The wind nipped at Jun's cheeks as he walked briskly down the street, jacket barely holding back the morning chill. His breath misted in the air, and his hands stayed buried in his pockets.
He didn't have a plan. Just a mission—
And twelve hours to complete it.
> [First Task: Brew Real Coffee – Time Remaining: 12h 06m]
He wandered through alleys and side streets, thinking, hoping.
Then he remembered the community center. The one near the park where he used to volunteer during meal drives. They had a kitchenette. Maybe—just maybe—it still worked.
When he arrived, the doors were just unlocking. A young woman behind the desk glanced up—her name tag read Mina.
"You again?" she said, raising an eyebrow.
Jun smiled sheepishly. "Hey… is your kitchen still open?"
"For volunteers. And we don't give out snacks."
"I'm not hungry," he said quickly. "I just need equipment. A kettle. Maybe a French press?"
Mina gave him a look. "Why would anyone need that if they're not here to eat?"
Jun scratched his head. "It's… for something important. Please."
She stared for a beat, then sighed. "There's a kettle and a busted press in the back. No promises it works. You break anything, you clean the bathroom."
"Deal."
---
The kitchenette was tiny and worn-down. But when he plugged in the kettle, it hummed. He rummaged through drawers until he found the French press—handle cracked, but intact.
Then the real issue hit.
No beans.
"Do you have any coffee beans?" he asked. "Real ones?"
Mina appeared at the doorway, chewing a granola bar. "Half a bag. Ethiopian. I use it for myself. Why?"
Jun hesitated, then gave a small bow. "Can I use some? Just for one cup?"
She blinked, then shrugged. "You're weird. Fine. But clean the sink."
"Deal again."
---
She handed him the pouch. He measured. Ground. Heated water.
Jun followed every step like he'd watched a hundred times online.
The bloom hit—floral, deep. His hands shook.
> [Extraction in progress...]
He waited. Four full minutes. Then slowly, carefully—pressed the plunger.
Just as he poured the first drop—
BZZZZT.
The lights flickered. The old socket sparked.
The kettle hissed and shut off.
> [System Error: Extraction Interrupted. Task Failed.]
Jun froze, mug in hand, heart sinking.
> [Retry Available in 24h]
[Time Remaining Until Eviction: 2d 23h]
He slumped against the counter.
Behind him, Mina took a sip of her own coffee and granola bar. "Well," she said, "that was dramatic."
Jun let out a soft, dry laugh. "You have no idea."