Dragon-eating Mist Forest, Zithen family complex, State Zhyphrese, Draconian continent Voldage, and the Year 2041, Planet Grimoire.
All he could remember was darkness, pain, and broken bones splintering through torn and scarred flesh. Now, however, Tae-Jun awakened in the middle of a primeval forest. Vines snaked everywhere. There were ancient, thick trunks bigger than he'd ever seen. "I'm not in the States anymore." Tae-Jun exhaled in shock as he looked around. That's when a weird transparent thing popped up before his gaze.
"The hell is this thing?" Despite being an avid reader, he had never gotten into gaming. Yet now, he was faced with something he didn't recognize.
A soft, melodious voice spoke to him. It sounded loud compared to the utter silence of where he'd landed.
"Welcome to the Idol World of the Draconian land and state Zhyphrese, Thera Tae-Jun."
Tae-Jun blinked. So, he was in a different world. Well, yeah, he'd figured that much out just from seeing his surroundings.
"Through an exceptional stroke of luck," the voice chirped cheerfully, "You've joined one of the oldest dragon families."
Yay, to what honor did he have to thank for this boon? Somehow, Tae-Jun was more worried than pleased. A dragon family, please? How should he react to this newsflash?
The voice interrupted his musings. "To survive in this world, you must excel in some department of entertainment showbiz. Whether you solo or become part of a group, it doesn't matter. Just succeed and introduce musicality, acting, or showbiz into Zhyphrese." The voice paused, hoping for some kind of reaction.
"Great, I guess?" He sighed in aggravation. "So those three are my options?" None of them appealed because he was more of a behind-the-scenes kind of guy. At least that's what he remembered, though his life had been shortened since he had never left teen hood behind.
The voice sounded dubious, not to mention disinterested in that option. "Well, I suppose you could become a scriptwriter or something."
Tae-Jun grunted because this was going in a different direction than he expected. "I see, I'll have to figure out what will happen first with my so-called family circumstances."
"Oh right, your family...Uhm, well, you'll meet them soon enough." the guide coughed. "There's also the fact that your appearance has changed dramatically."
Oh, so he wasn't a skinny stick of a brat anymore? Sweet, that still didn't instill confidence in Tae-Jun since the speaker assumed it was a she, but who knew these days?
The speaker ignored his silent questions and thoughts, much to Tae-Jun's aggravation. She went on to tell him. "Your previous memories of entertainment and showbiz will be completed."
"Oh, how so?" Tae-Jun might learn all he could from this preview. Mainly so that Tae-Jun wouldn't look like a fool if he couldn't answer simple questions.
Now, the guide was willing to tell him more as long as it had to do to survive in the name of a successful showbiz life. "Hmm, all the holes you were unaware of are completed with more information on all the activities you'll need to succeed, depending on what department you go into."
Seriously? That was all that she was going to give him to work with? Tae-Jun rubbed his jaw and winced. What was with the stubble on his jaw? That didn't feel right.
There was a loud sigh that made Tae-Jun wince. "Oh, by the way, your siblings have also been dropped here." Now, as she informed him, she came off a bit wary and distinctly unhappy. "Though I fear none of you will be in the same circumstances."
Well, that wasn't a shocker. At least none of them were going to start off as dirt poor? Tae-Jun could only hope that was the case.
She sighed loudly again. "You may very well wind up becoming enemies." That warning made his heart sink deeply. "So, remember that you won't share the same bonds in this world." He could hear her smirking when she added. "Now then, I'm sure you want to meet your new family, yes?"
Tae-Jun rose to his feet once he realized he wasn't injured any longer. "Sure, why not?" He shrugged in resignation of what was before him. "So, what can you tell me about my new family?" As long as he kept the topic on the life of becoming an idol, she was more than willing to chatter his ears off.
"Hmm, well, your family has several generations living in one complex," the guide murmured. You can look up that information, too." She sighed. "Next question?"
Okay, Tae-Jun saw where this was not going. "Fine, so when am I going to start with the idol thing? Of course, depending on where I wind up after I meet the family members." He just hoped that he wasn't the black sheep of the family. That would totally suck. Now that he thought about it, his vision was still blurry. "What is with my eyesight?" He didn't remember it being this bad.
"Oh, that's because you have a protective second eyelid covering your eyes. In this forest, a dangerous mist can blind dragonkin."
Huh, so life in this place wasn't as hunky dory as she'd implied. Tae-Jun wasn't really surprised upon hearing this. "All right," He wouldn't mess with anything about his new body. "Is there anything else I should know before meeting with the people with whom I'll interact as entertainers?" That could give him some information.
The guide grimaced. "I'm sorry I can't reveal anything more to you." She did sound genuinely apologetic. "I'm only here as a welcoming committee, so to speak." There was a soft sigh. "Those individuals who were your brothers won't get much of a different greeting either, for that matter. It is up to you all to find your way into a successful role in the entertainment show business."
Tae-Jun rolled his eyes. Well, at least she'd told him something vital. He wasn't the only one getting the limited version of a 'Hi-welcome-good luck in your success within Zhyphrese' and 'By the way, you'll die if you don't succeed," warning attribute on top of everything else...Yep, it's a fantastic way to begin a new life.
So, from what Tae-Jun could understand. Anything else that had nothing to do with the Idol success scenario would gain him nothing but crickets and the eerie silence of the forest surrounding him right now. Ugh, just might as well start walking since he couldn't get anything useful from the guide.