Jiwon’s reflection stared back at him, barely recognizable from the boy he had once been. His face, sharp and defined, showcased the handsomeness the system had promised. His body was now lean and toned, hovering at an impressive 50 kilograms. His once-pudgy cheeks had slimmed, and his jawline had become angular, giving him the idol-worthy appearance he had always longed for.

Today was another turning point. He was ready to take the leap and apply to one of the biggest entertainment companies in the country—StarOne Entertainment. Known for producing top-tier idols, this was a dream many would die for. The stakes were higher, but so were Jiwon’s ambitions. He knew he had the looks and now, with the system’s help, the talent to back it up.

[Task Update: Apply to StarOne Entertainment. Confidence Level: 90%. Prepare for Audition.]

The system’s calm reminder buzzed in his head, pushing him forward as he buttoned up his outfit—a simple black shirt paired with tailored trousers that showed off his slim frame. He couldn’t deny it; he looked every bit the part of an idol.

“This is it,” Jiwon whispered to himself as he grabbed his application and headed out the door.

StarOne’s building was massive, gleaming like a beacon of opportunity. The crowd outside was immense—hopefuls from all over the country, all vying for their chance to make it big. Jiwon swallowed the lump in his throat. Even after everything, he still felt those old pangs of insecurity. But he couldn’t afford to hesitate now.

Walking inside, he handed in his application at the front desk. The receptionist gave him a brief glance, and for the first time, Jiwon didn’t see judgment in their eyes—only the recognition of his potential.

“Please proceed to Room A for the auditions. Your group will be called soon,” the receptionist said, her smile professional yet encouraging.

Jiwon nodded, his palms slightly sweaty. He took a seat in the waiting area, the buzz of nervous energy around him palpable. Everywhere he looked, there were people with incredible talent—some practicing dance routines, others warming up their voices. Despite the pressure, Jiwon felt oddly calm.

[Task Reminder: Vocal Skill Target - Maintain Level C.]

He closed his eyes, steadying his breathing. He had trained hard for this. The system had pushed him to his limits, sometimes far beyond what he thought possible. The vocal training, the exercise regimens, the fasting—they had all shaped him into someone new. Now, it was time to prove that the boy who had once been bullied for his weight was gone.

After what felt like an eternity, Jiwon’s group was called. He followed the others into the audition room, his heart pounding in his chest. The judges sat behind a long table, their expressions unreadable. This was it—his chance to prove himself in front of the people who could make or break his future.

“Please introduce yourself and perform your chosen piece,” one of the judges said, their tone neutral but expectant.

Jiwon stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Hello, I’m Jiwon Lee, and I’ll be performing ‘Spring Day’ by BTS.”

As soon as the music started, he felt his nerves melt away. The system kicked in, guiding him through the performance, but for the first time, Jiwon felt like he didn’t need it as much. His voice, now at Vocal Level C, resonated through the room with clarity and emotion. He hit every note with precision, his voice carrying the weight of his journey.

The judges watched intently, their faces showing slight shifts of interest as he continued. Jiwon could feel their focus on him intensify, and it pushed him to give even more. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to feel the music as he delivered the final, heart-wrenching note.

When he finished, the room was silent for a moment. The tension in the air was thick, and Jiwon’s heart raced as he waited for their reaction.

Finally, one of the judges leaned forward, a hint of a smile on her lips. “Thank you, Jiwon. We’ll be in touch.”

The wait felt like forever, even though it had only been a few days. Jiwon found himself constantly checking his phone, waiting for an email or a call that would change his life. Every buzz made his heart skip a beat, but the longer it went on, the more anxious he became. What if he wasn’t good enough?

Then, late one afternoon, his phone finally buzzed with a notification from StarOne Entertainment. His hands trembled as he opened the email. His eyes skimmed the words, his breath catching in his throat as he read the crucial line:

“We are pleased to inform you that you have passed the first round of auditions. Congratulations, and welcome to StarOne Entertainment’s trainee program.”

Jiwon couldn’t believe it. He had done it. After all the hardships, the weight loss, the grueling vocal training sessions, he had finally made it. He let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, tears of relief welling up in his eyes.

[Task Complete: Apply to StarOne Entertainment. Status: Passed.]

The system’s voice cut through his emotions, grounding him. But for once, Jiwon didn’t need the system’s validation. He had proved it to himself.

[Reward Unlocked: Additional Vocal Stat Points + Improved Dance Skill.]

Jiwon stared at the notification, feeling a surge of excitement. The journey wasn’t over—if anything, it was just beginning. He would be joining StarOne as a trainee, but the competition would only get fiercer from here.

As he lay down that night, staring at the ceiling, he couldn’t help but smile. He had a long way to go, but for the first time, the dream felt within reach. He had turned his life around, and now, he was on the path to becoming an idol.