Chapter 2: New Reality
I was a coward, and to be honest, I knew my limits. Now that I had a system, I could definitely change that part of myself, but I didn’t really want to. It wasn’t necessary, and trying to force myself to be some fearless warrior would probably just erase who I actually was.
Besides, I wanted to enjoy my life, not tear down and rebuild my entire personality. I was scared of that kind of drastic change, just as much as I was afraid of rotting away in that tiny apartment for eternity.
’But I’m still changing things,’ I thought, a grin tugging at my lips. ’Enjoyment is the top priority now. Along with finding some real love.’
Leaning back in my chair, I chuckled.
"Now, let’s get down to business, Paige. If I can really do anything, I want to change my entire life setup. I’m officially done with this room, and I am definitely done with working like slaves for those arrogant bastards."
[What is your grand plan then? Destroy those restuarants?]
"Nah, quite simple," I replied. "Search around the Earth and find a family with no children. Make sure they’re incredibly rich, too."
[I understand your intentions... and the task is completed. The Fernando family fits the description perfectly. Their head, Julian Fernando, belonged to a middle-class family and became a billionaire through sheer hard work. Though, not completely on his own, as his wife, Alice, comes from the legendary Rothschild family.]
"Interesting," I murmured, crossing my arms. "Please continue."
[An accident in their early marriage rendered Alice unable to get pregnant, which means they are still without a child and long for one. However, Julian had a relationship before he married Alice and had a child from it. That’s something he found out very late, and by then, the woman had died and the child had disappeared mysteriously.]
I frowned.
"What happened to the kid?"
[An unfortunate accident. In a battle between an Angel and a Devil, the child perished as collateral damage. That is why Julian could never find any trace of him.]
"Wait! What?" I blurted out, nearly falling out of my chair. "Devils and Angels exist? Tell me everything."
[Yes, they do. Many mythologies actually exist but remain hidden from the mundane world. Angels, Devils, Immortals from the cultivation world, Norse Gods, and many more. It’s a supernatural world. The Rothschild and Fernando families are also related to this hidden side. Do you want me to go into detail?]
"Will I be in danger..." I paused, catching myself, and shook my head. "Scratch that. If I want to live a carefree life, danger is going to find me anyway. There’s no point in trying to remain too low-key when trouble has a habit of knocking on your door."
Besides, I had a literal system now. I’d be an absolute idiot to back down just because the world was a little weirder and more dangerous than I thought.
"I’ll take the details later," I said, an amused smile playing on my lips. "This is getting really interesting, and I can’t wait to explore this hidden world. For now, tell me about that family and the other members."
[I’ve searched them based on your intentions, Seth. I know you’re looking for love and trying to make up for the lack of family you had growing up. You can’t hide that from me.]
I felt my cheeks heat up slightly and looked away.
"Yeah, so what’s wrong with that?"
[Nothing. But I did the work based on that, so you don’t have to worry about anything. Some of your cousins or other relatives might be a bit of trouble, but most of your immediate family is very good and wholesome. You’ll enjoy your time there. You might even find some fun. Hehe.]
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously.
"What do you mean by ’fun’?"
[What I said. I pity you, you know. I thought I’d get some arrogant, stupid Host, but you’re actually pretty sweet. I like you, so I’ll help you.]
"Yeah, but what is this ’help’ exactly?"
[It’s a secret.]
I was completely speechless, but a sudden warmth bloomed in my chest. It had been so long since I had talked so freely or joked around with anyone.
Smiling softly, I said, "Whatever. Now, make me that lost son. Match our blood and let them find out somehow. I want this transition to feel natural."
[Done! Anything else?]
"Not for now," I said, pushing myself up from my desk. "I’mma go wash up and wait for my new family to pick me up."
...
I walked into my small, cramped bathroom and splashed cold water across my face. Looking into the cracked mirror, I couldn’t help but notice that the dark circles under my eyes already looked a little lighter. Maybe it was just my imagination, or maybe the system was already working its magic.
I pulled on my best pair of jeans and a plain black T-shirt, literally the cleanest clothes I currently owned.
Walking back into the main room, I took one last look around the tiny apartment. It was a depressing, dusty shithole, sure, but it had kept me dry during storms and gave me a place to sleep when I had absolutely nothing.
Leaving it behind felt strangely heavy, but if I wanted to actually enjoy my life, I couldn’t stay in a place that smelled like old dust and instant noodles forever.
Suddenly, a heavy knock rattled the thin wooden door, making me jump. I glanced down at my potato phone to check the time.
"Damn, Paige wasn’t kidding. They really don’t waste any time, do they?"
[Of course not, Seth. A billionaire family isn’t going to send a polite letter to retrieve their only heir. Go on, open it.]
Taking a slow, steadying breath, I walked over and unlocked the door.
Standing in the dim hallway were two massive men in expensive three-piece suits. Their shoulders were so wide they practically filled the entire doorway.
’Did they hire fucking Vikings?’
Standing between them was a blonde woman with shoulder-length hair, striking violet eyes, and a stunning figure that hugged every curve beneath her tailored uniform. A black cape draped over her shoulders, adding to the cold, commanding aura she radiated. She looked me over once with calm, unreadable eyes before giving a small nod.
’Holy shit, she’s hot.’
"Can I help you?" I asked, trying my absolute best to sound casual.
The woman stepped forward and bowed deeply. The two massive guards immediately followed her lead.
"Greetings, Young Master. My name is Valerie. I am the head of your personal security detail."
I raised an eyebrow. "Young Master? Lady, I think you’ve got the wrong apartment. I’m just an orphan trying to pay rent in this economy."
Valerie opened her leather briefcase, pulling out a sleek digital tablet along with a sealed medical document.
"We do not have the wrong person, sir. This is a certified DNA report confirming you are the biological son of Julian Fernando. You are the heir the Fernando family has spent years searching for."
I looked down at the document, pretending to hesitate even as excitement bubbled furiously inside me.
"The Fernando family? The billionaire Fernando family? That’s... a lot to dump on someone standing in his doorway. How do I know this isn’t some elaborate scam?"
"I understand your doubts," Valerie replied, her tone remaining perfectly calm and professional. "Your father has spared no expense searching for you. Everything has been verified, and a private aircraft is currently waiting at the airport. You never have to live like this again."
I glanced back at my miserable little apartment one last time, then gave a slow, dramatic nod.
"...Alright. Let me grab my phone. Not like I have much to lose. Even my organs aren’t worth much."