Harry Opportunity

The next morning, Harry woke up with a tight stretch of his hands, feeling refreshed. Then, he suddenly remembered something—There was a reward for publishing his first book.

"System," he called out.

A familiar mechanical voice responded.

[Yes, Host.]

"Show me the reward I gained from publishing my first book."

A notification popped up in front of him.

[Ding!

First Official Book Published – Reward: Subconscious Method Acting Talent]

Harry's eyes widened. "What? I gained a talent as a reward?"

[Yes, Host.]

"Explain 'Subconscious Method Acting' to me."

[Subconscious Method Acting: Automatically adapting to a character's mindset and personality without conscious effort.]

A grin spread across Harry's face. "Wow… Looks like I need to find an opportunity to act."

Though the excitement was fresh, he set the system aside and got ready for school. As he walked downstairs, Alex and Justin had already left, and he hurried after them.

Something felt different at school.

As Harry walked through the corridor, students were whispering and pointing at him.

"What's going on?" he muttered.

Just then, Angelina approached him from behind with a smirk.

"Oh, hi there, Mr. Popular."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "I know I'm popular in school, but why are you acting like this?"

Angelina folded her arms. "It's not just school anymore. You're famous all over America."

Harry blinked in confusion. "What? What happened?"

Angelina sighed dramatically. "You know Elias Thornfield, the famous author of The Forgotten King, right?"

"Yeah…?"

"Well, he recommended your book in a live interview, and it's going viral. Your book sales jumped from 20 copies to over 300 overnight—and it's still selling!"

Harry froze.

Elias Thornfield… That name was legendary in his past life.

In his previous world, The Forgotten King had exploded in popularity, and Elias had continued to dominate the literary world. Harry had always admired him.

But there was one question on his mind.

"Why would someone like Elias read a book from an unknown 12-year-old author?" he asked.

Angelina grinned. "Well, he's a friend of my dad. My father gave him a copy as a gift."

"Oh…" Harry processed the information. Then, an idea struck him.

"Angelina, do you think you can arrange for me to meet him? I'm a huge fan."

She shrugged. "I can ask my dad. No promises, though."

"Alright, let me know what he says."

After school, Harry returned home, eager to start writing his next book.

But before he could even pick up his pen, the doorbell rang, followed by a familiar voice.

"Harry! Are you home?" Angelina called out.

He rushed downstairs and opened the door. "What happened?"

Angelina grinned. "Good news—I asked my dad, and he agreed. You're meeting Elias today."

Harry's eyes lit up. "Wait, today?! Where?"

"My dad's office. Elias is coming in for a business meeting, and we'll meet him there."

"Then let's go!" Harry said, grabbing his jacket.

They arrived at Smith Multimedia Headquarters, where Angelina led Harry straight to Ryan's office. The staff recognized her and let them in without question.

Standing outside the door, Angelina knocked.

"Dad, it's me, Angelina!"

"Door's open. Come in," Ryan's voice came from inside.

As they stepped inside, Harry saw two older men sitting with Ryan.

Ryan gestured toward him. "This is the kid I was talking about—the author of Echoes of Ethan."

Elias Thornfield studied him carefully. "So, this is the young writer? He really is just a kid."

The other man, an older gentleman with a sharp gaze, nodded. "And this is the kid who wrote the book that blew your mind?"

Elias chuckled. "Yeah."

Sensing that they were talking about him, Harry stepped forward and introduced himself.

"Hi, my name is Harry Cullen, and I'm the author of Echoes of Ethan."

Ryan clapped his hands. "Right, I forgot to introduce everyone properly."

He pointed at Harry and Angelina. "This is Harry Cullen, and you all know my daughter, Angelina Smith."

Then, he gestured to the two men.

"This is Elias Thornfield, the famous author," Ryan said, before turning to the other man. "And this is Lucian Voss, the director who will be making The Forgotten King into a movie."

Harry's eyes widened.

Lucian Voss… That name was familiar.

In his past life, Lucian Voss had directed multiple blockbuster movies—before mysteriously disappearing from the limelight a few years later.

As they chatted, Harry overheard something interesting.

"So, you still haven't found a kid actor for the main role?" Elias asked Lucian.

Lucian sighed. "No. None of the kids who auditioned fit the role."

Without hesitation, Harry spoke up. "Can I try?"

Everyone turned to stare at him.

"Harry, are you joking?" Ryan asked, clearly surprised.

"Yeah, this isn't something you can just do," Angelina added.

But before anyone could object further, Lucian held up a hand. "Let him try."

Elias leaned forward, curious. "Alright, let's see what you've got."

Lucian handed Harry a small script.

What they didn't know was that, thanks to his Perfect Memory, Harry didn't need to read the script—he just had to glance at it for a few seconds.

Still, he pretended to take his time reading.

After a few moments, he looked up. "I'm ready."

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Already? You're sure?"

Harry nodded. "Let's do this."

Lucian sighed. "Alright. Action."

As soon as the word left his mouth, something changed in Harry's expression.

His Limitless Inspiration and Subconscious Method Acting activated, and he became the character.

(He stands still, fists clenched at his sides, his shoulders trembling ever so slightly. His voice, barely above a whisper, carries the weight of a heart burdened too soon.)

"They say I must be strong… that I must never cry, never be afraid…" (His breath catches. His eyes, shimmering with unshed tears, search the distance as if hoping to find an answer in the emptiness.) "But inside… I feel so small."

(For a moment, the silence is suffocating. Then, he exhales sharply, shaking his head. He lifts his gaze, something flickering behind the sadness—a spark refusing to be extinguished.)

"Then… let's train." (The wavering in his voice is gone. He takes a step forward, his entire posture shifting—no longer weighed down by doubt, but fueled by something deeper.) "I don't want to be a king who hides."

(The last words ring with quiet resolve. The fear is still there, but now, it stands alongside something greater. Determination. Will. A promise—to himself, to his people, to his future.)

Then, just as suddenly as it began, Harry returned to normal.

He looked at them expectantly. "How was that?"

The room was dead silent.

Then—

"Woah… you're a natural-born talent," Lucian finally said, breaking the silence.

"He really is," Elias agreed. "Not just in writing, but in acting too."

Angelina was still staring. "I didn't know you could act like that."

Harry smirked. "So… am I selected?"

Lucian scoffed. "'Selected'? If you don't get the role, then no one will."

Ryan crossed his arms. "Wait! You need your parents' permission first. Have your father come talk to me."

Harry nodded. "Alright, I'll talk to them."

After some casual conversation, Harry got Elias's autograph and then headed home—his mind racing with excitement.

A new opportunity had just opened up.