Raka woke up before the alarm rang.
The sun had just peeked over the eastern horizon, its orange light slipping through the gap in his bedroom curtains. Usually, Raka was the type who needed three snoozes to get up. But this morning was different. His body felt fresh, his mind clear.
He sat on the edge of the bed and opened the system screen.
```
═══════════════════════════════════════
USER STATUS – MORNING OF DAY 3
═══════════════════════════════════════
Points: 380
Unlocked talents: 1/3 (Super Sense of Smell – Accuracy 75%)
Features: Mini-Map
Physical Status: 37/100 (increased from 35)
Resilience: increased
New daily missions available. Open Missions menu?
```
Raka pressed YES.
```
═══════════════════════════════════════
DAILY MISSIONS – DAY 3
═══════════════════════════════════════
Mission 1: Smell Training Level 2
- Identify aromas from a distance of 15 meters
Reward: 60 Points, Accuracy +3%
Mission 2: Find Income
- Obtain a part-time job or source of income
Reward: 150 Points + Unlock 'Digital Wallet' feature
Mission 3: Expand Connections
- Build a relationship with at least 1 already-known character (Kirana or others)
Reward: 80 Points + 'Expression Reading' ability +2
Mission 4 (Optional): Healthy Routine
- Sleep 7 hours, eat 3x, drink 2 liters of water
Reward: 50 Points + Physical Status +2
```
Raka read carefully. His eyes stopped at Mission 2: Find Income.
This is the most important thing. My cash is down to around $2. I can't keep relying on the system for food, because points also run out.
He opened the Basic Shop menu. Checked the prices of basic necessities. Rice + standard side dish cost 20 points per serving. Mineral water was 5 points per bottle. If he ate three times a day, he needed at least 75 points per day. Currently he had 380 points — enough for 5 days. But he also needed cash for other needs: transportation, phone credit, or unexpected expenses.
Today's target: find a job.
---
Looking for Work
Raka showered, dressed neatly even if simply. A slightly wrinkled white long-sleeved shirt, black fabric pants, dress shoes that were starting to peel. Not luxurious, but polite.
He opened the mini-map on the system. Icons were scattered: shops, restaurants, minimarts, and several blue icons indicating potential locations.
One blue icon was located not far from the park where he had met Kirana yesterday.
Meeting Kirana wasn't a coincidence. The system said it was a 'bonus'. Maybe there's something there.
But Raka didn't go there first. Priority number one: find a job.
He walked to a small shopping center across the area. Clothing stores, a cafe, a bookstore, and several fast-food outlets. He entered one by one, asking if there were any vacancies.
Clothing store: "Sorry, we're looking for female sales staff."
Cafe: "Minimum 6 months experience in F&B. Do you have any?"
Bookstore: "The position was filled last week."
Raka didn't give up. His emotions remained calm. No cold sweat or excessive heartbeat. He just moved to the next place.
A small grocery store at the corner of the market. The store was small, a bit shabby, but looked busy with customers. A middle-aged woman was serving customers.
Raka waited until the line thinned out. Then approached.
"Excuse me, ma'am. Does this store need help? I'm looking for part-time work."
The woman looked him over from head to toe. Her eyes were scrutinizing, as if weighing something.
"What can you do, son?"
"I can help carry goods, clean, mind the store, or deliver orders if any. I don't have any formal work experience, but I learn quickly and I'm disciplined."
The woman smiled slightly. "Honest. I like that. But my store is small. The pay isn't big. Do you still want it?"
"Whatever it is, ma'am, as long as it's honest. The important thing is that I can start."
The woman nodded. "Alright. You start tomorrow. Come at 8 AM. Work until 2 PM. Pay is 30,000 rupiah per day (about $2), paid weekly. No lunch, but you can have free drinks. Agreed?"
"Agreed, ma'am. Thank you."
"Mission 2: Find Income [COMPLETE]. +150 Points. 'Digital Wallet' feature unlocked."
Raka glanced at the system screen. The new feature seemed able to hold points and cash in one interface. But he would study it later.
"What's your name, son?" the woman asked.
"Raka, ma'am."
"Raka... good. Don't be late tomorrow, okay?"
Raka nodded. He left the store with a sense of relief that he didn't show on his face. Not a dream job. But it was a start.
---
Meeting the Old Man Again
As he walked back toward the park, Raka saw a familiar figure. The old man from the coffee stall yesterday was sitting on the same park bench, reading a newspaper.
Raka hesitated for a moment. But his Mission 3 wasn't complete yet — build a relationship with an already-known character. Kirana was nowhere in sight. So this old man was the option.
He approached.
"Excuse me, sir. May I sit here?"
The old man turned. His sharp eyes immediately recognized Raka. "Oh, the young man from yesterday. Please, please."
Raka sat next to him, leaving one seat's distance.
"Do you come here often, sir?" Raka asked. Not just small talk — he genuinely wanted to learn from this seemingly wise old man.
"Almost every morning. Alone. My wife has passed away, my children are busy. So, newspapers and the park become my companions."
"I'm sorry, sir."
"No need to apologize. That's life." The old man folded his newspaper. "What about you? Yesterday you seemed deep in thought."
Raka was silent for a moment. He wasn't used to telling strangers his story. But somehow, this old man felt safe.
"My family... threw me away, sir. They considered me untalented, useless."
The old man showed no sign of surprise. Just nodded slowly.
"Family can be the warmest place, but also the coldest room. But remember, son. A person's worth is not determined by their family's judgment or anyone else's. It's determined by how they see themselves."
Raka looked at the old man. His words were simple, but they cut deep.
"Sir... can you see something that others don't?" Raka asked carefully.
The old man smiled. "I'm just old. But old people usually have experience. And experience teaches one thing: never underestimate someone who is down, because they might rise higher than you could ever imagine."
Raka didn't answer. He just absorbed every word.
"Will you be here again tomorrow, sir?" Raka asked.
"God willing. Want to have coffee together?"
"I'd like that, sir."
"Mission 3: Expand Connections [COMPLETE]. +80 Points. 'Expression Reading' ability +2."
Raka didn't care much about the notification. What mattered more was that he felt... not alone. Not because of the system. But because there was another human being willing to listen to him.
---
An Unexpected Message
Raka returned to his room around 11 AM. He opened his phone — there was one notification from an instant messaging app. An unknown number.
"Hi, Raka. This is Kirana. I got your number from the park security guard (he's so nosy lol). Thanks again for yesterday. You're really kind. Sorry if I'm bothering you."
Raka read the message twice. Kirana looked for me.
He typed a reply. Short, in character.
"You're not bothering me. Are you feeling better?"
Within seconds, a reply came.
"Yes, thanks. Where are you? Can we meet? I want to return the favor."
Raka sighed. Return the favor? He didn't need anything in return. Helping yesterday was purely instinct, not expecting anything.
But Mission 3 was already complete yesterday. There was no mission requiring him to meet Kirana again. However, there was a small curiosity in his heart. The girl was a stranger. But there was something about her that made him not mind meeting again.
He typed a reply.
"Don't go to any trouble. It's up to you."
Kirana's reply was quick and cheerful.
"Tomorrow at 3 PM at the same park? I'll treat you to iced sweet tea. Deal?"
Raka smiled faintly. Not an exaggerated smile, just a slight curve of his lips.
"Deal."
---
A Quiet Morning
The next day, Raka woke up earlier than usual. At 6:30 AM. The sun hadn't fully risen, but the sky was already bright blue.
He opened the system screen.
```
═══════════════════════════════════════
DAILY MISSIONS – DAY 4
═══════════════════════════════════════
Mission 1: Smell Training Level 3
- Identify aromas from a distance of 20 meters, with other scent disturbances
Reward: 80 Points, Accuracy +4%
Mission 2: First Job
- Complete the first shift at the grocery store
Reward: 100 Points + Reputation +5
Mission 3: Promise with Kirana
- Meet Kirana at the park at 3:00 PM
Reward: 50 Points + Additional information about the system
Mission 4 (Optional): Healthy Routine
- Sleep 7 hours, eat 3x, drink 2 liters of water
Reward: 50 Points + Physical Status +2
```
Raka raised an eyebrow. Mission 3 gives additional information about the system?
That was unusual. So far, missions only gave points and stats. Now the system was promising something more. Information. Maybe about the system's origin, or how it worked more deeply.
He wasn't in a rush to be curious. But his curiosity was slightly piqued.
3 PM. Still a long way off.
---
First Shift at the Grocery Store
At 7:45 AM, Raka had already arrived at Bu Ratna's grocery store — that was the name of the middle-aged woman who had interviewed him yesterday.
"Wow, so neat, son," Bu Ratna greeted, seeing Raka already standing in front of the store. "It's not even 8 yet."
"I prefer being early than late, ma'am."
Bu Ratna nodded approvingly. "Good. Follow me. I'll show you the tasks."
This grocery store wasn't big. About 3x5 meters, simple shelves filled with staples, snacks, drinks, and other household necessities. There was one cooler in the corner for cold drinks.
"Your tasks," Bu Ratna began explaining, "first, help arrange goods when shipments arrive. Second, wipe down the shelves so they're not dusty. Third, mind the store when I go to the back or to the market. Fourth, deliver orders if someone buys a lot and asks for delivery. Easy, right?"
"Got it, ma'am."
"Now, help me tidy up that snack shelf. A lot of kids messed it up yesterday."
Raka got to work immediately. He didn't need to be told twice.
One by one, he rearranged the snacks by type and brand. Chips, biscuits, candies, chocolates — he arranged them all neatly. While working, he occasionally glanced at the system screen. A small notification appeared:
"Indirect training: Using sense of smell to detect stale snack aromas. Accuracy +1%."
Raka smiled faintly. So even ordinary work can be training.
He unintentionally smelled a pack of chips that was slightly rancid. Without opening the package, he knew it was no longer fit for sale.
"Ma'am, these chips seem to have gone bad," he said, showing one pack.
Bu Ratna approached, smelled it. "Yes, the smell is different. Take it to the back, I'll replace it with the supplier. You're clever, you can tell without opening."
Raka just nodded. No need to talk about the system.
The first shift went smoothly. Raka served several customers: women buying sugar and eggs, men buying cigarettes, children buying candy. He served them all politely but not excessively. His words were efficient: "Good morning. How can I help you?" then "Thank you, please come again."
"Mission 2: First Job [COMPLETE]. +100 Points. Reputation +5."
The clock showed 1:30 PM when Bu Ratna let him go home.
"Here's your daily wage, 30,000 rupiah. Come again tomorrow, same time."
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you."
Raka received the money and put it in his wallet. The Digital Wallet feature on the system immediately opened — somehow the system could read his cash balance. The screen showed:
```
┌────────────────────────────────────┐
│ DIGITAL WALLET │
├────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Cash : Rp 30,000 │
│ System Points : 530 │
│ Total Value : Rp 83,000* │
│ │
│ *1 Point = Rp 100 (exchange rate │
│ temporary, not yet redeemable) │
└────────────────────────────────────┘
```
Raka observed the screen. Five hundred thirty points. The result of four days.
Not much. But it was an honest start. Not a gift from anyone.
He smiled faintly, then closed the screen.
---
The Promise with Kirana
At 2:45 PM, Raka had already arrived at the park. Early for the appointment.
He sat on the same bench where he had met the old man yesterday. The park was fairly quiet in the afternoon. A few children were playing on the swings, a mother sat watching, and two teenagers were jogging lightly.
Not long after, a girl in a thin cream-colored jacket walked closer. Kirana.
Today her face wasn't as pale as yesterday. Her eyes were brighter, her hair tied back. She was carrying two plastic cups of iced sweet tea.
"Hey, Raka!" Kirana greeted with a smile. "Here, I keep my promise."
She sat next to Raka, leaving one seat's distance. Polite and natural.
Raka accepted the cup. "Thanks."
"Don't be dramatic. It's only 5k rupiah iced tea."
They drank in silence for a while. Not awkward, but not too familiar either. Just two people who had just met, enjoying the afternoon in the park.
"So... where do you live?" Kirana asked, starting the conversation.
"In the housing complex near here. But... it's a bit complicated right now."
"Complicated how?"
Raka didn't answer immediately. He looked at his iced tea cup. The story about being thrown out by his family? Not yet.
"My family is having some problems. I'm on my own for now."
Kirana didn't push. "Oh, I see. I'm actually on my own too. My parents work out of town, I live with my grandmother. But my grandmother is also out of town right now, so I'm alone at home."
"So yesterday... you were out alone?"
"Yeah, I was just taking a walk, then my asthma suddenly flared up. Lucky you were there."
Raka nodded. "You should always carry your medicine."
"I know, I learned my lesson yesterday." Kirana laughed softly. "Anyway, thank you so much, really. You didn't panic at all when you saw me almost passing out. Like it was normal for you."
"It's not normal. I just... stay calm."
"Super calm. That's cool."
Raka didn't know how to respond. So he stayed silent.
Kirana didn't mind the silence. She actually seemed comfortable.
"Hey, Raka," Kirana broke the silence. "What do you usually do in the afternoon?"
"I don't have a set routine yet. But starting tomorrow, I'll be working part-time in the morning. Afternoons are usually free."
"Okay. Then here's my suggestion. Let's meet here every afternoon? I need a friend too. We don't have to talk all the time, just hang out."
Raka thought for a moment. There was no downside. And the system had promised additional information.
"Okay," he said shortly.
Kirana smiled widely. "Deal!"
"Mission 3: Promise with Kirana [COMPLETE]. +50 Points."
"Additional information: Character 'Kirana' detected to have potential related to the system. Status: Not yet activated. Further hints will be given if the relationship continues."
Raka read the notification in silence. Kirana also has the potential to have a system? Or is she part of something bigger?
He didn't show anything on his face. Remained calm, drinking his iced tea, enjoying the afternoon.
---
Returning to the Room
As the sun began to tilt westward, Raka said goodbye and went home.
"Tomorrow at 3 again?" asked Kirana.
"Yes."
"Okay, take care."
Raka walked back to his room. Along the way, he pondered the information from the system.
Kirana. Potential related to the system. Not yet activated.
Maybe she will also get a system like him? Or is she the key to something?
Raka wasn't in a hurry to find answers. Time would reveal everything.
He arrived at his room as the sky began to turn orange. The room that once felt empty now began to feel... different. Not warm, but not cold. There was activity, there were targets, there were new people starting to fill the empty spaces in his life.
Sitting on the floor, he opened his status:
```
Points: 580
Unlocked talents: 1/3 (Super Sense of Smell – Accuracy 76%)
Features: Mini-Map, Digital Wallet
Physical Status: 39/100
Reputation: +5
Income: Rp30,000/day
```
Tomorrow: Smell training level 3. And meeting Kirana again.
Raka lay down on the bed. Not long after, he fell asleep.