"From Broke to Baller: Thanks, System?"

Jin adjusted the collar of his polo shirt as he sat at the back of the classroom, staring absently out the window. The weather was unusually calm, sunlight slipping through the blinds like soft threads of gold. But his mind wasn't on the scenery—it was counting days.

Three days until the Acquaintance Party.

The buzz had grown louder. Posters were up on every bulletin board. Students from all years, especially freshmen like him, were talking about outfits, plans, and guessing what events the IT department had prepared.

"Jin," Mika nudged him gently, whispering, "are you coming? I heard the venue's not bad—hotel function hall with a dinner buffet. And... there's a chance of a dance segment."

Jin gave a faint smile. "Sounds fun. I'll be there."

Yssa, sitting beside Mika, turned her head. "Wait—really? You're actually going?"

Jin nodded. "Why not? Free food. Loud music. Chaos. Sounds like a proper college experience."

Calix chuckled from the seat behind them. "You better dress up, bro. I wanna see you actually try to look fancy for once."

Jin grinned. "I'll surprise you."

---

[System Notification]

Task Issued: "Make an Impression."

— Attend the party looking sharp.

— Trigger three reactions: surprise, admiration, curiosity.

Reward: 1,000 Credits + 1 Hidden Stat Point

---

That last line caught his attention. A hidden stat? That was new.

He opened the [Status Window] quietly under his desk.

---

[ Jin Cortez – Status Window ]

Age: 19

Level: 9

Experience: 78%

Main Role: Hidden Investor

Net Worth (Hidden): ₱2,470,000

Passive Income: ₱8,200/week

Reputation: 34 (Unknown)

Charm: 11

Focus: 17

Confidence: 15

Luck: 6

Skill Points Available: 2

Hidden Stat (???): Locked (1/3 progress)

---

Active Skills:

Intermediate Trading Skill

Beginner Chart Pattern Recognition

Risk Control Awareness

Physical Fitness Routine Lv. 1

Emotional Stability (Passive)

Basic Guitar Mastery

Voice Control Lv. 1

Public Presence (Unlocked via system tasks)

---

He stared at the hidden stat progress. So it really is something I unlock by making an impression or standing out... not financially, but socially? That was different. Interesting.

---

After class, Jin dropped by a nearby boutique. He wasn't the best at picking clothes, but he didn't want to ask anyone. This was his moment to quietly step out of the shadow.

The system gave a subtle nudge.

---

[Shop Suggestion]

Outfit: Casual Charisma (₱3,100)

— Semi-formal button-down, layered jacket, clean sneakers, scent booster

Effect: +2 Charm (Temporary), +1 Reputation on First Impression

Confirm Purchase?

→ Yes

---

Back home, his younger brother walked into his room. "Kuya... wow, is that for school?"

"Yeah," Jin replied, folding the outfit carefully. "There's a party."

The boy blinked. "Like, party party?"

Jin smirked. "Not that kind. Just classmates hanging out. You'll understand in a few years."

His brother tilted his head. "Will they know you're rich now?"

Jin ruffled his hair. "Doesn't matter if they do or don't. What matters is they remember I was there."

---

That night, Jin sat at his desk, reviewing trades before the NY session opened. He didn't place any bets tonight — too noisy in the markets. Instead, he quietly observed.

But in the background, a new notification popped up:

---

[System Reminder]

3 Days Left until "Make an Impression" quest deadline.

Prepare accordingly. Memories matter.

To Be Continued...