Part 1.

Deep in the Forest of Angry Snake, there was a peaceful and beautiful field of colorful flowers. More than that - it was a sea of flowers; they were everywhere you can see. 

But, if someone was able, like me, view that field from hundreds of meters in the sky, then he would notice something interesting. 

In that sealike field, the words are written by flattening some of the flowers:

"Please notice me, Author-senpai!"

...

In the center of the word "me", a handsome young man kneeled in prayer. Eyes closed and hands clasped, he repeated over and over again:

"Make me the protagonist, please. Make me the protagonist, please. Make me the protagonist, please. Make me the protagonist, please. Make me the protagonist, please. Make me the protagonist, please..."

How many hours, or rather days, he already was like this? I'm not sure (in fact, I know), but it seems he doesn't plan to stop in the near future. 

The man was of average build, but anyone can see his extraordinariness just from a glance. Shoulder long, fiery orange hair gently danced in the breeze while his pointed ears clearly exposed his non-human origin. Though his clothes were plain (to say the least), the invisible aura surrounding him was that of a supreme being. 

Even so, only chosen few would be able to guess his true origin - the Demon Lord Belial. The one who was supposed to fall exactly one hundred years ago - slayed by the Hero and his party (harem full of beauties, of course). 

"Make me the protagonist, please. Make me the protagonist, please. Make me the protagonist, please..."

Or, rather than being slain by the Hero... he fell under the hands of the Protagonist. And, the Demon Lord knows it. Thanks to the book that can be found lying on the ground near him. It was ambiguously named "The Shocking Truth about our Multiworld! The revelation that brings both Hope and Despair!". 

The book was opened at the pages that described the self-made ritual that is supposed to make you the protagonist - a chosen hero, invincible among his peers, thanks to the almighty power of the Plot Armor. 

This book wasn't some hidden supreme hidden manual, no. Instead, it was a commonly known "piece of fiction". A famous book that is so absurd that it is funny. So bad, that it is good. Scholars and sages around the world quoted the book when they wanted to make fun of their opponent.

"Your thesis is so entertaining. Maybe you'll also claim that our reality is just a fiction existing to entertain lifeforms of a Higher Dimension? Hahaha!"

"Your argument is so solid, professor. As solid as the fact that our reality can be influenced by the so-called authors of the Higher Dimension! *wink-wink*." 

Even among mighty warriors quoting this masterpiece is a must when provoking their opponent. 

"Oh, you are so strong and powerful! Maybe you are the protagonist? Perhaps you are protected by the Plot Armor? Ah, so scary!"

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

"Wow, girl - you are so beautiful, but at the same time smart and can fight well. You even challenged me without any fear! Could it be... your name is Mary Sue? Let's stop fighting then, add me to your reverse-harem; I'll make you feel very good, hehe!"

Of course, the Demon Lord isn't some naive kid. Though young, as a representative of the Supreme Race and master of magic, both his intelligence and wisdom are placed at the top of the world. He wouldn't believe such nonsense if he didn't experience it firsthand. 

As one of the most powerful and talented beings ever existed, the Ruler of all Demons, how can he be defeated by some nobody? How can his minions be subdued one by one, never able to kill a small fry who is much weaker than they are? Why he ignored that adversary for so long? Why was that so-called Hero able to avoid certain death over and over again, completely ruining his plans? 

After being reborn, the Demon Lord became obsessed with finding out the reason for his defeat. And, unexpectedly, this book, dismissed by masses, gave him the only possible explanation. 

Now, just a few months after his life started anew, he gambled everything on his only chance of getting his revenge. And then, he will set to achieve his life mission - world domination! Make the whole Triplescape obey him. Become the legitimate Ruler of all 333 Worlds!

"Make me the protagonist, please. Make me the protagonist, please. Make me the protagonist, please..."

He continued the ritual without knowing that its purpose was already achieved. I'm already here. You are already here. 

I can reveal the truth to him at any moment, but is there any reason to do it so soon? Let's make it a challenge! I want to see when he is going to give up. Maybe his extraordinary body can sustain itself without food and water for years, but what about his willpower? How long should it take him to accept the failure? 

He isn't the first person to try this method. There a lot of desperate people, as well as the hidden cult of those who take this book as their Gospel. Alas, not everyone can become the protagonist. 

First of all, you need a sad backstory, tragic past! Then, a meaningful motivation, aspiration, or dream. It would be best if you also were either relatable, unique, or both. And then, some luck is required as well. Not the luck in the status window, but something more transcendental. The fate of the protagonist! The main foundation of the undefeatable Plot Armor. 

And I deem this young supreme being completely qualified. He suffered more than anyone else (it is a lie, though). His determination and willpower are incomparable to ordinary people (that is the truth). He is also extremely attractive (all hail the harem!). What can go wrong? 

...

It was ten minutes after I started to observe my chosen protagonist in his fruitless actions. Suddenly, he stopped his prayers. 

What happened? Is he already gave up? Was I wrong in my choice? Should I find someone else? 

(Un)fortunately, my doubts didn't last for long. The young man looked around everywhere and then yelled as loud as he can.

"You are already here, Mr. Author?! I can feel it. I know you are here! The Audience is here as well?! Do you guys think it is interesting to see me making a fool out of myself?! Come out! Talk to me already, dammit!" 

How is this possible? I'm the freaking Author! He is just a fictional character. How can he find my existence? It doesn't make sense. Or maybe it does? 

What came first, the chicken or the egg? It is this type of question. Is my imagination as the Author created that world, or information from it is sent to me from that dimension?

Do Authors create fictional realms and make them real? Or those realms independently exist until we connect to them and start to change the reality of its inhabitants? 

If you believe that "The Shocking Truth about our World! The revelation that brings both Hope and Despair!" book, then both that world and everyone who lives here is real. But we - the Author and the Readers, influence this world by our unwanted intervention. Then again, why should I believe it? Maybe that book is just a creation of my imagination?

Well, whatever. Let's wait and see if he keeps the act.

Not surprisingly, after shouting for a few more minutes, the young man continued to beg as if nothing happened.

"Make me the protagonist, please. Make me the protagonist, please. Make me the protagonist, please..."

Yep, you can't outsmart me. I'm the fucking Author here, you imaginary rascal! No one can be smarter than me in my own creation, bitch!