Chapter 4: A Spark Among Stars
The card in Kian's hand weighed heavier than any trophy.
Midnight Orchid Studios.
A name that echoed like gospel in the world of idols.
He sat at the edge of his small bed in the shared orphan dormitory, staring at the gilded letters.
> "They don't take nobodies," Aria had said. "But they owe me a favor."
Why would she do that? Why him?
The system blinked in his mind.
> New Quest Activated: "Audition of Fire"
Objective: Pass the Internal Talent Evaluation at Midnight Orchid Studios.
Bonus: Impress a Legend.
Reward: +30 Fame, +1 Rare Skill, New Relationship Path Unlocked
His breath hitched. "Impress a legend? As if that's possible."
But he stood anyway. Packed his single worn backpack. And stepped into the morning sun with only one thought:
"I won't waste the chance she gave me."
---
Midnight Orchid Studios – Talent Division Building
The studio rose like a marble fortress, sleek glass panels reflecting the skyline. Young hopefuls lingered outside, some dressed in flashy designer streetwear, others in full performance outfits. Kian, in his faded hoodie and torn sneakers, stuck out like a stain.
He swallowed.
As he stepped through the doors, whispers followed him like shadows.
"Who's he?"
"No name on the sheet…?"
"Looks like he walked out of a subway tunnel."
Still, he walked in—back straight, pulse screaming.
Inside, an assistant scanned him coldly. "Name?"
"Kian Elric."
The girl blinked. "You… You're not on the public roster. Are you staff?"
"No, I was invited—" He hesitated. "By Aria Lune."
That got attention. Several heads turned.
The assistant blinked again, then tapped her tablet. "Wait here."
Ten minutes later, a stern-looking woman with sharp glasses and sharper heels walked out.
"You're the boy she vouched for?"
Kian nodded slowly.
"Follow me."
---
The Underground Training Hall
It wasn't a warm welcome.
The room was huge, lined with mirrored walls and equipped with everything from pianos to dance poles. Standing at the center was a group of elite trainees—all of them radiant, beautiful, confident.
And then, there was him.
Ms. Rael, the instructor, crossed her arms. "This is Kian. He's a special-case referral. Today, he'll undergo an immediate assessment. If he fails, he's out."
One of the trainees—a lean, silver-haired boy with an arrogant grin—snorted. "Another charity case?"
Ms. Rael turned to Kian. "You will face off against one of our best second-year trainees. Live performance. One song. You have fifteen minutes to prepare."
Kian's palms were ice.
> 🎯 System Alert: [Special Encounter: Rival Appears]
Name: Riven Lael – Trainee Star (Lv. 3 Idol)
Challenge Difficulty: High
Reward for Victory: Unique Passive Skill + Rival Route Initiated
Warning: Failure may lock future debut paths.
He took a shaky breath. "Alright. Let's do this."
---
Fifteen Minutes Later
The stage was set. Trainees gathered to watch.
Riven went first. His voice was smooth, trained, rich in technique. His moves—polished like glass. He finished with a smirk, confident applause echoing through the hall.
Then came Kian.
He stepped onto the platform. Closed his eyes.
> System Skill: Vocal Resonance (Lv. 1) – Engaged
Mental Focus Boost – Engaged
Emotional Recall Sequence – Active
Images flashed behind his eyes.
The orphanage. The cold. The laughter of others. Aria's card in his hand.
And then… silence.
He opened his mouth.
> 🎶 "They told me stars don't fall for dirt…"
"But dirt can grow roots—stronger than hurt…"
"I walked alone with empty hands…"
"Now I rise—on broken strands…" 🎶
His voice wasn't perfect.
But it had truth.
It cracked once. Wavered.
And then—soared.
The crowd stilled. Even the instructors sat straighter. The mirrors caught his trembling figure like a ghost becoming real.
> 🎶 "You shine because they see you…"
"I shine because I fought…"
"I'm not here to be chosen…"
"I'm here to take my shot…" 🎶
He finished.
The silence that followed was so long, it hurt.
Then someone clapped.
Not Riven. Not the trainees.
Aria.
From the back, dressed in a navy coat, leaning against the glass.
She was smiling.
---
Post-Performance Evaluation Room
Ms. Rael leaned back. "You're rough. Undisciplined. No technical foundation."
Kian swallowed hard.
"But…" She narrowed her eyes. "Your voice drips with truth. And in this world, truth sells."
She tossed a contract on the table.
"Trainee Tier. No guarantees. But it's a start."
> ✅ Quest Complete: Audition of Fire
Rewards:
– Fame +30
– Skill Unlocked: "Authentic Pulse (Passive)"
– Relationship Path Progress: Aria +10%
– Rival Route: Riven Initiated
---
Later That Evening
Aria stood beside Kian at the studio balcony.
"You did well," she said softly. "You didn't break—even when they pushed you."
"I wanted to," he admitted. "But then I saw you."
She smiled faintly. "I wasn't helping."
"You were."
She hesitated, then took a step closer. The city lights behind her painted her like a dream.
"You're not like the others. You sing like you bleed."
Kian looked at her. "Is that… good?"
Aria shrugged. "It's dangerous."
They stood in silence. The wind cold. Her presence warm.
Then she turned. "Train hard. They'll come after you now. Fame breeds enemies."
As she walked away, Kian's system blinked again.
> New Quest: "Walk Among Legends"
Objective: Survive your first week of elite training.
Bonus Objectives:
– Bond further with Aria
– Avoid sabotage from rival trainees
– Impress the upcoming mystery mentor
> ⚠ Warning: The spotlight can burn brighter than it heals.
---
Kian looked out over the glittering city.
From a lonely orphan…
To a spark among stars.
And this spark was ready to set the world on fire.
---
End of Chapter 4