As the fans started coming in, the mentors looked at them fondly. Compared to the past set-up where mentors were seated backstage during the performance, they were now seated behind the audience, elevated like VIP concert-goers.
Beside them, were the "special mentors" who assisted each group during the interim evaluations—all seven of them.
The fans glanced behind them and couldn't help but exclaim in shock when they saw the popular "special mentors."
Stars like Kiera from GIRLS' EVOLUTION, Jaeyun from BOYMYSTIC, Rhino from SVT (SupraVentricular Tachycardia), and plenty more had poised smiles on their faces.
They appeared even better in person than when they appeared on the television!
Seeing such stars in one studio spoke of the budget and prowess that Azure currently had. It was hard gathering these many stars, yet they still managed to do it.
However, that budget seemed to run out for one person—Sun-Y.
Among the star-studded cast, he sat as a stark comparison. However, he had the smuggest look on his face—like he was the most famous one among them.
As the production crew continued to arrange the fans, the mentors talked among themselves.
"How did your practice go?" Kiera, who was in charge of 'Brown Sugar Milktea,' asked.
"It went really good," Jaeyun, the third-rank during the second season of Rising Stars, answered. "These guys are really talented. However, there were definitely some trainees that stood out. You can tell the difference between talented and untalented ones."
"I think I got the talented ones," Rhino chimed in. He was in charge of 'Skateboard Ride' and was amazed when he realized they didn't need much teaching after all. Their performance was already very well done. Of course, it wasn't perfect. But it was very good for idol trainees.
"And I got the untalented ones," Sun-Y loudly exclaimed, causing even the original mentors to look his way.
He had an annoying look on his face, and the way he spoke was so condescending.
"They can't rap for shit. Especially the Main Rapper," he continued. "June, was it? So don't expect anything for their performance."
Jihyun, who was listening in on their conversation, frowned deeply as Sun-Y continued spouting nonsense.
"Their performance was decent yesterday," Hyerin said. "This dude is just noisy as hell."
"It wasn't the best, but it wasn't too bad," Woo-jin said. "However, I actually feel a bit nervous since they're performing last."
"They're performing last?" Jihyun exclaimed with wide eyes.
"Wouldn't that be too much? The last performance is usually the one that leaves the most impact. If it does the opposite, then it'd only amplify its mediocrity," she added.
"I know," Woo-jin said. "That's why I'm worried. 'Skateboard Ride' is performing right before them, too."
Gun clicked his tongue. "Good luck to them."
Jihyun bit her lip in anxiousness. She hasn't seen the team's performance with June, so she doesn't know what to expect.
"Is June a rapper?" Hyerin asked.
Bone pursed his lips. "He's not," he responded. It was a bit disappointing when he rapped during the interim evaluations, and Bone knew June could only improve so much after a couple of days. Will he be able to pull it off?
Jihyun's frown deepened. She had always supported June, and she greatly believed in the young man's talent.
However, with the current circumstances, she's not sure about their performance after all.
***
The stage is ablaze with dazzling lights and loud energy.
"I'm so fucking excited! The Concept Mission is my favorite mission in the entire show."
"I heard from my mother's new boyfriend that there's a team filled with top ranks."
"I can't believe we're going to see June after he got stabbed."
"It's even a miracle that he's still alive. I heard his legs were severed."
The massive audience filled the studio, their excitement heard in the air. In the center of it all stood Kang Minho, the ever-charismatic host of the idol survival show, holding a sparkly microphone with a confident smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the most electrifying idol survival show on television! Are you all ready for another thrilling mission?"
The crowd roared in response, waving colorful banners supporting their favorite trainees.
"Tonight, we have something truly special in store. It's time for the Concept Mission!"
The audience erupted into cheers as the words "Concept Mission" flashed on the screen in bold letters.
"In this mission, our beloved trainees will embody the essence of seven original songs. It's all about teamwork this time, so there won't be any individual votes. It's up to you, our fantastic audience, to decide which team worked the best!"
"No individual votes?" C-Jay asked. "That's a first."
"But that's not all, folks! Hold onto your seats because here's the twist. The team with the most votes from you, our dedicated audience, will receive a whopping 200,000 stars!"
The trainees exchanged wide-eyed glances.
"Yes, you heard it right! Those individual votes? They've now become team votes! This could be a game-changer for the winner, so vote wisely!"
The unexpected reward added a new layer of intensity to the competition.
Most of the teams, especially those who had new members, felt like the result was already decided.
Team Risers will most probably win in the end.
However, one team didn't look anywhere else and merely focused on their team.
Team Aglet had determined looks on their faces. Sehun glanced at his teammates with a bright smile.
"We can do this," he said, despite still having some doubts in his mind.
However, there was one trainee that always made him feel certain—that despite having low ranks, they'd be able to achieve the impossible.
Sehun turned to June to give him a look of appreciation. But he stopped and quickly chuckled when he saw the state June was currently in.
Is he sleeping again?
"Should I wake him up?" Jakob asked. "His voice is going to get husky if he sleeps until the performance."
"Let him be," Sehun said. "I'm sure he'll wake up right on time."
"Without further ado," Kang Minho's voice resonated through the whole studio.
"Let us now start the Concept Mission! With the first team performing 'Brown Sugar Milktea.'"
