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.Chapter 38.
The One Who Seeks to Reach the Sun (4)
“Kang Ha-jin, aren’t you running?”
“Yes, sir. I’m coming.”
The memory surfaced on its own, and my hunched shoulders straightened automatically.
Seeing the familiar duo—Producer Kwon and Writer Go, better known back in my previous life as the “Recommended Resignation Duo” (short for “Producer Kwon and Writer Go spend all four seasons at work”)—made this absurd first day of filming start to make sense.
‘They’ve always loved unusual ideas.’
Wondering how things had ended up like this, I searched my memories.
Then I remembered.
When I’d made the list of recommended production companies, I’d put their names at the very bottom.
It was probably one of those late-night sentimental moments where I’d looked back on the past through rose-colored glasses.
But…
I never imagined they’d actually be the ones to come!
“We’ll explain the detailed survival rules during the opening recording. For now, the program is scheduled for eight episodes, with its first broadcast in May.”
“It’ll air simultaneously on iTube and Ntv.”
Ntv was a cable channel known for idol reality shows and music survival programs.
Maze Entertainment had maintained a good relationship with them for years, so it wasn’t a bad broadcasting slot at all.
‘No… for a rookie survival show, this is practically landing a major network.’
I nodded at the impressive scale of the production.
Money had definitely been spent.
At the same time, I subtly hid myself behind the much larger Lee Do-ha.
“You seriously think someone your size can hide?”
“Shut it.”
Kim Won-ho immediately caught on and looked at me as if to say You’ve got to be kidding.
I ignored him.
They probably didn’t remember me anyway.
No reason to make myself stand out.
“Alright then. We’ll take a short break before filming resumes. See you in a bit.”
“Yes!”
The announcements ended, and the infamous producer-writer duo smiled and waved.
Just hearing they were television producers was enough to make every trainee snap to attention and bow respectfully.
I blended into the crowd.
“…?”
Then…
Why did our eyes meet?
“Oh.”
“The Wall-Climbing Trio.”
“…”
“I enjoyed watching you.”
“You climbed over those walls pretty well.”
“…Haha. Thank you.”
Producer Kwon even gave us a thumbs-up while complimenting us.
I immediately stopped trying to make myself smaller.
So they already noticed me.
Haha…
* * *
After a short break, we were guided back to the top floor.
The massive maze that had exhausted everyone earlier had vanished without a trace.
In its place stood a single green door beneath glowing neon letters:
WELCOME TO MIRO MAZE
“If I’d known today was filming, I would’ve worn different clothes.”
“Seriously. I was wearing glasses earlier. Good thing I brought contacts.”
Several trainees grumbled while waiting.
It made sense.
I’d also dressed comfortably, thinking today was just another ordinary day of practice.
‘They could’ve at least told us to pay attention to our hair and makeup for the first shoot.’
Among everyone present, only a few looked camera-ready.
Lee Do-ha, who naturally dressed like a college athlete.
Jung Si-woo, who was always impeccably dressed.
‘And…’
‘Those three.’
I glanced at Seo Tae-hyun, Joo Eun-chan, and Dan Ha-ru standing nearby.
They normally had good fashion sense anyway.
Still, for guys who’d just returned from a three-day vacation, they were dressed suspiciously well.
‘Especially Joo Eun-chan… the fact that he wore contact lenses instead of glasses…’
“…Why are you looking at me, Hyung?”
“Nothing.”
I shook my head and patted the unusually handsome-looking Joo Eun-chan on the shoulder.
Since he’d come with the perceptive Seo Tae-hyun, someone must’ve given him a hint beforehand.
Either way…
I was glad such a handsome face wasn’t going to be wasted on national television.
“Alright!”
“We’ll now enter in the same order you escaped the maze!”
With the assistant director’s announcement…
The real first filming finally began.
“You all remember the setup, right?”
“You’ve just escaped the maze and entered here.”
“Please keep your reactions natural.”
Naturally?
That was asking a lot from trainees who hadn’t even debuted yet.
Still…
The first group—Joo Eun-chan, Dan Ha-ru, and Seo Tae-hyun—walked through the gate with absolutely zero tension.
Sounds of the staff capturing their reactions came from inside.
Not long afterward…
Our names were called.
“Kang Ha-jin.”
“Lee Do-ha.”
“Kim Won-ho.”
“We’re second?”
“If we climbed all those walls and still came in last, I’d be offended.”
Taking the wide-eyed Kim Won-ho with us, we stepped through the gate.
The moment we entered…
I could hardly believe it was the same place we’d just escaped from.
The set looked like something straight out of Alice in Wonderland.
An entire fantasy world had been recreated before us.
“…Whoa.”
“What is this?”
“I’m suddenly getting nervous.”
“You get nervous?”
“…What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I just didn’t think you were the type.”
“…Was that a compliment?”
Ignoring Lee Do-ha’s confusing remark, we sat in the chairs labeled with our names.
Soon the remaining trainees entered one after another, each expressing amazement in their own way before taking their seats.
A few moments later…
Among the artificial trees decorating the front of the stage…
Seo Tae-il appeared.
His outfit resembled the Cheshire Cat.
“Those who seek to reach the sun…”
“Soar higher.”
“…”
“To all of you gathered here…”
“Welcome.”
“You have come to become the Icarus of Maze.”
“I am Seo Tae-il of Eupia.”
“I’ll be serving as your mentor throughout this journey…”
“and as the host of MIRO MAZE.”
Everyone applauded enthusiastically, captivated by his smooth introduction.
Once the cheers died down, Seo Tae-il officially began explaining the program.
“From this moment on…”
“You’ll compete fiercely for the chance to debut as Maze Entertainment’s next boy group.”
“Among the eighteen trainees gathered here today…”
“Only seven will ultimately claim that position.”
“…”
“Since your future is at stake…”
“I hope each of you gives your very best.”
“Yes!”
Only seven.
Out of eighteen.
And not only did I have to become one of those seven…
I had to debut successfully, so this cursed cycle of regression would finally end.
‘Seriously… there’s way too much to worry about.’
At that moment, I actually felt a little guilty for calling the previous regressor mentally weak all this time.
“Now then…”
“Before revealing your first mission…”
“I’ll explain a few basic rules of MIRO MAZE.”
As soon as Seo Tae-il finished speaking, the LED screen beside him lit up.
WELCOME TO MIRO MAZE
1. All trainees are divided into two ranks: Wings and Feather.
2. Wings-ranked trainees receive priority in every aspect of the survival program.
3. Depending on mission results:
- The Top 3 Wings receive a Challenge Defense Right.
- The Top 3 Feathers receive a Challenge Right.
3-1. A trainee holding a Challenge Right may challenge someone ranked above them.
Winning grants bonus points.
3-2. If a challenged Wings trainee successfully defends their position, they receive additional mission benefits.
‘Of course…’
‘Exactly like Producer Kwon and Writer Go.’
Even through a survival show, they refused to make anything simple.
Back when I’d been an assistant producer, I’d admired that creativity.
Now that I was the contestant…
It wasn’t nearly as fun.
Besides…
‘Why are there only seven Wings badges?’
Only seven wing-shaped brooches sat before Seo Tae-il.
Hadn’t they originally announced the Top Ten?
A bad feeling crawled down my spine.
“As previously announced…”
“The Top Ten trainees from the monthly evaluation were scheduled to become Wings.”
“…”
“However…”
“Since the number of trainees participating in the survival program has been reduced…”
“There has been a slight change.”
Come to think of it…
Several trainees were missing.
I’d assumed they simply couldn’t make it today.
Apparently, while we’d been on our three-day break…
There had been company restructuring.
‘…Yoon Tae-hee’s gone too.’
Whether Maze had cut him…
Or he’d quit himself…
I didn’t know.
Still…
Seeing familiar faces disappear after only a few days left a bitter taste in my mouth.
But before I had time to dwell on it…
Seo Tae-il continued.
“So…”
“Among the original Top Ten…”
“The bottom three—”
“Rank 8: Yuki.”
“Rank 9: Kim Won-ho.”
“Rank 10: Kang Ha-jin.”
“…”
“These three trainees will automatically receive the first Challenge Rights in MIRO MAZE.”
“…What?”
“The Top Three trainees also possess Defense Rights.”
“However…”
“Winning a challenge grants additional benefits.”
“So using that Defense Right is entirely the challenged trainee’s choice.”
“…”
“Now then.”
“Please choose the Wings trainee you wish to challenge.”
Holy moly.
Before I could even finish processing everything…
The LED screen shifted.
Profiles of the familiar trainees appeared one after another.
WINGS OF MIRO MAZE
- Jung Si-woo
- Han Sung-woo
- Lee Do-ha
- Seo Tae-hyun
- Lee Yu-geon
- Joo Eun-chan
- Dan Ha-ru
“For your information…”
“The order of the names does not represent their rankings.”
“We have to choose right now?”
“Immediately?”
“Are we battling already?”
“This is insane.”
I could practically picture the producers grinning from ear to ear at everyone’s live reactions.
Amid all the confusion…
I quietly raised my hand.
“Yes, Trainee Kang Ha-jin.”
“If we choose someone now…”
“Will the winner be decided by the results of the first mission?”
“…That’s correct.”
“It would’ve been entertaining if we could hold the battle immediately.”
“But this challenge will instead be decided by the first mission.”
“So…”
“We can’t hear the mission before choosing?”
“No.”
“You must first select your opponent.”
“Only after all selections are complete…”
“will the first mission be revealed.”
“…”
“We’ll give you a few moments to think.”
‘In other words…’
‘Don’t wait to pick the easiest mission.’
‘Choose the opponent you think you can beat first.’
They’d probably use ten whole seconds of this for Episode One’s preview.
‘There really aren’t many good choices.’
Giving up on overthinking it…
I slowly looked across the seven names.
‘Seo Tae-hyun is someone I have to debut with.’
‘Lee Do-ha is still my top ally candidate.’
I spent several moments weighing every possibility objectively.
Then I looked at Kim Won-ho beside me.
He seemed just as mentally overwhelmed as I was.
“Have you decided?”
“…Hyung…”
“This is literally the first time I’ve ever ranked ninth.”
“Who am I supposed to beat…?”
“If you can’t decide…”
“Just trust me.”
“…?”
“Alright, everyone.”
“It’s time to choose.”
Leaning over, I whispered the name of one trainee Kim Won-ho actually had a chance of defeating.
Just then…
Seo Tae-il clapped his hands.
Time was up.
“Starting with Rank 8.”
“Trainee Yuki.”
“Please choose the trainee you’d like to challenge.”
“I…”
“Choose…”
“Seo Tae-hyun.”
“Trainee Seo Tae-hyun finished in the Top Three during the monthly evaluation.”
“He possesses a Defense Right.”
“Trainee Seo Tae-hyun.”
“Will you accept the challenge?”
“No.”
“I’ll use my Defense Right.”
‘Ah…’
‘You shouldn’t have picked him.’
Watching Yuki’s Challenge Right disappear instantly, I sighed quietly.
Even if they’d fought…
Seo Tae-hyun probably would’ve won anyway.
“Next.”
“Rank 9.”
“Trainee Kim Won-ho.”
Hearing his name…
Kim Won-ho awkwardly stood up.
Still looking uncertain, he glanced at me.
I simply nodded.
Do whatever feels right.
He gripped the microphone with trembling hands.
“I…”
“I choose…”
“…”
“Trainee…”
“Lee Yu-geon.”
“…Whoa.”
“Seriously?”
“Has he lost his mind?”
“No…”
“He might actually have a chance.”
Whispers spread throughout the room.
Across from us…
The suddenly challenged Lee Yu-geon stared at Kim Won-ho with a mixture of surprise and confusion.
“The first challenge has been established.”
“Rank 6.”
“Lee Yu-geon.”
“vs.”
“Rank 9.”
“Kim Won-ho.”
“…”
“And finally…”
“Trainee Kang Ha-jin.”
My turn.
“Please choose…”
“the trainee you wish to challenge.”
“The trainee…”
“I choose…”
I could feel every camera…
Every pair of eyes…
Focused entirely on me.
There was no need to hesitate.
I’d known my answer from the very beginning.
“I choose…”
“…”
“Trainee…”
“Han Sung-woo.”
The leader of the general trainee class.
And…
The person I disliked the most out of everyone standing there.
