Reborn as an Extra with the SSS-Divine Debt System and my Past Skills

The group pressed on through the snow, their footsteps crunching in silence.

No one spoke much after what had just happened. The tension in the air was thick, and even the wolves Mira led seemed restless, their ears twitching at the faintest sound.

It was Mira who finally broke the silence. Her head tilted, eyes narrowing as she gazed ahead.

"There's something up there."

Lucian turned slightly, his senses spreading outward. Mira's wolves were already moving ahead, their keen instincts sharper than any human's. The lead wolf barked once and darted forward.

Mira smiled faintly, relief softening her features.

"A village. Not too far away."

Berry let out a low whistle.

"Finally. I was starting to wonder if we'd ever get a proper roof over our heads again."

Even Luna, though still tense, didn't argue. A place to rest—even for a short while—was better than trudging endlessly through the storm.

They adjusted their path, following Mira's wolves until the faint outlines of houses emerged from the snow.

The village was modest, tucked away against a slope with smoke rising gently from a few chimneys.

At the gate, an older man stepped forward. His back was slightly bent, his hair gray, but his eyes carried a sharpness that belied his age.

"Travelers. Welcome. The storm is cruel today. Come, rest in our village."

He greeted with a strained smile.

Mira dipped her head politely.

"Thank you. We'll only trouble you for a short while."

The man chuckled, though the sound didn't reach his eyes.

"Nonsense. Any friend who braves this land is welcome here. Please, follow me."

The group entered.

Lucian's gaze, however, sharpened the instant his foot crossed the threshold.

The air was thick. Heavy. Magic clung to it like an unseen fog, seeping into his skin. His jaw tightened.

Then came the familiar, irritating buzz in his ear.

[System Notice: Mission Update]

[Condition changed.]

[Objective: The village ahead is under demonic influence. Hero must liberate the people and earn their recognition.]

Lucian's brows furrowed, though only slightly. He masked the expression before anyone noticed.

'So this is how it is…'

He thought grimly.

There was no turning back now.

The village chief led them through the narrow paths, speaking idly about the weather and their struggles with food. His voice droned on, but Lucian barely listened. His focus was on the oppressive aura lingering everywhere.

Finally, they stopped before a small but cozy house, smoke curling faintly from its chimney.

"You may rest here. I'll bring tea for you and your companions. Please, take ease."

The chief said warmly.

Lucian gave a small nod, then reached into his cloak. He pulled out a small package wrapped in paper and handed it over.

"Use these leaves. They'll brew something proper for weary travelers."

He said calmly.

The chief blinked at the gesture but accepted the package.

"How generous… very well. I'll see to it."

The door closed softly behind him.

The moment it did, Berry crossed his arms, leaning back against the wall. His eyes narrowed on Lucian.

"Alright. What are you planning?"

Lucian raised a brow, feigning ignorance.

"Planning?"

"Don't play dumb. You're usually the first to avoid places like this. Yet here you are, smiling at that shady old man like he's your long-lost friend."

Berry said flatly.

Mira nodded firmly, her arms crossed.

"Berry's right. Something about this village feels off. The villagers are… too polite. Too quiet. The chief especially. Why stay here when we could've pushed on?"

Luna, who had been silent until now, let out a small scoff.

"I thought I was the paranoid one. Looks like I'm not alone."

Verus simply watched, his expression unreadable.

Lucian exhaled slowly, leaning against the table. His golden eyes swept over each of them.

"You're right. The place reeks of danger. I can feel it too."

He said at last.

"Then why—"

Mira began, but Lucian raised his hand, cutting her off.

"Because it's necessary."

They fell silent, waiting.

Lucian's voice lowered, calm but firm.

"I just have a feeling that it was destined for us to come here. Be on alert. I am sure things are not as simple as they seem at first glance."

Mira's lips parted slightly, her eyes narrowing.

"You don't usually talk about destiny? You sensed something here, right?"

Berry cursed under his breath, running a hand through his hair.

"Figures. Can't be simple, can it?"

Lucian allowed a faint smirk to tug at his lips.

"Don't worry. Everything's within my plan. For now, stay calm. We'll watch, wait, and then strike when the time is right."

The weight of his words settled over the group. They exchanged uneasy looks, but none pressed further.

Finally, Mira let out a quiet breath.

"Fine. But if this goes wrong…"

"It won't."

Lucian said, his tone final.

Meanwhile, outside, the chief walked with careful steps toward the communal fire. He cradled the small package Lucian had given him as though it were precious.

He reached the large iron pot boiling gently over the flames, steam curling upward. One by one, he unwrapped the leaves and dropped them into the water.

The moment the leaves touched the heat, a rich aroma filled the air.

The fragrance spread quickly, weaving through the crowd that had gathered nearby. Villagers turned their heads, drawn by the unfamiliar yet soothing scent.

The chief leaned closer, inhaling deeply—

And suddenly swayed, nearly losing his balance. His vision blurred, his head pounding with a sharp ache.

"What… is this…?"

He muttered, clutching at his temple.

The dizziness nearly brought him to his knees, but he caught himself against the side of the pot, panting heavily.

The aroma lingered, thick and strange, crawling through his senses.

Around him, other villagers began to murmur uneasily, the scent reaching them as well.

The chief wiped the sweat from his brow, forcing himself upright. His hands trembled as he stared into the pot of tea, the water now shifting with faint sparks of mana.

He glanced back toward the house where Lucian and the others waited.