Encouraged by her initial success, Mari enrolled in a prestigious idol training academy known as Aurora Institute.
The academy was a vibrant, bustling nexus of talent and ambition. Here, she met other aspiring idols—some naturally gifted, others driven by a fire similar to her own.
The days were grueling. Early mornings were dedicated to vocal training, rigorous dancing sessions, lessons in stage presence, and even classes in etiquette and public speaking.
Every day, the game system hovered discreetly in her mind, a silent guide logging her progress and offering challenges. When she hit a stumbling block, the system provided advice:
"Your Singing skill is lagging behind. Practice scales and seek feedback from your mentor."
Her mentor, a former idol named Rina, recognized Mari's potential immediately. "Talent is only part of the equation," Rina told her during one particularly exhausting practice session. "It's your heart, your perseverance, and your willingness to learn that will truly set you apart."
Rina introduced Mari to advanced vocal exercises, teaching her how to harness the power of her voice. Mari would spend hours perfecting each note, often singing until her throat was raw. Gradually, her "Singing" bar improved, and the system rewarded her with newfound points. Each level-up brought subtle changes—her voice became richer, her movements more fluid, and her stage presence more magnetic.