If the choreography could excite competitors to this extent, it would certainly be well-received by the imperial citizens.

The judges nodded and continued writing scores on the score sheets.

Finally, the performance ended.

The four men on stage silently looked at each other’s faces.

Everyone was breathing heavily, drenched in sweat.

It felt like just a moment ago they were all playing on the stage together.

Even without hearing the scores, they could tell.

‘We’ve hit it big.’

But then.

“I will announce the scores.”
The first judge’s revealed score was 0 out of 10.

More boos from other participants rained down than the confusion on the faces of the four men.

“What did he say?”

“How can that be a zero!”

The voices of discontent echoed vividly to the stage.

But the judge’s opinion was firm.

“I felt extreme discomfort with the bizarre and incomprehensible choreography. Even in some movements, I sensed explicit and violent elements. Therefore, I cannot give a score.”

The expression on the faces of the four men darkened.

While the previous participants did not receive generous scores, such an extreme case had never happened before.

Perhaps the problem was that the choreography was too unfamiliar.

Then, the second judge opened his mouth.

“It was indeed an alien choreography.”

He was Tanz, the most famous dancer in the empire.

He had made significant contributions to the imperial dance scene, even receiving the imperial art medal.

Now with white hair, he spoke with a serious expression.

“The dance you presented is unsuitable for any occasion, be it a ball or a festival. But… that’s why I believe it will draw a new line in the history of dance.”

Saying so, Tanz finally revealed his score.

“So, I will give you all a score of 10.”

“!”

Too surprised, there was a moment of silence.

No participant had received a perfect score until now.

Cheers poured from the audience stands.

“It’s a perfect score!”

For a moment, the uproar subsided, and then the third judge revealed the score.

“Ah, I wanted to surprise you first, but oh well.”

It was Gesang, the empire’s top vocalist.

Her revealed score was also a perfect 10 out of 10.

“Among what I’ve seen so far, I believe your choreography best suits the song. So, I gave you a perfect score. Well done.”

Now, only the highly anticipated final judge remained.

Although they had received two perfect scores earlier, the impact of the 0-point score was too significant.

The highest score among the participants so far was 28 points.

If they couldn’t get more than 8 points here, they would be eliminated.

And finally, the last judge opened their mouth.

“Is it meaningful to score such a choreography?”

Perhaps they were wrong again.

All four men shook their heads.

“I think the reactions of the people here speak for the results. So, my score is also 10 points.”

Cheers erupted from the audience at that moment.

“Wow!!”

The total score was 30 points.

It was the highest score among the participants so far.

After coming down from the stage, Sharack, overcome with emotion, hugged everyone and patted their heads.

“Great job, everyone. It was truly an enjoyable stage!”

Then, with his large hand, he vigorously ruffled everyone’s hair.

No one said anything, but a similar feeling was blooming in their hearts.

It was really fun.

How long had it been since they felt alive like this?
In everyone’s minds, their past lives flashed back. The old and dark Martop, the stifling life in the Imperial Palace, the secretive underground organization. In stark contrast, on this stage, vitality overflowed. It still feels like the heart is pounding. That excitement soon grew even more significant because their choreography was chosen as the final selection.

With a special performance ahead, the four men became busier than ever. They had to teach the choreography to the remaining 96 participants directly. Since there were too many people, they decided to divide the entire group into four teams, assigning one person to teach each.

Eirtis happened to have Leke in his team.

“Your choreography was quite impressive. I liked it.”

Leke approached Eirtis, who was lost in thought, and greeted him warmly.

However, Eirtis gave a casual response and tried to leave.

“Thanks.”

“So, Eirtis, can you teach me to dance too?”

In response to that, Eirtis subtly furrowed his eyebrows.

“What can I teach you? Leke, you dance much better than me.”

At that moment, another participant approached Eirtis, requesting help.

“Archmage, I’m sorry, but could you please watch my movements?”

“Of course. Which part is challenging?”

As Eirtis responded, he naturally distanced himself from Leke.

Watching him from a distance, Leke smirked.

‘He’s still avoiding me, Eirtis.’

After briefly observing Eirtis’s back, he resumed practicing.

However, there was not a single flaw in Leke’s dance moves.

It was just as Eirtis had said earlier.

Realizing this, other participants also wanted to receive intensive training from Leke.

As a result, the training for the team Eirtis was in gradually split between him and Leke, two instructors.

Naturally, this caught the attention of the organizers of the competition.

Preparations for the special performance progressed rapidly. Moreover, the AVM Empire generously poured funds into the opening ceremony. They attached a royal designer to coordinate the stage settings and match the costumes of all participants.

Finally, specially tailored blue uniforms arrived for them.

Made of the finest silk, these stage costumes boasted intricate craftsmanship, radiating dazzling splendor.

“Wow!”

Everyone marveled at the uniforms, trying them on and expressing their excitement.

The four men were no exception.

Until that moment, everything had been smooth.

However, on the day of the competition, an unexpected situation arose.

Originally, the four men, as choreographers, were privileged to stand at the forefront of the stage during the performance.

However, a competition official suddenly called them.

“Irtis, Papiere, Ed Freih, Sharack Kalahard?”
Sharack stepped forward as the representative and asked, “What’s the matter?”

“Please follow me for a moment. There have been some changes in the stage seating arrangements.”