The school event had ended hours ago, but Rui still hadn't gone home. He sat on a bench near the empty sports ground, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows on the ground.
His heart hadn't calmed since earlier — Kian's eyes, sharp and unreadable, still lingered in his thoughts.
Just as Rui pulled out his phone to distract himself, the familiar ding echoed in his mind.
[Major Task Unlocked]
The system screen opened automatically, brighter than before.
Task #3: Initiate a Real Conversation With Kian ElrosReward: 100 Points + 1 Hidden Bonus(This task must include a minimum of 3 sentences and be face-to-face.)
Rui blinked. "You want me to talk to him again? For real?"
The floating chibi mascot appeared again, cheerfully spinning in the air.
"Yes, Rui! It's time to start unlocking higher-tier opportunities. Kian is your bond partner — energy between you activates higher wealth channels."
Rui frowned. "So you keep saying. But… how do I know I can trust you?"
The chibi paused mid-spin. Then it blinked and floated closer, its tone softer now.
"You're wondering if I'm using you."
Rui looked away. "I mean… yeah. I've read system novels. Some are helpful. Some ruin the host's life. What if you're secretly bound to Kian? What if I'm just a battery to feed your system?"
The mascot nodded thoughtfully.
"A fair concern. But here's the truth: You're the host, Rui. Not Kian. Yes, your bond with him powers the system — but you're the only one with access to it.""Kian can't see your tasks, your store, or your rewards. Everything is built for you to grow. He's the anchor, not the master."
Rui narrowed his eyes. "Then why is everything tied to him?"
"Because he's your 100% mate. And energy between true mates is rare — it unlocks the highest possible system tier: Wealth-Building. Without that bond, the system would've never activated."
Rui fell silent. That made… uncomfortable sense.
Still, he crossed his arms. "So if I wanted to stop… I could?"
"Of course." The chibi's eyes glowed blue. "Consent is part of system ethics. But if you quit, all wealth channels freeze — store access, point balance, and tasks. The bond remains, but the benefits won't."
Rui sighed. He glanced at the ¥5000 still untouched in his wallet. His part-time job paid barely that much in three weeks. He couldn't afford to lose this.
"…Fine. I'll talk to him," he muttered. "But if he thinks I'm weird or gets suspicious—"
"Then you act natural!" the mascot winked. "Be you. The task just wants three genuine sentences. That's all. The rest… happens naturally."
Later that evening, Rui found himself back at the school gate.
Kian's sleek black car was parked just outside, engine idling.
As Rui approached cautiously, the passenger window rolled down.
Kian looked at him. Calm, unreadable. Beautiful in that cold, CEO way.
Rui took a breath.
"I… wanted to thank you," he said. "For what you did the other day. With those guys. You didn't have to help."
Kian raised an eyebrow slightly. "I didn't do it for thanks."
Rui looked away, flustered. "Still. You did."
[Task Complete – +100 Points Earned][Hidden Bonus Unlocked: Trust Meter (10%)]
Rui didn't know what that meant, but the system chimed pleasantly.
Kian leaned back slightly. "You're different today. You look… better."
Rui's heart skipped. "Sleep and soap," he mumbled, then turned and walked away quickly — cheeks burning.