IDOL System

Chapter Sixteen: Vocal Training Challenge

The next morning, Jiwon woke up with an adrenaline-fueled sense of urgency. The system had pushed him relentlessly, but now it was time for his next vocal training session. He had set a new target for himself: improving his singing skills to level C. The thought of achieving that level filled him with a mix of excitement and dread.

As he prepared for the day, Jiwon glanced at his reflection in the mirror. His face looked sharper, and his confidence had begun to build, but deep down, he knew the journey was far from over. The system had made it clear that there were still many obstacles ahead.

[Task Update: Vocal Training Session - Target Level C. Duration: 3 Hours. Begin Now.]

The familiar voice of the system echoed in his mind, startling him. He quickly grabbed his water bottle, reminding himself to stay hydrated.

The first hour of training was grueling. Jiwon followed the system's instructions, warming up his vocal cords with scales and breathing exercises. The auto-mode had kicked in, and he felt himself going through the motions almost mechanically. It was both a blessing and a curse; he didn't have to think about it, but he also felt detached from the process.

"Focus, Jiwon. Feel the music," he whispered to himself as he went through his routines, remembering the reason he wanted this. He wanted to be an idol, to live on stage, to captivate an audience.

As he progressed through the drills, he felt his voice strengthen. Each note resonated deeper than the last, and for the first time, he began to enjoy the sound he was producing. He focused on control and clarity, working tirelessly to hit every note with precision.

[Progress Update: Vocal Skill Level G → F → E → D → Target Level C Achievable in 3 Hours.]

The notification flashed before his eyes, igniting a spark of motivation within him. He was moving faster than he had anticipated, and the thought of achieving his goal propelled him through the exercises. He could hear the echoes of applause in his mind, the thrill of being on stage, and the pride he'd feel performing for a crowd.

But the training session took its toll. As he reached the two-hour mark, Jiwon felt his throat grow sore. His body protested against the intense strain, but he pushed through, remembering the consequences outlined in the confidentiality agreement. The thought of failing this task was unbearable.

[Task Warning: Vocal Strain Detected. Recommended Rest Break: 5 Minutes.]

Ignoring the system's warning, he continued, his voice cracking under the pressure. The sensation was both painful and exhilarating; he was getting closer, but at what cost? He could almost taste the sweet reward of leveling up, and it was too tempting to stop.

"Just a little longer," he gasped, forcing out the final notes of his current exercise.

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his throat, and he stumbled back, clutching it. Panic set in. He had pushed himself too far. Would the system really force him to suffer a consequence for failing?

[Task Failed: Vocal Skill Level C Unachieved. Consequence: 12 Hours of Continuous Training.]

The notification blared in his mind like a siren, and Jiwon felt his heart drop. 12 hours? That was impossible! His eyes widened in horror as he thought about the physical toll this would take.

Before he could react, the system engaged auto-mode, forcing him to continue his training regardless of his body's limits. The next series of vocal exercises began, and Jiwon felt a surge of panic mixed with exhaustion. He couldn't fight it.

[Vocal Training Mode Engaged: 12-Hour Continuous Training Initiated.]

The hours dragged on, filled with repetition and overwhelming fatigue. Each note felt heavier than the last, and he started to lose track of time. As he pushed through the pain, he wondered if he was losing himself in the process.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally collapsed onto the floor, panting heavily. His throat burned, but he was relieved to have completed the session, even if it meant facing the consequences.

[Progress Update: Vocal Skill Level E → D → C Achieved. Reward: Vocal Stat Points Awarded.]

As the notification chimed, Jiwon let out a shaky breath, both relieved and exhausted. His eyes widened as he read the final update: he had done it. He had reached his goal, despite the intense challenges.

[Skill Level Update: Vocal Skill Level C Achieved. Stat Points Awarded: 10. Use Wisely.]

Jiwon smiled weakly, pride swelling in his chest. He had fought against the odds and won—at least for now. But he couldn't ignore the cost of his victory. He was becoming an idol, but was he sacrificing too much in the process?

With the stat points awarded, he felt a flicker of hope. Maybe he could use them to enhance his training further or focus on other skills necessary for an idol. But first, he needed to recover.

As he lay on the floor, he closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion wash over him. He knew tomorrow would bring new challenges and new training sessions, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of rest and reflection.