“To Be Hero X” Episode 14, titled “Impromptu Attack” or “Impromptu Counterattack,” marked a pivotal turning point in the ongoing Chinese donghua series, concluding the “Loli Arc” and laying the groundwork for the subsequent “Ghostblade Arc.” Released on Sunday, July 6, 2025, the episode delivered a blend of intense action and significant plot revelations, reshaping the understanding of the series’ core power system.
Loli’s Emergence and the Glimmer Lab Assault
The episode primarily centers on Loli, the intelligent and aspiring 6th-ranked hero, as she confronts the formidable DJ Shindig, a former top-ranked hero. DJ Shindig launches a destructive assault on the highly secure Glimmer Lab with the clear intention of acquiring a newly discovered, mysterious substance known as “Fear.” This substance, extracted following an incident at an orphanage a year prior, possesses the ability to manipulate individuals through music, compelling them into uncontrollable “party animal” states.
Loli dons her innovative prototype armor, showcasing her engineering prowess and determination to act as a true hero. Her battle against DJ Shindig is a highlight, demonstrating her resilience and the unique capabilities of her newly designed suit. Despite her inexperience in direct combat compared to a seasoned hero like Shindig, Loli manages to neutralize his manipulative powers.
The Game-Changing Alien Revelation
A central and profound revelation in Episode 14 is Loli’s immunity to both the series’ fundamental “Trust”-based powers and the newly introduced “Fear” substance. This immunity is attributed to her prototype armor, which incorporates an alien metal. This extraordinary material, originating from a crashed alien spaceship, possesses properties that effectively block the effects of both Trust and Fear, thereby disrupting the established power dynamics within the “To Be Hero X” universe. The existence of aliens and their advanced technology fundamentally alters the scope and stakes of the ongoing conflicts, suggesting a universe far larger and more complex than previously imagined.
The episode delves into the corporate and scientific intrigue surrounding “Fear.” Professor Luo, Loli’s father, is deeply involved in the research of this substance at the Glimmer Lab. His concern for Loli’s safety as she pursues her heroic aspirations is evident, creating a personal dimension to the unfolding chaos. During the crisis, Nuonuo, a character previously hinted at being stalked, also plays a role in assisting Loli, further intertwining various subplots.
Unseen Heroics and Future Implications
While Loli successfully defeats DJ Shindig and demonstrates her heroic capabilities, the episode subtly highlights the complexities of hero recognition in a world driven by “Trust Value.” Loli’s heroic actions at the Glimmer Lab are largely unseen by the wider public, with no livestreaming or public engagement to boost her “Trust Value.” This raises questions about her path to becoming a publicly recognized superhero and how she might ascend through the ranks, especially as Ghostblade, the 5th-ranked hero, arrives on the scene to “clean up” after the battle, potentially receiving the public credit.
Episode 14 effectively ties up the “Loli Arc” by showcasing her mettle and introducing critical new elements such as the “Fear” substance and the alien technology. Simultaneously, it sets the stage for the subsequent “Ghostblade Arc,” with Ghostblade’s formal introduction into the narrative. The revelations about alien materials and their impact on hero powers promise a universe-altering conflict, inviting viewers to question the true nature of heroism and the unseen forces at play within the series.
“To Be Hero X” is a Chinese original donghua and the third installment in the “To Be Hero” anthology. It premiered on Fuji Television and other channels on April 6, 2025, and is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll and Bilibili Global. The series is expected to run for a total of 24 episodes.
