Okay, so my phone was glowing. That was… weird. I stared at the pulsing pixelated icon, my brain struggling to process what was happening. "Social Dominance?" Seriously? It sounded like some cheesy mobile game. But the blue glow, the cryptic messages, it all felt… real.
I tapped the icon again, and the screen lit up with my "Stats."
"Player: Kenjie Social Points: 0 Physical: 10 (Weak) Social: 5 (Introverted) Intelligence: 15 (Average)"
"Weak?" I muttered, glaring at my reflection in the dark screen. "Thanks, app."
Then, a new mission popped up: "Mission 2: Improve Physical Appearance: Cleanliness.
"Right," I said, rolling my eyes. "Time to take a bath"
I went to the bathroom take a bath. For Some Reason the shampoo and Soap smelled… so nice? And it lathered up like crazy. After rinsing, I looked in the mirror. My hair did look… shinier? And my skin felt smoother.
"Mission 2: Completed. Reward: 5 Growth Points."
The app dinged, and my "Physical" stat increased to 12. Huh. Maybe this wasn't just a load of digital baloney.
Then, "Mission 3: Improve Social Skills: Initiate a Conversation with a Stranger."
My stomach dropped. "A stranger? Seriously?" I'd rather face Takeshi and his goons again.
But the app was insistent. "Objective: Initiate a conversation with a stranger. Duration: 30 seconds."
I took a deep breath. "Okay, Kenjie, you can do this. It's just 30 seconds."
I went outside, my heart pounding. I saw an old lady sitting on a park bench.
"Okay, here goes," I whispered.
😊 "Excuse me, ma'am?" I said, my voice shaking a little.
👵 "Oh, hello dear." She smiled, a warm, genuine smile.
😊 "It's a nice day, isn't it?" I managed.
👵 "Indeed it is. Perfect for a stroll."
😊 "Yes it is." I then looked at my phone, the 30 second timer had finished. "Thank you for your time."
👵 "You're welcome, have a nice day."
"Mission 3: Completed. Reward: 10 Growth Points."
My "Social" stat jumped to 7. I breathed a sigh of relief. That wasn't as bad as I thought.
Then, the app dinged again. "Growth Items Unlocked: Basic Clothing Set, Growth Allowance Debit Card."
A pixelated image of a simple t-shirt and jeans appeared, along with a card. Then, a box appeared in my bed, When I opened it up..
"What the…?" I stared at the card, then back at my phone. "Is this… real?"
I ran to the nearest convenience store, my heart pounding. I grabbed a bottle of water and a protein bar, and nervously swiped the card. It worked! The transaction went through. I couldn't believe it.
"Growth Allowance: 50,000 yen," the app informed me.
I walked back to my apartment, a mix of disbelief and excitement swirling inside me. This app was actually doing something.
The next mission was "Mission 4: Improve Physical Appearance: Basic Workout."
The app provided a simple workout routine: 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, and a 10-minute jog.
I looked at the floor, then at my phone. "Alright, if this is how I get stronger, then fine." I started the pushups, my arms shaking. The sit-ups were just as bad. By the time I finished the jog around the block, I was sweating and panting.
"Mission 4: Completed. Reward: 8 Growth Points. Physical: 14 (Slightly Weak)."
I felt a surge of… something. Pride? Maybe. I was actually doing something to improve myself.
With my new debit card, I went to a small local eatery and ordered a chicken salad. It was the first time I'd had a proper meal in ages. It tasted amazing.
Back in my apartment, I checked my stats again.
"Player: Kenjie Social Points: 23 Physical: 14 (Slightly Weak) Social: 7 (Slightly Introverted) Intelligence: 15 (Average)"
The numbers were going up. I was actually leveling up. It was still surreal, but… maybe, just maybe, this app was going to change my life. I looked at the app, and the next mission appeared, "Mission 5: Improve Social Skills: Compliment a stranger." I sighed, but a small smile appeared. "Alright, let's do this."