Falling for the Omega Idol-Chapter 71: FIRST MISSION

AFTER the mention of ’Boys Odyssey’, the contestants were once again in an uproar.

"Boys Odyssey? Is that the name of the program?"

"It should be. Since the name was not written on the contract, I thought the program will stay nameless until the end."

"How could that be possible? But you’re right. It’s kind of weird that the name of the program hasn’t been mentioned even once until now."

"Didn’t they say that the first episode would air on June 7? That’s just around two weeks away! I haven’t even seen a preview."

"Now that you mention it, will this program actually be okay?"

"It will be fine. This is Vnet we’re talking about. This is probably just a part of their marketing strategy."

Similar conversations echoed throughout the ballroom. Despite everyone’s efforts to speak softly, the combined murmurs of the crowd created an even louder hum. So, it didn’t matter if they talked in a lower voice. The buzz their voices created was loud enough for it to feel like everyone was talking in their normal voice all at the same time.

Haneul understood their reaction. If he hadn’t seen Boys Odyssey in his previous world, he would be just as anxious. They didn’t even know the name of the survival program they were about to participate in. No promotional videos had been released, and with only two weeks left until the first episode was scheduled to air, the situation felt increasingly uncertain.

But they didn’t need to worry. From what he remembered, Vnet was set to kick off their full promotion today. At least, that should be the case if nothing had changed. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t be able to confirm this, as they weren’t allowed to bring any smartphones. No one should have a phone on them, not in their pockets or their luggage.

Unless there’s someone here brave enough to break the contract because they couldn’t live without their phones. But surely none of them would risk being eliminated just because they couldn’t do without their phones, right?

Anyway, there’s really nothing to worry about. Even with the late promotion, there would still be people tuning in. It’s Vnet, the powerhouse of idol survival program. No matter how much people say that they’re getting tired of survival programs, there would still be an audience for it. And with Lily as the host, her presence alone would be enough to attract viewers and promote the program.

Lily waited until everyone calmed down before speaking once more.

"Wondering why the show is called Boys Odyssey? Well, you’ll find out soon—in about three days. But first, let’s get down to business. Earlier, you watched a dance practice video. What you saw was the choreography for our theme song, [Sailing to the Stars]. Your first mission is simple but crucial: in two days, you’ll each perform this theme song individually.

"We will be evaluating each of you on your vocals, dance skills, and overall stage presence, and ranking you from 1st to 60th. If you don’t make it into the top 60, you’ll be eliminated. The 60 who do pass will move forward to the next stage. This is your chance to make a strong first impression. So, take this seriously and show us what you’ve got."

As Lily finished speaking, the room erupted into chaos once more. It was understandable—she had just announced that they had only a day and a half to memorize the lyrics and choreography of the theme song before performing it individually. On top of that, an elimination would follow immediately after. This meant that for some, a poor performance could mean the end of their journey right from the start. Who would want that?

"You’ll be staying in this hotel for the next three days. We’ve set up some of the rooms as practice spaces, so you can rehearse as much as you need. Tomorrow, our mentors will provide you with some guidance, so it would be best if you can familiarize yourself with the theme song by the end of today," Lily continued. "Good luck, everyone, and I’ll see you all again in three days."

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After Lily and the four mentors left, the staff began explaining the first mission to the contestants in detail. Each contestant would receive a copy of the song’s lyrics. They informed them that there were 20 practice rooms available, and they were all in the third floor. In each room, the dance practice video of the theme song would be played on a loop, providing a reference point for everyone as they practiced.

The staff moved quickly, handing each contestant a copy of the lyrics. The lyrics were printed on A4 paper in both Hangeul and a Romanized version. The latter was likely provided for the benefit of foreign contestants who couldn’t read Hangeul.

At the same time, they were also handed their key cards for their assigned rooms. The staff explained that three to four contestants would share each room.

Then the staff told them that they could avail in any of the hotel’s amenities for the duration of their stay here. Since they were the only ones staying in the hotel for the next three days, there’s no need to hold back. Just make sure that they wouldn’t destroy any of the furnitures and stuffs.

That would have been welcome news if they were there for a vacation—after all, this was one of the most luxurious hotels in Seoul. But with the first mission looming, most of the contestants were concern on how they could memorize the lyrics and choreography of the theme song in such a short time.

Haneul felt the same way. Although he already knew the lyrics to [Sailing to the Stars] by heart, his real challenge was the choreography. He wasn’t confident he could learn all the steps in time. He clenched his fists. No, it wasn’t a matter of whether he could do it or not—he had to do it, no matter what.

Just as he was lost in thought, two voices suddenly called out to him simultaneously.

"Haneul, which room were you assigned to?"

"Haneul, are you planning to have lunch next?"