After the announcement for the part audition, Haru dismissed the team.
"We'll gather again in two days. For now, let's practice the parts we want to audition for on our own."
Rayen sighed. In two days, he had to raise his dance skill level. Fortunately, he still had the experience boost from the Dance Fertilizer page he received back then.
[Buffs: Fertile Ground (Active: 4 days remaining)]
With a sigh, Rayen turned beside him.
Before he delved into his current trashy dancing problem, it's time to learn the truth behind his death.
However, the space beside Rayen was already empty. Liam's figure had disappeared. Right then, the sound of the door swinging drew Rayen's attention. Liam's shadow passed through the gap as fast as the wind.
"....." Rayen was rendered speechless.
'He's sure to run fast, huh?'
Now, Rayen was certain that Liam was somewhat avoiding him.
Was it because what Adrian said was true? But if that's the case, why would he be here too?
But since Liam had already escaped, Rayen had no one to answer his questions. He should probably just focus on leveling up his dancing skills. Besides, they're bound to run across each other in this building. It wasn't that large at all.
Looking around, there were still his other teammates inside the practice room, awkwardly staring at each other. Haru dismissed them, but there's only one practice room, alright?
Gradually, they could only disperse around the room, each finding their own corners.
Rayen wanted to practice too, but...
'I wouldn't have the face left if they ever see me dance.'
He should probably find somewhere else to practice.
Should he go to their dorm room?
But Adrian might be there.
Oh, well, he had seen him dance before, so it was a better option than practicing with his teammates here.
With that thinking, Rayen also headed out and went straight to their dorm, but unlike his previous expectations, Adrian wasn't actually there.
They must still be in the middle of their practice.
Then, it's perfect.
'Now, how do I level up again?'
Rayen heard from Mini Plotter back then that he just had to finish doing a routine, right?
And so, Rayen did. He placed his phone on the coffee table and stood before it before reaching out to press the play button.
Since he still hasn't memorized the steps, he should just follow it.
Unfortunately...
'Argh!'
After three minutes, Rayen's forehead was already covered in sweat, but he hadn't even finished the entire song, and he also didn't receive any notification for gaining experience.
'This is impossible...'
This level of dancing was definitely above his league.
Meanwhile, Mini Plotter seemed to have sensed his struggles, appearing at the corner of Rayen's screen. It glanced at the paused video and then at the exhausted Rayen.
Suddenly, it let out a giggle.
A nerve bulged on Rayen's forehead. "What are you laughing at?"
"Isn't it obvious? It's you." Mini Plotter pointed toward him. "You look like a ragged dog."
"....."
"You..."
"Go on. Go on. I'll just watch here while you practice," Mini Plotter said, ignoring Rayen's glare.
How come this character is so unlike his creator?! Where's the overly-friendly tone?
For a moment, the original Plotter seemed somewhat cute in Rayen's mind. Unlike this annoying 2D character.
Nevertheless, Rayen continued to practice under Mini Plotter's watchful gaze.
At last, after the fifth try, Rayen was able to complete the song. At the same time, a notification popped up on Rayen's screen.
[Idol Revive
Vocals: +24 exp (24/5,000,000)
Dance: +0.3 exp (0.3/500)
Rap: +4.5 exp (4.5/10,000)]
When Rayen saw the numbers, his lips immediately pursed. Looking at the exp requirements for each of his skills to level up, his face went even darker.
'What the hell is with these numbers?!'
Was this because of his low rank? He recalled that during the tutorial, Mini Plotter said that his leveling efficiency was greatly reduced because of his low level.
Would he even be able to level his skills in time for the part audition?
'This is too much...'
However, there's no use crying over it. The more he dawdled, the more he wouldn't be able to reach his goal. He needed to at least level it to D+ in two days' time.
Gritting his teeth, Rayen started another session. This time, he managed to finish the routine in just one try despite his mistakes.
[Idol Revive
Vocals: +24 exp (48/5,000,000)
Dance: +0.3 exp (0.6/500)
Rap: +4.5 exp (9/10,000)]
So, even if he made a mistake, as long as he finished the routine, he would still receive the same amount of exp. But why does he only receive exp for his three skills?
What about his attributes?
Mini Plotter seemed to have read his mind and spoke up, "You need to use the specific skill or attribute to gain experience."
Rayen finally understood.
And then, he tried it again. Even if there's a mistake, he just needs to finish it.
Just finish it.
He continued to practice, not concerned about the time at all.
But oh well, he was able to gather a bit of exp in exchange. Rayen slumped down on the floor, breathless and soaking with sweat.
'I'm dying...'
"I can't watch this anymore," Mini Plotter suddenly said, catching Rayen's attention.
'Then don't watch. No one asked you to watch me anyway!'
He fixed a glare at Mini Plotter.
"Even though your eyes seem like its trying to kill me, I'll still help you."
'Huh?'
Without any signal, Mini Plotter raised its hand and snapped. When Rayen blinked, he was no longer inside his dorm room.
Suddenly, he was transported to a small, cramped white room.
Wait, this room seems familiar.
He glanced around. Minus the table, this stark white room was the same room he arrived in during the first day. Rayen was sure of it because of the existence of the jukebox in front of him.
As Rayen stared at it, the jukebox suddenly flickered on. Mini Plotter's 2D figure appeared on it, floating.
"... Why am I here?" Rayen asked.
Mini Plotter flashed a wicked smile. "What else? We're going to practice!"
The corners of Rayen's mouth twitched.
"Wasn't I just practicing just now?"
"Of course, although it didn't look like that at all."
"....."
"Anyway, I brought you here to help you."
"Help me?"
Mini Plotter nodded.
"This is Hell Practice Room."
"... Hell Practice Room?"
"If you practice inside this room, you will receive an additional ×5 exp bonus."
Rayen's eyes widened.
'Five times?!'
"It's open from 6PM to midnight."
Hearing that, Rayen's grievances toward Mini Plotter's insults thoroughly disappeared.
But then, Mini Plotter's next words doused the warm feelings emerging at the bottom of his heart.
"It's called Hell Practice Room because, if you don't meet the routine quota, you won't be able to receive the ×5 bonus. So if I were you, I would move."
At the same time, a number also appeared on the screen of the jukebox.
[120 remaining]
'What?! Shouldn't you have told that first?!'
With that, Rayen started moving.