Your Life for a Wish

Chapter 2: The Weight of a Wish

The evening air was thick with the noise of the city: car horns, people arguing, and the distant wail of a siren interrupting everything. Adam leaned against a lamppost on a quiet street, his mind racing.

A year. That was all he had accumulated so far. The rewards from the system weren't flowing as he had initially hoped. He couldn't just love infinite power to do good deeds for a crowd.

The system wasn't charity, it was a trap.

REMAINING ENERGY: 1 YEAR>

The numbers stretched out in his vision, mocking him. A single year seemed fragile, temporary. How was anything supposed to change with so few resources?

He took a slow breath, clenching his hand into a fist. "System, show me my available personal wishes."

WISH OPTIONS:>

1. Heal all wounds (5 months).

2. Unlock defensive ability: Iron Carapace (9 months).

3. Get Enhanced Strength (1 year).

Adam's eyes scanned the list. Each option was tempting in its own way. Healing would keep him in one piece, while defensive or strength upgrades could help in a fight.

But there was no room for sentimentality. He needed power - power that could be used strategically, not wasted on comfort.

"I'll wait now," he muttered, tossing the menu aside.

The system didn't respond, but the dim glow of the options faded.

---

The shelter was quieter than usual when Adam returned. Most of the inhabitants had already retreated to their corners, the sound of distant conversations replaced by the occasional rustle of blankets.

Adam crept into his makeshift lair, leaning against the wall. His ribs ached from the blows he had taken earlier, but he ignored them. Pain was a constant companion, with which he had long learned to live.

His thoughts returned to the boy from earlier and the nervous man he had fought. The victory had been thrilling, sure, but also hollow. For every dog ​​he had taken down, there was always another waiting in the wings.

He needed a plan.

---

In the morning, the pain in Adam's ribs had intensified, making every step a struggle. His mind turned to the wish menu, the healing option in hand.

"No," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. If he spent his energy recklessly, he would only regret it later.

Instead, he was forced out into the crowded streets, where opportunity always seemed to lurk beneath the chaos.

He had been in trouble for a while.

A small group of men had gathered near an electronics store, their voices raised in heated discussion. One of them, a broad-shouldered man with a shaved head, was pushing a nervous teenager behind the window.

"You think you might be disappointed in us, don't you?" the man growled.

The boy was mumbling something incomprehensible, his face pale. The crowd around them gave them disinterested looks before they continued on their way.

Adam's lips curved into a slight smile. Perfect.

He approached slowly, his hands in his jacket pockets. "Hey," he called in a casual voice. "What's going on here?" »

The broad-shouldered man turned back, his snoring deepening. "But who are you?"

Adamu shrugged. "Just a guy who doesn't like seeing kids being bullied in public." You should try to be more subtle if you're planning on attacking someone."

The man's expression darkened. "Get out, kid, before you get hurt."

Adam stepped forward, his movements measured. He didn't need the system to tell him the war was already won - the man was frustrated and brainless.

"It's funny about bullies," Adam said lightly. "They're usually the first to hit the ground when someone advances."

The man rushed forward, his fist swinging toward Adam's face. But Adam was already moving.

The Sovereign Step directed his body like a whisper, each movement precise and deliberate. He stretched, rolling on his heels to free the man's legs from under him. The dog hit the pavement hard, its groan of pain echoing down the street.

The other men hesitated, looking alternately at Adam and his drooping head.

"Is it your turn? Adam asked raising an eyebrow.

They retreated wordlessly, dragging their wailing friend with them.

The nervous boy looked at Adam, his mouth open and closed like a fish out of water. "I... "I don't know, thank you," he stammered. Adam's smile was clear. "Don't thank me." Remember this: you owe me." The boy shook his head quickly and disappeared into the crowd.

---

Later in the evening, the system crashed again.

PUBLIC REQUEST DETECTED: THE CLIENT HAS SUBMITTED A REQUEST. ACCEPT?>

Adamu frowned. "A wish? What is the price?"

CLIENT IS READY TO PAY FOR 3 MONTHS OF VITAL ENERGY. REQUEST DETAILS AVAILABLE AFTER ACCEPTANCE. >

Three months wasn't much, but it was a start. Adam leaned against the wall, considering the offer. "Very well," he said at last. "Tell me the details. "

The system flashed.

REQUEST: GANG CHARGES PROTECTION. LOCATION: NORTH MARKET AREA. >

A slow smile spread across Adam's face. It wasn't just a possible request to test the system. .

"Agreed," he said.