The three individuals who had just arrived were the judges; Jenny wood, Dora Barton and lastly Thomas Hemsworth. They would be judging all participants participating in the contest. Normally, Alex Stale who have been the third judge but since he was no longer around, Thomas, his manager and the vice director of his company had to fill in.
"Alright everyone the contest will now begin. But before we start, let us all stand up for a minute or two to honour the deceased Alex Stale; the founder of this contest and a role model to a lot of people." Thomas said, and almost instantly, everyone had risen up to their feet.
Alex himself had stood up from his seat since everyone else beside him was doing so. It will only look strange if he didn't, and besides, he has been sitting on the same spot for a very long time, he needed this opportunity to stretch his aching back and feet.
'It's embarrassing to see people pay respect to me when I'm actually here beside them. If only they knew my ghost is inside this innocent body.' Alex chuckled to himself as he imagined the possibility.
After a couple of seconds later, Thomas gestured for everyone to sit back. And then the contest started with Thomas addressing the participants.
"As you're all very aware, the founder of this wonderful show, Alex Stale, who created the upcoming idols for many lives to be transformed and for talented individuals to be recognised by billions of people nationwide; is dead. If you're not aware of this before, I'm telling you now so you would understand why there are a lot of visible and invisible changes made around here."
'Changes? You must be kidding me. What was wrong with how it was before.' Alex scoffed.
Although he didn't realised this, one of the participants sitting close to him had noticed his actions. On his tag was written number 205.
'What's wrong with this fella, he's been acting so weird all day. Now I'm sure of it, he was indeed smiling when we were paying respects to Alex. Could it be…' The fella shook his head and instead shifted his gaze to look at Thomas.
"One of the changes that is currently taking effect is that the UIC will now be ran and controlled by me. As for the reason, that is because the deceased founder doesn't have any family members, or maybe he has one secretly but we're yet to find that out. And if we do, I'm willing to return all ownership files to the person, that is a promise." Thomas explained.
"Secondly, all events that are to take place in this contest will no longer be streamed live, except only on semifinal and final day when the winners of the contest will be selected. So from now on, there will be no camera or anything filming anyone's action in this contest."
'And what could be the reason?' Alex wanted to get up and ask, but he knew it will only put him in a difficult spot, as that could attract unnecessary attention. If there's one thing he wants to avoid, that is standing out in a place like this, it will only make him a target of some.
So he decided to keep mute and watch how things will turn out, however, one of the participants sitting at the front role had stood up to ask a question.
"Sir, can we know the reason why you decided to cancel the live streaming? Cause I don't really see any reason to do so since it will be beneficial for both parties. You'll gain a lot of views and the participants will also gain a numerous amount of fans online. Could there be a reason why…?"
Many people reasoned along with what the man had just said and they gazed towards Thomas for an answer. Even Alex was wondering what his reply would be, he was grateful to the man for asking the question in his place.
"I can see a lot of you are expecting me to say something. Unfortunately, I can't give any reply since, first, this is not a 'Q and A' show. This is a talent show and I am merely only giving out important announcements so it wouldn't seem strange to those who have once attended this show and are already aware of how things usually works here. I hope you understand, please respect our policy as the contest starts now."
After saying this, Thomas proceeded towards his seat while at the same time, lights in the hall were turned off leaving only a single led light which focused towards the middle of the stage, revealing the entrance of a young man coming out through the red curtains.
An upbeat song that enveloped through the whole hall started playing; lifting everyone's soul as they heard it. It wasn't hard for anyone to recognise who had sang the song.
"Fallen Knight." Alex smiled to himself.
That's right, it was a song from the famous Alex Stale. One of his best singles that had topped a lot of music charts nationwide.
"You know, no matter how angry you may be at a time. Once you listen to this song, all of your nerves will be calmed." Bob said and the others beside him nodded in agreement.
Once again, Alex smiled to himself. 'It's good to hear people appreciate my song this close. When I was still alive, a lot of people exaggerate their fondness of my song just because of what they want to receive from me, and also to be on my good side. It kind of gave me some confidence that I might do a better job with this new body.'