Asai Yu returned to his own body.
He replayed the day's events through the system's playback—calm, as usual. The good news: his novel's popularity was still slowly climbing.
Another message popped up: Sumita Mana had messaged him, inviting him to a donut-eating contest four days later. In his in-session state he had brushed it off with a convenient excuse.
Who actually goes to those contests?
Well—if you were Miss Donut herself, maybe.
He opened his phone and checked the chat with Sumita. Three hours had passed since he declined; she hadn't replied. Unusual.
Sensing a prick of unease, Asai typed "Are you there?" and sent it.
Ten seconds later, Sumita answered: Sorry, Asai-san—been caught up and missed your message!
A few seconds later: You really won't come? followed by an anime crying sticker.
Her energy eased his worry. That pleading tone—was this really the composed Sumita Mana he knew? Asai smiled inwardly and sent back: Some things came up, but my schedule opens four days from now—let's go then.
Sumita: Really? Thank you so much!
Sumita: Um… do you mind if I bring one more person…?
They chatted a while longer. The extra person was Sumita's sumimi teammate, Misumi Hatsune. Asai felt a flicker of genuine curiosity at meeting one of the top-tier band girls so soon.
Three days passed quickly. The routine settled: Link Start each morning into Togawa Sakiko's life, live it, then return at night to type and notate piano scores.
In the music room, the piano playing tapered off. "Togawa Sakiko" sat at the instrument, watching the floating UI.
[Piano Buff Lv.1 (100/100)]
[Lv.1 → Lv.2]
[Piano Buff Lv.2 (0/500)]
[Note: Lv.2's buff effect is five times Lv.1]
[Detected first special buff reached Lv.2 — issuing a special reward:]
[Special Buff Selection Card (1/1): choose one ability of the experience target and receive an additional learning boost]
There was actually a reward like that. Useful — with that card he could instantly unlock Sakiko's composition bonus, though he had no intention of wasting it here. Lv.2→Lv.3 would probably give something, too; he wondered what.
[Detected host's piano proficiency meets threshold — opening formal ability-level display]
[Current ability obtained: Piano Level Lv.1]
[Note: Piano Lv.1 = Amateur level 10; Lv.2 = Professional level 1; Lv.3 = Professional level 3; Lv.4 = Professional level 5; Lv.5 = Beyond professional]
A level interface made things clearer. So his piano was currently Amateur 10—around the baseline of a conservatory student. Getting to Lv.2 meant reaching professional tier. How long would that take?
Sakiko herself didn't realize how exposed her own level had become. Sweat-soaked, she was still prodding him on: "You're improving fast. In three months—no, six months—maybe a year, you'll probably catch up to me."
A year? He'd overtake her in half a month, Asai thought, and kept that to himself. He cycled back to the rental, simple and efficient.
"Is the song finished?" he asked after listening to what she'd composed.
"Yes. It turned out amazing—an above-and-beyond performance!" Sakiko said proudly. She'd been composing till three in the morning these last nights.
"Good. It's very solid." Asai answered honestly. In terms of raw ability, Sakiko was trustworthy.
Praise brightened her voice. "Great, I'm glad."
Asai sent the finished track to the commissioning band and the two of them waited.
About twenty minutes later the reply arrived: We didn't expect it this fast! This song is amazing—we all loved it! Thank you so much! The payment of 100,000 yen will be transferred.
Relief and joy flooded Sakiko; Asai allowed himself a small satisfied lift.
He messaged back: Have Matsugi-san handle the payment. If you like the track, please help spread the word—much appreciated!
The band replied: Will do—pleased to work with you.
Quick, clean, exactly the kind of start he wanted.
"Let's go out," Asai said, packing up.
"Are we going to get paid?" Sakiko asked.
"Not yet. First let's look for a place to live." Asai had priorities: secure a base.
"Near Tokyo would be best—I know some decent spots from past searches," Sakiko offered. He outlined requirements: about 30 square meters, enough for one person, not too remote.
She thought for a moment and nodded. Then she led him to a modest apartment building not far from the city center. The neighborhood looked reasonable; it felt safe.
No agent involved—he dealt directly with the landlord and toured the unit. It matched his listed needs: small, clean, tasteful. Sakiko had already scoped this place before; it was fine on every count.
Asai felt the familiar flicker of possibility. Sell a few songs, bank a few transfers, and the tiny life he wanted was within reach—no need for pity jobs, no more running shifts in the rain. The system had just opened a door; he knew, with the kind of blunt practicality that had carried him this far, exactly which steps to take next.