Lavayla nodded as if she was genuinely contemplating the system's words, and the system practically glowed with delight, convinced it had finally managed to sway her.
However, her next words popped that happiness like a balloon.
"Saying all this is enough to convince me that somehow transmigrating into this shithole is good, but guess what? If I can't even fucking survive today, then everything is pretty much useless. So why don't you just not talk to me about any advantages this place would probably give me until I'm assured I'll actually survive today? Okay? Can we do that?"
The system gave a strained chuckle and replied,
'Yes! I mean… yes, of course, host. So would you… like to see your status screen?'
"Status screen?"
'Yes! And your two other interface tabs: the Mission Log and the Rewards & System Mall~! There are sooo many things you can get in the system mall, host. Must-haves for survival and comfort~! And because we're still in the Welcoming Period, there's a thirty-percent discount on all second- and third-tier items! Isn't that exciting?'
Lavayla rolled her eyes. She was sure that even with the 'discount,' the items would still be expensive as shit.
Wiping her hand on her leg, she said, "Let me see the status screen."
'Sure, Host~! Here!'
A translucent panel unfolded before her like a summoned hologram.
[Status Screen – Wild Genesis System]
Name: Lavayla Kingsley
Gender: Female
Status: Alive (Healthy)
Race: Human
Survival Rank: Unranked
(It is advised that the host has a high rank to avoid becoming beast chow within the first 72 hours. Just saying~)
System Sync Level: 76%
Current Points: 10,500
ABILITIES• Earth Abilities (Previous Life):
– Culinary Expertise – Skilled in preparing nourishing meals from limited resources.
– Operational Efficiency – High productivity under pressure; excels in multitasking and time management.
– Leadership & Command – Capable of organizing teams, issuing directives, and maintaining morale.
– Social Insight – Acute ability to read intentions, detect deception, and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
• Beastworld Abilities (Current Life):
– Primitive Cooking – Able to identify edible flora/fauna and prepare survival meals without modern tools.
BACKGROUND
Origin: Earth
Family: None
World: Beast World Continent
(A more detailed status screen will be accessible once the host's survival rank increases and the sync level is fully completed~!)
When Lavayla finished reading everything, she furrowed her brows.
"What is the survival rank? You didn't tell me about this. And the points—wasn't it supposed to be 10,000 points? What's with the 500 added to it? And these 'Earth abilities'"—she snorted—"What would this do for me? Also, when did I learn how to identify edible flora and prepare meals without modern tools? Yes, I know I have some culinary skills, but that's because I had equipment, ingredients, and a safe environment to cook. Not here where there is no fire, no water, no ingredients. So what is all this about?"
'That's a lot of questions, host, but let me start from the first. Yes, I didn't tell you about the Survival Rank, but I was going to after showing you the status screen.'
'The Survival Rank is a dynamic grade measuring how well the host can function, endure, and adapt within the current world. It increases through: completing missions, surviving dangerous encounters, improving physical and spiritual strength, forming territory, creating stability, and contributing to world development. Higher ranks unlock abilities, bonuses, resistance perks, and advanced system functions. Low ranks… usually mean early death.'
'The 500 points are just a number; they can't be used. They're only there so that whenever the host uses up their points, they won't have to stare at zero points. It's meant to boost morale. For example, seeing it, the host will wish they really had those 500 points.'
Lavayla couldn't help the laugh that burst out. "Wait—who came up with that stupid idea?"
The system's voice fell dramatically flat.
'The main system.'
"Seriously? Is your main system dumb or what? Really."
'Yeah… it's not the smartest thing the main system has done, but whatever it says goes. So, do you want to know why you have the Primitive Cooking ability?'
"Sure."
'So, did you really believe that by transmigrating you wouldn't gain even a tiny ability? A tiny advantage? A tiny upgrade to yourself? Sure, you're still human, but who says humans can't have abilities? For example, in the Apocalypse World, humans gain abilities, right?'
'By transmigrating here — even though you brought your own body and soul — you developed a kind of affinity for plants. These upgrades don't stop at plants, but extend to anything edible. Did you know there are carnivorous plants in the Beast World? You might even be able to control them.'
'So… what do you think about your new ability?'
Lavayla, exhausted beyond caring about anything anymore, still managed to reply.
"So a survival rank is… basically my difficulty meter."
She shook her head, snorted softly, then continued, her voice raspy but steady. "And I have a plant affinity now? Good to know I won't starve."
The system brightened.
'Host~! See? You do have advantages!'
Lavayla narrowed her eyes. "Stop being so chirpy. I didn't say I liked them."
Before the system could launch into another pitch, a sharp growling sounded from the bushes behind her — low and heavy.
Lavayla froze.
The forest — which had felt merely alive before — suddenly felt like it was watching her.
"…System," she whispered, her voice tight. "Please tell me that's the wind."
'…Host.'
The system's tone dropped several octaves.
'That is definitely not the wind.'
Lavayla's heart plummeted. "System. Please tell me what the hell that is."
'Well… considering your location… and considering the smell of blood still lingering in the air… and considering your luck today…'
"System." Her voice cracked dangerously. "Finish. The. Sentence."
'…It is most likely a mid-tier predator tracking you.'
Lavayla closed her eyes slowly.
"Fucking fantastic."
Lavayla immediately stood up, clutching the baby closer as she whispered, "Do you know what predator it is? Because… It's better if you know what animal is trying to eat me right now."
'I'm sorry, host, but I don't know. Since it's not within the range of my scanner, I can't say what predator it is. I can only identify it once you see it.' Lavayla didn't reply, instead, she dropped into a crouch and quickly slid the baby onto her back, fumbling with the fur pelts. They weren't wide, but thank every saint in the universe, they were long. Enough to improvise.
She wrapped the first pelt around the baby's tiny body and her own torso, knotting it beneath her ribs until the infant was strapped snugly to her spine.
The second pelt she twisted, twisted, twisted, until it became a makeshift rope. She looped it around her waist, yanked hard, and tied it off, securing the bundle so tight she might not be able to breathe properly later — but at least the baby wouldn't fall to its death mid-sprint.
"See it?" she answered under her breath, "I hope I won't fucking have to see it."
Despite saying that, she knew the universe had no intention of cutting her a break. The forest loomed in every direction — shadowy, dense, and full of danger. There was nowhere else to go.