Riku Aoyama never imagined his first date would be the result of a system-generated quest. But then again, he'd also never imagined waking up one day with the ability to purchase reality-breaking skills like "Perfect French Toast."
And yet here he was.
> Quest Active:
Treat Her Right
Objective: Take your first follower on a proper outing.
Bonus Objective: Make her laugh three times.
Reward: +2 Affection, Mystery Coupon, +250 Points
Time Remaining: 36:14:22
Kira stood in the doorway of his apartment, arms crossed, hair tied up in a quick ponytail, and eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"You're taking me where?"
"You'll see," Riku replied with a grin, locking the door behind him.
Truth was, he hadn't decided until ten minutes ago. But after browsing the system's internal map suggestions—somehow linked with local restaurants, hidden spots, and even discount offers—he found the perfect place:
A retro 24-hour diner called Neon Bites, located in the downtown area. Cozy, cheap, and just weird enough to be memorable.
---
The city pulsed with life as they walked through the neon-lit streets. Kira, dressed in her new outfit, received more than a few glances from passersby. Riku didn't blame them—she looked like a punky model who could throw a punch and kiss you right after.
"You're quiet," Kira said, peering at him from the corner of her eye. "Stage fright?"
"I'm calculating optimal conversation paths."
She rolled her eyes. "Nerd."
> Laughter 1/3 – Registered
+25 Quest Progress
He mentally pumped a fist.
After a short walk, they arrived. The diner glowed with warm blue and pink hues, an aesthetic clash of 80s synth and modern tech. Inside, old rock music played softly, and the booths were separated by vinyl dividers with glowing trims.
Kira slid into the booth, stretching her arms over her head like a cat.
"This place smells like fries and trauma," she said.
"Exactly the vibe I was going for."
> Laughter 2/3 – Registered
+25 Quest Progress
Their waitress, a bored-looking girl with pink hair and a name tag that said Juno, handed them menus.
Riku glanced down—then paused.
There was a shimmering blue notification over the menu.
> System Integration Detected: "Neon Bites" is a registered Neutral Zone.
Safe for system users. No combat or hostile abilities can be used inside.
Hidden Shop Available – Tap to view.
He mentally opened the hidden tab.
[Neon Bites Hidden Shop]
Spicy Greaseburger Combo – Heals 10% HP and stamina.
Retro Milkshake (Luck Boost Lv.1 – 1hr)
Glitched Soda – Random Stat Buff
Golden Fry Set – Increases Affection by +1 on shared consumption
Price: Points or Cash
Interesting. So some places were system-aware? Neutral Zones, hidden perks… That meant the world had more layers than he realized. And likely, other users knew how to navigate these spots.
"See anything good?" Kira asked, already tapping her foot under the table.
"Yeah. But I'll surprise you."
He ordered the Golden Fry Set and the Glitched Soda. Kira got a burger and a black coffee—her default setting, apparently.
As they waited, Riku leaned forward, eyes locked with hers. "So… what's the plan now? You still running from those punks?"
Kira scoffed. "Nah. They're small-time. That guy who was after me—Makabe?—he's a lapdog for someone bigger. Some underground dealer who's been pressuring people around the ward."
Riku's brows furrowed. "Want me to look into it?"
Kira looked up, surprised. "You'd do that?"
"Let's just say I've been feeling capable lately."
> New Side Quest Available:
Unravel the Chain
Objective: Investigate the local crime network behind Makabe.
Reward: +500 Points, Criminal Intel Access, Kira Affection +3
Accept? [Yes] / [Later]
He tapped [Later]. He'd get to it—but not during a date.
---
Their food arrived, steaming and smelling like cholesterol and joy. The fries were sprinkled with some kind of sparkly salt—system-infused, no doubt.
Riku picked one up, offered it to Kira without a word.
She blinked, then smirked and leaned in, biting the fry right from his hand.
"Bold," she said, licking her lips.
> Affection +1 – Shared Meal Bonus
Laughter 3/3 – Registered
Quest Complete: Treat Her Right
Reward Claimed: +2 Affection, +250 Points, [Mystery Coupon Obtained]
A flash of warm energy flowed through him as the system tallied the results.
> New Reward Unlocked:
Mystery Coupon – Random One-Time Purchase
Options: [Item], [Skill], [Knowledge], [Trait]
Choose Category?
"Hey," Kira said suddenly. "You just zoned out."
Riku blinked. "Huh? No, I was just… digesting in advance."
"You're weird."
He smiled. "You like that."
"...Maybe."
---
Later, they left the diner. The streets were calmer now, shadows stretching as the moon peeked behind drifting clouds.
"Thanks," Kira said, breaking the silence. "Today was… better than most."
"Stick with me. There's more where that came from."
> Bond Level Up: Kira Hanazawa – Loyal Follower Confirmed
Special Trait: Rebel Heart – Gains power when protecting someone she trusts.
New Ability Unlocked: Adrenaline Surge Lv.1
Kira paused mid-step. Her expression shifted subtly—like she felt the change too.
"I don't know what your deal is, Riku. But… something about you is different."
He grinned. "You'll figure it out eventually."
They reached his building. Before heading in, Kira turned and said, "I'm not used to people giving a damn. Don't make me regret this."
"You won't."
---
As she walked in ahead of him, Riku finally opened the Mystery Coupon.
> Choose Category for Mystery Reward:
[Item] – Material or object.
[Skill] – Ability or technique.
[Knowledge] – Instant understanding of a topic.
[Trait] – Passive or personality-linked perk.
He chose Trait.
The system paused—then confirmed.
> Reward Unlocked: Silver Tongue Lv.1
You are naturally more persuasive, charming, and flirtatious in conversation. Slight increase in charisma-based outcomes.
Bonus: Unlocks dialogue options with romantic and manipulative flair.
Riku smirked.
Game on.