If before, during the instances of gaining knowledge regarding the various changes in this world wasn't already so mind-blowing to Grace, then these words just uttered--
it shattered his mind!
The very foundation of Blight that he knew of had become a distortion, contorting into this unbelievable and disgusting thing that could no longer be distinguished between true and false.
In the novel, there was not a single instance of transmigration. Not even the protagonist, Ivan, was a transmigrator. Rather, he was a regular person, completely mundane but wielding great talent and an unorthodox God that doted on him.
"Fellow transmigrator?" He asked hesitantly, his eyes even narrower than before. Really, this was an indication that the Blight that he transmigrated in - while the same - also wielded great differences. And this development standing in front of him was most certainly the most surprising development yet.
His father, Michael Walker, eyed the young boy. His eyes critical and observant.
"The Walker Family--we are a family of transmigrators. Since ancient times, our blood entailed an inevitability. That the consciousness of the present would eventually be replaced by a consciousness of another.
"And it is also why, as you can tell from the memories of the old Grace Walker, the family neglected him. It is because of this knowledge that it of the utmost importance to not allow any emotional attachments towards our offspring. For their passing is an inevitability."
Grace knew full well that this was justified. In fact, he might have taken the same route of thinking had he been in their shoes, had he was the one bearing the knowledge the his child's inevitable passing.
"However, Grace's consciousness never came to pass. And it has only been... today, it would seem? Since you came to this world."
So...
Even with all this justifiable sentiments, why did Grace - the one who stood before them now - bear such an overwhelming disgust towards these two? It has only been a few moments since he was given this revelation by his parents.
However, even with this explanation.
"This fixes nothing," he said as he pushed away from their eyes. Even when this connection between them exists, a connection that transcended even blood, he knew, deep inside his bones, that he wouldn't be able to get along with them.
Because he could not vividly discern it.
"I know that you two don't come from a place of wanting to hurt Grace or your other offspring. However, it is because you were scared of Grace becoming an important person to you that he was hurt in the end."
Allen Hart wasn't anyone remotely special. He was a regular human being, someone so mundane that his existence would be forgotten if glanced at on the street. But, he is many things, and he also does and does not do many things.
"And how can I, someone who is simultaneously Grace and not Grace, allow myself to forgive people like you so easily? Your choices were logical, that is something I understand. But I will not allow myself to forgive so easily."
This was his arrogance.
"But," Grace clicked his tongue. "I'll hear what you have to say." Because these two, while detesting to him and this body he now wore, had information key for him to understanding the true nature of this world that he was now walking on.
And understanding the underlying changes to the narratives of the story of Blight was of the highest priority for the Grace Walker that stood in front of them today. Grace placed his finger under his nose, catching the blood that was trailing down his nostrils.
He waited for any words that could be uttered.
"Or was that all?"
This was the nature of the original Grace; quiet but filled with pride and arrogance. Despite the lack of talent and the envy he had for his siblings, there was a clear self-importance. A line that let him acknowledge that even though he lacked much compared to his siblings, he wasn't "talentless." However, it was talent that wouldn't be enough for the future narrative.
If it does occur. Grace thought inwardly.
"You are certainly a contrast to the original," Michael commented. Rowena did not say much, instead her eyes piercing into Grace's figure, observing the changes or lack thereof.
Grace scoffed.
But he made no remark regarding his father's indifference nor his ignorance. In the novel, Michael wasn't a person of pure noble intentions. Instead, he and his wife, Rowena, were people fueled by their natural instinct as people born with noble blood. They offered their guidance to the common people, however, this did not mean they were fond of the common people.
It was an obligation, a duty passed down by the ancestors of the old. To betray the duties of their lineage--could it be a sin for them?
However, were these people the same Michael and Rowena as in the novel? Or were they people from his world? Could they be people who read the novel like himself?
"Blight."
Michael and Rowena raised an eyebrow at him. There was a genuine curiosity, a perplexing look that spread across their faces.
"What is Blight?" Rowena asked.
Grace shook his head.
"It's nothing."
Michael frowned.
"What year are you from?" He asked Grace.
"What year?"
"Yes," Michael nodded. "Just as time marches in this world, time in the world we transmigrate from doesn't just stop either. I came to this world decades ago, so that means you come from a time that is much later than my own. Of course, this all comes from the assumption that the world we come from is the same. But there has never been a time where this pattern was contradicted."
Grace took this information into his brain, absorbing it, allowing it to swirl with wonder. However, despite trying to wrap this revelation around his brain--he couldn't for the life of him.
The foundations of the world he once knew through the screen--
It was all being contradicted over and over again.
This feeling of uncertainty, ushering from the depths of his soul, was met with the rise of putrid disgust. Grace could not simply accept this truth.
Is the future no longer as set-in-stone? This contained both good and bad news. For one, it is suggesting that the ending of the novel may not necessarily come to fruition due to these drastic changes possibly leading to a different future altogether.
However, navigating through the world would prove to become difficult.
No, just by existing I am actively creating 'change.' It may be subtle and insignificant, but little by little, the future may have became drastically different even if there was never any prior changes. Again, this all led back to a singular, monumental conclusion.
A small grin spread across his face, a hand pressing against his lips to hide it.
The ending can be changed.
That much was for certain.
"Let us take you to the estate," said Rowen. As she reached forward to take Grace's hand, he calmly redirected it away. He shook his head as he pushed pass and gestured for Abraham to follow.
"No," Grace began. "I don't need this right now. I'll be fine on my own, thank you." He stumbled through the cathedral, wiping the constant blood that dripped from his nostrils. However, his 'parents' did not follow, only looking at his retreating back as Abraham - who could not hear due to a barrier that blocked sound - came running after him.
"There is nothing to be distraught about," Michael told his wife. "He will come around eventually."
She sighed in response, not knowing if such a claim could be believable.