The Act of Recognition

The warmth of the late spring sun filtered through the clouds, casting soft golden hues across the city park. The laughter of children echoed faintly, mingling with the rhythmic barking of dogs and the distant rustle of leaves dancing in the breeze.

Su Chen walked slowly down the stone path, his gaze sweeping across the crowds with a quiet intensity.

The mission echoed in his mind.

> [Objective: Earn your first recognition. Requirements: Complete a notable act witnessed by ten people. Reward: 1 Fame Point.]

It wasn't difficult, not really.

But it was precise.

It required witnesses. A public moment that would make someone pause—maybe even clap, point, or whisper, "Did you see that?"

The old Su Chen might have tried to fake it. Flash some wealth, throw money around, buy influence to create a show.

But that version of him was gone.

What he had now was experience.

The crowd was a blur of color and motion—joggers, office workers on break, elderly couples stretching, teenagers taking selfies, and young mothers chasing toddlers.

He took a seat on a nearby bench, his back straight, his posture alert. To anyone else, he looked like just another quiet man enjoying the afternoon.

But inside, he was studying. Waiting.

Five minutes passed. Ten.

Then something shifted.

He noticed a boy—no older than six—running toward the edge of the pond. A small kite trailed behind him, the wind lifting it into the air. The boy was laughing, his gaze fixed upward, unaware that his little feet were inches away from the mossy stone edge.

His mother, distracted by a phone call, was facing the other way.

Su Chen's body moved before thought could catch up.

He dashed across the grass, faster than anyone expected. Just as the boy's foot slipped and he teetered on the edge—

Su Chen grabbed him.

One firm motion. A swift pull.

The boy landed safely in his arms, startled but unhurt.

There was a moment of silence.

Then gasps. Whispers. Someone clapped.

The boy's mother rushed over, dropping her phone and nearly falling to her knees.

"Oh my god, thank you! Thank you! I—I didn't see—"

"It's alright," Su Chen said gently, placing the child back on his feet. "Just be careful next time."

He turned without waiting for gratitude, his eyes scanning the crowd.

At least fifteen people had witnessed it. Their expressions confirmed it—curiosity, admiration, a few even filming with their phones.

Then came the sound:

> [Ding! Mission Complete.] [You have earned 1 Fame Point.]

Su Chen stopped walking, letting the system message linger in his mind like a distant bell. A soft smile spread across his face.

It was a small victory.

But it was earned.

Not given.

He glanced up at the sky, the sunlight warming his face.

"One point closer," he murmured. "Let's see how far I can go… starting from nothing."

But as he took a step forward, another chime rang out—this one different.

> [System Notice: Fame Point threshold met.] [System Shop Unlocked.]

Su Chen blinked.

"…Shop?"

A small translucent interface appeared in the corner of his vision. It was modest compared to what he remembered from the dream. Only a few items were listed. All grayed out—except for one.

> [Beginner's Insight – Cost: 1 Fame Point]

He didn't hesitate.

"Purchase."

> [Item acquired: Beginner's Insight.] [Effect: Grants heightened intuition for one hour. Enables deeper understanding of one's environment, social cues, and hidden details.]

The effect surged through him like the first breath after a long dive. Suddenly, the park wasn't just a park.

He could see who was watching him. Who respected him. Who doubted him.

He noticed the old man sitting at the chess table alone, glancing wistfully at the empty seat across from him.

He noticed the street vendor rubbing his knee between customers, pain hidden behind a smile.

And he noticed, from the edge of the plaza, a man in a dark coat watching him too intently.

Not admiration.

Not curiosity.

But intent.

Su Chen's smile faded slightly.

So the game had already begun.

He turned away, his steps calm but his heart steady.

"Come, then," he whispered. "Let's see who moves first."