From Apocalypse To Entertainment Circle (BL) Chapter 2: Lights, Camera, Survival!

Sian cast a look at the man who was beckoning him, his eyes glinting with undisguised mockery. Laughter erupted among his companions.

Truthfully, Sian paid no mind to being called a child. He had caught his reflection in a car window once. With a smooth, delicate face, large, round amber eyes, and long, silken black hair...

Never mind adolescence, his features resembled those of a mere child. Furthermore, such inane provocations wouldn't even cause Sian to flinch. His life had been a tapestry of terrors, a landscape of life-threatening predicaments, and a journey through countless hardships. Words like these felt more like childish games than genuine insults.

"Ignore them, don't let their words or actions get to you. Try to maintain your composure; the live broadcast will commence shortly," Director Su softly advised Sian, her voice laced with concern.

She was well aware of her star's temperament; he possessed a fiery and tempestuous nature. Though usually quiet and serene, once angered, he transformed into a beast, ready to lash out at anyone in his vicinity.

At that precise moment, the film crew approached Sian, inquiring if a small camera could be affixed to his shirt as the show was on the verge of beginning.

"This program gained immense popularity precisely because of its raw authenticity. Unlike other shows where participants can simply follow scripts and act out scenes, its uniqueness lies in its unscripted nature. It not only employs small, agile cameras to capture every angle but also features a dedicated camera that tracks each participant individually, allowing viewers to select whom they wish to follow and observe.

"Each participant is outfitted with miniature cameras discreetly attached to their attire, enabling the technical crew to seamlessly switch between viewpoints. When the aerial cameras struggle to keep pace, or during moments of intense action that warrant a close-up perspective, the audience can instantly transition to a more detailed view."

Once the miniature cameras were secured on all participants, Director Han summoned them for a gathering.

"Greetings, everyone. I am Director Han, and I will be overseeing this variety show. I am confident that you are all familiar with the show's rules and regulations, but I must reiterate them. So, even if what I say seems repetitive, please give it your full attention," Director Han stated, his expression serious. A man in his forties, he sported a light beard, black hair, and discerning eyes. Not overtly old, yet far from young, he exuded an air of seasoned experience.

"The live broadcast will commence the instant the helicopter departs. For the ensuing 30 days, your domain will be the sprawling forest on the outskirts of City B. Some of you may be unaware, but this is our largest forest, fraught with extreme dangers, including deadly flora."

"All individuals present here have signed the waiver agreement, signifying that the program bears no responsibility should any of you perish."

Upon hearing this, the twenty individuals assembled before Director Han visibly scowled. Naturally, annoyance simmered within them; the director's pronouncements were exceedingly blunt and entirely unnecessary.

While this show centered on wilderness survival and was broadcast for public entertainment, it was an undertaking of profound peril. Internationally, it was regarded as the most dangerous program, surpassed only by global combat and elimination events.

Of course, the immense risks were paralleled by equally substantial rewards, but these were reserved exclusively for those who endured the entire 30-day period. Should any participant withdraw for any reason prior to its conclusion, their contract would be nullified, and they would receive only a modest sum. However, the rewards for those who survived and remained in the forest for the full month were staggering—substantial cash prizes, luxurious villas, and for Olympians and various elite athletes, a three-year contract with any company or team of their choosing.

While this particular prize might seem insignificant to some, it was, in reality, extraordinary. The prospect of a relatively well-known athlete ascending to elite status as a reward was akin to a fantasy.

In the limited years this show had been on air, fewer than ten individuals had emerged victorious. Out of twenty participants each season, across all previous installments, a mere handful had succeeded... Naturally, no fatalities had occurred to date, as the show implemented stringent safety measures, including a readily available medical team and highly trained rescue squads.

"There's no need for such looks. I am merely stating facts. However, there is also no need for excessive fear. As everyone is aware, our show has maintained a zero-fatality record thus far. We extend the utmost protection to our esteemed participants," Director Han affirmed, seemingly unfazed by the gravity of his statement, especially when addressing a gathering of robust and formidable individuals...

The assistant informed Director Han, "Director, we have to begin in ten minutes," prompting the director to cease his smile and impart instructions once more. "First, you must proceed to the dwelling situated in the heart of the forest. Each of you has been provided with a pack containing essential supplies. You are required to reach the cabin within a two-day timeframe. Upon arrival at the cabin, you may opt to collaborate as a team or pursue individual strategies for survival, hunting, and sustenance—the method is inconsequential. Secondly, a survival specialist will be accompanying you. His name is Kim Hyun, a Korean national, and he will offer assistance and guidance for any necessities you may encounter. Feel free to direct any inquiries his way."

Standing beside Director Han, a brawny gentleman offered a smile and inclined his head towards the assembled group, stating, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I trust we shall have a productive and harmonious collaboration."

"Goodness, do all men in this world possess such physique?" Sian pondered internally, observing the man and the others around him. He couldn't help but feel a pang of envy towards these men for their robust and healthy builds.

During his prior existence, he had been exceedingly frail, even more so than Sian appeared now. This emaciation was a consequence of both scarcity of food and the constant need to evade and contend...

Well, the past is irrelevant now... Ah, I recall. The personal cameras you are equipped with will deactivate at 7 PM and reactivate at 6 AM. This is implemented to ensure a degree of personal privacy. However, the surveillance equipment within and surrounding the cabin will remain operational at all times, so please bear this in mind and conduct yourselves accordingly.

"Hasn't his throat become sore after speaking so much?" Sian mused as he followed the assistant to collect his survival kit and then proceeded to his designated starting position to commence the live broadcast. He had already taken care to dampen his aura, blending seamlessly into the throng so that no one took notice of him or initiated conversation.

After shouldering the pack, he took his station. He found himself standing adjacent to the individual who had earlier referred to him as a child.

"Oi, kid, where did you disappear to? I presumed you had fled out of sheer apprehension."

Sian offered no response, remaining silent with his hands tucked into his jacket pockets. This was, after all, a survival competition, necessitating that all participants don identical black tracksuits. In stark contrast to the other contestants, many of whom stood close to two meters tall, Sian was noticeably smaller and more slender. His presence immediately drew attention the moment everyone occupied their respective places.

With his long hair cascading over his shoulder, eyes the color of amber shimmering under the gentle sunlight, a delicate pale face, and a nose exhibiting a slight flush, possibly from the chill – it was, indeed, the cusp of winter.

The remaining participants surveyed Sian, scrutinizing him and attempting to deduce which sport he might specialize in, given his slender frame. It was a natural assumption, considering this event was geared towards athletes. While not an explicit requirement, it was an unspoken understanding.

"Are all participants in position?" Director Han's voice boomed, followed by a sweep of his gaze over the twenty individuals forming a wide circle in the open expanse.

"Clear the area of any non-essential personnel and make room. Instruct the pilot to prepare for the helicopter's ascent," Director Han commanded, speaking to the assistant at his side without direct eye contact. "We will commence our aerial maneuver precisely two minutes after the live broadcast initiates."

"Three—two—one."

"Action!"

...to be continued

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Manager Su: "Hold on, author, did you just make me disappear mid-chapter? I can't find any mention of myself!"

The author, with a sly grin: "No, you're still there, just relegated to the cutting room floor!"

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