Gangster to Idol

Chapter 22: Grind Like There’s no Tomorrow



As the first light of dawn filtered through his window, Cain was already in motion. His mornings began with a disciplined routine — his alarm blaring like a war horn, heralding another day in his pursuit of idol stardom.

Cain's practice space was a hidden gem in town: an expansive field paired with a converted, weathered warehouse near the ocean.

The warehouse, once dilapidated, had been transformed into his personal training ground. He'd painstakingly installed secondhand mirrors and a sound system, creating a sanctuary where he could practice in peace and sharpen his skills with nothing to worry about.

Practicing at their HQ was too risky; the constant music would inevitably raise suspicions among his gang members. Joker and Bones were already worried about him, their concern growing as Cain became increasingly elusive.

Cain reassured them that everything was fine and that he was just engrossed in a personal project. Whatever that personal project was, Bones and Joker didn't know and Cain wasn't going to tell them anytime soon.

The walls echoed with pulsating beats as Cain prepared for another grueling training session. His reflection in the mirror was a portrait of intensity, his eyes locked on his own movements as he rehearsed dance routines he saw in videos.

Cain's daily regime was a blend of sheer physical exertion and meticulous skill-building. He began with an intensive warm-up, pushing his limits with running a few kilometers and stretches and high-energy cardio.

Sweat poured down his face as he transitioned into complex dance sequences. With every step, he aimed for fluidity and grace, pushing himself to not just replicate the moves but to embody them.

His [Sharp Mind] skill, allowed him to dissect and master choreography with astonishing speed. Each routine was practiced until the movements became second nature, his body moving in sync with the rhythm as if guided by an invisible force.

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He incorporated a variety of dance styles, from classic hip-hop to intricate contemporary, ensuring his performances were both versatile and captivating.

Cain's dedication extended far beyond the dance floor. He immersed himself in vocal training, his voice filling the field as he navigated complex scales and demanding song parts.

He meticulously fine-tuned his pitch, listening intently to a variety of accomplished singers. Taking detailed notes, he was determined to refine his tone and overcome any tonal imperfections, transforming himself from a novice to a true vocal artist.

However, the truth was Cain struggled with his [Singing Skill], which was only at a meager level 5. Despite his best efforts, he still couldn't master singing, nor could he replicate the voices of the singers he thought were cool. Even his [Sharp Mind] skill couldn't ease the frustration he felt in this area.

"It's because that isn't your voice. You need to discover your own along the way, just as you would with your style and dance moves," Fifi often reminded him. "Don't just copy everything in the internet."

Cain didn't bother with it and continued what he could do to improve himself to become an idol as soon as possible. His [Celestial Comb] became an essential part of his image. He mastered new hairstyles daily, documenting each transformation with his phone, aiming to set trends rather than follow them.

His efforts were paying off; each day brought a wave of new followers to his InstaPic and BuzzVid accounts. Cain captivated audiences with short hair styling tutorials and his renditions of trendy dances from popular music videos and renowned dancers. His [Hair Styling] skill also surged, reaching an impressive level ten!

Looks like buying the [Celestial Comb] was worth it after all.

To round out his skill set, Cain engaged in acting exercises and public speaking drills. He studied charismatic performers and practiced emotive monologues, refining his ability to captivate an audience not just with his talents but with his presence. (Fifi persisted with this, saying this was the most important).

Everything to her was 'most important.' Cain thought.

The task list was Cain's daily guide, filled with missions designed to push him to become an idol as soon as possible. He set daily goals: increase his follower count, engage with fans, and complete mission requirements.

Cain's strategy was to prioritize quality and consistency, ensuring each post reflected his evolving skills. His social media channels became a canvas, showcasing his growth and creativity.

Cain embraced the digital grind with dedication, posting multiple times a day. His feed became a vibrant collage of stylish selfies, captivating video snippets of his hairstyle tutorials, and trendy dance moves from music videos.

Cain engaged actively with his growing fanbase, responding to comments and messages to cultivate a genuine connection. Undeterred by online criticism and the occasional trolling, he stayed laser-focused on his goals.

However, trading barbs with his haters, Cain found a surprising thrill in the digital sparring matches. It seemed that battling, whether in the streets or online, was woven into the very fabric of his DNA. Of course, he was using an alternate account.

Over the course of a month, he not only paid off his debt to Fifi. but also garnered over a thousand followers on InstaPic and ten thousand on BuzzVid.

Despite not gaining any immediate stats, his skills increased and new ones emerged, marking the beginning of a promising new chapter now that he was finally debt-free.

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|| A/N ||

Sorry for 1 chapter. Busy at the moment. We'll make it up tom 🤍


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