The atmosphere backstage buzzed with a level of intensity that none of the contestants had ever experienced before. The announcement that only 9 out of 18 would debut in the new project group Block M had sent shockwaves through the studio, but what really shook everyone was the revelation that Block M would debut under Stax Entertainment which is Mitsunari's label.
Mitsunari, who had returned as a special judge, was visibly stunned as the words left the head judge's mouth. He leaned forward slightly in his seat, eyebrows raised. Even he hadn't expected this twist. His gaze drifted instinctively to the members of TurnUp, all of whom looked like they had just been hit by lightning.
Stax Entertainment, once a quiet company in the background, had steadily risen to become a serious player in the industry. Signing VIRE, producing Mitsunari's comeback, expanding into global distribution as they had grown bold. And now, they were making their biggest move yet.
The contestants were allowed to choose any song they wanted for the finale while giving them a chance to shape their own identity and make one final, defining impression. This wasn't about just surviving anymore. It was about earning a legacy.
Behind the scenes, Tao entered the stage with a calm authority. He addressed the final 18 directly. "This isn't just a temporary debut," he explained. "Block M will be a permanent group under Stax. Seven-year contracts. We've already spoken with each company, and if you're selected, your contracts are already negotiated."
Gasps rippled through the contestants. This was unheard of. Survival shows were notorious for forming temporary groups with vague futures and short-lived fame. This was a real offer. Real stability. Real backing.
Some contestants began tearing up on the spot. Others clenched their fists, eyes burning with new resolve. For TurnUp, it was the light at the end of a long, dim tunnel. If even one of them made it, it could mean their entire future changed overnight.
In the crowd of 18, Jeren was especially emotional. He looked at Johnny, Hoya, Suho, and Mark as they were his brothers in struggle and whispered, "We could finally make it… for real."
Backstage, the other contestants reacted with a mix of excitement and disbelief. Some came from small agencies with limited opportunities. The idea of joining a company like Stax, with its growing legacy and Mitsunari's guidance, was overwhelming.
Meanwhile, Jessi, the other special judge and industry veteran from AXA, smiled knowingly as she observed the reactions. "They're feeling it," she said to Mitsunari. "That fire. That desperation. It's real."
Mitsunari nodded. "I know that feeling too well."
Each group retreated to their designated rehearsal rooms to finalize their song choice. TurnUp's group, still intact within the final 18, had decided earlier that if they made it this far, they'd perform an original song they'd written together as something that expressed their journey and identity.
The song was called "From the Ashes", and it was a blend of emotional rap and powerful harmonies, designed to show not just their talent but their unbreakable bond.
Mitsunari made a quiet visit to their rehearsal room, watching them from behind the glass. He didn't interrupt as he didn't need to. The boys saw him, and they nodded, feeding off his silent support like fuel.
Elsewhere, other contestants were scrambling to make bold choices. Some went for show-stopping high notes. Some picked viral dance hits. But a few, like TurnUp, chose songs that told a story that was their story.
Throughout the day, the energy only built. Staff moved hurriedly. Makeup artists worked overtime. Producers fine-tuned the sound levels. Everyone knew this wasn't just the end of a show as it was the beginning of a legacy.
Back in the green room, the judges convened. The main panel exchanged notes, but the real tension came from Mitsunari and Jessi, both of whom had industry experience at the highest levels. They spoke with a different weight in their words.
"You think any of them are ready?" Jessi asked.
"More than a few," Mitsunari replied. "Some of these kids… they don't just want it. They need it."
Tao entered the judging area again, watching from a distance. He knew what this meant for Stax. This was no gamble as it was an investment. He believed in the future, and he believed in the ones who'd fight to be part of it.
The audience was slowly filling up outside the performance hall. Fans of the show, families, former contestants who had been eliminated as everyone was here to see the finale. There was an electricity in the air.
As the final 18 contestants stood backstage, the lights began to dim. The opening VCR for the finale played on the big screen, showing each contestant's journey so far as clips of laughter, tears, failed rehearsals, breakthroughs, and unforgettable stages.
TurnUp huddled one last time. Jeren's hands were shaking slightly, but he kept his composure. "No matter what happens," he said, "we leave everything on that stage."
"We've already come farther than we thought," said Johnny.
"But we're not done," added Suho.
They broke their huddle and took their positions, hearts pounding as the stage countdown began.
As the first group hit the stage and the lights exploded in color, the competition began. One by one, the groups poured their souls out in performances that shocked even the veteran judges.
Then came TurnUp's performance. As soon as "From the Ashes" started, the entire mood changed. The opening lines, spoken softly over a slow beat, gripped the audience immediately. Jeren's voice trembled with intensity as he delivered his first verse.
By the time the beat dropped, the members had completely transformed the room. Their choreography was tight, but the emotion in their eyes said more than any move could. This was a message: We've been counted out, but not anymore.
When the performance ended, the crowd was silent for half a second and then burst into a standing ovation. Even the stoic producers were nodding their heads in silent approval.
Mitsunari stood from his seat and clapped slowly, his eyes locked on the boys he had watched grow into artists.
"Now," he whispered to Tao and Jessi, "they're ready."
All 18 contestants returned backstage to await results. The lights went dark. The final decision loomed.
But no matter what happened next, TurnUp had already made history.