Why could Chen Kong become the protagonist of Embers Stars?
At first, many dimensional viewers didn't quite understand this question.
Among the 36 characters in Embers Stars,
Tendo was unnaturally strong, like he had cheats enabled.
Chen Xing possessed both powerful combat talent and a matching strong-willed psyche.
Jing Liuli's talent was as if the heavens themselves were force-feeding her success.
Caroline's rationality and composure far surpassed everyone else's.
And Chen Kong, caught in the middle of this group?
Not only was his strength genuinely at the bottom of the ranks, but his personality accumulated every trait dimensional viewers despised.
Cowardly, insecure, indecisive...
For a long time, Chen Kong was the target of criticism in the bullet comments.
Many complained, 'It's because of this protagonist that the overall reputation of Embers Stars has been dragged down.'
Some dimensional viewers even spammed 'change the protagonist' in the comments, especially when comparing him to Tendo.
But the turning point for all of this happened during the Deep Blue City arc.
Because then, Chen Kong used his actions to show everyone the reason he was the protagonist.
Facing the life-or-death choice thrown at him by Fushan, the boy who used to be timid and hesitant unexpectedly chose, without hesitation, to rush into the inferno in a tragic 'martyr's' posture to rescue the trapped ordinary people.
Admittedly, Chen Kong, this series' protagonist, indeed had various flaws.
But the brilliance hidden in his bones, like the midday sun, completely overshadowed those personality imperfections.
Making dimensional viewers wholeheartedly recognize his status as the protagonist.
And this shining quality was—'the spirit of sacrifice.'
Fearing death, dreading difficulties—these are instincts ingrained in everyone.
But how many innate heroes are there in this world? How many can truly disregard life and death?
When ultimate disaster truly strikes,
Advancing always requires more courage than retreating.
Going against the current always faces more resistance than flowing with it.
And on this point, Chen Kong stubbornly held onto such courage and has maintained it to this day, never changing.
Though his act of putting himself in danger for Vivian, someone he had only known for a few days, was extremely foolish,
when this happened to Chen Kong, all dimensional viewers found it perfectly reasonable.
After all, this guy before them had once risked his life for a group of strangers to give them a brighter future.
So, at this moment, he could naturally do the same for someone he had only just met.
Again, putting his life on the gambling table of fate, engaging in another high-stakes gamble with Tendo.
Even if the gamble itself was unfair from the start.
'If your body reaches its limit, let your will lead you to break through the encirclement! Go, Jail Kong, tell him who the true protagonist under this starry sky is!'
'Even the dimmest candlelight can still illuminate the darkness with its faint glow!'
'Those who carry firewood for others should not be allowed to freeze to death in the snow!'
Under the expectant gazes of the dimensional viewers, Chen Kong stood up again and once more aimed the black spear in his hand at Tendo.
Seeing this, a ripple flashed in Tendo's profound eyes.
Liu Ma's mouth dropped open in astonishment.
Vivian's eyes were as complex as shattered starlight, as if she were seeing Chen Kong anew.
Amidst everyone's complex gazes, Chen Kong clearly stated his inescapable reason for doing this.
"I know I could choose to remain silent, and I understand I could completely ignore her and gain brief peace for myself."
"But..."
Chen Kong tightened his grip on the black spear. In his mind, he saw glimpses of his childhood, when he was bullied by other children of the stars, and how a certain blue-eyed person would always smile, stick up for him, and fiercely teach the other children a lesson.
"...Only those who have been drenched in the rain understand how truly cold it is."
"And only those who have been shielded by an umbrella truly know how warm the world beneath that umbrella can be."
As he spoke, Chen Kong's aura visibly swelled.
A 'star mark,' emblematic of 'Star Core Awakening,' slowly appeared on his brow.
"If I stand by idly today, then when disaster befalls me tomorrow... no one will cheer for me."
"So... if you want to take her, then you'll have to step over my corpse first."
Hearing Chen Kong's words, Vivian, who had already given up resisting, found her right hand trembling uncontrollably.
And Liu Ma, who had previously been immobilized by Tendo's captain-level pressure, now broke through Tendo's 'blockade,' straightening his back with a roar.
"Well said!"
Liu Ma fiercely tore his treasured suit, allowing the surging muscles beneath to burst through his white shirt, revealing his exaggerated physique.
He looked at Chen Kong, grinning. "Kong, I admit I underestimated you before."
"You are far more interesting than I thought!"
With those words, Liu Ma turned to look at Vivian, who was beside Tendo, revealing a bright smile.
"Hey, Kong's said all that. How long are you planning to stay silent?"
"I guess your knightly code doesn't include watching others sacrifice themselves for you, does it?"
Hearing Liu Ma's words, Vivian was silent for a few seconds before voluntarily stepping away from Tendo.
Her 'Minute Hand Rapier' suddenly appeared in her hand, its silver blade gleaming with a cold, moon-like light in the dim underground illumination.
"Indeed, a qualified knight should not push their own responsibility onto unrelated innocents."
"Although I will still maintain my original view and not easily choose to escape,"
"This time, however, I... will no longer simply surrender."
With Vivian's change of mind and Liu Ma's escape,
the battle situation in the underground space instantly shifted from a '1v1' between Chen Kong and Tendo to a righteous '3v1'.
And the background music of the series, at this very moment,
abruptly surged to a climax.
Perhaps feeling that they had found a chance to turn the tide,
Liu Ma jutted his chin at Tendo and laughed loudly, "Captain, you mustn't underestimate the friendship between us Children of the Stars, and certainly don't ignore the bonds we share!"
As his words fell, Liu Ma charged forward like a cannonball, his golden-covered fist whistling through the air as it fiercely smashed towards Tendo's face.
Almost simultaneously, Vivian transformed into a silver-white flash, her sword striking directly at Tendo's wrist, which held 'Shattered Star.'
But the camera's focus in the series suddenly slowed down at this moment.
In the shot, dimensional viewers clearly saw the excited smile on Liu Ma's face,
the undeniable resolve in Vivian's eyes,
and the almost imperceptible upward curve of Tendo's lips as he was surrounded.
Indeed, every time in moments like these, the protagonist's group always spouts lines about 'friendship' and 'bonds,' and sounds the horn for a counterattack.
Though it sounds a bit chuunibyo, Tendo had to admit, Chen Kong's words were quite inspiring.
Because compared to protagonists who only talk big, Chen Kong was one of the very few who would truly act on his beliefs.
Simply put, Chen Kong didn't play double standards or engage in moral blackmail.
What he said, he would always do.
However, just being able to say it and do it wasn't enough.
Because between 'doing it' and 'being able to do it,' lay a chasm named 'ability.'
On this point, even if Tendo couldn't fully unleash his true strength right now,
Dealing with a slightly naive protagonist's group... was entirely sufficient!
Kong, your current reliance on these 'partners' is still far from enough!
Bang!
As the series' time flow returned to normal,
A large amount of black ink was released from beneath Tendo's feet, forming a flowing barrier that enveloped him.
Liu Ma and Vivian's attacks hit it like cotton, easily parried by Tendo.
At the same time, the moment the ink barrier shattered,
a large number of black 'arrows' swept towards Liu Ma and Vivian.
Liu Ma quickly crossed his arms in front of him to endure the impact.
Vivian, meanwhile, instantly switched to her 'Hour Hand Greatsword' and activated her 'Reverse Barrier' to block.
Taking advantage of the momentary repulse of the two by Tendo,
the camera suddenly cut to little Danica, who was sitting on a nearby chair, clutching a snack bag.
She looked at Tendo, who, despite being surrounded, still seemed completely at ease.
She mumbled in a childish voice, "Mr. Ink Wash... is having a lot of fun."
After speaking, she grabbed another potato chip and threw it into her mouth. The crunching sound was so... crisp in the tense atmosphere.
Because, in her opinion, everything happening now was just a leisurely 'butterfly catching' game for Tendo, completely lacking urgency.
After all, she knew perfectly well what Mr. Ink Wash's true strength was.
These three guys in front of them, even if their numbers doubled, wouldn't be able to harm him in the slightest.