The Price of Survival
Chapter 5: The Price of Survival
Yuji didn't say anything. He just let Lyra cry.
Days passed, and the chemistry between them grew. It wasn't a romantic bond, at least not yet, but they had become close. They relied on each other. Their daily routine was simple—travel some distance, gather fruits and vegetables, and have Lyra cook them with her fire magic.
A month passed like this. They fought monsters, but nothing too dangerous—mostly goblins and a few stronger variants. Even Yuji, who had no combat skills, helped in fights, often acting as bait while Lyra struck the killing blows. He was getting used to this life, but deep inside, he knew it wasn't sustainable.
At night, they took turns sleeping for safety. And then, on the thirtieth night, something changed.
Yuji's skill finally unlocked.
> [System Notification]
Host's Ability: System Optimization – Active
Restriction: Target must willingly accept changes. Cannot be used without explicit consent.
Yuji was stunned. He had expected something broken, something truly godlike—but this restriction was a problem. He couldn't just modify Lyra's system without her knowing. Worse, he wasn't even allowed to tell her about his ability directly.
After testing it a few times, he gave up for the night. Instead, he decided to lie.
He told Lyra his system occupation was Shopkeeper.
It made sense—he couldn't fight, didn't have magic, and wasn't a warrior. And what was a shopkeeper but someone who "offered things" to others?
That night, as they reached the last part of the forest, Lyra finally spoke.
"Yuji, let's rest here for the night. Tomorrow, we'll finally leave this damned place."
Yuji nodded, watching as she lay down. He remained awake for the first shift, staring at her.
At first, she had been hesitant to sleep near him, wary of him being a man. Now, she fell asleep without hesitation, completely trusting him. It was a strange feeling. He had spent his entire life alone, but now there was someone who truly depended on him.
Maybe, just maybe, she would become his first girlfriend.
But this world was still a mystery.
Even after thirty days, he still had no answers. What was the Game of Gods? What were the nine worlds? Why had he been sent here? And why, despite Lyra's warnings, had they not encountered any real danger?
As if reading his thoughts, Lyra suddenly opened her eyes.
"Hey, Yuji. What's with that face?"
"…Just thinking," he replied. "Something feels off. You said this forest was dangerous, but we never really faced anything life-threatening."
Lyra frowned. "Yeah… you're right. This is one of the deadliest forests in this world. But maybe it's because of that phenomenon back then. The world merge might have changed things."
Yuji sighed. "I hope that's all it is."
"You're overthinking. Just get some sleep. In the morning, all your worries will be gone."
Yuji forced a smile. "Yeah… okay."
But fate had other plans.
---
Midnight.
Yuji's shift was over. He went to sleep, while Lyra took over.
Then—
BOOM!
The ground shattered beneath him.
Yuji's eyes snapped open as he felt the earth tremble. He looked around in a panic. "Lyra?!"
No response.
His heart pounded. He turned, scanning the area—then he saw her.
She was flying through the air, her body covered in blood, crashing violently into a tree.
His mind went blank.
"LYRA!!"
He sprinted toward her, heart hammering against his ribs. She was barely conscious, her lips trembling.
"Yuji… r-run… run west… my journey… ends here…"
Her weak voice made his chest tighten.
He turned his head.
A massive 10-foot-tall orc stood before him, its green skin glistening under the moonlight, its muscles bulging like steel cables.
Lyra coughed blood. "Yuji, please… run! If you stay, you'll die!"
"Shut up."
Yuji ignored her plea. He lifted her blood-soaked body, throwing her over his shoulder, and ran.
Her fists weakly pounded against his back. "I told you to run away alone!"
"Shut up," he repeated, voice firm. "You can curse me later—just stay quiet for now!"
The orc roared, shaking the forest, but Yuji didn't stop. He ducked behind a massive tree, trying to control his breathing.
Then—
A goblin jumped at him from the shadows.
STAB!
A rusty dagger pierced into his back.
Pain exploded through his body.
His knees buckled, blood dripping down his back. His vision blurred. Lyra, still barely conscious, gasped in horror.
"Yuji… why? Why didn't you leave me? You don't even know me…"
Yuji chuckled bitterly, tasting blood in his mouth.
"Because…" His voice was weak but teasing. "I don't want to lose a beautiful lady."
Lyra's eyes widened.
Then, before he lost all strength, he spoke the words that changed everything.
"Listen, Lyra. If I told you I could change your occupation… that I could turn you into a Witch of Fire or a Supreme Mage… could you kill that orc?"
She stared at him, stunned.
"Yuji… what are you talking about? You can't change occupations—"
He cut her off.
"Shut up, Lyra!" His voice was desperate, urgent. "I'll make you a supreme being—but you have to serve me for the rest of your life!"
Her breath hitched.
"What… what are you saying…?"
Yuji coughed, blood dripping from his mouth. "Lyra… what do you want? A Witch of Fire or a Supreme Mage?"
Before she could answer—
BOOM!
The orc swung its massive club, striking them both and sending them flying.
Yuji crashed into the ground, his body shattering in pain.
His vision blurred.
His limbs felt numb.
Lyra lay beside him, coughing up blood. Both of them were dying.
With the last of his strength, Yuji whispered, "Lyra… tell me… now…"
She clenched her teeth, tears in her eyes. Then, finally—
"Okay! Make me what you want!!"
Yuji didn't hesitate.
> [System Modification – Active]
Modifying Target: Lyra Moonwhisper
Basic Mage → Witch of Fire
His screen glitched violently as his vision turned black.
The last thing he saw… was fire.