My mom and dad finally realized I could increase my daily Coin Rate. They sat on the bed with me, both looking serious.
"Crayon," my dad said, his voice heavy, "I've got something to say to you."
"I know… I shouldn't tell anyone about this, or it could put my life in danger."
My dad nodded sharply, his eyes intense.
The whole vibe in the room felt like a bunch of business owners planning a massive expansion.
Then he opened his system. "Crayon, open yours too. I'm sending you 5,000 Coins. Use it to upgrade."
His fingers trembled before clicking the final button. He closed his eyes and tapped.
Ding!
The pixels lit up in front of me.
[You have received 5,000 Coins in your account]
[You now have enough Coins to upgrade your Coin Rate]
[Do you want to upgrade your Coin Rate?]
[Yes/No]
I stared at the system. This… this was our hope. Maybe our only hope to turn things around.
Click!
[You have spent 2 Coins]
[Congratulations! Your Coin Rate has increased to 1C/Day]
[Next upgrade: 5 Coins | 2C/Day]
[Balance: 4,998]
My dad bowed slightly and started muttering like he was praying to the System itself. My mom folded her hands like she was praying to the Goddess of Peace.
I didn't fully understand it all, but I knew I could keep leveling up.
I clicked again.
Click!
[You have spent 5 Coins]
[Coin Rate upgraded to 2C/Day]
[Next upgrade: 15 Coins | 4C/Day]
[Balance: 4,993]
I wanted to jump from excitement—but my body still hurt too much.
My mom and dad's eyes lit up.
"Upgrade more, Crayon. Keep going!"
The sadness on my face faded into a full smile. The system panel glowed in my eyes as I tapped again.
Click!
[You have spent 15 Coins]
[Coin Rate upgraded to 4C/Day]
[Next upgrade: 50 Coins | 8C/Day]
[Balance: 4,978]
Tears welled up in my mom's eyes. She used to think we'd die in poverty. But now…
Click!
[You have spent 50 Coins]
[Coin Rate upgraded to 8C/Day]
[Next upgrade: 150 Coins | 16C/Day]
[Balance: 4,928]
This had no end. I tapped again.
Click!
[You have spent 150 Coins]
[Coin Rate upgraded to 16C/Day]
[Next upgrade: 250 Coins | 32C/Day]
[Balance: 4,778]
"I… I'm finally not a loser anymore." I glanced at my parents, who looked back at me with pride.
But their expressions changed fast. Their bodies straightened up, eyes focused.
"Don't stop clicking," my dad said firmly. "Use all of it. Don't waste anything."
Click!
[You have spent 250 Coins]
[Coin Rate upgraded to 32C/Day]
[Next upgrade: 750 Coins | 64C/Day]
[Balance: 4,528]
This was already a solid income now.
Click!
[You have spent 750 Coins]
[Coin Rate upgraded to 64C/Day]
[Next upgrade: 2,500 Coins | 128C/Day]
[Balance: 3,778]
Click!
[You have spent 2,500 Coins]
[Coin Rate upgraded to 128C/Day]
[Next upgrade: 5,000 Coins | 256C/Day]
[Balance: 1,278]
128 Coins a day. That was huge. In our town, that's almost top-tier.
I smiled wide, already picturing a better life. But my parents were still serious.
"Dad, we can finally go back to town and live rich again!"
He shook his head hard. "No, Crayon. We can't waste any more Coins. We need to save and invest smart. Every Coin counts."
I nodded.
They both went off to work while I stayed behind. Mom brought me simple toast with jam for breakfast. I smiled as I ate. Even though it was humble, it tasted like a new beginning.
But the heat inside our home was brutal. We'd have to grow trees around to cool it down.
---
Hours later...
I dragged myself to the stairs. Every muscle ached, but I managed.
No one in the living room. No one in the kitchen. Upstairs? Empty.
I peeked out the window—and saw them. Mom and Dad were working outside under the blazing sun, plowing the dry earth.
I clenched my fists. I could still move. I stepped outside and joined them.
"Dad," I said, "let me help a little."
He stood tall, shovel in hand. Then gently placed his hand on my shoulder. "You need to rest, Crayon. Heal first. We'll go faster later."
I took the shovel anyway.
But as I gripped it, a muscle locked up in my arm. The pain shot through me so hard, I couldn't even scream. I clenched my jaw and shut my eyes.
Mom laughed. "Told you. Listen to your parents next time."
She took the shovel from me.
"Go sit and rest. You'll be fine by tomorrow."
But inside the house felt like a boiling pot. So I just sat on the doorstep and watched.
They were digging neatly, leaving walking space between rectangular plots. I remembered that—it helps water soak in and grow better crops.
---
Later...
Mom and Dad were exhausted. I wiped sweat off their faces, handed them water.
They came inside and collapsed on the couch.
Cough! Cough! Cough!
Dust exploded off the cushions. That couch hadn't been cleaned in years.
I wanted to ask where they even got this thing, but… this was home now.
---
At night...
We had a basic dinner. Each meal cost 4 Coins, so we kept it light.
Dad went outside to water the field under the stars. The night air was cool—unlike the boiling day.
That was our second day.
---
Morning...
I woke up with a little less pain. First thing I did?
Opened the system.
[User: Crayon Warfare]
[Balance: 1,406]
Yes! 128 Coins in one day.
I headed downstairs. Dad was deep into his system, scrolling with focus.
"Crayon! Come here," he said.
I looked over his shoulder.
"Which of these grass seeds should we get for our situation?"
I scanned the options. Then pointed to one. "Right here. Best value and potential."
Dad nodded and bought it.
Then we stepped outside—ready to start our first plantation.
To be continued…