The Stage Beckons

The glow of his monitor reflected in Ren Shirogane's sharp eyes as a notification flashed before him.

[Ding! Mission Complete: Reach 500,000 Subscribers!]

[Reward: Skill Unlocked – Basic Dance Mastery (Lv.1)]

Ren exhaled slowly.

"Dance?"

Of all the possible rewards the system could have given him—why dancing?

His fingers hovered over the mouse as he pulled up his System Status.

[System Status]

[Name]: Ren Shirogane

[Lifespan]: 2 Months, 7 Days

[Subscribers]: 500,812

[System Coins]: 7,800

[Skills]:

Audio Perception Enhancement (Lv.1): Enhances auditory senses, allowing for precise sound analysis and music refinement. Basic Dance Mastery (Lv.1): Grants natural coordination, rhythm, and fundamental dance movements, allowing smooth execution of basic routines.

Ren leaned back in his chair.

"This actually makes sense."

Dance wasn't just about looking cool—it was a fundamental part of stage presence. If he wanted to grow as an idol, standing stiffly on stage while singing wasn't going to cut it.

He clicked his tongue. This system knew exactly how to push him.

Just as he was processing his new skill, another notification appeared.

[New Mission Unlocked: Perform Live at an Event.]

[Time Limit: 1 Month]

[Reward: ???]

Ren exhaled.

"So that's the next step, huh?"

The thought of standing in front of a live audience, performing in real-time, sent a strange thrill down his spine. This wasn't like posting a pre-recorded video on YouTube. There were no second takes. No edits. No filters.

He had to be flawless.

The question was—how?

His phone vibrated.

An Unexpected Opportunity

[Message from Takeda-san]

Takeda: Hey, Ren. How do you feel about performing at an upcoming live event?

Ren's fingers froze over his screen.

He blinked.

Coincidence? Or was the system pulling strings again?

Ren: What kind of event?

Takeda: Industry showcase. Upcoming artists, YouTube sensations, and indie talents will be performing. Audience size—around 2,000. A lot of producers, talent scouts, and music execs will be there.

Ren sat up straighter.

This wasn't just some random gig.

This was an opportunity.

If he nailed this performance, he wouldn't just be an online sensation—he would be a rising star in the industry.

Ren: I'll do it.

Leveling Up: The Training Begins

Ren had never danced seriously before.

Sure, he had seen choreography breakdowns online, but actually doing it? That was different.

But with Basic Dance Mastery, something strange happened.

The first time he tried, his body moved on its own. It was like muscle memory had always existed, lying dormant until now.

Step. Slide. Turn. Snap.

Each motion flowed smoothly, like he had been doing this for years.

Still, raw skill wasn't enough. He needed training. Refinement. Real practice.

And for that, he needed help.

So, he called the only person he knew who wouldn't hold back—

Mei.

The Mei Bootcamp

Mei stood in Ren's living room, arms crossed as she watched him fumble through a dance tutorial.

"You look like a malfunctioning robot."

Ren sighed. "Thanks for the confidence boost."

She rolled her eyes. "Since when do you dance?"

Ren scratched his cheek. "Long story. Just help me."

She raised a brow, then smirked. "Fine. But I'm going to break you."

And she did.

For the next two weeks, Ren suffered.

Footwork drills until his legs felt like lead. Core exercises to improve his balance. Endurance training—because dancing while singing was a whole different beast.

At first, he stumbled.

But the system skill adapted fast.

By the end of the first week, his movements were cleaner, sharper, more controlled.

By the second week, he wasn't just good—he was damn good.

Mei whistled as she watched him practice. "Alright, nerd. I hate to admit it, but… you might actually not embarrass yourself on stage."

Ren smirked. "High praise coming from you."

She flicked his forehead. "Don't screw this up."

The Day of the Event

The venue was packed.

Rows of seats stretched across the hall, and the massive LED screen displayed the lineup. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, excitement, and expectation.

Ren stood backstage, dressed in a sleek black outfit. His heartbeat was steady, his breath calm.

Takeda clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Nervous?"

Ren smirked. "No."

Takeda grinned. "Good answer."

The announcer's voice echoed through the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… Ren Shirogane!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Ren stepped forward.

The lights flashed, the music kicked in—

And the beat dropped.

The Performance

From the first note, Ren owned the stage.

His voice was sharp, controlled, resonating through the hall with a clarity that sent chills down spines.

His movements? Fluid. Effortless. Every step, every shift of weight, every gesture was precise.

He wasn't just singing—he was performing.

The audience watched, mesmerized.

Online viewers? Exploding.

As the final chorus hit, Ren pushed everything—his voice soared, his body moved with perfect rhythm—

And when the song ended, there was a moment of stunned silence.

Then—

The crowd ERUPTED.

Aftermath: A New Chapter Begins

Backstage, Ren took a deep breath.

Then, his phone buzzed.

[Notification: New Mission Unlocked.]

[Congratulations! You have reached 1 Million Subscribers!]

Ren's eyes widened.

1 Million?! Already?!

A new path was opening before him.

And this was just the beginning.