Arion slowly opened his eyes to find himself in a simple white room filled with the faint scent of medicinal herbs. The ceiling wasn't the old, creaking wood of his childhood home, but smooth, polished stone. He tried to sit up—and felt a surge of energy rush through his veins. Pain was no longer his companion; instead, an unfamiliar vigor filled him.
Ding~
A system window flickered before his eyes, flashing updates that his exhausted mind struggled to process:
> Body Memory Activated!
Your body has adapted to severe physical and brain injuries.
You'll gain increased resistance to similar hits in the future.
Pain will be reduced by 50%.
Mental damage reduced by the same amount!
Physical damage reduced by 25%.
The window faded—only to be replaced by another, bombarding his awakening mind.
Ding~
> [Quest: Spare Malakai – Failed]
[Quest: Fist of Wrath – Success]
Ding~
> [Level Up: Congratulations! You've reached Level 3!]
HP: 200/200 → 300/300
Mana: 100/100 → 150/150
You have 10 Attribute Points!
Skill Upgraded: Beginner Fire Spark → Intermediate Fire Spark
Description: Fires 4 sparks within five seconds for the same mana cost (5 Mana per use).
New Skill Acquired: Sprint (Run 10% faster with less fatigue).
Skill Evolved: Sprint → Enhanced Sprint (Run 20% faster with even less fatigue).
New Title Acquired: Survivor!
Grants courage during fear and reduces mental attacks' impact.
Ding~
> [Your body is now in peak condition due to excellent healing, a first for you. As a result, you've gained temporary boosts to agility and strength. Note: This will not recur unless you receive even greater treatment.]
"This… this is amazing," Arion murmured to himself, eyes gleaming with a spark they hadn't held in years. "Finally, this crazy game gives me something back!"
He rushed to the system window to assign his ten new points—a defining moment to build his true self in this unforgiving world.
> [Available Attribute Points: 10]
"My body's stronger thanks to Body Memory and the Survivor Title, but I need real power in close combat," he thought, ignoring any embarrassment about standing there in only his underclothes—Elyan had changed him for treatment anyway.
Arion decided carefully:
5 points to Strength for higher attack power.
3 points to Agility for better speed and evasion.
2 points to Intelligence to boost his mana.
Ding~
> [Points successfully allocated!]
Strength: 10 (+5)
Agility: 7 (+3)
Intelligence: 11 (+2)
[Current Status]
HP: 300/300
Mana: 180/180
"Oh, so the max Mana increased!" Arion noticed, a sly grin on his lips. "So Intelligence boosts Mana! Stupid system! You could've told me that the first time—would've saved me plenty of guesswork!"
His irritation with the system was fleeting. "No matter. Now I have more Mana—meaning more fire! It's time for payback!"
Just then, the door opened and Elyan, the young healer, stepped in carrying a small bowl. Her hands froze midair when she saw Arion standing there fully awake, looking healthy. Her eyes widened in genuine shock.
"You… you're awake!" Elyan said, her voice a mix of disbelief and relief. "I didn't think you'd wake up. It's been two whole weeks!"
Arion paused a moment. Elyan—a young woman with dark hair cascading over her shoulders, wide green eyes, and soft, striking features. He felt a flicker of embarrassment at standing there half-dressed—an unfamiliar feeling for him—but forced himself to appear unbothered.
"Thank you for everything, miss," Arion said calmly. "I'm grateful you took care of me and my siblings. Are they alright?" He gestured to the two children still sleeping peacefully on the other beds.
"They're perfectly fine," Elyan said with a reassuring smile. "They've slept well since you arrived. I cleansed and healed them from shock and exhaustion."
Arion let out a genuine sigh of relief. "I owe you a great debt, Healer Elyan."
Elyan noticed the change in his tone—respectful yet holding an edge of quiet resolve. "No need to thank me, sir. It's my duty. But… there's so much I need to ask. How did you end up here like this?"
Arion ignored her question for the moment, calculating costs in his mind. "Before anything else—I want to know… how much does this treatment and caring for my siblings cost?" His tone was serious; he knew well that care like this in a fortified city wasn't cheap.
Elyan's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't expected that. "You don't need to worry about that, sir. I did it out of duty and compassion. I'm the city's chief healer—I don't charge for saving lives."
"What?!" Arion's eyes bulged. "You don't take payment? That's… that's insane! It can't be free!"
It felt like lightning striking him. "Chief Healer?! That means she's the best—and the most expensive! If she charged 50 coppers per day per person… that's 14 days times 50—700 coppers! For three people—2,100 coppers! I owe her 2,100 coppers!"
"Damn you, stupid system!" Arion grumbled under his breath, almost loud enough to be heard. "And you, Elyan—stone-hearted angel! Why won't you take money? You want me to be in your debt forever?"
"No, sir. I don't accept payment," Elyan repeated with a kind smile.
Arion sighed. He hated owing anyone. She had saved his life—and his siblings'. He couldn't leave it at that.
"I insist," Arion said firmly, pulling a pouch from his inventory—152 coppers left after his last supplies. "This is all I have now. It's yours. I'll pay the rest as soon as I can—I promise."
Elyan looked at the coin pouch, then at Arion's serious face. She nodded slowly. "Alright, sir. I'll keep it as a deposit until you're fully recovered. But it's not for the treatment."
"It's a debt," Arion said gravely. "And my debt will be paid in full."
While Arion and Elyan spoke, faint stirring sounds came from the corner. Leora and Kalin, woken by their voices, rubbed their eyes and looked around in sleepy confusion.
Leora sat up slowly, her green eyes fixed on Arion—then on Elyan. "Brother… you're awake!" she cried, rushing to him with Kalin following, grinning wide.
Arion hugged the children tightly, warmth flooding him. "Yes, little ones. I'm here. I'm alright." This feeling of responsibility and new-found love pushed him forward more than ever.
"You're the kind healer!" Kalin said, waving his tiny hand at Elyan. "Are you a witch?"
Elyan chuckled softly. "Something like that, little one. I use magic to help people heal."
"Did you save my brother?" Leora asked, her eyes brimming with gratitude.
"Yes. He was so tired, but very strong," Elyan answered, glancing at Arion with an intrigued look.
The children sat beside Arion, excitedly telling him about their tiny adventures in the clinic and how Elyan cared for them. Arion listened closely, a strange warmth blooming in his chest seeing them safe and happy.
When they settled down, Arion turned to Elyan. "Listen, Healer Elyan. I know I have much to explain—but first, I need clothes and to understand this city. Also—what day is it today?"
Elyan smiled. "Of course. Today is the nineteenth of the seventh month—known here as the Month of Healing. And yes, we can get you decent clothes. As for the city, you're in Arcadia—one of the largest fortified cities in the kingdom."
"Arcadia…" Arion murmured. The name felt unfamiliar—unlike any game he'd known. "Good. I'll need your help to learn more about this city—and to find work. Work to pay my debt and secure my siblings' future."
Elyan's eyes widened a little. "Work? Here in Arcadia?" She seemed slightly surprised.
"Yes," Arion said firmly. "I don't shy away from obligations. But first—could I borrow some proper clothes? I can't go out like this."
Elyan laughed softly. "Of course. I'll get you something clean from our donation chest. Then we can talk about everything."
After changing into simple clean clothes—a sturdy linen shirt and trousers—Arion felt comfortable for the first time in weeks. He sat with Elyan in the quiet clinic while the children played nearby.
"Now, sir…" Elyan began, her tone more serious. "How did you get here? And why like this?"
Arion sighed deeply. He knew he couldn't reveal the whole truth about being transferred—or the system that haunted him. But he decided on a version of the story that was close enough.
"My name is Arion," he began. "My siblings and I are orphans. We lived in the small village of Seraphin, working in the city lord's manor. But Prince Malakai… he was corrupt and cruel. He tried to hurt me—and threatened my brother and sister. I had no choice but to run."
Elyan's brows lifted. "Prince Malakai? Of the Felix family?"
"Yes," Arion said coldly. "He sent his guards to steal our food and threaten my sister. I had to protect them—I killed one of his guards and wounded another."
Elyan's expression shifted—shock mixed with worry. "You killed a guard? That's dangerous, Arion. The Felix family has great influence in this kingdom."
"I know," Arion said. "That's why we fled. We ran through the forest—full of beasts. We almost died many times."
"I saw traces of fire in the forest near the gate," Elyan said, watching him carefully. "Was that you?"
Arion met her eyes seriously. "It was the only way to survive the shadow beasts that chased us. I did what I had to do to protect my siblings."
Elyan seemed to weigh his words—then chose to believe him.
"Alright, Arion," she said gently. "I understand. But life in Arcadia isn't easy. It's a huge city—but competition is fierce, and poverty is everywhere."
"I'm not afraid of work," Arion said. "I need a way to earn, protect my siblings—and pay my debt. Is there anything I can do here?"
Elyan thought for a moment. "In Arcadia, there are many ways to make a living. First, you could join the Adventurers' Guild. There you take jobs—hunting monsters, gathering resources, escorting merchants. It depends on your strength and skills."
"Adventurers' Guild…" Arion murmured, eyes gleaming. It felt so familiar—like the world of games. "What about other options?"
"There's manual labor," Elyan continued. "In factories, or helping in the markets, or construction. But the pay is low—and the work is tough."
"And there's trade," she added. "You buy goods here and sell them in other towns—or vice versa. But it needs capital and carries risk."
"I have some skills that might help," Arion said. "Monster hunting, dissection… and I have some fire-related abilities."
Elyan's eyes widened. "Dissection and fire? Interesting! Few have such natural talents. Are you a mage?"
"I… can use mana," Arion said carefully, avoiding too much detail.
"Then the Adventurers' Guild is probably your best choice," Elyan said. "With your skills, you could progress quickly. But be cautious—the beasts in the forests around Arcadia are much stronger than near the villages."
"I'm ready for any challenge," Arion said with calm determination. "When can I start?"
"You can register at the Guild tomorrow morning," Elyan said. "I'll give you an introduction letter to help. For now, you and your siblings stay here—you have my protection until you find something better."
"Thank you, Elyan," Arion said sincerely. "I won't forget what you've done for us."
"Don't forget your debt," Elyan said with a playful smile—a reminder disguised as a jest.
"That debt stays with me until my last day," Arion said seriously. "I'll work hard to be worthy of it."
That night, Arion slept deeply—no longer worried for his siblings. They were safe under Elyan's care. Now he had clear goals: repay his debt, secure his siblings' future—and take revenge on Malakai.
This was the true beginning of his journey in this world—a world no longer just a game, but a battle for survival.
[Author's comments]
This long chapter deserves a comment, right? ^_^