From Skid Row to Superstardom: An Idol System Novel-Chapter 119: First Ranking Ceremony (3)

"The contestant that came in first place, impressing the judges with both their vocal skill and dancing ability as they performed the signal song they learned in less than 12 hours is....."

Ryan Leary paused for dramatic effect before finishing his announcement with a wide smile.

"Rex! Congratulations on being ranked first!"

- Clap clap clap clap

All the contestants in the room clapped while Daniel Kim and Rex shook hands before hugging.

"Daniel, why don’t you say a few words?" The MC quickly moved to the side, giving Daniel the mic.

The orange-haired boy smiled, showing off the dimple in his left cheek before speaking first in Korean, then in English.

"Thank you to the trainers for such a high ranking. I hope I continue to meet both yours and my expectations."

Afterward, he bowed at a 90-degree angle before handing the microphone over and stepping back.

"Thank you, Daniel. Now, to our number one contestant, Rex, would you like to say a few words?"

Rex also gave a quick speech in Korean and then English while smiling brightly.

"I’d like to thank the judges for ranking me so highly, and I will continue to do my best not to disappoint."

"Thank you to both of you. Please have a seat."

The MC waited as Daniel climbed up and took the last remaining seat on the second level of the pyramid while Rex climbed all the way to the golden throne at the top, sitting on it with a bemused smile as he put the crown on his head.

Ryan Leary led the round of applause to cheer for the two people before speaking once more in a somber tone, "Unfortunately, we need to start listing our dear contestants who will be eliminated."

As Ari saw both Caleb and Ian as part of the remaining 11, he began wishing with all of his heart for both of them to be eliminated.

Even if his team had to add two new members, at this point, it didn’t matter since the group hadn’t even started practicing their song anyway.

He just wanted the two annoying boys gone so he could sleep peacefully and deal with one less arguer in the group.

Ryan Leary glanced at the boys again before speaking softly, "Starting with the contestant coming in at rank 100, Shin, please come say your final words."

As his name was called, the young Japanese contestant with a baby face began crying as he climbed onto the stage.

The MC passed him a handkerchief, and after blowing his nose dramatically, the young boy gave his speech before stepping down.

"Rank 99, Stefan."

"Rank 98, Xiao."

One by one, the MC called them all until the two remaining people were Caleb and Ian, one of whom would place 90th and be safe, or place 91st and be eliminated.

Surprisingly, the two of them seemed to have reconciled and even held hands while walking to the stage as the MC called them up.

"Unfortunately, the decision has been made on who the final contestant will be. Again, I’m proud of both of you. This doesn’t define your worth, and I’m sure you’ll accomplish amazing things even if it’s not here. You both understand, right?"

As the two boys nodded, Ari subtly crossed the fingers on both hands with regret that both of them couldn’t be eliminated.

Still, if he had to choose one.

Caleb!

Get rid of Caleb first!

Being on his team once was bad enough, and Ari didn’t want to continue dealing with his unaware, troll-like actions.

Ryan Leary paused once again before speaking slowly, "The contestant who is ranked in 90th place and is safe from elimination is...contestant Ian. Congratulations. I’m sorry, but that means that you are eliminated, Contestant Caleb."

"Yes!" Ian jumped in the air while pumping his fist before hugging the stunned Caleb immediately when he landed.

A round of applause rang out as Ian hopped around happily before giving his speech.

When he was done, it was Caleb’s turn.

Rather than give a speech, he surprisingly began crying, tears and snot running down his face as he turned to glare at Ari, then ran off the stage and out of the auditorium.

Ari: ಠ_ಠ

Why are you looking at me weirdo!

I wasn’t the person who eliminated you, blame the judges!!!

At the sudden turn of events, the MC glanced at PD Emily, who rolled her eyes before making a circle with her fingers, telling Ryan Leary to wrap it up.

"It seems that contestant Caleb is a bit distraught. We’ll give him some time to collect himself. That was it for our first-ever ranking ceremony. Thank you both to the judges and contestants for your time. Let’s have one final round of applause for our eliminated contestants."

- Clap clap clap

As applause rang out while the eliminated contestants hugged each other and cried, Ari clapped politely while thinking that the production team was filled with literal bastards.

They forced the contestants to work hard the day before to record the signal song, and then eliminated them immediately.

And then giving the eliminated contestants the option to not perform with their groups?

It was clear that they planned on squeezing out as much value as they could from every contestant before they were discarded.

The only way to make it out of here was to make it into the top 7 and debut.

After the filming for the ranking ceremony wrapped up, they were released from the pyramids to change into their spare clothing, chat with the eliminated contestants, and prepare for their performance evaluation while the stage director and her crew quickly emptied the stage.

Ari limped to the bathroom to change into his otterly adorable tracksuit before finding his group gathered together at one side.

Ian was the center of attention, laughing happily in relief at being safe, but unfortunately, one person was missing.

Seeing that Ari, the last person, had finally arrived, Leo clapped to get their attention.

"Since we’re all here, let’s decide what we’re doing since Caleb decided to leave first and not to perform with us," Leo spoke neutrally, aware of the cameras that were recording the groups that were reconfiguring themselves due to lost members.

"Who wants to take his part for the evaluation?" Leo asked the group while staring at Ari with hopeful eyes.

Unfortunately for him, Ari shook his head.

Firstly, his own part was substantial as it was, so taking any more parts was plain greedy, especially as he was injured.

And secondly, he already had to double the vocals to support the weaker singers for parts of the song, so even if he wanted to, he couldn’t.

But that didn’t mean he wanted someone lacking to take the part.

Seeing Ian open his mouth with a greedy expression as well as Minho, Ari quickly interrupted.

"I recommend Suzuki Rei. I know he’s practiced the entire song several times, and I think he can do a good job."

"Me?"

The Japanese boy with red and black hair looked at him with a shocked expression, but Ari nodded nonchalantly.

Personal feelings aside, Suzuki Rei was a good singer and a good worker.

He could vouch for him because the boy had followed him around like a dog and practiced as if he would be sent to jail otherwise. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

Although Alfonso had practiced just as hard, Ari simply thought Rei would do a better job.

"Fine. Let’s go with Rei. As for dancing, let’s stand in a line and dance exactly as shown in the reference video. If the judges ask any detailed questions, just leave it to me." Leo patted his chest, but instead of instilling confidence, it looked like he was choking.

Still, he was the leader, so rather than say anything, Ari stayed silent until they were called to sit as the performance evaluation began.