Chapter 1: The Trash Who Dared to Dream
"You're just an orphan. Know your place."
The words echoed in Kian's ears as a boot slammed into his chest, sending him crashing to the ground.
Laughter followed—sharp, cruel, and far too familiar.
Mud smeared across his cheek. His torn school uniform clung to his soaked body. Rain fell relentlessly, drumming against the concrete like the world itself was mocking him.
Kian lay there silently, clutching the remains of his sketchbook. Pages of dreams—lyrics, stage ideas, fantasy stages he'd drawn in the dark corners of the orphanage—now ruined, torn and drowned in dirt.
"I heard you were applying for the national talent program," Ravi scoffed, towering above him. The perfect student. Rich, popular, flawless in every way—and the one who hated Kian the most.
"You? Compete with real talent? Don't make me laugh."
Kian's mouth stayed shut. He had long since learned that fighting back only made things worse. But in his silence, his eyes burned.
"I hope you choke on your dreams, trash." Ravi kicked the last page of Kian's drawings into the gutter. "Stay in your place—crawling at our feet."
The gang walked away, their laughter echoing in the alley behind the school.
Kian didn't move.
The cold seeped into his bones. The rain soaked through his skin. The pain didn't bother him.
What hurt more… was that they were right.
He was nothing. Just a nobody in a sea of stars.
No family. No friends. No future.
Just an orphan who dared to dream.
---
He dragged himself up long after the street was empty, wobbling through the empty streets like a ghost. His backpack had been stolen. His phone cracked. His stomach empty.
He didn't cry.
Kian never cried anymore.
He simply climbed to the orphanage rooftop, the one place he could breathe. The city lights shimmered in the distance like unreachable stars. Lights he'd always wanted to stand under—on a stage, holding a mic, hearing people scream his name.
"Maybe Ravi's right," he whispered. "People like me… don't get dreams."
He closed his eyes.
And in that moment—something clicked.
Ding!
Initializing...
Legendary Idol System detected.
Host recognized: Kian Elric.
Welcome to the beginning of your legend.
Kian's eyes flew open.
A glowing blue screen floated in front of him, etched with futuristic runes. Numbers, bars, and unfamiliar words danced before his eyes.
> [Legendary Idol System v1.0 Activated]
Current Talents: [None]
Status: [Level 0 – Trash Tier]
First Quest: Perform in front of an audience. Reward: Beginner Singing Skill + Fame Boost.
He blinked.
"No way…"
He touched the screen. It responded to his thoughts.
> System Note: "Even trash can shine… if they dare to climb."
His heart pounded louder than the rain.
He didn't know if it was a dream, a hallucination, or some cruel prank. But for the first time in years—something inside him stirred.
Hope.
"If this is a joke…" he whispered. Then paused. Then smiled—bitter, but alive.
"…then it's the best joke I've ever heard."
---
From the gutters to the stage... his legend begins now.
Chapter End !!