Kenji sat backstage with his hands trembling. The sound of applause still echoed faintly in his ears, replaying like a loop in his mind. He wasn't used to it, the cheering, the way strangers' eyes followed him, the warmth of their claps as if they had been touched by something real.
He ran a hand through his messy black hair, still damp with sweat. "Did I… really do that?" he whispered to himself.
The System answered without delay.
[System Notification: Quest completed - Perform in "Rising Sounds" competition.]
[Reward: +5 Vocal Resonance, +200 Experience.]
He blinked, startled by the sudden glow of text only he could see.
[Vocal Resonance: 15 > 20. Experience: 230/500.]
A strange warmth filled his throat, as if his voice itself had grown richer, fuller. Kenji coughed lightly and realized even that small sound carried a clearer tone.
He chuckled under his breath. "So… this is what leveling up feels like?"
Before he could think further, a shadow fell across him.
"You were incredible up there," a voice said.
Kenji looked up to see the same girl he had noticed in the audience, the one with long black hair and sharp, thoughtful eyes. She wasn't dressed like the other rowdy bar-goers. Her style was cleaner: a fitted jacket, dark jeans, and the kind of presence that drew attention without even trying.
"Uh… thanks," Kenji muttered, scratching the back of his neck.
She smiled faintly. "Most of the performers here just sing. But you… you told a story. That's rare."
Kenji felt his face warm. "I just… sang what I felt."
"That's what makes it good." She paused, tilting her head. "Name's Aika. I scout for underground talent. Nothing big yet, but I've got an eye for people who'll rise. And you…" She leaned in slightly. "You've got something."
Kenji's breath caught. "You think so?"
"I don't think. I know." Aika straightened, then slipped him a card. "If you're serious about music, call me. But don't waste my time. Plenty of singers burn out after their first taste of applause."
With that, she disappeared into the crowd, leaving Kenji staring at the small white card in his hand. Aika Minami - Talent Scout.
His heart pounded. Was this what opportunity looked like?
The rest of the competition blurred. Kenji barely remembered the other performers, nor the final announcement of winners. He hadn't even won, the judges gave first place to a flashy rapper who worked the crowd with confidence. But strangely, Kenji didn't feel disappointed.
Because even without the trophy, he had gained something far more important: recognition.
On his way home, he scrolled through his phone. Notifications flooded in, friend requests, messages from strangers, small mentions of his name in underground music forums.
"Who was that kid with the cracked-but-pure voice?"
"Kenji Sato… dude's raw but powerful."
"I'd listen to him again."
Kenji stopped walking, his chest tightening with something unfamiliar. Hope.
He whispered to the night sky, "Maybe… maybe this is the start."
The following morning, reality hit him again. His small apartment was still cramped, his fridge half-empty, and his bank account barely enough for the month's rent. His parents still called occasionally to ask why he hadn't given up "that music nonsense" and found a steady job.
But when Kenji looked at the scout's card on his desk, a fire burned in him.
[System Notification: New Main Quest unlocked - Build your Path in Music.]
[Stage One: Secure a mentor or manager within 30 days.]
[Reward: Unlock Skill - Vocal Mastery (Beginner).]
Kenji's eyes widened. "A mentor… so Aika counts, right?"
The System didn't reply, as usual, but the message was clear. This wasn't just about singing anymore. It was about building connections, rising step by step until the entire world heard his voice.
He clenched his fists. "I'll do it. I'll call her."
That evening, he dialed the number on the card. His palms were slick with sweat as the phone rang once, twice---
"Minami speaking."
Her voice was calm, professional.
"Uh...this is Kenji. Kenji Sato. From last night. You, uh, gave me your card."
A pause, then a soft chuckle. "You actually called. Good. I was wondering if you would."
Kenji swallowed. "I… I want to take this seriously. Music. My voice. All of it."
"Serious is good," Aika replied. "Then meet me tomorrow. There's a café near Shinjuku Station. 10 a.m. sharp. Don't be late. We'll talk about where you go from here."
Kenji gripped the phone tighter. "I'll be there."
When he hung up, he leaned back against the wall, his heart racing.
For the first time in his life, it felt like doors were opening, slowly, uncertainly, but undeniably opening.
And behind those doors… fame, music, and a destiny he never thought he could claim.
Kenji smiled faintly, a spark of determination shining in his eyes.
"This is just the beginning."