Chương 29: In the Eye of the Public: Cain's First Dance

"Huh? Wait, why are you smiling like that? Did you just trick me into buying this?" Cain asked, narrowing his eyes at Fifi when he noticed the sly grin on her face.

Fifi just twirled playfully in the air, her wings fluttering as she floated away, clearly enjoying herself. Cain slipped the bracelet onto his wrist, expecting something dramatic, but there was no immediate change — just the subtle sensation that his doubts were slipping away. A surge of boldness welled up within him, like he could take on the world without a second thought.

'Must be the magic at work,' he mused.

"When are you going to perform, and where?" Fifi asked, suddenly all business. She glanced at her Goddess screen and answered before Cain could. "Zone A, District 1, is the best spot. You'll get plenty of eyes on you there."

Cain nodded. He was also thinking the same.

"Alright, let's go," he said, turning to leave, but Fifi yanked him back by his hair.

"Hold it!"

"What?" Cain growled, swatting her hand away.

"Are you seriously just going to go out there like that? Without any preparation at all?" Fifi asked, her tone incredulous as she eyed Cain's outfit. He was wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt, his hair a wild mess.

"Huh? What's there to prepare? I've already got the dance moves down. I'll throw on some shirt, black pants, a cloak, gloves, and style my hair. I'll be good to go," Cain replied, brushing off her concerns.

Fifi massaged her temples, already feeling a headache coming on. "Are you sure that's all you need?"

"Oh, right," Cain said, as if remembering something important. He walked over to his portable speaker and grinned. "This, and my phone for the music. Everything's ready."

Before Fifi could say another word, Cain was already heading for the shower, his mind set on his ever first dance in public.

How hard could it be?

=== ⭐ ===

Cain's arrival in Zone A, District 1, was seamless, slipping away from his gang without raising a single eyebrow. He moved with the practiced ease of someone used to staying under the radar, making sure no one was tailing him.

Every step he took was calculated, blending into the flow of the city like a shadow in the twilight. No one in his crew had a clue where he was headed, and Cain intended to keep it that way.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the bustling public park. It was that perfect time when the park was alive with activity — students spilling out after school, and workers unwinding after a long day.

He had chosen this moment carefully, knowing the park would be packed, ensuring maximum exposure.

The walk to the park had been effortless, his mind clear and focused, with the [Charm Bracelet] bolstering his confidence.

However, as he reached the center of the park, surrounded by towering trees and sprawling pathways, the reality of what he was about to do hit him like a sledgehammer.

Cain's calm shattered, and he now stood frozen in place, a lone figure amidst the sea of people. Every direction he looked, there were faces — hundreds of them, all potential onlookers.

The noise of chatter, laughter, and distant traffic melded into a single, overwhelming roar in his ears. The space around him seemed to shrink, the air growing thick and stifling. His chest tightened, and suddenly, breathing became a struggle.

It felt as if invisible hands were gripping his throat, cutting off his oxygen. His heart pounded like a drum against his ribs, each beat sending shockwaves of anxiety through his body. His stomach churned violently, a nauseating mix of fear and adrenaline twisting his insides into knots.

For the first time in his life, Cain felt true pressure — the kind that couldn't be fought off with fists or fast reflexes. It was raw, unforgiving, and relentless.

Sweat beaded on his forehead as his eyes darted around, catching glimpses of people glancing his way. A group of teenagers whispered to each other, pointing at him. A businessman in a suit glanced at his watch before giving Cain a brief, uninterested look. A couple pushing a stroller paused, curious about the young man standing alone in the middle of the park.

Cain's confidence, which had carried him through countless fights and challenges, was now slipping through his fingers like sand. The weight of a thousand eyes bore down on him, threatening to crush him where he stood.

Cain clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms as he fought to regain control. He couldn't imagine what would it felt like if he removed the [Charm Bracelet] from his wrist. Fifi was right, without the bracelet he might have retreated without even taking the first step.

'This is it,' he thought, trying to steady his breathing. 'This is the real deal. No edits, no second chances.'

The [Charm Bracelet] pulsed faintly against his wrist, reminding him of the power he held. But even its magic couldn't fully shield him from the suffocating intensity of the moment.

This was a different kind of battlefield, one where every move would be scrutinized, every flaw exposed. The stakes were higher than ever before. And Cain knew that if he didn't push through this, the crowd would tear him apart without mercy.

|| SPECIAL MISSION ||

Perform in Zone A, District 1, and showcase your original dance moves to shatter the "copycat" label. Earn 100,000 new followers. [Reward: +100 Idol Points]

|| END ||

It seemed like the universe was on his side, throwing him a special mission with rewards to boot.

"Aren't you going to dance already?" Fifi asked, her voice dripping with impatience.

"Shut up. I'm still getting ready," Cain shot back, inhaling deeply to steady his nerves.

"You've been standing there like a statue for an hour now," Fifi chided, hovering near him.

Taking one last deep breath, Cain closed his eyes, forcing his mind to focus. The world around him seemed to slow down as he tapped into the core of his [Sharp Mind].

When he opened his eyes again, the fear was still there, but it was now caged behind a wall of resolve.

He wasn't going to back down. Not now. Not ever.

Cain reached for his phone, queuing up the music that would set the stage for his performance. The familiar beat filled his ears, grounding him, reminding him of why he was doing this.

And then, with the crowd's attention pulling as the beat grew louder, Cain took his first step into the unknown, ready to turn this public park into his stage.