Legendary Superstar-Chapter 124: The Last Heir: Audition (1)

The hallway of the studio stretched out before them. It was bright, yet eerily quiet. It was different from the building's lobby earlier which was filled with actors talking to one another.

Right now, only the faint sounds of their footsteps and muffled voices from other rooms could be heard as Minjae and Donghyun walked. A male staff was guiding them in front.

The audition room was at the far end of the hall. Donghyun kept glancing at Minjae, his eyes filled with encouragement and anxiety all at once.

As they approached the room, another staff member with a headset and clipboard spotted them. She offered a polite but hurried smile.

"Minjae-ssi? You're up next. Please wait here." She gestured towards a chair just outside the room.

"Yes, thank you," Minjae replied, bowing slightly before taking a seat.

Donghyun remained by his side, his expression was a little tense.

"Just remember, do what you've prepared. And even if you feel like you messed up, don't show it. Confidence matters as much as skill."

"I know, Hyung." Minjae's voice remained calm, but somehow, a slight feeling of nervousness appeared in his mind.

The seconds ticked by and it was agonizingly slow. Minjae could hear the faint voices from inside the room.

After what felt like an eternity, the door finally creaked open, and a young actor exited. His shoulders were slumped and his eyes were downcast. Without a word, he walked away.

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"Minjae-ssi?" The staff member called out again. "You can enter now."

Minjae inhaled deeply. He rose from his seat, glancing at Donghyun one last time.

Donghyun gave him a reassuring nod. "You've got this."

With steady steps, Minjae walked into the room.

The audition room was spacious, with a single spotlight aimed towards the center. The panel of judges sat behind a long table, their faces shadowed by the lighting, but their eyes looked noticeably sharp and observant.

Minjae bowed politely.

"Good afternoon. I am Nam Minjae, and I will be auditioning for the character of Han Siwoo."

The judges exchanged glances as Minjae introduced himself, their expressions were calm and composed. There were three of them, each exuding a different aura of authority.

The man sitting at the center was clearly the head judge. He was in his fifties, with graying hair neatly slicked back on his head. He had sharp eyes that was framed by thin-rimmed glasses.

The man was wearing a formal suit that hinted that he had a high status within the industry. His nameplate read Director Kang Hyunwoo, a renowned figure known for his meticulousness and strict standards when it comes to directing.

To his right was a woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and a serious gaze. Her expression remained neutral, but her reputation as a top scriptwriter, Seo Mirae, made her opinion one of the most sought-after in the industry.

The last judge was a man in his thirties, he looked more relaxed compared to the other two. He was Lee Jimin, a popular actor who had recently made a successful transition into directing. He leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed with a slight smile of interest on his face.

"Nam Minjae, correct?" Director Kang's voice was firm and direct as he asked the question.

"Yes, Director." Minjae nodded respectfully.

"How have you been lately? I've read your profile. You're still a rookie in the industry, but you already have a drama on january?" the director continued, his eyes fixed on Minjae's face as if searching for something.

"Yes, sir. I've been doing minor roles here and there in the past. Recently, I had the chance to be cast as an extra in 'The Only Way.' I also have a drama that will debut in the january drama festival."

"Ah, The Only Way." Seo Mirae spoke for the first time, her tone was thoughtful. "I remember your character. You left a decent impression, despite the limited screen time."

"Thank you, Writer-nim." Minjae's polite smile never wavered.

"So, how did you prepare for this audition?" Jimin asked, his gaze curious rather than critical. Being also an actor, he knew well how they prepared for these kinds of auditions, especially this one.

"I studied the script thoroughly and practiced the lines several times. I also tried to understand the character's emotions and motivations. It's been my focus for the past few days."

"And you believe you understand the character well?" Director Kang pressed, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Yes, Director. I believe I do," Minjae replied, his voice firm.

"That's good." Seo Mirae made a few notes on her clipboard before looking back at him. "Are you familiar with the script, then?"

"Yes, Writer-nim. I've read it several times. I can confidently say I understand the flow of the story and the character's progression."

When it comes to this, confidence was really the key. However, just make sure that you're backing up your confidence with performance later on.

"Confident, I see." Jimin chuckled, but there was no mockery in his tone. Instead, there was just adoration and amusement. "I like that."

Director Kang's gaze remained sharp, his fingers lightly tapping against the table. He might look intimidating, but he was really kind.

"That's good then." If you're truly familiar with the script, then recite this line—" He picked up a sheet of paper from the table and read aloud.

"How much blood must be spilled before the world finally acknowledges my pain? How much suffering must I endure before I am allowed to live freely?"

His eyes shifted back to Minjae, testing, challenging. "This line belongs to Han Siwoo during the confrontation scene when he was talking to his friend. Recite it from memory."

Minjae didn't hesitate at it. The line was already engraved in his mind from the countless times he had rehearsed.

Minjae took a second to take a deep breath. He allowed himself to sink in character. His eyes darkened with emotion as he looked at the panel of judges.

"How much blood must be spilled before the world finally acknowledges my pain? How much suffering must I endure before I am allowed to live freely?"

Minjae's voice was low and strained at first, conveying Siwoo's frustration and agony. His fists were clenched at his sides, trembling slightly as if holding back a number of emotions.

"All I ever wanted was peace. A life where I could breathe without the weight of my family's death replaying in my mind every time I sleep." His gaze shifted downward, his brows furrowing as his breathing grew heavier.

"But every step I take is haunted. Every breath I draw feels like a betrayal." His voice cracked, the pain evident in the quiver of his words.

"They took everything from me. And yet, I am expected to forgive… to forget…"

Minjae's eyes lifted, fierce and burning with unyielding determination. His tone shifted as if all he could feel was anger and hatred.

"No." His voice was firmer now, the bitterness lacing his words. "I will not forgive. I will not forget. I will make them pay. One by one, until their arrogance crumbles and their blood stains the ground."