages to break deadlocks.

Bonds: Officially certified as the "Off-the-rails Duo" with Choi Yena (pisces), acting as a laugh generator; admires Kwon Eunbi (leo)'s leadership but often misinterprets it; forms a sharp but surprisingly harmonious contrast with Honda Hitomi (Hitomi, cancer)'s gentleness.

Lee Chaeyeon's eyes lit up: "Meteor Arrow! That sounds cool!" She was already imagining her heroic figure drawing a bow and arrow (likely a toy bow).

Honda Hitomi (Hitomi, cancer - Star Envoy · Gentle Tide)

Ultimate Move: cancer · Heart's Sanctuary. Description: Releases cancer's powerful empathy and healing energy to create a warm and peaceful field, soothing the emotions of companions and dispelling negative states. She is the team's spiritual harbor.

Bonds: Everyone's "caring older sister," especially capable of soothing Sakura (virgo)'s anxiety and Kim Minju (libra)'s hesitation; as a fellow water sign with Choi Yena (pisces), their emotional communication is smooth.

Hitomi smiled gently. This role suited her well, being able to take care of everyone.

Kim Chaewon (scorpio - Star Envoy · Shadow Insight)

Ultimate Move: scorpio · Underworld Gaze. Description: Uses scorpio's deep insight and sharp intuition to see through disguises, sense danger, and even briefly predict an opponent's moves. In battle, she is skilled at finding weaknesses for a one-hit kill.

Bonds: Shares "mutual appreciation and rivalry between perfectionists" with Sakura (virgo); understands Yabuki Nako (Nako, taurus)'s delicate observations; sometimes finds Lee Chaeyeon (Sagittarius) too noisy but is also made to laugh by her.

Kim Chaewon raised an eyebrow. "Shadow Insight"? "Underworld Gaze"? It sounded cool and deep; she liked it.

Kim Minju (libra - Star Envoy · Balanced Arbitrator)

Ultimate Move: libra · Just Harmony. Description: Upholding libra's pursuit of balance and harmony, she can propose compromise solutions to resolve conflicts when the team is divided or in chaos. In battle, she is also skilled at using clever force to neutralize attacks and maintain the balance of the battlefield.

Bonds: Admires Jang Wonyoung (aquarius)'s uniqueness but hopes she can be more "balanced"; an important consultant for Kwon Eunbi (leo)'s decisions; responsible for the team's "emotional stability" alongside Honda Hitomi (Hitomi, cancer).

Kim Minju nodded. Elegant and important—not bad.

Kang Hye-won (aries - Star Envoy · Blazing Vanguard)

Ultimate Move: aries · Fearless Charge. Description: Utilizing aries's forward-moving, passionate, and brave traits, she is always at the front of the team, using powerful action to break deadlocks. Her attacks are direct and fierce, though she sometimes gets into trouble by being too impulsive.

Bonds: Kwon Eunbi (leo)'s sharpest "spear"; often needs Yabuki Nako (Nako, taurus) to help clean up the mess after a "charge"; forms the "Vitality Out of Control Group" with Lee Chaeyeon (Sagittarius).

Kang Hye-won clenched her fist: "Fearless Charge! It suits me perfectly!" She was already eager to try.

Jo Yuri (Center Main Vocal, gemini - Star Envoy · Thousand-Faced Chanter)

Ultimate Move: gemini · Mirror Duet. Description: Using gemini's multifaceted and communicative nature, she can manifest brief clones for coordinated attacks or interference, and can also mimic teammates' voices or abilities (weakened versions) to act as a wildcard. Her singing itself carries magic, capable of boosting morale or confusing enemies.

Bonds: Gets along well with everyone, serving as the team's "glue"; has discussed the "emotional depth in voice" with Kim Chaewon (scorpio); occasionally "borrows" Lee Chaeyeon (Sagittarius)'s eccentric ideas.

Yuri looked at "Thousand-Faced Chanter" and "Mirror Duet," finding it interesting and challenging.

After all twelve manuals were read, the living room fell into an even longer silence.

Darkness (the names and effects of some ultimate moves), absurdity (imagining the actual performance), and a collective fear of "my idol career encountering its greatest character setting Waterloo" swept through everyone like a cold wave.

From an elegant cherry blossom goddess to a saintess who throws rice cake balls; from a reliable leader to a lion who has to shout "Charge Duck Punch"; from the maknae to a "Star Spring Guide" who might wear a mineral water bottle battle suit... the gap was just too large!

Sakura slumped to the floor, staring at the ceiling with hollow eyes. "It's over... it's all over... my image of many years... the rice cake balls..." She could already see the terrifying scene of fans at a future concert holding rice cake ball-shaped lightsticks, shouting "Sakura Kill!" in unison.

Kwon Eunbi patted her shoulder, her eyes full of shared misery. "Look on the bright side, at least you don't have to shout 'Lion Charge Duck Punch'..."

Jang Wonyoung added gloomily, "At least you don't have to consider the shame of a 'transformation device' and a 'battle suit'..."

An Yujin tried to boost morale. "Think positive. This project is huge, it'll get a lot of attention, and... maybe it'll be fun?" Her voice grew smaller and smaller.

Choi Yena suddenly raised her hand, her eyes shining. "Um... for 'Bubble Maze,' can we use those toys that blow giant Bubbles? I think it would look really pretty!"

Lee Chaeyeon immediately agreed. "Yeah! My 'Gale Meteor Arrow' can use those soft arrows with lights! It would look totally cool if we film it at night!"

Nako said softly, "'Treasure Alchemy'... does that mean we can actually do handicrafts? I like doing handicrafts..."

The atmosphere seemed to shift from pure despair toward a subtle direction of "letting it all go," mixed with a bit of wicked humor and curiosity.

After all, they were IZ*ONE, a group that had weathered storms and supported one another. No matter how shameful the setting, if twelve people carried it together, it... didn't seem so scary anymore? It might even produce unexpected chemical reactions and laughs.

Kwon Eunbi saw the sparks of resignation, helplessness, and a hint of eagerness lighting up in the members' eyes. She took a deep breath. As the leader, she knew what she had to do.

She stood up and clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention.

"Girls," she tried to make her voice sound powerful, "the settings... are a bit beyond imagination."

She paused and looked around the room.

"But this is our IZ*ONE variety show, a project we are going to complete together."

"No matter how strange or shameful it is, all twelve of us are in it together."

"Let's just treat it as... a massive, immersive role-playing game!"

"Let's show the professionalism and chemistry we have on stage!"

"Even if we're throwing rice cake balls, we're going to throw them with the IZ*ONE aura! We'll throw them into a million-view fancam!"

"Even if we have to shout 'Lion Charge Duck Punch,' we're going to shout it at a Grammy level!"

"Let Producer Jiang Zhi Yu see what kind of idols can handle his 'genius' ideas!"

Her words were forceful (despite the shameful content) and actually managed to cheer the members up a bit.

"That's right! Let's do it together!"

"Treat it like a super-sized cosplay!"

"It might actually be fun!"

"For IZ*ONE!"

The girls encouraged each other. Although traces of "fear" for the future remained in their eyes, there was more of a "since we can't escape, let's play it to the extreme" attitude.

IZ*ONE's "twelve star envoys" adventure officially entered its countdown amidst this complex state of collective "character collapse" and "desperate survival." And the creative tug-of-war between them and the "eccentric PD" Jiang Zhiyu was about to reach its most intense, hilarious, and potentially legendary peak during the actual filming.