(Author's Note: This is a revised version of this chapter. For clarity I will change how the system works in much simpler sense. But the story will be the same. Sorry for inconvenience.)
Disheartened by his own choices, Liang Tian slumped down and puckered his lips.
"I'm done," he muttered with a frown, his hopes dashed by the realization that he couldn't produce the pills that could have eased his life and body. With nothing but the Idol System at his disposal — an entity incapable of solving his dilemma — he let out a heavy sigh.
But just as despair began to consume him, Sis appeared once more.
[Hello, Host! I believe you might consider using the Legendary Silver Rank Card.]
Sis suggested.
Liang Tian glanced at the silvery card hovering before him.
"That one?" he asked, pointing to it.
[Yes, dear Host! Legendary Rank Cards are unique items bestowed upon you by the Heavens.]
Sis explained.
[They are said to be one-of-a-kind and have the power to grant the user's wishes.]
A glimmer of hope flickered within Liang Tian. He hadn't considered this possibility. Perhaps the heavens still had a plan for him. With no other options available, he agreed to Sis's suggestion and activated the legendary card.
As he pressed the "yes" button, the silver card emitted a radiant glow, coalescing into the form of a shadowy figure. As the brilliant light dimmed, Liang Tian's eyes widened in disbelief at the familiar face that emerged.
"A-Avin?" he stammered, his gaze fixed on the man clad in casual attire, holding a pan and wearing an apron. Confusion clouded Avin's expression as he tried to comprehend what had just transpired. Suddenly, Sis interjected once more.
[Congratulations, Host! You have received the Best Cooking Idol — Henrich Choi of NeXus!]
***
Henrich Choi, hailed as one of the shining stars of the 5th generation of K-pop, epitomizes excellence in both music and culinary arts. Renowned as the epitome of visual perfection in the K-pop century, Henrich's journey to stardom began long before he stepped onto the stage.
Before his meteoric rise in the entertainment industry, Henrich was already making waves as a distinguished chef in the culinary world. With ownership of 15 five-star hotels and restaurants globally and a coveted Michelin award under his belt, his culinary prowess was unparalleled.
However, tragedy struck unexpectedly weeks ago with the untimely demise of global K-pop sensation Avin. Henrich was stunned by the devastating news, unable to comprehend the loss of his dear friend. Immediately reaching out to Avin's family for confirmation, he was confronted with the harsh reality of his friend's passing.
Avin had been more than just a friend to Henrich; he had been a pillar of support during the grueling days of training. Avin's unwavering encouragement had helped Henrich navigate through moments of despair, making his loss all the more incomprehensible. Though it took time, Henrich eventually came to terms with the sudden departure of his beloved friend
Henrich's gasp echoed through the room as he laid eyes on Avin, disbelief washing over him. "Dude!" he exclaimed, immediately enveloping Avin in a tight embrace. "Ren! I've missed you so much!" Tears welled in his eyes as he held onto his best friend, unable to believe that Avin was standing there before him, alive and well.
Avin returned the embrace, a warm smile gracing his lips as he comforted his friend. The unexpected reunion, brought about by the Legendary Silver Rank Card, filled them both with joy and relief. "Dude! What just happened?" Henrich's voice trembled with emotion as he tried to make sense of the miraculous turn of events.
"It's a long story, buddy," Avin replied, his tone filled with genuine happiness. "But I'm just so glad you're here with me." The weight of the past, with its trials and sorrows, seemed to lift from their shoulders as they stood together in that moment.
Their reunion, however, was interrupted by Sis, the Idol Project System springing into action. "Commence Idol Project System!" Sis's voice echoed in their minds as the system began to update and download itself into Henrich's consciousness. Overwhelmed by the sudden influx of information, Henrich collapsed, sending a wave of panic through Avin.
"W-What happened?!" Avin's concern was palpable as he watched his friend. The sight of Henrich's stats appearing before him only added to his confusion and apprehension.
[Name: Henrich Choi (Yang Muchen)]
[Level: 5] (0/750)]
[Qi Refining Stage]
[Race Human]
[Job: Culinary Idol Chef]
[Title: Martial Idol Chef (effect: 65% efficiency for cooking and foraging materials)]
[Position: Visual, Lead-Vocalist]
[Skills]
[Skill: Cooking Precision Lvl 5]
[Slot 2 ???]
***
[Idol Status]
[Visual A+]
[Rap E+]
[Dance C+]
[Vocals B+]
[Charm A-]
[Martial Soul Attributes]
[Strength 3]
[Dexterity 3]
[Evasion 5]
[Constitution 3]
[Intelligence 9]
[Fortune: 5]
[Qi Absorption: 20]
[Remaining Attrib. points (0)]
Overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, Avin found himself speechless for a moment, his heart overflowing with relief and happiness. Without hesitation, he launched himself at Henrich, wrapping him in another tight embrace. The sheer elation of having his best friend back, alive and well, was almost too much to bear.
Henrich, still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions and the sudden turn of events, could only respond with a mixture of confusion and relief. Though uncertain about the circumstances that had brought them together, he couldn't deny the overwhelming sense of relief at seeing his friend safe and sound.
As they stood there, locked in a tight embrace, Avin's heart swelled with gratitude for the unexpected gift he had received. With Henrich by his side, he felt a renewed sense of hope and determination, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in this new and unpredictable journey.