Chapter 283: 283: The Long Missing System
Chisato was startled seeing the Pure Love System which had been quiet for a long time suddenly popped up without a warning.
But he quickly smiled again.
That's right—with two systems backing him up, there was no need to worry at all. No hesitation, no second thoughts—he just had to act.
"Go for it. There's no reason to pass up this opportunity."
That was the answer Chisato gave.
The members of Kessoku Band looked at each other, smiles spreading across their faces as they cheered.
[Mission complete. 1 freely allocatable attribute point obtained. 1 random mystical item gift box issued.]
[Follow-up mission activated: Help Kesshoku Band win the 'Best Band Group' award at the Shibuya Music Festival.]
[Extra mission activated: Help Kesshoku Band win the 'Audience Favorite Award' at the Shibuya Music Festival.]
[Mission rewards: 1 selectable mystical item gift box, 5000 points.]
[Extra mission rewards: ???]
…
"This is just as I expected. I knew you'd agree to let them participate in the Shibuya Music Festival."
"Even if they don't win any awards, they'll still gain valuable experience performing on a big stage."
"Hic~ And besides, with so many spectators, journalists, and streamers covering the event, the potential exposure is enormous."
"Mmm… If they're lucky and perform well, they might even catch the attention of a powerful talent agency and secure professional investment or support. It's not impossible."
Behind the bar, Chisato was tallying up the recent earnings and entering the numbers into the digital ledger while listening to the store manager.
She hadn't explicitly congratulated the Kesshoku Band, but it was obvious that she was happy for them.
Her current state made that clear—her face was flushed from drinking, and she was slumped over the counter, practically lying on top of it.
Despite being nearly thirty, Seika maintained her looks and figure remarkably well.
Especially her figure—it had a mature allure that young girls simply couldn't match.
Chisato couldn't understand why a woman like her didn't have a boyfriend.
Was her taste too high?
That was the only reason he could think of.
"Yes, yes, manager, you're so smart. You predicted everything perfectly."
"Don't talk to me like I'm a kid, you brat! Kono yarō!"
With a loud bang, Seika slammed the table and glared at Chisato.
Chisato looked at her, speechless, while her aggressive stance quickly crumbled.
Her expression became awkward, her cheeks puffed out, and she suddenly covered her mouth with her hand.
"Seriously, manager, don't cause trouble for me! The customers are coming in soon!"
Amused and exasperated, Chisato hurriedly secured the cash in the register before rushing over to help Seika towards the restroom.
The four members of Kesshoku Band were busy practicing in the studio, so he was the only one available to take care of their drunken manager.
During the trip to the restroom, some physical contact was inevitable, but in this situation, there wasn't the slightest trace of romantic tension.
Chisato patted her back in the restroom until she finally regained some composure.
Back at the bar, Seika accepted the bottled water Chisato handed her and awkwardly muttered a thank-you.
The contrast between her current embarrassed, avoidant gaze and her usual deadpan expression was surprisingly cute.
As Chisato resumed counting the money, methodically going through his work, Seika took a sip of water, hesitated for a long time, and finally spoke up.
"Chisato… you should quit working here."
Chisato's hands paused momentarily but soon resumed as if nothing had happened.
"What's wrong, manager? Can't afford my wages anymore?"
He multitasked effortlessly, continuing his work while talking.
"You little brat, don't underestimate me."
Seika chuckled, then quickly turned serious.
"Anyone can do cashier work or make drinks. But for you, staying in a job like this is a waste of your talent and time."
"I've never seen anyone with your level of songwriting ability. If you're interested, I have some connections in the music industry. I can introduce you to them—you'll earn way more than you do here."
She sighed, her tone carrying genuine concern.
"You're a genius when it comes to composing and writing lyrics. I don't want you wasting your potential, stuck here doing nothing."
Chisato smiled.
"Manager, you're overestimating me. I don't qualify as a genius."
"Oh? So having two songs dominate the online music charts right after release still isn't enough?"
Seika countered.
Chisato replied,
"It was just luck. And besides, the efforts of Nijika and Hitori were just as important."
"Heh~ Well, think about it."
Seika didn't press the issue. She leaned over and patted his shoulder.
"I'm leaving it to you. I'm heading upstairs to sleep."
"…Good night."
Chisato watched her leave.
He understood everything she had said.
But for now, it wasn't time for him to leave.
His goal was to push Kesshoku Band to the top—to make them a legendary band in Japan and even internationally—while he reaped the benefits from the shadows.
Becoming a famous musician, a well-known novelist, or an outstanding artist wasn't difficult for him.
After all, the system had granted him various talents.
But everything had its order of priority.
His first task was to handle the relationships around him.
Money could come later.
Tonight, when he got home, he'd write a few more songs and compose the music for Kesshoku Band to practice.
It was best to prepare early for the music festival.
But the most important thing was Kazusa. Right now, she was the only one completely unaware of his situation.
He needed to find the right moment to tell her the truth.
If he kept hiding it, things would spiral out of control sooner or later.
After mentally reviewing his plans, Chisato finished his bookkeeping.
This week's revenue from the venue had doubled compared to the previous week—an astonishing increase.
It was undeniably linked to Kesshoku Band's growing online popularity. Lately, many fans had been visiting the store, boosting sales.
The manager would probably be grinning in her sleep over this.
With his work done, Chisato opened the Pure Love System interface.
For once, it wasn't being stingy.
Simply making a choice for little kitten Hitori had earned him a random mystical item gift box and an attribute point.
He decided to hold off on allocating the attribute point for now and instead opened the random mystical item gift box.
A golden glow flickered as an animation played—visible only to him—and then a sixteenth note emerged.
[Congratulations! You have acquired the talent: Heavenly Voice.]
_______
50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
_______
If any of you noticed an error, please point it out in comments!