In the dressing room, Viktor was chilling on the couch, legs stretched out, looking as relaxed as ever. For most people, a moment like this would feel like an eternity, filled with tension, anxiety, maybe even a little panic.
That was what he saw in the contestants' eyes as he passed them earlier, nervous wrecks trying to keep it together. But for Viktor? Nah.
He was vibing. He wasn't nervous, hell, he was excited. This was what he'd been waiting for. Since the moment he got the system, he knew it was only a matter of time before he'd be sitting here, on the verge of something big.
As he lost himself in thought, a sharp knock on the door brought him back to reality. He straightened up, shaking off the daydream, and called out, "Come in."
The door creaked open, and in walked Aya, a tall Black woman with brown hair and a friendly face. Viktor knew her well—she was one of the top makeup artists at Luminara Media, and they had already discussed everything in detail for tonight's show. She had handled all the makeup for the artists, including him and the three judges.
Aya shot him a warm, sisterly smile as she strolled in. Viktor had to admit, she had this natural vibe that made you feel at ease, like you were in good hands.
Not that he needed it, he wasn't some nervous rookie. But still, it was nice to have someone around who wasn't a bundle of nerves.
"Hey, Viktor, ready for the final touch-up?" she asked with a playful grin. "Gotta make sure you're looking sharp enough to break some hearts out there tonight."
Viktor smirked. "With my natural charm? Come on, I don't even need it, you know that."
Aya laughed, shaking her head. She wasn't buying the modesty for a second. "Sure, sure. But let me do my thing anyway. Gotta give the lonely ladies something to dream about."
She leaned in and started applying foundation to Viktor's already flawless skin. It wasn't an easy task, working with someone who was naturally good-looking.
Aya had to be careful not to mess up his face—just enhance what was already there. That's why she was the best, though. Her hands moved with precision, each stroke purposeful and steady.
As she worked, Aya shifted into what Viktor had come to call "big sister mode." She loved giving little pep talks, even though Viktor didn't need one. Still, he appreciated the effort.
"You know," she started, "when I first got into the entertainment industry, I had no idea where I'd end up. I wanted to be a fashion artist, strutting down runways and making headlines. But man, those diet regulations were brutal. All I really wanted was to be rich enough to eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Next thing I knew, I was doing makeup for stars like you."
Viktor chuckled, half-listening, half-lost in his own thoughts. Aya's story wasn't anything new to him—he'd heard dozens like it. People chasing dreams, hitting dead ends, and then somehow ending up in a place they never expected.
But there was wisdom in it, and he wasn't too proud to admit that. Life had a funny way of working out, and sometimes, you just had to go with the flow.
Aya finished up, stepping back to admire her work. "There. You're all set, superstar. Time to go out there and blow their minds."
She started packing up her tools, throwing one last playful glance his way. "Good luck out there, not that you need it."
Just as she finished packing up, there was another knock on the door. This time, it was Marc, one of the producers, waiting just outside. Aya gave Viktor a little wink before slipping past Marc and out the door.
Marc stepped in, his face a mix of excitement and nerves. "Viktor, it's showtime. You've got about ten minutes before we go live."
Viktor nodded, calm as ever. If Marc was looking for some sign of nerves, he wasn't going to find any. Viktor wasn't just some average guy getting ready for his first big break.
He was a man who had lived before, been through it all, and come back with a system that gave him a serious advantage. Why would he be nervous? This was just the next step in the plan.
He stood up, straightened his jacket, and took one last look in the mirror. Everything had been leading up to this moment. He'd planned every step meticulously, and now it was time to take the leap.
Marc, clearly impressed by how calm Viktor was, couldn't help but try to butter him up a little. "Man, I gotta say, you're one good-looking guy. Seriously, with my belly, I've got no chance of impressing anyone, but you? You're gonna have girls falling at your feet tonight."
Viktor smirked at Marc's attempt to flatter him, but it didn't really faze him. He followed Marc out of the dressing room and down the hall, heading toward the stage.
As they reached the wings of the stage, the lights were dim, and the set of Campus Icons: The Ultimate School Talent Show glittered under the spotlights, waiting for Viktor to step into the center of it all. Marc checked his watch one more time.
"Five minutes," he said. "They'll cue the intro, and then you're up."
Viktor stood there, soaking in the atmosphere, his mind sharp and focused. He glanced over at the other contestants waiting nearby. They looked nervous, fidgeting, glancing around like they were about to pass out from the pressure. Viktor almost felt bad for them. Almost.
He crossed his arms, leaning casually against the wall, his confidence unshakable. In a few minutes, the show would begin, and they'd be out there, giving it their all.
The better they performed, the better it was for him. The more excitement they generated, the more eyes would be on him when it was his turn to take the stage. He wasn't just here to win; he was here to dominate.
Marc left to handle some last-minute business, leaving Viktor alone for the final countdown. Viktor took a deep breath, not because he was nervous, but because he was ready.
Ready to show the world what he could do. Ready to take the first step toward the future he'd been building since he got the system.
"Knock 'em dead," he muttered to himself, cracking his neck and adjusting his jacket one last time. The lights dimmed further, signaling that it was almost time.
As the show's intro music blared through the speakers, Viktor's heart rate didn't even spike. His mind was clear, his focus razor-sharp. This was his moment, and he was about to own it.
The crowd roared as the lights flashed on, and the announcer's voice boomed through the arena, "Welcome to Campus Icons!"
Viktor smiled. Showtime.
END OF THE CHAPTER
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