Ch-202 attack again

The next day arrived swiftly, and the grand auditorium of Seiren Private Academy was filled with an electric tension. Rows of students sat anxiously in the plush velvet chairs, some rehearsing lines under their breath, others glancing toward the judges' table where the biggest names in the entertainment industry were seated.

Raghav Ye King sat at the center of the panel, his expression calm and unreadable. He was dressed sharply in a tailored black suit, a subtle silver pin glinting against his lapel. His gaze scanned the crowd with quiet calculation. To his left sat Director Hajime Kaname, a legendary figure in the industry known for launching the careers of countless stars. To his right sat Reiko Aizawa, a powerful producer whose influence extended far beyond the film industry.

"They're watching me too," Raghav thought. "Good."

The system's faint pulse echoed in his mind.

"Number of participants: 246.

Talent level: Mixed.

Probability of discovering a major talent: 18%.

Influence opportunity: High."*

"We're not just here to find talent," Raghav reminded the system. "We're here to seize control."

Director Kaname leaned toward Raghav. "You've been making waves, Ye King. I hear you've taken an interest in Seiren Academy."

Raghav's smile was faint. "Potential is wasted if it isn't cultivated."

Kaname's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "We'll see if that philosophy holds up today."

As the first student walked nervously onto the stage, Raghav leaned back in his chair. His gaze sharpened as the student began delivering his monologue.

Too stiff. Shaky delivery. Lack of confidence.

"Next," Raghav said calmly.

The student's face fell, and they hurried offstage.

Reiko Aizawa raised an eyebrow. "Strict."

"The industry is harsher," Raghav replied.

The next student came forward—a girl with long brown hair and wide, nervous eyes. She hesitated before starting.

"My… My name is—"

"Next," Raghav said before she finished.

Kaname's eyes glinted with quiet amusement. "Not even giving them a chance?"

"If they can't withstand pressure here," Raghav said coolly, "they won't survive in front of a camera."

Reiko's lips curled faintly. "Cold."

"It's not about kindness," Raghav replied. "It's about strength."

As the line of students began to thin, Raghav's gaze sharpened when a familiar figure walked onto the stage.

Alya Mihailovna Kujo.

She wore a fitted black dress with subtle silver detailing, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. Her pale blue eyes were steady as she met Raghav's gaze head-on.

The room quieted instantly.

Alya stepped to the center of the stage. "I'll be reciting from Euripides."

Raghav's eyes narrowed.

Alya's voice was calm and cutting. "Do you think the gods care for mortals? We are but whispers in the dark—pawns on their board."

Her expression darkened. "And yet we rise. Even as they laugh, even as they turn their faces from us—still we rise."

Her voice sharpened into a quiet threat. "And when the gods finally notice us… it will be too late."

Dead silence.

Director Kaname's eyes widened faintly.

Reiko's gaze sharpened with interest.

Raghav's smile was faint. "Excellent."

Alya's gaze lingered on him for a brief moment. Then she gave a shallow bow and walked off the stage without another word.

Kaname let out a low breath. "That girl…"

"Controlled," Reiko murmured. "Dangerous."

"Interesting," Raghav said.

A few more students followed—some good, most average. But then, the next figure to step onto the stage made Raghav's gaze sharpen.

Rin Seuno.

Masaki's younger sister stood at the center of the stage, her dark blue hair tied with a ribbon, her sapphire eyes bright with quiet resolve.

"I'm Rin Seuno," she said calmly. "I'll be performing from The Tragedy of Haruka."

Masaki sat near the front, his gaze dark and focused.

Rin took a breath, then began.

"You think I care for their mercy?" Her voice was steady, quiet—but beneath it was a hard edge. "Let them come. Let them strike me down. My life was never theirs to take."

Her gaze lifted toward the judges' panel, her eyes burning with quiet defiance.

"My fate belongs to me."

The room was silent.

Masaki's expression darkened.

Raghav's gaze sharpened. "Excellent control."

Rin's lips curled faintly. "Thank you, Sensei."

As Rin walked off the stage, Masaki's gaze narrowed toward Raghav. Their eyes met—and Raghav's smile deepened.

"Masaki's losing control," the system noted.

"Good," Raghav replied.

The final performer of the day stepped onto the stage, and Raghav's gaze sharpened the moment she appeared.

Ai Hoshino.

Ai stood at the center of the stage, her golden eyes steady as she met Raghav's gaze. She wore a simple dress that reflected the soft stage lights.

"My name is Ai Hoshino," she said softly. "And I'll be performing from The Forgotten Promise."

Her voice was low, almost fragile as she began.

"I promised you…" Ai's eyes glistened faintly. "That I would always stay by your side. But I lied. Because I knew—"

Her breath caught.

"—I knew that loving you would mean losing you."

Her gaze lifted, shimmering with quiet tears.

"And yet… I loved you anyway."

A single tear slid down her cheek.

Silence.

Director Kaname leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp with interest.

Reiko's eyes glinted. "Captivating."

Ai's gaze lingered on Raghav for a brief moment.

Raghav's voice was calm. "Outstanding."

Ai's smile was faint as she bowed and walked off the stage.

The room was quiet for several long moments before Director Kaname leaned back in his chair.

"Three," he said. "There are three real contenders here."

"Alya. Rin. Ai," Reiko agreed. "High talent. But which one will you pick?"

Raghav's gaze sharpened.

"All of them," he said calmly.

Kaname's eyes widened slightly. "That's not how this works."

Raghav's smile was faint. "It is now."

Reiko's lips curled faintly. "You're planning something."

"I'm setting the board," Raghav replied.

As the other judges began to deliberate, Raghav's gaze remained fixed on the stage.

Alya's cold confidence.

Masaki's growing instability.

Rin's sharp defiance.

Ai's fragile strength.

"They think they're players," Raghav thought. "But they're pieces."

The system pulsed faintly.

"Influence progression: 42%."

"Good," Raghav thought. "We're just getting started."