"Morning, sleepy system slave," Mirae teased, tossing him a loaf of spiced bread. They were camped near a reflective lake, the water showing not just your face—but your intentions.
Joon-hyuk had received his first Daily Quest:
Make Mirae laugh. Reward: +2 Charisma, +1 Affection."
He spent twenty minutes trying jokes, bad impressions, even singing horribly. She finally cracked at his mock villain monologue.
"That… was so bad it wrapped around to funny."
Affection Increased. New Total: 17%
Mirae taught him how to use system interfaces—how to convert emotional energy into usable skills. They trained, gathered herbs, and faced tiny emotion-bugs called Whimlets.
At night, she surprised him: "We need to bond deeper. System synchronization improves in private time."
"W-What kind of private?"
She laughed. "A simple walk under moonlight. Your mind's dirty."
They walked. Talked. She opened up about her past: a former guardian turned outcast. He confessed his rejection.
Two broken people. One strange world.
Bond Upgraded: Companion Level Achieved.
Trait Unlocked: Emotional Echo – Share half of Mirae's buffs temporarily.
Maybe… being a loser wasn't so bad now.
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