Gangster to Idol

Ej dragged his feet down the stage, frustration radiating off him like a storm cloud. He couldn't wrap his head around it.

If it had been a trainee from a major corporation, he could've understood the buzz—maybe even respected it. But an independent trainee like C.C., shattering expectations felt like a slap in the face.

Despite having no backing or support from any major corporation, C.C. still made it through to the next round, defying all expectations. Read the latest on m_v-l'e|-NovelBin.net

Meanwhile, they were armed with all the backing they could get. The public would surely ridicule them for it and their image would surely suffer a blow.

What's more C.C. was gaining all the attention because of Felice's wink and now because of Raneisha.

They couldn't let this stand. C.C. had to be taken out of the competition as soon as possible. This wasn't just about pride; it was a matter of survival in a cutthroat industry where the stakes had suddenly become alarmingly high.

The show pressed on and the trainees in the lead continued to perform one after another. With each performance, it became clear why these trainees were considered the best. Their voices alone were enough to turn heads and secure them a spot in the next episode.

They had not only impressed the mentors but left the audience in awe, raising the bar for everyone who came after them.

Building toward its grand finale, reserved for none other than Dylan—the enigmatic trainee who had already carved out a reputation with his unmatched versatility.

Known for his effortless charisma and razor-sharp talent, he didn't just take the stage—he owned it, leaving everyone in suspense. The crowd knew they were about to witness something unforgettable, as Dylan's mere presence promised a performance that would leave his competitors in the dust.

His tall frame and emotionless expression gave him a mysterious aura that had the audience's eyes glued to him before he even uttered a word. The moment the music started, he didn't just sing; he commanded the stage. His voice was clear, smooth, and rich with emotion, each note delivered with precision.

Before he had even finished the first verse, Evelyn slammed her hand on the buzzer, unable to resist his magnetic voice. She turned her chair with an almost gleeful grin, and within seconds, Mitchell and Raneisha followed suit, recognizing Dylan's potential as a star.

The crowd erupted in cheers. Three chairs, perfect score and Dylan wasn't even halfway through his performance. He continued as if unfazed, his calm confidence showing that he knew exactly how good he was.

As the final note lingered in the air, the applause erupted like thunder, shaking the very walls of the stage.

"He's really good," Cain admitted.

Fifi nodded. "Some people are just bless to be perfect."

When the 4th episode was finish, only twenty trainees remained, signaling the close of this chapter and the looming arrival of the final rounds. Among the twenty contestants, Cain and Riku stood out—two of the few independent trainees still holding their ground. The rest? They were products of powerful agencies, polished and groomed by the industry's finest.

The host stepped forward, a gleam in his eye as he prepared to reveal the next challenge. "After a short break, we'll return with Episode 5 of RRR," he teased, drawing out the suspense as a drumroll echoed through the room. The envelope in his hands seemed to weigh a ton as he opened it, heightening the tension. "Five groups will be formed for the next round, each delivering a live performance.

But here's the twist—each of you will be scored individually, based on audience votes!"

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Whispers spread like wildfire. Audience votes? Wasn't that going to be unfair? Some idols already had massive followings—how could the others compete?

But RRR had always considered audience votes a core part of the show. Their philosophy was simple: if you could captivate the audience, even without a fanbase, the votes would follow. It wasn't just about popularity—it was about stage presence, and talent.

With a spin of the roulette, the groups were formed, each one facing the pressure of delivering a performance that could make or break them. The tension in the room was palpable as the roulette wheel spun, deciding the fate of each trainee.

Every pair of eyes was glued to the screen, the air thick with anticipation and nerves. This wasn't just any grouping—this could make or break their chances of advancing.

Whispers filled the room, as everyone silently hoped for the same thing: to avoid being paired with the weak links.

Being stuck with mediocre trainees could drag down the entire performance, ruining their shot at impressing the audience. A bad group could spell disaster, no matter how talented they were individually.

On the flip side, being grouped with the big shots was a golden ticket. Trainees like Dylan, Ej, and Lexter had reputations for carrying their teams with ease.

Riding that wave would not only boost their collective performance but also increase each member's individual chances of standing out.

Glances darted between the contestants, sizing each other up. The anxiety was suffocating—this challenge wasn't just about showcasing their skills. It was about survival, and one weak link could bring the whole team crashing down.

Some trainees bit their nails, others shifted uneasily, and a few tried to mask their fear with forced confidence.

As names popped up on the screen, revealing the groups, the atmosphere turned electric.

Sighs of relief mixed with groans of disappointment as the trainees either celebrated their luck or dreaded their unlucky draw.

1st Group

→ Dylan

→ C.C.

→ Rhea

→ Lina

→ Han

2nd Group

→ Ej

→ Lexter

→ Damien

→ Riku

→ Mika

3rd Group

→ Ariane

→ Maya

→ Rex

→ Blaze

→ Lila

4th Group

→ Jinwoo

→ Rika

→ Felipe

→ Richard

→ Selena

Whispers sliced through the tension in the room like blades.

"Group 1 has Dylan and C.C.," the audience muttered under their breath. "But . . . can they really carry the whole team?"

"Yeah," another agreed. "The other three aren't exactly top-tier. They're dead weight."

"All eyes are on Group 2," someone else chimed in. "EJ and Lexter together? That's practically a dream team. And now they've got Mika, the highest-ranked female, plus Riku—the strongest rapper right now. It's almost unfair."

"I pity the other groups," a voice said with a low chuckle. "They don't stand a chance. It's hard to watch."

"Seems like it's shaping up to be a battle between Group 1 and Group 2," someone concluded with a knowing nod.

The trainees knew the truth—this wasn't just about individual talent anymore. The strongest group would shine, and the weaker ones? They'd be left in the dust.