Chapter 113
Translator 8uhl
Chapter 113
Chapter Title Claiming the Throne
A whirlwind of emotions surged through me in an instant.
First came the joy of having my debut confirmed.
The firstplace candidate announcement meant one of us was number one and the other number two.
In essence, Song Hyeongbin and I were locked in as debut members.
I had seized this second chance perfectly after ten years of grueling struggle.
I had turned the dream I had once given up ondespite longing for it so longback into reality.
Second, I realized that the number one throne, which had been drawing my gaze more and more lately, was now truly within arms reach.
The Grand Quest Sagas directive had simply been Successfully debut.
But returning to the most intense period of my life, reigniting my passion for idols, had sparked growing ambition.
I wasnt sure if it was the crown princes ego blending with mine.
Still, a desire welled up I wanted to be the one sitting on that shining throne in the end.
If I could just beat Song Hyeongbin in votes here.
I would claim that throne with pride.
As my mind swirled with all these feelings.
Lets go, Karis.
Song Hyeongbin lightly tapped my arm, pulling me back to reality.
. . . Yeah.
As I slowly stepped down from the platform, I heard cheers erupting from my remaining fellow trainees behind me.
You guys are both awesome!
Congratulations!
Karis, pull off one last dramatic reversal!
Now that its come to this, go all the way to number one, Song Hyeongbin!
Karis hyungnim!
Youre too cool, Karisnim!
Yu Minha and Hashimoto Kens voices stood out especially.
I glanced back sharply, looking at the two trainees cheering fervently with applause.
. . . Those guys are consistent from start to finish.
It touched me deeply that they were celebrating so sincerely, even though it wasnt about them.
I smiled back at them, wishing them luck in my heart.
I headed toward the stage with Song Hyeongbin and Choi Sia.
As I walked the long runway, slowly taking in my surroundings.
Kids, congrats so muchhhh!
Karis is so handsomeeee!
Number one! Number one this time for sure!
The bright music filling the gym meant I couldnt catch every word from the National Producers, but phrases with my name rang clearly in my ears now and then.
The energy from the audience seats that I hadnt fully felt while pouring everything into the performance.
The sincere shouts of fans calling my name at the top of their lungs.
This outpouring of emotions directed solely at me filled my chest with an indescribable feeling.
It feels like I lived just to witness this moment with my own eyes.
Countless gazes looking up at me.
People going wild over my every move.
Even as the crown prince in Grand Quest Saga, I had seen scenes like this often.
But back then, there was no real connectionjust delivering necessary words and turning away.
I couldnt savor the joy of locking eyes with precious fans and breathing in sync like now.
As I slowly turned my head, meeting the eyes of the National Producers standing right below the stage one by one.
One slogan caught my eye particularly.
Republic of Korea! Switch to Constitutional Monarchy with Karis
From consistently checking online reactions, I knew fans called me Suanim.
Seeing that fan chant always felt strangely fitting, like they knew where I came from and what Id been through.
But seeing a banner like that in person made me feel like the fans truly revered me like a prince.
Another phrase caught my eye.
The time Karis dreamed of
It perfectly captured my longing to stand right here.
The moment of debut I had always dreamed of.
In the past, I had tasted failure from this very spot.
It was also where I decided to give up the idol dream I had clung to through solitary trials.
But when I cleared Grand Quest Saga and God asked for my wish, I felt it more clearly than ever.
I hadnt given up on the dreamI had given up on my pathetic self.
Given a second chance, I vowed to reclaim the dream I truly wanted.
I arrived at the base of the stairs where the confirmed debut trainees sat.
Song Hyeongbin took the left side of the stage, I the right, and we each received our mics.
The first question went to Song Hyeongbin.
Trainee Song Hyeongbin, youve held onto number one all the way to the third ranking announcement, solidly defending the throne. Do you think you can keep that top spot until the very end today?
Honestly, at first, it didnt feel real at all. But seeing that 1 next to my name over and over, even I started getting greedy. So . . . since Ive made it back here today, I really want to finish as number one to the end.
And conversely, trainee Karis.
The moment my name was called, an enormous roar exploded from the audience.
The National Producers had cheered similarly when Song Hyeongbins face appeared on the big screen.
But when my turn came, it sounded even louder.
Starting from eighth in the first ranking announcement, youve charged up fiercely to stand shouldertoshoulder with trainee Song Hyeongbin now. How would you describe your feelings in a word or two?
My feelings right now.
I gripped the mic and let a brief silence fall.
After organizing my thoughts on what to say, I opened my mouth and spoke slowly.
Ive thought every day about one day sitting on that throne up there. To have the chance to make that realits unbelievable, and Im truly happy. And . . . since this is a onceinalifetime moment, I want to be the star of it.
I had never said something so direct before.
Hearing my ambition right beside him, Song Hyeongbin flashed the brightest smile Id seen from him all day.
Choi Sia, conducting the interview, smiled meaningfully and asked me.
Your opponent is trainee Song Hyeongbin, who hasnt yielded that throne once. Im curious if you two have any words for each other.
Words for each other.
I met Song Hyeongbins gaze for a moment.
When I joined Idol Training Simulation in Han Jihyuks body, I hadnt built any real bonds with the top three.
But this round was different.
In the second team battle, Song Hyeongbin showed trust in me and worked hard for an even better stage.
To build up the leadership skills he felt he lacked.
He could have grown arrogant from his number one spot, but he stayed humble and successfully led the team.
At first, seeing his overwhelming stats at the level test, I had doubted if I could even stand with him.
Now, here we were, dueling for the number one throne.
Just standing here with hyungnim is a huge honor for me. Youve worked so hard all this time.
During this survival, there were so many times I thought it would have been so much harder without Karis. Im really glad you were by my side, and lets keep pushing together.
As we exchanged warm words, the National Producers responded with resounding cheers.
Choi Sia waited briefly for the cheers to die down, then heralded the arrival of judgment day.
Now, between these two trainees, who will claim the glory of debut as the final rounds number one?
The BGM shifted again.
Faster and more pulsepounding than the previous grand melody, it echoed through the gym.
Song Hyeongbin closed his eyes again and bit his lip tightly.
I straightened my posture, gazing straight ahead with unwavering focus.
The protagonist of that fate is!
Choi Sia dragged it out, as expected.
Song Hyeongbin and I held our poses without moving, but the National Producers, eagerly awaiting the result, clenched their fists in anticipation.
As the tension in the gym peaked.
Congratulations! Its Karis von Walden!
My name rang out, deciding the thrones owner.
The fans, who had been holding their breath, unleashed the biggest roar of the day all at once.
Congrats, Karis!
The announcement barely finished before Song Hyeongbin rushed over and pulled me into a tight hug.
With all tension released at last, he grinned innocently and pounded my back repeatedly.
You did itreally well! You worked so damn hard!
You too, hyungnimtruly.
For anyone else, I might not hand over that throne so happily, but for you, Karis? Yeah, I can.
Youre too kind
I mean it.
There was real weight behind Song Hyeongbins final words.
You worked harder than anyone.
We all worked hard equally.
And like I said earlier, I really couldnt have made it this far without your help.
His status ailment, Indecisive.
By removing that, Song Hyeongbin had shown leadership at key moments throughout Idol Training Simulation.
And he was crediting it all to me.
I smiled subtly and patted his back.
Heres to the future.
Same to you.
As we returned to our spots, Choi Sia congratulated me and asked for my thoughts.
Congratulations, trainee Karis. Joining Celest as the final ranking number onecant not hear your feelings on this.
. . . Yes.
I gripped the mic tighter than ever.
Or my hands might have trembled slightly.
The first thing I need to say is simple. To all the National Producers around the world who believed in me unwaveringly and cheered me onthank you so much.
As I bowed deeply, the gym filled once more with hot cheers.
Noticing my instinctive step back, I chuckled inwardly in resignation.
Even to the end, this crown prince habit doesnt change.
I said this at the first ranking announcement and the ones that followed The only way to prove the love from you National Producers wasnt wasted is through my performances. I held onto that and kept pushing, which is why I stand here todayand why I can repay your faith.
A person keeps their word to the end.
Thats the duty a crown prince must always uphold.
I had a dream of climbing to the highest place. And today, that dream came true. You believed in Karis to the end, sent unwavering love to the endthats how I could achieve it.
Back when I aimed not just for debut, but to win final number one and claim the throne.
After coming back so arduously, wouldnt it be okay to sit there once? As the crown princes body, isnt that throne the most fitting spot? Id thought that.
And now, that brilliant wish had become reality.
I absolutely couldnt have reached here alone. It was thanks to every trainees effort, sweat, and passion. This beautiful memory we 96 created together will stay deep in my heart forever. To the judges, stage directors, staff who helped us finish this journey. And to my alwayspresent friends and National Producersthank you again.
With every word I spoke, the fans showered endless cheers of support.
This sensation of everyone revering me.
Engulfing the beautiful sight with my eyes, I wrapped up my thoughts with thankyous in Estonian and English.
As Song Hyeongbin shared his feelings in a voice thick with emotion.
A golden message window appeared.
Congratulations, Possessor! You have cleared the Grand Quest, Debut Within 365 Days.
Additionally, debuting as the final number one in Idol Training Simulation clears the Final Linked Quest, Achieve Number One in Idol Training Simulation.
Rewards will be distributed.