Soo-Ha walks quietly to where his mother was sitting besides her.
And for the first time, in a long time, both this life and the last, he held her hand.
"Everything will be alright, Mom." He says softly and sincerely.
Why had these simple and small gestures of comfort been so hard for him in the past?
Facing her deep eyes, she stares at him, "Thank you, Soo-Ha..... your mother will try and grow stronger now..."
"It's okay... Take all the time you need, you don't have to change, Mom."
"Mmm"
"I'll always be by your side."
Soo-ha says as he clasped his mother's hands tighter, as a glimmer of life and warmth seemed to return to her features.
He wanted his family to be happy in this life.
They deserved it.
****
At the age of 5, Soo-Ha had learned to play the piano.
At the age of 12, he listened to his first rap album.
At the age of 16, he become an idle trainee.
Although his family wasn't rich, while his father was alive, they had a satisfactory amount of money with some freedom to buy things at will.
Over time, his father had bought him a lot of equipment, all to further his dreams.
Seeing the 37-key master keyboard, worn out with use, the audio interface piled up with dust and the recording mic that stood by the computer near his desk.
He is once more reminded of his father.
When he had bought any of these things, no matter the cost and the protest of his mother , his father would always laugh it off, saying its an investment.
Become a successful singer, son.
Those words which were often as said as light as a feather, now felt like his father's will. They were embedded into his soul.
In the past Soo-ha had always wanted to prove his father proud by becoming a famous singer, a singer who earned a lot of money.
It was only later in his career, did he realize the true meaning of success – but it had been all too late.
"A successful singer..."
In Soo-ha's eyes, a successful singer was one that was happy to be on the stage; someone who was not forced against his will to co-operate with members he disliked, someone whose overflowing happiness made him want to make others happy.
Pressing the keys of dusty keyboard, he feels a shock which causes his entire body to jerk.
[System initializing...]
[1...3....5...7.....9]
After what seems like an eternity, of staring at the air and the translucent window which just appeared.
Soo-ha can't help but be mesmerised.
[Name: Park Soo-Ha
Level: 0
Title: None
Vocal: D
Dance D
Visual: A
Skills: -
Talent: Unlimited Level]
Looking at the situation that ignores all laws of psychics.
Soo-Ha can't help but accept it this as his new normal.
Looking at the grade's he can't help but wonder, is D really all he had amounted to after 7 years as a singer and 3 years as a trainee.
Even back in Soo-ha's previous time-line, the best compliment his singing would ever-get is that 'the basics were good'.
But that was it.
[Achievement Unlocked! <First Boot>
Levo 0 -> 1
You have obtained 1 skill point!]
"Achievements?"
Soo-ha was just speaking to himself, but with that statement another window popped up.
[Achievements in Progress]
[1st Live Performance [0/1]
10 Live Performances [0/10]
100 Live Performances [0/100]
1 FAN [0/1]
10 FANS [0/10]
100 FANS [0/100]
….
The scroll bar was so small it seemed endless, and more than half of them were blank at this point, so its impossible to check.
Instantly an idea seemed to form in his mind.
'Since I earned a point, how should I use it?"
Calling out the status window.
A new row is displayed at the bottom of the blue screen 'Remaining points: 1'
"Distribute 1 point to Vocal."
Immediately the contents of the window changed.
[Name: Park Soo-Ha
Level: 1
Title: None
Vocal: D+
Dance D
Visual: A
Skills: -
Talent: Unlimited Level]
Deciding to test it out Soo-Ha, sings a tune that he enjoys.
Almost immediately he can feel a difference. Not only was the song easier to sing, it was easier to hear, it was more refined. Not only had his voice become clearer, his overall knowledge and skill in using his tool had increased as well.
It seems, that the change was not as simple as he thought.
As he finishes the song, a notification sound echoes in his mind.
[Achievement Unlocked! <Born singer>
Level 1 -> 2
You have obtained 1 skill point!]
The previous achievement 1st Live Performance, is now completed and greyed out.
'This was ridiculously efficient!'
While there is a saying that it takes 10 thousand hours to master a skill, Soo-ha knows that not to be true. People can become proficient, but they can never become great without the thing called talent.
'Hard work only beats talent , when talent doesn't work hard'
Soo-ha had seen monsters before, those with monstrous talent who worked monstrously hard.
Even if he had been reborn, he wouldn't admit it but he still felt afraid of failing due to the wall called Talent.
Now however, with this cheat.
He would out grind everyone!!!
The maximum possible growth, the limit of potential.
That no longer applied to him.
He was! HE Is Unlimited...!
At that moment, a pop-up appeared causing Soo-ha to do a double take.
[Urgent Quest issued! Debut or Die If you don't debut as an idol within the time limit, you will die. Remaining period: D –365 Reward: 5 skill points Failure: Death] "What?" The content was as ridiculous as it was ominous. It's already crazy that a system showed up out of nowhere but now there's this crazy task too. As soon as he finishes reading the pop-up disappears. "Fuck---" He spits out as a cold sweat breaks out. Soo-Ha had already confirmed the existence of the status window, so it was impossible to doubt that the failure was true. 'Why the hell did this show up?' 'Because I thought of debuting'?' Soo-Ha can't help but laugh at this crazy turn of events. 'Let's stay calm' Soo-Ha reassures himself, as he begins thinking of the quickest way to debut. He still doesn't plan on joining a new agency, which means …... he had to enter an Idol Survival program. Soo-Ha grins with a sour smile, wasn't it around this time that the Produce series was a huge hit? *** Idol
Grabbing the microphone, without hesitation, Soo-Ha chose ten songs at random before glancing back at the door to the karaoke room he just came in. The door is made of glass, allowing onlookers to not only hear the sound from within but also see the performer. It was perfectly efficient scouting area for anyone who worked at a broadcasting station. *** [Achievement Accomplished! Level 2 -> 3 You have obtained 1 skill point] It was not long before Soo-Ha had completed another accomplishment. Investing the points saved in Vocal once more, The D+ rating quickly changed into C. The basics seemed even better this time, and when Soo-Ha song once more time to test it. The tone colour was deeper, the volume increased and the control was better. He once more couldn't believe the incredible growth he experienced. While Soo-Ha was still immersed in his progress, a sudden knock on the glass door causes his focus to shift. Facing the woman, who looks
10 days had soon passed and the first day of filming had begun. Although the show is structured in the sense of a survival program, it begins with an evaluation of each participant. Much like any audition program, besides the finale the biggest stage to make an impression is the 1st round. It is not rare for a bad impression to last until the end of the program. It is said that two things remain irretrievable: time and a first impression. The worst thing to do is give an average performance. Instead, even if it's a complete mess and becomes a joke, it can still help you in the future. There is no worse fate, than being cut for time and being left on the editing table. Of course, Soo-ha had no intention of being a comedy character. "Does everyone know their number? You will only be called once. Please proceed to enter this corridor after you've received your instructions." The filming began by taking a picture of the participants walking though the hall of the set, one by one
Park Soo-Ha who makes his way up to the stage, listens to the male MC. "Participant Park. Please introduce yourself." "... My name is Park Soo-ha. Please take good care of me." He proceeds to bow, as there is a small laugh and snort for the judge's seat. "Is that all?" An older male judge, who is holding the microphone asked in a voice mixed with laughter. Although jokingly, there was a slight negative tone, which made answering tricky. Soo-Ha knows that it was his attempt to get him to speak more, but decides to just nod his head seriously. This causes laughter to break out among the judge's seats "What a unique kid!" "He's fun-." A few of them whispered. Of course, the microphone captured their voices well. "Ah! It says here that you are a former M.S trainee" "That's right" This is usually when remarks like, 'why are you participating?' or 'why did you leave' would be asked. However, the judges all seemed to come to an agreement that it would be more impressive to do
"Whoa, Soo-Ha-ssi! I wasn't expecting you to be that good!" The male judge who previously held a bit of contempt for him now looks at him eagerly. ".... I practiced hard to sing it well" Another judge intercedes as he comments; "No, this is something you're born with, you have talent." The man who is one of the main mentors looks at Soo-Ha with expectation, 'His got potential to be the main vocalist …. we were actually lacking vocalists this year.' He is a famous lyricist who was popular for his blunt critique. He smiles all the way up to his eyes, indicating just how much of a liking he has taken to the contestant. Soo-Ha smiles softly as he thanks him for the praise. The judges continue with their rain of compliments. Especially the female singer, who appeared as the vocal coach. The formal idol, Hyo begins her evaluation. "Firstly, your vocal colour is very refreshing. Your vocalisation and enunciation are good too, so that it sounds pleasant to the listener." "Right,
As the familiar intro began and passed by, the lively vocals struck the ears of listeners. Soo-Ha, who goes with the most iconic pose, raises to fists to his cheeks as he tilts his head as he waits for the cue. As one of the judges spat out the water he was drinking. HA! Don't lose, don't lose, don't lose, quickly Don't lose your temper so, so, so quickly, your- so quickly Bo Peep Bo Peep Bo Peep Bo Peep Bo Peep Bo Peep Bo Peep Ah! The only person who seems to be watching his simple steps with eager eyes is the choreography instructor. While the rest along with the crowd of idols, smiles stretch to their eyes as they enjoy the unexpected scene of liveliness. The dance was not overly complicated, heck the song was the national anthem for all kindergarteners at the time. The song which was released 5 years ago, is clearly a relic of its time. An EDM-pop hybrid which instantly shot to number 1 on the Oricon Chat and top 5 on the Gaon Music Chart. ARA's , sc
"Park Soo-Ha... Overall evaluation A, Rank 6th Place!" Soo-Ha hadn't expected to be ranked so high, just for setting the mood. What Soo-Ha forgot to include in his assessment though, was the effect of his face. The ugly truth was that Soo-Ha was experiencing the phenomenon known as pretty privilege. If someone, is easy on the eyes, the enjoyment we derive from looking at them colours our perceptions of their other attributes. On the flip side, this colouring of perception also leads to higher expectations. The so-called beauty penalty. People tend to also have very high expectations as a result of looks, so when they fail to live up to those expectations, they're punished more harshly than un-pretty people. Soo-Ha didn't know but with the raise in expectations from judges, any mistake going forward would be penalised brutally. Thankfully, he had a certain 'skill' which would allow him to meet and exceed any expectations going forward. "I hope to teach you well, so aim even hi
Charm? What is Charm? The words charming and beautiful are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. A beautiful woman/man may or may not be charming, but a charming man/woman is by default beautiful. Beauty can be inherited, but charm cannot. Beauty is skin deep, whereas charm much more than superficial layer. Beauty fades, while charm remains. Beauty is the way you look and dress. Whereas Charm is the way you talk, the grace with which you walk, the way you respond to situations, the pitch of your voice, your choice of words, your tone, your smile, the way you laugh. Charm is an attitude one carries. Charming men and women emit a natural aura as if there is a magnetic force field pulling one's attention towards them. "Beauty can turn heads; Charm will turn Souls" It appeared that his charm was calculated from the previous performance. When practicing, it never appeared. Maybe he needed it to be formally recognised in order for it to be calculated. Soo-Ha was