Chapter 89
Chapter 89
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 89
Chapter Title: Improvised Duel
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Usually, ad-libs from novice actors disrupt the flow of the scene or fail to lead in a positive direction.
Ad-libs are only permitted for actors who have already carved out their own territory.
Of course, depending on the director's style, even those seasoned actors' ad-libs might not be allowed.
But... Director An Jin-ho tended to let ad-libs slide whenever possible. He'd watch first, and if the result satisfied both the actor and himself, it was a go.
If not, it was rejected outright.
The director pondered.
Should he cut it or let it continue?
He usually allowed ad-libs, but if this truly turned into a duel between Hyeon and Lee Yeol, it could affect the entire flow of the story.
They might need to add scenes or revise the script.
It was certain that the workload would increase.
But... Director An Jin-ho didn't want to stop Seo-hyun.
Script? He could revise it.
Scenes? He could add them.
If it didn't work out upon review, he could just tell her no more ad-libs.
Above all... he was curious.
Just how that raw acting would pair with the ad-lib.
The director nodded to the cinematographer.
Since they were filming, no noise was allowed, so this simple gesture signaled to continue shooting.
He also gave a nod to Soo-hyun, indicating to proceed.
* * *
Soo-hyun couldn't help but be flustered by Seo-hyun's sudden ad-lib.
A duel, of all things?
It wasn't in the script at all, and it even involved action scenes.
She glanced at the director. He nodded at her.
The signal to continue.
Continuing wasn't an issue per se... but was this really okay?
Soo-hyun opened her mouth. Once more, as Lee Yeol, she spoke.
"A duel... No reason to refuse. I'm curious myself what kind of human martial arts a dragon would unleash."
"Then let's begin right away."
In that instant, Seo-hyun's body moved. All the while, she thought.
She'd committed to it, but she had no idea how to proceed.
Seo-hyun felt a slight cold sweat.
'Did I ad-lib for nothing? No, this fits Hyeon.'
She believed the direction she was taking with her acting was right.
She was a total beginner who knew nothing about acting, but she was convinced Hyeon would do exactly this.
So, how should the duel unfold?
'...Tae-hoon. Tae-hoon sparred with Soo-hyun once. In that case...'
Seo-hyun recalled Tae-hoon's swordsmanship from before.
The dragon's memory and insight replayed his movements perfectly in her mind.
Muscle twitches.
The sword's trajectory.
Footwork and waist twists.
It all came back vividly, imprinting itself into her actions.
She snapped a nearby branch. And from that moment, she became Hyeon once more.
* * *
Lee Yeol spoke to Hyeon in disbelief.
"You're going to face me with a tree branch?"
"Why not? Have you forgotten who bestowed power upon you?"
Hyeon ran her hand along the branch once, then smiled in satisfaction, clearly pleased.
Yeol fixed Hyeon with a cold stare.
Hyeon's words rang true.
Yeol drew her sword and assumed a stance.
The first to charge was Yeol.
Her sword strikes flowed gracefully yet relentlessly toward Hyeon.
Whoosh-!
The wind from the blade grazed past Hyeon's ear.
Hyeon tilted her head slightly to dodge the downward slash and smiled.
Now, what next?
It wasn't difficult.
Hyeon's mouth opened.
"Hyeon-hwa would have done it like this."
In that moment, swordsmanship akin to Hyeon-hwa's unfolded, pressuring Yeol.
Yeol's eyes widened.
That was Hyeon-hwa's sword. Yeol, who had lost everything to it, recognized it instantly.
Yeol's strikes grew fiercer in an instant. But no matter how ferocious, her skill couldn't surpass Hyeon's.
Clang!
Finally, the branch struck the blade aside.
A clear metallic ring echoed from the clash of wood and steel.
In the blink of an eye, Hyeon's branch hovered at Yeol's throat.
A chill ran down Yeol's spine.
"How's that? Worth learning, wouldn't you say?"
Yeol nodded silently at Hyeon, who spoke with a faint smile.
* * *
Those watching Seo-hyun and Soo-hyun's duel finally exhaled.
It was a simple scene, yet strangely immersive.
"Wow...!"
The reaction was positive.
Everyone knew it was an ad-lib, but it turned out convincingly well.
It clearly explained how Yeol could grow to rival Hyeon-hwa.
In essence, it perfectly provided plausibility for the protagonist's growth.
It also hinted at the protagonist's fate.
Trading lifespan for Hyeon's power, burning life itself like a flame.
Truly, Yeol was consumed by revenge. She sacrificed everything for it.
The audience would naturally accept this while watching the film.
Director An Jin-ho felt confident in his decision.
Reviewing the just-shot footage with the cinematographer only solidified it.
"...It's good, right?"
"Yeah."
"For someone who's never acted before, this ad-lib is too natural. I wouldn't have even guessed it was improvised."
"Let's use it."
"Then we'll need to tweak the scenes and script a bit. You okay with that?"
"Just shoot more. Easy."
The cinematographer sighed at the director's words.
"Geez, you. Gonna work us to the bone again."
"If the movie hits big, it's all worth it. And how much more shooting? This production's been smooth—no NGs from the actors, quick pace."
"Haha! Joking. Honestly, seeing this makes me think more shooting's the way. So, what's your plan for the script and scenes?"
"It all came to me just now."
"Man, as expected."
"These things rely on that flash of inspiration... and Seo-hyun sparked it."
He recalled the duel he'd just seen. The two moving so fluidly.
Especially Seo-hyun—no action training, yet she delivered pro-level work.
And that in an impromptu duel, without detailed direction.
He had a feeling.
This cameo casting was a massive success.
* * *
"Have you ever trained in action acting separately?"
Once the ad-lib wrapped, Tae-hoon asked me.
Action acting? As if I had time for that.
"Me? No? You showed me right after your mutation, remember? When you made a fire sword and slashed. I just copied that."
"Oh, that time..."
Tae-hoon recalled it.
He'd swung in a trance, cleaving an alloy wall in two.
It felt familiar—turns out it was the moves he'd shown Seo-hyun post-mutation.
No way she remembered and recreated them?
"You remembered all that?"
"You know my memory."
"...Even so, recreating the moves exactly?"
"It worked, didn't it?"
Tae-hoon wondered anew if Seo-hyun's abilities even had limits.
But he wasn't particularly envious.
What use would more power serve here?
She was content as is.
He was just curious about the bounds of her boundless talents.
"What can't you do?"
"No idea..."
"But you okay? Your screen time ended up more than expected... It's getting substantial for a cameo."
"Hmm... It's fun, so yeah?"
"...Thanks, seriously."
"Hey, no need. You promised to help me too."
"Still."
"I'm the thankful one. When else would I get this experience? All precious memories."
"You might even get invited to the premiere."
"Yeah. Was gonna snag a ticket from you... but now I could pass as a supporting role."
"Man... ever heard of this?"
"Bet there are cases. Cameos vary in weight, right?"
Just then, the director, done talking with the cinematographer, joined us.
"Not common. Cameos are usually quick face-time favors from friends. Rare for one to balloon into a hefty supporting role. Plus, these days cameos get paid, so budgets swell..."
"Ah."
"So, you sure? Giving this much without pay feels off..."
"Told you. I'm a civil servant—taking money's a big no-no."
Seo-hyun smiled as she said it.
Director An Jin-ho could only express his gratitude.
"Um, so scenes and script might expand. Cool?"
"Ah, more appearances?"
"Probably. Thinking of making Hyeon her mentor vibe. Okay?"
"I'll do it. Others agree?"
"Haha. They know. Just look at the set's reaction."
Seo-hyun glanced around at the director's words.
Despite the added work, the stares toward her felt oddly favorable.
They realized it too.
Seo-hyun's presence would significantly impact their box office success.