Dinner ended the way it always did—too much noise, too many jokes, and the faint ache of something like family clinging to the air long after the bowls were cleared.
Thato excused himself earlier than usual. He said he was tired. Nobody argued.
But as he walked down the creaking hallway toward his room, Mr. Kang's eyes followed him. The old soldier leaned back in his chair, cigarette balanced between two fingers, and let the smoke curl toward the ceiling.
He didn't say a word. But he knew.
Something in the boy's shoulders was different tonight—drawn tight, sharp, like a bowstring pulled to breaking.
"Kid's hiding something," Kang muttered under his breath. "Always is."
Haneul raised an eyebrow from across the table, but didn't comment.
___
Thato shut the door behind him and leaned against it, exhaling like he'd been holding his breath all night.
The quiet in his room was heavier than the noise outside.
He sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the cracked mirror across from him. For a long moment, all he saw was his own reflection—pale under the flickering light, hair falling into his eyes.
Then—
[SYSTEM REBOOT: Online]
The words burned across his vision.
His chest tightened. "...You're back.
It had been gone for two months. Silent. Dead. And for those two months, he'd convinced himself it was over. That he could live without it. That maybe he was normal after all.
But normal was never meant for him.
|Apology: Integration delay caused by host's genetic anomalies.]
[Note: Host's body adapts beyond standard parameters. Full calibration required.]
He swallowed. His fists curled in his lap.
"Why now?"
[Directive: Path selection required.]
A familiar sinking dread slid into him. He already knew what the System wanted.
[Primary Career: Idol.]
He laughed, sharp and bitter. "Still that? Even after everything?"
[Affirmation. Host's visual classification exceeds 99.9 percentile.]
[Designation: Succubus-type anomaly.]
Thato blinked. "Succubus? You mean incubus."
[Correction error unresolved.]
He barked out a laugh, but it sounded hollow in the empty room. "Great. So I'm cursed with being too pretty. Wonderful."
|Host you should choose your poiso.. sorry choose position|
"You were gonna say poison."He sighed.
✦ Options ✦
---
### **1. Dancer**
💃 *The heartbeat of the stage.*
The Dancer is the group's powerhouse of movement, bringing choreography to life with precision and passion. From sharp isolations to graceful transitions, they command the stage without saying a word. Whether it's a high-energy routine or a slow, expressive performance, the dancer turns music into motion.
---
### **2. Vocalist**
🎤 *The voice that touches the soul.*
The Vocalist delivers the emotional core of the group, with powerful high notes, smooth harmonies, and unforgettable melodies. Whether leading the chorus or harmonizing in the background, their voice brings depth and heart to every song. Their vocal color sets the group apart.
---
### **3. Rapper**
🎧 *The rhythm, the edge, the voice of fire.*
The Rapper brings attitude and lyrical flow, breaking through with charisma and intensity. With bars that hit hard and a delivery that's always on beat, they energize tracks and add flavor to every performance. Their swagger is unmatched, both on stage and off.
---
### **4. Visual**
📸 *The face that turns heads.*
The Visual is the member who embodies the group's aesthetic appeal. Known for their striking features, camera magnetism, and screen presence, they often become the face of the group in media and promotions. More than just looks—they radiate charisma that draws fans in at first glance.
---
### **5. Dual**
🌟 *Double threat, double impact.*
The Dual role is a versatile idol who shines in **two core positions**—like Vocalist + Dancer, or Rapper + Visual. They blend talents effortlessly, adapting to multiple roles and switching gears mid-performance. A Dual brings balance and unpredictability, always keeping the stage fresh.
---
# ✦ **6.All-Rounder** ✦
🔥 *The total package—the ace of the group.*
The All-Rounder is the ultimate idol: they sing with power, rap with precision, dance with finesse, and shine with undeniable star quality. They don't just support the team—they elevate it. Whether leading a song, stealing focus in choreography, or dazzling in visuals, the All-Rounder is the group's secret weapon. Their adaptability and unmatched stage presence make them unforgettable.
He stared at them for a long time. His jaw clenched.
"I'm not choosing one," he said finally. "I'll be all of them. Every damn role."
[Warning: All-Rounder path detected. Increased difficulty.]
[New Role Accepted: Bias Breaker.]
A new notification pulsed into view.
[Sub-Class Unlocked: Producer.]
[Reason: Host's cognitive patterns exceed suppression.]
He froze. His pulse kicked. The System had noticed the one thing he hadn't spoken aloud—the melodies, the harmonies, the endless beats in his head.
"So you do know me," he whispered. "Better than I want you to."
The System hummed in answer.
Then another screen slid into place.
[Balance Restriction Initiated]
[Reason: Host's genetic superiority exceeds Idol Path difficulty curve.]
[Penalty: Visual Appeal — Restricted.]
[Reward Issued: Item: Veil of Shadows]
**REWARD: ITEM**
**"Veil of Shadows":**
Rank: ???
**Description:**
The Veil of Shadows is not just a mask, but a mysterious enigma that obscures the wearer's beauty, cloaking their face in a soft, ethereal darkness.
**Effect:** Hides half of the user's face, drops Visual Appeal to 50.
The mirror rippled. Something dark unfolded from the glass like smoke taking form. A mask.
It was elegant—black velvet shimmer, fox-shaped edges curving around eyes left bare. Etched runes traced its surface, faintly glowing silver. It looked alive. Ancient. Hungry.
Thato reached out. The mask was cold, impossibly light. When he pressed it to his face, it sealed like it belonged there.
And just like that, the beauty that had always cursed him—his puffy chicks, flawless skin, the faint heart-shaped mark beneath his left eye—vanished into shadow. His reflection no longer looked like the boy too perfect to be real. It looked… ordinary. Hidden.
His eyes, though—those still burned through. Fierce. Vulnerable. Dangerous.
[Effect: Visual Appeal set to 50. Identity obscured.]
He let out a shaky breath. The mask wasn't just a cover. It was a chain.
"...So this is how it's gonna be," he whispered.
[Confirmation. Idol Path difficulty has been increased.]
His reflection stared back—half-boy, half-fox, too broken to be normal, too cursed to be free.
And yet, for the first time, Thato didn't flinch.
He pressed a hand against the mirror, the fox mask staring back.
"Fine,Ah, I see! So the MC's task is to compose songs *for* other people or a group, rather than for personal growth. Here's an updated version of the mission with that focus:
---
### **Mission: The Melody of Blessings**
**Objective**:
* Create **3 new songs** to benefit and inspire others, unlocking powerful rewards in return. Each song must be tailored to a specific person, group, or cause, and performed in a way that has a meaningful impact on their lives.
---
### **Mission Details**:
1. **Song of Hope**:
* Compose a song for a person or group who has lost their way or is in desperate need of hope. This song must reignite their spirit and inspire courage in the face of adversity. It could be for a downtrodden village, a grieving individual, or a group facing a daunting challenge.
* *Challenge*: Discover what has caused their despair and find the right emotional or personal thread to weave into the song, making it resonate deeply with them.
2. **Song of Harmony**:
* Create a song for two or more factions, groups, or individuals who are in conflict. The song must foster understanding, bridge differences, and promote unity.
* *Challenge*: You'll need to understand both sides of the conflict—perhaps even mediate between them—before you can craft a song that truly heals the divide and brings people together.
3. **Song of Strength**:
* Compose a song for someone or a group who needs an extra boost of strength—whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. This could be a warrior before battle, a community recovering from disaster, or a leader facing a critical decision.
* *Challenge*: Learn about their true source of strength or vulnerability, and channel that into a song that not only inspires them but empowers them to rise to their challenge.
---
### **Rewards**:
1. **Status Window**:
* Unlock a **Status Window**, granting you access to a detailed view of your growth, stats, and abilities, as well as new potential paths forward in your journey.
2. **Lux Points (30)**:
3. **Skill Choice for 3 Positions**:
* Choose **3 positions** to improve, and permanently enhance one skill in each of those areas. These could be related to your musical abilities, personal growth, or even combat and magic, depending on the nature of your world.
"If you're going to chain me—then I'll learn to fight with chains."