NO SINGING! BECOME AN ACTOR OR DIE

Chapter 5: Focus Solely on Acting

Filming resumed. Dirga no longer sought private moments. He acted with abandon, driven by a new motivation: Anya’s future death. That fear forged him into an actor employing a method cruel to himself.

Director Ical noticed the new intensity. The speed at which Dirga learned the script left the entire crew speechless. In the following weeks, his popularity as the ‘child genius’ soared on set. Everyone praised his professionalism.

Dina was always present, but Dirga’s mother grew increasingly distressed watching her son act like a madman, as if something unknown were chasing him.

“Dina, be honest. Dirga never rests. He needs to come home and play outside, not just study these depressing scripts,” his mother urged one afternoon after Dirga had successfully completed a scene requiring perfect silence.

Dina rubbed her temples. “Mum, that’s just an actor’s job. The set is designed according to the script’s scene. And honestly, your son is an absolute genius. Mr Ical has even promised to promote Dirga to a bigger agency in Jakarta. If we stop now, it would be a huge loss, Mum. I’m certain your son will succeed, whether through his genius or his adult-like tenacity.”

Dirga offered a small smirk upon hearing that. Tenacity. That was his weapon.

Suddenly, someone he knew from the future as the renowned Music Producer, Mr Erizon, arrived. He happened to be in the same studio.

The man approached Director Ical, his arms full of stacked CDs, wearing 80s-style clothes that weren't quite vintage, but rather on the cusp of trendy. Dirga immediately analysed the man internally. The Music Producer who, in his future, had discovered 10 singers who became decade-defining icons.

“Ical... Why do you look happier?” Mr Erizon asked.

“Look at this one. Arka. I just found him. The boy who slapped my soul,” Director Ical replied, grabbing Dirga and pulling him forward. “His name is Dirga. Dirga Wijaya. The future champion of the film industry.”

“Hello, Dirga,” Mr Erizon said warmly.

Dirga returned the greeting politely. Deep down, he wanted to sing his self-composed song, ‘Fallen Angel’, for the Producer to earn praise and a review.

Dirga fought hard to keep himself from speaking the words. He couldn't risk Anya’s life on the system.

Mr Erizon looked him up and down. “Perhaps… has anyone heard him sing? He has a lovely voice; it seems like a good idea to launch him.”

Dirga’s breath hitched when he heard that. Did someone hear him singing in the bathroom yesterday?

Director Ical burst out laughing. “Singing? Impossible, he’s too busy acting and playing in the gloomy depths! He’s my future Award winner! There’s no way he’ll be a singer.”

Mr Erizon shrugged. “Well, that’s producer’s instinct for you.” He bent down to Dirga, his gaze sharp. “If you ever want to be a singer, you look me up, kid. Here’s my card.”

A metallic gold business card. A real opportunity, five years ahead of his original timeline.

Dirga’s status window remained silent, yet he knew the system was watching him.

“Thank you, Mr Erizon. I appreciate it,” Dirga said, keeping his tone flat, his small hand holding the card with full awareness. This was a temptation, and he had to refuse it, professionally.

He waited until Mr Erizon had moved away before pulling Dina aside.

“Dina,” Dirga squeezed Dina’s wrist. “From now on, if anyone offers me a singing gig, just say I’m mute. Okay? I’m never touching that microphone until I’m a famous actor.”

Dina was once again confused by the boy’s decision. “M-mute? But that’s such a shame, Dirga. They say you have a good voice.”

“Good, but forbidden, Dina. I’m focusing on one thing right now: acting.” Dirga replied. It was a sweet lie, crafted to protect his sister’s life and his family’s destiny.

“If you want a bigger commission, make sure I win an acting award,” he continued.

Dirga released Dina, then turned around. He walked towards Director Ical, taking the requested position. Acting, acting, acting.

He was an actor created by the system to complete the mission at hand. His life was indeed miserable, and the only way out was to win the fight by completing the mission perfectly.

Filming for *Silent Harbour* continued at an extraordinary pace, driven by Dirga’s ambition and the unexpected professionalism he brought to the set.

After filming wrapped at eight o’clock that evening, his mother hugged Dirga, leading him outside. The cold night air immediately touched his skin, making him shiver in his mother’s warm embrace.

“Is this fun?” his mother asked, looking into Dirga’s eyes.

Dirga nodded in response.

His mother smiled at him. Her gaze was now fixed ahead.

“I’m glad if it is fun, dear. Even though it’s tiring. But the money is quite substantial. And we can save this for your future, just in case something happens to your father,” his mother whispered.

Dirga merely smiled. His mother had no idea how great the danger was that her ‘something happens’ implied.

He leaned his head back. A single notification hung at the edge of the gloomy film set ceiling, glittering like a thin shard of ice, utterly captivating, as if woven from pure destiny.

“Dirga! There’s another offer. It’s a good film,” Dina called out from behind the car.

Dina rushed over, ignoring the cold wind.

“Mr Ical just called his Executive Manager; he said Dirga was brilliant. They’ve offered you a role in their film. A part in the Next Season Fantasy Film.”

“What role?” Dirga asked.

“The lead role, twins—one antagonist, one protagonist! The title is *Glass Double*. It’s the biggest film next season! I’m sure you could win loads of awards if you can play that character!” Dina exclaimed.

[Side Quest: Accept Dual Antagonist/Protagonist Role. Highest Award Potential.]

“I’ll take it,” Dirga answered immediately, his eyes fixed on the prospect of a major win that would bring him closer to total freedom from the System’s threat and his acting hell.