Yang Cheng: The New E-Soul in To Be Hero X?

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Following the end of Nice’s tale in episodes 1-4 of “To Be Hero X“, the series moved on to its fifth episode titled “One Actor”. This installment introduced a fresh protagonist named Yang Cheng, much like the adored Lin Ling. Like Lin Ling, Yang Cheng is a young man who sprang from modest circumstances and harbors an intense yearning for greatness beyond his wildest dreams. Fans of “To Be Hero X” were left wondering if this new leading character could also achieve the same feat as their beloved Lin Ling.

In Episode 5 of “To Be Hero X,” Yang Cheng is primed to carry on from an aging hero’s legacy. As we delve deeper into E-Soul’s background, theories that have been buzzing among fans are validated: heroes can and do get replaced over time. The E-Soul storyline doesn’t give Yang Cheng a strong start, but by the end of the episode, he finds himself in the underdog role with immense potential to follow in the footsteps of a legendary hero by wearing the mask.

To Be Hero X Introduces Its Tragic Second Protagonist

Yang Cheng is Another Underdog with Zero Trust Value

The narrative of To Be Hero X’s latest character unfolds five years before Lin Ling’s storyline, “36 years after Commission.” The opening scene shows a young boy named Yang Cheng observing two street thugs murder his parents in a narrow alleyway. Moments away from sharing their fate, Yang Cheng’s life is miraculously spared when E-Soul steps in to save him. It seems that this pivotal encounter had a profound impact on Yang Cheng’s life trajectory as the subsequent events suggest.

Growing up, Yang Cheng’s passion and respect for E-Soul inspired him to excel as an actor portraying E-Soul in children’s programs. However, over time, his enthusiasm for heroism started to fade, a fact evident when Pomelo, a fan of Yang Cheng, criticized his recent show for lacking the authenticity it once held. Interestingly, Yang Cheng, from a young age, had zero Trust Value, which eventually led to him losing out on the E-Soul auditions in a later episode.

As an ardent E-Soul actor and student, I walk the dual path with Xia Qing, the one whose smile sets my heart aflutter. Our academic journey intertwines in a tapestry of challenges, as the enigmatic Shang Chao, a charming, young, and accomplished classmate, seems to share the same affections for Xia Qing. Every instance I find myself on the verge of asking her out or expressing my feelings is swiftly disrupted by Shang Chao’s seemingly timed entrances.

Yang Cheng is a typical example of an underdog character. Like a young man aspiring to follow in the footsteps of his childhood idol, he’s on a quest to achieve something significant for himself. Just like Izuku, who initially lacked a superpower (Quirk), Yang Cheng seems to be lacking Trust Value at first, but much like how Izuku eventually became a widely respected hero, it appears that Yang Cheng too is destined to become an exceptional figure by the end of his journey.

E-Soul is To Be Hero X’s Most Mysterious Hero So Far

E-Soul is a Veteran Superhero Who has Never Removed his Mask

Currently, E-Soul stands at the ninth position in the Hero Association, following Nice (also known as The Commoner, from Episode 4). He’s widely revered among superheroes, having served for an impressive 34 years. His unique ability involves controlling and manipulating lightning, a power he possesses. In his character trailer, we see E-Soul equipped with a prosthetic arm, which serves not only as a replacement but also as a tool to amplify his powers.

Episode 5 of “To Be Hero X” further unveils that E-Soul, despite boasting an illustrious and impressive career spanning decades, has never disclosed his physical visage to the public. He explains this during the grand public celebrations marking his thirty-fourth year as a hero, stating that his mask serves not just as a concealer of identity but rather as a beacon of hope. This noble perspective resonates deeply with “To Be Hero X” viewers, as it lends credence to a long-standing theory within the fan community.

To Be Hero X Could Pull Off Another Hero Swap

E-Soul May Just be a Title That can be Passed to Anyone

In the series “NICE,” it’s suggested right off the bat that heroes can be replaced. When Lin Ling becomes enraged, he declares that the Hero Association will find a new ‘NICE’ hero once he is no longer the ideal one in the public eye. Interestingly, this prediction comes true in the subsequent episodes. This sparked discussions among viewers about whether this might also apply to other heroes. There are indeed clues suggesting that E-Soul fits this description.

In various forms of entertainment, superheroes are typically identified by a distinctive color pattern, emblem, or mask – sometimes all three. For instance, in Marvel’s Spider-Verse films, the spider symbol serves as the defining mark that travels across different universes for Spider-Man. Moreover, it seems E-Soul is implying that his mask represents a legacy, similar to a royal crown, which should be passed on.

Given that the current E-Soul has been prominent for 34 years, it’s becoming increasingly clear that finding a new one is becoming more pressing. Surprisingly, this task might not be as challenging as it appears, considering there are numerous E-Soul imitators. The auditions organized during his anniversary celebrations could have served as a covert method to discover potential successors. This theory is supported by the enigmatic individual who eliminated Yang Cheng solely because his Trust Value was at zero.

In a fair and straightforward acting contest like ‘To Be Hero X’, trust value may not be crucial since success is primarily based on talent. However, it has been observed by viewers that popularity among fans could potentially transfer some fraction of a hero’s power to these E-Soul actors. Since Yang Cheng lacked the trust value associated with fanbase, he was excluded from gaining such abilities, even though his acting skills advanced him to the final round of the competition.

Yang Cheng Might Rise Up the Same Way Lin Ling Did

The turning point for Yang Cheng came when he rescued Pomelo from his captors towards the end of the episode. His unwavering resolve to protect Pomelo instilled confidence in the young boy, who began calling him “E-Soul.” This newfound trust boosted Yang Cheng’s standing by one point, giving him the courage to vanquish the kidnappers. Furthermore, this increase granted him an ability similar to the actual E-Soul’s lightning power.

In a fashion reminiscent to Lin Ling assuming the identity of Nice in Episode 1, it’s plausible that Yang Cheng might take on the role of E-Soul. This process could have allowed him to acquire E-Soul’s powers and even physically transform into him. It’s possible that Shang Chao, one of the judges from the E-Soul competition, reached out to Yang Cheng at the end of Episode 5 as a means to recall him, or for some other significant purpose related to his new role.

In the series “To Be Hero X“, many questions remain unanswered, but it is undoubtedly that Yang Cheng will evolve into E-Soul, surpassing his current stage. The fifth episode lays a flawless foundation for this journey. He embodies all the qualities of a hero, save for his personality. His story, particularly its beginning, mirrors DC’s Batman, another masked crusader, hinting at his destiny as a hero.

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2025-05-06 00:37