Chapter 3
Translator 8uhl
Chapter 3
Chapter Title Idol Training Simulation
Idol Training Simulation.
It was a survival program launched by major corporations throwing their hats into the increasingly overheated idol market.
Not only did it feature trainees from toptier entertainment agencies and a lineup of superstar judges, but it had already generated significant buzz even before it began.
On top of that, the grueling challenges that shredded the trainees mental states to dust, combined with a direct participation system that hooked viewers even deeper, made it downright ruthless.
This time, Im heading straight for success without fail.
Having been eliminated at the final hurdle, I knew the structure of Idol Training Simulation better than anyone.
I still vividly remembered which parts needed emphasis.
And which trainees to avoid.
To keep this hardwon second chance from slipping away, thorough preparation was essential.
While testing out various things in Kariss body, I first gauged the current level of performance I could draw out.
Having possessed this body for so long, there was no discomfort or unfamiliarity, but dance and singingsubjects foreign to a crown princewould be tough to improve dramatically in a short time.
The initial stats were too low to begin with. And right now, ways to earn points are extremely limited.
Before Idol Training Simulation officially began, the methods to acquire skill points were quite restricted.
After slowly reviewing the system, it confirmed my suspicions skill points were earned by achieving accomplishments.
But most locked accomplishments could only be unlocked after the program started.
The only ones I could clear holed up alone in my oneroom apartment were the repetitive practice types.
Accomplishment Achieved! Complete 10 Songs
Accomplishment Achieved! Repeat Choreography 20 Times
Accomplishment Achieved! Memorize 30 Songs
My current body wasnt that of idol trainee Han Jihyuk, but Crown Prince Karis von Walden of the Walden Kingdom.
In short, it wasnt yet specialized for singing or dancing.
I carefully pondered what direction to take to turn this situation into something favorable.
It didnt take long to arrive at the right answer.
In any case, I have the system on my side, and theres a skill that can double my stats. Once the survival show starts, new quests will naturally appear. Opportunities to earn points will increase too.
Plus, one of the most crucial elementsearly attentionwas nothing to worry about.
I possessed a unique character that no major agency could offer.
A trainee from Europe, not even Asia.
And one from Estonia who spoke Korean fluently? That alone would naturally draw massive interest.
The production team would have no choice but to push Karis von Walden from the start.
Those ratingsobsessed folks whod sell their souls to demons wouldnt drop a rare character like this in the early roundsprobability approaching zero.
Considering the interview and subsequent level test, I focused on repeating practice as much as possible to build stats above baseline.
If I could, Id raise Vocal to A or higher.
The process of gathering skill points for levelups was grueling.
Raising stats to B or above required an insane amount of points.
It was more realistic to shelve the ones that had grown to a certain level and prioritize those with lower requirements.
Name Karis von Walden Han Jihyuk
Age 20 28
Vocal B
Dance C
Stamina B
Looks SSS nonadjustable
Charisma B
Traits Prince of the Kingdom, Surpasser of the Demon King
Status Ailment Otherworldly Being Possessor
I knew full well that Idol Training Simulation was packed with monstrous talents.
Just thinking of the trainees whod made it to debut spots last time, their stats were obviously far superior to my current Status Window.
The one consolation
Looks, as expected.
Id lived without much thought of it in Grand Quest Saga, but a crown prince was a crown prince.
If the Status Window blatantly slapped SSS on it from the start, that said it all.
For me, it meant an extra exploitable asset.
Additionally, I checked out the skills the system mentioned.
The names alone gave it away.
These skills originated from Karis von Walden, the crown prince of Grand Quest Saga, destined to slay the Demon King.
Bow Down and Reverence C
Master of Eloquence C
Demon King Slayer C
Unlike the crown princes innate passivelike SSS Looks, these started at Cgrade.
And no matter how much I tapped, no descriptions explained what they did.
Guess I have to test them in real situations.
Even so, itd be nice to know what triggers them.
The system seemed friendly toward me yet hardcore in its own way.
After executing the best plan possible, I headed to the Idol Training Simulation interview.
That concludes it.
The production team stared at me in stunned silence after my performance.
Then, a woman at the far end raised her hand, breaking the quiet.
Karis, your Korean pronunciation is flawless.
Of courseit was because I was Korean.
I was a bit worried when you introduced yourself earlier, but seeing you transform 180 degrees when singing was a shock.
Thats because Id spent the past few days fixing my speech patterns.
Kariss linguistic habits still popped up in casual talk, but Id trained my tongue to deliver lyrics properly when singing.
I was worried about your dancing too, but its not terrible. Youve got the basics down, right?
Its a bit stiff Hmm. Still, with this level, you could cover it with practice before the level test, no?
Think so?
My biggest worry had been Dance, starting at C.
Id raised it to C via stat allocation before the interview, but it still felt amateurish even to a laymans eyes.
Should be fine, though. I think so?
Well, dance and vocals can improve with practice, but that face is innate.
In the end, it concluded just as Id predicted.
The production team, chatting loudly enough for me to hear, passed me.
They probably figured they couldnt let a unique character like this slip away, even if skills werent the focus.
First hurdle cleared But plenty left to tackle.
The production team might praise my character alone.
But the judges would scrutinize my skills professionally. Tackling the level test with this Status Window could invite harsh critiques.
Even if accomplishments are few, I need to farm as many as possible.
Thus began hellish training.
From their comments, I needed at least Bgrade stats for a solid fundamentals evaluation.
Back in my oneroom, I fixed my phone on a stand and resumed practice.
Just like my first sword training in Karis von Waldens body.
Or my first horseback riding session.
I repeated practice relentlessly to hit my goal.
Perhaps moved by my effort, the system added encouraging messages each time a stat rose.
Dance stat has increased.
Your hard work is a joy to watch, Possessor. Part of me hoped youd return to Grand Quest Saga to conquer the continent, but at this rate, youll nail the quests.
Unclear if it was cheering me on or hoping Id fail.
About two weeks passed.
Dragging my nearly empty suitcase, I entered the dorm center in Paju where Idol Training Simulation filming would begin.
The cameras lined up at the entrance made it feel realthe program was imminent.
Where you from?
So nervous.
Wow, youre that young? First 16yearold Ive seen.
The 96 trainees for Idol Training Simulation gradually gathered in the auditorium.
True to their idol aspirations, some smoothly struck up cheeky chats with strangers, while others eyed the unfamiliar vibe and waited quietly.
I crossed the auditorium threshold without much thought.
Then I felt surrounding gazes naturally following me.
Right. Im here as Karis.
The familiarity of Idol Training Simulation had flooded my mind with memories of entering as Han Jihyuk before.
Id momentarily lost awareness of my current appearance.
Well, a white guy appearing among Koreans would startle anyone.
Not wanting weird early aggro before the show even started, I hurried to the most corner seat.
Only after settling in a less visible spot did I breathe easy.
But the quiet didnt last.
Oh, someone else who likes the corner like me! Hi!
Someone tossed their bag behind me with a friendly greeting.
His tall frame, physique, and striking features gave off model vibes.
As I turned with a smile to reply, the trainee jolted in surprise.
Whoa, youre foreign. I thought youd just dyed your hair.
Regrettably, its my natural color. Low melanin, unfortunately.
Uh, uh?
As expected, Karis von Waldens speech slipped out in normal situations.
Id doubled efforts over two weeks prepping for production and judges. Replying to judges in this chuunibyou tone
Id be labeled a rude trainee before survival even kicked off.
Being foreign only covered so much.
Getting KOd by the public for lacking basic manners as a Kpop idol hopeful? No thanks.
Mental prep and tension somewhat offset Kariss crown prince persona, but casual chats remained unchanged.
Ignoring the trainees widened eyes, I offered a handshake.
Pleased to meet you. Im Karis von Walden, from the distant land of Estonia.
EEstonia? Thats Europe, right? Mustve been tough coming so far. Ah, Im Kang Siyoon! Nice to meet you.
As Kang Siyoon flashed a bright smile, golden effects unfurled.
I reviewed his Status Window while slowly recalling.
The name rang a bell Profile jogs the memory.
Name Kang Siyoon
Age 20
Vocal B
Dance A
Stamina A
Looks B
Charisma B
Trait Practice Bug
Status Ailment Intimidated inactive
A trainee whod reached the finals just like me in the previous Idol Training Simulation.
Never teamed up, so I didnt fully know his personality or skills, but I remembered he danced well.
Though we both failed to debut.
Stats look solid too. Howd a guy like this drop out later? What were the debutees stats like?
Kang Siyoon seemed socially adept.
Shocked by my looks at first, he soon adapted to my speech and reacted with curiosity.
Amazing! So you selfstudied Korean alone? To become an idol? For 10 years?
Well, starting with novels gave me this speech pattern, as you see.
I think its part of your charm, Karis. Oh, didnt ask your age. Im 20what about you?
Same.
Wow, what a coincidence!
Like hed possessed the Question Mark Killer, Kang Siyoon rapidly closed the mental distance.
Well, an early connection wouldnt hurt in later rounds.
I chatted moderately with him to pass time.
About 30 minutes later.
A staffer with a megaphone flung open the door and announced.
Trainees, everyone move to the filming set! Follow the lead staff carefully!
Amid the jovial vibe, underlying tension thickened the air.
Trainees wore varied expressions as they entered the massive filming set for Idol Training Simulations first hurdle the level evaluation.
Greeted by five judges exuding calm yet intimidating auras.
Hello, trainees.
Hello!
Whoa, no way.
Its really Senior Choi Sia.
Choi Sia. A top solo female artist in Korea whod climbed to stardom.
Originally set for an idol group debut, her agency head judged solo suited her better, propelling her to success.
Exceptional vocals and producing aside, her charismapacked dance skills crowned her at the top.
Her current expression seemed intent on showing these trainees hell.
Welcome to Idol Training Simulation. Sorry to dampen your excitement right away, but as you know, this is a survival show. Remember our program slogan?
We train idols boasting the highest skills in all areas!
Good memory. This level evaluation follows that. Meaning we go hard from the start.
As her words ended, lights popped on at the judges table.
Five screens appeared below the long rectangular table.
The level evaluation system is simple. Well watch your prepared stages and grade Vocal and Dance separately. Four tiers total Tier 1 to 4.
Choi Sia lowered her voice here.
Emphasizing its importance.
And Tier 1 and 2 trainees will enter the Mainstream group. Tier 3 and 4 will go to Underground.
I felt surrounding trainees stir at Underground.
Choi Sia, sensing it, continued with an enigmatic smile.
Key point Underground trainees cant use their names until the final ranking evaluation. To viewersour national managersyoull be just numbers.
!
WWhat did she say?
No names?
The brutal announcement dropped.
If earlier stirs were lake ripples, now it was a stormtossed sea.
I watched pupils dilate in realtime, a faint smile on my lips.
Idol Training Simulation, its first hurdle.
The level testwhere names could be lostcurtain rose.