Chapter 9

Ding!

A notification popped up on my phone. My heart pounded as I unlocked the screen.

[Congratulations! You have been accepted into the Phoenix Idol Competition.]

For a moment, I just stared at the message.

It had only been a week since I registered. A week of grueling daily training—waking up early, going to karaoke booths, renting private dance studios, and rapping until my throat was sore.

And now, it was happening.

I clenched my fists, exhaling sharply. I got in.

But before I could fully process it—

Ding!

[Heart Points +5! Host is making progress!]

Right. The system was probably happy I wasn't failing.

I got up from my bed and walked downstairs. I had to tell my parents.

At the dining table, Mom and Dad were having their usual morning coffee when I cleared my throat.

"I got in," I said.

Mom blinked. "Got in where?"

I showed her my phone.

"The idol competition," I clarified.

Dad slowly set his coffee down. "You're saying… you were accepted?"

I nodded.

For a second, there was silence.

Then—

Mom's eyes softened, but there was still worry behind them. "Ethan, are you really serious about this?"

"Yeah," I lied smoothly.

Dad sighed but nodded. "Well… you worked for it. I won't pretend I'm not nervous, but if this is what you want, we'll support you."

Ding!

[+1 Heart Point! Family support obtained.]

I bit back a smirk. Of course, the system would reward that.

Mom smiled hesitantly. "Just… promise me you'll take care of yourself?"

"I will."

Even if I had no choice.

My heart thudded as I walked toward the Phoenix Entertainment building.

It was a massive glass structure, sleek and modern, with banners of past idol groups hanging from the sides. This was real.

I glanced at my status screen.

Name: Ethan

Age: 17

Stamina: 65/65

Dance: C

Singing: C

Rap: C

Charm: B+

Acting: SSS

Heart Points: 261

From D to C in a week. I still wasn't great, but I wasn't awful anymore.

I was about to close the system window when—

Ding!

[New Function Unlocked: Status Scan!]

…What?

I suddenly saw text floating above the heads of the people around me.

[Name: ?? | Dance: B | Singing: B | Rap: A]

[Name: ?? | Dance: A | Singing: B | Rap: B]

Almost everyone was ranked higher than me.

I swallowed hard. I was behind.

And if I wasn't careful—I'd be left in the dust.