Chapter 28

**Arc 2: Chapter 18 – Funding the Dream**

The hum of a busy coffee shop filled the air as Jae-min sat across from Yumi and So-ra. A thick binder full of financial projections and building plans lay open on the table between them. So-ra had insisted on double-checking everything before they moved forward with the esports hub.

"This is the most ambitious thing I've ever been a part of," So-ra admitted, flipping through the pages. "I mean, I've done mods, but this? This is… huge."

Yumi leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, a satisfied smirk on her face. "It is, but that's the point. If we're going to make a splash, we have to go big. No one remembers small plays in this industry."

Jae-min nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. The funding was still a problem—or at least, making it look natural was. The system's wealth could cover everything easily, but people would start asking questions if he suddenly produced hundreds of millions of won without a traceable source.

"Speaking of money," Yumi said, breaking his train of thought, "do we have an investor? Or do I need to start pitching this to potential sponsors?"

Jae-min hesitated, then pulled out his phone. "I've got that covered. Give me a day."

So-ra narrowed her eyes at him. "A day? Jae-min, this isn't pocket change we're talking about."

He smiled, trying to appear more confident than he felt. "Trust me on this."

---

Later that evening, Jae-min sat alone in his apartment, staring at the glowing system panel hovering in the air. Elyra appeared, her form shimmering into existence as she sat on the edge of his desk.

"You're thinking too hard," she said, tilting her head at him.

"This is serious," Jae-min replied, rubbing his temples. "I need to figure out a way to use the system's money without raising red flags."

Elyra grinned, clearly enjoying his struggle. "Why not make it look like an investment from someone else? The system can create shell companies, transfer funds, and even generate a paper trail if you want."

Jae-min blinked. "Wait, it can do all that?"

"Of course. Did you think I'd give you 1,000 quadrillion won and not include a way to spend it discreetly?"

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"Because it's more fun watching you squirm."

Jae-min groaned, but Elyra's explanation did solve his biggest problem. He pulled up the system interface and navigated to the financial tools. Sure enough, there was an option to create an investment firm.

**[Create Investment Firm: Input Name]**

He paused for a moment, then typed: **Elysian Ventures.**

Within seconds, a detailed profile of the firm appeared, complete with a backstory, financial records, and even a fake board of directors.

"Impressive," he muttered.

Elyra leaned over his shoulder, her hair brushing against his cheek. "See? Told you I'm useful."

Jae-min ignored her, transferring 600 million won into Elysian Ventures' account. The system generated a contract that made it look like the firm was investing in the esports hub as a high-potential startup.

"Done," he said, leaning back.

"You're welcome," Elyra said, flashing him a smug grin before vanishing.

---

The next day, Jae-min met Yumi and So-ra at the café again. He handed them a folder containing the investment documents.

"What's this?" Yumi asked, flipping through the pages.

"An investment from Elysian Ventures," Jae-min explained. "They specialize in funding tech and gaming startups. I pitched the idea to them, and they loved it."

So-ra looked skeptical. "You pitched this in one night? That doesn't sound like you."

Jae-min shrugged, playing it cool. "What can I say? I'm full of surprises."

Yumi's eyes lit up as she read through the terms. "This is perfect. With this backing, we can secure the location and start renovations immediately."

So-ra glanced at Jae-min, still unsure. "Are you sure about this? What's the catch?"

"No catch," Jae-min said, meeting her gaze. "It's a good deal for everyone."

After a moment, So-ra sighed and nodded. "Alright. Let's do it."

---

The rest of the day was a blur of activity. They finalized the lease for the building, hired contractors, and started drafting designs for the hub. Jae-min found himself swept up in the excitement, though Elyra's amused commentary in the background reminded him not to get too comfortable.

"You're getting better at this," she said as he reviewed some of the plans that night.

"At what?"

"At pretending you're a normal guy with normal resources."

Jae-min smirked. "Thanks, I guess."

Elyra leaned in close, her voice soft but teasing. "Just remember, you owe me for making this so easy."

He rolled his eyes. "What do you want, a thank-you card?"

She laughed, her presence fading as the system notified him of another task update.

**[Task Progress Update: Build the Foundation – 60% Complete]**

Jae-min closed the panel and leaned back in his chair. They were making progress, but he knew the hard part was just beginning.