GIJS

Chapter 169 The Finals at Last

The members, who had gathered concept ideas for the finals, couldn't help but be surprised as they looked at the seven ideas collected in one place.

Though there were minor differences in details, all seven ideas were based on a single overarching theme.

"What, what's going on? I'm getting chills."

"Hey, honestly, did you copy my idea after seeing mine?"

"What are you talking about? Absolutely not."

"Wow, so this is why our ideas ended up so similar."

"Why? Does it bother you? Hehe, just accept it."

"No, it's not that. I'm actually happy. I like you, Hyung."

"Really? But why do you look like that?"

"I just wanted to come up with the best idea..."

"It's really amazing. How did all seven ideas turn out so similar?"

"Hehe, there's a saying, 'You become like the people you're with.' Haven't we been hearing a lot lately that we're becoming similar? It seems we're not just resembling each other in appearance, but also in our thoughts."

The boys were proud of their similar ideas. Coming up with the same idea without any discussion seemed to prove that they had truly become a team.

"Alright, then let's just finalize the details and settle on this main concept."

"I agree! We're all thinking the same way anyway."

"Ahaha, great~ Then let's use a lot of stage equipment this time~"

"Yes. Since we've got the concept meeting sorted, we should prepare a variety of things."

"Ugh, this competition with love and hate is getting to me. Is it a bit disappointing now that it's coming to an end?"

"...Y-Yeah... Looking back, it was... fun..."

"Let's end it with a flourish. If we don't make it perfect, the journey up to now will lose its meaning."

"Ah, as expected, the scholar's wise words are always fitting for a conclusion."

Thus, the boys could quickly consolidate their opinions without any conflict. Other participating teams, except 7IN, also began preparing for the final performance.

Meanwhile, Teibo and SHINO, who had been at odds with 7IN, were no longer focusing on competing with other teams and were solely concentrating on preparing for the final stage.

Coincidentally, both teams were now in a state of servitude just before the final performance. Given that 7IN had suffered various indignities from Teibo and SHINO, they could have tormented them if they chose to.

Director Kim Seok-hoon's gaze naturally turned to the sage.

"This time, our scholar has to make sure to give us plenty of footage~"

[Dynasty > The mid-stage conflict was centered on the rivalry between Korea and China. Teibo, who boldly attempted to lead with 7IN, faced a disastrous result.

They lost the competition and were demoted. The scholar, who was very skilled at managing slaves, even had the Teibo members rolling around. It was a humiliating moment for Teibo but a huge delight for Director Kim Seok-hoon.

Director Kim Seok-hoon's expectation was simple. He wanted the scholar to once again handle the Teibo and SHINO members. The remaining members of Veloce and 7IN did not handle slaves as adeptly as the scholar did. Moreover, the Guardians...

"We are the GREAT Lincoln's offspring!"

"We'll not abuse slaves!"

"Slaves are freed in our land!"

...Seemed to show no interest in enslaving others.

It was as if Teibo and SHINO could sense Kim Seok-hoon's expectations, as they were filled with fear. Especially Teibo, who had already experienced the scholar's terror, was even more anxious.

"We need to somehow escape from being slaves..."

"Pi Houkam, what if that bastard starts his nonsense again?"

"Damn, let's just follow whatever we're told this time. It's always us who end up worse off when we oppose."

Teibo seemed to have come to terms with their fate. Although it was a late realization, their understanding was correct. The social hierarchy in [Dynasty >] remained rigid until the end. Teams in the slave class had no choice but to stay in good graces with the higher-ranked teams if they didn't want to suffer.

However, contrary to Kim Seok-hoon's expectations and Teibo's concerns, the scholar no longer forced the slaves to work.

"Come here..."

Instead, he unexpectedly awarded them with a reward.

"Here, high-quality chocolates. I've been saving them, so take a box each."

"S-such a precious thing..."

"It's fine. I've had plenty."

"...Thank you..."

Teibo and SHINO, who had anticipated harsh treatment, bowed their heads in gratitude at the unexpected gift. Seeing the slaves' reactions, the scholar smiled contentedly.

"There have been many emotional conflicts, but let's forget them all now. It's time to prepare for the final performance."

"..."

"However, let's keep to our principles. As long as we maintain proper manners towards each other, there will be no problem preparing for the performance."

The slaves nodded vigorously with touched expressions.

"Understood!"

"Good, then go ahead."

The other 7IN members marveled once again at the scholar's adept handling of the situation.

"Oh, what's going on this time?"

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"I thought he was going to be harsh with the slaves again."

"Haha, just because you're harsh doesn't mean everything goes smoothly. He showed what he could last week, so now is the time for something sweeter than a flogging. If he only kept punishing, it would just build resentment."

"Is that so?"

"The life of a slave is like that. With a low birth status, there's a lot of grievance. If there's no place to rest, the anger will eventually explode."

"Where do you know so much about slaves from?"

"Haha, and it's really the final performance now. I hope everyone shows their best and finishes well. Even I don't want to torment the slaves till the end."

"Hm, that's true. But I still hope everyone shows 100% of their skill in the end."

"It's a bit regrettable that the Japanese team SHINO didn't get to experience the scholar's wrath."

"Although the Japanese friends are annoying, Teibo friends are far worse in terms of enmity."

"True."

"Besides, the Japanese already got their punishment through their own actions."

"Haha, that's right."

"So, at this point, it's better not to mistreat the slaves."

Everyone nodded in agreement with the scholar's philosophy. The scholar's approach seemed to prove correct, as Teibo and SHINO, the slave class teams, became increasingly docile as time went on.

"Hehe, look. The slaves have become so docile."

"Yeah... it's scary now..."

"I really don't want to make the scholar an enemy..."

"I'm glad I'm friends with him."

"Yesterday, Pael said he was relieved that the scholar was his junior."

"Well, it's good that we can focus on practice now without conflicts."

Preparation for the final live broadcast stage continued throughout the week.

Unlike the previous fresh and lively stage, this time 7IN also used a lot of stage equipment and planned a high-risk performance.

Thus, the practice was more intense than ever. Despite the risk of injury, the boys bravely increased their practice time to enhance the quality of their performance.

"Kyaa—"

"Wow, I'm exhausted!"

"One more time! Let's give it 100% for one more round and then rest!"

"Hahaha, I feel like I'm going to throw up~"

"Siwoo, just a bit more strength!"

As a result of piling up practice upon practice, the quality of the performance gradually improved.

Initially, the members had focused all their attention on executing the risky moves, but now they were able to maintain relaxed expressions even while performing them.

"Good, good, your expressions look great now!"

"Hehe, without the expressions, I'd just be an average idol!"

With the time remaining before the live broadcast, the boys poured all their energy into preparing for the stage.

The joy of meeting fans from Korea and around the world in real-time.

The responsibility of showing the best stage as representatives of Korean idols.

The competitive spirit of wanting to perfectly defeat Veloce at least once.

The camaraderie of wanting to give their all for the most valuable members.

All these complex emotions fueled the boys. Thanks to this, they were able to elevate the stage quality to almost perfection the day before the live broadcast.

Finally, after all the preparation, the morning of the live broadcast performance arrived.

The live broadcast was held not at Dynasty Castle but at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Arena. The indoor stadium, which could accommodate 15,000 people, was packed with fans of the seven teams, including Veloce and 7IN.

There were far more spectators than at the Ayuksi finals. The boys, standing before the crowd of over 10,000, felt overwhelmed by the energy.

"...It's really a huge crowd..."

"Whew, whew, seeing it up close makes me incredibly nervous."

"Don't shake. If you're nervous, you'll make mistakes, and if you make mistakes, you'll get hurt."

"It's okay. We were perfect in rehearsal."

"But there were no spectators then. Now seeing so many people, it feels like my heart is going to burst."

"Everything will be fine."

While trying to calm his teammates, the sage also felt a continuous shiver at the sight of the immense crowd.

From starting with just a few spectators in the marketplace to performing in front of such a large audience, the level of tension was beyond the pleasant excitement just before the stage. Although he had built up skills through various survival shows, performing in front of such an overwhelming crowd was a first for the scholar.

"Whew, whew—"

He continued to regulate his breathing to calm his racing heart. Time flew by like an arrow. Before the tension could fully subside, SHINO, the first team to perform, headed backstage and greeted the 7IN members.

"Ganbare!"

"Good luck, SHINO!"

Using the Japanese phrases they had learned, the sage and 7IN tried to calm their nerves.

On stage, SHINO delivered a fantastic performance showcasing their original concept, 'Shinobi,' with traditional Japanese costumes and cherry blossoms. It was undeniably the most impressive performance SHINO had shown so far.

Next up was Teibo, also in the slave class.

Teibo, who had consistently referenced Korean idols for their performances, presented a spectacular stage with the Chinese motif of 'Yellow Dragon' for their final performance.

As the previous teams delivered excellent performances, the time for 7IN's turn was approaching.

Woooaaaaahhh—

The roar of over 10,000 spectators seemed to be waiting for them.