And just like that, under Hikaru's multi-track operations, June swiftly came to an end.
This month, aside from purchasing the 30% Discount Coupon, he had spent most of his efforts focusing on stock manipulation.
After a month of careful investments, his four main stocks—excluding Ichinose—had all seen some degree of fluctuation.
On the last day of June, Hikaru sat at his desk, eyes fixed on his system interface.
At midnight, the [Trading Shop] would refresh, bringing in new items—an event he always looked forward to.
He was hoping for new tools or even attribute points that could enhance his long-term strategy.
Before that, he decided to review his current stock portfolio.
"Hmm… if I cash out now, I'll be making a lot of money."
Hikaru rubbed his chin.
Although Sakura's stock price had only risen once, he held a large quantity, making it highly profitable.
However, Hiyori and Kushida's stocks were still under 100 points, and liquidating them now felt like a waste.
It would be smarter to wait and see what new tools appeared before making any major decisions.
---
Midnight
As the clock struck 12:00 AM, a system notification popped up.
[New Month Unlocked! Trading Shop Items Refreshed—Check Now!]
[Trading Shop]
- Stock Analyzer
- Table Tennis Set
- Life Album
- Volleyball (Expert Level)
- Singing Proficiency (Master Level)
- Physical Ability
---
"!"
Seeing the refreshed item list, Hikaru's eyes widened in excitement.
It seemed saving his funds last month had been the right decision—July's Trading Shop had brought major surprises.
First, the Physical Ability Attribute—something he had been waiting for.
Although his stamina stat had already recovered to 5 points, he was still far from being outstanding.
Without using [Athletic Booster], increasing stamina through training alone required constant effort—and any slip in discipline could cause regression.
This was why buying direct attribute points was the most practical option.
Especially if he could use the discount coupon on it.
However, what intrigued him even more was a completely new item—
[Life Album]
Though it wasn't too expensive, its name alone piqued his curiosity.
Hikaru's gaze immediately locked onto it.
[Life Album]
A mystical album with the ability to predict the future. It captures a photographic glimpse of a random moment from the user's future life, offering a chance to anticipate upcoming events and mitigate risks.
"Predict the future?"
A grin slowly formed on Hikaru's lips.
As a transmigrator from another world, he had lived in this reality for over a decade.
Initially, his life plan had been straightforward—study hard, get into a prestigious university, and secure a stable career.
He had always wanted to repay his parents for raising him.
But after enrolling in this special school and awakening his system, his future had become far less certain.
Could he really graduate as Class A?
What would happen with all these girls he was managing?
Who would end up being the most important person in his life?
He wanted to know the answer.
Without hesitation, he spent 20,000 system funds to purchase it.
[Purchase Complete! Life Album Acquired!]
A heavy album suddenly materialized in his hands.
Hikaru lowered his head to examine it.
The cover design was simple—a plain white sleeve with two English words embossed on the front:
"Life Album."
Opening it, he found transparent photo sleeves inside—completely empty.
"Nothing's in here?"
Just as he muttered to himself, something suddenly changed.
A single photograph materialized in the first photo sleeve.
Hikaru wasted no time.
He pulled the photo out and examined it.
It depicted a woman holding a little girl's hand, both walking toward the entrance of an amusement park.
The woman's back was facing the camera, but she had long, flowing pink hair.
For some reason, it immediately made Hikaru think of Ichinose.
"What does this mean?"
Flipping the photo over, he found a handwritten note on the back.
Reading it, his expression changed drastically.
---
[Hashima Haruka's Summer Diary – June 15th]
"Today, I went to the amusement park with Mom. There's a scary haunted house, but I think I'll be okay since Mom is with me!"
"As for Dad… he said he had something important to do, so he told us he couldn't come today."
"But I know the truth—Dad was called away by one of his old high school classmates."
"That lady is really pretty! She has short chestnut-colored hair and always smiles so gently. Every time she visits, she brings me gifts."
"But… I still think Mom is prettier. She has a better figure too.
"So I don't understand… why does Dad always go with her when he could spend more time with us?"
"Mom seems to know this lady, but she never gets mad about it. So I won't care either. As long as Dad comes home every night to tell me bedtime stories, I'll be happy."
"I just wish one day Dad could come to the amusement park with me too."
---
"..."
Hikaru's expression became complicated.
If this really was a prediction of his future, then… this was bad news.
The little girl in the diary—Hashima Haruka—was most likely his daughter.
Her pink-haired mother… probably Ichinose Honami.
But who was the chestnut-haired "auntie" she mentioned?
Was it Kushida Kikyo?
…What kind of person was he going to become?!
~~~
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