Jun woke abruptly, shivering as cold air pierced through his threadbare blanket. His mattress—thin and sunken on the floor—offered little warmth, and even less comfort.
His stomach growled, loud and bitter. Last night's skipped dinner was still punishing him. The final instant noodles were gone—spent like a luxury he couldn't afford twice.
He sat up, stretching out stiff muscles, when a flicker caught the corner of his eye.
He blinked. Turned.
Floating in front of him—clear and silent—was the same thing from the night before:
> [First Task: Brew Real Coffee – Reward: Beginner Brewing Set + 50 XP]
Jun stared. He waved a hand through it.
The words shimmered... but stayed.
"Real coffee," he muttered, a dry chuckle escaping. "Sure. Got any to spare, system?"
No beans. No gear. Not even a filter. Just a dusty pack of instant. And somehow, he knew that didn't count.
A sudden knock broke his thoughts. Jun opened the door slowly.
Mr. Lin stood there, arms crossed, frown already in place.
"Rent," the old man said flatly. "Three days late."
Jun's throat tightened. "Just a little longer. I'm working on something."
Mr. Lin stared, then exhaled through his nose. "Three days. No more. After that, you're out."
No anger. Just fact.
The door closed.
Jun sat back down, chest tight with pressure he couldn't shake. The system notification still floated there—now updated with a quiet countdown:
> [Time Remaining: 12 hours, 36 minutes]
"No pressure," he muttered, rubbing his face.
Still, he stood. Pulled on his jacket.
The morning city stretched before him, storefronts asleep, pavement slick with dew. He shoved his hands in his pockets, breath forming clouds in the cold.
"Coffee first," he whispered.
"Survival later."
---
[System Record – Storyline ID: S08-Origin]
Logged User: Stylsite08
Path: Stillness to Mastery
Unauthorized copies may trigger system disruption.
Original work by Stylsite08. Do not repost or distribute without permission. All rights reserved.