The classroom fell silent. Dozens of eyes fixed on Kenji and Ryo as the tension thickened like smoke.
Ryo leaned against a desk, lips curled in a mocking grin. "So you've grown some fangs, huh? Fine. Let's see if your bark has any bite."
Kenji's heart pounded, but he didn't look away. For the first time, he stood his ground. "Name the time and place."
Gasps rippled across the room.
"No way, is he challenging Ryo?"
"Kenji's insane."
"Ryo's gonna crush him."
Ryo chuckled, as if this was all just a game. "Why wait? Music room. Now."
By the time they reached the music room, the news had spread across the school. The space was already packed, students squeezing in shoulder-to-shoulder, phones out and ready. Excitement buzzed in the air.
At the front stood a mic stand, a keyboard, and the small raised stage the music club used for practice.
Ryo strolled up first, soaking in the cheers as though he were born for it. He picked up the mic, flashing his signature smile that melted the crowd every time. Applause erupted instantly.
Kenji followed, slower, his steps heavy with the memory of failure. His fingers trembled as he reached the stage. He could still hear the echoes of his humiliation at the talent show—the laughter, the jeers.
Then the voice echoed in his mind.
> [Stage Presence Lv.1 Activated.]
[Effect: All eyes drawn to host. Performance impact doubled.]
A warmth spread through his chest, and suddenly, the whispers died down.
Every gaze shifted from Ryo… to him.
Kenji's breath hitched. He hadn't even sung yet.
Ryo noticed the change but quickly masked his unease. He motioned for his friend at the keyboard. "Watch carefully, trash. This is what real talent sounds like."
Music filled the room, smooth and elegant. Ryo's voice soared above it, rich and polished, each note precise. His confidence was dazzling, his tone dripping with charm. The crowd swayed, enchanted by the familiar prodigy.
By the final verse, the students were clapping along. When Ryo finished with a powerful high note, the room exploded in cheers.
"Amazing!"
"Ryo never misses!"
"Kenji doesn't stand a chance."
Ryo bowed with theatrical flair, then glanced back at Kenji, smirk sharp as a blade. "Your turn, wannabe."
Kenji stepped forward. His hands were clammy, his throat dry. But the System's voice returned, steady and calm.
> [Performance Mode: Active.]
[Suggestion: Use Song – Chains.]
Kenji drew in a breath. His second song. His defiance.
The backing track began—heavy drums and rumbling bass that shook the floor. Then he opened his mouth, and his voice tore through the air.
"Mock me, break me, laugh in my face…
I'll rise from the ashes, I'll claim my place…"
The effect was instant. Stage Presence ignited like a flame, pulling every listener into his rhythm. Students leaned forward without realizing it, eyes locked on him. His voice was raw, fierce, alive with emotion.
"Your words are chains, but I'll break through…
The stage is mine, and I'll sing for the truth!"
The final note crashed like thunder. Kenji stood panting, sweat glistening under the lights, his fist clenched around the mic.
For a heartbeat, silence reigned. Then the room erupted.
"What the—!?"
"That was Kenji?!"
"His voice… it gave me chills!"
Phones shot up, recording every second of his performance. The cheers weren't for Ryo anymore. They were for him.
Ryo's face darkened. His smirk had vanished, replaced by clenched teeth and narrowed eyes.
Kenji lifted his head, his gaze unflinching. "Still think music isn't for me?"
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Ryo stepped forward, voice low and sharp. "You got lucky. Don't think this changes anything. Next time, I'll crush you."
He stormed off the stage, his followers scrambling to follow.
But the whispers told a different story.
"Kenji's the real deal."
"Ryo's scared."
"This guy… he might be better."
Kenji's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, and his eyes widened.
> [System Alert: Rival Detected – Ryo Tanaka.]
[Mission: Defeat your rival in a live contest.]
[Reward: Skill – Vocal Range Expansion.]
Kenji's pulse quickened. The path forward was clear.
The battle had only just begun.