Next Day...
"Look! The Titan screen has displayed this year's movie list!" someone in the crowd shouted, successfully drawing everyone's attention toward the massive screen.
"Quick! Focus the camera on the BLESSED SCREEN!" yelled the reporter to his cameraman. The cameraman promptly aimed his lens at the Titan Screen, which displayed a golden-colored list of movies ranked from 1 to 100. The grandiosity of the display was so overwhelming that a newcomer like Max (Earth's soul) might easily believe the names were engraved with real gold. However, this world's advanced technology often deceives the eyes with such convincing illusions.
"Look! Try-Me is ranked 69th! Wow, Director Jacob's movie has finally made it to the BLESSED SCREEN! Damn, I'm so jealous... My movie didn't make the list this year either," grumbled a man in the crowd, glaring enviously at Jacob. He was a director too, though his latest release failed to secure a spot on the Top 100 S-Class List.
The Titan Screen, part of the iconic Titan Tower, was installed both inside and outside the structure. Its size was equivalent to a two-story building, visible from a kilometer away. At night, the glowing letters on the screen could be read with ease.
For every director, having their movie displayed on the Titan Screen was their ultimate dream. Achieving this was seen as a definitive milestone, capable of elevating one's career from the ground straight to the heavens. The BLESSED SCREEN, as the public affectionately called it, was a symbol of monumental success in the film industry.
Every year, the screen showcased the Top 100 S-Class List, determined entirely by public votes.
How does it work?
Whenever a movie is released in theaters, each seat is equipped with a high-tech touchscreen panel on the right-hand armrest. Viewers can use the panel to vote for the movie by tapping either a plus (+) or minus (-) button.
If the audience enjoys the movie, pressing the plus button brings up three expressive options:
1. EXCELLENT
2. FU#KING EXCELLENT*
3. HOLY EXCELLENT
If the movie is disappointing, pressing the minus button reveals these choices:
1. JUST TRASH
2. EXCELLENT TRASH
3. HOLY TRASH
The fate of a movie reaching the BLESSED SCREEN lies entirely in the hands of the audience.
"How incredibly lucky those 100 directors are... Ugh, why can't I ever make it to this list? My movies earn billions, but still... Why? Why? God, just give me the key to add my movie's name to the BLESSED SCREEN myself!" cried a 50-year-old man who had lost all hope after his movie failed to make the list again this year.
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Breaking News
"This year's Elite Top 100 S-Class List is out, and we're broadcasting it live for you! If you've been eagerly waiting for this list all year, we've managed to capture it just for you.
Here it is—the Elite Top 100 S-Class List!"
The reporter began announcing the names:
100th Place: STAR by S-Rated Director Mr. Dang
99th Place: CATMAN by S-Rated Director Mr. Cat
98th Place: RATMAN by Ms. Su
...
69th Place: A special case this year, as the movie was released only a month ago and has already soared to unimaginable heights. Yes, you guessed it—TRY-ME Part 1 by S-Rated Director Jacob! Is this luck, or something else? We'll conduct a case study on this later today.
...
48th Place: Doggy Style by Mr. Sins
...
21st Place: 69 Position by Ms. Wiffy
...
10th Place: HELL, an unshakable classic that has reigned in the same position year after year. Directed by SS-Rated Director Mr. Zabuza, a disciple of the legendary Great Hollywood King, Mr. 10 King.
9th Place: REVENGE by SS-Rated Director Mr. Torus, a disciple of Mr. 9 King.
8th Place: RISE A DRAGON by SS-Rated Director Mr. Uvann, a disciple of Mr. 8 King.
7th Place: DREAM QUEEN by SS-Rated Director Ms. Silkova, a disciple of Mr. 7 King.
6th Place: STONEMAN by SS-Rated Director Ms. Hikari, a disciple of Mr. 6 King.
5th Place: PUPPET by SS-Rated Director Mr. Kong, a disciple of Mr. 5 King.
4th Place: NINJA KNIGHT by SS-Rated Director Mr. Yuki, mentored by Mr. 4 King
3rd Place: LIFELESS by SS-Rated Director Mr. Garold, a disciple of Mr. 3 King.
2nd Place: HEAVEN PATH by SS-Rated Director Mr. Dan, a disciple of Mr. 2 King.
Finally, the crown jewel of the list:
1st Place: HELL GATE by SS-Rated Director Mr. Lucifer, a disciple of Mr. 1 King. At just 28 years old, Mr. Lucifer's movies have consistently dominated this list. His eighth masterpiece continues to captivate audiences, earning him the public nickname Devil Director. His unmatched talent controls the hearts of his audience like no other.
---
The reporter concluded, "This concludes the list of godly directors. Stay tuned after a short break as we dive deeper into...
MOVIE CASE STUDIES
Still to Come!"
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At KS Entertainment Studio....
"Tch... Tch... Fucking ridiculous, your movies !"
Max scrolled through the news on his phone, but the constant chatter annoyed him so much that he shut it off in frustration.
"What's so great about the Titan Screen? Just because your movie's name shows up there, you people act like it's some divine achievement. Flaunting your nonsense everywhere, what's so exciting about it?" he grumbled, clearly irritated.
"You don't get it, do you? When your movie makes it to that list, then you'll understand what makes the Blessed Screen so special," said Dolly, her voice buzzing like an annoying mosquito.
Max clenched his fists, visibly annoyed by her mosquito-like tone. Still, he suppressed his irritation—he knew better than to provoke Dolly unless he was ready to face the consequences. And that was the last thing Max wanted.
"Oh, really?" he replied, trying to sound confident. "If you're so sure, let's see. When my movie makes it to that list, I'll tell you exactly how it feels to see my name on that 'shitty screen.'"
Dolly raised an eyebrow, giving him a skeptical look.
"What? Is there something on my face?" Max asked, noticing her expression.
"I recorded that," Dolly said with a sly grin.
"Wait, what? Why did you record it?" Max exclaimed, shocked.
"You'll find out later," she replied, flashing an evil smile.
A shiver ran down Max's spine, and he could almost feel goosebumps crawling over his skin.