LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 101
Chapter 101
And the sub-quest was also completed.
[Sub-quest
[As a quest reward, you have acquired the skill 《Korean Willpower》.]
[Skill 《Korean Willpower》 – Although your nationality is American, your soul is that of a Korean. As a person with exceptional willpower, you have achieved countless feats that are impossible with ordinary mental strength, leading your fragile body… (omitted)
During performances or practice, when fatigue reaches 75, the willpower stat effect will surely activate, suppressing the increase in fatigue. The degree of suppression is proportional to the willpower stat. However, if fatigue reaches 100 while under the skill effect, the willpower effect will disappear immediately, and there is a low chance of receiving a penalty stronger than usual, so please be cautious.]
It seemed to mean that I could endure to my limits by displaying my grit.
Previously, the willpower effect was somewhat random, but from now on, it could be guaranteed due to this skill.
I had asked Larry to find a way to cover my inadequate stamina and strength….
What I had expected was something more comfortable and less rough, like purely increasing my stats.
[So, what you want to say is?]
I wanted it easy.
[Oh my…. Stamina +2]
So stingy.
* * *
One day, I accepted an interview request from a journalist who was on friendly terms with Sid.
Although I refused requests for CFs and other advertisements, I thought an interview might be alright.
After getting light makeup at the shop, we headed to the meeting place.
By ‘we,’ I meant Ban Yo-han, Seo Moon-gyeol, and me, of course.
“There shouldn’t be any difficult questions, but if there are, I’ll cut them off, so don’t panic.”
“Yes.”
Seeing us, the driver, Kwak Sang-hyun, shook his head in amazement.
“Every time I think about it, I wonder what your mental state is made of.”
“Mental state? That’s quite a profound question.”
Ban Yo-han responded smoothly.
“Do you know? Memories are stored in the soul, not the brain.”
I chimed in.
“You’ve read too many novels. Although 90% of the world’s population believes in the existence of the soul, just because many believe it doesn’t make it real.”
“No, the soul really exists.”
“Listening to you, it sounds like you’ve actually seen a soul.”
“I have, you know.”
“That’s nonsense…. Gyul, which side are you on?”
“Why are you asking Gyul, who’s been quietly sitting there?”
The car became noisy in an instant.
[Yeah…. They were always like this……. Kwak Sang-hyun reminisces about Ju Yeol-eum’s hell training, imagining the future.]
……That man was treating us like lower elementary school students who must be worn out with daytime exercise.
Of course, we weren’t playing around without any measures.
The company had already provided a list of expected questions, and each of us had prepared our answers.
Agreeing with Ban Yo-han not to waste energy on issues we couldn’t immediately prove, I looked up interviews of eliminated Pick Heart trainees on my phone.
One that caught my eye was an interview with Nagase Ritsu, titled ‘The Most Dependable Trainee Was On Raon.’
– Who was the most dependable trainee?
Ritsu: On Raon. Raon was especially popular among foreign trainees. The main reason was probably because he helped a lot during heart attack practices. And since I didn’t know much about Korea, there were communication difficulties, but Raon didn’t mind those at all.
– It sounds like he didn’t care rather than being considerate, is that correct?
Ritsu: Yes. Not in a bad way, but it seemed like he didn’t care even if he didn’t know. Rather, when I saw Raon, I felt like ‘You don’t know this? It’s okay. I don’t know either!’ This was really comforting. It felt like unintentional consideration.
“…….”
This must be what they call interpreting dreams more favorably.
I was thankful for the positive view, though.
‘I really didn’t know…….’
“We’re here. Let’s get ready and head out together.”
When we arrived at the meeting place, the journalist, who had arrived earlier, greeted us warmly.
“Hello.”
They then looked at me and couldn’t help but express their admiration.
“Wow…. I’m sorry to say this upon first meeting, but wow….”
Kwak Sang-hyun and the trainees next to him silently expressed their pride.
I didn’t understand why they felt that way about my face.
That day’s interview was exceptionally favorable.
* * *
[ ‘Pick Heart 3’ On Raon·Ban Yo-han·Seo Moon-gyeol “There’s still a lot we want to show you”]
Although the segment was short, On Raon, Ban Yo-han, and Seo Moon-gyeol, grouped together by fans as BOS (Boss), showcased remarkable performances in Pick Heart 3.
Despite it being their first media interview, the three responded with ease and composure.
① On Raon “This is just the beginning.”
(Photo)
On Raon, known by the unique nickname ‘4 minutes 59 seconds Mysterious Guy’ from the beginning of the show, caught the attention of representatives. (Omitted)
– Before we start the interview, I have to say this first. You’re handsome. I’m already sorry because our camera can’t capture your real appearance.
On Raon: Thank you. (Ban Yo-han, next to him, joked that even a part of his real appearance captured in the photo would look handsome. Everyone laughed.)
– You showed an emotional breakdown after all the cameras were turned off in the final broadcast.
On Raon: I’m really embarrassed. (In a genuinely embarrassed tone) If I could time-slip to that moment, I would drag myself to a secluded place. But I didn’t cry because I was sad or disappointed about not debuting. Really. I was overwhelmed with emotions thinking it was the end and the beginning. It wasn’t tears of sorrow, so I want to tell the fans not to worry.
– The revealed relationship with Muk Hye-sung during the final broadcast became a hot topic. How is your relationship with Muk Hye-sung, who is both your mentor and idol, after that?
On Raon: (Awkward laugh) To be honest, it’s really awkward. It’s more awkward than before when I didn’t know we were relatives. (In a hurried tone to evade the situation) But he’s a good person. Since starting dorm life, he regularly checks on me to see if I’m having any difficulties.
(Omitted)
② Ban Yo-han “There is no age limit to finding a dream.”
(Photo)
Ban Yo-han, who is good at studying, has a great personality, and is handsome, fits perfectly with the term ‘Mother’s Friend’s Son’. (Omitted)
– It’s rare to start as an idol trainee after turning twenty. It must have been a difficult decision to challenge being an idol, even giving up on a university you entered with good grades.
**Ban Yo-han:** I believe there’s no age limit to finding a dream. In fact, I mentioned this during the mentor evaluation, but it got edited out of the broadcast. (Everyone expressed regret with a sigh) My parents were strongly opposed. I studied really hard for the college entrance exam, so it’s a bit of a shame. (Everyone sighed again)
– I heard there was a special reason you ended up appearing on Pick Heart.
**Ban Yo-han:** That’s right. Originally, (Kang) Ji-woo was supposed to participate, but he injured his leg right before filming, so I went in his place. I had to prepare quickly, so I was probably lacking in many areas, but I’m thankful to the representatives for looking upon me kindly. And Ji-woo helped me a lot during the Pick Heart filming. He’s a good friend.
(Omitted)
**③ Seo Moon-gyeol: “Thanks to composer Sky Jung for ‘Rewind.’”**
(Photo)
Seo Moon-gyeol excels in singing, dancing, rapping, visuals, composing, songwriting, and even impressive soap carving. He’s a ‘cheat character’ with no weaknesses.
– ‘Rewind’ is still high on the music charts. Composer Sky Jung praised it highly. How much do you think you contributed to the ‘Rewind’ project?
**Seo Moon-gyeol:** About 20%? I created most of the melody line and lyrics, but I think the credit goes largely to composer Sky Jung, who refined and arranged it.
– You’re humble. Maybe because of your always modest personality, the fact that your name is ‘Seo Moon-gyeol’ only became known during the final live broadcast. It must have been upsetting for both you and your fans.
**Seo Moon-gyeol:** The writer apologized for the confusion. Many people have thought my last name was Seo since I was young. Whether it’s Gyul or Moon-gyeol, it’s still me, so I didn’t care much about it after a while. I apologize to the fans for any concern caused.
(Omitted)
**④ In Conclusion**
– We look forward to the day when the three of you return as the splendid group ‘Orca’ along with the other members.
**Ban Yo-han:** Thank you. Next time, we’ll be doing the interview as five members, so please invite us again.
**On Raon:** We’re working hard and learning a lot from our great members. We hope you look forward to it.
**Seo Moon-gyeol:** There are still many things we want to show you. We’ll continue to improve and show you better performances.
* * *
After smoothly completing the interview, we returned and started preparing in earnest for our debut.
Although the lyrics sheet we received along with the music already had parts marked, they said the parts might change when we go into recording later.
‘I should practice all the parts, just in case.’
Thinking that, I opened the door to the vocal practice room.
“Oh….”
Seeing the lights off from outside, I thought it was empty and opened the door wide, only to find Gyun Seong-ha already inside.
Gyun Seong-ha squinted as if the sudden bright light hurt his eyes after being in the dark for so long.
“Sorry. I thought no one was here.”
“…It’s okay.”
I didn’t know what he had been doing in the dark in the practice room, but as I was about to leave, I noticed something.
“Did you grow taller?”
Gyun Seong-ha was already the tallest among the Sid trainees, but he seemed even taller now than when I first met him.
He looked to be around 184 cm, about the same height as Jing Xiao.
A guy like a telephone pole….
As I was turning away, thinking it wasn’t a big deal.
“…I didn’t grow.”
Gyun Seong-ha’s low, short reply sounded oddly choked, so I turned back to look at him.
For some reason, he was glaring at me with teary eyes, looking like he was about to cry out of frustration.
‘…Why?’