Grab the Regressor by the Collar and Debut! Chapter 26
Chapter 26. Do You Want to Become Special? (4)
“Alright… what should I splurge on first?”
With the mindset of a lottery winner determined to burn through everything tonight, I scanned the system window.
The first purchase was obvious.
“Let’s upgrade what I already have.”
Skills can level up through practice. I’d raised them a bit that way.
But let’s be honest—
In any game, free-to-play never beats pay-to-win.
I didn’t hesitate.
<Skill Upgrade: As I Say It (Lv.3 → Lv.4)>
<Skill Upgrade: As I Say It (Lv.4 → Lv.5)>
<Skill Upgrade: How Much Is It? (Lv.1 → Lv.2)>
Effect: Converts a wider range of favorability into cash.
Remaining Cash: 6,200
“Good enough. Next.”
If I’m aiming for Top 10, this isn’t enough.
I need something stronger.
Creating a New Skill
“In survival, the most important thing isn’t talent.”
It’s information.
“I want to see people clearly.”
“Show me their abilities. As detailed as possible. Strengths, weaknesses. Especially stage-related traits.”
The system paused—processing.
Then—
<Skill Created: See with the Dragon’s Eyes>
Cost: 5,000 cash
“…Who comes up with these names?”
The system seemed proud of itself.
Fine.
Purchased.
Remaining Cash: almost wiped out.
Perfect.
The Hesitation
“Let’s test it on myself.”
My hand stopped.
What if I see my limit?
Since regressing, I’ve deliberately avoided that thought.
But now—
Can you handle knowing your ceiling?
My chest tightened.
If I see a number… and it’s lower than I imagined—
“…Later.”
I closed the window.
Cold air cut through my hoodie. I left the rooftop quickly.
Inside, warmth hit me—and so did a wave of dizziness.
Coughing. Head pounding.
“Going out there twice might actually kill me.”
I was still wiping tears from coughing when—
“Kang Hajin?”
I looked up.
Seo Taeil from UP1A stood in front of me, looking mildly alarmed.
Let’s assess the situation:
Red face.
Runny nose.
Watery eyes.
Frown.
Oh no.
“Are you okay? Were you crying?”
“No.”
“Your eyes are red.”
“No.”
He clearly didn’t believe me, but thankfully he let it go.
Seo Taeil
He didn’t leave.
“Preparing well for the evaluation?”
He wasn’t just some senior.
He personally backed my recruitment into Miro.
“First evaluation. I’d be lying if I said I’m not nervous.”
“I’ll be participating in the survival show as a producer. I’ll also be judging the monthly evaluation.”
“…You will?”
“I brought you in under my name.”
Right.
His influence in my trainee position was bigger than I thought.
If I can’t avoid the “Miro’s Zhuge Liang” rumors, I might as well use them properly.
And then—
The skill.
Skill Activation
<See with the Dragon’s Eyes>
Status Window:
Seo Taeil (UPIA)
Vocal: 93%
Dance: 83%
Expression: 91%
Special: Composition / Producing (63%)
Appeal: Leadership, Charisma, Stage Control
The numbers were insane.
But—
63% producing?
That didn’t match his reputation in the industry.
Something’s off.
Perfect timing.
Seo Taehyun walked out of the hallway.
Second test subject.
<See with the Dragon’s Eyes Activated>
Seo Taehyun (Miro)
Vocal: 45%
Dance: 67%
Expression: 52%
Special: Acting / Natural Stage Instinct (82%)
Appeal: Vocal Tone, Dance Lines, Facial Control
That’s not mastery.
It’s not absolute skill either.
It’s something else.
Efficiency?
Potential usage?
Conversion rate of talent to stage output?
There’s no way Taehyun is “45% vocals.”
The system is measuring a different metric.
I need more samples.
We reached the practice rooms.
Taehyun entered A-room.
But I stopped walking.
There’s one more person I need to check.
At the very end of the corridor, one small practice room still had its lights on.
Ding—
I pressed the doorbell.
Movement inside.
The door opened.
Lee Doha.
“Hey.”
“…Hi.”
We still have unfinished business.
I smiled lightly.
Doha’s pupils visibly trembled.
Interesting.
Very interesting.