"From Broke to Baller: Thanks, System?"

The following day started just like the last—humid air, the faint smell of fried garlic from nearby homes, and the soft clatter of tricycles passing by their narrow street. But for Jin, something felt different.

He woke up early again, system interface greeting him like an old friend:

[Good morning, Jin.]

[Daily Task: Repeat yesterday's exercise with 10% increased reps.]

— Jumping Jacks (35x)

— Push-ups (12x)

— Squats (22x)

— Stretch Routine

[Reward: +2 Life Points | +$2 | Bonus: Slight Stamina Boost]

He cracked his neck and smiled, "Back at it, huh?"

The soreness from yesterday wasn't gone, but it was oddly manageable—thanks to the Muscle Recovery Boost. Jin slipped on his sandals and stepped outside again, just like before, moving quietly to avoid waking the rest of the house.

Jumping jacks. Push-ups. Squats. Stretch.

This time, his form came more naturally. It wasn't flawless, but the System's visual guide kept him on track. Precision wasn't just about movement—it made him aware of himself. Every angle, every breath.

[Task Complete! You've earned:

+2 Life Points

+$2 added to System Wallet

Slight Stamina Boost (12 hours)]

Afterward, he took a seat beside their porch and let his muscles cool off.

"Two dollars," he muttered with a grin. "Not much… but it's something."

He opened the System's Wallet tab. His balance showed a humble:

System Wallet: $6.00

He hadn't touched any of it yet, though the idea of buying something small for his siblings was tempting.

But then he remembered—this isn't a sprint.

Instead, he opened the Task Store, just to explore.

[Task Store - Beginner Level]

— Clean your room perfectly: +$1

— Cook for your family: +$1.5

— Help a neighbor: +$1

— Collect trash in your street: +$2

— Talk to your family about their day: +1 Life Point

— Bonus Chain: Complete 3 daily tasks in a row = Bonus $5

"These are... simple." Jin thought.

[Exactly. That's the point. It's not about difficulty. It's about consistency.]

That word hit harder than he expected.

He glanced toward his dad's welding tools stacked outside—old, rusty, but still used daily. His father would leave before dawn for welding gigs around town, coming home tired, hands full of burns and calluses. Never once did he complain.

Consistency.

That's what kept their family afloat.

Jin stood and made his choice.

---

By noon, he had done three small things: cooked eggs and rice for his siblings, cleaned their shared room, and brought trash down to the barangay corner.

He didn't brag. Didn't act special.

He just moved.

[Daily Task Chain Completed! +$5 bonus]

[System Wallet: $13.50]

That night, when his dad got home with his overalls stained and fingers bruised, Jin greeted him at the door.

"Pa," he said, handing over a plastic bag. "Bought you some balut. With the little money I earned."

His father blinked. Then smiled—not the usual tired one, but a genuine, curious one.

"You got work?" he asked, voice low.

"Something like that," Jin replied.

He didn't explain. Not yet.

He just wanted his dad to enjoy something for once, even if it was just balut and rice.

End of Chapter 4