[Priestess cosplay] The Cool and Serene White shirt in Arknights

I cosplayed Priestess from Arknights. Many friends have asked me why I chose to cosplay this character when I don't actively play the game much anymore. As a veteran player who started at launch, I've followed the lore deeply and truly understand her calm, cool, and detached aura; I simply don't have the energy to study complex gameplay mechanics, but that doesn't diminish my love for the character at all. Preparing for this cosplay took a lot of effort. Especially the cut of the White shirt—I searched through multiple shops before finding the right one, and I fine-tuned the tie and ID card myself over time. During makeup, to match the purple-blue contact lenses, I deliberately extended the eyeliner to make the gaze look sharper. On the day of the shoot, we chose a cool-toned background and hard light for this Cool-toned photography style; the photographer kept emphasizing that the mood shouldn't be too soft, but must bring out that mechanical, detached chill. While posing, holding up my arm to adjust the position for so long made it really ache. I was quite satisfied with the gaze in the first close-up shot, but looking at the overall composition and body balance, I felt the second half-body shot was better, which is why I chose it as the cover. I was honestly quite nervous at the convention, worried about being labeled a 'fake fan', but once I stepped into the crowd and felt everyone's shared passion for the character, I realized there was no need to overthink it. True cosplay is all about resonating with the character, taking the time to study her demeanor and expressions, and wholeheartedly preparing every outfit and prop—that is more than enough to show respect for the character. Whether you actively play the game or not really isn't that important. Though the shoot was a bit exhausting, being able to capture her essence through my own interpretation gave me a profound sense of accomplishment.