After leveling up, I immediately put one of my points into Agility.
Ryan Miller – Level 9
•Agility: 7 → 8
•Strength: 9
•Endurance: 8
•Resistance: 7 → 8
•Remaining Points: 6
The rest of the day passed just like any other. When I got home from the last school day of the week, I spent another point—this time on Resistance. Six points remained, and with the weekend finally here, I already had a goal in mind:
I needed to find a part-time job.
Becoming a professional football player wasn't cheap. Training, supplements, gear—they all cost money. And as much as Clara tried to provide for us, I couldn't bring myself to ask her for anything more. She was already doing too much.
Job Hunt
The next morning, I went out early. In this country, anyone under sixteen wasn't allowed to work full-time. Sure, I could work illegally, but with school and everything else, a legal part-time job was the safer, smarter option.
After checking several places, I finally got lucky. A small market beside a car wash needed a cashier. Four hours a day, from the weekend to Wednesday. The pay was 500 credits per day, which meant roughly 10,000 credits a month. Not bad at all—almost half of minimum wage. Enough to help with my long-term plans, especially the stat-boosting supplements I'd need in the future.
They told me to come back tomorrow to start.
Dinner with Clara
When I returned home, dusk had already settled. Clara came in not long after, and we sat down to eat. I took a breath and told her the news.
"I found a part-time job today," I said.
Her eyebrows immediately pulled together.
"Is the allowance I give you not enough?"
"No, it's not that," I answered quickly. "I just want to save some money… and buy a few things for myself. It could help with my future."
That last part was true. If I wanted to grow stronger, I needed resources. And resources cost money.
Clara's expression softened a little, though a hint of worry still lingered.
"You can work," she said softly, "but don't overdo it. I don't want it to affect your grades."
I understood why she was worried. My school wasn't anything special—an average public school where most students got in with mediocre grades. A few gifted kids were there, but they were all from wealthy families. Some rich parents sent their kids to public schools deliberately, so they wouldn't get too spoiled.
My dream was football. Academics weren't my main goal… but this wasn't the right time to tell Clara that. And honestly, having decent grades could still matter someday.
I gave her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry. I'll balance everything."
After dinner, I headed to my room.
Tomorrow would be the start of something new. A small step, but one toward the future I wanted.
I was ready to walk my own path.
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