First Audition (3)
[Hello everyone~ Viewers, the day has finally arrived. It's the first round of auditions for VTuber Academy, where we'll write new legends!]
A total of 95,000 viewers. The first audition to select virtual idols kicked off in grand style.
I placed a box of chicken, its savory aroma wafting strongly, right in front of my laptop to match the vibe. My heart was already racing. Sure, seeing Rie on such a huge stage was thrilling, but with all these unique hakko streamers bound to appear, my pulse quickened even more. And this time, pretty much every famous VTuber had joined in. With a massive agency kicking off the content, the competition was fierce.
The host and organizer of the stream, in avatar form, spread their arms wide.
As expected from the top domestic streamer who dominated with diverse content. Quick pacing is what everyone craves. He nailed people's desires perfectly.
Anyway, the audition began, and the screen shifted. Now it showed three judges seated at their panel.
Alfa, Korea's most famous streamer. Chiming in was Uta, the composer and lyricist behind nearly every VTuber song in the industry lately.
Gur was also a big name, dubbed the "mother of VTuber avatars" with her massive company.
The format was simple: The three judges hold up signs for pass or fail. Majority pass advances to round two; otherwise, elimination. Each also had a one-time wildcard—a super pass to force-advance anyone. Just one shot, of course.
With the goal of cultivating the ultimate virtual idol group, the production values were insane: top-tier map quality, celebrity judges, hordes of staff overseeing everything. Honestly, I never imagined it'd be this big... Rie was already making me worry.
Alfa cleared his throat and spoke.
The curtain at the contestant spot parted, revealing the first one.
Cat ears and sharp fangs stood out on the avatar. Definitely unique.
Gur seemed hooked on the distinctive design.
Even as a mere viewer, it gave me chills; Alfa looked even more put off.
CandyNyang hesitated, then struck a pose with hands up to her chin.
She cleared her throat. As the ballad backing track started, her animal ears twitched to the rhythm. Surprisingly, it was a ballad. Her elegant voice filled the air, matching the melody perfectly. Honestly... she sang like a pro. Hearing such graceful notes from that cute voice was disorienting. I let out an involuntary gasp of admiration, and the chat exploded.
As CandyNyang finished, the judges huddled briefly, nodded, and spoke.
Alfa, naturally, grabbed the mic.
Alfa trailed off with a hmm. CandyNyang's ears trembled, fists clenched.
Focus on character over song, huh. He passed the mic to Uta.
Her droopy ears perked up. Different judges, different views—keeps it fun. Last was Gur.
Her perked ears drooped again, and CandyNyang left dejectedly.
Damn... brutal. Rie's out for sure, right? I prepped a consolation track in an email draft. Even if I believed in her, physics said no. This was pro-show level difficulty.
I sighed, and out came a girl fanning her mouth with a fan.
Blonde hair cascading over an antique dress, exuding dignity. Petite but radiating presence. Rena. A near-top-tier VTuber between mid-tier and corporate giants.
Chat exploded as she appeared.
Gur snapped her fan shut, leaning in hard—worlds apart from CandyNyang.
A classy backing track fit her antique vibe. Veteran rookie lived up to the hype—no flaws Alfa called out. Perfect concept-song fusion.
The judges clapped; Alfa grabbed the mic first.
Rena swallowed audibly—even I heard it.
Her voice flushed with joy before steadying. Uta clapped pre-mic, passing gladly; Gur stomped excitedly, thumbs up.
Unanimous pass. Rena clenched her fists, savoring quietly.
I gripped my mouse hard watching Rena exit. Skill, confidence, character—flawless. My vision darkened more.
Han Seol's turn. She fiddled with her ribbon headband, her blue eyes gleaming.