Gangster to Idol

Chapter 102: The Dark Horse Rises: From Mediocre to Magnificent



The other trainees, who had once eyed C.C. with casual indifference, now couldn't deny the truth—he was now a force to be reckoned with.

Begrudgingly, they acknowledged him as a serious threat in the competition. His performance had shifted the dynamics, and everyone could feel it—C.C. wasn't just another contestant anymore; he was a dark horse.

Cain's voice, once merely passable, had transformed into something unrecognizable—a deep, raw sound that seemed to resonate from the very core of his being, touching hearts with every note. The audience was spellbound, their disbelief palpable as they tried to comprehend how someone so mediocre could suddenly command such presence.

All eyes instinctively turned to Raneisha, the legendary vocal coach who had worked with the trainees. Whispers buzzed through the room, everyone silently crediting her for turning C.C.s once unremarkable voice into a sensation.

But even Raneisha herself was baffled, her usually composed expression faltering. She knew C.C.s true voice had potential—rough around the edges, but undeniably there. Yet the level of improvement he had shown in such a short time was beyond even her expectations.

"How . . . ?" she muttered under her breath, her mind racing. Sure, she had helped him tap into his authentic sound, but this . .

. this was different. His voice was now layered with emotion, grit, and depth—a vocal quality that could stir anyone who heard it.

What the others didn't realize, however, was that Cain's rapid transformation wasn't solely due to Raneisha's guidance. It was his relentless practice, his nonstop singing behind the scenes that unlocked his hidden potential. If his voice turned horse, he would only drank a [Voice Enhancing Juice] and practice again.

Once he had discovered his true voice, leveling his singing skill had become almost effortless. And now, sitting comfortably at Level 20, his voice had reached a power and clarity that left even seasoned professionals in awe.

Cain hadn't just improved. He had evolved.

[CONGRATULATIONS! Special Mission: Advance to Episode 4 is successful!]

[REWARDS: 500 IP, CHA +5, CONS +2, DEX +2]

[Skill, Singing LV.20 >> Lv.21]

From her spot above the stage, Fifi watched the scene unfold, her eyes locked on Cain. Though she rarely let her emotions show, an undeniable pride swelled within her. Her face remained as cool and impassive as ever, but deep down, she knew Cain had just reached a milestone—and she was proud of him, even if she'd never say it aloud.

On the other side, Damien couldn't believe what he was witnessing. His jaw tightened, and his hands balled into fists, the disbelief in his eyes slowly giving way to frustration.

Lexter and Ej stood nearby, their eyes locked on C.C., glaring with sharp, dagger-like intensity. The air around them crackled with tension as their competitive fire ignited, turning C.C. into their new target.

His sudden rise, powered by his newly evolved vocals, had flipped the script. What was once dismissible had now become undeniable. C.C. wasn't just another contender anymore—he was a threat, and they knew it, and had to eliminate it early.

Meanwhile, Rhea and Riku couldn't hide their genuine happiness for C.C. Their smiles were wide, filled with admiration for C.C.s breakthrough performance. They knew how hard he had worked, and seeing him succeed brought them joy rather than jealousy.

Then there was Dylan—serious and unflinching as always. He didn't react, his face a mask of stoicism throughout the entire performance. But as the applause filled the room, his eyes flickered toward Cain, ever so briefly. It was a subtle acknowledgment, one that only those paying close attention might have noticed, but it was there.

Cain's hands were still trembling, the adrenaline and exhilaration coursing through him like wildfire. His blood pounded with a rush of joy, a high that not even a good fight could ever match. This was different. It wasn't just the thrill—it was the pure satisfaction of seeing the awe and emotion on the faces of the audience who had been swept away by his voice.

Maybe . . . just maybe . . .

being an idol wasn't so bad after all.

The RRR production team decided to call for a short thirty-minute break—mainly because the audience, and even some of their own staff, were still reeling from C.C.'s performance.

Emotions ran high; some were still wiping away tears, unable to shake the powerful effect of what they had just witnessed.

It was nothing short of incredible. Who would've thought that an independent trainee like C.C., once written off for his mediocre vocals, had been hiding such a soul-stirring voice all along?

The producers knew it instantly—when this episode aired, the ratings would skyrocket. This was the kind of moment that would be talked about for years.

Eventually, the show must continue. The atmosphere in the room shifted suddenly as the top trainees took the stage, one by one, and each performance seemed more intense than the last.

First was Lexter, a trainee known for his smooth R&B style and impeccable range. As he took the stage, there was an air of expectation. His clean-cut appearance and easygoing charm made him a fan favorite, but what truly set him apart was his voice. The second he opened his mouth, his silky smooth vocals filled the room.

Every note felt effortless, as if his voice was a river flowing through the music.

The first few lines of his song were enough to make Evelyn spin her chair around almost instantly, her eyes wide with delight. "That's the tone of a future star," she murmured into her mic, unable to hide her excitement. The crowd roared in approval.

Then came Ej, a powerhouse with a voice that could shake the walls. He wasn't flashy, but his voice spoke volumes. From the first note, the room fell silent as his raw, powerful vocals swept over everyone. His voice was intense, gritty, yet perfectly controlled—a natural-born performer who didn't need any frills or gimmicks. The passion in his voice sent shivers down spines.

It took mere seconds for Mitchell to slam his hand down on the buzzer, his chair whipping around with a wide-eyed look of approval. By the time Ej reached the end of his first verse, Evelyn had followed suit.

Ej barely had a moment to catch his breath before two judges turned, acknowledging his undeniable talent. He was a force to be reckoned with.

Still he was disappointed that Raneisha didn't pressed her buzzer. Then does that mean that C.C.s voice was better than his?

It was bitter pill to swallow and his hatred to C.C. intensified. Continue your journey on m|v-l'e -NovelBin.net


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