"Next! Number 132!"
With the staff's call, Daniel took a deep breath, then pushed open the door and stepped inside.
There were three people seated in the audition room. Daniel recognized the man in the center—it was Director Edward, the rising star of the film world. Though he had only two works under his belt, he had already cemented his place among the ranks of elite directors. Many believed that Edward wouldn't just remain as a rising star—he was on track to become one of the most renowned directors in the entire League.
As for the girl on the left and the man with dark circles on the right, Daniel didn't know them. But he was extremely nervous.
Daniel had asked his family for some money to come to Hoenn for this audition. It was his last chance. If it didn't work out…
Edward was currently reading Daniel's profile. A graduate of the Unova Film Academy's acting program—a formally trained actor, and even listed as an outstanding graduate. On paper, his qualifications were excellent.
But his experience? Not a single known film or TV series to his name. Not even one supporting role. Daniel had clearly written on his resume that all he'd done were background roles.
It was like seeing a Ivy League University graduate working as a food delivery driver—jarring and unexpected.
Edward looked up and examined Daniel. His appearance wasn't bad—he had a mature charm that came with age, and some rugged handsomeness. According to his resume, he stood at 184 cm. His nose wasn't quite the classic aquiline shape associated with Sherlock Holmes, but overall his appearance was quite good.
Why was someone like this stuck doing background work? Edward was curious.
At this moment, the staff handed Daniel a brief script.
It didn't reveal much information—just a short conversation, a basic scene, and some inner monologue notes. Even the protagonist's name wasn't mentioned.
Daniel read it for a while, then tucked the paper away. Edward watched with interest.
He hadn't needed to come in person for this casting—typically, a director of his level only reviewed the final results and made the call. But Sherlock Holmes was a character Edward cared deeply about, so he chose to personally oversee the auditions. Many of the actors were honored by this.
Among the previous candidates, one award-winning actor had particularly impressed Edward with his performance—but unfortunately, he didn't quite match the image Edward had in mind for the role.
"What game?" Daniel began. His tone was relaxed, but his eyes focused intensely on his hands. Though his hands held nothing, he gave off the impression that he was flipping through a newspaper.
Edward sat up straighter. That invisible prop acting alone showed that Daniel, despite being worn down by society over the years, had not let his acting skills go to waste.
This scene portrayed Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty encountering each other at a bus stop. While waiting for the bus, Moriarty proposes a game. Holmes, initially indifferent, is drawn into it as the game unfolds. He focuses less on gathering intel and more on solving the puzzle—only to be stunned when he loses. By the time he turns to confront Moriarty again, the latter has already boarded the bus and left.
Daniel's expressions and eye movements caused Edward to narrow his eyes in focus. This guy had solid fundamentals. Edward exchanged a glance with the Zoroark beside him—Zoroark was also an actor, certified and skilled. It nodded at Edward in agreement.
Meanwhile, Crane, the dark-eyed man, looked at Daniel with interest.
"Alright, contestant 132, please wait outside for further notice," the staff said.
Daniel took a deep breath, bowed, and exited the audition room.
He sat on a bench in Rustboro's public park, staring blankly at the sky. A few bird Pokémon flew overhead—native to the Hoenn region, he recognized them.
But right now, Daniel's mind was blank. All he could feel was anxiety and uncertainty.
If he got the lead role in Director Edward's new project, then there was still hope of chasing his dream. If not, landing a supporting role would be acceptable. But if he got nothing—then it was back to Unova to find a regular job.
Daniel's fingers clenched together. He bit his lip nervously. While waiting, he had seen five top-tier male celebrities and two award-winning actors—all here to audition for the same role.
That made the pressure immense.
In terms of looks, he only had an edge over one of the award-winning actors. The others were well-maintained, handsome, and just as striking as he was. As for acting skill—those two film emperors? No competition.
Daniel had little confidence left.
All he could do was sit on the bench, praying over and over again. Praying to be chosen. Praying that his youthful dream of becoming a star could be rekindled.
Every second dragged like an eternity. That was the only way Daniel could describe it.
He kept checking his phone, thinking an hour had passed—only to see not even a full minute had gone by.
Just then, his phone buzzed.
Daniel snatched it out instantly—so fast and with such trembling hands that he dropped it to the ground. Luckily, it was an old model, sturdy and durable. It didn't break.
[League Telecom Reminder: You still have data remaining on your 19.9/month plan…]
Daniel's heart sank.
[Mr. DanielClovis, congratulations. You've been selected as a cast member for Director Edward's new project. Please report to Ghost Film Pictures tomorrow morning.]
A second notification appeared.
Daniel froze, staring at the message in disbelief. His pupils dilated.
It wasn't until the phone screen went dark again that Daniel suddenly jumped to his feet, let out a joyful yell, and started laughing loudly. Then, still seated on the bench, he laughed and laughed… until he covered his face with his hands, his shoulders trembling as tears fell between his fingers and hit the ground.
From graduating at twenty-four to now being thirty-two, it had taken eight long years—
But finally, Daniel had made it.
Being cast in Director Edward's new film—it was like stepping into the heavens with a single stride.
At last, he could send money home.
At last, he wouldn't need to soothe his parents with empty reassurances.
Daniel wiped the tears from his eyes, pulled out his phone, and with shaking hands started typing a message to his parents. But after just a few taps, his vision blurred again.
He kept wiping his eyes and typing, wiping and typing.
On the path of chasing dreams, he had finally climbed out of the abyss—
And stood once more at the starting line.
(End of Chapter)