Originally, everyone thought that those who managed to snag the armored cosplay outfits would have to wait at least one or two months to receive their orders.
But just a day later, a video of someone cosplaying as Durandal popped up on Douyin.
The uploader? A female influencer with over a million followers.
In the video, a tall girl donned the Bright Knight: Excelsis armor and wielded Black Abyss, White Flower. She clumsily spun the weapon in an attempt at a flashy flourish.
The girl was decently attractive with a great figure—though her aura was on the softer side.
"Hehe~ I bet you're all wondering how I managed to get my hands on this so quickly, right?"
In the video, she grinned smugly and gave the "weapon" in her hand a playful swing.
"To be honest, I was surprised too. The client told me this was part of a pre-release batch of armor made in advance."
"Turns out my height and measurements matched almost perfectly with this particular set, and coincidentally, I live in the same city as the factory. So I got it the next day~"
After speaking, she did a twirl, showing off the armor's appearance.
The fabric and faux-metal materials were flawlessly combined.
The fit was perfect for her figure.
"Honestly, when I got it, I was completely blown away. Seeing that armor pod in person—it felt like I'd crossed over into the world of Honkai!"
"Oh, and there's an immersive unboxing segment at the end of the video~"
After saying that, she struck a few more poses for the camera.
Throughout the recording, her smile never once faded.
It was clear—she absolutely adored this armor set.
"It's really amazing… doesn't hinder movement at all. Looks like matte-finished metal, but it's not heavy in the slightest."
"Even a girl like me can wear it all day without feeling tired…"
"Anyway, gotta go out again for another round."
"Embarrassing? No way! Can you even imagine the looks of awe, the requests for selfies from both guys and girls?"
"Way more attention-grabbing than driving a luxury car."
"Oh right, I might go live tonight too. If you wanna watch, hit that follow~"
The girl faded from the screen at the 2:06 mark.
But right after, the music changed dramatically.
Still in her home, a large delivery package stood silently in the living room.
With the new music playing, the girl slowly began unboxing—removing the wooden frame, opening the cardboard, taking out the foam...
And the moment the armor pod was revealed, countless viewers went wild.
The ambient lighting was just right—not harsh or flashy, but enough to showcase the armor's dominating presence.
The girl walked circles around the armor pod, filming it with her phone.
And with that, the video ended.
It had already amassed over 8 million likes, with a million comments and counting.
[Holy crap, this armor is way more accurate than I expected!]
[The girl's cute and all, but she's no match for Dudu Goose.]
[LMAO you want to see Dudu Goose on camera? Go tag Mihoyo then.]
[Is this a marketing stunt by Mihoyo...?]
[Bro, if Mihoyo wanted a promo, they'd be hiring celebrities. Tons of people wanna collab with them right now.]
[Honestly, I'm blown away. Was on the fence about buying it, but now I'm seriously tempted.]
[Better think about your wallet first~]
[Even if I never wear it, just having it at home is satisfying enough… (drools)]
...
Of course, beyond regular user comments, many influencers chimed in as well.
Even some celebs with Douyin accounts admitted they were super jealous.
Thanks to this one video, the girl's follower count exploded—gaining over a million new fans.
Spending a little over 100,000 yuan and gaining a million followers...
Even if she didn't like the armor, it was a totally worthwhile investment.
The outcome left many influencers envious—and eager to get in on the action.
Soon, the internet was flooded with people offering to buy armored cosplay suits at high prices.
But almost no one was willing to sell.
Aside from the armored suits, videos featuring fabric-based cosplays began to appear.
Fallen Rosemary, Eden, Elysia...
Tons of cosplayers started posting.
Whether the cosplays were good or bad, most gained a decent following.
For a while, the entire short video community was caught up in the frenzy.
Girls had a chance to shine.
Boys? A feast for the eyes.
...
After several days of buzz, the Honkai cosplay trend finally started to fade.
But the hype remained sky-high.
Until today—when another announcement caught everyone's attention.
Genshin Impact's Version 1.2 Preview Livestream—scheduled for 8 PM tonight.
At this moment, inside Mihoyo Studios...
A few girls were sitting together, scrolling through Douyin.
Hu Tao watched for a while before putting her hands on her hips, grinning smugly:
"Tch~ what's the big deal? I'd rather just watch Sister Durandal directly~"
"Hehe~ Living at the studio is such a blessing. Not only do I get to see Dudu Goose and Rita every day—I even get to hug them~"
"Ahem… Elysia, I'm Durandal… not Dudu Goose…"
"I think 'Dudu Goose' is adorable~ Hu Tao thinks so too, right~?"
Hu Tao nodded furiously.
Mo Li just quietly watched from the side.
Girls' conversations were always amusing.
Just then, Rita entered gracefully.
She was dressed in her in-game S-rank armor—Vermilion Knight: Eclipse.
A mix of elegance and valor.
Mo Li couldn't help but sigh to herself: "As expected of my Tower Sis… She looks good in anything."
Rita smiled. "Ladies, Boss Mo Li, it's almost time for the livestream~"
"Everything set up?"
Rita nodded. "Yes, we're ready. Boss, you'd better go change now~"
Hearing that, the girls put their phones away and headed toward the livestream room.
Mo Li didn't waste time either, going to change into Otto's outfit.
Though it was titled a Genshin 1.2 Preview Livestream, the real spotlight was arguably on Honkai Impact 3rd.
Genshin's new update only added Hu Tao and Childe's banners.
But Honkai's content was much richer.
A new side story featuring Durandal, titled the visual novel "Durandal: Inheritance."
The main storyline's Chapter 25 was also incoming.
Plus, there was a concept PV for Elysian Realm, and a teaser trailer for the new story arc, "Pre-Apocalypse."
Otto, long missing, would return in a brand-new form.
Which was exactly why Mo Li was dressing up as him.
Though the stream hadn't started yet, viewers had already gathered—both domestic and international.
The girls were all set.
And not long after, Mo Li—now in costume—slowly opened the door.
The girls lit up at the sight.
Otto's signature long golden hair had been swapped for a shorter style.
His black-and-white ensemble was perfectly tailored.
"Is everyone ready?"
Rita immediately played along. "Yes, Overseer. All preparations are complete~"
"Very good~"
Mo Li chuckled. "Then let's begin... this preview livestream."
Under the eager anticipation of countless players, the livestream finally started.
The background was the same as last time.
But the people who appeared—a new Otto, Hu Tao...
And—
[HOLY—It's Tower Sis!!]
[RITA'S IN THE STREAM TOO! Ahhh she's gorgeous~~]
[Real-life Tower Sis looks way better than any cosplay!]
[Hall Master, are you entering the banner this time?]
[Hall Master, can I buy a plan from you?]
[Bro above... chill]
[OTTO, DRAW YOUR SWORD!]
[Otto's outfit changed! Still hot tho—AHEM. Otto, draw your sword!]
The audience was hyped, but tradition is tradition.
"Otto, draw your sword" had to be shouted.
Mo Li stood like Otto, stroking his chin with a playful smile, looking at the comments.
"Welcome to Otto's Lecture Hall… hmm, no wait, this is the Genshin 1.2 Preview Livestream~"
"As usual, we'll first show you the new Genshin character demo… and then everyone's favorite…"
"Primogem redemption codes~"
"Of course, we've also got news about Honkai Impact 3rd."
Rita chuckled softly. "Overseer, it seems what players are most excited about… is when you'll finally show your HP bar~"
"No rush. I'll be showing my HP bar very soon…"
Before Mo Li could finish, Hu Tao interrupted, impatient:
"Boss boss, introduce me first~"
She proudly placed her hands on her hips, beaming with joy.
Mo Li laughed. "Alright~"
"Let's now meet the one and only…"
"Teyvat's #1 Pyro DPS!"
The girls smoothly cut to the character demo.
Genshin Impact Character Demo – "Hu Tao: Let the Living Beware"
The scene opened in the eerie Wuwang Hill, paired with a mischievous and spooky tune.
A shivering Treasure Hoarder appeared on-screen, nervously muttering, "Bro… are you sure this is the place? It gives me the creeps… you sure there's treasure here?"
"Of course! This is from Sister Bao'er's map. Just follow it and we'll be fine," replied his more composed companion.
Then the camera cut to a wide shot.
A sudden clang of a gong, and a figure sprinted across the screen—startling the cowardly one.
"Wait… bro…"
"Did you… hear something…?"
The calm one sighed, "Dude, grow up. Stop being so jumpy…"
Before he could finish, a pair of fair legs flashed across the screen.
Then a cute, ghost-like white blob floated silently behind them.
With a goofy smile, it looked like it was greeting them.
The two turned—and screamed.
Even the ghost made a surprised face.
The playful music kicked in.
As the ghost floated away, Hu Tao's artwork appeared:
[Hu Tao]
[Fragrance in the Frost]
[77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor]
A lively girl. A haunted hillside. A ghost. Add a playful soundtrack? Utterly adorable.
"Bro…"
"Let's get her!"
Realizing it wasn't a ghost, the hoarders charged.
Hu Tao gave them a sly wink and licked her lips with a cheeky giggle.
Instant fan-killer moment.
[WTF!! Hall Master is SO CUTE!!]
[Teyvat's #1 Pyro DPS? I'm ALL IN]
[Even if she HEALS enemies, I'm still pulling!]
[Hall Master, step on me!!]
Bullet comments flooded the screen.
In the video, Hu Tao brandished Staff of Homa, showing off a chaotic spear style.
[Yeet]
[Oof]
She easily dispatched the hoarders.
Then, cut to Hu Tao with hands in prayer, fire burning behind her.
"Order and chaos… life and death… let this butterfly flame… guide your soul~"
Suddenly, Fatui Skirmishers appeared.
"Sigh~ So many boring people…"
"I've lost interest in pranks. Let's just get this over with."
She twirled her spear, activated her Elemental Skill—glowing butterfly mark and all.
Then, a surprise:
Qiqi peeked out from behind a tree.
"Zombie… are you scared?"
And then—the burst.
"Well-fed, well-rested… safe travels~"
A ghost sprang from her ring, and she swung it around like a hammer.
The ghost's terrified face and question-mark-filled expression were hilarious.
Final shots: Hu Tao's heavy attack pose, then her adorable Daoist-style "Wangsheng Seal" hand sign.
Fans were done.
The music faded.
Hu Tao sat on a rock, waving at the retreating enemies.
"Safe travels~"
Then the Genshin logo appeared.
Just when everyone thought it was over, Hu Tao popped her head out from under the logo.
Hands raised like claws, she let out a "scary" sound.
But it was so playful, it came off more like she was flirting with the audience than scaring them.
[CAN'T HANDLE THIS… TOO CUTE…]
[Hall Master!! Are you trying to scare us, or melt our hearts!?]
[This is totally a moe attack QAQ]
[Damn you Mihoyo… I'm broke again…]
[I just bought the cosplay, but… I'm hopelessly in love with the Hall Master sob]
[She's Teyvat's top Pyro DPS… How do I not pull!?]
With just one character demo, Mihoyo had once again emptied countless wallets.
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