By the next week, the air around campus felt different.
Heavier.
Like everyone had read something they weren't supposed to.
Because they had.
A post was spreading through social media, claiming that I'd been secretly funded by foreign investors. Some even said I'd hacked into the university's network to grow UniTrade.
Min-jun slammed his laptop shut in frustration. "They're calling us frauds! Some random forum says we're laundering money through the app."
I exhaled slowly. "Who started it?"
He shook his head. "The original post's deleted, but screenshots are everywhere. We can't trace it."
[That's intentional,] Nova said. [Someone's stirring chaos to discredit you.]
"I can't prove them wrong without exposing myself," I muttered.
[Exactly. If you show them how the system works, you lose everything.]
Min-jun rubbed his temples. "This is bad, Rin. If this keeps spreading, the university might suspend us."
"Let them," I said. "They'll figure out the truth eventually."
But deep down, I wasn't so sure.
That evening, I sat under the same tree where Soo-ah usually sketched. She wasn't there today. Maybe that was for the best.
I needed to think.
The System had given me freedom. Power. Infinite opportunity.
But now it felt like a spotlight I couldn't turn off.
[You can't hide forever,] Nova said gently. [But you can redirect attention. Build good will. Show the world something they can't twist.]
"Like what?"
[Charity. Education. Creation. Use your money to help—not impress.]
I thought about that. Then I pulled out my phone.
Two days later, I announced a campus-wide scholarship program through UniTrade—no strings attached. Students could apply directly, and all accepted applicants would receive full funding for materials, food, and living expenses.
At first, people were suspicious.
But then the first student received a notification:
Your UniTrade Scholarship has been approved.
Then another.
Then fifty more.
The news spread like wildfire.
Min-jun stared at the results in disbelief. "You're a legend, bro. Everyone's talking about it—again, but this time, it's good."
[Told you,] Nova said smugly.
"Guess you were right," I admitted.
That evening, I found Soo-ah waiting by the campus fountain, sketchbook in hand.
"You've been busy," she said with a small smile.
"Trying to fix a mess," I said.
She looked up at me, her eyes soft. "You didn't just fix it, Rin. You changed it."
I shrugged. "I just didn't want to see people dragged into my problems."
"That's what makes you different," she said quietly. "You actually care."
There was something about the way she said it that made time slow down for a moment.
I wanted to tell her everything—the System, the money, Nova—but I couldn't.
Not yet. Maybe not ever.
[You want to protect her,] Nova said softly.
"Yeah," I thought. "I do."
That night, I opened my laptop again.
Another notification blinked.
[Anonymous Transfer: 10,000,000 KRW received.]
[Message: "Not bad, kid. Let's see how long you last."]
"Nova," I said slowly, "trace it."
[Already on it. No luck. Whoever they are—they're better funded than before.]
I leaned back, exhaling. "So, they're still watching."
[Always.]
I stared at the glowing screen until the city lights outside began to blur.
Money could move mountains.
But the higher I climbed, the more I realized—
Every mountain casts a shadow.
And mine was growing.