"All contestants, gather."
The words felt heavier now.
Seoryeon stood in line.
Heart steady.
But tight.
The screen lit up.
"Next mission."
Silence.
"This evaluation will determine…"
A pause.
"Who stays."
The room froze.
"And who leaves."
SYSTEM ALERT:
Elimination Phase Detected
SYSTEM MISSION: Survival Evaluation
Objective: Secure Position — Avoid Elimination
Conditions:
– Top-tier performance
– Strong stage presence
– No critical mistakes
Reward:
– Performance Aura Lv.2
– Skill Boost Package
Failure:
– Elimination Risk
Seoryeon's chest tightened.
"…So this is it."
"Not everyone will continue."
Cold.
Clear.
Final.
Later outside.
No cameras.
No noise.
Just them.
"You'll be fine."
Sana.
"…You don't know that."
Sana smiled softly.
"I believe it anyway."
Momo stepped closer.
"You've improved."
A pause.
"Don't waste it."
Seoryeon looked at both of them.
Close.
Too close.
Her chest tightened.
"…I won't."
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Sana Affinity +3
Momo Affinity +3
That night the mirror again.
But this time she didn't just see herself.
She saw the edge.
SYSTEM STATUS:
Survival Phase: CRITICAL
"…I'm not falling here."