Kenji barely slept. The glow of the upload button replayed in his mind a thousand times. His song—his very first real song—was now online.
The platform wasn't huge, just a free music-sharing site where indie artists uploaded their work. Most songs there got only a handful of plays, but it was enough.
For Kenji, this wasn't about fame yet. It was about proof. Proof that his voice mattered.
When the sun rose, he checked the site.
0 plays. 0 likes. 0 comments.
He forced a laugh. "Of course… it's only been a night."
Still, a tiny ache pinched his chest.
He packed his bag for school, trying to shake it off. Today would be the same—mockery, sneers, whispers about his disaster performance. But today, he had something no one knew.
He had a secret weapon.
At school, the whispers started the moment he stepped into the hall.
"Yo, it's the broken singer!"
"Haha, careful, he might crack your ears again."
"Kenji, sing for us! We need a laugh!"
Kenji ignored them. His headphones were on, blasting My Voice. Every note gave him strength, a shield against their ridicule.
But Haru wasn't so subtle. His blond-haired friend threw an arm around Kenji's shoulder and glared at the bullies. "Oi! Don't you clowns have homework to fail?"
The group snickered but backed off. Haru clicked his tongue. "Bastards. You should've seen your face yesterday, though. I thought you were gonna faint."
Kenji sighed. "Don't remind me…"
Then his phone buzzed. He pulled it out, expecting a random notification. But his heart froze when he saw it.
1 play. 1 like. 1 comment.
His chest tightened. Someone had listened. Someone had actually listened.
He opened the comment, hands shaking.
Username: StarrySky
"This song… it feels real. I don't know who you are, but your voice—it gave me chills. Please keep making music."
Kenji's eyes blurred. Just a single comment, but it was enough to wash away every insult, every sneer, every failure.
Someone believed in him.
He clenched his fists, whispering, "Thank you… StarrySky."
> [System Alert: First fan acquired. New mission unlocked.]
Kenji nearly choked. "Wait—what?"
> [Mission: Gain 10 fans. Reward: Skill – Stage Presence Lv.1.]
[Penalty: None.]
He swallowed hard. "Stage Presence…?"
> [A passive aura that makes audiences focus on you during live performances.]
His eyes lit up. That was exactly what he needed.
But first… 10 fans.
The day dragged on, but Kenji's mind wasn't on class. He kept checking his phone. By lunch, the song had 3 plays. By the time school ended, it reached 5.
It wasn't much, but to him, it was gold.
That night, Kenji entered the Virtual Studio again.
"System," he said, determination burning in his chest. "I want to make another track."
> [Affirmative. Would you like to begin a new project?]
"Yes. But this time… something different."
He closed his eyes. His emotions bubbled—frustration, defiance, and a flicker of pride. He wanted to shout to the world that he wasn't done, that he was still here.
The melody burst forth—faster, heavier, pulsing with energy. The drums hit harder. The bass growled deeper.
And then the lyrics poured out.
🎵 "Mock me, break me, laugh in my face…
I'll rise from the ashes, I'll claim my place…
Your words are chains, but I'll break through…
The stage is mine, and I'll sing for the truth." 🎵
When the final chord rang, Kenji was panting, sweat dripping from his brow—even in the virtual space.
The system chimed.
> [New Song Created: "Chains." Export successful.]
Kenji opened his eyes to see another glowing flash drive on his desk.
He grabbed it with trembling hands, plugged it in, and played the track.
The sound shook his room. It wasn't just good—it was powerful. This wasn't a song to be ignored. It was a battle cry.
Kenji grinned. "This… this will get their attention."
The next morning, he uploaded Chains. His finger hovered for only a moment before he pressed "Post."
At school, things were the same. The same bullies. The same sneers.
But at lunch, Haru nudged him. "Oi, Kenji. Look at this."
He held up his phone, grinning.
Kenji's heart skipped. On the screen was the music-sharing site. His song—Chains—was already trending in the Rising Artists section.
Kenji snatched the phone, disbelief flooding him. "No way…"
57 plays. 30 likes. 12 comments.
Comments flooded the screen:
"Who is this guy? His voice is insane!"
"This song hit me hard. Respect!"
"If he keeps this up, he's going to blow up."
Kenji's pulse raced. In just one day, dozens of strangers had heard his voice. Not laughing. Not mocking. But admiring.
> [System Alert: Fans acquired – 15. Mission complete.]
[Reward unlocked: Skill – Stage Presence Lv.1.]
Kenji staggered. His body tingled as a strange warmth spread through him. It felt like a glow under his skin, a fire waiting to burst out on stage.
Haru noticed his dazed look. "Kenji? You okay?"
Kenji clenched his fists, his eyes sharp. "Yeah. I'm more than okay."
But then, the classroom door slammed open.
A tall boy with styled brown hair strode in, flanked by a group of followers. His uniform was crisp, his smile sharp like a blade.
Kenji stiffened. He knew that face.
Ryo Tanaka. The school's golden boy. Singer of the music club. Local contest champion. The one everyone called a prodigy.
Ryo's gaze locked on Kenji. His lips curled into a smirk.
"So you're the 'mystery singer' everyone's talking about online?" he said, voice dripping with mockery. "Don't tell me… it's actually you."
The room went silent. Dozens of eyes turned to Kenji.
Haru tensed. "Ryo, what's your problem?"
Ryo ignored him. He stepped closer, looking down at Kenji. "I heard your little 'Chains' song. Not bad—for trash. But don't get cocky. Music isn't for nobodies like you."
Kenji's jaw clenched. His fingers curled into fists.
For the first time, he didn't look away.
"Then why are you so scared of me, Ryo?"
The class erupted in gasps.
Ryo's smirk faltered. His eyes narrowed.
And in that instant, Kenji knew—his first true rival had appeared.