Licorice (1)
The current perception of vampires in Korea is not that bad compared to the past.
The various policies that Heinz had begun after he began to take power in earnest finally began to pay off.
Thanks to their influence, which almost took over the entire underworld, the streets at night became safer, and the frequency of terrorist attacks by villains that erupted at any time was noticeably reduced.
To the extent that this level was clearly felt, citizens were clearly aware of who this peace was thanks to.
‘Besides, the clan didn’t just engage in vigilante activities.’
Various measures chosen to naturally integrate into society.
One of them was to provide sufficient money in exchange for blood sucking to those in urgent need.
It was a tool that penetrated directly into the daily lives of citizens and at the same time came down to those who were pushed to the edge of a cliff.
‘Of course, if you suck blood through vampirism, your energy will decrease for a while, so it may not be a method you can use often.’
Still, it was a much better choice than sinking my life into abyss while using high-interest private loans.
The fact that the procedure was performed in a hospital-like atmosphere rather than a gloomy room in order to create a clean image and build trust also played a significant role in reducing resistance.
“It’s all thanks to Rod that we can go out into the sun like this. “If it weren’t for Lord, I would still be hiding, just watching the Guardians and the Supernatural Abilities Management Bureau.”
The existence of ‘Phantom’, who single-handedly conquered the underworld of Europe and rose to the ranks of the strongest in name and reality, was enough to act as a brake on those trying to keep the clan in check.
In addition, he played a major role in restoring public order through active relief efforts during the bribery campaign through Howard Industries and the Seoul terrorist attack.
‘We’ve done that, but the perception of us is bound to change.’
Unlike before, where people were treated as red-light criminals and tried to catch anyone on sight, it was not surprising that there was a tendency to watch for now, as if treating a rehabilitated criminal.
Of course, it was inevitable that I would always keep an eagle eye on me so that I could be punished immediately if I did something foolish.
‘On the other hand, the perception overseas…’
Should I say it was natural, or maybe it was because I didn’t see any direct benefits, it was still not that good.
On the contrary, it is to the extent of raising conspiracy theories that his actions in Korea must be up to some ulterior motive.
This was a fact that could be seen just by looking at the foreign media that came out after Phantom’s departure to Europe.
＜The formation of a super-large vampire cartel originating from Korea encompassing the world is imminent. Citizens are shaking with anxiety.＞
＜A consideration of the dangers of demonic vampires. What are the fundamental measures suggested by the mad blood demon incident?＞
＜The warlock Hahoetal and the vampire Phantom, Korea is already a criminal republic ruled by demons. Eventually, the poison began to spread to other countries. Korea must take full responsibility for this situation…＞
Most of the titles are based on a negative tone.
Of course, there were some comments from a neutral perspective, but in proportion, there were far more outspoken criticisms.
The idea of creating a sense of familiarity with beautiful vampires by debuting them in the Korean entertainment industry, which has a less negative image, began from there.
‘It’s definitely not a bad idea.’
Wouldn’t it be helpful to improve their image if vampires, who had previously been considered objects of fear, appeared on TV, danced and sang, and appeared on entertainment shows to appeal that they were just ‘slightly different human beings’?
And such awareness will naturally permeate throughout the world through media such as the Internet.
There may have been many obstacles to overcome in the process, but it was a plan that would not cause any significant loss even if it failed along the way.
‘···But is it really okay for the clan to remain like this?’
A member of an underworld organization is now selling world-class magic tools and even branching out into the entertainment industry.
There was no other octopus foot extension like this.
“Okay, I’ve given you full authority in that matter, so you can do whatever you want. So how is things going?”
Still, I decided to give permission and wait until the end to see how it progressed.
Maybe we can use this to absorb vampires from other countries.
“This is a big challenge for us too. “The most important thing is to get the first button right.”
No matter how much better it is than other countries, it is only relative.
As there are still quite a few people who have a negative perception, it was important to aim for popularity by making a strong impact from the beginning.
“And after all, wouldn’t it be a girl group that’s popular?!”
Jin So-ran shouts confidently with bright eyes streaming out of her eyes.
Her whole body was full of confidence and her spirit overflowed.
“Hmm, it’s a girl group.”
Heinz, who was stroking his chin, nodded.
Of course, it was just an argument filled with her personal opinion as a former idol trainee, but it was certainly persuasive to some extent.
“Currently, members have been selected through strict screening, gone through rigorous training, and the final recording has been completed. “I’m sure Lord will be satisfied.”
Jin So-ran, with his shoulders wide open, spoke triumphantly.
It is said that she personally took part in member selection and carefully checked various factors.
A total of five members were selected after rigorous screening of the appearance, talent, eloquence, singing ability, and sense of the volunteers who wanted to go out into the sun and receive attention.
“Mental spirit was also an important factor. “You’re bound to get a lot of criticism in the beginning, and there’s a high chance of failure.”
A unique and attractive appearance was the most basic of all.
Steel-like stamina using regenerative power, acrobatic choreography that goes beyond the limits of the human body, and explosive vocal volume that shreds vocal cords in real time.
Jin So-ran, who boasted that an unprecedented idol would be born, snorted.
“Hoo? “I’m excited to hear you say that.”
It is not that there were no awakened people who entered the entertainment industry, but vampires were a species that specialized in bewitching others.
If such people decide to show off their talent, who could be their opponent?
Even as he admired her, she continued speaking.
“There is still a lot of work to do as we still have to produce the cover and music video and promote it, but if we mobilize all the power of the clan, it won’t take too long. really! Would you like to meet our children in person? “Everyone should be practicing in the practice room by now.”
Jin So-ran looks more vibrant than ever.
Heinz made a strange expression at that sight.
Although he was usually lively, this was the first time I had seen him this excited.
He blurted out a word without realizing it.
“Are you planning on debuting yourself? “Even so, I heard that interest has grown since the Howard Industries showcase.”
“yes? Me?”
She blinked a few times at those words.
Then, he rolled his eyes here and there as if he hadn’t thought about it at all and smiled awkwardly.
“···Well, I don’t really feel like it. “You might not know it before, but I am satisfied with my current life.”
Jin So-ran shrugs her shoulders and speaks indifferently.
Certainly, his attitude did not contain any trace of regret.
“Plus, I already have a lot of work to do, but if I also do idol activities at the same time… I might really die from overwork, right?”
She pursed her lips and grumbled, but of course she was just saying it.
Rest did not mean much to her, who had risen to level 8 by continuously receiving “purified blood tablets” from Heinz, a vampire of divine blood.
Of course, it was inevitable that work time would decrease as I was doing other things at the same time.
“I still occasionally broadcast on the Internet. “I think it’s just perfect for me.”
Jin So-ran smiled brightly as he continued, saying, “More than anything, it would be meaningful to see the idol I raised with my own hands rise to the top.”
‘Well, if you think so.’
It was something that Heinz would have no regrets about.
He was raised to be the acting head at best, but if he can’t do his job properly due to his idol life, he will be in trouble.
“Okay, then let’s look at the members first. Now that I think about it, have you already decided on a group name?”
“ah! “I found something that suited me just fine.”
Jin So-ran, who was leading the way out of the office to lead the way to the agency building where the practice room was, tapped on his smartphone.
Then, a picture of a bright red flower appeared on the screen and held it out to him.
A strange-looking red flower with wrinkled petals curled back and long stamens extending upward, hanging at the end of a long stem.
“Licoris! “Isn’t it okay?”
***
Lycoris.
The name was taken from the scientific name of Seoksan (Lycoris radiata), which is also called Kkotreuk or Hymanhwa.
Seoksan was famous for having negative images such as ‘sad memories’ and ‘death’, but it was also a flower with positive flower meanings such as ‘passion’ and ‘reincarnation’.
‘···It’s similar to our situation now. Either there is a negative image stuck in it, or you are struggling to somehow wash it away and be born again.’
Lee Na-hee, who was selected as a member of Licorice after overcoming fierce competition, swallowed her saliva.
She had just started dancing and singing with the members.
Jin So-ran suddenly bursts into the practice room… and in front of Heinz, the great Lord and lord of all vampires, who follows him in!
‘Oh, I feel like I’m suffocating. I guess I did it right, right? You don’t look very good. ···Did I make a mistake? what? ‘What don’t you like?’
While the five female vampires, including her, were stiff.
Heinz, who was looking at them with his arms crossed, nodded at Jin So-ran with a stern expression.
And then, without saying a word, he took the lead and left the practice room.
Leave only those who are still frozen!
‘Ugh! No matter how you look at that, you’re out!’
All kinds of thoughts swirled in Lee Na-hee’s mind as she closed her eyes tightly.
This wasn’t her first time seeing Heinz.
No, if you think about it, you’ve come face to face with a low-level vampire so often that it’s hard to believe.
Not long ago, she was working as an office assistant in Heterosis’ office, and going back much further, she was the second moderate vampire to encounter him after Jin So-ran.
From her experience, that reaction clearly meant there was something she didn’t like.
‘Ugh, I practiced really hard so as not to bother my sister.’
Like other colleagues, she also devoted herself to practice without sleeping properly.
I don’t want Jin So-ran to hear that she chose him because of her connections.
Of course, no one would be so foolish as to talk behind her back as she was the second most powerful person in the organization, but I didn’t like the fact that such a perception could arise.
So, I wanted to proudly prove that I was selected based on my skills, not my personal connections…
“ha.”
“Whoa.”
Along with her sigh, several breathing sounds came out simultaneously.
They were colleagues standing side by side, frozen together.
It seems like everyone thinks the same way.
They looked into each other’s eyes and smiled bitterly.
Somehow, I have a feeling that my future debut will not be that easy.
***
Before watching the members’ demonstration in the practice room, I heard a brief explanation from Jin So-ran.
They said it was a song they received by paying a lot of money to a famous composer who had several hit songs of their own.
In addition, the talents of each member were outstanding.
The rough and dynamic choreography that made you wonder if that could really be done live, as well as the lung capacity that transcends humans and the beautiful voice, made it easy to understand why Jin So-ran chose them.
However, if there is one problem…
“···I don’t like it.”
It was said that it was not enough to satisfy Harris, who was lounging in the shade of a tree as usual after a short outing.
‘The song and the singer’s voice are completely separate, right? It’s a song that kills all the charm and personality of the singer and shines alone. That’s not a person singing, it’s just a song using a person as an instrument.’
The song itself was quite listenable, but with his keen senses, he could tell right away that the song was not created with those five voices in mind.
Rather than adapting the song to the person, it must have ended up like that because the person was trying to force themselves to fit into the already made song.
A song like that couldn’t contain any emotion or philosophy.
‘You’re going to debut with that?’
Instead of fully showing off the singer’s charms, a song that only gives off a mass-produced K-pop feel?
As an elf who pursues perfect harmony not only with song and with oneself, but also with the surrounding environment, this was completely unacceptable behavior.
This is a matter of his pride.
“Harris! As expected, here today too… hehehe!”
At that time, Shapiron, who was approaching at a brisk pace while holding a basket of snacks, opened his eyes wide as if he had seen something he could not see.
Then he covered his mouth with one hand and let out a single word as if he was moaning.
“Harris, are you keeping your eyes straight?”
Instead of being half-closed half-closed like usual, a pair of eyes were wide open as if glaring at something.
The look in his eyes was so intense that I could see the illusion of a blazing flame in his star-shaped eyes.
gulp-
She swallowed without realizing it.
Then, I glanced at him with a slightly red face and engraved that image deep in my mind.
It was a rare sight to see him so passionate!
“Miss Shapiron.”
“yes yes?!”
Harris, who had been like that for a while, jumped up from his seat.
Then, he shot a strong look at her, who was taken aback by the sudden name, and opened his mouth heavily.
“I have something urgent to do. “Can you help me for a moment?”
“···yes.”
He walked forward with great strides, accompanied by her who answered in a relaxed voice.
There was no time to waste when thinking about what to do next.
From Noble mtl dot com
‘It’s not someone else’s, it’s the first debut song released under me, but I can’t let it out like that.’
Even with the current song, it may achieve satisfactory results in Korea.
Not only is Korea a homeland where clans are firmly rooted, but the songs themselves were originally selected to be songs that would sell in Korea.
But he couldn’t be satisfied with that much.
‘Cancer, I’m never satisfied.’
The singers’ capabilities have already been confirmed.
As expected, Jin So-ran also seemed to have excellent insight and they had great potential.
As long as they find a song that suits them, they can show off their charm at any time.
‘If you’re going to do it, you have to do it for sure. How soon will we be able to swallow up the Korean market and go overseas?’
There was no need to differentiate between the Korean market and overseas markets.
A good song shines anytime, anywhere.
Not only can we overturn all their negative perceptions, but we can also bring out their full potential.
If only we could present a song that could show off such overwhelming charm that we couldn’t even dare to utter a counterargument—.
‘If you don’t have it, just make it.’
Harris’ unusually passionate pupils sparkled like starlight.
He gathered all his friends, including Shapiron, and started working on it, completing a song that he was satisfied with.
About a day had passed in Outerica time.
