Chapter 1: The Morning Quest
After recalling Thawin's memories, he realized it was currently the midterm break of his final year in high school.
Academically, there was nothing to worry about—Thawin's grades had always been good, and getting into a decent university wouldn't be a problem. The real issue, however, was money. The economy wasn't doing well, and his father's meager salary combined with his mother's small income from running a food stall barely covered the rising utility bills.
One might ask, "Why not apply for a scholarship or a student loan?"
The old Thawin probably would've done just that. But him? No. Even though he was confident he could easily win a scholarship, he disliked the hassle. As for student loans, he didn't want to be burdened with debt—and his parents wouldn't support that idea either. They didn't want their son to start life with chains of debt.
He opened the bankbook belonging to this body.
Balance: 23,500 baht.
"Quite the frugal and disciplined saver, huh?"
The reason the previous Thawin had saved this much was simple: he secretly worked part-time jobs—waiting tables, washing dishes, and whatever else he could find. He'd stashed away what little he earned, saving his allowance from school to lessen the burden on his parents. Whenever he needed to buy something essential, he wouldn't have to bother them.
For the old Thawin, this was a fortune. But for him? It felt pitifully small.
"This amount won't get me far… I'll need to make money somehow. But how, when I barely understand this world?"
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[Would you like me to make a suggestion, Host?]
"Go ahead."
[Ahem. Based on trends in time-travel fantasy novels, the two fastest ways to make money are: developing programs to sell, or buying lottery tickets.]
"…"
[And considering the Host's current Luck stat is extremely high, I recommend buying the lottery.]
"…."
[Today is the 13th. The draw is in three days.]
"Well, that's tempting. But where do I even buy tickets?"
[They're sold in front of the 7-Eleven near your house, or at the local market.]
"Alright then, tomorrow it is. For now, I need some sleep."
After saying that, Thawin grabbed his towel and headed to the bathroom for a shower before bed.
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04:40 A.M.
The old Thawin had always been an early riser, used to helping his mother shop for ingredients in the morning. Coincidentally, in his previous life he'd also loved waking up early to exercise. It was no surprise then, that his body naturally woke up at dawn.
Ding!
[Quest: Morning Jog – Run for 1 hour.
Reward: Enhanced Physique, 1x Charm-Boosting Potion (+5%)]
A translucent screen appeared before his eyes.
"Oh? There are quests like this too? Well, I was planning to exercise anyway. This works out nicely."
Though this body was considered handsome, he personally felt his past self had been far superior—borderline perfect, if he said so himself. Not that he was bragging, of course. Just stating the truth!
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05:10 A.M.
Instead of a gym—since there wasn't one nearby—he chose to jog at a public park not far from his house.
"Huff… hahh… damn, I'm exhausted." He wiped his sweat with the towel around his neck.
[Keep going, Host.] The monotonous system voice echoed in his head.
Sigh… How long will it take before I get used to this emotionless tone?
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06:13 A.M.
[Quest Complete: Morning Jog – 1 hour.
Rewards acquired: Enhanced Physique, 1x Charm-Boosting Potion (+5%).]
[Accept / Decline]
"Accept."
Shiiing! Thud!
"Whoa!"
Something dropped from the sky, and thanks to his reflexes he caught it just in time. It was a small glass vial filled with shimmering pink liquid.
"Wait, this actually materializes? What if I missed?!"
Panicked, he looked around to check if anyone had seen. Luckily, no one was nearby. Relieved, he glanced back at the vial in his hand.
"So… what do I do with this? Pour it on my face or something?"
[Err… you drink it, Host.]
"Oh, right." Without hesitation, he popped the cork and downed the potion in one gulp.
Not bad. It actually tasted pretty good.
[No wonder you died choking on a pearl in your past life, Host.]
"…Why's that?"
[Well… do you really want me to say it?]
"Out with it."
[Ahem. It's because… the system didn't think anyone could be this… slow.]
"…."
Stupid, foul-mouthed system!
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