From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show
chapter-985

The theater's lights dimmed as the audience settled into their seats, the chatter of excited voices fading to a hush.

On the stage in front of the screen, the cast of Untouched Souls lined up, their faces glowing under the spotlight. Taehyun and Hana stood at the center. Both were smiling as they waited for their go signal to speak.

Finally, Taehyun stepped forward to greet everyone.

"Thank you all for being here tonight. It means the world to us to finally share this film with you."

He glanced at Hana, who nodded in agreement. "We've worked so hard on this project, and I think I speak for the entire cast and crew when I say it's been an incredible journey. We hope you'll see just how much passion went into making this film come to life."

Hana took over, her voice just as enthusiastic. "It wasn't an easy process. As many of you know, we faced some challenges along the way, but each of those challenges only made us more determined to bring you the best version of Untouched Souls."

She paused, smiling as she scanned the room. "And I think we did it. We hope you all love it as much as we do."

The audience clapped politely, some of them leaning forward. It seemed like a lot of them were expectant, especially the die-hard fans of the book. They wanted to love it, but they weren't afraid to voice their opinions if the movie didn't meet their expectations.

Risa, the writer of the original novel, stepped up next. She looked composed but humble as she bowed slightly to the audience. "Thank you for coming," she began.

"I know that many of you have read the book, and I'm sure you're all aware of how difficult it can be to adapt something so close to the hearts of its readers. We wanted to emulate the essence of the book, even knowing how many adaptations fail to capture that spirit."

A few murmurs were heard in the audience, some nodding in agreement. The history of book- to-film adaptations was littered with disappointments, and the fans here tonight were keenly aware of that.

Risa smiled softly. "But we believe we've created something great, something that captures the heart of Untouched Souls. We hope you'll agree." She stepped back, bowing again as the audience applauded, though with more curiosity than enthusiasm this time.

Finally, it was June's turn to speak. He hesitated for a second, then stepped forward confidently. The theater held back their squeals as he placed the microphone before his lips. From the back, June's eyes caught sight of something unexpected. His members were standing up, waving at him from the very last row of the theater. His eyes widened for a moment.

They had told him they were going to rest tonight and not attend the premiere. He shook his head lightly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, before regaining his composure and turning back to the audience.

Clearing his throat, June began, his voice steady. "This film... it means a lot to me."

He paused, the sincerity in his voice catching the attention of the audience. "When I first read the script, I was struck by how much it reminded me of my own life."

From somewhere in the theater, there was a soft, audible scoff.

Bad Apple.

He sat in his seat, arms crossed, already skeptical.

'His life?' Bad Apple thought with a sneer.

Jian, the character he's playing, had a tragic past. What does a pampered idol like June know about hardship?

Unaware of Bad Apple's disdain, June continues. "The story of this film touches on themes of confinement and freedom, of living within the boundaries set by society or by our own minds," he said. "It's a story that speaks to me on a personal level, and I hope it will resonate with all of you as well."

The audience listened intently, though some were clearly reserved. They knew June's words were heartfelt, but they weren't yet convinced that he could bring the depth of the character to life.

Bad Apple narrowed his eyes, muttering to himself. "Let's see if the film can speak louder than his words," he scoffed, already doubtful. He was a fan of the book-an ardent one, at that.

And he had serious reservations about June's ability to capture the complexity of Jian.

Finally, the cast stepped off the stage as the lights dimmed further. The anticipation in the theater reached its peak. The screen flickered to life, and the logo of the production company faded in, followed by the opening credits.

Then, the movie began.

The camera panned over an expansive landscape, vast and ethereal. The world was like nothing seen before-a world where emotions ruled all. Four great factions stood as the pillars of the land, each tied to a powerful emotion that dictated the magic they wielded. The first to appear on screen was the land of the Crimson faction. The Crimsons were known for their unwavering strength and determination, their emotions burning like fire. The camera zoomed in on a group of warriors standing tall, their eyes filled with intensity.

In the distance, a towering fortress of red stone loomed. The Crimsons were fighters, and their magic came from their minds-the force of their will manifesting into powers that could crush mountains or bend the winds to their favor.

Next, the scene shifted to the Golden faction, where perfection reigned supreme. Golden towers stretched toward the sky, gleaming in the sunlight like they touched the gods.

The Goldens were the embodiment of ambition and the pursuit of excellence. In their eyes, there was always room for improvement, and it was their unrelenting desire for perfection that allowed them to wield their magic with precision and control. Their powers shimmered like the gold they so revered, bending the very elements around them with mastery.

Then came the Shadows. Mysterious and elusive, they were the keepers of secrets, their powers tied to the depths of their emotional turmoil. The screen darkened as the camera swept over their lands-a place cloaked in shadow, where the light barely touched the ground.

The Shadows were the embodiment of doubt and hidden fear, their magic born from the uncertainties that plagued the human soul. They moved like specters, slipping through the shadows, their abilities allowing them to blend into the darkness and strike from unseen

places.

Finally, the Ivory faction appeared. Their lands were tranquil, a place of serene beauty and inner peace. The Ivories were known for their calm and steady emotions, their powers coming from a place of understanding and acceptance.

The camera focused on a tranquil garden where the Ivory clan meditated in perfect harmony with nature. Their magic was gentle but powerful, capable of healing the deepest wounds or restoring balance to the chaos that surrounded them.

And at the center of this world was Seon, the heir to the Ivory clan. The camera zoomed in on him, standing alone on a cliffside, gazing out at the world with a look of contemplation. Unlike the others, Seon had unlocked the ability to understand all emotions. He could wield the powers of every faction, a gift that made him both feared and admired. But Seon's heart

was conflicted.

"Why," he whispered to himself, the wind carrying his words, "why do we limit ourselves to one emotion when we are capable of so much more?"