116: Chapter 115 12306

After an intensive preparation period that could be described as "psychological conditioning" and "stripping away shame," the first episode of twelve star envoys finally officially began filming! It took place in a magnificent, giant studio filled with a starry sky and mythological atmosphere, amidst the complex expectations of the masses (mainly from TG, Starship, CJ ENM, and IZ*ONE fans).

As the main PD, Jiang Zhiyu was rarely seen wearing a formal director's vest today (though it still couldn't hide the mischievous glint in his eyes). Holding a megaphone, he looked like a conductor about to lead a symphony... well, a somewhat overly excited conductor.

"Attention all departments! twelve star envoys Episode 1, Prologue—'Stellar Crisis,' Scene 1, Take 1! Ready—Action!"

Following his command, the lights on set changed abruptly. A simulated deep blue sky lit up, dotted with countless tiny "starlight" LED lights. Twelve miniature models of "Stellar Palaces," each in a different style and floating above a "sea of clouds" (dry ice effect), loomed in the background. CG post-production would eventually make them look even more grand.

The music started: a grand, sacred, and epic orchestral piece.

First to appear in the shot were twelve gorgeous and exaggerated throne-like "Star God Seats" arranged in a circle. Seated upon them were... the twelve members of IZ*ONE.

But at this moment, they were no longer ordinary idol girls.

They were dressed in the "Stellar Goddess" initial battle robes, created with a huge investment from the production team (sponsored by the financial backers). Each outfit was extremely ornate and complex, blending elements of their respective constellations with haute couture tailoring. The fabrics shimmered with special pearlescent or hidden patterns, glowing brilliantly under the lights. Their hairstyles and makeup were also meticulously designed to be noble, holy, mysterious, or ethereal, maximizing each person's beauty and character traits.

Kwon Eunbi (Lionheart Sovereign) wore a golden lion-head crown and a magnificent red and gold battle robe. Holding a Star Scepter symbolizing authority, she sat upright with a natural, imposing dignity.

Miyawaki Sakura (Saintess of Sakura) wore a long dress with a gradient of cherry blossom pink and white. Her hair was adorned with exquisite cherry blossom ornaments, and she held a staff that looked as if it were made from cherry blossom branches, her expression striving to maintain holiness and gentleness.

Choi Yena (Dreamy Twin Spirits) wore a flowing gauze dress with blue-purple gradients and fish-scale patterns. Her hair was styled in lively twin buns, and she wore bubble-shaped transparent ornaments on her wrists, her eyes curiously looking around.

Jang Wonyoung (Star Spring Guide) wore a translucent water-blue gauze dress adorned with teardrop-shaped crystals. Her hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and she held an exquisitely styled treasure bottle (a special custom version from the mineral water sponsor) surrounded by a constant flow of "starlight water" (lighting effects). Her small face was tense as she tried her best to look "cold and holy."

An Yujin (Firm Rock Guardian) wore heavy armor (made of lightweight materials) in shades of dark gold and deep brown. The shoulder pauldrons were shaped like mountain rocks, and she held a giant shield (a prop) inlaid with the Capricorn constellation emblem, her expression steady.

Yabuki Nako (Abundant Artisan) wore earth-toned, workwear-style skirt armor decorated with wheat stalks and tool patterns. A small tool bag hung from her waist, and she fiddled with a shiny "gemstone" (a prop) in her hand, looking petite and capable.

Lee Chaeyeon (Meteor Ranger) wore light armor in orange-yellow and white, carrying a gorgeously styled short bow (a toy) on her back. Several arrows with exaggerated fletching were tucked into her quiver, her ponytail tied high, and her eyes eager to try.

Honda Hitomi (Gentle Tide) wore a soft long dress mainly in light blue and pearl white, the hem resembling ocean waves. She held a pearl radiating a soft light, her smile gentle.

Kim Chaewon (Shadow Insightful One) wore a slim-fitting deep purple and black robe with a hood and mysterious patterns. She wore a ring shaped like an eye on her finger, her gaze deep (or at least, she was trying).

Kim Minju (Balanced Arbitrator) wore an elegant silver-white and light gold gown, holding an exquisite set of scales (a prop). Her hair was meticulous, and her posture was dignified.

Kang Hye-won (Blazing Vanguard) wore a crimson and gold outfit, her shoulder pauldrons resembling burning flames. Holding a spear (a prop), she sat ramrod straight, full of energy.

Jo Yuri (Chanter of a Thousand Faces) wore a long dress cleverly stitched from two contrasting colors. Her hair was half-tied and half-loose, and she held a shimmering "Stellar Music Score," her expression lively.

From a purely visual standpoint, this opening was magnificent and shocking, with a full cinematic feel. However, as soon as the "goddesses" opened their mouths, the style began to shift subtly...

Kwon Eunbi (Lionheart Sovereign), sitting in the main seat, followed the script's requirements. Using a deliberately slowed, rhythmic tone full of "divinity" and "majesty" (which was actually a bit stiff), she began the "Goddess Meeting."

"Sisters (Unnies/Dongsaengs), I have summoned you all to this glorious (and slightly blinding) Stellar Council Chamber today for... um..." She seemed to have forgotten her lines and stole a glance at the teleprompter hidden on the throne's armrest. "...for the increasingly worrying (sluggish) health of His Majesty the Sun God."

"Oh, my dear Lionheart Sister~" Choi Yena (Dreamy Twin Spirits) immediately followed up. She tried to make her voice sound ethereal and dreamy, but it sounded more like she was pinching her nose, complete with a bit of vocal fry. "Your sharp insight (such fancy wording) always illuminates (discovers) the haze of our Star Realm first~ Yesterday, when I returned from the Sea of Dreams (the fish tank?), I already felt that the light shining (baking) on my scales seemed... to have weakened just a tiny bit~" She held up two fingers to gesture "a tiny bit," nearly flinging the bubble ornaments off her wrist.

"Indeed," An Yujin (Firm Rock Guardian) agreed in a deep voice. Her lines were relatively normal, but combined with that heavy armor and serious expression, she gave off the feeling of "I'm performing in a stage play, and it's a Greek tragedy." "The foundation of the Capricorn Palace (my shield?) has also sent tremors of unease (was the studio air conditioning's vibration mode on?). His Majesty's (the Sun God's) brilliance is the cornerstone of our order (positions); it must not be lost."

"Ya! This is truly troubling (a headache)!" Kang Hye-won (Blazing Vanguard) suddenly slapped the armrest of her throne (making a "thud" that startled Nako next to her). Her voice was loud and full of Aries "passion." "Are we just going to sit here (in a meeting) and discuss it? We should immediately organize a vanguard (I'll go!) to find out the cause!"

"Hye-won, be calm (Unnie, chill)." Kim Minju (Balanced Arbitrator) elegantly raised her hand to signal her to stay calm, her voice peaceful and rational. "Acting rashly (rushing in blindly) is not the best course of action. We must first gather intelligence, analyze the situation, and find the crux (the lesion). Chaewon, has your Eye of Insight (stare) discovered anything?"

The called-upon Kim Chaewon (Shadow Insightful One) slowly raised her hand with the ring, pressed it against her chin in a contemplative pose, and said in a deliberately lowered, mysterious voice: "The shadows... are whispering (the sound of the AC?). I perceive... a discordant fluctuation (is Jiang PD smirking behind the monitor?) coming from the distant Galactic Frontier (the studio next door). Perhaps... it is related to the legendary 'dawn immortal grass' that can heal all things?" She tried to make her gaze look profound and unfathomable, but because of her nervousness, it looked more like she had sand in her eyes.

"dawn immortal grass?" Jang Wonyoung (Star Spring Guide) timely raised her treasure bottle (the mineral water bottle) and spoke in a cold tone (though a slight tremor could be heard if one listened closely). "In the ancient memories (instruction manual?) of the Star Spring, there is indeed a record. The light of life (vitamins?) it contains might be able to dispel His Majesty's illness."

"Ara~ that sounds like a proposal full of hope (trouble)~" Miyawaki Sakura (Saintess of Sakura) finally found an opportunity to speak. She tried to maintain a holy smile and said in her gentlest (most affected) tone, "For His Majesty's well-being, for the peace and love of the Star Realm (and my dango sales?), even if the road ahead is long and filled with unknown thorns (Jiang PD's wild ideas), we should work together and face the difficulties together~" She said it with so much cringe she almost got goosebumps herself.

The other members also joined the discussion using their respective "goddess-like" affected accents, throwing out terms from the setting like "stellar orbit disorder," "chaotic aura," and "primordial power"... The entire council chamber (studio) was filled with flowery rhetoric and deliberately maintained tones. Combined with their exaggerated costumes and makeup, it created an extremely chuunibyou, shameful, yet strangely serious and eerie comedic effect.

Many of the staff on set were holding back laughter, their shoulders shaking. Even some experienced VJs, looking at this group of female idols who were usually radiant on stage now seriously playing "tongue-twisting" Stellar Goddesses, couldn't help but have their lips twitch.

Behind the monitor, Jiang Zhiyu watched this scene, which "perfectly" presented his vision. An evil, satisfied smile appeared on his face, like someone seeing a carefully nurtured prank finally bloom and bear fruit.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

"Excellent! That's the feeling!" he whispered into the walkie-talkie. "Keep it up! That balance between 'divinity' and 'awkwardness'! That's exactly the kind of straight-faced, nonsense-filled epic feel I want!"

"Cut!" As the take ended, Jiang Zhiyu called for a stop.

The goddesses instantly became like deflated balls (though they didn't dare show it too much, as the costumes were too heavy), one after another relaxing their stiffened spines. The "divine" expressions on their faces also collapsed as they exchanged looks that said, "What on earth did we just say?" and "This is so embarrassing, but so funny."

Miyawaki Sakura took off the delicate cherry blossom hair accessory from her head and rubbed her sore neck, wanting to cry but having no tears: "These lines... this tone... I really can't do it anymore..." She felt that the idol dignity she had accumulated over many years was rapidly draining away with every "Ara~" and "Love and Peace~."

Jang Wonyoung carefully set aside her treasure vase (a bottle of mineral water) and whispered to An Yujin beside her: "Unnie, I feel like I'm forgetting how to speak normally..."

An Yujin patted her shoulder (the armor made a dull clanking sound) with a look of solemnity: "You'll get used to it, Wonyoung. This is just the beginning."

As the leader, Kwon Eunbi, although feeling so embarrassed that her toes were curling inside her shoes, forced herself to stay spirited and encouraged everyone: "Girls, well done! This is the state we need! Remember, we are professionals! Even if we have to throw rice cake balls, we must throw them with acting skills!"

Just then, Jiang Zhiyu walked over with a megaphone, wearing an "amiable" smile on his face: "My dear goddesses (neurotics), you performed very well! That feeling of slight awkwardness within the divinity, and a hint of absurdity within the solemnity, was captured perfectly! This is exactly the kind of contrast-cuteness we want!"

He paused, looked around, and said in a tone full of temptation (or was it a threat?):

"Next, we are going to film the major scene — 'Star Demon Ambush, Goddesses Fall to Earth'! There will be wires, green screen special effects, and acting challenges involving 'panic' and 'graceful falling'! Everyone, get ready, we continue in ten minutes!"

"Remember, when falling, your expressions must be beautiful and your poses cool, but you must convey the bewilderment of losing your divine power mixed with a hint of unyielding spirit!"

"Especially you, Miyawaki Sakura-xi, your 'Cherry Blossom Kill'... oh no, your holy image, must be maintained even while falling! We'll add falling cherry blossom special effects in post-production!"

Miyawaki Sakura: "..." (Is it too late to quit the group now?)

The filming of the first episode unfolded in a grand manner, amidst a bizarre atmosphere where glamour, embarrassment, hilarity, and professional acting (?) violently collided. And the twelve girls of IZ*ONE, forced (and semi-voluntarily), stepped step by step into the abyss of stars (and shame) that Jiang Zhiyu had carefully crafted for them, filled with "invincible variety show power."

The legend of the "twelve star envoys" thus began in a way no one expected, with a refreshingly bizarre style. As for whether what the audience will see in the future is an epic masterpiece or a large-scale record of a chuunibyou girl group's embarrassing play, it will depend on PD Jiang's editing skills and the members' "tolerance for embarrassment."

After filming the "divine" yet "tongue-twisting" meeting scene, the twelve "Star Goddesses" of IZ*ONE finally got a brief respite. Some touched up their makeup, others stretched their limbs (with difficulty, given the heavy costumes), and they teased each other about whose accent was the most pretentious just now. The atmosphere in the studio lightened up a bit, but the air was still filled with tension and... curiosity about the upcoming "major scene."

Director Jiang Zhiyu, holding the megaphone, once again became the center of attention. The smile on his face was even brighter than before, carrying an excitement that suggested he was "cooking up something big."

"Alright, my honorable goddesses!" Jiang Zhiyu's voice echoed through the megaphone. "The next moment is the critical moment that will decide your fate (and the ratings of this variety show) — 'Star Demon Ambush, Goddesses Fall to Earth'!"

He waved his arm, pointing to the green screen area in the center of the studio that had already been set up, with complex wire equipment hanging above it, and wind machines on the side to simulate the airflow during a fall.

"The actor playing the Star Demon is a special guest we specifically invited, someone who possesses a powerful aura and... unique charm!" Jiang Zhiyu intentionally kept them in suspense, his gaze sweeping over the curious members of IZ*ONE. "She will be your first, and most impactful, opponent in the astral realm!"

Who is the Star Demon? Everyone was guessing. Is it some veteran actor? Or a mysterious rookie from some company?

"So, let us use our enthusiastic applause —" Jiang Zhiyu raised his volume and announced with a sense of ceremony:

"Welcome — the secret weapon from JYP Entertainment!!!"

He paused intentionally to build up anticipation, then suddenly shouted out the name:

"Im — Nayeon — !!!"

"Eh???"

Gasps instantly exploded throughout the studio! Not only the members of IZ*ONE, but even many staff members widened their eyes in surprise.

From the shadows on one side of the studio, a petite yet surprisingly imposing figure walked out, taking steps that were somewhat hesitant but striving to appear imposing.

It was none other than the vitality member of TWICE, JYP's "secret weapon" (self-proclaimed), the energetic idol — Im Nayeon!

She was dressed today in an outfit completely different from the gorgeous style of the IZ*ONE goddesses: an "evil-fied" costume dominated by deep purple, dark red, and black, featuring asymmetrical cuts and sharp angles. Her face was painted with slightly exaggerated smoky makeup, her hair was styled in a rebellious way, and she was holding a... short staff (prop) with a strange design, topped with a purple-black crystal.

However, despite trying hard to put on an "I am very evil" expression, those iconic, round, rabbit-like eyes of hers, and her slightly pouted lips that seemed ready to break into laughter at any moment, betrayed her inner nervousness and... a hint of "what the heck is this" absurdity.

"Nayeon-sunbaenim?!"

"Unnie?!"

"JYP's secret weapon?!"

The members of IZ*ONE were both surprised and delighted, hastily bowing to greet her. Im Nayeon was a great senior, one of the legendary figures of TWICE! Who would have thought that PD Jiang would actually invite her to play the great villain "Star Demon"?!

Im Nayeon waved the short staff in her hand somewhat awkwardly (almost hitting her own head), trying hard to squeeze out a serious expression: "Ahem... everyone from IZ*ONE, and... PD Jiang, hello everyone. Today... I am the Star Demon." When she said the words "Star Demon," she almost burst out laughing herself.

Jiang Zhiyu was very satisfied with this "surprise" effect. He walked to Im Nayeon's side, as if introducing some rare creature: "Look! This is the villain BOSS we carefully crafted! Combining cuteness and evil into one, the contrast-cuteness is maxed out! Nayeon-xi, come, show everyone your 'Star Demon Ultimate Move'!"

Im Nayeon took a deep breath, trying hard to get into character. Recalling the "guidance" from Jiang Zhiyu during the previous rehearsal, she took a few steps back, stood in the designated position, faced the green screen and the suspended IZ*ONE members (they would be lifted by wires later), and raised the purple-black crystal short staff in her hand high up.

"I am the Star Demon lurking in the shadows of the astral realm!" She tried hard to make her voice sound deep and oppressive, but because of nervousness, it sounded more like she was reading a textbook. "I have long coveted the power of the Sun God! Today is the doomsday for you Star Goddesses!"

After finishing the lines, according to the script, she was supposed to unleash her ultimate move.

Jiang Zhiyu reminded her by mouthing the words from the side: "Ten Thousand Realms Evil Sealing Array!"

Im Nayeon nodded, suddenly pointed the short staff toward the sky (actually the studio ceiling), used all her strength, and shouted out the name of the move, which was off the charts in terms of embarrassment, with full breath:

"Star Demon Ultimate Move — Ten — Thousand — Realms — Evil — Sealing — Array —!!!"

After shouting, she also coordinated by making a pose with both arms spread wide, as if to embrace (or seal) the entire sky, her expression trying hard to look ferocious.

"Pfft... haha!" Some IZ*ONE members couldn't hold it in and laughed out loud, then quickly covered their mouths. This scene was too impactful! Nayeon-sunbaenim, usually known for her energetic cuteness, was currently shouting such a chuunibyou move name with a "fierce" face!

Jiang Zhiyu, however, applauded loudly: "Perfect! That's the spirit! A hint of... hmm, unique comedic sense within the evil! Very good! Keep it up!"

He immediately gave more specific performance instructions: "Next, Nayeon-xi, after you successfully strike down the goddesses with the 'Ten Thousand Realms Evil Sealing Array' (special effects to be added in post-production), you must show the arrogance and satisfaction of a successful strike! Remember, you are the villain! You are the winner! You must use your actions to tell the audience that you won, and that you won in a satisfying way!"

Im Nayeon nodded seriously, indicating she understood.

"So, Action! Star Demon attack!"