Chapter 6
The day of the concert arrived.
I was trembling, unable to tell whether it was excitement or fear.
Time kept passing anyway.
I kept touching up the song, then undoing it, over and over again. It wouldn’t change anything—the audio file had already been submitted—but I couldn’t stop.
I hadn’t slept.
Pressing my tired eyes with my palms, I tried to stay awake. Maybe because I had a younger body, I could endure it somehow.
“…Mm.”
Since I had a performance, I should at least warm up my voice.
Clearing my throat quietly, I adjusted my voice out of habit. It was something I always did before going on stage—an unconscious routine, born from wanting a perfect performance.
From outside the room, I heard my mother calling me to eat.
I staggered out.
A simple homemade meal was set on the table.
“…Thank you for the meal.”
I had no appetite, but I mechanically chewed and swallowed.
When my mother asked if it was good, I answered like always—
“It’s good.”
But I couldn’t taste anything anymore.
It was probably something mental, but I didn’t say anything. Saying it out loud felt like admitting something was wrong with me.
My performance was scheduled for 9 PM, but since there were others before me, the event itself started at 7.
I turned on my computer and logged into the concert site.
The old computer lagged badly—probably because of the number of users.
While waiting, I finally opened the equipment package.
Inside were several white VR devices and thick manuals in multiple languages.
“…Manuals…”
No Korean.
“…Ugh, annoying.”
Still, thanks to my past experience, I could manage English, Chinese, and Japanese well enough to figure it out.
“…Do I just wear this?”
There was no visible microphone, but the device supposedly had one built in.
After logging in—
I found myself in a strange world.
All kinds of bizarre avatars were clapping toward the stage.
Cars, cartoon characters, game avatars—
A chaotic virtual world.
At least the host looked somewhat normal—wearing a suit, though with bright red-and-mint hair.
“…Whoa.”
My vision shifted, making me slightly dizzy.
Still—
It felt real.
I waved my hand in the air, testing it.
“…Feels weird.”
“Now, let’s begin the concert!”
A guide window appeared.
- Press a button to clap
- Give up to 3 “hearts” to performers
Pretty simple.
There were also rules—no excessive criticism, no recording.
Clearly, both would be ignored.
I checked “Agree” and continued.
A chat window popped up, scrolling rapidly.
[When is Nebula performing?]
[I joined because of Nebula lol]
[Who’s performing last?]
[This is boring; hurry up.]
[Then you do it.]
[What’s with these avatars lol.]
“…Got it.”
I turned off the chat.
Finally, some peace.
“First performer—!”
The host gestured dramatically.
The first participant walked onto the stage.
“…Hello, I’m Jayden…”
His voice trembled.
Probably using VR like me.
“Please enjoy…”
Applause erupted.
I pressed the controller—
My avatar clapped awkwardly.
Then the music started.
The applause stopped automatically.
“…Oh.”
Nice detail.
He was nervous.
If you’re that tense, your voice will tighten…
But—
“—My dear…”
“…Not bad.”
His voice was stable despite the nerves.
A trained beginner.
Good song choice.
Decent skills.
Overall—
Not bad.
After about three minutes—
He bowed.
His avatar glitched awkwardly.
“…Thanks for listening.”
Applause.
He jumped around excitedly.
The host smoothly moved on.
The next dozen performers—
Mostly average.
Some potential.
Nothing special.
“Next, ‘Leo’!”
A flashy avatar.
Blond hair, piercings, guitar.
He spoke casually.
My name’s Leo. No job. Just… music.”
Confident.
Skilled.
“Song: Stranger. Just listen.”
Then—
“Even if nothing has meaning…”
My posture straightened instantly.
“…This is good.”
The song built up—
Then exploded.
A deep bass resonated.
“Let’s smash.”
Perfect tone.
“Run—!”
Powerful.
Refreshing.
I stared, completely focused.
“…Thank you.”
The applause was the loudest so far.
Then—
A notification appeared.
Prepare for your stage.
Backstage.
“…Ah—ah.”
Mic test.
Everything felt real.
“…Stand here and go when called.”
“…Okay.”
The staff disappeared instantly.
My heart pounded.
Adrenaline surged.
“…Mm.”
I checked my voice again.
“We’re at our final performer!”
Final?
“…Wait, I’m last?”
“SN1054! Please come out!”
The stage lights reached my feet.
My hands trembled.
I moved forward.
The audience—
Animals. Floating cars. Popcorn-headed avatars.
“…What is this …”
Strangely—
It helped.
My tension eased slightly.
Then—
I saw the viewer count.
[Viewers: 49,738]
“…I should’ve hidden that.”
Too late.
“SN1054? Any mic issues?”
“…No. I’m fine.”
My voice—
Surprisingly calm.
“…I’m SN1054. No introductions. The song is… Supernova Remnant.”
Applause.
But my mind felt blank.
This is a stage.
They’re all watching me.
Not fear—
Not pressure—
Just—
“…I’ll show you through the song.”
I took a deep breath.
The music started.
Applause faded.
Just—
Me.
Like a star—
Shining.
“Wounded little dandelion…”
At that moment—
The viewer count exploded.
