"From Broke to Baller: Thanks, System?"

The sun was already up by the time Jin returned from his morning jog. Sweat clung to his back, but his heart felt light. Another notification had just come in from the system:

> "Daily Habit Streak: 14 Days"

Reward: +1 Stamina, +100 XP, Mood Boost (Minor)

He smiled and wiped his face with a towel. Even small rewards made the effort feel worth it.

Inside, he found his mom preparing breakfast — sinangag and tuyo, simple and warm.

"Where's Dad?" he asked.

"Out early again," she replied. "Someone called for welding work in the next barangay. Won't be back until late."

Jin nodded. His father never stopped. Rain or shine, long hours — always working, rarely complaining.

---

Later that day, while browsing online using the small data load he had left, he came across a promotional toolkit for welders — compact, durable, and on discount.

Jin checked his system wallet.

> Balance: ₱1,247.50

(From tasks, trading profits, and old phone sold earlier this week.)

The toolkit cost ₱899. Still enough left for food and small needs.

He didn't hesitate.

"Buy."

---

Three days later, a small parcel arrived at their doorstep.

"Jin, may delivery ka!" his younger sister shouted.

He quickly grabbed it and brought it to his room, then opened the box.

Inside: a solid, portable welding toolkit. Nothing fancy, but better than what his father used. He placed it back carefully and wrapped it in reused gift paper from a drawer.

---

That evening, when his father came home, tired and smelling faintly of steel and sweat, Jin handed him the box.

"Pa. Just something small. For work."

His father looked confused. "What's this?"

"Open mo na lang po."

When the wrapping fell away, his father paused. For a long second, he didn't speak — just ran his calloused fingers over the kit.

"You… bought this?"

Jin nodded quietly.

His father stared at it again, then looked at him.

"Salamat, anak." His voice cracked a little. "No one's ever bought me tools before."

Jin just smiled and looked down.

> "Achievement Unlocked: First Gift to Family"

Reward: +2 Affection (Father), +1 Confidence, +100 XP

---

Later that night, his father spoke to his mother while Jin pretended to sleep.

"Hindi ko lang alam… parang iba si Jin ngayon. Mas tahimik. Mas matino."

His mother replied, "Maybe he's just growing up."

Jin turned to the wall and smiled quietly to himself.

Growing up, huh? Maybe I am.

End of Chapter 18