A New Beginning in the City

Chapter 8: A New Beginning in the City

The next morning, Yuji woke up feeling refreshed.

Their journey continued.

But unlike Lyra, he had no idea where to go.

He wasn't from this world.

So, he decided—he would follow her.

Lyra had a clear goal. "Let's go to the city."

And so, they traveled again for hours.

Through fields, past rivers, under the vast, open sky—until finally—

The City of Eldoria.

Yuji was speechless.

The towering stone walls stretched into the sky, reinforced with glowing runes that pulsed with magical energy. Enormous gates stood wide open, allowing a constant flow of merchants, travelers, and adventurers to enter and exit.

Guards clad in steel armor watched everyone carefully, ensuring no threats entered.

As Yuji and Lyra approached, the guards immediately blocked their path.

"Stop right there!" One of them raised a hand, his eyes narrowing. "You two… don't look safe to let in."

Yuji glanced at himself—his clothes were ripped, covered in dirt, bloodstains, and the lingering scent of the wild.

He looked at Lyra—she wasn't any better.

Before Yuji could say anything, Lyra reached into her torn robes and pulled out a small badge.

The moment the guard saw it—

His expression changed immediately.

"Y-You're…!" His eyes widened, and without hesitation, he stepped aside.

Lyra entered the city.

But Yuji?

The guard still blocked his path.

"He's with me," Lyra said firmly.

The guards hesitated, exchanging glances—then finally nodded, allowing Yuji to pass as well.

And just like that—

They entered the city.

---

The first thing Lyra said was, "We need to change clothes."

She led Yuji through the bustling streets of Eldoria, past towering buildings, vendors shouting their wares, and adventurers in gleaming armor.

Despite its beauty, Yuji could see the divide.

On one side—wealth and power. Nobles dressed in silk, carrying themselves with elegance.

On the other—struggle and hardship. Beggars, dirty and thin, lined the streets, ignored by the passing crowds.

This world, just like his own, had its own inequalities.

Eventually, Lyra led him to a large shop.

The moment she stepped inside—her expression softened.

Yuji followed her gaze to a woman behind the counter.

The woman froze the instant she saw Lyra.

Then—

She ran forward, pulling Lyra into a tight embrace, her body trembling.

"Lyra…!!"

Tears fell from her eyes as she held her tightly.

Yuji stood there awkwardly, watching as a text box appeared above the woman's head.

> [Expert Shopkeeper]

Can be upgraded to: Supreme Shopkeeper

System can be modified to: Basic Mage / Normal Soldier

His eyes narrowed.

This is new.

Unlike Lyra, this time, he wasn't just seeing upgradation—he was seeing modification paths.

He filed that information away for later.

---

After a moment, the woman noticed Yuji.

Still sniffling, she wiped her tears and asked, "Lyra… who's this boy?"

Lyra smiled softly. "My benefactor. If it weren't for him, I would be dead."

Yuji shrugged. "I'm alive because of her, too."

The woman—whose name was Salena—nodded slowly.

"Well, first things first—you both need a bath and clean clothes."

---

After almost two months, Yuji finally bathed properly.

The warm water soothed his sore body, washing away the grime and exhaustion.

When he stepped out—wearing fresh, well-fitted clothes—he felt like a new person.

Lyra emerged moments later, dressed in a simple yet elegant dress that suited her.

Seeing her like that, Yuji couldn't help but pause for a moment.

Lyra noticed his stare and smirked. "What? Never seen a woman before?"

Yuji chuckled. "Not one who actually looks clean."

She rolled her eyes but smiled.

---

That night, they sat on Salena's rooftop, enjoying a warm meal.

And for the first time—the real conversation began.

Salena sighed. "Lyra… I know what happened to your family."

Lyra froze.

Salena's voice was heavy. "I still can't believe it. Those bastards took your family's estate. And even the king himself backed them, saying:

'We don't need weaklings who can't even defend themselves.'"

Yuji clenched his fists.

Lyra didn't cry. But Yuji could see the pain in her eyes.

Salena looked frustrated. "I want to help… but I don't have any combat abilities. I didn't awaken a combat-type system."

Lyra took a deep breath, then smiled weakly.

"I know. We're all slaves to the system. But don't worry—I'm going to start a new life now."

Salena nodded. "That's good to hear."

Then—her eyes flickered to Yuji.

"And… what about him?" She smirked. "How did you two meet?"

Lyra grinned and began telling their story—

How Yuji was from another world.

How he had no combat abilities.

How they almost died together in the forest.

How they saved each other.

She left out two things:

The last battle against the orc.

Yuji's ability to change people's systems.

Yuji glanced at Lyra, understanding why she avoided mentioning it.

She had warned him before:

"If you use your ability wisely, you could become a king. But if the wrong people find out—you'll become a slave for the rest of your life."

He had asked her once, "Lyra, you know about my ability… how do I know you won't have bad intentions?"

She had smirked. "I'll always treat you as my king, master."

"Cut the crap," he had replied instantly.

She had just laughed.

---

Salena leaned back, processing everything.

"You two… really went through a lot."

She smiled warmly. "Don't worry. If you ever need help—I'll be here."

Lyra nodded. "Thanks."

Then she yawned. "We'll be leaving tomorrow. We just want to rest tonight."

Salena waved a hand. "This is your home, too. Stay as long as you want."

Then she hesitated. "But… I only have one bed."

Yuji raised a hand. "I'll sleep on the shop floor. It's fine."

Salena sighed. "Sorry about that. But if you can adjust, I don't mind."

And so, that night—Yuji slept on the floor.

---

The next morning—

Yuji and Lyra set out.

Their destination?

The Moon Whisper Estate.

Before leaving the forest, Lyra had told him:

"Yuji… I need to visit my family estate. One last time."

And Yuji had agreed.

Before leaving, Salena gave them money, new clothes, and a bag full of food.

Their short stay in the city had been warm and comforting.

And now—

Sitting inside a carriage, the wheels rolling along the dirt path—

Their journey to the Moon Whisper Estate began.