The neon lights of Seoul's Gangnam district flickered like dying stars. For most, this place was a playground of the rich. For Kang-Dae, it was a reminder of everything he would never have.
"Hey! Are you deaf? I said give me a pack of cigarettes!"
Kang-Dae snapped out of his trance. A young man, barely twenty but wearing a watch that cost more than Kang-Dae's yearly rent, was slamming a credit card on the counter.
"I apologize, sir," Kang-Dae said, his voice flat. He reached for the shelf, his fingers trembling slightly from hunger. He hadn't eaten anything but expired kimbap for three days.
As he swiped the card, the customer sneered. "Look at you. Twenty-five years old and still scanning barcodes. My father's dog has a better life than you."
Kang-Dae kept his head down. He had learned long ago that pride was a luxury he couldn't afford. But as the customer walked out, a blue holographic screen suddenly floated in front of Kang-Dae's eyes.
[Target identified: Arrogant Heir.]
[System initializing... 100%!]
[Welcome, Host Kang-Dae. Would you like to humiliate your first target and claim your first 10,000,000 Won?]
[Option A: Do nothing. Reward: Continue being a loser.]
[Option B: Accept the quest 'The First Payback'. Reward: Instant Wealth & Body Reconstruction.]
With a shaking hand, he tapped Option B.
A sudden surge of heat exploded in Kang-Dae's chest. It felt like liquid fire racing through his veins. In seconds, his exhaustion vanished. His back straightened, and his muscles became lean and defined under his cheap uniform.
Buzz. Buzz. He pulled out his phone.
[KakaoBank] Balance: 10,000,240.00 KRW.
Just then, the rich kid came back. "Hey, loser! I forgot my lighter. Give me one for free."
Kang-Dae didn't flinch. He grabbed a premium gold-plated lighter and tossed it into the trash can. "The store is closed for you," Kang-Dae said, his voice deep. "Get out."
The kid lunged at him, but Kang-Dae caught his wrist in a grip like steel. "A bug?" Kang-Dae whispered. "I think you've got it backwards."
[Ding! Target Humiliated. Reward: Bronze Mystery Box obtained!]
[Extra Reward: You have gained ownership of this Convenience Store!]
Before the kid could react, his phone rang. It was the store owner, sounding terrified. "The deed for this location... it was just transferred to someone named Kang-Dae!"
Kang-Dae looked at the boy and smiled. "I told you. Get out of my store."