Debut or Die - Chapter 312

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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A Fatal Illness if I Don’t Debut – Episode 312
The two-day concert concluded in grand success.
-Please, an encore
-How can you create something like this and end it in just two days, you crazy bastards (meant affectionately, actually not)
-Please buy the VOD when it drops, a public service recommendation
The overwhelming majority of fans who attended as audience members showed favorable reactions. It was entertaining and fresh, they said.
A theatrical concert format that brought narrative to life.
‘Since I’m good at the stage, I must’ve already won half the battle.’
When the status window appeared, there was nothing I’d want to remove anyway. The performance was excellent.
Of course, some people expressed disappointment in terms of intimacy and connection, but that largely disappeared after we held the W Live afterparty as planned.
[Celebration ☜ Testa Noraebang Grand Opening ☞ Celebration]
We didn’t just recount the concert behind-the-scenes—we took song requests in noraebang style and performed them.
My throat took some strain because of it, but… it was worth it.
‘Good.’
I downed the rest of the omija juice I’d been drinking.
Cold wind was blowing outside. Those guys who left must be having a rough time.
-Moon-dae, you’re really not going?
Even the one who kept asking until the end finally went out to enjoy just one day off. It was understandable.
It’s early November now—a period to refine our stage presence for the year-end.
What that means is that after today, I shouldn’t expect any days off for the rest of the year.
‘Well, maybe until February.’
It’ll end with award ceremonies and tour combos.
The staff haven’t contacted me today either. They’re probably swamped too.
Since this concert format is so specialized, they said it’d be difficult to execute perfectly in the regular concert venues we usually tour.
So they’re busy revising the plans, mixing in general concert compositions to fit various venue specifications.
‘It’s a busy season.’
Today will be my last moment of leisure too, so it’d be better to clear my head and rest…
Brrring!
My smartphone rings.
[VTIC Senior Shin Chung-ryeo : (image)]
[VTIC Senior Shin Chung-ryeo : How are you doing?]
“…”
Are we the kind of people who exchange pleasantries?
Every time this bastard contacted me during my rest, nothing good came of it, so ignoring him was the best move.
But seeing the attached image changed my mind.
I thought it’d be another joke, but it was actually a screenshot of an internet article.
[“A Magical Boy Who Defeats Villains with Song!” Testa Appears on 【T-Holic’s Show Business】]
It was a provocation.
I replied to him.
[Yes, Senior. I’m working hard. So many people found the photo you sent amusing that I’m starting to accept it now]
The response is great, so it’s a total win—whether it’s a magical girl or magical boy, what does it matter?
It’s not self-delusion; the variety show is genuinely still being talked about on the internet.
Undeniably, the hottest rising male idol in Korea this year.
‘I’ve been running without a single misstep in the second half of this year.’
Performance, recognition, buzz—we’re not falling behind anywhere. If it’s an awards ceremony where T1 has connections, it’s almost certain they’ll secure us an award.
‘Is this bastard doing this because he’s annoyed?’
But the reply came back without delay.
[VTIC Senior Shin Chung-ryeo: I see. I was just going to say it suits you well.^^]
“….”
This guy is completely trying to drain me….
‘So all debts are settled through Gold 2’s cooperation.’
If that’s the case, I’d rather just receive dog pictures. I briefly hesitated, then put my smartphone down.
But at that moment, without even replying, a call suddenly came through.
[VTIC Senior Shin Chung-ryeo]
“…?”
What now.
There might be useful information buried in the bullshit, so I picked up anyway.
“What can I do for you?”
Then I heard a calm voice.
-Well… I was wondering if you had anything to say to me.
“Pardon?”
What nonsense is this.
Then silence flowed from the other end of the phone for a moment, followed by a voice tinged with slight regret.
-Not yet, then.
“Not yet?”
-Just talking to myself. I was curious how you were doing, so I called.
That doesn’t seem right.
“As I’ve mentioned, I’m doing well.”
Don’t tell me “not yet” means he pulled some scheme that hasn’t blown up yet.
I asked directly.
“Did you prepare something special?”
-Hm?
“You said ‘not yet.'”
Then a chuckling sound came through the call.
-Ah, it’s really nothing else. I was just wondering if my junior hadn’t entered the country yet.
Testa did have a brief overseas schedule last week.
‘But that seems like an excuse.’
Since there was no sign of scheming, I decided to let it slide.
-We’ve already entered the country.
I see.
“If you have time, why not go on T-Holic’s variety show while you’re in the country? I’d recommend it.”
I was curious what he’d do with those boring bastards. But he answered flatly.
-Ah, well… the seniors.
If this weren’t a phone call, he wouldn’t have even called them seniors.
-Your survival instinct is truly remarkable. No matter what happens, your recovery is so good that… I’ve often been amazed.
He was saying that even though we tried everything to kill him before, he somehow clawed his way back to survival.
I summed it up simply.
“You’re the same way, senior.”
-Hmm, is that so? When did I become in that position.
For some reason, he seemed to find it amusing instead, which was irritating.
-Anyway, I don’t particularly plan to go on that show, but thanks for the recommendation.
“Not at all.”
He was composed.
‘…So even if one target item passes, his position remains solid.’
Well, that’s a good thing. It means the probability of this bastard hitting me from behind again has decreased.
Chung-ryeo ended the call with a laughing voice.
-Then I’ll see you at the awards ceremony.
“Yes.”
And that’s exactly how it happened.
I saw Chung-ryeo again at a major music chart awards ceremony scheduled for the end of that month.

* * *
“Ah, Testa… do you think you can show us something today?”
“Of course!”
“Haha!”
Before the awards ceremony began, the members who had finished all their preparations in the Waiting Room seemed half excited and half nervous.
Honestly, if there were someone who didn’t expect to win an award in this situation, that would be the strange one.
…Though I didn’t expect them to already pull out champagne.
“Come on, should we make a toast?”
“Yeah, cheeeeers!”
Those holding non-alcoholic champagne from the catering looked like test-takers eating sticky rice cakes before the college entrance exam.
‘Well… the atmosphere is good.’
Among those who had gotten into the mood, Ryu Chung-woo pointed to someone with a smiling face.
“Sae-jin looks like he has something to say. Can you give a toast?”
“Me, me?”
“Yeah.”
“Ooh~”
Bae Sae-jin’s face flushed, but he wasn’t angry.
“Well, then….”
Instead, he cleared his throat a few times, then opened his mouth again with a serious expression.
“This year too… we’ve all worked so hard, and no matter what the results are! Let’s not doubt that we did our best!”
It was surprisingly convincing. It seemed Ryu Chung-woo hadn’t pointed him out for nothing.
‘He must have prepared quietly.’
“Brother….”
“I… I think so too…!”
“That’s moving.”
The atmosphere was as good as it could be.
Big Sae-jin extended his hand with a smile, without complaint.
“Please take care of us next year too! Ah, we should still do our official chant one more time properly~”
“…Yeah!”
“Sounds good!”
And to shout the fighting chant, the members put their heads together to form a circle.
A formation that would only appear right before a sports match.
Given that victories and defeats are decided and rewards are given, it might not be so different.
“Hey, Moon-dae’s hand!”
I extended my hand. The familiar chant came out energetically.
“Testa’s showing something today!”
“Yeah!!”
Adrenaline surged through me.
I finished the non-alcoholic champagne in one gulp, then set the empty glass down on the table with a soft clink.
“Let’s go then.”
And so the first awards ceremony began.
Part 1 of the Grape Music Awards passed without any particular incidents.
Rookie stages with good results, stages with disappointing results but meaningful performances, rookie stages from major agencies….
Nothing particularly significant. Just that a group with Gold 2 briefly showed their faces.
Of course, since attitude controversies could arise, I maintained a position of actively watching the performances.
After the long Part 1 ended and we moved into Part 2, the words I’d been waiting for finally came.
After more stages passed by.
When the fame of the presenters changed, and the time spent on effects and introductions before the announcement differed.
[The next award is presented to an artist who has shown activities bringing comfort and inspiration to the most people this year.]
Yes.
[It’s the Artist Award!]
The first major category. And it was also the award we were aiming for.
The camera found the nominees for the award and captured them.
The camera, arriving right in front of our section, captured our table without hesitation.
“Oh….”
“Shh!”
Big Sae-jin controlled Cha Yu-jin. Perfect.
And so time passed.
[The recipient of this year’s Artist Award is….]
The sound of a drum.
Singers laughing awkwardly.
Light sticks swaying.
And finally, the words are spoken.
[…Testa!]
The camera lights flare to life.
[Congratulations!]
Waaaaaahhh!!
The sound of confetti bursting, cheers, music.
And the familiar faces displayed on the massive screen.
Their expressions transition from bewilderment to pure joy—all remarkably identical.
The funny part is, I’m no different.
“Ah….”
I’d anticipated receiving this.
There was no reason to move this award category to the very beginning otherwise. We had to skip by seniority to give the seniors the closing slot.
But… yes, I’ll be honest.
It feels like someone just struck a gong inside my skull. Goosebumps crawl all the way up through my bones.
‘Grand Prize.’
We’re actually winning this this year?
Big Sae-jin stumbled to his feet. I pulled my chair back and stood as well.
The others were probably applauding around us, but I couldn’t quite register it. I dragged Cha Yu-jin, who was patting my shoulder, up onto the stage.
My shoulder brushes against Sun Ah-hyun’s.
We’re on stage now. Bouquets and trophies exchange hands.
“Thank you.”
Ryu Chung-woo’s voice caught slightly, so he pulled the microphone away for a moment before speaking again, composedly.
“We’re… truly honored and delighted to receive such an undeserved award. Not just this year, but the members who’ve worked hard every single day since our debut….”
Ryu Chung-woo thanked the fans, the staff, and even our parents one by one. I’d heard him practicing this from the dormitory before, but I listened carefully without letting my mind wander.
He deserved to be heard.
And I felt like listening.
“…Thank you once again.”
But as those words ended, someone jabbed me in the back.
At first I thought it was accidental, but the second jab made that impossible.
“…?”
What the hell.
‘Moon-dae!’
It was Big Sae-jin.
He shoves me forward. The others create space, deliberately opening up the center.
‘What is this.’
I’m pushed toward the middle. The guys around me pat my shoulders. Confetti that had stuck to me falls from my nose.
And there, in front of me, is the microphone.
‘…Good grief.’
I wasn’t delaying to claim the final remarks—that much was obvious.
I let out a soft chuckle before gripping the microphone with the audience before me.
…I’m a bit excited, aren’t I.
‘Since I’ve got it, I should say something.’
That was the moment.
[Mission Clear!]
“…!”
A hologram materialized.
After clearing the abnormal status, it hadn’t appeared unless I summoned it—yet there it was.
And I understood the situation a beat too late.
‘Ah.’
I see.
Public opinion had been crucial, just as I’d predicted.
This was a prestigious award received within the public’s perception of Testa as a worthy recipient.
‘And it cleared at the very first awards ceremony.’
I found the development satisfying. I chose to accept this situation willingly.
But the hologram didn’t end.
It displayed text I hadn’t requested.
[Calculating rewards….]
“…!”
Now?
The sequence was wrong.
‘If I don’t have to accept the reward to receive it… damn it!’
I realized I’d been mistaken about something.
This wasn’t an abnormal status the system had imposed.
Which meant… there was no guarantee that what had been possible when clearing abnormal statuses would work the same way now.
The reward confirmation was no different.
‘If I’m not the one pressing to claim the reward…’
Cold sweat trickled down my neck.
The hologram before my eyes crackled and shifted form.
[Reward Complete!]
Reward: Conversation with Park Moon-dae
Complete?
In that instant, my vision blurred.
-Park Moon-dae!
Just like when I’d cleared that first abnormal status, back at my Ajusa debut.
Then everything went black.

* * *
When I think about it anew, it’s truly strange.
That I, who had never performed in a talent show, became someone with a profession of dancing and singing in front of others.
‘Originally, I was….’
Why did I keep photographing idols?
I could say it was because it paid well, but then why did I photograph those who didn’t pay?
The joy I obtained from that was….
Vicarious satisfaction?
“Gasp.”
I opened my eyes.
Inside a dark room.
A familiar ceiling came into view.
But it had been so long that it didn’t feel familiar or welcoming… that thing.
The ceiling of my old studio apartment.
“…!!”
I pushed myself up. And I felt my face. Glass beads came away in my fingers.
Without needing to rush to the bathroom to look in a mirror, this hair, these hands, these glasses….
My original body.
Not Park Moon-dae. Ryu Gun-woo.
“…!”
I clenched my fists. And I lowered my head.
‘Calm down.’
And this situation.
‘This.’
This was… something I’d experienced once before in a similar way.
‘A daydream.’
Was this similar to that comatose state? Am I dreaming right now too….
That was when it happened.
[H-hey there!]
“…!”
What is this.
A strange resonance heard from inside my head… or rather, I wasn’t even sure if “heard” was the right word for it.
[I… hyung, why are you here….]
I spoke.
“Who are you.”
[Y-yes?]
A trembling resonance, as if on the verge of tears.
Then a smaller resonance echoed.
[I’m… Park Moon-dae.]
“….”
What the… what the hell is going on here.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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