The Passive Income System

'…'

I ignored the system and focused on my food.

"So, Saeko-senpai, what exactly do you do in the kendo club?"

Saeko gave Mahiru a strange look. It was a simple question, but from the way she stared, it was as if she didn't understand why it was being asked. Maybe it was just an icebreaker? I wasn't sure.

"Kendo training, tournaments, and fostering discipline," she replied before effortlessly picking up a slice of wagyu, dipping it into soy sauce, and taking a bite.

I glanced at her tray—seared wagyu, truffle-infused rice, and a side of something I didn't recognize. Even the sashimi looked fresher than what most high-end restaurants served.

Next time, I was ordering the same.

Unfortunately, I'd have to wait until maintenance was done. I sighed internally and continued eating my own meal. It was absolutely delicious—completely worth getting! A wide grin spread across my face as I enjoyed every bite, ignoring the stares I was getting from everyone. Well, almost everyone.

I noticed Mahiru eyeing my food, so we naturally swapped trays. She happily took a bite of my hamburger, the juicy beef patty and melted cheese melding perfectly with the toasted bun. Her eyes widened slightly, clearly impressed by the rich flavor.

"Are you two dating?" Saeko asked, her curiosity clear.

I nodded, but Mahiru went a little overboard.

"Yeah, but he has two other girlfriends as well." She said it casually, taking another bite as if she hadn't just dropped a bombshell.

Sure, Itsuki knew, but the other two at the table definitely didn't. And Saeko? I had just met her!

Saeko stared for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter.

"Hahahaha~! I knew you had potential, Amane, but this wasn't what I expected!" It was only the second time I'd ever seen her break her noble, graceful demeanor. Honestly, I liked this version of her more, but who was I to say anything?

I matched her laughter with a joke of my own, flicking my hair back and flashing an exaggeratedly confident smirk.

"I have plenty of room if you wish to join!"

Silence.

Mahiru choked on her food. Someone else coughed. Even the air felt heavier than before.

My confidence shattered as my face flushed red with embarrassment. I slowly lowered my hand and stared at my food, pretending I hadn't said anything.

"Hehehe~" Saeko chuckled, clearly amused. "I might consider it, but first, you'd have to beat me in a match. Can't have my partner being weaker than me."

'…Fuck, that's not happening anytime soon. Wait, this might be for the best. I still have my hands full with my current three. I want to refine these connections first.'

Saeko's words were a good reality check—one I probably needed. The whole harem thing had definitely gotten to my head a bit.

"S-So, any plans this weekend, Saeko-senpai?" Mahiru still seemed a little shaken by the bad joke. Or maybe she didn't take it as a joke. Either way, she stuttered.

Saeko shook her head. "I'll probably just train through the weekend."

"Seriously? I think you need a break..." Considering her skill level, I doubted she needed to train all the time. A break might actually do her some good.

[Side Quest Unlocked!]

[Route 1: Invite Saeko out and let her relax]

- Initial Reward: $5,000

- Completion Reward: Upgrade one sub-tier

[Route 2: Train with Saeko]

- Initial Reward: $5,000

- Completion Reward: Skill Game (Tier 3)

[Route 3: Do Nothing]

- Initial Reward: None

- Completion Reward: None

'This is new.' I stared at the floating panels in disbelief. Side quests used to be straightforward—one track, no choices. But now? Options.

[Yes, the update has made things more sophisticated and complex.]

I took the system's words to heart, mentally filing away the change. My mind immediately started weighing my choices.

'Sawako is busy, Ruby has her own things to handle, and Mahiru can always spend time with me later. The Skill Game is probably another gamble like that money game… but a guaranteed sub-tier upgrade is tempting.'

My thoughts were all over the place. A Tier 3 skill could be a game-changer, and if it boosted my kendo, that was a solid investment.

I glanced at Mahiru and leaned in, whispering, "I kind of want to train with Saeko. She's the perfect coach, but if you'd rather—"

She smiled before I could even finish, her expression warm and supportive. She didn't know about the system, but she could tell I was serious about improving. Given the whole harem situation, I wouldn't have blamed her for doubting my intentions.

"Go ahead! We live next door; we can always hang out later." She beamed, encouraging my choice.

Relieved, I turned to Saeko, who was just finishing her meal. No need to overthink it—I might as well go for it.

"Saeko-senpai, could I practice with you?"

[Route 2 Chosen!]

$5,000 received.

Saeko froze, eyes widening slightly as if I'd just asked her something absurd.

'Is it that weird?' I wondered. Maybe it was because we'd only just met. Maybe we weren't close enough yet.

I tilted my head, silently prompting her for a response. A moment later, she coughed lightly, regaining her composure.

"Sure. I'd be delighted to have a training partner! I'm just... surprised. No one's ever asked me that before."

"Why not? You're amazing."

She hesitated before admitting, "I do have a tendency to go too far."

"Perfect! That means I'll get some real training."

Kendo was a hobby I chose, and I was going all the way, unless I physically couldn't anymore.

'Crap, I should probably brush up on the terminology too… Eh whatever, I'll pick it up along the way.'