Chapter 2: Death is Tender (2)
It takes roughly half an hour before she's calm enough to take in information. The system assaulted her with the typical info of what it means to be an alpha. It was a lot more... biological, scientifical. She tones its drawl easily enough. It seems she'll have to learn what it exactly pretrains.
"So do I have an ability?" She asks after hearing there is the capability of magic in this era. The system, however, pauses on this, hesitates.
Her eyes narrows.
[Possibly.]
How curious. This is the second question in which the system has subtlety denied her the answer. But she doesn't ask. She'll press it for answers when the time comes. That, and partly because they arrived in their destination.
The cab opens up and Ae-Rin steps out. She wore a loose white tee that slips off on one shoulder. She vaguely processes that however as she arrives in what seems to be the plaza. A stunning marble fountain stands in the middle, catching her attention first off before she watches the maze-like sprawl the city starts in. There were many streets and each were crowded. It's dominated more with people than vehicles, however, Ae-Rin could catch sight of a few cabs landing like hers
They leave as soon as the passengers stepped down.
The floor beneath her feet is a stunning cobblestone with intricate patterns.
"Ahh! Pretty lady!" Ae-Rin flinches at the call-out, her hand snapping to her collar and pulling it right back. Behind her, shee sees a fair-looking man. He had shimmering green eyes that widens when he finally stops in front of her.
"I---" Ae-Rin watch him pause, his breathing briefly labored as he stares down at her. She hears the system scoff in her head.
[He is enamored.]
He coughs.
"Hello! I am Rang, and I go by he. I noticed you were still using the old version of our light assistants!"
Light... assistants? Ae-Rin frowns. Ah! It must've been the watch. The one that had features for the so called 'interweb' and cab options. The so-called 'prehistoric technology'.
Ae-Rin smiles in response and nods.
He pauses once again and his cheeks flush.
"We have a store up there selling the latest light assistants! Different versions with different capabilities, would you like to check it out pretty lady?" Rang comments before suddenly digging into his pockets. He takes out a piece of paper and pen, quickly scribbling something on it. "If you're busy and can't get it right now, here is the address and my phone number to contact!"
He's quite chatty.
'Should I?' She asks to the system as she looks at where Rang points.
[It would be best to. If a future idol is caught using such old technology... Yes, definitely buy one.]
Ae-Rin frowns at the demeaning way her system looks down at her watch. Rang anxiously shifts on his feet.
'I don't have money.'
[You have startup funds. Go and get one.]
At that, the system no longer talks to her no matter how many times she tries to get its attention. Ae-Rin scoffs and only then notices that Rang is still waiting for her reply.
She has to be careful next time not to show any emotions when talking to the system.
She restores her smile and nods for the other to lead her away for the new 'light assistant' as she pockets the paper.
---
Once again, Ae-Rin was astounded by the store. As said by Rang, there were many light assistants disguised into daily accessories. There were assistants that helped in life matters and tracking heartbeats, or reminders.
Shelves were stacked at the left and right were walls. They were filled with seeming things called chips and 'extras' for all kinds of assistants. In the middle of the spacial space around the shop were glass-encased light assistants. Watches, necklaces---earrings. If Ae-Rin didn't know, she'd think it's a mysterious shop filled with simple to extravegant daily trinkets.
Ae-Rin browses among the glass encased ones. She should choose a simple white ear-stud. It fits her appearance too.
"Have you heard?" Comes a low whisper, hush tones that replies back. She doesn't mean to eavesdrop but... In her past life, she was used to hearing gossip rather than reading it. Ever since her parent's downfall, they did not allow her to buy magazines. Anything that involved the entertainment industry was a no.
Ae-Rin turns lightly, making sure she looks casual. She first eyes Rang who is on the counter, then she catches sight to whom the whispers belonged to. It is from two highschool girls. She only assumes this however. They wore highschool uniforms that were similar to what she wore at her own time. Except theirs had small customizations, flairs. Also, it is simpler and sleek. Ae-Rin can't help envying just for a bit.
"I heard Wonder Entertainment is opening up auditions again for the Newcomer's Variety Show." Rather than in the wonder, one of them had an ugly frown on her face. She had simple brown hair with blonde highlights, a small face and full lips. She had a small nose and her form was slender compared to Ae-Rin's fitter form.
"I really worry for them, you know? Wonder Entertainment doesn't need the useless and cheap auditioning for such classy show." The same student continues. All Ae-Rin can say is that the other fit the concept of a spoiled princess.
The student beside her nods. Unlike the other, this one had a shorter stature and donned her hair with waves than any colors. Her face is simple and clear. Looking at her, Ae-Rin feels a sense of staring at a clear pond, surrounded by flowers and trees. A calm aura.
But she despises it. These two girls had the appearance however...
"They should just choose one of us. We're already trainees and yet slots are wasted for those preparing for the auditions." The calmer one replies, in which the blonde purses her lips, her face in approval.
"I agree."
Ae-Rin's eyes flashes. Cheap and useless... How very vain. They had the face but not the demeanor. The spoiled princess however plays her part well. Ae-Rin sneers and feigns looking over. The two highschool girls were shifting aisles until they come to her side, walking to where Ae-Rin is.
'System,'
[Yes?]
'Can you check their informations?'
[Yes.]
The female voice had confidence and assurance whilst saying it.
'Check their details for me, please.'
It takes a moment before a ding is heard.
[One is Nana, a streamer who has many male fans and seem to debut soon in Wonder Entertainment. Information is tight, however, in one of her streams, she softly boasts her debut. The other is still a trainee, she is working hard. Her name is Byeol.]
Ae-Rin nods, digging into her pocket for a paper. Girls like that could be knocked down a peg or two. She earnestly shifts her position, changing her demeanor to an earnest fan as the two girls got closer.
Ae-Rin excitedly seems to walk to meet them.
They don't notice her until Ae-Rin abruptly and 'accidentally' bumps into one while trying to ask for something. The blonde girl trips whilst Ae-Rin remains standing, easily using the glass encasement behind the girl as her balance to settle her feet.
The spoiled princess lets out a yelp and the other immedietly comes to her defense.
"Watch it, bitch!" Ae-Rin flinches, acting the part of a fan who's surprised by their idol's behavior. She catches sight of their name, Nana. Coincidentally, the one Ae-Rin wanted to trip. The one who assists her helps her stand up. "Didn't you see us walking by?!"
Nana's shriek is loud enough to catch the attention of fellow shoppers.
Ae-Rin composes herself quick, taking the pitiful role. Her height helps her look weak. The paper in her hand shakes.
"I-I only wanted---" an autograph... But before Ae-Rin could finish her sentence, Nana sneers. The system says nothing as Ae-Rin completes her act of a feeble, shocked fan.
"You're the one acting victim, huh!" At that Nana lunges for her but the other student quickly holds her back with a comment.
"You're going to debut soon." She whispers while looking at her surroundings. A small crowd had formed, their whispers loud and enchanting.
Nana pales. Ae-Rin backs away, fresh tears clouding her eyes. She sees the glare go her way before Nana quickly hurries out of the shop.
The paper in her hand purposely falls and her eyes actively dims. The system seems to want to respond as Ae-Rin hears a ding, then a long pause.
[Was the scheming necessary?]
It takes a moment before Rang comes back and Ae-Rin continiously plays a discouraged fan as she seems to just point to anything. While, in fact, she has already chosen what light assistant she wanted.
As expected, she sees Rang stares at the simple earring, and his brows furrow in confusion and worry. He seems to want to say something but Ae-Rin quickly passes by him. She briefly catches his discouraged expression but when she meets his eyes, there still is the genuine curiosity in them.
As they come to the encounter, that is only when Ae-Rin deigns a reply to the awaiting system.
After a moment, the system replies after her explanation.
[The scheming is definitely worth it, then.]
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Kasrna
Kasrna QAQ HOPE Y'ALL ARENT TURNED OFF BY THE SCHEMING.
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