Chapter 123

The backstage buzzed with activity on the day of the live performance.

The draw was quickly decided. Aria Bennett's team would close the show, Caleb Monroe's group opened, Nolan Reed's team performed second, and Serena Blake's took the third slot.

Under the "Wilderness Pulse" theme, every group chose high-energy tracks.

Caleb Monroe's performance was decent but lacked fluidity in the choreography.

When Nolan Reed's team took the stage, the venue erupted. His commanding stage presence paired perfectly with Audrey Lane's flawless execution. The audience screamed, waving glow sticks wildly.

[Nolan is so hot!]

[This team's chemistry is insane!]

Serena Blake's group stepped up next, with Vivienne Archer stealing the spotlight with her signature smoky vocals. She cleverly minimized her weaker dance skills, turning them into a highlight.

But Serena, as usual, hogged attention. Positioned center stage, she exaggerated her moves, overshadowing her teammates.

Live comments exploded:

[Does Serena even know what teamwork means?]

[This is a group performance, not her solo act!]

The clash between her hired supporters and genuine fans left casual viewers unimpressed.

Finally, Aria Bennett's closing act began.

The moment the music started, the crowd went wild. Aria abandoned her usual ethereal tone for a raw, magnetic voice, while Damian Cross's deep bass sent shivers through the audience.

[Oh my god, that voice is lethal!]

[Damian's low notes are unreal!]

During the dance break, Aria spun sharply, her hair whipping through the air. Damian matched her with crisp, powerful moves. Their synergy pushed the energy to its peak.

The most breathtaking moment came at the finale—Damian suddenly lifted Aria high, executing a daring mid-air rotation before landing perfectly.

The crowd's deafening screams nearly blew the roof off.

[That was so risky!]

[But damn, it looked amazing!]

Even more impressive was how Aria and Damian elevated their teammates. Mason Bell's rap brought the house down, while Leo Brooks's solo dance earned roaring applause.

The ovation lasted long after their performance ended.

The results were predictable: Aria's team took first, Nolan's came second, Serena's placed third, and Caleb's trailed last.

When eliminations were announced, Serena's team lost six members—a show record. Meanwhile, Aria's group all advanced, with Mason skyrocketing to second place.

"Coach Aria..." Elliot Hayes choked up, unable to speak. The once-bottom-ranked trainee now sat comfortably in the top fifteen.

Owen Parker's eyes reddened. "Without you, I'd have gone home ages ago."

Aria hugged each trainee with a smile. "This was all your hard work."

As the eliminated members left, they glanced bitterly at Serena. Had she not monopolized the spotlight, things might have been different.

Backstage, Mason caught up to Aria. "Coach, can I go for center position next round?"

She winked. "Keep this up, and it's yours."

Outside the studio, fans' cheers lingered. For many, sleep would be impossible tonight.