Chapter 8: When a Hero Learns to Groove

At first, the trainers were confused, but like Kim Chan, they gradually became drawn into Roy’s movements.

It couldn’t exactly be called dancing, but there was no denying the charm in it.

“It’s like… I can smell flowers in the air,” Kim Jungah murmured.

Hwang Guman nodded in agreement.

As she said, watching Roy move made it feel like flower petals were blooming in the empty air.

The eyes of everyone in the practice room were glued to the path of Roy’s wooden sword as it carved through the air.

“Thwack.”

“…That’s all,” Roy said, catching his breath.

He brought the stick toward his left hip in a smooth motion, mimicking the way one would sheathe a blade—his final move.

“Wow… I’m not even sure how to describe it. It’s not your typical idol dance, but there’s definitely something there. I think it could go viral if we post it as an audition video.”

“I agree,” said Kim Jungah.

“But I also think he really needs to start with the basics.”

As Kim Jungah and Jung Hojun gave their feedback, Hwang Guman beamed.

To be honest, Roy’s dancing and singing skills ranked near the bottom of all the trainees Hwang Guman had seen.

Especially since the routine had more in common with swordsmanship than any real choreography, it was difficult to even evaluate.

And yet, Roy possessed a charm that transformed even his flaws into something captivating.

Given that survival audition shows often highlighted contestants who showed steady improvement, Hwang Guman saw a strategy worth pursuing.

“Then you two take charge of Roy’s dance and vocal training. Doha and Chan are already solid.”

“Leave it to us!”

“Of course.”

Roy wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand.

He had only moved for a short while, but his entire body ached.

‘I feel even more drained than usual…’

[That’s right, Hero. To balance your entry into this world, some of your physical abilities were temporarily sealed.]

‘Balance?’

[Yup! And to make up for it, I’ve prepared a special gift for you!]

[Ding!]

A glowing screen appeared in front of Roy.

Unlike Earth’s usual notification light, this one had a pale sky-blue tint.

The letters that floated on the screen were mostly unfamiliar.

[Hwang Roy (22)]

[Vocals: E-]

[Dance: F-]

[Acting: F-]

[Lyric Writing: F-]

[Composition: F-]

[Your previous combat abilities will naturally return as your level increases. But adapting to life as an idol is another matter entirely. That’s why I’ve introduced a growth system! Ta-da!]

‘EF ratings…?’

[The grades go from F- all the way to S+. You’ve got a long way to go, Roy…]

The tone was annoyingly cheerful.

Just as Roy was about to retort, Kim Chan walked up to him.

“Hyung! That was seriously amazing. I mean, you’re not perfect or anything, but you’re definitely not bad either. How do I put this? You have this power to grab people’s attention!”

“Thanks,” Roy replied.

He knew full well that his dancing and singing couldn’t hold a candle to Kim Chan’s.

But Chan was still trying to find something to praise about him, eyes sparkling with sincerity.

Even his flawless cheeks were tinged with a soft pink glow.

“Good job, Roy. Since we’re on a tight schedule, I think we need to start full-scale training today.”

“Yes.”

“President, we should eat first. I’m starving,” Kim Jungah said, rubbing her belly with a pout.

“Come to think of it, it’s meal time. Roy, have you ever tried tteokbokki?”

“Tteokbokki?”

“It’s as good as Korean beef. It’s my soul food.”

Just thinking about the taste of premium top-grade hanwoo beef made Roy unconsciously lick his lips.

Hearing that this food was on par with hanwoo brought a light blush to his cheeks, much like Kim Chan’s.

“…You said it’s delicious.”

“It is delicious… isn’t it?”

***

Hwang Guman let out an awkward laugh, subtly turning his head to avoid Roy’s piercing glare.

“Hyung, here—put this ice in your mouth. It’s probably just too spicy for you.”

Kim Chan handed Roy an ice cube.

Roy’s face was a complete mess.

His eyes were watery, and his nostrils and lips had been red for quite some time.

The packaging in Roy’s grip, marked with ‘Hellfire Tteokbokki’, was now crumpled.

“Roy really can’t handle spicy food, huh?”

“President, most people can’t eat this. It’s brutal.”

“I-Is that so?”

Even Kim Chan’s lips were puffy, though not as bad as Roy’s.

“I just figured it was fine since everyone else at the company handles it no problem…”

Just as Hwang Guman said, aside from Roy and Kim Chan, everyone else seemed to enjoy it.

“This is so good…”

“Unnie, want more deep-fried seaweed rolls?”

“Yes, please!”

As Kim Jungah nodded eagerly, Do Minkyung handed her the remaining pieces.

Then she gave her tablet to Hwang Guman.

“President, Chan has mostly finished his stylebook today. Once Roy gets started, we’ll be set.”

“Alright. Let’s take a look.”

It was the perfect excuse to avoid Roy’s fiery gaze.

Hwang Guman quickly took the tablet from Do Minkyung.

As he opened the cover of the sleek, rectangular device, a PDF filled with hairstyles, outfits, and accessories appeared on the screen.

He scrolled through it, nodding in approval.

“These are perfect for Chan. Really brings out his looks.”

“Blue tones suit him best. Wavy hair works too.”

“Go ahead and proceed with this.”

“Will do.”

Hwang Guman turned to Roy, who was chugging down the iced Americano that Doha had brought him.

“Roy, finish up and head straight to training with the instructors. Let’s plan to film your audition video tomorrow.”

“Mm-kay,” Roy mumbled, his speech slightly slurred with the large ice cube in his mouth.

Even if he didn’t show it, the ratings Earth had displayed had hit him hard.

But since he’d already decided to go through with this, Roy intended to do it right.

That was the only way to level up quickly, reclaim his original powers, and find Orichalcon.

It had only been a few days, but he already missed his spirits.

And, just for a moment, when he danced and sang in front of others, he’d felt something unusual.

Memories of his mother—usually buried deep and only brought up in fleeting moments—surfaced more vividly than ever.

“Can I train with Roy too?”

“Of course. Chan, want to try some acting classes as well? Doha really has no talent for it.”

Chan hyun’s eyes lit up at Hwang Guman’s suggestion.

He had taken acting lessons at his previous agency, but because the company favored certain trainees, he had never gotten proper instruction.

“Yes! I really want to try acting too.”

“Then I’ll schedule lessons twice a week for you.”

“Thank you!”

“No, I’m the one who’s thankful.”

Guman gave Chan hyun’s shoulder a light pat as the boy bowed his head in gratitude.

To Chan hyun, Bada Entertainment might have been small, but it was a company full of warmth and sincerity.

Unlike his old agency, where people smiled on the surface but sharp words flew constantly, this place felt truly welcoming.

Chan hyun’s eyes softened as he looked over at Roy, who was still struggling to tame the lingering spice, and at Doha, who was handing Roy a tissue.

“He’s following the steps decently, but he always gets stuck at the wave.”

At Jung Hojun’s comment, Roy’s face darkened.

{Hero! You must let go of your shame. The wave isn’t an embarrassing move!}

Roy had submitted a video for the audition showing the humming and sword techniques he had once demonstrated in front of the company staff.

After that, his formal training began.

At first, Roy had been full of energy.

He still didn’t know what kind of torment his comrades might be going through right now.

He had made up his mind to raise his dance and vocal grades as quickly as possible.

But every time his eyes met his reflection in the mirror, his body betrayed his will and froze up.

Especially when he had to do the wave, chills would start from his toes, crawl up his spine, and spread all over his body.

“Your facial expressions are too stiff. That works when you’re demonstrating swordplay, but on stage, you’ll need a lot more variety.”

Everything Jung Hojun said made perfect sense.

Roy looked through the videos of famous Hunter Idols on the tablet PC Hojun gave him.

All of them had incredibly expressive faces.

One of them even had such an intense lemon-sour expression that Roy’s pupils had trembled when he saw it.

“Let’s start over from the beginning. From what I can tell, it’s a psychological issue. Once you get past that, I think you’ll improve fast.”

{Looks like Earth will have to step in and help!}

[Weekly Mission: You’ve become a Hunter Idol trainee! Show your dedication!]

[Requirements: Dance practice – 20 hours (0/1), Vocal practice – 20 hours (0/1)]

(Note: Repeating the same move or song doesn’t count)

[Reward: Increased EXP – Complete 1 task: +20 EXP / Complete both: +50 EXP]

[Penalty: Stomachache for 24 hours]

‘What the heck is experience?’

[Your current average stat grade for idol-related skills is F! You’re basically just learning to walk.
To go from F- to F, you need 50 EXP. Not a bad deal, right?]

‘If I earn experience, can I freely upgrade what I want?’

[Yes! I’ll teach you how to operate everything step by step! Practice is the only way forward!
Starting now, your training time will be tracked.]

[Dance 00:00:03]

A timer appeared in front of him, and Roy let out a frustrated breath.

“Hoo…”

“You’re doing well, so don’t be too hard on yourself. This is your first time living as a trainee, right?”

“Yes. I’ll do my best.”

Roy’s use of formal language had improved dramatically.

Thanks to Earth, who stuck to his ear every day and drilled him on etiquette.

Screech. Screech.

The sound of Roy’s shoes scraping against the practice room floor echoed loudly.

Seeing Roy push through without complaint, even as sweat soaked through his shirt, Hojun felt a swell of satisfaction.

It was clear he was exhausted, but the boy didn’t grumble once.

“Let’s try it once more to the count. One, two, three, and four. You’re getting better and better. Nice job.”

Roy, watching himself in the mirror, tried to move his face muscles to mimic the expressions he saw in the videos, along with his body movements.

He wasn’t yet capable of showing genuine emotions, but at least copying someone else’s expression was within reach.

“Huff, huff…”

“You worked hard. See you tomorrow.”

“Yes. Goodbye…”

Lying limp on the floor like a jellyfish, Roy barely managed to lift his head to say goodbye.

“Hyung! Did you finish practice?”

“Uh-huh…”

“Whoa, that sweat smell is intense.”

Chan hyun opened the door to the practice room and waved something pitch black in front of Roy, who was sprawled across the floor.