Chapter 228
Chapter 228
The formation of an artist management team dedicated solely to TeSTAR.
On the surface, it was being handled by the Planning and Coordination Office, but I expected the General Manager to have his hand in it behind the scenes.
‘A guy like him wouldn't miss an opportunity to get involved in something like this.’
Even if the order came down from headquarters, he would have wanted to steer it to suit his own tastes.
That was why I was considering nudging the Management Department again, using the excuse of "coordination" to wedge myself into the process. I was even prepared to accept a few "dead weight" staffers if it meant finding a crack in their defense...
But there was no need for that.
‘They’re just giving it to me.’
—Ah, of course! Naturally, the opinions of the TeSTAR members must be, uh, reflected...
Just by expressing our intent, I received a declaration of surrender. They promised to reflect TeSTAR’s wishes as much as possible in the planning of the dedicated team.
‘What’s going on?’
I wondered how this was even possible, but the answer turned out to be simple.
The signals from this current promotion were just that good.
Only a week had passed since we started, but the response was beyond imagination. It wasn't just about measurable factors like album sales and digital charts; it was the sheer feel of it.
[Is this how you do it...? TeSTAR Call Challenge!]
[Nail Art Tutorial: TeSTAR ‘Call (Nightmare)’ | Added my own custom interpretation! :)]
Even non-fans were popping up everywhere to follow the trends or mention us, and we were being talked about in everyday life and communities that had nothing to do with idols.
YouTube variety shows run by trend-sensitive broadcasting stations were quickly snatching up elements from our music video to use.
To put it in one word:
‘It’s the start of a craze.’
In fact, I felt it on stage as well.
Yesterday, a cultural arts promotion event was broadcast on a major network, and it happened during the live performance.
—Ooh...!
I got the distinct impression that fans of other groups were particularly excited while watching our stage. Even VTIC fans.
In the past, fans of other idols seemed to restrain themselves, giving only a moderate response while watching us. But that hesitation had vanished. It meant a consensus on the trend had already been formed.
Even if idol fans are a demographic closely tied to the internet, for this to happen in just one week...
‘...Of course, our own fans' cheers were beyond the norm, too.’
The memory of the piercing screams and shouts that tore through my in-ears came back to me automatically.
—Kyaaaaak!!
—Aaaaaaaagh!!
Well... that might be due to the nature of the concept.
Regardless, the overall explosion of results and buzz was unusual. It was so significant that the guy standing on stage for the ending of that event started his greeting with these words:
—Congratulations. You’re going to win the Grand Prize, aren't you?
—...I don't know. We'll have to see.
—Haha. What do you mean you don't know?
—....
—It’s obvious which way the wind is blowing.
With those words, Cheong-ryeo headed up to the stage.
‘Damn it.’
I don’t think he’s going to smash my head in with a sledgehammer anymore, but why is that bastard’s head still so messed up?
‘His dog seemed perfectly normal, though.’
Anyway, since his solo results were also in the celestial tier along with his group, he wouldn't be blaming TeSTAR for any slumps.
And honestly... he was right.
‘I think we can actually win the Grand Prize.’
If the promotions continued like this without any controversy, based on our current performance and momentum, a Grand Prize was practically guaranteed at at least one or two ceremonies.
‘Since they usually split the categories into two or three, there’s an opening even if you exclude VTIC’s spot.’
And to summarize all of this in one sentence:
Our market value was skyrocketing.
“Moon-dae, Moon-dae, did you see our ad rates for this time~?”
“Yeah.”
It was double the highest amount we received during the ‘Haengcha’ promotions.
The agency seemed to be picking only high-paying, brand-appropriate deals, but even so, the numbers were ridiculously encouraging.
‘We were already being treated as top-tier during Haengcha, but still.’
Now, talk of being VTIC’s rivals or a "generational shift" was starting to sound credible.
Naturally, the agency was thinking the same thing.
‘This looks like it’ll be a long-term game, so let’s appease them and maintain a good relationship.’
The previous atmosphere—where they tried to squeeze every last drop out of us because our contract renewal was uncertain—had vanished. It would be a waste to only profit off us for five years.
Of course, I expected some bullshit to start as they tried to find weaknesses to hold over us until renewal season, but that was a story for later.
For now, the focus was on the fact that the agency staff were acting like subordinates just to stay on TeSTAR’s good side, even when we were being firm.
‘The fact that I handled the communication issues firmly when Kim Rae-bin was working from home seems to have set a precedent.’
It felt like they were coddling us even regarding the dedicated team, fearing we might throw a tantrum and act out.
As a result, we were able to squeeze an internal group meeting about the dedicated team into our busy promotion schedule.
However, it wasn't particularly productive.
“First... I’d like the people from the AR Team who have worked with us since ‘Magical Boy’ to join us.”
Kim Rae-bin raised his hand high.
“I completely agree with that! And those individuals have also expressed that they would be more than willing to come!”
“...??”
An impromptu spokesperson had suddenly appeared.
“Rae-bin, when did you... um, ask them?”
Kim Rae-bin spoke proudly.
“Actually, as soon as the rumors about the dedicated team started, I spoke with them, and they said they would join!”
“......”
“Rae-bin, you should be careful about security issues...”
“Gasp, I’m sorry! The AR Team brought it up first, so...”
It was like this.
The people who wanted to join had already heard the rumors through the grapevine and finished appealing to the relevant parties. And since the company was trying to make a grand friendly gesture toward TeSTAR, it looked like most things would be approved.
I rubbed my chin.
‘Well, it seems an implicit agreement has already been reached.’
So, there was nothing left to discuss other than demanding the company give us the people they wanted to keep for rookies instead of letting us have the existing working-level staff.
“Right, then let’s tell them we definitely want to work with these people.”
“Yeeep.”
But just as a silence was about to settle, Bae Se-jin spoke up, gauging the atmosphere.
“...Then don't we just need to look at the new hires? Like... you know, doing interviews.”
Oh, that was a fairly sensible opinion.
It was true that we had decided to fill about a third of the dedicated team with new blood. Especially the management staff.
Ryu Cheong-woo nodded.
“Hmm, it would be good to have some time to get to know the new people.”
However, there was a practical problem.
Keun Se-jin spoke up before I could.
“But I don't know if we'll have time for that~ right?”
Exactly.
We barely managed to find time for this meeting; where would we find the time to interview others?
I crossed my arms.
‘At the very least, creating preliminary questions to see if their work style matches ours would take time...’
Ah.
A method I could use came to mind.
I muttered inwardly.
‘Status Window.’
I figured it was time to spin the slot machine again.
‘Hmm, I’d like to pull ‘Sleep is for the Dead’ one more time.’
Or an ability that extends the day to 30 hours... or even an increase in work speed would be good.
First, let’s check my status.
[Name: Park Moon-dae (Ryu Gun-woo)]
Level: 19
Title: None
Vocal: S
Dance: B+
Appearance: A-
Star Quality: A+
Traits: Infinite Potential, Time of Indulgence (S), Bacchus 500 (B), Catchy Ear (A)
!Status Effect: Death if Not an Audience
Remaining Points: 1
‘There was a natural increase.’
It seems overworking my throat paid off, as my S- became an S. No wonder the reviews have been better lately. I can't deny that it feels quite rewarding.
‘Good. Next.’
Other changes... I had one level-up and two trait draws accumulated from pop-ups.
‘It hasn't been that long since the last check.’
Actually, it was impressive to have accumulated this much in just a few months. It just went to show how impactful ‘Spring Out’ and these current promotions were.
So... for now, I’ll leave the points alone and plan to blow the trait draws.
‘It’s a bit funny to call using two draws "blowing" them.’
Last time, I spun it five times and barely managed to get one S at the very end. Still, I knew for sure now.
‘I know you give me the traits I need right now, so cough up something good.’
I stared at the glowing ‘Click’ text on the pop-up window and pressed it while pretending to stretch my arm.
I could finish two spins quickly while these guys were chatting.
The lever in the image spun, and the slots flashed with various colors.
Passing by the candidates I’d seen before... it stopped on a golden slot.
A B-grade.
It might look like an average pull, but reading the text inside the slot would change that thought.
Pop!
[Acquired ‘Bacchus 500 (B)’!]
“......!!”
[Trait: Bacchus 500 (B)]
- Clear mind and a healthy body!
: All fatigue accumulation speed -50%
The fatigue recovery totem I had been using so usefully had appeared again.
And then, a pop-up I had anticipated appeared.
[Duplicate Trait Confirmed!]
Would you like to synthesize ‘Bacchus 500 (B)’?
‘I knew it!’
The time had finally come to strengthen this essential trait...!
I unconsciously clenched my fist.
“M-Moon-dae...?”
“Are you okay?”
I was more than okay; I was fantastic.
“Oh, I’m just really excited and happy thinking about the dedicated team.”
“O-Oh, I see!”
“Wow, he must really be happy. How long has it been since Moon-dae gave such a long answer?”
I didn't need to make any more excuses. Let’s go.
I immediately pressed ‘Yes’.
A circular icon appeared on the status window as if it were loading, and soon, a magnificent fanfare erupted.
[Synthesis Successful!]
Acquired ‘Bacchus 1000 (A)’!
A sharp mind and a sturdy body!
- All fatigue accumulation speed -50%
- All fatigue recovery speed +100%
This is insane.
‘It added a recovery option.’
With this, wouldn't sleeping once every two days be enough?
One thing was for sure: it wouldn't interfere with promotions, and I could squeeze out the time to create interview questions.
‘This is a huge long-term gain.’
As for the backlash during vacations... well, it was always like that, so it didn't matter if it got a bit worse. It’s not like there are permanent aftereffects; I’ll just lie down for about three days. No, since recovery speed increased, I might not even fall apart during vacations anymore.
‘Come to think of it, I didn't get sick during the last break.’
I suspect that taking care of Kim Rae-bin was treated as a type of work, so the status window didn't register it as a vacation.
Anyway, I didn't expect this suspicious game system to spit out something so useful this time.
‘Good.’
I hope it stays this cooperative. I might die at any moment, so it should at least do this much.
I looked at the updated trait window with satisfaction and nodded.
“Moon-dae is nodding now?”
“I-Is he imagining the members of the dedicated team...?”
I’ll count that as close enough.
I was already looking forward to the launch of the dedicated team. More accurately, the effects that the launch would bring.
TeSTAR’s first manager was on his way to work with a scowl.
‘Fuck.’
Work was getting harder because the brats had become arrogant after getting famous. They said idols start mistreating staff once they get "star disease," and that was exactly what was happening.
To make matters worse, some "parachutes" had come in and taken the positions he had worked for, and his chances for promotion had been pushed back.
In his judgment, this was the textbook definition of a shitty entertainment company. The manager was boiling with resentment at this unfair situation, but he was frustrated because he had no way to respond.
‘I just have to endure a little longer.’
In a few days, it would be TeSTAR’s second anniversary. That meant his career would soon hit the two-year mark. Once the digits changed, he planned to take his experience and move to another company as an experienced hire.
‘I’ll stab them all in the back then, damn it.’
Even though he knew about the non-disclosure agreement, the manager shouted to himself and headed to the company half-heartedly.
Because they had been working through the night, TeSTAR was in the company meeting room.
But the moment he entered the lobby...
He was unexpectedly called to the HR department. And there, he heard news that felt like a bolt from the blue.
“What?”
“I mean... I’m not joking. You don't have to come in starting tomorrow.”
It was news of his dismissal.
The manager looked at the team leader in a daze and exchanged a few words, but he soon realized there was no room for negotiation.
“Just pack your things, okay?”
At that, the emotions that had been suppressed by the fear of being fired surged up. It was rage.
“No, Team Leader. What is this... isn't this unfair dismissal?”
The team leader looked like he didn't even want to talk anymore, which further fueled the manager’s anger, but he soon froze stiff at the recording the team leader played.
—Hyung, Rae-bin’s grandmother collapsed, so we’re on our way...
—What? At this hour?
—Yes, you should come ‘at this hour.’ We’re moving now, so please wait nearby as soon as possible.
—...Uh, okay.
And then, a small curse heard as the call ended.
“......”
If TeSTAR hadn't become very famous, or if they didn't have connections to headquarters, or if the manager had his own connections, this might have been overlooked. He might have been able to play it off as being rude because they were close.
But unfortunately for the manager, none of those three were true.
“Yesterday, an artist’s phone cloud was hacked and almost leaked. Do you know that?”
“......Uh, uh.”
“Hey, just... leave quietly. Okay? If this hits the press, you’ll have to leave the country. Look at the atmosphere right now.”
It was a sentence of no recovery.
The manager ended up leaving the company on his own two feet.
And Park Moon-dae, who heard the news upstairs from the gossip-loving AR Team, smirked.
‘Stupid bastard.’
Since high school, he had never once turned off his call recording setting.
‘One down.’
It felt refreshing.
With a body that was running smoothly thanks to his trait, he continued with the next preparations.
‘...The second anniversary.’
June 18th, the day of TeSTAR’s debut, was just around the corner.