"From Broke to Baller: Thanks, System?"

Jin blinked awake just as the first rays of morning light slipped through the small window of his room. The electric fan had stopped sometime during the night—power had gone out again, probably—and beads of sweat had gathered on his forehead.

He sat up, rubbing his eyes. That dream...

It wasn't like any usual dream. He remembered soft lights, a voice, words hanging in the air like floating text—but the details were fuzzy now, like trying to hold water in cupped hands. Still, something about it left a strange impression, a sense of peace and... clarity?

He stretched, stood, and grabbed a towel to wash up. As he walked past the small mirror hanging near the door, he paused.

[Daily Task #1: Wash your face and brush your teeth before 6:30 AM.]

[Reward: +1 Life Point | Bonus: $1]

Jin froze.

"What the hell...?"

The glowing message hovered in front of him again—just like in his dream. Not on his phone. Not in his head. It was there, floating in the air like a hologram, translucent and steady.

He waved his hand through it. The words rippled, but didn't disappear.

"Am I... going crazy?" he mumbled.

[Nope! You're awake, and this is real.]

[You made a wish, remember? I'm your System—friendly, helpful, maybe a bit teasing.]

[Let's make life fun. Starting today.]

Jin stared at the text, his heart slowly picking up speed. He touched his forehead, then his chest, then muttered, "Okay, okay... this is either the coolest dream I've ever had or I finally snapped."

[Come on, Jin. You're not crazy. You're just lucky.]

[Let's not waste our first day. Go wash up.]

Still unsure whether he was hallucinating or not, Jin slowly walked to the bathroom, did as the task said, and came back feeling oddly refreshed. As soon as he sat back down—

[Task Complete! +1 Life Point | $1 credited to System Wallet.]

A small icon flashed into existence: a coin-shaped logo that read "Balance: $1.00."

"No way..." Jin whispered. His heart was now thudding in disbelief, excitement, and a bit of fear.

He checked his phone. No apps were open. No hidden messages. Just silence—except the glowing interface hovering in front of him.

[Relax. You'll understand in time.]

[No one else can see me. Just you.]

[Now, let's take it slow. I'm not here to rush your life—I'm here to improve it.]

[Newbie Package available.]

[Would you like to open your Beginner System Package?]

Jin hesitated, looking around like someone might walk in and catch him talking to the air.

"…Yeah. Open it."

[Opening... Ding!]

[Congratulations! You've received the following:]

— [Random Talent Scroll x1]

— [Starter Exercise Plan Unlocked]

— [Task Series: Good Habits]

— [System Wallet (Locked features pending progress)]

[You may now roll for a Talent.]

[Would you like to roll now?]

Jin couldn't help it—he grinned. It felt unreal, but it also felt like the start of something he'd always dreamed of.

"Let's roll."

End of Chapter 2