Chapter 17
Translator 8uhl
Chapter 17
Chapter Title Intermediate Review
Hows it going? You all been practicing hard?
Weve done our best!
Good. I can see the dark circlesyou probably havent been sleeping. Condition management is key, so dont push yourselves too hard.
Yes!
While Bae Kangwoo greeted the trainees, Baek Chaehyun organized the documents clipped to her clipboard.
Flipping through the profiles absentmindedly, her heart suddenly pounded the moment she spotted Karis von Waldens photo.
Get a grip. Hes not a webtoon characterhes a real person! A human! And a trainee at that!
Shed never imagined shed encounter someone with an aura identical to her favorite character in real life.
One of the trainees gathered for the midterm evaluation was radiating an intensity that could rival Ashley Shtaharts.
Baek Chaehyun took a deep breath to steady herself.
Alright, teams, lets check your progress.
The first round would be performed live in front of 300 national administrators.
On the fourth day of practice, the judges conducted a midway inspection to ensure the trainees were fully prepared.
Vocal and dance specialists paired up to review the overall stage, then provided oneonone guidance for weak areasa golden opportunity.
Perishy Boys hit song carried the original artists vibe strongly.
Capturing that essence would be the key point.
So, which team wants to go first? How about Blue team, since youre already up front?
Yes! Got it!
The Blue team stepping to the center of the practice room looked extremely tense.
Baek Chaehyun scanned their training clothes.
With so much black and brown, it was easy to see why they lacked confidence.
They know theyre all lowtier, so theyre holding back a bit.
Upsets could always happen, so she hoped theyd relax and show their best.
But it played out too predictably.
Honestly, were not even at the stage to critique your dancing. Your basic posture isnt there. You all know what this song is, right?
Yes.
In a performance where confidence is the main weapon, if all six of you look drained, can we feel the vibe of Perishy Boys? Of course not. That means youve got the first button wrong from the start. Before we even talk vocals or dance.
Bae Kangwoo was the type to draw his sword first in critiques.
It wasnt even a real critiqueanyone could see the obvious flaws.
The vocal feedback was similar.
Your voicing isnt great, but you need to rememorize the lyrics first, kids. Seriously, or youre in trouble.
After repeated comments that their foundations were off, the Blue team hung their heads. The gloomy mood showed no sign of lifting.
Baek Chaehyun held back a sigh and encouraged the trainees.
Still, youve got plenty of time left, and the part distribution looks good. Dont overthink itkeep it simple. You can absolutely nail this. Got it?
Thank you!
At least their response was enthusiastic.
Next up was the Red teams midway check.
These kids could be called the Avengers too, huh?
Bae Kangwoo chuckled while glancing at their profiles.
Three Tier 1s and three Tier 2sa golden balance.
To be honest, the real Avengers were the team with four Tier 1s, but this one was no slouch either.
So thats why the other team seemed even more insecure.
Theyd been sharing the same group practice room.
They could compare progress in real time, so it mustve hit them reflexively.
Baek Chaehyun called the Red team with faint expectations of how well theyd do.
Practice going smoothly?
Our opinions meshed well, and we picked up the choreography pretty quickly, so yeah.
Sehans the leader, and Siyoons center?
Yes! Siyoon taught us a ton of the choreoit was a huge help.
It felt like theyd chosen the member whod mastered the choreography best as center.
Bae Kangwoo exchanged a glance with her and gave a short nod.
Not a bad call.
They went for polish and completion.
Kang Siyoon had gotten rave reviews for dance during final tier evaluations, so it made sense.
Lets see the stage.
The groovy bass beat of Perishy Boys filled the practice room.
Kang Siyoon stepped forward from center with lively moves, and the other members formed positions at even intervals.
It felt worlds apart from Blue team.
All of them smiled confidently, perfectly embodying the lyrics.
Baek Chaehyun set aside her needless worries and examined the details closely.
Hmm.
The threeminute stage ended in a flash.
Sync was solid, no glaring mistakes.
But something felt lacking.
Why? Whats missing?
Could she feel this way after such a polished performance?
Wondering if it was just her, Baek Chaehyun glanced at Bae Kangwoo.
He was spinning his pen with an unreadable expression.
The Red team bowed, panting.
Thanks for watching!
Oh, rightgot lost in thought. You all did great. Siyoon nailed the choreo, right?
Yup.
Four days is long if long, short if short, but no wasted moves means you worked hard. Leader Sehan too.
Thank you!
Thank you.
As Bae Kangwoo praised them but trailed off, the Red team members eyed each other.
Everythings good, but if theres one thing lacking
Yes.
Centers safe. Really well done, but too safe.
Kang Siyoons face darkened as he wiped his sweat.
Catching it, Bae Kangwoo waved his hands hurriedly.
Not a bad thing! Siyoon, your dancings topnotch. Its just that going so textbook left it feeling a tad lacking for me.
Ah.
In the original, the center radiated a unique vibe more than just great dancing. I think thats the difference.
Perishy Boys had a clear concept.
Their individual physiques played a part, but the power and sexiness from big dance moves coexisted.
There was even behindthescenes trivia that the member who captured that vibe best got center.
Thats likely why Bae Kangwoo mentioned it.
And heres what I thought while watching closely.
Up to here, Baek Chaehyun shared his thinking.
But he took it further, suggesting a direct change.
How about Karis takes center?
MMe?
Yeah. You really stand out visually.
The person in question pointed at himself in surprise, asking, Me?
The other trainees on both sides clapped, agreeing with Bae Kangwoo.
Truth is, we suggested Karis for center during practice too.
Oh, really?
His expressions and visuals are just too good. But he kept refusing, saying his dancing wasnt up to it.
Japanese trainee Hashimoto Ken nodded vigorously.
Next to Karis von Walden, Heo Yubin tugged his arm with sparkling eyes.
Baek Chaehyun worried Kang Siyoon might feel bad, but he looked relieved.
During the actual center vote, I got three, Karis two.
What do you think, Karis? Mastered the center choreo?
Would it really be okay for me to take center?
Everyone else seems fine with it.
Karis von Walden glanced around.
Only after seeing his teammates nodding did he accept Bae Kangwoos suggestion.
Ill give it a try.
The Red team reset to the intro formation.
It seemed risky to swap center parts without prior prep.
But with all their practice time, they signaled it was fine right thereimpressive.
Baek Chaehyun watched Karis, head bowed, awaiting the intro.
Its real. Like Kangwoo oppa said, putting Karis center adds real weight.
The bass riff kicked in.
Karis von Walden rose, turning his head once, sending a slightly dazed gaze.
As teammates flanked him, he used them as a launchpad to leap up.
On landing, the daze vanished.
His expression works even better?
During final tier eval, it offset his dance technique gaps.
Already dubbed perfect visuals from level tests, Karis had found ways to maximize his appeal.
Now, even more varied acting emerged.
As the formation shifted to an arrow, Baek Chaehyun realized.
That overwhelming aura and gaze shone brightest from center.
The more she watched, the more fascinating.
Kang Siyoons dance was flawlesssmooth, perfect dynamics, crisp footwork and animations.
But Karis von Walden, less technically skilled, exuded unmatched charisma.
This is why people say visuals are everything, come hell or high water.
Not just handsome.
An indescribable noble aura shone more intensely than before.
A mysterious presence that filled even other flaws.
Baek Chaehyun felt that tingle from first seeing him again.
Okay, thats enough.
Bae Kangwoo clapped twice to end it.
The trainees lined up, breathing hard.
Chaehyun, what do you think? Feels different, right?
Definitely heavier center presence. Oh, and Siyoon.
Yes!
Kang Siyoon bit his lip lightly, staring at her.
She gave him a soft smile.
You danced great as center, but it felt overly forceful somehow. Now with the swap, your moves stand out morelike they fit you perfectly.
Thank you!
We just give advice. Discuss and decide among yourselves.
Yes!
I worried Id ruined the warm vibe.
Fortunately, Kang Siyoon seemed to agree this direction worked.
Honestly, the judges nailed it. I felt pressure unconsciously, overforcing moves. Got distracted from singing too. But swapping feels way more comfortable.
This was your part originally, though
Nah, its fine! Our main goals a great stage, right? Even I think center suits you better.
Kang Siyoon cheekily countered my concerned tone.
And that Perishy Boys senior I said I resembled?
Yeah.
Not the center one. He probably danced backline for this track? Like Judge Chaehyun said, skipping center fits me better.
If youre really okay.
I am! Im good as long as we win. Oh, but on one condition Nail it so I forget the rival center exists? You can manage that, right?
Ill give it my all.
We decided to implement the judges advice directly.
After the check, we ran group practice more times, and everyone said my center presence was way stronger.
Even the original pick approved, so the part swap went smoothly.
Distributing my saved stats paid off.
I quietly opened my Status Window.
Name Karis von Walden Han Jihyuk
Age 20 28
Vocal B 1630
Dance B 330
Stamina B 2730
Looks SSS Fixed
Charisma B 330
Traits Prince of the Kingdom, Surpasser of the Demon King
Status Ailment Otherworldly Being Possessor
Proficiency bumped my former B Dance to B.
Raised Charisma for varied expressions.
It was a gamble.
Without judges spotting me, center wouldve stayed Kang Siyoons.
But honing my boosted Dance and Charisma paid off in practicing Perishy Boys.
Especially for a contest song emphasizing concept and vibe.
I relentlessly analyzed choreo videos, focusing there.
Memorized original expressions, adapted to suit Karis von Walden.
Then leveraged this blessed SSS Looks for presence.
Luck was on my side.
Crown sticker gave me 15 skill points for later.
Deep night sky showed through the practice room window.
I wiped sweat, taking a long breath.
If Stamina had room, Id have practiced more. Wouldve made center easier.
Experienced countless battles in Grand Quest Saga.
If the princes body transferred to reality intact, stamina should match.
As I pondered, the system timely explained.
Grand Quest Saga preserved all functions, but Earth lacks mana and magic concepts. Possessors stats adjusted for reality without manamagic operation.
I swallowed my regret.
Ingame, mana and magic aided combat.
Karis von Waldens magicfocused body basically realitypatched.
Cant be helped. If practiceraiseable stats are limited precontest, time to use my saved card.
Teammates trusted me enough to swap center. All for rival battle victory.
I had to prove worthy.
In front of 300 watching Idol Training Simulations first live stage.
I tapped the Lucky Draw shop at Status Window bottom.
Welcome to Lucky Draw Shop.
Possessor holds 2 Lucky Draw Coins.
Proceed with Lucky Draw?
Yes.
Clicking Yes, the gacha machine spun with flashy sounds.
Spinning contents slowed, purple capsule rolled out.
Check results!
I clicked the purple capsule slowly.
Golden effects and fanfare burst.
Congratulations! Acquired STier item.
.
Reading the usage below, I smiled.
Gacha success.