[The system demands ninety percent of the Host’s vitality]

The reply came almost energetically, as though the system itself found amusement in what it had just proposed.

Asher sat dumbfounded as he read the system’s message; he was too speechless to even reply to the system, his thoughts momentarily blank from the sheer absurdity of the demand.

’Did the system get corrupted? Or perhaps this has always been its true color, some sort of succubus of some sort?’ Asher couldn’t help but think to himself, his suspicion growing as he examined the situation from different angles.

If it had asked for lifespan, Asher might have considered it, but lifespan and vitality were two entirely different things, separated by a fundamental distinction that could not be ignored.

Lifespan was simply how long someone lived; it was merely the total length of time from birth to death. For example, someone might live to eighty years old, that would be their lifespan. Vitality, on the other hand, was about how alive, energetic, and healthy one felt while they were alive, governing the quality of that existence rather than its duration.

Even if Asher had a thousand years’ worth of lifespan and low vitality, he would be constantly fatigued, weak, and prone to illness; it would simply mean poor health, a hollow existence dragged out over time.

Meaning, if he paid the system’s asking price, a single slap from someone weaker could kill him on the spot. But if it were lifespan, he could pay and go on living as though nothing had happened, making the distinction all the more critical.

As Asher was about to complain, his mind immediately snapped into another idea, or rather a loophole, his thoughts accelerating as he sought a way to turn the situation in his favor.

If he paid the vitality now, then when the system granted the power boost, wouldn’t he recover? Since every increase in Life Rank granted a boost to lifespan and vitality, he would return back to normal without anything happening to him. Besides, with his Absolute Physique, the Star Fragment Core, and Star Energy, he possessed far more vitality than usual, meaning he would receive even more vitality than the norm upon the breakthrough, further reinforcing his advantage.

’Hehehehe, I really am too smart,’ Asher praised himself as a smirk appeared on his face, his confidence momentarily rising.

As he was about to agree with the system’s price, the system chimed as though it had read his mind.

[It seems the system has to clarify to avoid any misunderstanding and distrust. The vitality the Host will be paying with will be the one the Host receives upon breakthrough and power boost]

Asher froze again in his seat; he couldn’t help but feel like he wanted to beat up the system. Clearly, the system hadn’t thought this far and was only now changing its words in the name of clarification after reading his mind.

[The System has thought this far; the Host simply didn’t understand]

The system replied in defense, as though it wouldn’t tolerate any slander against its intelligence or design.

’I call bullshit,’ Asher replied with a click of his tongue, completely unconvinced.

The system simply ignored him as it replied.

[Does the Host accept or not]

’If this isn’t rage baiting, I wonder what else is,’ Asher thought to himself as he exhaled to calm himself, forcing his mind to regain composure.

’What Life Rank will I be boosted to, and what ability will I gain?’ Asher asked, still curious despite everything, as the offer remained undeniably tempting.

[The Crownstar Life Rank, and as for what ability, the Host will find out upon payment]

Seeing the reply, Asher’s eyes narrowed at the statement; the offer was truly tempting, almost dangerously so.

But if he accepted, he would be the weakest Crownstar Life Ranker in existence, a disgrace to the Wargrave bloodline. Enemies would be able to kill him easily, as his senses would be dulled, his reaction time slower, and his speed and strength rendered effectively useless.

’I’m sure Malrik and Father will have something to increase my vitality,’ Asher thought to himself, trying to rationalize a potential solution.

But although he thought that, he dared not accept the system’s sinister suggestion. He wasn’t in a rush to get to the Crownstar Life Rank; after all, he still had time. He was still eighteen years of age, and he had more than enough time to reach that level through his own effort. It wasn’t as though the world was ending tomorrow.

’I reject your evil offer, system,’ Asher replied as he shook his head, his decision firm.

[The Host always wants free stuff, but refuses to make payment to be boosted to the World Limit] 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Asher stared at the system’s message but simply ignored it. The system was definitely evil; there was no need to converse with it any further. Instead, his attention turned to Finch and William, whose discussion seemed to have shifted from making fun of each other to Finch’s training.

"So, Asher, what have you planned for Finch?" William asked as he broke eye contact with Finch and turned his eyes toward Asher, curiosity evident in his tone.

Asher arched an eyebrow, then answered, "I have nothing planned," he shrugged slightly, his response casual.

Finch and William simply stared at him for a moment. Asher, understanding their gaze, simply explained.

"I had nothing planned for you, William, but it turned out perfectly fine, so there is no need to worry," Asher stated, as he didn’t need to plan anything in advance for things to work out.

"Hmmm... I’m supposed to train tomorrow on the things I’ve gained during my spar with Asher, but it seems I might have to start early or late, just so I can watch Finch suffer a bit," William murmured to himself, clearly unwilling to miss the spectacle for any reason.

"Well, whatever, I’m a bit hungry, let’s go eat," Finch spoke with a shake of his head, dismissing the matter for the moment.

"I advise you not to eat too much tomorrow, if you don’t want to vomit what you ate, of course," Asher stated as he rose to his feet. It had been a while since he had been to the Star Academy cafeteria; he might as well go today since he had nothing else to do.

"Sigh... I will just have something light then," Finch shook his head as he rose to his feet, though his tone suggested uncertainty about his own restraint.

"You say that, then proceed to eat more than any of us," William stated as he stretched while speaking, clearly having recovered some of his stamina and strength.

"Maybe you are secretly jealous of my physique; after all, it’s basically unique in a sense, since I’m the only one who has it," Finch replied, his tone playful.

"And why would I want to be a fat, chubby person? I would pick the overpowered Wargrave physique at any time," William spoke as they stepped out of Asher’s room, his tone filled with mock disdain.

Asher shook his head as he walked, simply watching as Finch and William continued their back-and-forth friendly banter... such was the essence of male friendship, unfiltered and playful.

____

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Typing 8 Chapters is indeed draining... Urgh.

Bonus Chapter sponsored by FatelessPen.