𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 ―𝐝.𝐨.𝐝

Chapter 2

[ Park Moondae's POV ]

It was the day of the auditions, the first day of filming. Like all survival programs, it starts with the participant evaluations.

Participant evaluations was one of the most important parts of the show.

Even a casual viewer could guess this--a bad first impression lasts until the end of the program. So, even if a participant gives an average performance, it will be created as a joke and haunt the participant throughout the show as "boring" or "unimpressive" based on their characterization.

And out of all the idol auditioning shows, Idol Inc. had the worst reputation for editing participants this way.

I think I did well, considering how I have no experience in becoming an idol. The judges were impressed with my singing, and the dance left a comical impression they would keep in the editing process. Being placed in 17th for now meant that I would probably be pushed back a few times by participants who do better than me after, but that was fine.

"I'll probably end up in the mid 20s," I deduced quietly to myself.

Sitting in my chair, I almost let out a relieved sigh. I didn't have any experience being an idol or being in the entertainment industry, so this placement was somewhat satisfying.

But the feeling was short-lived. The person in 15th place, Lee Sejin, began chattering the moment I sat down.

"Hey there, your dance was incredible!" he snickered.

I just laughed emptily. 

"Thank you."

Lee Sejin. It was a name I remembered seeing on the news once the program ended.

[ Lee Sejin, a former Idol Inc. participant, was arrested on suspicion of drug distribution. ]

It wouldn't be good for me if I was looped into this scandal. Even if I don't take any part in it, being known as someone in relation to the drug distributor would tank my own standing.

So, it would be best to cut off ties with anyone I know to have a bad standing in this program for my successful debut.

I ended the conversation with him neatly and looked as if I wanted to watch the stage.

As the next participants began to perform, I sat still and checked my status window.

[ Name: Park Moondae (Ryu Gunwoo)]
Level: 5
Title: None
Vocal: A-
Dance: D
Visual: C+
Charm: C
Characteristics: Infinite potential
!Status abnormality: Debut or die
Points remaining: 1

First of all, there were some changes. I now knew I could raise my grades without using a point, which was a nice factor. For example, the visual stat rose after I got a haircut.

Next, my dance and charm elements finally had a letter grade; they seemed to have been made just now from the performance. The grade level D was about the same as an average person's. I don't think 'Park Moondae' would have much of a talent in those area to upgrade naturally, so I will probably have to invest points into there.

There was a pop-up below my status window that also caught my eye.

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[ Successful performance!]
You impressed the majority of the audience
Draw a general characteristic <-- click!
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While pretending to touch my hair, I clicked on the button, and a gray slot machine appeared. It began spinning quickly before it came to a stop.

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[ Trait Obtained: Sleeping only after you die (D) ]
When activated, you don't get tired even if you don't sleep.
+30% from 00:01 to 04:00 for up to a week.
One-time use.
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