Jun stood at the edge of the plaza, clutching his canvas tote like it was his last lifeline.
The morning crowd was light—office workers rushing past, retirees walking dogs, students with earbuds in. None of them were slowing down. None of them were looking for coffee from a stranger.
He exhaled slowly and set up.
A foldable sign, handwritten in thick marker:
FREE COFFEE – NO CATCH
He placed it next to the portable setup he'd assembled: kettle, dripper, cups, the new grinder and tools gifted by the system. They weren't flashy, but they worked like a dream.
[Task Active – Serve 5 Strangers]
Progress: 0/5
He started boiling water. The first batch of beans smelled richer than anything he'd ever used.
And then he waited.
Ten minutes passed. People walked by, glanced at the sign, then looked away. A few gave him curious stares, but no one stopped.
He adjusted his setup, checked his posture, smiled at anyone who looked remotely interested.
Eventually, a young man with a tired face and messenger bag approached.
"Is this… actually free?" he asked, skepticism thick in his tone.
Jun nodded. "One cup. No charge. Just trying something."
The man glanced at the equipment, then at Jun.
"Why?"
Jun shrugged. "Practice. And feedback."
That earned a faint smirk. "Alright then."
Jun poured his first real cup for a stranger. The man took a sip, blinked, then took another.
[Served: 1/5 | +5 XP]
"That's… really good," he said. "Thanks."
"Any notes?"
The man thought. "Maybe a touch less acidity. But better than most chains."
Jun bowed lightly. "Appreciate it."
And just like that, it began.
Over the next hour, more people approached. One cup went to a middle-aged woman walking her dog. Another to a curious high school student on his way to cram school. Then a silent man in a maintenance uniform. Then a young woman in gym gear who smiled at him longer than expected.
[Served: 5/5 | +25 XP | Bonus +10 XP – First Public Brew Completed]
[Passive Trait Unlocked – Calm Under Pressure]
Your presence steadies beneath new eyes.
Slight reduction in brewing deviation during public pours.
Jun blinked at the message.
His hands still trembled a little—but less than yesterday. His pours were smoother. He was adjusting to the pressure. And the system had noticed.