The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 667 [THE SHADOW WITHIN] AUDITION (II)

THE scenario two that Hazel Marlowe mentioned was similar to the scene of death of the first victim. The death that started the movie.

[The Shadow Within] was a psychological thriller centered on a series of unusual and disturbing murders. The story followed a police detective who led the investigation. Faced with the complexity of the case and the nature of the crimes, the detective decided to involve a psychologist as a consultant. Together, they worked to profile the killer and decipher the patterns behind the murders.

The plot unfolded through a series of twists and turns, with the detective and the psychologist navigating a challenging web of clues and misdirections. Their professional relationship and combined efforts formed the backbone of the story, showcasing the intricate process of tracking a killer whose methods and motives remained elusive.

The case ultimately led to the discovery of the killer, seemingly bringing a sense of closure. However, the storyʼs standout moment was a shocking twist revealed after what seemed like the resolution, redefining its trajectory and would surely leave a powerful impression on the audience. This unexpected ending was the real highlight of the movie, ensuring that it would stand out in the psychological thriller genre.

When Astrid first read the script, he dismissed it as just another clichéd story typical of the genre. However, the unexpected plot twist completely changed his perspective. It was this twist that set the script apart and ultimately convinced him to choose it over all the others he had received.

It was also the reason he felt confident that the movie would definitely not flop. While he didnʼt expect it to become a massive box office hit, he was certain it would at least break even—and possibly turn a modest profit. With that assurance, he didnʼt hesitate to invest in the film.

Astrid turned his attention back to Hazel Marlowe. As soon as Director McCann signaled her to start, the entire stage shifted, transforming into a dark alley with rain falling steadily. The theater was equipped with technology that generated virtual environments, a modern replacement for traditional backdrops and props in plays and musicals. These devices were also used during auditions, providing an immersive setting to help performers connect with the scene more effectively.

Hazel Marlowe walked cautiously, her hands clutching her coat to shield herself from the simulated rain. Her eyes darted around with growing discomfort.

”Is someone there?” she called out.

A faint shadow appeared on the wall behind her, moving closer with each passing second. Hazel turned sharply, her face filled with fear.

”Stay back!” she shouted, taking a step backward, her voice trembling but loud.

The virtual killer emerged, a blurry, ominous figure with a knife. Hazelʼs body stiffened as she stumbled against the alley wall.

”Please, donʼt do this!” she begged, her arms raised in a defensive gesture.

The killer moved closer, and Hazel let out a bloodcurdling scream as she fought back, her movements erratic and desperate. She twisted and struggled as the projection mimicked grabbing her, and with a swift motion, the blade struck. Hazelʼs body fell limp to the ground, her head tilting to one side, her expression frozen in terror. The rain continued to pour as she lay motionless.

As the virtual rain and alley disappeared, the stage returned to its neutral state under brighter lights. Hazel pushed herself up from the floor, her breathing uneven. She glanced briefly at the directorʼs table, her face pale and tense. As she stepped back toward her starting position, she nearly stumbled, catching herself just in time. Her hands fidgeted slightly, and her nervousness was evident as she stood waiting for feedback.

The man sitting in the middle, who they presumed as the director nodded and offered a polite smile. ”Thank you. Weʼll review your performance and get back to you.” Your next chapter is on empire

Hazel Marlowe looked momentarily disappointed by the brief feedback but quickly composed herself. She bowed her head slightly and replied, ”Y-yes, thank you!”

As Hazel walked off the stage, Astrid noticed the slight hunch in her posture. She had likely been hoping for more detailed feedback. However, since this was a public audition where everyone could watch each otherʼs performances, it was important to maintain impartiality. That was why they had decided that a simple ”thank you” would suffice.

Astrid glanced down at his Terminal and added a note to Hazel Marloweʼs profile.

- Amazing showcase of emotion and fear, particularly in her reactions to the killer.

- Struggled slightly with physical coordination during key moments, which disrupted the flow of the scene.

The audition continued as the next performer stepped onto the stage. The virtual environment shifted to match the scenarios they had chosen, and the performer began acting the scenarios without hesitation. Each actor brought a unique style, making their performances stand out in different ways. Astrid and the other evaluators remained focused, taking notes and exchanging occasional glances. The process moved efficiently, with one performer leaving the stage as the next stepped forward, maintaining the steady rhythm of the auditions.

Rhett Archer sat stiffly in his seat inside the theater, surrounded by the other auditioning actors. His eyes darted toward the stage every few moments, but he couldnʼt focus on the performances in front of him. Instead, his mind was fixated on his number, knowing it was getting closer to being called. He shifted uncomfortably, his foot tapping against the floor in an uneven rhythm. His palms felt damp, and he rubbed them against his thighs in a futile attempt to calm himself.

Each time someoneʼs number was announced, Rhettʼs stomach tightened. He glanced down at his hands, trying to keep them steady, but the tension was impossible to shake. When the person who had the number before him finally stood to head toward the stage, his heart raced, and he swallowed hard, bracing himself for his turn.

When Rhettʼs number was called, his stomach dropped. He sat there for a second longer than he should have, then quickly stood up, almost knocking his knee against the chair in front of him. As he walked toward the stage, his steps felt heavier than usual, and he let out a quick breath, trying to calm himself before standing in the middle of the stage.