The Extra's Reincarnation-Chapter 63: The Royal 8 Challenge

As Julian figured, he knew that the interaction had been far from normal, and Princess Francine’s scrutiny had been unsettling. He couldn’t shake the feeling that she had sensed something off about him already.

Just off first encounter basis, Julian had no chance from the beginning to prove that he was just a regular person in Francine’s usual regression.

However, it wasn’t left without thoughtful consideration for her father’s offer.

-50 Gold coins is no joke... I know that they’re the equivalent of 5000 silver coins... and putting that to into perspective, that’s like around five million dollars.

Julian’s judgement was correct.

50 Gold was the equivalent to buying a massive plot of land, building a large sized 2 story house, and the rest of the money can be spent on tuition or however Julian may choose, though his mind was mostly focused on what’s best for his mother.

"Mom," he said quietly, "what do you think about the Royal 8 Challenge?"

Erica glanced at him, concerned about what the King had said to him during their exchange, she knew her child was no ordinary boy, but the danger that comes with sending Julian to a place with royal security sent red flags through her mind.

"It’s a great honor, of course. But Julian... are you actually considering it?"

He shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant.

"I don’t know. Maybe. The rewards sound pretty good."

His mother’s frown deepened.

"Rewards aren’t everything, sweetie. Being a Royal Blade is a lifelong commitment. It’s not something to take lightly."

"I know, I know," Julian sighed. "I just... I can’t help but wonder if it might be an opportunity. For both of us."

Erica’s eyes softened realizing her son’s intentions, he merely wanted to spend more time with her since she’s always been working since his birth.

"Oh, Julian. You don’t need to worry about providing for us. We’re doing just fine."

She reached out, squeezing his shoulder gently.

Julian looked at his mother with a fond expression, though he knew that objectively, his mother may one day not be able to work, he needed to have a plan or some kind of funds to provide for her when the time comes.

So during this time around, he needed to make a choice of his own. He figured that he’d rather do something than sit around and be babied by his mother forever.

So he came up with a plan…

As time passed through the day, the sun had reached its peak and the moon would soon begin its rise to the night.

All eyes were fixated on the stage as Julian and the rest of the audience watched a dramatic reenactment of Aelius, the world arbiter, battling against Varuna, the King of All Demonic Beings. The actor portraying Aelius stood tall and confident, wielding a cane pointed directly at his winged opponent.

"Varuna, your reign ends now!" he declared.

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"Gaah… King Of All Kings… I’ll return one day… I promise,"

The demon let out a defeated groan, promising to return one day before ultimately falling to Aelius’ spell.

As the play came to an end, Aelius chanted a powerful incantation in front of the mesmerized crowd.

"With the guidance and intelligence of O’Grace, I ask for your power once more to seal these demonic beings from entering the mortal realm. In doing so, I will sacrifice my own magic - both in battle and in daily life."

A shining ray of light surrounded the room and with that came a rainbow that represented the barrier made by Aelius and the power granted by Grace.

The message of the theater play conveyed how heroic the ancestor of the world arbiter was. He not only sacrificed his magic for the sake of preventing demons and devils crossing through, but the barrier he made called ’the barrier of restriction’ has stood since the era of the Golden Age Of Magic.

Which was a total of 3 full millennia’s ago.

CLAP…CLAP…CLAP…

As the cast members of the play got together, they bowed in unison, signaling the end of the play.

The applause died down and Julian found himself lost in thought.

The tale of Aelius’s sacrifice seemed to have the same ending, just like with everyone’s perspective of the first king.

To give up one’s power for the greater good... it was a noble concept, but one that Julian wasn’t sure he could ever accept. He had all that power bestowed upon him by Grace, The Tree Of Magic, but still, Aelius struggled to beat Varuna even with Grace’s blessing, but who was he to judge?

Maybe there were some complications leading to the events before the fight went down, but there’s no way that he could prove such a thing, since the event that happened over 3000 years ago wasn’t ever properly recorded and was only told as a mere tale.

"That was amazing!" Ezekiel exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. "Don’t you think so, Julian?"

Julian nodded absently, his mind still churning over the implications of the story. "Yeah, it was... interesting."

As the group began to make their way out of the theater, Julian hung back, catching his mother’s eye.

"Mom, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Erica nodded, sensing the seriousness of her son’s tone. They stepped aside, letting the others move ahead.

"What is it, sweetheart?" Erica asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

Julian took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say.

"Mom, I’ve made a decision. I want to enter the Royal 8 Challenge."

Erica’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Julian, are you sure? We talked about this earlier. It’s a huge commitment, and—"

"I know," Julian interrupted gently. "But I’ve been thinking about it all day. This could be our chance, Mom. A chance for a better life, for both of us."

Erica’s expression softened, a mix of pride and worry crossing her face.

"Oh, Julian. You don’t need to do this for me. We’re happy as we are. I told you that."

Julian shook his head, unsure of his thoughts. But he knew that if he didn’t take on this challenge, he would never know how the story could change. He had already altered it by making Diana and Ezekiel friends early on.

If he was going to make any more changes, this was one thing he was determined to follow through on

"It’s not just about that. I want to challenge myself, to see what I’m capable of. And if I can help people in the process, like Aelius did... isn’t that worth trying for?"

Erica studied her son’s face, seeing the determination in his eyes. She sighed, knowing that once Julian set his mind to something, there was little she could do to dissuade him.

"Alright," she said finally. "If this is what you truly want, I’ll support you. But promise me you’ll be careful. No matter what happens in that challenge, your safety comes first."

Erica understood the risks her son faced, but she refused to stand in the way of his goal. She knew what it was like to have limited choices as a child and didn’t want to deny him that same freedom.

"I promise, Mom. Thank you so much."

Julian dashed over to his mother and wrapped her in a tight hug. As he clung to her legs, she crouched down to return the embrace, holding her child close.

As they rejoined the group, Lady Ophelia noticed the change in their demeanor.

Julian approached her carefully and called her name out to the side.

"Mrs. Ophelia, I’ve made up my mind,"

"Yes, Julian? What have you decided?" Lady Ophelia asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Julian took a deep breath, standing up straight as he declared, "I’d like to enter the Royal 8 Challenge if you’re still willing to help me."

He then bowed as low as his back would allow. He knew that this life had to be something he could be proud of, so he was willing to try anything that might lead him somewhere someday.

"Are you certain, Julian? It’s not a decision to be made lightly."

Lady Ophelia’s eyebrows rose in surprise, but a smile quickly spread across her face.

Julian nodded firmly. "I am, my lady. I’ve thought it through, and I believe it’s the right choice for me."

Diana, who had been listening nearby, stepped closer, her expression a mix of concern and intrigue.

"Julian, you need to understand that you won’t just be competing with others your age,"

Julian turned to see Diana worried about his sudden change of heart. Not only did she think he was too weak to compete with those hoping for favor from the royal family, but Julian also had yet to awaken his mana core - something most children do by his age.

"The age limit for the Royal Blade is 10 years old," Diana continued. "So there will be older candidates with more experience in magic than you have at your age."

"I know," Julian replied, meeting her gaze steadily.

"But I want to challenge myself, to see what I’m capable of. And if I can serve the kingdom in the process, isn’t that worth trying for?"

"…!"

The words that came out of Julian’s mouth were not those of a typical five-year-old. He caught both Nivel and Erica off guard, as he spoke like a proud soldier who is proud of their nation’s kingdom.

Lady Ophelia’s hands clapped together with excitement, her eyes shining.

"You’ve spoken well, Julian! Your determination is truly admirable. I shall sponsor your entry into the Royal 8 Challenge," she declared.

"But let me make one thing clear, Julian. This is a onetime opportunity and I expect nothing but excellence from you as you represent our household. Make us proud,"