Chapter 1
**Title: The Rise of the Fallen Star in Idol Live 101** **Synopsis:** As the renowned Lord of Shadows from the Realm of Serenity, Laura Beckett opens her eyes to find herself in the world of a reality TV competition — an entertainment saga where she has unwittingly become the comic relief character, currently under fire from fans across the web for failing to maintain her persona. **Laura Beckett:** What’s wrong with my role? **The Grand Design:** You’re supposed to be a master exorcist with a knack for banishing evil spirits and drawing protective symbols — a total badass. Right now, Lord Edwin has just been scared to tears by the show’s paranormal props, utterly ruining his image, while the live audience bombards him with comments, calling him a fraud and demanding he leave the entertainment industry. Amidst the chaos, three ominous shadow lines begin to appear over Laura's head. …This isn’t what I expected before I took the plunge. As the viewers wait for Laura to leave the industry, they are consistently left speechless — Who is this stunningly aloof young exorcist? Is this graceful idol really nailing sword dances and capturing the hearts of fans? And why on earth are martial arts experts, metaphysical masters, and renowned medical teams parachuting into this live show? This is just an ordinary idol competition! **Martial Experts/Metaphysical Masters/Top Medical Teams:** No, please! We genuinely want to learn something from Laura Beckett. Following the storyline, Laura is supposed to be the current boyfriend of the true love interest, who soon will kick her to the curb. However, as Laura prepares for an abrupt breakup, she glances up and locks eyes with her rival: the youngest superstar, a breathtaking and ethereal beauty named Simon Langley, who looks uncannily like her unattainable first crush, Sir Galen. **Laura Beckett:** I’m all in. Everyone believes Laura will soon find herself booted by Simon Langley, but a year later, the two are unexpectedly teamed up in a reality show. During a live performance, Laura accidentally shatters Simon's most prized possession, a jade plate, fully expecting him to explode in rage and end their partnership right then and there. It turns out, however, that Simon merely raises an eyebrow, gently squeezing Laura’s hand, "Don’t pick it up; what if you cut yourself?" **The audience:** … Laura is equally perplexed: Where is her actual love interest? 1. This is a classic underdog story about a boy band audition, filled with sweet and fun moments, where the protagonists quickly become public knowledge without deceiving fans. 2. Set against a background of legal same-sex marriages with no true counterparts, the tale is packed with unique adaptations and quirky developments; our protagonist is both magically gifted and incredibly charismatic. 3. The protagonist's essence is different from the original hero of the story. **Content Tags:** Fantasy, Entertainment Industry, The Grand Design, Transmigration **Character List:** - Laura Beckett – Antonio Ashmore - Simon Langley – Sir Simon Langley **Plot Summary:** In the transformation from a feared dark lord into a beloved idol, Laura Beckett bounces back from her “failed” persona as she navigates the showbiz waters. Capturing the audience’s hearts with her beauty and talent, she rewrites her fate while grappling with the emotions stirred by her striking resemblance to her past crush. With amusing twists and a heartwarming saga, Laura’s journey embodies the battle against adversity, weaving the vibrant tapestry of life in the idol industry. The fast-paced and humorous narrative draws you into the intricate world of fandom and idol culture, showcasing the exuberance and challenges that accompany the pursuit of dreams. Set against the backdrop of Idol Live 101, compete against backstage dramas, emotional revelations, and unexpected alliances, Laura Beckett showcases resilience, ultimately capturing the hearts of her audience, changing her destiny in ways no one could have predicted.
Chapter 2
**Realm of Serenity** The sky and sea sprawled endlessly, two figures soared on their swords high above the ocean, plunging straight down towards the heart of the **Sweet** realm. As they pierced through waves of shimmering heat, the dark depths of the **Underwater Keep** began to take shape, revealing a prison at the ocean's bottom. "The formation is intact," the stout monk announced after checking the surroundings, turning to the doorkeeper, **Young Thomas**. "Is that demon still causing trouble?" **Young Thomas** shook his head. "No, not at all. Recently, he’s been remarkably quiet, always clutching some mundane-looking book and reading it intently." "What do you mean 'he'?" the short monk scoffed. "Just a troublemaker who has plagued the world. Let’s just call him ‘that cursed being’ from now on." “It's **Sir William Fairchild**,” interrupted the tall, thin monk, lowering his voice. "After all, we're talking about **Laura Beckett**, a prodigy from the **Realm of Serenity**—no, a demon. She entered the path at twelve, reached Golden Core by fifteen, and hit the pinnacle of Spirit Transformation by twenty-one. If it weren’t for those legendary cultivators banding together, she might still be... let’s tread carefully here." "Oh, really? I hear **Lady Eleanor Ashfield** holds him in high regard." **Sir William** shot a sneering glance at him. "I just heard that **Laura Beckett's** senior brother has done quite a bit of vile business out there. I wouldn’t be surprised if **that demon** lured him into some scheme to free him. Or do you have a soft spot for him as well, going against the world by associating with him?" The **Lady** recoiled from the accusation, waving her hands defensively. "I... would never..." "Coward," **Sir William** retorted dismissively, turning away with a flick of his sleeve, his muttered curses echoing in the hollow space. "At the **Cypress Summit** event, I tried talking to him, and he wouldn’t even spare me a glance. Ha! No matter how brilliant he was before, he's nothing now but a lost pup, a mere shadow of his former self. Never mind him; even if his senior brother dared to show up, I'd send them both away to be lost beyond measure... Ah—" Suddenly, a bright sword shot from the cave, striking true and piercing **Sir William's** chest without warning, splattering blood before he collapsed lifelessly. The **Lady** gasped in horror, retreating to summon a mighty cultivator for an exploration, only to discover that the young demon lord who should have been bound by the strongest spells was already gone. “Entering the world of stories, countdown in three, two, one…” --- "**Swish—**" A chill spread from her shoulder to her lower back, tearing fabric with a sharp sound. “The camera is coming! Do you want your naked image all over the internet? Hide now!” **Laura Beckett** abruptly closed the book titled *Rise of the Fallen Star* in her mind and opened her eyes. A shadow danced around her. Above her, the ceiling of the **Hall of Destiny** soared nearly sixteen feet, completely soundproof. The lights were off, and she could faintly see the reflective surface of the **Grand Stage** not far away. Crouched in the corner of the aisle, she faced rows of empty seats, the side door gaping wide, allowing the cold night breeze to howl through. This was the training venue for the talent competition **Idol Live 101**. Just yesterday, they had recorded the first round of performances here, announcing real-time popularity rankings afterward. Among 101 trainees, **Laura Beckett** had placed fifty-sixth. The first-round ranking reveal coming up was set to eliminate half of the participants, and the last fifty-five were at risk. **Laura Beckett** muttered to herself, “...Why did I have to land at this point in time?” “Uh, well, the **Grand Design** system is totally random, right?” came a sheepish reply from the mechanical voice of **The Grand Design**. “Totally not like those slick old systems.”
Chapter 3
Since a month ago, the mysterious entity calling itself “The Grand Design” invaded his mind. Laura Beckett had become accustomed to the information and language of this miniature world and had read through a novel entitled “Rise of the Fallen Star,” a tale of revenge set in the entertainment industry. In the story, Laura Beckett shared her name with the protagonist; however, she was the “stepped-on cannon fodder” character. She participated in a prestigious idol audition alongside the main character, serving as the foil to the protagonist’s glamorous character—powerful, talented, and kind-hearted. In contrast, Laura was portrayed as foolish, spoiled, prone to tantrums, and a deceitful instigator. With each attempt by the protagonist to overshadow her, Laura could only watch helplessly as the main character ascended to the peak of popularity. Eventually, when the bullying reached its breaking point, Laura vowed to crush the protagonist one day and make her pay. But instead, she was punished by one of the very admirers of the main character who taught her an unforgettable lesson. In today’s era of idol auditions, it was crucial to create unique personas that captivated the audience. Thus, Lord Edwin, who had been mulling over his image, decided to create a "Mystical Master" persona. Drawing from his experiences as a sickly youth at a local Temple of Wisdom, he claimed to be a lay disciple. During auditions and talent showcases, he even drew a few rudimentary symbols and spun tales of ghost-catching adventures alongside his "master." With proof in the form of group photos with his fellow disciples and his striking good looks post-makeup, Edwin's image as a “Dashing Young Mystic with a Dream” quickly won over many fans; before the show even started, he topped the charts in popularity. However, this was merely a setup for the protagonist’s entry. Once the competition began and Sir Galen took the stage, the audience grew increasingly disillusioned with Lord Edwin. His talent faltered, his unadorned face was far from appealing, and his personality was unpleasant, causing the majority of his fans to switch allegiance to the protagonist. Tonight marked the critical blow delivered by the so-called "cannon fodder." The show was launching a special episode called “Haunted Manor,” designed to showcase the contestants' humorous reactions to scary situations, without the risk of actual danger, as the contestants had been prepped. When the production team sent the notification, the antagonist tricked Edwin into leaving. Once recording began that evening, he was informed that the “surprise family visit” was staged inside The Cloister. Eagerly anticipating a heartwarming reunion, Lord Edwin waited patiently, only to be met with the gruesome sight of a severed head rolling toward him. In truth, Edwin had only gone to the Temple of Wisdom due to health issues; he was inherently a cowardly crybaby. The staff, armed with several props from the variety show, managed to scare him senseless, eliciting frantic screams and a wild dash for safety. To prevent Edwin from escaping too quickly, the antagonist called on some underlings to sabotage Edwin's attire, luring him into a corner before another minion chased after him with a camera. In his panic, Edwin’s terrified, tear-streaked face became an instant highlight for the show. The camera captured his overblown reactions, and the underling acted astonished before exclaiming in mock sorrow, “But you’re supposed to be a mystic! How could a simple prop scare you like this? Was your entire persona a lie?” Edwin had no counters to such accusations. In the chaos, he struggled to understand how his clothes became tattered, left unable to run. Faced with the camera's lens, he felt as if everything were over for him. As he buried his head in his hands, sobbing in his disheveled state, the evidence of his panic—fleeing in terror like a frightened child—was undeniable.
Chapter 4
The fallout was swift and merciless. He had just a handful of fans left, and soon they too had vanished, leaving him isolated. A few days later, the competition rankings were announced: he had fallen to the eighties, and amidst the gloating voices of his rivals, he was eliminated in embarrassment. "The Grand Design: 'Our goal is to turn adversity around and help those who have been trampled on to make their debut. We believe in you, darling!'" Laura Beckett responded with a hint of sarcasm, "You're a bit late to the party, darling." In a brief moment of silence, The Grand Design swallowed hard, momentarily at a loss for words. At that instant, Lord Edwin stumbled out of The Cloister, visibly shaken, almost rolling as he fled. The cameras were live, broadcasting his panic, his shivering frame, and shrieks without any filters. Given the context, this kind of guilty vulnerability could charm a rough-around-the-edges character or provide comedic relief, but for him, it was solid evidence of deception well captured by the audience. There was no faking it, no defense he could mount, and if he tried to run, he'd surely be caught in countless humiliating frames. Seeing the encroaching camera light glimmering ominously in the shadows, Laura Beckett arose, feeling the air brush against her exposed shoulder. The possibility of escape was growing slimmer. "What did you say?" Xavier Bright, momentarily confused, watched as Laura not only ignored his plead to stay put but also moved with surprising agility, gracefully rising to her feet. Flustered, he exclaimed, "The camera is still on! Why are you standing? Do you want your naked photos to flood the Mistress Forum's front page?" This talent show thrived on live broadcasts; all contestants were trained to present their best selves as soon as the cameras were rolling. The shock in Lord Edwin’s eyes was palpable, and instinctively, he pressed himself behind Xavier, seeking refuge in the latter's jacket while asking him for a spare piece of clothing. When he soon realized that Xavier was more hindrance than help, it was already too late. Being lucky enough to find himself close to the main character's side, Xavier Bright felt that receiving such a "mission" was a token of his trust. But seeing Laura remain unfazed, he panicked. "Why don't you hide? I'm doing this for your sake!" With a quick lean backward, she easily dodged Xavier's grasping hand, springing forward with determination and deftly leaping onto the seating area, pulling down the silk cloth draped over the mentor's table as if it were an old curtain. Xavier’s hand swiped at thin air; he looked up just in time to catch a glimpse of Laura vaulting over, momentarily startled. It struck him—when did she become this agile? Before he could ponder further, Baron Hugh Blackwood burst into view, accompanied by a film crew and several staff members, forcing Xavier to push aside his concerns and fall in line behind them. With a loud slap, someone activated the lighting overhead, and the bright beams flooded the entire Hall of Destiny, illuminating it to stark clarity. Baron Hugh Blackwood took the lead, thoroughly annoyed with Laura Beckett. Her privileged attitude, paired with her ability to earn fame and fortune, had always grinded on his nerves. Even with her declining popularity, she had originally been the top star, and this competitive scenario was akin to a battle royale: to win, some must be taken down entirely. He had been enjoying the unfiltered live stream where Laura had panicked just moments ago and was eager to see her crumpled on the floor, tears streaming, trembling in fear. But as the lights brightened, he stopped mid-stride, confused, realizing he couldn’t spot the quivering figure he had expected.
Chapter 5
The young trainee sat in the contestant's section, leaning back in his chair with his elbows resting on the armrests. A loose silk drape hung over the back of the chair, cascading down his shoulders in a way that seemed surprisingly natural. Baron Hugh Blackwood was ready to unleash his camera on Laura Beckett, yet he couldn't believe he still had the energy to climb into the contestants' seats. Now, the tables had turned, as he found himself on the receiving end of a masterful glare, looking up at the visibly flustered and sweaty woman before him. It felt less like he was facing a scared amateur and more like he was under the commanding presence of some elite blood mage or demon ready to issue orders. Hugh mentally slapped himself, realizing the studio lights must have scrambled his brain. He quickly reassessed and stepped closer, saying, “Laura Beckett, what were you thinking running off like that? Are you okay?” He took a moment to scrutinize her appearance, noting the disheveled hair and the shadows of tears on her cheeks. “You need to rinse off; you…” His brow furrowed, and he dropped his voice, suddenly suspicious. “Are you not supposed to be some kind of spiritual expert? Why are you scared of that Mistress’s props? We regular folks don’t panic like that.” Standing nearly six-foot-three, Hugh embodied the rugged, open-hearted persona his fans affectionately nicknamed “The Big Baron.” His straightforwardness drew fire from the audience, who echoed his sentiments in the chat stream: “Yeah, no one else freaked out like that! Weren't you supposed to be a ghostbuster or something? Was that whole outburst just a theatrical ploy to scare us?” “Honestly, I’ve never bought into Laura Beckett’s mystic image. Using those flimsy talismans doesn’t convince anyone.” “It’s not about belief; the deception is what’s wrong.” Seeing that Xavier Bright was giving him an approving “OK” gesture from the sidelines, Hugh seized the moment, his fists clenched and brows knitted in mock fury, “So tell me, Laura Beckett, were your pretenses a way to fool the audience? This is outrageous.” Someone from the background pretended to pull him away, whispering, “Hey, this is live; tone it down. Think about her fans…” Sighing deeply, Hugh lowered his voice, registering the concern of the crew, “I mean, I’ve always thought she was a bit melodramatic, but there are limits, you know…” Soon, the chat began to heat up with fan outrage: “Seriously, how can you still support Laura Beckett? Are you blind?” “The Big Baron speaks the truth; I can't stand these fakes that play with the audience.” “I regret ever voting for her…” Hugh had confidence in his performance, my, the passion he’d poured into the confrontation. He cast another glance at Laura, expecting to see her panicking or angrily defending herself. Instead, she appeared unfazed, nonchalantly propping her chin on one hand and regarding him with an inscrutable, almost amused gaze. The satisfaction he felt moments ago evaporated under her smirk, leaving him feeling uncomfortable and sheepish. “What are you laughing at? We’ve been through this; you’ve been sitting wrapped in that cloth, not even moving. Don’t you have any respect for the audience?” He knew full well that under that drape, Laura was practically undressed. By pointing it out, he aimed to strip away her last layer of defense.
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