Crushing the Audition: A Monster's Gym Debut
I'd decided to go for Top Beast Survival, but there was no way they'd just welcome me with open arms because I wanted in. I had no athletic background, no social media presence, and no connections. My only edge was raw ability. So, to get selected right from the initial application, I needed to stand out big time—something that set me apart, something that would generate buzz and benefit the show.
I grabbed my smartphone and tripod and headed out. I figured I'd get some ideas at a nearby sports center. I paid the day-use fee at the front desk and went inside.
Clang— clang—
I headed first to the gym area, the most basic spot. Even late at night, a few people were sweating it out. The rhythmic clash of weight plates and the thud of barbells hitting the floor filled the air. The metallic tang near the dumbbells and machine handles stirred my blood.
I settled at a nearby machine and lifted a weight I vaguely remembered from before. "Whoa, this feels light."
It used to make my face flush red, but now it was just comfortable. On a whim, I maxed out the weight. There was resistance, but I could handle it. After one set, I pulled out my phone. I'd decided on the video: the three major lifts. I'd felt it while lifting just now.
I thought I was still human-range, but I've already surpassed that.
My strength was over five times what I considered normal, and it felt even more insane up close. I'd deluded myself into thinking my muscles hadn't bulked up grotesquely, so my power couldn't have grown that much. But with my current physique, it should've been way harder—yet it wasn't. My body looked like a physique competitor's, but I had world-class powerlifter strength. This meant stats did more than just enhance physical flesh—they produced power beyond the body itself. Hell, you could call the stats a superpower outright.
Can't go all-out; gotta control it.
Lifting at full power would get me labeled an alien. I wanted admiration and envy, not disgust or suspicion. Around 800kg total for the three majors should do it. I'd heard some famous Korean bodybuilder held a 700kg record, so topping that by 100kg? Precariously monstrous, without crossing into extraterrestrial territory. Plus, it'd spark buzz and boost my selection odds.
"Trainer? Could you help me out?"
"Sure, of course. What do you need?"
"I'm doing the three majors and want to record it on my phone. Could you film for me?"
The trainer in her white tank top and leggings scanned my body, then nodded and started guiding me. She probably would've turned me down if my physique sucked.
"Of course. This way."
She led me to the squat rack. Facing the mirror, I stripped off my shirt. Posing to check my muscles, I caught her eyes sparkling.
"Film from here."
"Y-Yeah..."
I handed her the phone, but she couldn't peel her eyes off my upper body. She liked what she saw—maybe I'd hit on her after filming. First things first: I turned, loaded plates onto the bar. She didn't stop me as I kept stacking, just watched quietly before speaking up.
"Um, you're loading all of those?"
"Yeah, it's personal record day."
She backed off, face unconvinced despite hearing me. No big deal—she'd react differently seeing it done.
"Hup...!"
I squatted. Her worried gaze, fearing I'd hurt myself, turned to shock.
"Did it film okay?"
"Y-Yes!"
She yelped, startled. I crowded close to check the phone. I heard her breath catch beside me. She fixated on my body; I pretended to focus on the video.
"Looks good. Please get the other two."
"Leave it to me!"
We knocked out bench press and deadlift in a flash. Total: exactly 800kg. Honestly, faking strain was harder than lifting. When I wobbled mid-rep acting exhausted, she helped correct my form.
"Incredible! How'd you hit 800 on the three majors... and you're not even a powerlifter?!"
She'd been lukewarm at first, but now she was practically fangirling. I played it cool.
"Not sure if this is enough."
"Huh? No way—800 with that physique is impossible! You want more?"
She stared, baffled. I explained my situation.
"I wanna join Top Beast Survival, but I'm wondering if this footage cuts it."
"Right."
She pondered, then snapped her fingers. Clap!
"Okay! I'll brainstorm an idea you'll love! But in return..."
"In return?"
She stroked my forearm with a sly grin.
"Hang out after I'm done?"
I chuckled. She was making the first move. Must really dig my body.
"Sounds perfect. Lee Min-ho."
"Jung Soo-jin. Call me Soo-jin, oppa."
"Got it, Soo-jin. You too, casual."
I killed time at the desk till her shift ended, browsing the mileage shop. The list was endless. I'd skimmed it in Namhira too, but without details, few items stood out. Still, I had to spend sometime—picked a few in mind.
She approached as she clocked out.
"Follow me, Min-ho oppa."
She took me to the stretching and bodyweight area.
"Strip first."
"My clothes?"
Her face flushed as she yelled.
"Gotta see to know what to do!"
"You already saw everything during the lifts."
I grumbled but grinned, tossing my shirt again. Face-to-face now, she turned tomato-red.
"Phew... Ever trained martial arts or anything?"
"Not sure about martial arts. But this?"
I handstood on the spot.
"Anyone can do th—"
Before she finished, I lifted off the floor with my fingertips. Fingertip handstand.
"Th-That's impressive, but...?!"
I removed another hand. Fingertips only, one hand.
"What?! How?!"
I could've gone fewer fingers, but she'd faint, so I dropped lightly and stood.
"Perfect! This'll work for sure!"
She pulled her phone, showing videos.
"These are calisthenics' toughest moves. Film the handstand, planche, front lever—you'll pass easy! Super famous poses in the community. Low recognition? Visuals and performance make it undeniable!"
Excited, she rapid-fired. Her passion for fitness shone through.
Under her lead, we nailed all the submission videos.
"Filming done!"
"Great job, Soo-jin. Thanks a ton."
"You owe me now~. If you make it, big dinner on you."
She winked.
"Oh, oppa—who's on the show?"
"Deadline's not even up. How'd I know?"
She shook her head.
"Civilians don't, but YouTubers and fitness influencers do—it's half-set."
"Not my scene."
I scratched my head; she tilted hers.
"Someone like you should've heard through the grapevine..."
"Complicated."
Until recently, I'd been a shut-in—no contacts. Fitness influencers? Not on my radar pre-transformation.
"Fine, I'll spill basics!"
"Thanks. Save details for if I get in?"
"Sure... Huh?"
She looked up, me pressed close. Her blue-tinged eyes trembled.
"So... I'm all warmed up right now. You?"