18 - Sleepless from the Bill
I couldn't sleep. Changing beds always did that to me. Even in my past life, insomnia had been my constant companion, but I'd never found it uncomfortable.
"I thought you'd vanished somewhere again. You slept in the capsule instead of the bed?"
Cheon Professor handed me a piece of toast slathered with strawberry jam as he asked.
"The capsule's more comfortable..."
The mystery box in that unidentified package turned out to be a virtual reality capsule. It looked well-used, like something he'd kept around from the old days instead of tossing it.
"I'm sorry I can't stay with you until the end of the week because of work. I'll be back before dinner at the latest, so is takeout okay for lunch?"
"I like takeout."
I'd never tried it at the orphanage. I was curious about the taste.
Cheon Professor kept apologizing profusely about how far the university was from his house as he headed out. He didn't need to mention my bunny-ear pajamas on his way out, though.
After he left, I savored the toast he'd made, enjoying a real breakfast for the first time in ages.
So, what do I do now?
Suddenly, time hung empty. Winter break hadn't ended, so no school. No need to grind streams for cash anymore. Or maybe I shouldn't rely on him for everything—should I try earning potion money at least?
Drifting through waves of random thoughts, I remembered takeout and decided to search it up.
'Chicken, pizza, tteokbokki, cold noodles... Kimchi pizza?'
Familiar foods from my past life mixed with unknown ones. I wasn't ordering yet—just checking how it worked—so I entered the card number into the AI.
Sehan Card registered: Already registered card.
Owner verification in progress: NoName confirmed.
I figured since it recognized me as Cheon Kyujin's family, nothing special would happen.
But right then—
A chilling message hit my phone.
"Wh-what the hell...?"
For a split second, I thought it was phishing, but the official format and certification mark killed any doubt. With trembling hands, I checked the details.
3rd Circle Transmutation Circle 'Lithography' and 3 multi-magic uses
It was the magic I'd demonstrated for Arin back then. I'd heard at school that using 2nd Circle or higher mana required a fee, but since I could handle mana freely, I'd assumed it only applied to specific spells.
Staring at the nearly 500,000 won bill, my vision went dark.
It's the 23rd, Monday... pay by next Tuesday?
Where was I supposed to get that kind of money?
Ah...!
The card from Cheon Professor. Did the state assume I could pay?
But I couldn't bring myself to use the card he'd given me just for lunch on this massive amount.
"No way. I have to earn it myself."
Time to think, Nami. What's that genius brain for?
I'm a minor, so no loans. And I had a bad history with private lenders anyway—didn't want to get tangled up.
Streaming was the only option, but even on good days, I barely made under 50,000 won. Eight straight days would get me 400,000—still short.
But no other choice.
The secondhand capsule we'd pulled an all-nighter in flickered in my vision. What a fateful contraption.
I hopped in without another thought.
₩500,000 (0%)
"Hello."
"Yes."
"Due next week."
"It's pretty urgent."
'GhostingIsMyHobby' donated 1,000 won!
₩1,000 / ₩500,000 (0.2%)
"I'll consider it."
'SaveTheGradStudent' donated 1,000 won!
"Yeah."
A bit tricky. Viewers were right—games were essential for Twitch streamers. Just Chatting was way less common here than other platforms.
Couldn't switch platforms now... so I decided to trust the crowd's wisdom. Like a quiz show panel using audience vote.
"What would make you donate?"
Not helpful. Time for friend lifeline.
Sent to the only online friend. Might be slow since she's gaming.
But surprisingly quick reply. She even quit her game.
"Need money urgently."
"Covering screen for a bit, bear with me."
A summoning circle unfolded.
"Hey!"
A woman with a pink ponytail grabbed my shoulders and shook violently.
"Where've you been without logging in? Leaving weird messages!"
Nickname 'HyejiNightFalls'. Real name: Yoo Sia. Heavenly user who flirts with male streamers on alts.
But none of that mattered. She was a precious clanmate. Always there, even when I couldn't speak or move.
"I'm back. Sorry for no contact."
"Ditching the mute concept? Smart! We named you right!"
"Not Neim. Sia. It's Nami. NoName."
"Call you Nami?"
"Yeah. That's my name."
"Whatever."
Sia brushed it off. Probably thought I was joking, like always.
"Got tons to ask. Where were you? Why VR now?"
She fiddled with my hair—stroking, twirling. Her usual greeting habit.
"Stuff happened. Went to school, got a home."
"You're a student too? Knew you seemed young. Pyo Min-jun was dying calling you 'old man'."
"Don't care."
"Suits you. But what's this money thing?"
"Used magic recklessly. Gotta pay fee..."
"How much exactly?"
"About 481,738 won."
"What'd you do?!"
Sia plopped me on her lap to chat. My shoulders lifted, body floating into her embrace.
"Anyway, need cash? Duo rank up with me? Nothing beats tier climbing for money. You're still Bronze."
"Will people pay?"
"Stream share my account—plenty viewers. I need comeback anyway. But wanna talk whole time—cool?"
"Fine. Not too personal."
"Sweet! Strike while iron hot—start today? I'll announce collab, tell your chat too. Lunch after, share at 1. No backing out!"
The tomboy pinkhead vanished after her piece. Classic Sia. Extra hyper today.
Games... Better think of it as a date with her. Had to brainwash myself that way.
"I'm back."
"Collab on LoL today. With 'HyejiNightFalls'—maybe climb to Master together."
Chat vibe suspicious. Guess I misjudged.
"Grandmaster then...? Challenger?"