Chapter 5 - Sabotage and Spotlight

Chapter 5: Sabotage and Spotlight

"You sing like you bleed."

Aria's words from the night before echoed in Kian's head as he stepped into the trainee dorms of Midnight Orchid Studios. The hall smelled like fresh polish, expensive conditioner, and burning ambition.

He didn't belong here.

Yet, here he was.

> 📢 System Update:

"Trainee Status Activated."

Daily Missions Unlocked.

Stat Progression Begins.

🌟 Bonus Trait Unlocked: Tenacity of the Fallen (Passive)

– Increases breakthrough potential under high-pressure environments.

Kian entered his assigned room—dormitory C-12.

It was small but clean. One bunk bed. One desk. Two wardrobes.

"Great, a roommate," he muttered.

Just as he unpacked his bag, the door swung open.

A tall, dark-haired boy stepped in, wearing sharp silver-rimmed glasses and a measured expression. He glanced at Kian and sneered.

"You're the pity case Aria dropped here?"

Kian kept silent.

"Name's Blaise," the boy said. "I'm a second-tier trainee. Don't drag me down."

And just like that, Kian knew—training was going to be war.

---

Morning Training Hall – 7:00 AM

Instructor Rael stood in front of 30 trainees, all dressed in studio-issued tracksuits. Most of them eyed Kian like he was a ticking bomb—or worse, competition.

"You're not stars yet," Rael snapped. "You're stones. Rough. Ugly. Disposable."

Then she pointed at Kian.

"New stone. Everyone, meet the stray who got dragged in."

Laughter. Whispers.

Kian clenched his fists.

Rael smirked. "Let's see if he can sing, dance, or die trying."

---

Dance Evaluation – Hell Begins

> 🎯 System Mission:

"Complete Dance Drill Evaluation"

Status: Skill Level Too Low

Bonus Option: "Survive Without Falling"

Kian's muscles screamed. His timing lagged. Every spin left his head spinning. He had never trained choreography—let alone with top-tier talents.

Around him, the other trainees moved like machines. Seamless. Graceful.

He slipped on a turn. Fell.

The room erupted in laughter.

"Are you sure he's not a janitor?"

"Maybe Aria meant to send him to the kitchen."

Riven chuckled from the mirror. "Even his sweat looks pathetic."

But Rael didn't stop the music.

Kian pushed himself up.

"I won't quit," he muttered.

> System Trigger:

"Adaptive Sync (Basic)" – Passive Engaged

Boost: +8% learning rate

Status: Exhaustion at 72%

He moved again. Stumbled less. The rhythm began to flow—not perfect, but raw.

And Aria, silently watching from the observation deck, tilted her head.

"He's learning…" she murmured.

---

Lunch Break – The Trap

The cafeteria was buzzing. Kian sat alone in a corner, trying to force down protein gruel that tasted like boiled disappointment.

Blaise approached, holding out a canned drink.

"Here. Peace offering."

Kian hesitated.

"Not everyone here hates you," Blaise added, fake smile plastered on his face. "Some of us just want to see what you're really made of."

Kian took it. "Thanks."

Ten minutes later, during the afternoon vocal warm-ups—

His throat locked.

He coughed. Then choked. Then gasped for breath.

Rael turned, eyes sharp. "What is this?"

> ⚠ SYSTEM WARNING:

Foreign agent detected. Vocal strain intensified.

Activating Emergency Flush. Energy -25%

A sudden warmth spread in Kian's throat. The pain subsided just enough for him to speak—but hoarsely.

"Sabotage," he rasped.

Rael narrowed her eyes. "You. Out. Now."

---

Medical Bay – Isolation

"You're lucky," the medic said. "Whatever it was, your body flushed it before permanent damage."

Kian leaned against the cold bed, heart racing.

"Who did this…?"

> 🎯 Side Quest Triggered:

"Expose the Snake"

Objective: Find the saboteur within three days.

Reward: Skill Upgrade Token

His thoughts spiraled. Blaise? Riven? Someone else?

"Why are they so scared of me already?"

He stared at the ceiling. "I just started…"

---

Later That Evening – Unexpected Visit

The door creaked open.

Aria entered, alone, a tablet in her hand. She sat beside him without speaking.

He was about to sit up, but she gestured. "No need."

She glanced at him sideways. "You didn't cry."

"Would it help?"

She actually smiled. "No. But it's what most do."

A pause.

Then she placed the tablet in his hand.

"Your first fan message."

He blinked.

The screen showed a comment from a fan forum:

> 🎤 "I don't know who that Kian guy is… but when he sang, I cried. Please let him debut."

He swallowed. "They saw it?"

Aria nodded. "Every trainee performance is secretly streamed to our A&R scouts. That message came from a talent manager."

Kian's hands trembled.

Aria stood. "Get better. Fight harder. And next time… don't drink anything someone hands you."

He stared after her as she walked out.

He didn't know what burned more—the poison, or her kindness.

---

The Next Morning – Return to the Fire

Back in the hall, the whispers returned.

But this time… so did Kian.

Tired. Hoarse. Still recovering.

Ms. Rael looked at him. "You're insane."

"Maybe," he muttered, voice ragged. "But I'm here."

Rael nodded once. "Good."

> ✅ System Notice:

Hidden Trait "Burning Drive" unlocked

Status Buff: Mental Focus +12% when resisting collapse

🔓 New Talent Path Available: "Emotional Stagecraft"

---

Cliffhanger Ending

That evening, a message appeared on his system panel:

> 🔔 Notification:

"A legend has taken interest in your voice."

Unknown Profile: The Phantom Composer requests a private meeting.

Kian stared.

The Phantom Composer? A myth in the industry. Never seen. Never signed.

> Do you wish to accept the invitation?

Y/N

He hovered over Yes.

Then clicked.

And destiny shifted again.

---

End of Chapter 5