Chapter 5: Streams, Investments, and a New Tomorrow
The sun was dipping low, painting the city of Nyser in hues of orange and violet as Leon stood at the entrance of his apartment building. The tall, narrow structure wasn't much to look at compared to the shining towers downtown, but for him, it carried a weight of familiarity. He gazed up at the balcony of his small unit, a faint smile tugging at his lips as old memories washed over him.
This place hasn't changed… yet everything about me has.
With that quiet thought, he pushed the door open and stepped inside. The faint creak of the hinges welcomed him back. His room smelled faintly of wood and dust, but also of comfort. He set the shopping bags carefully on the desk, loosening his tie as he sat down on the edge of the bed.
The sleek new Mirror Mobile glimmered in his hands as he pulled it out of its box. He transferred the data from his old phone, watching as familiar files, messages, and contacts blinked across the screen. The process took a while, but soon, the device was ready, shining like a polished jewel.
Leon leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms. "Done. Now… let's see if Rina is streaming."
His fingers danced across the screen, reinstalling and setting up his favorite apps until the layout mirrored his old device. Notifications chimed softly. One in particular caught his eye—Rina's stream: Live Now.
Leon's lips curved into a faint grin. "Perfect timing."
He tapped the notification and entered the stream. The bright interface lit up with the image of Rina, cheerful as always, waving to the camera. Without hesitation, Leon clicked the donation button and sent 1,000 credits.
A cascade of alerts exploded across the chat.
> System: 1,000 credits spent. 2,000 credits transferred to the host's account.
Rina blinked as the alert appeared on her screen. "Oh! Thank you for the one thousand credits, Mr. K!" Her voice rose in delight, and she leaned toward the camera with a bright smile. "That's so generous of you right at the start!"
The chat instantly erupted.
---
[Chatroom]
Fan123: WOAH, big spender already??
NekoGirl99: Mr. K again?? Wasn't he in the morning stream??
BlueWolf: Rich guy alert 💸💸💸
SilverStar: SIMP DETECTED 😂😂😂
CoconutShrimp: nah bro just supporting the queen 😤
---
Rina giggled as she read some of the comments. "Now, now, don't tease. Mr. K is always super kind."
Leon rested his chin on his hand, quietly amused.
Then a message popped up directed straight at him.
CuriousCat: Hey Mr. K, how old are you??
The chat instantly lit up with "+1" and "same question."
Leon smirked and typed.
> Mr. K: I'm 20.
---
IceBear: 20?? Bro you're young af.
StarDust: He's basically my age omg
TigerClaw: Student maybe??
---
Rina tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Oh, twenty? Then… are you a student, Mr. K?"
Leon hesitated, then typed.
> Mr. K: Yeah.
The floodgates opened.
---
PinkCloud: WHICH UNI?? Spill it!!
SleepyOwl: Tell us tell us tell us 🐥
NekoGirl99: bet he's from Nyser U 👀
---
Rina leaned closer to the camera. "Yes, which University are you in? I'm curious too!"
Leon's fingers hovered above the keyboard. He chuckled softly. Let's stir things up a little.
> Mr. K: I'm in your University.
The chat froze for a split second—then exploded.
---
BlueWolf: HUH??? SAME UNI??
SilverStar: THIS IS GETTING JUICY 🔥🔥🔥
Fan123: Mr. K reveal arc incoming???
NekoGirl99: no way he's trolling lol
---
Rina's eyes widened. "Wait… you're serious?!"
Leon typed slowly, deliberately.
> Mr. K: And in your department. Everyone knows me.
His smirk widened. Technically true. The topper is hard to ignore.
Rina gasped audibly, her hand covering her mouth. "In my department?!" She leaned back, visibly flustered.
The chat spiraled.
---
PinkCloud: HOLY SH*T HE'S A CLASSMATE
IceBear: Bro you just made her nervous lmao 😂
TigerClaw: toppers are always mysterious… bet he's hot too
SilverStar: Mr. K, what's your real name?? Spill!!
---
Rina nodded quickly, pointing toward the chat. "Yes, yes! What's your name, Mr. K?!"
Leon chuckled under his breath. He typed the final message.
> Mr. K: Well… you can find out for yourself.
And with that, he closed the stream.
The chat erupted one last time.
---
Fan123: BRO NOOO HE LEFT 😭
BlueWolf: cliffhanger master 🫡
SilverStar: I'm betting he's secretly her senpai 🤣
CuriousCat: I'm dying of curiosity here help
---
Leon leaned back in his chair, a soft laugh escaping. "Ahh… that was fun."
But his expression quickly sobered. "Now… let's get to something more important."
He opened a shopping app, scrolling through the electronics section until his eyes landed on a sleek, top-tier laptop. Price: 500,000 credits.
"Perfect." He clicked purchase.
> System: 500,000 credits spent. 1,000,000 credits transferred to the host's account.
Leon exhaled in satisfaction. "Now I've got three million credits. Time to invest."
He switched to his investment app, eyes narrowing as he studied the charts. Gold coin prices were at a low point but historically spiked within a week.
"Three million into gold," he murmured, tapping confirm.
> System: 3,000,000 credits spent. 6,000,000 credits transferred to the host's account.
A grin spread across his face. "That works too."
Without hesitation, he doubled down, investing another six million.
> System: 6,000,000 credits spent. 12,000,000 credits transferred to the host's account.
He tapped his pen against the desk thoughtfully. "Nine million invested already… should I push further?"
After a moment's pause, he nodded. "All in."
He transferred another eleven million.
> System: 11,000,000 credits spent. 22,000,000 credits transferred to the host's account.
Leon leaned back, arms crossed. "Twenty-three million total. That's enough. Any more and people might notice."
He closed the apps, stretching as he stood. The shopping bags caught his eye. Pulling them closer, he began inspecting the clothes Lenora had chosen earlier. Each one was simple, understated, but clearly branded.
"Not bad," he muttered. His hand settled on a smooth black shirt and jeans. "This will do for tomorrow."
He unpacked the ramen from the restaurant earlier, humming softly as he boiled water and prepared it. The spicy aroma filled the small apartment.
He ate quickly but with relish, savoring each bite. "Still good even reheated…"
Just as he set the bowl aside, a thought struck him. "Ah, right. My assignment."
Groaning softly, he pulled out his books and papers, settling cross-legged on his bed. His pen scratched swiftly across the pages, his memory carrying him through with ease. I've done this once already. Easy.
In less than an hour, the work was complete. Leon leaned back, stretching. "Finally… over."
He glanced out the window. The city glowed with neon lights, the hum of cars faint in the distance. A peaceful smile touched his lips as he lay back on the bed. Sleep took him quickly.
---
The night passed in a breeze. Morning sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, landing directly on Leon's face. He stirred, yawning as he sat up.
"Seven already?" He rubbed his eyes and stretched. "Early today. Good."
He showered quickly and dressed in the black shirt and jeans he had set aside. The contact lenses sharpened his gaze, and he tied his hair back neatly—though a few rebellious strands fell forward, brushing against his eyes.
He studied his reflection. "I really… look like a girl, huh?"
A soft chime echoed.
> System: Affirmative, host.
The holographic interface shimmered faintly before him.
Leon raised a brow. "So… I only get one mission per week?"
> System: Correct. The host receives one mission every seven days.
Leon tapped his chin. "I see… and are there only attributes—"
> System: Negative. Skills will unlock at specific times.
Leon's eyes lit faintly. "Skills too, huh? Interesting."
He grabbed his bag, slinging it over his shoulder. "Well then… time for University. Can't be late today."
With that, he stepped out, the door clicking softly behind him.
And so, another day begins.