The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

LANCE could still remember everything that he experienced in these past 10 days so vividly as if it was happening to him in real-time. For six hours he was subjected to an intense lecture about different abilities and the laws of the Empire governing them. And then for the next six hours, it was time for his physical and psychological training.

He felt like he was suddenly recruited to the military. He had never felt so tired in his life as he did these past 10 days. It definitely didn't help that the one responsible for his 'education' was that man, Leland Brewer.

That guy was stern and overly serious. In the 10 days they spent together, the other didn't even crack a smile. Not even once! He always looked at him with a slight disapproval. Even when he got a good result in his training, Leland would only give him a nod. The other wouldn't even give him a simple compliment.

At usual times, he wouldn't care and just let it be. But for some reason, he couldn't just do that. And so, he did the opposite thing. He did his best. For the first time in his life, he tried his best in something.

It's a bit hypocritical to say that. It's like he's saying that he's not trying his best even in the job he had. Which was true in a way. He certainly didn't become an actor because he liked acting. It was just something... easy.

He was scouted and then signed to an entertainment company. Works just kept coming, mainly because he had a good agent with him who knew his strength and knew how to use that to his advantage. It was the reason why he was typecast into certain roles.

Lance didn't mind that at all. Why would he? He was being paid good money for doing the bare minimum. Surprisingly enough, even if he wasn't doing his best, he was still quite good playing those roles. Being able to hook up with people was just a bonus.

Thinking of those hook-ups, he subconsciously touched the transparent film at the back of his neck. This film was technically not needed. Because he tried his best to impress that cold-face guy, he could now control this damn ability. Although not perfectly, his confident that his pheromones wouldn't disperse just because he saw someone attractive. But he still had to wear this film just in case.

Even though he was here filming, he would still receive guidance from Leland via video calls. No, rather than guidance, it would be better to say that the other would call him for checks. To see if his ability got out of control or something.

That wouldn't really be needed. Not because he was confident of his control. But because this damn film attached on his neck was connected to the system of that army. If he removed it or if his body secreted pheromones, the film would detect it and in turn would alert them. In short, he was being monitored.

Lance wasn't sure what those guys were planning to do to him. But he really had no say in the matter. He was just a civilian who basically didn't hold any power. He might have the money because of his job as an actor, but he didn't have that sort of influence. So, what else could he do, really?

pan,da n<0,>v,el Even then, his foolish self couldn't help thinking that this wasn't such a bad thing. He could tell that the reason they were keeping him was because they had a need for him. If he became connected to Fenris Squad, then that meant that he could meet with Leland. Maybe not all the time but at least every so often.

At that thought, he almost slapped himself. Why the heck did he even think that? Man, he's truly out of it.

He shook his head and forced himself to calm down. Let's just go on with this shoot.

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The scene they were going to shoot was the first confrontation between Astrid and Lance's character. It was when Luan Escanor went to the Kingdom of Ashelad as the representative of the Holy Land. It was for the crowning ceremony of Pietro Ashelad – the character Lance was playing.

Astrid was standing beside Lance, both of them were currently on stand-by. He secretly observed the other. For the past minute since they stood here, Lance had never once glance at him. He never even bothered to speak. Most importantly, there was no weird scent floating in the air.

Now, he wondered if Lance was now truly able to control his ability. He so wanted to ask but that would mean that he knew about it in the first place. Explanation would then follow next. And he really didn't want to have that kind of conversation with the other.

But he was still damn curious about it. Should he just ask Wulfric about it later? That would probably be for the best.

On the side, the two agents were not as quiet as their artists.

"Miss Payne, I heard that Astrid's filming should have been finished last week if my artist just arrived according to schedule," Jon started. "I apologized for that."

"It's fine," Ellis said. "I'm sure Lance had a viable reason for that. Right?"

Jon smiled forcefully, feeling a bit guilty. But he still said, "Yes. He wasn't feeling well."

Ellis stared at the other, observing his expression. Oh, this guy was good. She showed a worried expression. "I hope he's fine now."

"Oh, he is. You don't have to worry about it."

Astrid and Lance both heard the conversation between the two. They weren't exactly being quiet about it. Lance only felt embarrassed by the blatant lie. He wouldn't under normal circumstance. But his nerves were all strung too tight because of, well, just everything. It's not easy to maintain a cool head with all that.

"So, are you alright now?"

Lance closed his eyes briefly when he heard Astrid asked that. He turned to the other with a smile. "Yes."

He really didn't want to speak to the other. Thankfully, the director came and the filming started.