The First Actor Joins?!

The door creaked open, revealing a face that sent a jolt of panic through the protagonist. It was Timmy, one of the younger kids from the orphanage, his eyes wide with suspicion and curiosity. The floating camera, still capturing every awkward moment, zoomed in on the two of them, amplifying the tension in the air. Timmy's gaze darted around the room, taking in the absurdity of the battlefield setup—the blankets draped like castle walls, chairs positioned as enemy soldiers, and the toy sword that the protagonist clutched like a lifeline.

"What's going on in here?" Timmy asked, his brow furrowing. "Are you rehearsing for a school play or something? Because it looks more like you're losing your mind."

The protagonist swallowed hard. This was not how he envisioned his first collaboration with an actor. He needed to think quickly. Should he lie? Manipulate? Or—dare he even consider it—recruit this kid into his show?

"Uh, you know, Timmy," he began, trying to sound nonchalant, "this is actually a cutting-edge film project. You wouldn't understand."

Timmy rolled his eyes. "Right. Because everyone films their projects with chairs and blankets."

The audience's comments flooded in, their excitement palpable.

"Oh? A new character enters the scene!"

"This fool better not ruin the show."

"Plot twist! Is this the first supporting actor?"

"Please, let him have a meltdown!"

The protagonist took a deep breath, knowing he had to seize this moment. The Actor Recruitment Ticket he had received earlier flashed in his mind—a chance to turn this situation around. He recalled the system's prompt: recruitment was possible, but only if the kid agreed.

"Listen, Timmy," he began with all the flair he could muster, "what if I told you that this role could be your big break? I mean, you've got the natural talent for it. The charisma! The dramatic flair!"

Timmy crossed his arms defiantly. "Yeah, right. You're just trying to make me look like a fool."

"Fool?" The protagonist feigned shock, throwing a hand to his chest. "No, no, no! Only a true genius could handle this role! You'd be a star. A beacon of hope in a bleak world of mediocrity!"

"Okay, now you're just being dramatic," Timmy shot back, a smirk creeping onto his face.

The audience erupted with laughter.

"This is just a scuffed talent recruitment show now."

"I respect his hustle."

"IF HE REJECTS THE ROLE, ERASE HIM!"

The protagonist could feel the heat of panic rising in his cheeks. If he couldn't convince Timmy, not only would his first attempt at collaboration fail, but he would also lose the chance to recruit an actor who might actually bring something to the table. He needed to pull out all the stops.

"Look, Timmy," he said, attempting a more laid-back approach, "I know you think this is all a joke. But imagine being part of something bigger than yourself. This is your opportunity to shine! Just think of the glory! The adoration!"

Timmy seemed momentarily intrigued, but skepticism still danced in his eyes. "And what's in it for you, huh? You just want someone to play with your dolls."

"Dolls?" The protagonist sputtered. "These are action figures! And think of it this way: You could be a part of a legendary production. We could create something that would be talked about for generations! Your name would be remembered!"

Timmy snorted at that. "In a small orphanage? Yeah, I'm sure that'll make me famous."

"Not just any orphanage! An orphanage that produces the greatest directors in the multiverse!"

The audience was eating it up. Viewer comments flew by like confetti.

"Man, this is getting good!"

"Love how he's trying to sell it like it's a car dealership."

"Is it too late to volunteer for this project?"

The protagonist decided to switch tactics again, leaning into a more manipulative approach. "You probably wouldn't be a good fit for this anyway," he said, his tone casual. "I mean, it takes talent to pull off a performance like this. Not everyone can handle the spotlight."

Timmy's eyes narrowed, the challenge igniting a spark of determination. "Oh, really? You think I can't do it?"

"Only someone with the heart of a lion and the confidence of a peacock could take on this challenge," the protagonist declared, pointing dramatically at Timmy. "But I doubt you have what it takes."

The audience gasped collectively, their excitement reaching a fever pitch.

"THIS IS IT!"

"HE'S GOT THE AUDIENCE IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND!"

"IF HE CAN TURN THIS KID, HE'S A LEGEND!"

Timmy, now visibly riled up, stepped forward. "Fine! I'll join!"

The protagonist's heart raced with elation, but then Timmy added, "But under one condition…"

"Condition?" The protagonist's mind raced with possibilities, but before he could ask what it was, the familiar voice of the system interrupted him.

[New Quest: Your First Actor's Debut!]

[Challenge: Create a show scene that successfully introduces a supporting character.]

The protagonist's eyes widened in horror. He barely survived his first challenge, and now he had to script and direct a scene on the spot?

"Wait! What do you mean by a 'supporting character'?" he exclaimed, panic taking over.

Timmy smirked, his arms still crossed. "I guess you'll just have to figure that out, won't you?"

And with that, the door slammed shut, leaving the protagonist standing amidst his makeshift battlefield, his mind racing with the overwhelming task ahead.

Final Viewer Comment: "Let's see if this director is really worth watching."

The protagonist took a deep breath, the weight of the challenge pressing down on him. He had a new actor—one who might be brilliant or a disaster. The multiversal audience awaited, and the show must go on.