Ch-200 prepration of the auditions

A week later at Seiren Private Academy, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Rumors had already begun to spread through the student body: a major film production company was coming to host open auditions—and Raghav Ye King had been handpicked by the director himself to serve as a judge.

It wasn't surprising. Raghav's meteoric rise in the acting industry had already made him a legend. His debut film had shattered box office records, and his supernatural talent for stepping into any role had made him the most sought-after actor in the country.

But this wasn't just about the movie.

"It's about control," Raghav thought as he walked through the marble hallways of the academy, his footsteps measured and calm. "If I control the next generation of stars, I control the future of the entertainment industry."

The system pulsed faintly in his mind.

"Target identified: Seiren Academy students are among the highest-rated acting talents in the region. Strategic influence potential: High."

"Good," Raghav thought. "Then let's raise the stakes."

Just as he turned the corner toward the acting department, he heard the sound of quiet footsteps behind him.

"You're really going through with it?"

Raghav's gaze slid toward the silver-haired figure standing casually against the wall. Alya Mihailovna Kujo's pale blue eyes glinted with quiet amusement as she studied him.

"You seem… confident," Alya said.

"I am," Raghav replied calmly. "You should audition."

Alya's gaze narrowed. "I don't perform for other people."

"But you'd perform for me?" Raghav's smile was faint.

Alya's gaze sharpened. "Don't push your luck."

Raghav stepped closer. "What's the matter, Alya? Afraid you might lose?"

Alya's eyes flashed coldly. "I don't lose."

"Neither do I," Raghav said. His voice was calm—but beneath the surface was quiet steel.

Alya's lips curled slightly. "Fine. I'll audition."

Raghav's smile deepened. "Good."

Just as Alya turned to walk away, Masaki's figure appeared at the end of the hall. His gaze sharpened the moment he saw Raghav standing too close to Alya.

"Kujo," Masaki's voice was calm but cool. "We're going to be late for practice."

Alya's gaze lingered on Raghav for a moment longer before turning toward Masaki. "I'll catch up."

Masaki's eyes remained cold as his gaze slid toward Raghav. "What are you trying to pull?"

Raghav's smile was faint. "I don't need to pull anything."

Masaki's jaw tightened. "Stay away from her."

"Make me," Raghav replied smoothly.

Masaki's eyes darkened dangerously—but before he could respond, Alya's hand lightly touched his arm.

"Enough," Alya said coolly. "Let's go, Masaki."

Masaki's gaze lingered on Raghav for a moment longer before turning and walking away.

Raghav watched them disappear down the hall. His smile sharpened.

"Masaki's tension is growing."

"And Alya?" the system prompted.

"She's hooked," Raghav replied.

Just as Raghav was about to head toward the teacher's lounge, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen.

[ Ai Hoshino ]

He picked up. "Ai?"

"Raghav!" Ai's voice was breathless and excited. "The director just called me!"

Raghav's gaze sharpened. "And?"

"He wants me to audition too!"

Raghav's expression darkened slightly. "Did you agree?"

Ai's voice hesitated. "I… don't know. I haven't acted since I retired as an idol."

"You should do it," Raghav said calmly.

"You think so?"

"You're a natural," Raghav said. "And besides… I'll be there."

Ai's smile was clear even through the phone. "Okay. I'll do it."

"Good."

Ai's voice softened. "Will you be okay?"

"Of course," Raghav replied.

"And… Ruby and Aqua?" Ai's tone turned serious. "What if the media finds out about them?"

"They won't," Raghav replied. His gaze darkened. "Not unless I allow it."

Ai sighed. "You're too good at this."

"It's not about being good," Raghav said softly. "It's about winning."

As Raghav ended the call, the system pulsed faintly in his mind.

"Ai's participation will increase your public influence. Risk factor: Moderate."

"We'll control the narrative," Raghav replied.

"Shall I secure favorable media coverage?" the system prompted.

"Yes," Raghav replied. "But leave a weak point."

"A weak point?"

"Something the opposition will target," Raghav said quietly. "And when they do… we'll crush them."

Just as Raghav reached the acting studio, the door opened, and Rin Seuno skipped out.

"Sensei!" Rin grinned. "Are you really going to be a judge?"

"Yes," Raghav replied. "Are you auditioning too?"

Rin nodded enthusiastically. "Masaki doesn't want me to, but I'm going to do it anyway!"

Raghav's gaze sharpened. "Masaki doesn't think you'll succeed?"

"He's just overprotective," Rin said with a huff.

"Then prove him wrong," Raghav said calmly.

Rin's gaze brightened. "You really think I can?"

"You have potential," Raghav said. "But talent alone isn't enough. You'll need to push yourself."

"I will!" Rin declared.

Raghav's smile deepened. "Good."

Just as Rin skipped away down the hall, Raghav turned toward the open studio doors.

Inside, the students were already seated, whispering among themselves. Alya sat near the back, her gaze cool and calculating. Masaki sat near the front, his jaw tight.

Ai was standing near the window, her expression thoughtful but calm. Ruby and Aqua sat beside her, Ruby practically bouncing with excitement while Aqua's gaze remained steady and focused.

Raghav stepped into the room. The whispers died instantly. All eyes turned toward him.

"Welcome," Raghav said smoothly. "You've all been given an opportunity. But don't mistake this for charity."

His gaze sharpened. "This industry will destroy you if you're weak. If you want to survive—if you want to win—then show me your strength."

Alya's gaze darkened slightly. Masaki's expression hardened. Ai's lips curled into a faint smile.

"Auditions begin tomorrow," Raghav said calmly. "Let's see who's truly prepared."

As Raghav walked toward the exit, the system's voice echoed softly in his mind.

"Probability of success: High."

"Good," Raghav thought. "Let's raise the stakes."