Chapter 148: Senior’s Professional Photography
After arriving at the location.
This is a photography studio that isn’t particularly large. Suddenly, a crowd of people gathered here, which drew the attention of several passersby.
“Xiao Han?”
“Mm?” Suddenly hearing my name, I quickly turned to look at the person speaking, “Annie? What are you doing here?”
“Well… I don’t have many friends here, so I thought I’d come over. I hope you don’t mind?” Annie asked cautiously.
“Of course I don’t mind. Is there something you wanted to talk about?”
“Nothing much. Just that when we go in to take pictures, have you thought about what poses to make? Just thinking about it being displayed on such a big screen makes me feel socially awkward…” Annie said as she instinctively covered her eyes with her hand.
Alright, to be honest, I also felt a bit socially awkward.
I’ve seen how big the large screen over the open arena is; it must be huge to ensure everyone can see clearly.
Any awkward facial expressions could potentially be magnified infinitely.
“Yeah, just a regular photo will do.” I responded somewhat perfunctorily, since being too flashy wasn’t great, but standing stiffly also seemed silly.
It might be better to be more natural.
“Huh? I thought you would show off your signature pose.”
“Huh? What signature pose do I have?” A visible twitch crossed my face as I thought of a few possibilities.
“The one that went viral yesterday! Just a simple gesture of extending your right hand with a bold tearing spell, and the pressure of a fiery spear against someone’s throat—each one is so cool!”
As Annie spoke, she took out her phone, “Um, I see you’re not too clear on this. Do you want me to show you? It seems like a big shot released a fully animated fan creation today; the speed is just insane.”
“Huh?”
I couldn’t help but voice my soul’s confusion. An animated fan creation? Is this something that can be churned out in a day?
Oh, this is the extraordinary world, so maybe that’s not impossible?
“Surprised? Actually, there are many seniors in the academy with terrifying creative abilities, not just you, Xiao Han. Quite a few have produced dynamic animated shorts and even submitted them to the academy’s website.”
“Cough, um… is that so?” I coughed lightly to mask my embarrassment. So it’s a common occurrence.
“Don’t you usually go online, Xiao Han?” Annie prompted softly beside me.
“Um… not really. I’ve mostly been busy lately,” I explained. “Um, it’s almost my turn. I’ll head in first.”
I glanced at the line and quickly found an excuse to leave. Annie, who seemed shy at first, is actually quite chatty when familiar… it’s a bit overwhelming.
As I hurried into the studio, I noticed Annie murmuring something as she watched my hurried back.
“So it’s a passive form of flirting? Desiring yet unable to express… and instinctively keeping a distance… could this person have been a guy before?”
At this moment.
As the class leader of Class 14, it was indeed about to be my turn. Right in front of me was Erica from Class 13, the one who had previously sat next to me.
The seniors helping with the photography seemed well-equipped. When I entered, a free senior immediately pulled me inside.
“Hey, junior! Which class are you in? Let me register you. Do you need any special outfits? If you have any special requirements, just let me know,” the senior cheerfully spoke to me. Since it was just getting started, she probably wouldn’t be too busy yet.
I glanced over at a few girls who were currently retouching their makeup… Well, they were all pure girls; I was different. I still didn’t know what girls use to beautify themselves.
But I did see a witch’s four-piece set here; after all, it symbolizes the identity of a witch. Too bad I didn’t bring it with me today.
But it looked like it could be borrowed, right?
“Um… sorry to trouble you, senior.”
“No trouble at all, it’s what I’m here for. But junior, aren’t you going to retouch your makeup? Hmm… it actually looks pretty good like this. Do you want to try a brighter shade of lipstick? It could make you look…”
“Uh, I’ll pass on the lipstick…” I interrupted the senior.
“Huh? Going natural? I mean, usually, it might be okay, but this is for a photo! Everyone in the school will see how you look! You can’t just go unkempt!” The senior’s tone sounded a bit strict as if she was questioning me.
“Ah?” I made a confused noise.
“Come on, it looks like you usually don’t wear makeup, right? Sigh~ I really can’t deal with you. Let me give you a makeover! This generation’s prodigy can’t just go on camera without some glam!” The senior, a bit excited, disregarded my protests and pressed me against the makeup station.
And I just stared at my reflection in the mirror, feeling a bit lost.
“Huh? What prodigy?” It clearly registered in my mind as I caught onto the strange keyword.
“The one who can crush a fireball spell with just one hand; I just saw this today, and the comments were filled with people talking about it. I think it suits you perfectly! I want to give you a look that matches that vibe!”
“Huh?”
Listening to this, I felt goosebumps rising. What kind of description is “prodigy”? I felt like I could etch out a three-bedroom apartment on the ground with my toes right then!
“Hehe~ Don’t resist. Once you’re in my hands, you can’t escape~” The senior’s strange laughter made me admit her strength was formidable; she had enough physical power to keep me seated obediently.
Yet her laughter drew the peculiar gazes of some nearby seniors.
After some fuss, I reluctantly completed the transformation.
Under my intense request, it ended up being just a light makeup look, so it didn’t take too much time.
But when I looked at my reflection again, I was still stunned. It was incredible to see myself transform into such a beautiful version; makeup can be terrifying!
Though I looked really pretty, I still felt a bit resistant to all this on my face. I’d better wash it off as soon as I get back.
However, as I got lost in the moment of admiration, a familiar face suddenly appeared in the mirror. Instantly, I fell silent upon seeing her.
“You look beautiful after the makeup.”
“Thank you…” I replied quietly, but there was no further conversation.
Because standing behind me was Tan Han…
“If fate allows, we’ll meet in the arena. I have many questions I want to ask you.” After saying that, Tan Han left, knowing that now wasn’t the time for a proper chat.
I stood up, preparing to move with the senior to the photography area, which wasn’t large. Behind was a simple monochrome background, and in front were lighting equipment and such.
Before leaving, I took one last look at my side profile in the mirror. Despite my unintentional indifference, there was indeed a very photogenic quality about me.
“Let’s sh**t; strike a pose you feel comfortable with,” the senior adjusted her equipment and addressed me.
“Mm.”
After nodding, I crossed my arms in a relaxed posture and looked at the camera. Don’t blame me if my pose lacks style; at this point, not using a peace sign is my last stubborn stand.
“Wait, what kind of pose is this?” The senior suddenly looked up, puzzled.
“Signature pose, right? We’re all here for the camera effect! Hurry up! You can even conjure a fireball right here! Come on, I’ve got a protection spell; go ahead and cast it~”
“Huh?”
Conjuring a fireball on site?
“Can you do that again? The one you just did!” The senior expressed her frustration.
“Which one?”
“The one where you conjure a fireball and self-explode it, of course!”
“Your request…” My mouth twitched as I looked at the senior. She seemed to have some kind of issue; could this studio withstand that kind of chaos?
The power of the fireball is immense!
Even just a fireball could blow the place apart!
Even an unformed fireball, with its surging fire elements and cracking runes, could ignite the place. I have a protection spell, so I’d be fine, but they don’t!
“Trust me; I’m professional! I have special alchemical items that guarantee nothing will be harmed here!” As she spoke, the senior pulled out a strange item from her treasure bag; it should be a protective alchemical item…
Since the senior was so adamant, I felt like I was being herded into this.
If every student did this for photos, it was no wonder it took so long for Class 14 to get their turn; this process could easily go until afternoon or even evening!
I was beginning to feel hungry…
“Hey~ can someone help out, someone who knows fireball spells? When the spell backlash occurs, I need to report the compensation; I need the filming effect!” The senior called over, and another senior came over to join in.
“Ah? Coming—”
“Alright, we’ve got everyone here to cooperate. Now we can get started, right? Hurry up, I’m getting impatient!”
With a flurry of arrangements from the senior and some camera language designed, everything was set.
I looked at the senior who was collaborating with me with complicated feelings. It’s just a photo; do we really need to risk backlash from mental power?
Even if it’s not serious, it’s still detrimental, and I wouldn’t feel good all day—it’s disheartening!
“Ready! Fireball spell, prepare!”
I watched the spell ceremony manifesting in front of the senior, forcing myself to get into the zone…
Just like yesterday…
I instinctively rubbed my left wrist with my right hand to loosen up.
Then, the protection spell fitted over my right hand, and the protection spell beside me was also getting ready to counter any potential dangers.
In this moment, I unhesitatingly extended my hand to crush this unformed fireball spell.
Ka-cha—
The piercing sound of shattering glass echoed, as the complete spell ceremony and fireball in my hand felt like toys being ripped away.
The surging flames splattered towards me, but they seemed to bounce off like water, creating ripples in the air. It was vaguely reminiscent of the protective characteristics of the energy shield.
And at that moment, a flurry of photos was taken.
The senior was excitedly capturing every moment.
