I pushed myself up, my body trembling. My hands—tiny, soft. My reflection in the mirror across the room confirmed it.
"…A child? No… a six-year-old kid."
My eyes shot open. The ceiling… it wasn't the cracked, moldy roof of my old apartment.
"This… this is my childhood home…!" I whispered.
I pushed myself up, trembling. My hands… tiny, soft. My reflection stared back at me.
"…A child? No… a six-year-old kid."
I shook my head. No… this isn't a dream. I really… went back.
Ding!
A translucent blue screen appeared before my eyes.
[System Notice]
Future knowledge is locked.
To unlock memories, Host must complete daily system tasks.
"Locked? Why… why can't I remember anything?" I muttered, clenching my tiny fists.
I heard a cheerful hum from the kitchen.
"Raon! Breakfast is ready!"
I turned and froze. My father… young, healthy, smiling. He flipped fish with practiced hands, packed rice into lunch boxes. No tubes, no exhaustion—just the dad I remembered from old family photos.
He looks so alive… so free… so happy. I never thought I'd see him like this again.
"Thanks, Dad. I'll be there soon," I said, my voice shaking slightly.
He glanced over and smiled warmly.
"You're already awake? Come eat before it gets cold."
I walked over slowly, watching him hum. He doesn't know what the future holds. He doesn't know about the debt, my accident… nothing. Just him, alive and healthy.
Father was still cooking, humming softly as the aroma of rice and fish filled the kitchen. I looked toward the small yard and dropped to the ground.
Time to finish these tasks.
"One… two… three…" My tiny arms shook violently. Push-ups done. Squats… burning legs… I counted every repetition.
Father doesn't even know I'm pushing myself like this. Perfect.
As I ran the 2 km around the yard, lungs burning, I let my thoughts wander.
Father… always worked so hard. Every drop of sweat, every long day, just to give me a life better than his. Mother… she passed when I was one. I barely remember her face, but I'll protect Dad. I'll honor Mom. Suwon… our small hometown… quiet streets, tiny shops, playgrounds… one day all of this will be mine to improve.
School… first grade, six years old, but my mind is thirty-seven. I can remember every detail of every street. Every opportunity. Every small business… every chance to grow.
Finally, I collapsed at the finish line. My small legs shook, sweat dripping down my face. Every muscle screamed.
Ding!
[System Notice]
Task Completed.
Rewards: +1 Body Stat, +2 Memory Fragments
Memory Fragment Unlocked: Small Investment Knowledge
Memory fragments… what are they really for? I asked aloud.
[System Response]
Memory Fragments are points earned from completing tasks.
Use them to unlock knowledge about small investments or major future events.
Small investments: 2 fragments each
Major events: 50 fragments
So… I can slowly gather points and use them to learn profitable opportunities. Piece by piece…
I wiped the sweat from my brow and glanced at Father, still humming in the kitchen.
"Dad…" I hesitated, then asked, "when I grow up… will we ever… be free from all the trouble?"
He paused, turning to me with a warm smile. "Raon… life isn't always easy. But as long as we work hard, help each other, and never give up, we'll be fine. You just focus on learning and growing. I'll handle the rest."
I'll protect him… I'll make sure he never suffers again.
"I'll do my best, Dad. I promise."
He ruffled my hair. "That's all I ask, son. Now, hurry up, or you'll be late for school."
[School Scene]
Six years old, first grade… but my mind is thirty-seven. My uniform hung slightly loose, shoes untied, yet every step was precise.
"Raon Jin, stop daydreaming!" my teacher scolded. I only nodded politely.
School is boring… but every street, every shop, every corner of Suwon is a potential opportunity. I'll remember it all.
[After School – Using Fragments and Computer]
As soon as I got home, Father was still cleaning dishes.
"I'll handle this, Dad," I said quietly.
I moved to the old desktop computer in the corner. Father had bought it second-hand just so I could learn how to use one properly. He didn't know much himself… perfect.
I opened the system interface and spent 2 memory fragments.
[System Notice]
Memory Fragment Used: 2
Knowledge Unlocked: Small Investment Tip
Company: Seongil Electronics
Expected growth: 5X in 2 months
500 dollars… small, careful… enough to test the system.
I logged into Father's account and typed in the transfer, making sure he wouldn't notice.
"Raon… focused on that computer again?" Father peeked over.
"Yes, Dad… just learning new things," I said casually, hiding my grin.
Step one… complete. Tiny investment done. Piece by piece, I'll change everything.