Establishing a dedicated artist team exclusively for TeStar.
On the surface, it was supposed to be carried out by the Planning and Coordination Office, but in reality, it was expected that the general manager's influence would also enter.
'There's no way he would fall for something like this because of his tendency.'
Even if the words came down from the head office, he would have wanted to somehow adjust the direction to suit his taste.
So I was considering a way to gently stir up the management room one more time in order to intervene under the pretext of mediation...
There was no need for that.
'They let us do it.'
- Oh, yes! Of course, TeStar's, um, opinions should be reflected...
It was a declaration of surrender that the intention of TeStar would be reflected as much as possible in the planning of the dedicated team.
'What.'
I wondered how this could be possible, but it turned out to be simple.
It was because the activity signal this time was so good.
Even though it's been just over a week since we've been active, the response had been beyond our expectations.
Beyond measurable elements such as album sales and music charts, in terms of feeling.
[Am I doing this right... ? TeStar's Nightmare challenge!]
[Following Nails: Call TeStar (Nightmare) ｜ Personal customization and interpretation included! :)]
Even if they weren't fans, people who watched, followed, or commented on it popped up all of a sudden, and stories came up in communities and everyday life that had nothing to do with idols.
WeTube entertainment programs belonging to popular broadcasting stations quickly picked up music video elements and used them.
To sum this up, this was it.
'It's the beginning of a trend.'
In fact, I felt it only on stage.
Yesterday, the stage of the culture and arts promotion event was broadcasted live, and that was when I felt it.
-Oh oh oh...
It was because I felt that the fans of other groups were especially excited to watch our stage.
Even the VTIC fans.
In the meantime, I felt that fans of other idols were responding with moderate restraint while watching, but that kind of hesitancy disappeared.
This meant that a consensus on the trend had already formed.
No matter how close idol fans were to the Internet, it had been just a week.
'... Of course, the response from our fans was above average.'
The tearing groans and shouts that had been heard non-stop, all the way to the inside of the ear pieces, automatically came to mind.
- Kkeaaaaaaaaaaagh!!
- Aaaaaaaaaa!!
What was that... It could also be due to the nature of the concept.
Anyway, overall, it meant that the explosion of tremendous results and popularity was not unusual.
To put it bluntly, the bastard standing on the ending stage of this event started greeting me with these words.
-Congratulations. You're going to win the grand prize.
-… I don't know, what will happen.
-Haha. What do you mean you don't know?
-…
- It's obvious how it will flow.
With those words, Cheongryeo went up to the stage.
'Fuck.'
I didn't think he was going to hit my head with a sledgehammer now, but why did that bastard still have a defect in his head?
'That bastard looked fine.'
Anyway, his solo performance was as high as the group's, so there's no reason to blame TeStar for coming into a slump.
And in fact... He was right.
'I think we can get the grand prize.'
If the activities went on without controversy as they were, judging from the results and momentum so far, at least one or two places had been confirmed.
'Usually, there are two or three categories, so even if VTIC wins one of them, we'll still be able to get it.'
And to sum it all up in one sentence:
TeStar's worth was skyrocketing.
"Moondaemoondae, did you see the unit price of our advertisement?"
"Yes."
It was twice the highest amount during the time of 'March'.
It seemed like the agency choose only those with good images at the highest price, but it was ridiculously encouraging.
'Haengcha was also first place.'
Now, even the story of the generational change against VTIC seemed to be coming out with credibility.
So, the agency thought the same way.
'It's going to be a long-term battle, so let's calm them down and maintain a good relationship'.
In the meantime, it was unclear whether or not to renew the contract, so the signs of trying to pull out all the backbones that could be pulled out within 5 years somehow disappeared.
It was a waste to finish it after 5 years.
Of course, at the same time, it seemed like some people would start trying to catch weaknesses somehow until the contract renewal season, but we'd talk about that later.
First of all, I had to attention to the fact that even if TeStar acted tough, the agency's employees would still try to please them.
'It seems that when Kim Raebin was working from home, the fact that the agency handled the progress issue in a rather rigid manner was also influenced by the precedent.'
It seemed that they even asked if there was a problem with the dedicated team because they were worried that we'd be hit with no one at all.
So, the group's internal meeting related to the dedicated team was able to be added into the schedule during this busy period of activity.
But it was to no avail.
"First… I would like those of the AR team who have worked with us since 'Magical Boy' to come."
Kim Raebin raised his hand.
"I totally agree with that statement! And they said they were willing to come too."
"… ??"
Suddenly, a random spokesperson jumped out.
"Raebin, when… Um, did you ask?"
Kim Raebin spoke proudly.
"In fact, as soon as rumors of the dedicated team spread, we talked about it and they said they would come!"
"… …"
"Raebin, there are security issues, so be careful…"
"Oops, sorry! The AR team brought up the topic first..."
Because it was like this.
Those who wanted to come already knew and finished appealing to the people involved.
And since the company was suddenly trying to make friendly gestures to TeStar, everything seemed to be okay.
I touched my chin.
'This, implicitly, has already been agreed upon.'
Therefore, there was nothing to agree on other than the company notifying the existing working-level staff and asking for someone to turn to the rookie side.
"Okay, then let's tell them that we want to be with them."
"Yes."
However, as the silence flowed, Bae Sejin noticed and opened his mouth.
"… So, isn't it just for new job seekers? What… Like, going to an interview."
Oh, that was a pretty reasonable opinion.
It was true that we decided to add a one-third amount of new personnel to the dedicated team.
Especially the management staff.
Ryu Chungwoo nodded.
"Well, it would be nice to have some time to get to know the newcomers as well."
However, there were practical problems.
Keun Sejin opened his mouth first before I said anything.
"But we don't know if we have time for that, right?"
Yes. That's right.
With barely enough time for this meeting, where was the time to watch other people's interviews?
I crossed my arms.
'Anyway, it takes time to make a preliminary question to see if the work style is right...'
Ah.
I thought of a way to try it out.
I muttered inwardly.
'Status window.'
I wonder if it was time to spin the slot machine one more time.
'Hmm, I'd like to get 'Sleep is for the dead' one more time.'
Or the ability to stretch a day to 30 hours… Well, the speed of increase was good too.
I checked my status window once.
[Name: Park Moondae (Ryu Gunwoo)]
Level : 19
Title: none
Singing: S
Dance: B+
Appearance: A-
Talent: A+
Traits: Infinite Potential, Time of Indulgence (S), Bacchus 500 (B), Snatching Ears (A)
!Status Abnormality: If you are not a spectator, death
Points Remaining: 1
'There's been a natural increase.'
S- became S, as if the overuse of the vocal cords was worth it. No wonder the results have been better lately.
I couldn't deny that there was a sense of accomplishment.
'Good. Then, next.'
Other changes… I leveled up once, and I could draw talents accumulated through pop-ups twice.
'It's been a while since I last checked.'
To be honest, it was amazing to build this much in just a few months. It also meant that Spring Out and this promotion were impressive.
So… For now, I was thinking of putting the points aside and trying to draw or spend the necessary traits.
'It's funny to call it a waste because of the last time I tried drawing talents.'
Didn't I get only one S trait at the end after drawing 5 times last time?
But now I knew for sure.
'It's obvious that it gives me the characteristics I need right away, so spit it out.'
I stared at the sparkling 'Click' phrase in the pop-up window and pressed it while pretending to raise my arm.
While they were all talking, I spun it quickly.
The lever in the picture turned and the compartments flashed in different colors.
Passing through the candidates I saw... It stopped on a golden compartment.
Grade B.
It looked like a flat hit, but once I read the letters in the box, I changed my mind.
Papapang!
[You've obtain 'Bacchus 500 (B)'!]
"… … !!"
[Attribute: Bacchus 500 (B)]
- Clear mind and healthy body!
: All fatigue accumulation speed -50%
The exhaustion recovery totem, which had been extremely useful, reappeared.
And another unexpected pop-up also appeared.
[Checking out the same characteristics!]
Would you like to synthesize 'Bacchus 500 (B)'?
'As expected!'
The time had finally come to enhance this essential trait… !
I unknowingly clenched my fists.
"Moo-Moondae… ?"
"Are you okay?"
It was so good that I felt awesome.
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. It feels so good to hear that a dedicated team is being formed."
"Yeah, that's right!"
"Hey, I guess that's really true, Moondae. It's been a while since one of your responses to a question was this long."
I could stop making excuses, let's go.
I immediately clicked 'yes'.
A round indicator appeared on the status window as if it were loading, and soon a flashy fanfare erupted.
[Synthesis Success!]
You've obtain 'Bacchus 1000 (A)'!
Clear mind and strong body!
-All fatigue accumulation rate -50%
All Fatigue Recovery Rate +100%
It changed.
'It has more recovery options.'
Wasn't it enough to sleep once every two days?
What was certain was that there was no hindrance to activities and I could squeeze in the time to create questions and answers for interviews.
'It's a huge benefit in the long run.'
The rebound I'd get on vacation after using the trait… Well, it's been like that every time, so it wouldn't matter if it was a little worse.
There were no aftereffects, but I had to lie down for three days. No, actually, since recovery had been added after the upgrade, it might not be good for me during vacation.
'Come to think of it, it didn't go through during this vacation.'
Perhaps taking care of Kim Raebin was treated as a kind of work, so the status window did not judge it as a vacation.
Anyway, I didn't expect this questionable game system to spit out something useful this time.
'Good.'
I hoped it would be cooperative in the future. I didn't know if it was going to end like this, but it had to do this much.
I looked at the updated properties window in the status window with satisfaction, then nodded.
"Did Moondae nod now?"
"Maybe he's imagining the dedicated team… ?"
I'd say it was similar.
The launch of a dedicated team had already been expected.
To be precise, the effect that the launch would bring.
* * *
TeStar's first manager was on his way to work frowning.
'Fuck.'
The work was getting more and more difficult because the kids were hot and arrogant.
When people got star disease, they'd neglect the staff first. Funny, that was exactly what it looked like right now.
Even the parachute came in and took away the position he had worked for, and the opportunity for promotion was pushed back.
(TN: Parachute: Someone who got a high-ranking job due to personal connections/through family)
In his judgment, there was no small entertainment that seemed to be drawn. The manager was incensed at this unfair situation and was frustrated because there was no countermeasure.
'But I just need to hold out for a bit.'
In a few days, TeStar would also be celebrating their second anniversary. Then his career would soon fill up 2 years.
Since the number of digits changed, he was thinking of taking this and going to a career position.
'I'll hit them all over the back at that time.'
The manager, who knew the confidentiality clause and shouted out loud for no reason, went to the company without hesitation.
Due to working all night, TeStar was all in the company conference room.
But the moment he entered the lobby…
He was suddenly called to the personnel team. And he heard the thunderous news.
"What?"
"Therefore… I'm not kidding. You don't have to come out tomorrow."
It was the news of his dismissal.
The manager looked at the team leader dumbfounded and exchanged a few words, but soon realized that there was no room for negotiation.
"Take off your luggage, okay?"
Immediately, the emotions suppressed by the fear of being fired surged up.
It was anger.
"No, chief. What now... Isn't this unfair?"
The team leader's expression that showed how he didn't want to talk anymore was ridiculous, which incited the manager's anger, but soon he became stiff after hearing the recording that was playing.
-Hyung, now we are on the move because Raebin's grandmother passed out...
-What? At this hour?
-Yes, you should come 'at this hour'. We are on the move right now, so please wait nearby as soon as possible.
-… Uh, okay
And a small swearing sound was heard as it cut off.
"… …"
If TeStar wasn't very popular, or there was no connection to the head office, or if the manager had a connection, it wouldn't have been a big deal.
He thought that he could act close with the higher-ups in order to let it pass by.
But unfortunately for the manager, there was nothing he could do.
"Yesterday, the artist's phone cloud was hacked and almost spread. Did you know that?"
"… … Uh uh uh."
"Hey, just… go out nicely, yeah? If this hits the press, you'd have to leave Korea. Just look at the atmosphere right now."
It was a sentence of no recovery.
The manager left the company on his own accord.
And Park Moondae, who heard the news from upstairs from the AR team, who was excited about gossip, laughed.
'Stupid bastard.'
He had never turned off the call recording setting since high school.
'I sent it.'
He felt relieved.
He continued his next preparation with his body that was using his character attributes.
'… 2nd anniversary.'
TeStar's debut date, June 18th, was just around the corner.