Chapter 99
Chapter 99
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Chapter: 99
Chapter Title: The weight of the crown (1)
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The waiting room for the music show 'Music Bank.'
EverPlanet was currently on standby.
"Wah, there are so many people today."
"It's the end-of-year special, so all the popular groups are here."
As it was a special episode, the hallway was crowded with idols in flashy outfits.
Among them, our members stood out with their unique 'Planet Guardian' concept outfits.
"Ha Jae, you nervous?"
Park Su-rim asked, patting my shoulder.
"A little. It's a live broadcast, after all."
"Don't worry. You'll do fine like always."
I took a deep breath.
Today was important. We were performing a special remix version of our title track.
But more than that, something else was bothering me.
[System Notification: Unexpected Glitch Detected.]
[Attempting to stabilize...]
Those weird system messages had been popping up in my vision since morning.
Glitch? What glitch?
"Standby! EverPlanet, you're up next!"
The PD's shout cut through my thoughts.
"Let's go!"
"One, two, three! We are EverPlanet!"
We did our chant and headed to the stage.
The cheers from the audience were deafening.
Seeing the fans waving our lightsticks calmed my nerves a bit.
Music start.
Dun-dun-dun!
The strong beat hit, and my body moved automatically.
Right arm up, turn, kick.
Perfect synchronization.
But then, during the second verse dance break...
As I moved to the center for my solo part...
Zzzzt!
A strange static noise rang in my ears, not from the speakers, but inside my head.
[Error! Synchronization rate dropping!]
[Warning: Character 'Ha Jae' instability increasing.]
My vision wavered for a split second.
The stage lights looked distorted, like broken pixels.
I stumbled slightly but managed to regain my balance immediately.
'Focus! Get it together!'
I gritted my teeth and continued the choreography.
Thankfully, no one seemed to notice the momentary slip.
I poured more power into the next move to cover it up.
"Haa... Haa..."
By the time the song ended, I was panting harder than usual.
Cold sweat trickled down my back.
"Good job! That was great!"
The members hugged each other as we walked off stage.
"Jae, you okay? You looked a bit pale for a second there."
Lee Jae-oh, sharp as ever, asked quietly.
"Yeah, just a momentary dizziness. I'm fine now."
"Be careful. Don't push yourself too hard."
I nodded, but my mind was racing.
The system... what is happening to it?
And what did it mean by "Character instability"?
Back in the waiting room, I checked the status window again.
Everything looked normal now.
But that ominous feeling wouldn't go away.
"Ha Jae, phone call for you."
Manager Hwang handed me my phone.
"It's CEO Oh."
"Hello, CEO?"
- Jae-ya, great stage. I watched the broadcast.
"Thank you."
- But... did something happen? You seemed a beat late in the middle.
"Ah... you saw that?"
- I have sharp eyes. Just checking if you're hurt.
"No, I'm fine. Just a slip."
- Okay. Rest up. We have a big schedule tomorrow.
I hung up and sighed.
Even a split-second mistake gets noticed.
The weight of being an idol... no, the weight of this 'Second Life' was getting heavier.
[System stabilization complete.]
[Reward for overcoming glitch: Mental Strength +1]
A reward for a glitch?
This system really is unpredictable.
I stared at the blue window floating in the air, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety.
Whatever this "Glitch" is, I have a feeling it's not the last time I'll see it.
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