**Arc 2: Chapter 17 – Setting the Stage**
The sound of rain against the window created a calming rhythm as Jae-min stared at the glowing notification Elyra had summoned moments ago.
**[Task Progress Update: Build the Foundation – 15% Complete]**
Elyra lounged on the couch, a smug grin on her face. "Not bad, huh? You've already made a dent. Meeting Yumi was a good move."
Jae-min rolled his eyes, swiping the notification away. "It wasn't just about the task. Yumi's idea actually makes sense, and it could help So-ra build her platform even more."
Elyra yawned theatrically. "Sure, keep pretending it's all altruism. I'm here for the drama, anyway."
Before Jae-min could respond, So-ra emerged from her room, her hair still damp from a shower. She was wearing an oversized hoodie and shorts, her usual relaxed attire. "So," she began, sitting down at the small dining table, "did Yumi send over the proposal?"
"She did," Jae-min replied, sliding his phone across the table to her. "Take a look. She's talking about a partnership agreement—equal shares in the esports hub if we contribute to the initial funding and operations."
So-ra scrolled through the document, her brow furrowing in concentration. "It's not a bad deal. But do we even have the resources for this?"
Jae-min smirked. "Leave that to me."
So-ra raised an eyebrow. "You've been saying that a lot lately. Care to elaborate?"
Before he could answer, Elyra cut in. "Ooh, this is getting good. Is this where you finally tell her about me?"
Jae-min shot Elyra a glare, though So-ra obviously couldn't see or hear her. "I've just been… resourceful lately," he said, dodging the question.
So-ra sighed, setting the phone down. "Fine. But if you screw this up, it's on you."
---
Later that day, Jae-min and So-ra met Yumi at the café. It was quieter than usual, the rainy weather keeping most of the regulars at home. Yumi greeted them with her usual confident smile and waved them over to a private booth.
"Glad you could make it," she said, sliding a few papers across the table. "I've laid out a detailed plan for the hub. If we move quickly, we could secure a prime location before someone else snatches it up."
Jae-min skimmed through the documents. The numbers were solid, the vision clear. "How much are we talking about for the initial investment?"
"About 500 million won," Yumi replied without hesitation.
So-ra blinked. "That's… a lot of money."
"It is," Yumi admitted, leaning back in her seat. "But with the right marketing and sponsorships, we'll make it back in no time. The esports scene is booming, and people are willing to pay for a space like this."
Jae-min nodded, his mind already calculating. He could easily pull the funds from the system account. The challenge was to make it look natural—like he hadn't just conjured the money out of thin air.
"I'm in," he said finally. "Let's do it."
So-ra looked at him, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Are you sure? That's a huge risk."
Jae-min grinned. "When have I ever backed down from a challenge?"
Yumi smirked. "That's what I like to hear."
---
That night, Jae-min sat on the couch, Elyra perched next to him with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"You're playing a dangerous game," she said, her voice teasing.
"Why? Because I'm actually trying to do something meaningful with your ridiculous system?"
Elyra laughed. "No, because you're still not telling her the truth. So-ra's sharp, Jae-min. She's going to figure out that you're not just lucky."
Jae-min leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "She's been through enough. The last thing she needs is to deal with my... complications."
Elyra tilted her head, studying him. "You're more noble than I expected."
"Don't get used to it," Jae-min muttered.
---
The next morning, Jae-min and So-ra visited the potential site for the esports hub. It was a large, open space in the heart of the city, with high ceilings and plenty of natural light.
"This place has potential," So-ra said, walking through the empty rooms.
"It does," Jae-min agreed. "But it's going to need a lot of work."
Yumi joined them, her eyes scanning the space with a critical eye. "We'll need contractors, designers, and a solid launch plan. But if we pull this off, it's going to be huge."
As they discussed logistics, Jae-min couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This wasn't just about fulfilling a task or earning rewards. It was about creating something real, something that mattered.
For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was building a future worth fighting for.
**[Task Progress Update: Build the Foundation – 35% Complete]**