"From Broke to Baller: Thanks, System?"

The next morning, Jin woke up early. His system's internal alarm had long replaced the need for his phone. He checked the time—5:12 AM. He got dressed quietly and stepped out, jogging shoes laced and earbuds in place.

Music played softly as he ran through the neighborhood, breathing in the calmness of dawn. The familiar weight of the world seemed lighter these days. His family was slowly stabilizing. His investments were growing. And soon, he'd be stepping into a social setting that might just change how people viewed him.

He liked that. He didn't need everyone to know—but it would be fun to be known.

---

After the run, Jin ate a simple breakfast with his mom and dad. The conversation stayed light—his dad cracking jokes, his mom reminding him to bring his ID card next week. It was the kind of quiet morning he wanted to protect.

He slipped into his room afterward and opened the system interface.

---

[System Shop – Skill Recommendations Based on Daily Use Patterns]

→ Intermediate Guitar Mastery – 3,500 Credits

→ Voice Control Lv. 2 – 1,000 Credits

→ Basic Charisma Boost (Temporary) – 500 Credits

→ Dance Coordination (Beginner) – 2,000 Credits

Jin hovered over the Dance Coordination skill. He smirked. "I swear if this party ends with some awkward group dance…"

He tapped Purchase.

---

[Skill Acquired: Dance Coordination (Beginner)]

— Movement becomes more natural and confident in social events.

— +1 to Charm when dancing casually or in sync with music.

---

He didn't plan on showing off. But just in case.

The system wasn't giving him instant talent—it just gave him enough to feel capable. The rest? Still up to him.

---

At school, the vibe had completely shifted. Everyone talked about the event.

"I heard some alumni will be attending."

"There's a photo wall with department banners."

"Someone said there's a secret performance from upperclassmen!"

Mika slid up beside Jin during break. "Hey, what are you wearing?"

Jin sipped his bottled water. "Something decent."

"Just decent?" Yssa raised a brow. "C'mon, we're talking about a major college milestone here."

Calix grinned. "Let him cook, girls. Knowing Jin, he'll show up with something clean but killer."

Jin just smiled. "Let's see."

---

[System Notification – Countdown: 2 Days Left]

---

Later that night, Jin sat on his bed, strumming his guitar. The notes came easier now, but he still practiced daily. No skill was truly "mastered" without consistency. His voice control had also improved—he could project better, sing on key more often, and breathe properly between lines.

He thought about maybe singing at the party. Maybe. If the chance appeared.

---

Meanwhile, in a quiet cafe across town, one of the college council organizers scrolled through a list of possible performances. Her eyes paused on a name.

Jin Cortez.

"Huh… never heard of him," she muttered. "But his name's been floating around lately. Some people say he's different."

She marked him as "Maybe."

---

[Status Window – Updated Snapshot]

Level: 9

Experience: 89%

Charm: 13

Confidence: 16

Luck: 6

Reputation: 36 (Rumors starting)

Hidden Stat: (1/3)

Skills:

Guitar Mastery: Intermediate

Voice Control: Lv. 2

Dance Coordination: Beginner

Emotional Stability (Passive)

Public Presence (Passive)

Investment Suite (Hidden)

---

The next 48 hours would decide a lot.

Not about his money. Not even about the system.

But about how people saw him—and how he saw himself.

To Be Continued…