Superstar System: Crowned in Stardust

Lucas stowed his books in his school locker, unaware that someone had snapped a photo and shared it in a group chat.

“Can you believe it? Lucas actually bought all those books for himself.”

“Are you sure? How could he suddenly get so studious?”

“Haha, I don’t buy it. It’s probably just a temporary burst of motivation. I bet it’ll last only a few days.”

“I heard he’s been coming to school regularly lately. Shows up early, leaves late, all to study.”

“Makes sense to me. After Stellarix breaks up, he’ll be jobless. Maybe he’s finally realizing he needs college.”

“You’re saying he’ll end up broke, so he’s rushing to catch up on school? Haha.”

“He’s too naive. Honestly, it’s already the final year. There’s no way he can make up all that ground now.”

That evening, Lucas knew William had a practice session scheduled at their agency’s office, Starlight Management. 

Though he felt hesitant about going in—he was too reluctant to deal with his agency again. 

Despite everything, he was still under contract as their artist.

On his way back to the dorm, Lucas decided to stop by and thank William.

Inside the dance practice room, William moved energetically, keeping pace with the beat in front of a large wall mirror. After he finished his session, Emma stepped forward, giving him a light applause.

“Well done, Will. I’m pleased with your progress,” she said, handing him a bottle of water. “I hope you give it your all at Dance Star.”

Dance Star was a show where guest artists performed specially choreographed dance routines, a chance for them to shine in front of a live audience.

William took a long drink, still catching his breath from the intense practice.

“Emma, why did you give the Ultimate Sport Clash event to David?” William asked. “Wasn’t that supposed to be mine? Are you secretly giving him more support?”

“You’re overthinking, Will,” Emma replied firmly. “Listen, young idols will also be part of the event. We know David isn’t great at sports, but he’s highly popular. If he loses, his fans won’t hold it against him because they know sports aren’t his strong suit. But with you, they’d be less forgiving. What do you think?”

William smiled, reassured. “Haha, fair enough. You made the right call.”

Shifting topics, he cautiously brought up the conversation she’d had with Lucas, where she hinted that his contract might not be renewed.

“Emma, are you certain about Lucas?” he asked.

“What should I expect from someone so… average? If even that,” she replied. “It’s a shame he hasn’t developed more, considering he has a handsome face as his starting point.”

She sighed, “But, by the way, how is he doing now? I haven’t heard from or seen him since our last conversation that night.”

“He’s been working incredibly hard. Studying like his life depends on it. Honestly, I can hardly recognize him,” William said, a hint of admiration in his voice.

“Well, then,” Emma replied, “I guess he’s found his direction now. Honestly, it was my mistake recruiting him into entertainment. He just doesn’t have what it takes—”

Before Emma could finish her sentence, William caught sight of Lucas standing by the slightly open door to the practice room.

“Lucas?!” William exclaimed, eyes widening.

Emma turned, equally startled, as was Lucas. 

Without a word, Lucas quickly left, abandoning his original plan. 

He knew he shouldn’t let Emma’s words get to him. 

Yet, he could feel the sting—something left over from the memories of the original Lucas.

He pulled a black cap low over his face and wandered to the riverside on the edge of the city, lost in thought.

In his own world, Lucas had come from a well-off family. 

His career and life had always been stable and successful. 

He’d grown up with parents who supported him unconditionally and encouraged him in every endeavor.

But now, he was living a life turned completely upside down, in a world he barely understood.

Of course, Lucas knew he couldn’t give up on his life as it was now. 

No, that wasn’t what he was feeling at all. Lucas wasn’t the type to surrender easily.

He was thinking things through, aware of the potential the system had given him. 

Determined to accumulate more skill points, he planned to use them to improve his existing abilities—and maybe even unlock new ones the system might offer.

The idea of starting his own YouTube channel kept lingering in his mind. 

But before that, he’d need to gather enough capital and skill points to make it happen.

Lucas opened his skill data.

[Host: Lucas Ryder]

[Skill Points: 2]

[Body: 40 (Good)]

[Mind: 38 (Good)]

[Performance Skills - 2]

Singing - 16 (Advanced)

Dance - 15 (Advanced)

[Musical Instrument Skills - 1]

Guitar - 11 (Advanced)

With only 2 skill points collected so far, Lucas knew he couldn’t earn them for free.

[Hello, Host. Are you interested in finding a way to quickly improve your skill level?]

It was as if the system knew exactly what he was thinking. Lucas nodded.

[For now, you have two skill points. If you’d like to increase your level, you can do so naturally.]

[Train harder, and the system will reward you in proportion to your efforts.]

“Hm, that’s an interesting option, system. Of course, I’ll do it.”

With that realization, plans for the future flooded his mind. 

He was determined to shape his life into what he wanted. 

Smiling, he leaned forward, taking a deep breath of the cool night air.

Suddenly, someone tackled him from the side, and he stumbled, nearly falling over.

“Lucas!” the man exclaimed.

They ended up sprawled on the ground together.

“William? What are you doing here?”

“I should be the one asking you that!” William panted, catching his breath. “What are you doing out here? Are you so desperate that you’d want to end things tonight?”

Lucas blinked, confused, as William continued, “Honestly, you’re such a handful. I was exhausted after practice, and I still had to chase you all the way here! Is your heart really that weak and useless?”

Lucas stood up, finally piecing together William’s meaning.

Suddenly, Lucas burst out laughing. “Hahaha!”

William gave him a puzzled look. “You’ve completely lost it, Lucas.”

Lucas reached out, helping William to his feet. “Will, thanks.”

“For what?”

“For the books you sent over. I just wanted to say that.” Lucas smiled. “And one more thing—I’m not about to do anything reckless like you thought.”

“Ugh, you almost gave me a heart attack,” William grumbled.

Just then, a black car pulled up beside them—the agency driver William had called to take them back to the dorm.

On the way, they chatted.

“So now you’re always coming home late,” William said. “Why not just study at the dorm? You know you can study from anywhere, right?”

“No, I feel more focused in the school environment,” Lucas replied.

“Lucas, I hope you’re not hurt by what Emma said earlier,” William said.

Lucas gave a faint smile. “Do I look that fragile?”

“You did leave right after she said it—can you blame me for assuming?”

“True, I probably shouldn’t have been surprised. But yeah, it still stung a bit.”

Lucas sighed, then admitted, “I’m actually dealing with a bit of a financial issue right now.”

He explained to William that he would no longer receive a monthly stipend from the agency unless he had active jobs.

“What? Emma didn’t mention that to me,” William replied, surprised. “So, what are you planning to do?”

“Well, besides studying, I’ll need to find a way to earn some money,” Lucas said, thinking aloud. “I’m not sure what’ll happen if they cut off my school fees too.”

William felt a surge of empathy for Lucas. “Honestly, I’m still not entirely convinced about this decision of yours to dive into studying. But if you need it, I can help cover part of your school fees.”

“No, that’s not necessary. Save it for yourself. Do you really think I’m shameless enough to take your money?” Lucas replied firmly.

The car pulled up to their dorm. Before getting out, Lucas gave William a confident look. “Just wait and see, Will.”

William scoffed. “C’mon, you’re all talk—you only started yesterday.”

Once back in the dorm, Lucas treated himself to a warm bath, letting the exhaustion from the day melt away. 

Every so often, he submerged himself, his mind working through the problem of how to make money. 

He knew he’d need to act fast, securing an income before the agency officially cut him off.