Jin sat on the wooden bench just outside his family's small home, the sun slowly climbing over the horizon as soft rays lit the tin roof above. A slight breeze passed through the air, carrying with it the sound of dogs barking in the distance and roosters crowing from neighboring houses. The morning felt fresh, almost as if it were waiting for something new to begin.
He stared at the interface projected in front of him — translucent and filled with soft glows. The system, now fully active, had a friendly tone and never missed a chance to poke fun at him. Still, it had proven itself to be more than just a game. Since its appearance a week ago, Jin had completed a variety of small tasks, and in return, he had received not just dollars but talents — actual talents. Simple things like singing, dancing, and now guitar basics were marked on his profile with accompanying levels.
[Current Balance: $37.50] [Talents: Singing Lv.1, Dancing Lv.1, Guitar Lv.1, Basic Fitness Lv.1]
"You're slowly becoming an entertainer," the system quipped. "All that's missing is a stage and a hat to collect coins."
Jin smiled and rolled his eyes. "I'm not busking in town. Maybe these will be useful for school events, but that's it."
"Well, don't sell yourself short," it replied. "You'll need charisma in more ways than one. Besides, you never know when a party trick might come in handy."
He leaned back and watched the clouds roll by. Despite how ridiculous the whole thing still seemed, the system felt... helpful. It never forced him to do anything extreme. Its tasks were mundane: waking up early, exercising, reading a book, helping around the house. Every time he did something productive, he earned points or cash. It was like having a motivational coach in his mind — one who paid him.
That day, he planned to take a short jog around the subdivision. Not for money, but because he wanted to keep the rhythm going. Jin tied the laces on his worn-out running shoes and stretched lightly before taking off. His route passed through dusty paths and empty lots, winding around rusted gates and tricycles parked haphazardly. Children were already out playing with sticks and plastic bottles, while old women swept their yards with handmade brooms.
He waved politely to everyone, his mind running faster than his feet. What exactly did the system want from him? Was it just meant to guide his life like a productivity app? Or was there more to it?
[Mission Complete: Daily Jog — +$2.00 | +EXP for Basic Fitness]
Back home, sweaty but satisfied, Jin sat down in the small kitchen with his mother, who had just finished cooking breakfast. Fried rice, eggs, and a little dried fish — simple but warm.
"Good run?" she asked.
"Yeah. It helps clear the mind," Jin said between bites.
His father entered, slightly limping from years of construction work. He gave Jin a tired smile. "You're really into this exercise thing now, huh?"
Jin nodded. "It's good for me. I want to stay healthy for school."
His parents exchanged glances, pleased by his initiative. He wanted to tell them about the system, but it still felt too early. Instead, he focused on saving more of his daily earnings.
By the afternoon, he locked himself in their small room and opened his second-hand laptop. The screen flickered, and the familiar blue glow of the system interface greeted him.
"Ready for your next talent?" it asked.
"I thought I needed to level up first," Jin said.
"True, but I've decided to give you a little push. Here's one to get you started on your long-term goals: Beginner Budgeting Lv.1."
A spark traveled through his fingers. Suddenly, numbers made more sense. His expenses, the way he looked at change, and even how he calculated savings — it all felt smoother.
"Whoa," he murmured.
"You'll need it. You're going to be juggling more than homework soon."
He spent the next hour creating a spreadsheet for his weekly budget: allowance, possible savings from the system, and a list of small goals. His first was humble: save $100 by the end of the month.
To keep things realistic, he minimized outings with friends and skipped snacks at school. The system helped — every time he avoided unnecessary spending, he'd get a bonus.
[Mission Complete: Skip Junk Food — +$1.00 | Willpower +1]
[Mission Complete: Track Expenses for a Week — +$5.00 | Budgeting EXP +20]
It didn't seem like much, but it added up quickly. By the end of the week, his balance crossed $60. He didn't touch any of it.
When Saturday came, he sat again with his cousin under the tree at the edge of their subdivision. They both had drinks in hand — cheap sodas — and talked about life.
"I wish I could do something better," his cousin sighed. "But you know... Ma's sick. I just don't know what the future looks like."
Jin stayed quiet for a moment. Then he smiled. "What if you could play ball again soon? And maybe study too?"
His cousin blinked. "You got plans?"
Jin shrugged. "I'm working on something. Nothing big yet. But if things go well... I'll help."
His cousin laughed. "You? The kid who barely left the house two months ago?"
"Exactly," Jin grinned. "That's why no one will see it coming."
As night fell, Jin walked back home alone, the streetlights flickering above. He glanced at his interface again — a new notification glowing softly.
[New Path Unlocked: Foundations of Financial Independence] [Reward: Micro-Investment Talent (Locked — Progress Required)]
The system didn't speak this time. It didn't need to. Jin's heart was racing. Something big was beginning — and this was only the third chapter of his story.
He wasn't dreaming anymore. He was walking toward something real, even if no one could see it yet.
And he would keep walking.
One step, one dollar, one quiet victory at a time.