Chapter 16: First Night Turns into a Working Night

Pain. That was all Alex felt. It was excruciating, so much so that she couldn't even scream. All she could do was try to think of happier times with her mother, but the pain was so intense that she couldn't focus on anything else. She wished she could faint, but it seemed that nobody heard her prayer. She had to endure the agony, and it was more unbearable than any physical torture. It felt as if her soul was being torn apart. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the pain subsided, and she felt her soul mending.

"Congratulations, my host! You have successfully passed through the pain and have become a task taker," the system announced. "I have already applied an advanced healing token to fix and heal your soul. It's a first package for all newbies. You will gradually gain control of your body. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

As the system spoke, Alex started regaining control over her body. She could move again, and she realized that she was lying on a bed. Sitting up, she surveyed her surroundings and let out a sigh. The system's words about becoming a task taker and the change in its behavior, as indicated by the pleasant emojis and the absence of the "silly" nickname, registered in her mind. It seemed that the system was being unusually friendly.

"What do you mean by 'task taker,' and wasn't I one before?" she pondered in her mind.

"Oh, that..." the system responded. "Well, only when a person's soul successfully integrates into another body, it is considered a success. Otherwise, the person dies. But never mind that. Look, I forgot to mention earlier, but you can call me 'Blackie' now. Even though I'm a dignified mafia system, let's forget about it. Don't you want to open your novice gift package?"

Alex could only imagine beating up the system in her mind but couldn't do anything else. Now that the pain had subsided, she felt quite relaxed and almost good as new. Her curiosity piqued as she thought about the gift package. What could it contain?

"Open the gift package," she commanded, eager to find out.

The moment she said that, a mechanical voice echoed in her mind from somewhere.

"Ding! Congratulations, Miss Alexandra Lee! You have opened your novice gift package. You have received a sleeping aid token as a new task taker. It helps in relaxing the mind in different circumstances," the voice announced.

The token was called "Sleeping Aid." Alex was slightly surprised but not entirely. If a token from the system could heal her soul, why not help relax her mind?

"Apply the token," Alex ordered, curious to experience its effects.

The token was applied successfully, and Alex felt a sense of clarity and refreshment. A faint fragrance emanated from her, contributing to her overall relaxation.

Feeling relaxed, Alex realized she was thirsty. She got up from the bed, intending to find water. However, she also knew that she was in the maid's quarter of the Tang's house, according to Selena's memories. Looking down, she noticed she was wearing a thin night dress. She cringed at the thought of being seen in such attire. Searching the room, she found a bag beside the bed. Opening it, she pulled out a loose white button-down shirt that she assumed belonged to Selena's brother. She changed out of the nightgown, put on the shirt, and found a black tie to complete her outfit. Examining herself, she finally felt more presentable. Her hair was in a braid, but she preferred it loose for the night. Alex undid the braid and put her hair up in a messy bun. Putting on her slippers, she ventured out in search of water.

As she navigated through the halls, Alex quickly realized she had gotten lost. Eventually, she spotted a maid struggling to climb the stairs, visibly anxious. Alex intended to ask her for directions to find water, but before she could reach her, the maid slipped from the second step and fell. Alex rushed forward and helped her up. The maid seemed relieved and said, "Thank God you're the new maid. I was worried I wouldn't be able to perform my tasks with this leg injury. Please help me, and I can assist you tomorrow."

Alex wanted to refuse, but the maid appeared genuine, and Selena's memories confirmed that she had been kind and helped Selena find her room. Alex nodded in agreement, and the maid, named Henna, relaxed further. She handed Alex a box and said, "You need to go up two floors from this staircase and deliver this box to Mr. Jay. Thank you, but you need to hurry. You can find me tomorrow to return the favor. I'm Henna."

Seeing Henna in a rush, Alex decided to quickly follow her instructions. She ascended two floors and arrived at the last room. Knocking on the door, she heard a hoarse yet strangely childlike voice from inside.

"Who is it?" the voice asked.

Alex stated her purpose simply, "I'm a new maid. I was told to give this box to Mr. Jay."

There was a brief silence, and just as Alex was about to leave, the voice called out again, "Enter."

As she entered, Alex couldn't help but wonder if the person could speak in complete sentences. The room was almost completely dark, but gradually, her eyes adjusted, and she could make out the surroundings. She found herself in a dimly lit room, and she felt someone's gaze on her. Looking in the direction of the gaze

she saw a boy around the age of 8 or 9 sitting on the bed while beside him a big version of the kid was sleeping alex putted the box on the table and wanted to go back but before she could the boy putted his hand infront of him   like asking for the box so alex could not pick it back up and give it to the boy herself but when she gave it to him the kid took a long breath in and froze and looked at her but alex simply gave the box and wanted to go back but heard the kid's voice again

"stop"