The mentors entered the wide gymnasium, and the trainees felt their hearts beating faster in both nervousness and excitement.
It was now the time for their interim evaluation.
They were given more than a day to perform at least half of their song to see if the direction they were heading in was actually good.
All the mentors gathered today and sat at a long table. Around them are the trainees, nervously waiting to be called.
"Let's start with the CHAOS teams," Jihyun said. "Please come to the front."
The two teams came to the front, emanating a different vibe. Zeth's team practically glowed with confidence. Their team was full of visuals, too, so you can't help but let your eyes gravitate toward them.
On the other hand, the other team, led by a timid trainee named Geonwu, already felt like they had lost.
"Zeth's team, please take a step back for Geonwu's team."
The prearranged song of "Light Warriors" by CHAOS was played. It didn't sound that different from the original, except they calibrated the pitch to be one tone lower since they couldn't reach the notes.
They started dancing, and surprisingly, they appeared to be in sync. However, there really wasn't anything special with their performance.
"In the darkness we arise, united and strong,
A force that can't be denied, we'll right every wrong,
Together we stand, our spirits ignite,
In a world full of shadows, we'll bring the light!"
Zeth smiled to himself. It was exactly what he had predicted. They didn't change the song that much, so it was easy to compare to the original. And since they were just mediocre, it wouldn't have much of an impact on the audience.
"Breaking free from the chains that bind,
Our hearts aflame, no fear we'll find,
With courage and hope, we'll take flight,
As warriors in the light!"
Even as the chorus approached, the team showed a lackluster performance. It would have been better if they showed a bit more strength, but they were too insecure at the moment.
"We'll fight, fight with all our might,
Defenders of truth, we'll shine so bright,
In unity, we'll take our stand,
As warriors of light, hand in hand!"
As they finished their performance, a lukewarm performance enveloped the room.
"Hmm," Hyerin hummed. "It's not bad…"
Geonwu's team smiled.
"But it isn't good, either. I don't see anything special with your performance. And if you want to go against a team like Zeth's, there must be something more to your performance," Bone said.
"I agree," Jihyun nodded. "You still have four days until the performance, so I want you to make some good changes then. This is a well-loved song. Don't disappoint the CHAOS fans with an underwhelming performance."
"Yes, mentors," they said, bowing their heads before switching positions with Zeth's team.
The mentors looked at the current line-up with amazed eyes.
"Ah, of course," Woo-jin said. "If it isn't the Avengers team of the season. I always have high hopes for these teams every year."
"I can't believe all of the members are within the top 20," Hyerin exclaimed.
Jihyun nodded excitedly. Deep inside, she felt excited because there were too much eye candy in front of her.
"Well, we can't wait for your performance," Gun said. "Please start right away."
The room was filled with anticipation as the Avengers team stood at the center. Even June couldn't help but pay more attention to them. With that much talent, it was bound to be good.
The music started, and the trainees gracefully took their positions, exuding confidence and determination. The rap, hip-hop intro of Daybreak was replaced with a retro, funky feel.
Ren and Yuri started the song, their harmonious voices filling the room. Then, Zeth performed some acrobatic dancing with Jisung and Steel. The mentors' and trainees' eyes widened in amazement as they witnessed their vocal delivery and powerful stage presence.
"It's definitely over," C-Jay whispered by June's side. "I'm actually glad you didn't get the CHAOS card, kid," he patted Minx's back.
"You're right," Eli said. "It's unfair. Why do they have so much talent?"
Their performance continued, and although it wasn't flawless, it was the best they could do for a day and a half of practice.
Jaeyong looked at them with narrowed eyes while Casper watched intently. Even as talented people, they can't deny the talent that this group has.
June watched Lin Zhi and shook his head. This little rascal could actually blend well with a bunch of talented trainees. And to think he only knew how to deal with drugs and get into fights when he was still part of the White Tiger Gang.
Their interim evaluation had finished, and the room was filled with applause.
"I don't even have anything to say," Gun said. "You guys did really well."
"I agree," Woo-jin said. "You need to focus on your breathing while performing, though. The beginning was really good, but it became weaker in the end. However, with the direction you're going, I know that you'll be able to improve on this aspect."
"We will mentor," Ren, their leader, said.
"Zeth," Bone said. "You're really something, man. You're born for the stage."
Zeth, the center, smiled and shook his head. "That's too much, mentor. I wouldn't be this good if I didn't have good teammates."
"That's true," Gun said. "This is a very well-balanced team. However, there are also some moments when Zeth tends to outshine you. Try to match your energy levels with each other more."
"That is noted," Ren said. "Thank you, mentors."
"That was amazing," the trainees whispered.
"As expected, talented trainees are different."
"I hate it here. My mom should have met a better dad so I could have inherited some good genes."
"Alright," Gun said. "We're off to a good start. Let's go with the GIRLS' EVOLUTION teams next."
June's team looked at each other with wide eyes.
"This soon?" Jangmoon whispered. "I think I already forgot the lyrics."
"Ah, what to do? I forgot the dance, too," Eli whispered.
"We're ruined," Hoon said. "At least the arrangement I asked for is good. You should thank me after this evaluation."
"Don't worry, guys," C-Jay said. "I'm the best at rap, so we'll get good evaluations."
'Can I join another idol survival show, Fu?'
[Sorry, Fu does not accept do-overs.]
June sighed and stood up from the floor.
Let's just get this over with.
