February 28, 2023, 10:00 AM - Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines - Daniel's apartment
Daniel had sent out several job applications over the last few days and had even gone through a couple of job interviews. However, he hadn't received any job offers yet. He felt his anxiety levels increase with every passing moment.
Daniel was sitting in his small apartment feeling a sense of despair. He had spent the past few days cooped up inside, sending out job applications and going through online interviews. He had hoped to land a job soon, but it seemed like no one was interested in hiring him.
The situation was made worse when his landlord came knocking at his door, asking for the month's rent. Daniel explained his situation to him, but the landlord was unyielding. He needed the rent money or else he would be forced to evict Daniel.
As if that wasn't enough, the electric and water bills arrived, and he realized that he had no money to pay for them. He felt like the world was closing in on him, and there was no way out.
Feeling hungry, Daniel went to his fridge to see if he had anything to eat. He was disappointed to find only a few instant noodles left in it and nothing else that could make a decent meal. He had no cash to buy groceries for the next few days.
The pressure was mounting, and Daniel was starting to feel the effects of stress. He couldn't sleep, and his thoughts were consumed by the mounting bills and his inability to pay them. It was a never-ending cycle of stress and worry.
Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, he received an email from Ms. Rose Anne, the HR representative at The Metro Times TV. It stated that his last payment would be released only after at least a month. This news hit him hard. He had been counting on that money to pay his bills and rent. Now, he was left with no options.
Feeling desperate and alone, Daniel wondered how he would survive the next few weeks. He knew he had to find a solution soon, or else he would be out on the streets. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. He knew he had to stay focused and find a way out of this mess.
With all the pressure and stress getting into his head, Daniel decided to get a breath of fresh air and walk around. He needed to clear his head and get away from the stress of his small apartment. He decided to go to SM North Edsa, to walk around for a bit.
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February 28, 2023, 10:00 AM - North Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines - SM North Edsa
As he walked around the mall, he couldn't help but feel a bit envious of the people around him who seemed to be living their lives without a care in the world. He wished he could be one of them, but his financial situation made it impossible.
Just as he was about to exit the mall to go back home, he saw his girlfriend, Judy. She was with another guy, and they seemed sweet to each other. Daniel couldn't believe his eyes. He stood there, frozen, as he watched them walk by.
When Judy saw Daniel, she was flustered and surprised. She asked why he wasn't at work, not realizing that he had already resigned. The guy with Judy then asked, "Babe, who is this guy?"
Daniel felt a wave of anger wash over him. He couldn't believe that Judy was with someone else, especially after all they had been through together. He didn't know what to say, so he just turned around and walked away.
As he walked out of the mall, he felt a mix of emotions. He was angry, hurt, and betrayed. He couldn't believe that Judy would do something like this to him. He had given her everything, and now it seemed like she had moved on without a second thought.
Daniel knew that he had to confront Judy about what he saw, but he also knew that it would be a difficult conversation. He needed time to think about what he wanted to say and how he wanted to approach the situation.
For the rest of the day, Daniel was lost in thought. He couldn't focus on anything else but what he had seen at the mall. He knew that he had to talk to Judy and get some answers, but he also knew that it wouldn't be easy.
Daniel was still lost in thought when he received a text message from Judy. His heart raced as he read her message. "Daniel, we need to talk. Can we meet up later?"
Daniel's first thought was that Judy wanted to talk about what had happened at the mall. He was nervous about confronting her, but he knew that he needed answers. He agreed to meet her later that evening.
As he waited for Judy, Daniel's mind raced with all sorts of thoughts. He wondered what she was going to say and how he was going to react. He had never felt so anxious and nervous before.
When Judy arrived, Daniel could tell that something was wrong. She looked sad and distant as if she had something on her mind. He took a deep breath and asked, "What's going on?"
Judy hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Daniel, I think we need to break up."
Daniel felt a surge of anger and betrayal. He couldn't believe that Judy would do this to him, especially after everything they had been through. "Why?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.
Judy looked down at her feet, unable to meet Daniel's gaze. "I just think that I deserve someone better overall. Someone who can provide for me and take care of me."
Daniel felt like he had been punched in the gut. He couldn't believe that Judy was breaking up with him.
As Daniel tried to process Judy's words, he felt a wave of emotions wash over him. He was hurt, angry, and confused all at once. He couldn't understand why Judy would break up with him after all they had been through.
"I don't understand," he said, his voice shaking. "We've been through so much together. Why would you just throw it all away like this?"
Judy looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry, Daniel. I really am. But I just can't do this anymore. I need someone who can take care of me and provide for me. Besides I'm already seeing someone else."
He couldn't believe that she would leave him for someone else, especially after all they had been through together. He asked, "Who is he!? Is it the guy I saw you with earlier!?"
Judy looked down and then nodded her head. "Yes, his name is JM Gonzales. He's a businessman, and he's very successful. He has his own small business, and he can provide me with everything I need."
Daniel felt a mix of emotions. He was angry at Judy for leaving him, hurt that she would choose someone else over him, and jealous of JM for being able to provide for her in ways that he couldn't. Daniel did not say anything else after that. He just walked away and left.
March 3, 2023, 3 PM - Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines - Daniel's ApartmentDaniel lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. It had been three days since his breakup with Judy and six days since he had resigned from his job. He felt empty like all his motivation had been drained from him. He couldn't find any reason to get out of bed, let alone apply for jobs.Despite his lack of motivation, Daniel still kept applying for new jobs. He couldn't explain why he was doing it; he just kept aimlessly scrolling on LinkedIn, clicking on job posting after job posting. It was as if he was going through the motions, hoping that something would change, but not believing that it would.Daniel's body was weak, and he hadn't eaten or drunk anything for the past three days. He was dizzy, and his mind felt foggy. The stress, problems, and pressure were overwhelming him. He felt like he was drowning, and there was no one there to save him.As Daniel lay there, he received a notification on his phone. It w
March 3, 2023, 11:30 PM - Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines - Daniel's ApartmentDaniel felt as though he was about to pass out, his body exhausted and his mind weary from the constant battles he had been facing. But as he closed his eyes, a flash of light and a strange sensation passed through his body, and he heard a robotic yet commanding female voice inside his head."Prerequisites for Overcome System Achieved," the voice said."Bounding system to the host.""Bounding successful.""Welcome to the Overcome system! Overcome!"Daniel was bewildered, wondering if he was dreaming or hallucinating. He looked down and saw a semi-translucent panel in front of him, reading "Welcome to the Overcome system! Overcome!".Suddenly, he felt as if something was being bound to him, and he couldn't move his body. He felt an invisible force being connected to him, like an extra limb but at the same time, he can't really explain the feeling of it. The voice spoke again, "Please remain still while
March 4, 2023, 5 AM - Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines - Daniel's Apartment*Ding!*"The first mission is being assigned."Daniel was jolted awake once more due to the sound of the notification that appeared in his mind. Although he has already accepted the existence of the system he is still not used to it and is still trying to adjust to it being with him."Take care of yourself," the system had instructed him.Daniel couldn't believe it. "That's it?" he muttered to himself.The system responded immediately, "Yes, your well-being is the foundation of overcoming everything."Daniel was bewildered. He had expected a more challenging mission, something that would test his skills and intelligence. But as he thought about it, he realized that the system had a point. If he wasn't healthy, he wouldn't be able to tackle more difficult challenges in the future."So, what do I have to do?" he asked the system."You must improve your Physical, Emotional, and Mental well-being in the next se
March 5, 2023, 5 AM - Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Quezon Memorial CircleDaniel slept soundly the previous night and woke up feeling refreshed and energized.*Ding!*"7 Hours of sleep was achieved. The system has recorded your progress," the system announced right after Daniel woke up.Daniel smiled at the already-becoming familiar sound and felt even more motivated to start his day. But he suddenly thought that it might sound strange if he referred to the voice as a "system" in public."Hey, is there a different name I can call you when other people are around? Maybe something I can pretend like an AI assistant from my phone?" Daniel asked the voice.After a brief pause, the voice replied, "You can call me Sampaguita."Daniel chuckled to himself. It was a relief to have a name to use instead of referring to the voice as "system." He got out of bed, ready to start his day with Sampaguita's guidance.He checked his phone and saw that it was only 4:45 AM. He kne
March 5, 2023, 9:30 AM - Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines - On the Road to Vertis NorthDaniel sat in the car, scrolling through his phone, and watching some TikTok videos as they made their way to Vertis North. The area where the condominium building was located wasn't really that far from Daniel's old apartment; it was just that there was almost always traffic in these parts (and even most parts of Metro Manila). While watching a video of newborn birds being fed worms, he felt his phone vibrate. Checking the notifications, he saw that it was a reply from Molly."Hi, Daniel! Sorry for the late reply. I just woke up actually. :) Yes, I am free later today. I don't mind hanging out. What do you have in mind for later?" Molly said through chat.Daniel's heart skipped a beat as he read Molly's message. He was about to type in his reply, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. It was his mother, so he immediately picked up the call."Hi, Ma," Daniel said, trying to sound casua
March 5, 2023, 10:00 AM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Penthouse Unit 001The elevator doors opened to reveal a stylish and artfully decorated hallway that greeted Daniel as he stepped out. Paintings hung on the walls, each with its unique style, while sculptures were tastefully placed in every corner. The hallway's simple yet elegant design was carefully thought out, with clean lines and a muted color scheme that added to the sophisticated ambiance of the penthouse.As Daniel approached his unit's door, he took out his key card to unlock it. However, he paused mid-insertion and retracted the card, suddenly struck with a thought. Setting his bags down beside the door, he took out his phone and opened the Grab app to order groceries. With a few taps, he selected some snacks and frozen goods and added a 5 kg sack of rice and a 1/2 kg bag of salt to the cart. Additionally, he ordered two appropriately sized containers to store the rice and salt.He recalled his mothe
March 5, 2023, 1:00 PM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Penthouse Unit 001After finishing his lunch and taking a refreshing nap, Daniel woke up feeling rejuvenated. He checked his phone for any new messages and found a message from Molly."Hey, Daniel. I'm on my way to Ayala Vertis Mall now," Molly said through chat via Facebook Messenger.Daniel replied to Molly's message, "Hey Molly, just woke up from a short nap. I'll be ready in a few minutes."Daniel thought about the motorcycle reward he just received from the system, and typed another message to Molly "By the way, where are you coming from? Do you want me to pick you up?"Molly quickly responded, "Thanks for the offer, Daniel. I live around Muñoz, Quezon City. It's just one ride away to Vertis North. I'll be fine.""Alright, See you then. Just let me know when you're almost here," Daniel replied.After their short conversation, Daniel made his way to the bathroom to freshen up. He took a quick shower and go
March 5, 2023, 3:00 PM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Ayala Malls Vertis NorthDaniel's heart sank as a familiar voice pierced through the air, instantly sending a mix of unease and apprehension settling in his gut. He turned, and there she was—Judee, walking towards him with JM by her side. It was the voice he had hoped to never hear again."Daniel? Is that you?" Judee's grin widened as she saw Daniel's discomfort. Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.Turning, they both saw Judee walking towards them with JM by her side. Daniel felt a knot forming in his stomach as he forced a polite smile. "Hey, Judee. How are you?"Judee's grin widened as she saw Daniel's discomfort. "I'm doing great! Look, JM just bought me an Armani watch worth Php. 16,000!" She paused, noticing Daniel's watch. "Oh, I see you're still wearing that cheap watch. Some things never change, I guess."*Ding!*Suddenly, Sampaguita's robotic voice interrupted Daniel's thoughts."Major Mission