The soft glow of the city lights bled through the curtains as Akg lay back on his bed, hands behind his head, staring up at the ceiling.
He had just gotten home from one of the best afternoons in his new life—laughing with Shizuka, studying together, earning her trust.
And then... boom.
> Forbidden Quest: Conquer Yukiko Minamoto.
Reward: Hidden Skills, Route Upgrade, Forbidden Token.
His chest rose and fell slowly, his mind split between two faces:
Shizuka's warmth. Her gentle eyes, her playful grin.
Yukiko's grace. That elegance, the mature softness in her voice.
"I really am in a full-blown anime harem system," he muttered.
The system had stayed quiet since the quest popped. No hand-holding. No extra hints. Just a ticking countdown in his mind—3 days to make a subtle move.
He turned onto his side.
> "If I go for Yukiko, it could ruin everything with Shizuka."
"If I don't, I lose the one chance to unlock high-tier system rewards."
"But what if I keep both? Build trust with Shizuka first, then test Yukiko carefully... slowly."
He sighed, eyes narrowing.
"This isn't just a game. It's strategy."
Then his gaze drifted to the phone glowing beside him—his system wallet, flashing like a trophy:
Balance: ¥10,000,000
Akg let out a whistle. "Now that… is freedom."
Ideas poured in.
Investments?
Start a manga studio? Pay ghost artists and writers? Build his brand?
Luxury?
Impress with gifts—limited-edition gadgets, exclusive café reservations, or… a custom bento set for Shizuka?
Or maybe…
Preparation.
Train his skills. Hire a secret etiquette coach. Enroll in adult charm courses to build confidence for the forbidden route.
The possibilities were endless.
> DING!
System Tip: You may now access the "Anime King Shop"
Categories:
– Skill Training
– Social Tools
– Romance Items
– Secret Gadgets (Locked until Route 2 opens)
"System," Akg whispered, "you really want me to become a player, huh?"
> [Tip: You may also purchase "Dream Memory Playback" – relive any day in high definition before sleep. Cost: 10,000 Yen per night.]
Akg chuckled.
"Replay Shizuka laughing at my dumb bento drawing? Worth every yen."
He purchased it—and instantly, the world around him dimmed.
The bed, the lights, the city—they all faded into a soft, high-definition memory of that moment: Shizuka leaning in close, her cheeks slightly pink, eyes sparkling with amusement.
> "You're surprisingly funny," she'd said.
In that dream-space, Akg smiled to himself.
For now, he'd keep walking the line between love and ambition.
But soon…
He'd have to choose which heart to hold—and which one to risk breaking.