The Beginner Brewing Set wasn't glamorous.
In fact, Jun almost laughed when he pulled it from the system inventory.
A small ceramic dripper.
A battered hand grinder.
A portable metal kettle with a slight dent.
A canvas tote worn thin at the edges.
Nothing new.
Nothing shiny.
But everything he needed.
And all his.
He found a quiet corner at the edge of the market, near an old stone bench.
No customers.
No audience.
That was fine.
This brew wasn't for them.
It was for him.
He unpacked carefully.
Placed the dripper atop the mug.
Measured the beans by feel.
The hand grinder's rasp was uneven, but he turned it slowly, feeling each gear catch, each bean crack under the burr.
He heated water from a street vendor's thermos, paying a single Note for the privilege.
Not perfect.
But enough.
The first pour was slow.
He let the grounds bloom fully—watching them rise, alive with hidden energy.
The steam curled around his fingers.
The aroma hit soft—honey, stone fruit, a thread of cocoa.
For a moment, nothing else existed.
Just the cup.
Just the act.
[First Free Brew – System Validation]
[XP Gained: +20]
[Trait Reinforcement: Still Flow +2%]
He exhaled, slow and steady.
Poured the rest of the water, letting it spiral naturally through the bed.
The brew ran clear and steady.
No bitterness.
No rush.
Only motion.
He lifted the mug to his lips.
Tasted.
Not the best he could be.
Not the worst he feared.
Just honest.
A low cough startled him.
Jun turned.
A young boy, maybe eleven or twelve, stood awkwardly near the bench, hands shoved into the pockets of a hoodie two sizes too big.
He pointed at the mug.
Jun hesitated.
Then smiled.
He poured a second cup without a word and offered it.
The boy blinked.
Took it carefully.
Held it like something fragile.
Sipped.
And smiled.
Not wide.
Not loud.
Just real.
[Hidden Achievement Unlocked: First Shared Cup]
[Passive Buff Activated: Emotional Resonance – +1% Brewing Impact Range]
The boy gave a quick, shy nod—and disappeared into the crowd.
Jun stayed there, cradling his own cup, feeling the weight of it differently now.
Not heavier.
Not lighter.
Just... steadier.
Logged User: Stylsite08
Path: Stillness to Mastery
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Original work by Stylsite08.
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