The Extra's Reincarnation

Chapter 48: Marchioness (4) | System REWORK

"Well, I’m sure during all my visits to Ophelia’s household, I thought I would’ve seen every servant! But never have I seen you before."

Erica was freaking out as Count Ralador got all up in her space, with his hand on the wall next to her.

She kept her face carefully neutral, even as disgust stirred within her stomach.

"I’ve been in Lady Ophelia’s service for many years now, Count Ralador," she replied evenly.

"Though I typically work behind the scenes."

The Count leaned in closer, his breath hot on her cheek.

"Is that so? How... convenient. Perhaps we should get better acquainted, hmm? I’m sure a pretty thing like you could use some... influence."

Erica’s skin crawled at his words, but she maintained her composure.

"I’m flattered, my lord, but I’m quite content with my current position. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have duties to attend to."

She made to move away, but the Count’s arm shot out, blocking her path. His eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Now, now," he growled, "Don’t be so hasty. I’m offering you an opportunity here. You’d do well to show some gratitude."

Erica was frantically thinking of a way to escape without causing any drama.

She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a word, a small boy’s voice echoed from across the hallway.

"Hey… what are you doing to my mom?"

WHOOOOOOOSH…

An immense amount of pressure filled the corners of the hallway.

Both the Count and Erica were affected by this pressure.

Erica’s eyes widened in shock as she saw Julian’s hair and eyes slowly changing.

She realized she needed to stop him from completely transforming.

"Julian, sweetie, it’s okay!" she called out, her voice trembling slightly.

"The Count and I were just talking. There’s no need to worry."

She quickly ducked under Count Ralador’s arm and rushed to Julian’s side, enveloping him in a tight hug.

As she held him close, she whispered urgently in his ear, "It’s alright, my love. Everything’s fine. Please, calm down."

Julian’s body was tense in her arms, his eyes still fixed on the Count with an intensity that made Erica’s heart race.

She could feel the strange energy pulsing around him, she recognized how familiar it was and knew not to push Julian any further.

"Shh, it’s okay," she soothed, running her hand through his hair.

"Mommy’s here. You’re safe. We’re both safe."

"...!"

Julian’s eyes blinked and slowly, painfully slowly, Julian’s hair began to fade back to its normal color.

The pressure in the hallway eased, and Erica felt her son’s body relax in her embrace.

Meanwhile, Count Ralador stood frozen.

He blinked rapidly, as if trying to process what he had just witnessed - or thought he had witnessed.

"I... what... the winds must be crazy today," he muttered to himself, shaking his head.

Without another word, he turned and hurried away, casting nervous glances over his shoulder as he went.

- I heard of the records that spoke of inheriting a gift through blood. If it’s true, does my son carry what little remains of our family’s legacy? I’ve never seen the true form of Grace’s Blessing... but if it’s as the book described, I fear what might happen to him if they ever find out.

"Huu... It can’t be right.."

Erica let out a shaky breath. She pulled back slightly to look at Julian’s face, cupping his cheeks in her hands.

"Are you alright, sweetheart?"

She asked softly,

[That’s good to hear! Now let me give you a proper rundown of what you can do with this new system.]

[Quest | Choice Log: The Quest/Choice logs you’ll be receiving from now on will vary based on the difficulty of the situation, plot relevance, and story-defining moments. They will be showed as follows...]

[Major Story Quests | Choices: These quests directly advance the main plot and often involve significant challenges or turning points in the story.]

[Minor Story Quests | Choices: These quests are related to the main plot but are not essential for completing it. They offer insights into the world, characters, or lore.]

[Side Quests: These quests are optional and unrelated to the main plot. They provide opportunities to gain rewards, explore the world, or develop your character.]

[Quest System: Choice & Consequence - Once you’ve received all your features, your quest log will contain many minor and Side Quests you can undertake at your discretion. Each quest will vary in reward depending on availability and time]

[Major Story Quests: These critical quests periodically appear in your log, presenting a set of exclusive options. By selecting a Major Story Choice, this will remove the other options from your log, permanently changing the narrative. The consequences of your choices in Major Story Quests can greatly affect the world, characters, and your available rewards.]

[Story Points (SP): SP is earned by completing quests of any kind of quest and defeating enemies (including significant characters). SP is the primary currency for enhancing your overall arsenal. these include the following: base stats (Strength, Agility, Endurance, Dexterity, Intelligence), Unlock or Upgrade Skills, Acquire new Abilities and Level up existing Skills and Abilities]

[Hidden Archives: Hidden Archives remain largely unchanged. The key upgrade is that entries and logs can be purchased. As the story progresses, these archives will reveal plot points, both known and unknown. A special section allows you to delve into your family history, for a price.]

[That does it for explanations! haah... the energy I’ve used to reach this place was vast but still it was worth it until its end.]

"So will this be the last time we talk?"

[You never know Lilian, after all it takes a little faith to find what you’re looking for.]

When her words on the screen started flickering in front of me, I knew time was running out.

"I see... well, farewell God Of Earth."

[PFFFT... I can’t with that name. I may have never told you it before, so if we ever meet again Lilian, address me as Freya! Now...]

WOM...

Suddenly, a rush of energy surrounded my body, and my hands were fading like blue pixels.

[May the blessing of Grace Guide you, Lilian or should I say... Julian.]

WHOOOOOOOSH!