Reward

Damien stood outside the glass doors of Starlite Media's building, heart thumping in his chest. A small digital chime echoed in his mind as the system spoke.

System: [Congratulations again, host! You have officially become a Starlite Media trainee!]

Thanks, system.

Damien felt relieved. Even though a new mission might be assigned soon, he would—nevertheless—fully relish in the feeling of having weight lifted off his shoulders. This was real. After countless auditions and sleepless nights, he had done it. He was in.

Just a few steps away, his proxy guardians—Yeong Taehyuk and Yeong Mina—watched him with proud yet cautious eyes. As Damien turned towards them, Taehyuk's usually stern face cracked into a grin. The man placed a hand on Damien's shoulder.

"Congratulations, Damien. Everything went smoothly." Taehyuk said.

Standing beside Taehyuk was Mina. She was beaming, pulling Damien into a quick and tight hug. "Congratulations!"

Damien returned the hug. "Thank you. I honestly wouldn't have been able to do it without your help."

Yeong Taehyuk eyes were gentle, but his tone became more serious. "The real challenge starts now, Damien. Being a trainee... It's not going to be easy."

"I know," Damien nodded. From his research and the system's own words, he knows what troubles he could face. But standing here right now, he felt a calm resolve that steadied him. "I'm ready for it."

Yeong Mina brushed a stray strand of hair from Damien's forehead, fussing, "Just promise us you'll take care of yourself, okay? Eat properly, get at least seven to eight hours, and... don't lose yourself in all this, alright?" Her concern made her brow knit slightly. "The entertainment industry can be cutthroat... intense."

Damien managed a reassuring smile. "I'll be careful. I promise."

Besides, I have you by my side, 110. I have an advantage that people don't.

The system stayed silent.

Then, the trio walked together where Taehyuk parked his car. Damien held the signed trainee contract and contemplated before handing to the couple.

"I believe you'll need this more than I do."

Mina recieved the contract. With a puzzled expression she said, "Why are you handing us the contract?"

"They've already sent the contract in my email." Then, he flashed a smile. "And I'm sure that my family would like to know the details. Besides, aren't you going to report to the Yeong family soon?"

Hearing his reply, Yeong Taehyuk's eyes widened. With an unbelieving laugh, he said, "You are truly take after your father, Damien."

"Really?"

Taehyuk's smiled. "Yes. When I met him for the first time... lets say he was quite the attentive type."

Is that supposed to be a good thing or a bad thing?

System: [This system does not know, host.]

As they reached the car, Taehyuk turned to face him one more time. This felt like a 'final moment' of sorts. "We're one call away if you need anything." Taehyuk's said firmly. His eyes, dark and steady, met Damien's. There was unspoken message there: we're here but it's your road to walk.

"Alright."

Taehyuk placed a hand on his back and ushered him forward. "Go on, get it. I'll drive."

The ride home was a mix of comfortable silence and light chatter. Yeong Mina talked about a few random things, including popular sights in Korea that Damien had to go to one day.

Finally, the car pulled up to his apartment.

Once he entered his home, he quickly locked the door and threw himself into bed. As he stared at the ceiling, he asked the system, "110, is the calculation complete yet?"

System: [Yes, host! Would you like to see it now?]

Damien nodded. Then, a semi-transparent screen popped up before him.

[Task Mission Complete!]

[Evaluating Mission Performance...]

[Calculating Reward...]

[Mission Rating: A]

[You have earned 800 points.]

His eyes widened at the number. 800 points. Even without the system spelling it out, he knew that was a high reward. In the years since the system had bound itself to him, most of the tasks he'd completed only fell into C. Getting an A-rank was out of his expectations.

"Hah!" Damien gave a laugh. "I could buy so many things in the shop with this. I wonder I should start off with..."

The system, sensing his happiness, spoke,

System: [Good job, host! I was informed by the main system that you were barely off from getting an S-rank mission completion.]

Hearing this, Damien turned his attention to the system. "Then, do you know what criteria I have to hit to get an S-rank?"

The system shook its body.

System: [This one doesn't know, host. But what this system does know is that getting an S-rank on a mission is quite rare.]

Recalling something, the system flew lower.

System: [The other systems that 110 has met would always brag about their host getting an S or A-rank...]

The system's robotic-like voice had a tinge of sadness to it.

Then as if the sadness was a mirage, the system perked up, brightly saying,

System: [But now, this system can brag too!]

Damien: "..."

To divert the topic, Damien lightly coughed and asked, "Do you know if there's another task mission assigned yet?"

System: [Not at the moment, host. I will notify you if any new missions are given.]

Damien nodded. "Alright."

He turned his attention back to the semi-transparent screen and looked at his balance. 800 points. He'd gained back his points from his two task missions sixteen years ago. A part of him was itching to use these points immediately. But another part, the cautious and strategic side, held him back.

What if he gained another task mission like his previous one?

He'd blown around 200 points in just one month.

Who's to say the next mission isn't worse?

In the end, he decided not to use it yet. Closing the interface with a thought, he sat up from his bed. Then, he heard his phone buzz. He picked it up to see a notification from his mail.

"Starlite Media?"

It was an email detailing about the orientation schedule for tomorrow.

"Orentation at 10 AM... Dress comfortably, bring ID, meeting with training coordinator..." he read out softly. They'd also attached a note about his school and living. Apparently, Starlite Media had already contacted his new school to arrange an adjusted timetable. Starting next week, he'd be allowed to leave regular classes a bit early to attend daily training sessions. He'd have to make up any missed coursework, of course, but they offered on-site tutors if needed.

Juggling school and training would be hard, but knowing the company had a plan in place was a relief. And if anything, he could rely on the system for help.

As for his residence, since he lived near the company. Starlite Media gave him the 'okay' to continue living in his apartment. This was a relief since he preferred living alone. Having roommates meant having his guard up 24/7. Besides, since he spoke to himself often (due to the system), wouldn't he be branded as crazy?

"I'd have to work on that..." Damien murmured. "But, Starlite Media does work fast..."

System: [Indeed, host. In just a few hours after the meeting, they've already arranged your schooling and schedule.]

Damien nodded. "They really are a good company."

…

The next morning, Damien arrived at Starlite Media's headquarters for the orientation…