By the time afternoon light slanted across the market lane, Jun had brewed nine cups.
Only two had gone to city workers.
The others? Curious pedestrians, a mother with her son, an old man with questions about beans. None counted toward the quest. None moved the progress bar.
[System Task – Brewing Territory]
Progress: 2/3 | Time Remaining: 35h 52m
His hands were starting to shake—not from nerves, but from hunger. He hadn't eaten since the night before.
He sat on the low planter again and leaned forward, elbows on knees, trying to breathe through the ache in his gut. His body was buzzing—not from caffeine, but from empty effort.
"One more cup," he told himself. "One more worker, and I get a permit. That's all I need."
He checked the plaza again. No uniforms. No city crews. Just the regular tide of Seoul moving fast and ignoring the tired guy with a coffee setup and too much hope.
His phone buzzed.
[Mina]: You alive?
[Mina]: I saw a photo on someone's story. You out here handing out free lattes like it's a cult?
[Mina]: I'm at the center. Come eat.
Jun stared at the screen for a moment.
Then he packed up.
The center was quieter than usual. The after-school program hadn't kicked off yet, and the usual noise was missing.
Mina met him by the kitchenette. She didn't say anything, just handed him a microwaved rice bowl and leaned against the counter.
Jun sat. Ate. Let his shoulders fall for the first time in hours.
"Is this part of the coffee plan?" she asked eventually.
Jun swallowed. "Yeah. It is."
She crossed her arms. "You going to explain?"
He looked up at her, then shook his head with a weak smile. "Let's just say I made a deal—with myself. No more shortcuts. If I'm gonna make it, it's gonna be cup by cup."
Mina studied him a second longer. "Weirdly noble."
Then, after a moment, she reached into her bag and pulled out a second rice bowl.
"Eat this too. Then go back out. You're not serving anyone if you collapse."
Jun smiled. "You're not going to ask for coffee?"
She shrugged. "I'll wait until you can sell it to me properly."
[Stamina Recovered – Light Meal Consumed]
[Temporary Buff – Clear Head]
Brewing precision slightly increased. Duration: 15 minutes.
He walked back out with lighter steps, the tote swinging behind him.
The sun was lower now. Shadows stretched longer. And standing near the park's tool shed was a woman in a neon safety vest and a city badge on her shoulder.
Jun approached.
"Afternoon," he said, setting down the tote. "I've got free coffee, no catch. Just appreciation for city workers."
She eyed the sign, then the gear, then him.
"Free?"
He nodded. "Promise."
She hesitated, then held out a hand. "One cup."
Jun brewed slowly, precisely, heartbeat steady.
As he poured, a faint alert shimmered in the corner of his vision:
[Buff Active – Clear Head]
Brewing accuracy enhanced. Time remaining: 15 minutes.
He handed her the drink.
She took a sip. Closed her eyes.
Nodded.
[Task Complete – Brewing Territory Secured]
3/3 city staff served. Conditions met.
+150 XP
Permit Granted – Temporary Public Brewing: Valid 3 Days
[New Task Unlocked – Inspector's Impression]
Jun stood still as the notifications rolled in.
Then smiled, for real this time.
It wasn't just a permit.
It was a foothold—and he'd earned every drop.