Chapter 4:
When Minho woke the next morning, the sunlight streaming through the cracked blinds felt almost foreign. He lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts a mess of emotions: pride, hope, and a nagging fear that this second chance was slipping through his fingers.
The system chimed softly, pulling him out of his thoughts.
[Daily Task]
Objective: Improve Acting Technique. Suggested Activity: Rehearse a dramatic scene for 2 hours. Reward: +1 Skill Point
"Daily tasks now?" Minho muttered, rubbing his temples. "You're really not going to let me rest, are you?"
"Continuous effort is essential for success. Do you accept the task?"
Minho groaned, dragging himself out of bed. The truth was, he didn't have the luxury of ignoring the system's demands. If he was going to climb to the top of the acting world, he couldn't afford to waste a single opportunity.
"Fine," he muttered. "I'll do it."
The Callback
As Minho prepared for his day, the events of the callback lingered in his mind. The judges' reactions had been subdued, and he couldn't shake the feeling that his performance had only scratched the surface of what he needed to achieve.
Still, the notification about his B- performance rating replayed in his thoughts like a broken record. It wasn't great, but it was proof that he was improving. For the first time, he felt the faintest spark of ambition—an ember he hadn't felt in years.
He wasn't just doing this to survive anymore. He wanted to win.
Hours later, Minho's phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number. He hesitated before answering, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Hello?"
"Hyunjae-ssi, this is Producer Park from Love on the Rooftop. I'm calling to inform you that you've been selected for the role of the male lead."
For a moment, Minho thought he'd misheard.
"W-Wait, really?" he stammered.
"Yes," the producer continued. "The director saw potential in your performance. We'll send the contract and schedule over shortly. Please be prepared for the first script reading next week."
The call ended before Minho could fully process what had just happened. He stared at his phone, the words replaying in his mind. You've been selected for the role of the male lead.
[Task Complete: Secure a Role in a Project]
Performance Rating: B-
Reward: Beginner Acting Skill Level 2
Minho exhaled slowly, his hands trembling. He'd done it. Somehow, against all odds, he'd landed his first major role.
But the elation was short-lived. The system's voice returned, cutting through his thoughts like a sharp blade.
"Reminder: This is only the first step. Securing the role is meaningless without delivering an exceptional performance. Success depends on consistent improvement and effort."
Minho scowled. "You could at least let me celebrate for five minutes."
"Celebration can wait. Preparation is crucial. The production begins in one week. Focus on building skills and familiarity with the script."
The Weight of a Lead Role
Over the next few days, Minho threw himself into preparation. The script for Love on the Rooftop arrived, and he spent hours poring over it, analyzing every line, every scene.
At first, it was overwhelming. The male lead was an artist struggling to balance his dreams with the harsh realities of life—a character with depth and complexity. Minho could relate to the role on some level, but bringing it to life on screen was another challenge entirely.
The system helped, offering small tips and occasional nudges.
"Pause here for emphasis."
"Lower your tone to convey vulnerability."
Each suggestion sharpened his understanding of the craft, and slowly, he began to feel a connection to the character.
But self-doubt lingered, whispering cruel thoughts in the back of his mind. What if he wasn't good enough? What if the director regretted choosing him?
Those fears grew louder the night before the first table read, keeping him awake as he stared at the script under the dim light of his desk lamp.
"This is impossible," he muttered, his voice cracking. "How can I compete with people who've been acting their whole lives?"
The system didn't respond immediately. When it did, its voice was uncharacteristically gentle.
"Every master was once a beginner. Your progress is measurable and real. Trust in your growth."
Minho took a deep breath, forcing himself to push the doubts aside. He didn't have time for fear.
The First Script Reading
The production company's office was a bustling hive of activity when Minho arrived the next morning. He was greeted by an assistant who directed him to the conference room where the first script reading would take place.
As he stepped inside, the weight of the room hit him immediately. The other actors, most of whom he recognized from TV dramas and films, were already seated around the long table. Choi Jaehyun—the confident actor he'd seen during the callback—was among them, his gaze briefly meeting Minho's before a smirk tugged at his lips.
Minho swallowed hard and took his seat.
The director, a middle-aged man with a sharp eye and a no-nonsense demeanor, clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Thank you all for being here. We're excited to begin this project. Let's dive right in."
The reading began, and Minho's nerves spiked as it came closer to his first line. When his turn finally came, he forced himself to focus, channeling everything he'd practiced.
His voice was steady, his delivery precise. But as the reading progressed, he could feel the weight of scrutiny from the other actors. Some of them whispered to each other, their expressions unreadable.
By the end of the session, Minho's throat was dry, and his confidence was teetering. He had done his best, but was it enough?
As the actors began to leave, the director approached him.
"You did well for your first lead role," the director said, his tone neutral. "But you'll need to dig deeper if you want to carry the weight of this character."
Minho nodded, his chest tightening. He had expected praise, but instead, he felt the enormity of the challenge ahead.
[Task Evaluation: Table Read Performance]
Rating: B
Reward: Intermediate Acting Skill Level 1 Unlocked
That night, Minho sat alone in his apartment, the script open in front of him. The doubts returned, louder than ever. But so did the ember of ambition, flickering in the darkness.
He wasn't just fighting for himself anymore. He was fighting for redemption, for a chance to rewrite the story that had ended in tragedy.
And no matter how many times he stumbled, he wasn't going to let this second chance slip away.