Gangster to Idol

[CONGRATULATIONS! Secret Mission: Help a Trainee is successful!]

[REWARDS: 500 IP, CHA +5, CONS +5, DEX +5]

[Skill, COMFORTING PRESENCE LV. 10 → 12]

"Oh, a hidden mission?" Cain murmured, his eyes lighting up as he glanced at the rewards with undisguised glee. "There are hidden missions too?"

"Seems like it," Fifi replied nonchalantly, floating beside him.

Cain raised an eyebrow, suspicion creeping into his tone. "How come you sound like you didn't know? Aren't you supposed to be the all-knowing idol goddess?"

Fifi shrugged, twirling in the air with playful indifference. "Keekeekee~ Sometimes surprises are more fun, don't you think?" She grinned wickedly. Then, shifting the conversation, she said, "Good thing Rhea passed, right? It would've been embarrassing for both of you if she didn't, especially after all that pep talk you gave her. Keekeekee~"

Cain scowled. "Are you really a goddess or a devil? Why does it seem like you're hoping for someone's downfall?"

Fifi's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Less competition for you, of course~"

"C.C.!" A sudden voice interrupted their banter. Cain turned to find Leo rushing over, his expression caught somewhere between excitement and anxiety.

"C.C., you know fashion and hairstyling, right? How do I look?" Leo asked, tugging nervously at his outfit and running a hand through his hair.

Cain gave him a once-over before sighing deeply. "Leo, you do realize we're being judged on our voices right now, not our fashion choices, right? You could walk out there in pajamas, and they wouldn't care."

Leo scratched the back of his head awkwardly, laughing like a man who was desperately trying to convince himself everything was fine. "Right, right . . . I forgot about that part. Ahahaha.

I'm up next after Riku, so talk about bad luck, eh? Riku's got killer vocal control and can rap like there's no tomorrow. His only weakness is his short breath, but I'm sure with his voice and rhythm, he'll blow them away."

Cain watched Leo's nervous ramble with a bemused expression. "You'll be fine, Leo."

But Leo shook his head, grinning despite the anxiety clearly etched on his face. "Even if my vocals are weak and my voice is mediocre, I'll make up for it with guts! Ahahaha!" His laughter was loud, but it had a manic edge, as if he was trying to drown out the fear gnawing at him.

Cain leaned toward Fifi, whispering, "Oi, are you sure those 'Positivity Pills' actually work?"

Fifi floated beside him, smug as ever. "Of course! Just look at him—he's practically radiating positivity."

Cain glanced back at Leo, who was still grinning like a man possessed. "Yeah . . . I think he's lost it."

As if on cue, the stage lit up with a burst of energy, and all attention shifted to Riku. His strong vocal control and razor-sharp rap skills were undeniable, captivating the room almost instantly.

With just the first verse, Mitchell slammed his hand down on the buzzer, his chair spinning around before the verse had even finished. The crowd roared in approval.

"Riku made it look easy," Cain remarked, arms crossed as he watched the rapper's effortless performance. "One verse in, and he's already got a judge."

"Rappers have it good," Fifi chimed in. "They always have a spot in idol groups."

"And Riku?" Cain added, watching as the young rapper celebrated his win. "He's definitely main rapper material." He was genuinely happy for him.

Leo stood nearby, watching Riku with wide eyes, visibly nervous. "Man, that kid is amazing," he muttered, taking a deep breath. "Well, it's my turn now." With a look of determination, he squared his shoulders and marched toward the stage. "Wish me luck, C.C.!"

Cain's eyes followed Leo's retreating figure, a pang of worry tightening in his chest. "Is he really going to be alright?"

Fifi waved a dismissive hand, though her smile held a tinge of amusement. "Relax, Cain. He'll be fine . . . probably.

Keekeekee~"

But Cain couldn't shake the feeling of unease as Leo's silhouette disappeared behind the stage curtains.

Leo's energy was infectious, his positivity almost blinding, but Cain knew all too well how quickly confidence could crumble under pressure. Was the [Positivity Pill] enough by then?

Leo stepped onto the stage with a determined expression, his usually carefree demeanor replaced by a deep sense of purpose.

The spotlight cast a soft glow over him, and as the music started, he took a deep breath and began to sing. His voice, though steady, lacked the dynamic power that had made Riku's performance so captivating.

Leo's tone was clear, but it lacked the richness or emotion that could move the judges.

He tried his best to hit every note, putting his heart into each lyric. His voice wavered slightly during the more difficult parts, but he pushed through, determined to give everything he had. He glanced briefly at the mentors, hoping to see some sign of approval—a nod, a smile, a flicker of interest—but their chairs remained unmoved, and the buzzer remained silent.

The song came to an end. Silence hung in the air for a few heartbeats.

No buzzers. Continue your adventure at m|v-l'e m,p| y- r

No chairs turned.

The mentors exchanged glances before Mitchell finally spoke up. His voice was kind, but there was no hiding the truth behind his words. "Leo, you've got heart, no doubt about that. But in this competition, heart alone isn't enough. You need something that grabs us, something unforgettable, and your performance didn't quite hit that mark."

Evelyn nodded, her expression soft but firm. "You've got potential, but your voice doesn't yet have the depth or control needed to stand out in a group of this caliber."

Leo stood frozen, his chest rising and falling as he processed their words. His hands trembled slightly at his sides, but he forced a smile onto his face.

It was clear—Leo had failed.

The harsh reality hit him like a punch to the gut. After all the effort, the nerves, and the positivity he had tried to maintain, this was the end of his journey. He was going home tonight.

Cain watched from the sidelines, a knot tightening in his stomach. Even Fifi, usually full of snarky comments, stayed quiet, her small wings fluttering silently as Leo gave a respectful bow and slowly walked off the stage.

As he approached C.C., his grin was still there, but it was hollow, a mask barely concealing his disappointment. "Well . . . I gave it my best shot, huh?" Leo said, his voice light, but there was an unmistakable crack in it.

Cain didn't say anything at first. He just placed a hand on Leo's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Yeah, you did. And that's all anyone could ask for."