Chapter 51: Dual Lives on the Line
Rising Radiance Revolution (RRR) was the ultimate stage for aspiring idols, a high-stakes, global competition where the future stars of the entertainment industry were made.
Exclusively designed to catapult fresh talent into the limelight, RRR was the premier showcase where top entertainment companies send their most promising newbies to compete for a coveted debut spot.
The competition features a grueling series of challenges, including vocal performances, dance routines, and charisma tests, all crafted to push contestants to their limits.
Each round was designed to test every facet of an idol's potential, from stage presence to personal branding. Contestants face off in front of a panel of industry giants and celebrity judges, each with an eye for the next big star.
The exclusivity of RRR was reflected in its roster of participants. Only the top entertainment companies could send their trainees, ensuring that the level of competition was extraordinarily high.
This show acted as a launchpad, where only the most talented and well-prepared individuals could stand out.
The stakes were as high as it gets. The winner of RRR doesn't just walk away with a trophy — they earn an instant debut as an idol under a major label, complete with a fully-fledged promotion campaign and guaranteed media exposure.
This was the definitive opportunity for rising stars to break into the industry, making RRR a must-watch event for both fans and industry insiders.
Beyond the spotlight, RRR was a spectacle of intricate production, with elaborate stage designs, cutting-edge technology, and behind-the-scenes drama. The show meticulously curates each performance to captivate audiences and highlight the contestants' unique talents.
In essence, Rising Radiance Revolution wasn't just a competition; it's a spectacle of ambition, talent, and glamour, representing the pinnacle of opportunity for aspiring idols.
Cain arrived at the RRR production site, a massive building where he would face his first challenge: the initial screening.
"Listen, Cain," Fifi whispered as they approached the entrance. "Though you've got the invitation, it only gets you past security. You've still got to ace the first screening, which is an interview. Be handsome and interesting, okay?"
Cain waved dismissively. "Alright, alright." He had no idea how "interesting" he could be in an interview. Should he dance? Sing? The thought made him smirk.
Slipping on the [Charm Bracelet], he felt a surge of confidence. With his charm boosted, he was ready for whatever they threw at him.
"Remember," Fifi added, leaning closer. "They'll ask all sorts of questions, maybe even some controversial ones. Play it safe with your answers, got it?"
Cain resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He had no idea how the interview would go, but he had studied countless idol interviews online. He figured he could handle it.
Stepping inside the RRR production building, Cain handed his invitation to security and was led into a spacious waiting hall.
"So many people here. Are they all auditioning for RRR?" Cain muttered under his breath.
A nearby staff member nodded. "That's right. There were thousands of applicants, and it's impossible to screen them all in one day. The first screening process lasts a week."
"A whole week just for interviews?" Cain mused aloud. "That's insane."
"That means you've got a lot of competition," Fifi said, her voice tinged with concern. The sheer number of applicants made her nervous. Could Cain really stand out among thousands?
Cain was undeniably handsome, and his charisma was magnetic, but was it enough? After all, everyone here was likely just as striking and charming.
"Right this way, please," a staff member directed Cain to his seat, handing him a number as they went.
Not knowing anyone around, Cain settled into his seat, scrolling through his phone to pass the time.
"By the way," Fifi asked, her voice laced with curiosity, "if you pass this initial screening, do you have an alibi for your gang?"
"Alibi for what?" Cain responded absentmindedly.
Fifi stared at Cain like he was the biggest idiot on the planet. "Have you seriously forgotten? If you secure a spot among the 100, You'll be staying with the other trainees here for months, which means you'll have to leave your gang members behind."
Cain's face drained of color. "Wait, what?"
Fifi rolled her eyes. "It's right here on the website. If you pass the interview and make it into the top 100 trainees, you'll be living in this building until the show ends."
Panic surged through Cain as he quickly scrolled through the RRR contest details on his phone. His eyes widened when he saw that Fifi was right.
"Damn it . . . This isn't good." He was too consumed with the interview that he forgot to read the rules on RRR website.
"You didn't think this through, did you?"
"No . . . Do you have any ideas?" At the first sign of opportunity, he just grab it and rolled with it as he went.
Fifi smirked. "Seems like I'm always solving your problems for you. Unfortunately, I don't have any items that can fix this kind of situation."
"Really?" Cain frowned. "But you're like . . . magical! (little devil!) Shouldn't you be able to solve everything with magic?"
Fifi flicked his forehead, and Cain winced, barely holding back a yelp.
"It doesn't work that way. I only have a limited number of items at the moment because your stats are so low."
"And whose fault is that? All my IP is going toward paying off my debt to you."
Fifi hid a sly smile behind her poker face. "That's because you can't do anything without my items, so you have to work hard, Cain."
"Shut up," Cain muttered, secretly wishing for another special mission so he could finally pay off his remaining debt to Fifi.
As he waited for his turn to be called, Cain scanned through the RRR website, poring over the rules and regulations. The show was more like a reality series, with cameras recording their every move — everywhere except the bathrooms. However, not every day was scheduled for filming; they'd get one break day each week to do as they pleased.
On that day, maybe he could sneak back to his gang and check in on them. He'd just tell them he was busy with work and appoint Joker or Bones as a temporary leader.
"Guess I'll have to juggle both lives for now," Cain muttered to himself, determined to find a way to make it all work.
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