Greatest Idol C7 Side effect

With the filming done, I faced the real challenge—editing on this budget phone. I'd barely started when my stomach growled. "Right, food first."

After a quick meal of instant ramen, I dove back in. Three hours of fighting with the lagging interface later, I finally had my finished product.

I played it back one last time: A slow pan across my cramped kitchen, highlighting the mismatched bowls and general chaos. Then enters me, dramatically transforming the clutter into an artfully arranged stack, before mounting a single fork on the wall like it belonged in the Louvre. The scene ends with my exaggerated nod of satisfaction, every gesture screaming "aspiring aristocrat trapped in poverty."

Text appears: 'Minimalist poverty-core aesthetic. Y'all can't even comprehend.'

"Not bad," Lux commented, perching on my shoulder.

I had to agree. Despite the low video quality, it actually worked.

"Time to share this masterpiece." I added the caption: 'We don't do clutter in this micro-palace. #PovertyCore #RoomTour'

For the finishing touches, I selected some lo-fi background music from TikTok's library and added a text-to-speech voiceover: 'Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.'

After posting it to my new account, I collapsed onto my narrow bed. "Now we wait to see if lightning strikes twice."

Staring at my struggling phone, I knew I needed better equipment—a decent phone or computer would make editing so much more efficient.

But where's the money coming from?

My fast food salary barely covered rent and food, let alone tech upgrades.

"Thinking about money again?" Lux piped up.

I laughed dryly. "That obvious, huh?"

"Let's just say I've seen that look before," he chuckled.

I sighed, scanning my cramped apartment. "I really need the money right now. Becoming good-looking isn't just about vanity—it's about accessing opportunities I've never had before, earning enough to build a better life."

With another glance at my surroundings, I shrugged. "Who wouldn't want that, right?"

"Once your looks improve," Lux nodded sagely, "many doors will open for you."

"Well, enlighten me," I said, leaning back. "I'm new to this 'handsome club'—what kind of doors are we talking about?"

Lux didn't miss a beat. "For starters, you'll find jobs practically falling into your lap, even without qualifications. Good looks alone can get you through many doors."

"That's not exactly what I'm after," I chuckled.

"Then there's modeling, acting, music—with enough training and your improved looks, you could build a fan base. That means Fame Energy for me and money for you."

I nodded, following his logic.

"And don't forget," Lux added, wings fluttering excitedly, "once you build enough of a TikTok following, endorsement deals will start rolling in."

My eyes widened. "Of course! How did I not think of that?"

Lux grinned. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves—focus on growing your TikTok presence first. Catch enough eyes, and businesses, big or small, will come calling."

"Right," I agreed. "Just need to stay consistent, post daily content."

"Now you're getting it." Lux flashed a tiny thumbs up.

***

The next morning, I checked my TikTok post. The numbers were promising—240 thousand views and 18 thousand likes.

Not quite the viral explosion of my "ugly truth" content, but impressive for the first video on my new "Humble Aristocrat" account.

The comments section was alive with activity. The top comment, sitting at 919 likes, read: "Not me about to hang my fork on the wall too 💀"

"This micro palace got more personality than my entire house, fr"

"😂 😂 😂"

As I read through them, I could feel the Fame Energy coursing through me like a gentle current.

"Not bad," Lux observed. "The Fame Energy generation is below decent, but it's progress."

I shook my head. "It might not match the viral hit, but think about it—we can create consistent content around this 'poverty aesthetic' angle. With regular posts, we could easily surpass a one-hit wonder."

"If you can maintain those views and likes," Lux reminded me.

Later, brushing my teeth, I studied my reflection. My cheekbones had gained definition, my teeth seemed whiter, and my hair looked more healthier, with a natural shine. Even my features appeared more symmetrical, as if an artist had carefully adjusted the proportions.

Such dramatic changes... just from making popular videos... A hunger ignited in my eyes.

More fame. Need better content. MORE.

The thoughts felt foreign, echoing through my mind in a voice like grinding stone against bone, resonating with unnatural power.

Slap!

Lux's tiny hand struck my cheek, snapping me back to reality. "Get ahold of yourself! I can see the Fame Energy's side effects taking hold!"

I blinked, startled by both the slap and his words.

"Side effect?" I frowned. "You mean consuming Fame Energy comes with consequences?"

Lux's expression turned grave. "Unfortunately, yes. It's why not just anyone can bond with a Nephilim, especially one as rare as myself."

He floated closer, his voice dropping. "Most humans would be consumed by the energy's side effects, destroyed in the process."

I swallowed hard. So Fame Energy is both blessing and curse.

"A double-edged sword," I muttered.

"Precisely," Lux nodded. "Life always presents two sides of the same coin. Blessing and curse. Fortune and misfortune. Fame Energy is no different."

He continued, his tiny form casting shadows in the bathroom light. "While Fame Energy brings whispers of darkness that could consume you whole, the benefits far outweigh the risks—for those who can handle it. That's why I didn't choose just anyone. Your body has a natural resistance to Fame Energy's side effects."

I let out a relieved breath.

"Is there any way to combat these side effects?" I asked, not really expecting a solution.

To my surprise, Lux's face brightened. "Actually, there is."

"Really?"

"Exercise daily, maintain a healthy diet," Lux explained. "The better you treat your body, the more efficiently it processes Fame Energy. Plus, physical training can actually enhance and stabilize the transformations that Fame Energy creates."

I need clarification. "What do you mean by 'enhance and stabilize' the transformation?"

Lux sighed with exasperation. "You really are slow." His tiny face scrunched in annoyance as he dumbed it down for me. "Think of it this way: your original appearance was level zero. Right now, you've reached level one through Fame Energy."

He gestured at my reflection. "But you're not truly at level one yet. You're burning Fame Energy to maintain this appearance. Run out of energy, and you'll revert to level zero."

I nodded, finally starting to understand.

"Now, if you exercise, eat better, actually take care of yourself—your natural appearance, your 'level zero,' will gradually catch up to level one. Once that happens, you won't need Fame Energy to maintain it. You'll have permanently leveled up." His wings fluttered with emphasis. "Not only does this help resist the curse, but it also improves your baseline appearance."

The pieces finally clicked. "Ah, now I get it."

Lux looked relieved that his explanation had finally gotten through.

After our discussion about Fame Energy's pros and cons, I spent the rest of Sunday creating content. The Fame Energy was still trickling in from my viral video and the aesthetic post, providing a steady stream of power.

But now I understood—this was just the beginning of a much longer transformation.

After uploading another video, I committed to Lux's recommendations—swapping instant noodles for actual meals and starting a basic exercise routine.

Monday, April 15th arrived, bringing more subtle changes. My jawline had gained definition, and I'd crossed that invisible line into "moderately attractive" territory. Though my original features were still recognizable, they'd been refined, as if an artist had gone over a rough sketch with a finer hand.

Walking into the fast food restaurant for my shift, Kyle was the first to spot me.

Instead of the shock of recognition I'd expected, he put on his customer service smile. "Um, sir. We're not open yet."

He doesn't even recognize me. I had to bite back a laugh. My transformation was more complete than I'd realized.