Chapter 23: Investigating Seraphina

I opted to investigate Seraphina since, based on my previous track records, each and every encounter has caused me additional problems, so I figured I'd look at her status Window and see if it would provide me any answers.

Then I went into their room to check on them and see what they were doing, and they were just playing with flowers."Hi Seraphina and Luna."

"Hello, Dajit," Luna responded.

"Luna I will take Seraphina for a while since I have something I would want to show her."

"Okay."

"Hi, Dajit," Seraphina said as she approached me.

We then went to the garden, where I requested that Seraphina display her status window. I wanted to do this for the protection of the family and her own safety—something I hadn't asked before, especially not in front of my parents or Luna, because it would have been a bad question to ask because it's like asking a person's value, which is not considered appropriate to ask in front of everyone, but Luna is still learning a lot of them, so she doesn't know that, and I believe she will comply.

And she did. This was her status window:

[Race: Feline Beastfolk]

Star: Pardus Draco, Level 1

Common Skills:

Special Skills:

Toxin Resilience: Level 7____*see details*

Chimaera, Level 1____*see details* 

What the hell is Chimaera, and why does she have level 7 toxic resilience? 

The only way she could have gained level 7 poison resistance is if she had been consuming top-grade poison for a decade, but she appears to be in my age group, if not younger, or it could be due to it being a special skill, as chimaeras can be poisonous beasts that gave her this ability. As I studied the stats, I pondered this anomaly.

"Why… happen?" she asked, her voice barely audible. It was her first time showing her status window, and my shocked expression probably scared her. 

"You have a one-of-a-kind beast transformation; you might become really powerful in the future." Even if she can't physically, she carries a level 7 poison in her blood that she can still be dangerous. 

I couldn't ask her directly why she had these stats because she didn't recall her history, and I believe poison was one of the primary reasons for it, but I knew. She was an unusual case, formed by unidentified trials.

"What... Beast Transformation?" Her eyes were filled with bewilderment as she asked. 

"You become large and strong. A beast that can spit fire or walk in shadows, but you acquire stages, like at first it will only be a section of the animal, and that will be extended to a certain percentage."

"Then can I be as strong as you?" She asked enthusiastically. 

That's the instinct of a powerful beastfolk for you; she could tell I was far stronger than her, and I still didn't have the ability to disguise it. "Yes, you can if you practice hard." 

"But Dajit, why... you meditate daily?" 

As I was going to answer her inquiry, I noticed Luna coming with a determined expression on her face. She walked right up to me and said, "What were you talking about without me?" 

"Oh, Luna, Seraphina just asked me why I meditate, and I was about to explain," I told her. 

"I want to listen too." 

"Okay, I meditate because it helps me level up more easily and have a strong knowledge base." 

Seraphina and Luna said in unison, "How?" 

"Generally, you can level up through physical training or gaining knowledge," I said as I started. "But many people are unaware that there is a third option: emotional control." Mastering your emotions allows you to directly control your core, which can help you become stronger." 

They glanced at me with wide eyes, intrigued. "But how does controlling emotions help?" Luna enquired. 

"Emotions are powerful," I stated. "There are nine different types of emotions. Love/Attraction, Laughter/Mirth, Compassion/Pathos, Anger/Fury, Heroism/Valour, Fear/Terror, Disgust/Aversion, Wonder/Astonishment, and Peace/Tranquility."

If you are emotionally focused, focussing on something you want to achieve or do becomes easier and simpler. You can achieve the same thing through intellect, but it is much harder and more complex, and those who achieve it are the pinnacle of a being, the level 10 star user, despite the fact that our country only has 8 known users, and 8 of them are leaders of the 8 families that practically rule our country. This inner harmony allows me to tap into my core power more efficiently." 

Seraphina's eyes glowed with comprehension. "So, don't change paths; become stronger?" 

"Exactly. Controlling your emotions allows you to access higher levels of power inside yourself. It's similar to having a steady hand while pointing a bow—you can strike your target with more accuracy." 

"It makes sense." I'd want to try it too." 

"Too me,"

"Good," I said, beaming at their enthusiasm. "We will start together. It's more than simply strength; you should control how our emotions react. With practice, you'll see the results." 

They both appeared determined, and I felt proud. Teaching kids this vital lesson may benefit them in ways beyond physical strength. It could avert the tragedy that Luna experienced at the age of 14 to a certain level. 

I led Luna and Seraphina through a brief meditation practice to help them focus on their breathing and clear their thoughts of distractions. They listened intently to my directions. 

This worked out nicely since she addressed the issue directly. I thought I'd have to be more forthright with these kids about these things because I can't always be there to protect them. They should focus on themselves to figure out what they want to learn; the sooner the better.

Now that I'm in Faunara, the epicentre of the black death sickness, I should go back to work and resume learning alchemy. The sooner I learn, the better, since I'll have more resources and connections. 

That evening, my mother and father returned and told us that the custom-made furniture will arrive tomorrow, completing our house, and that we would meet the new staff for our house, including the butler, who is also a beastfolk. 

In general, you may recruit workers through an organisation that supplies trained individuals, or you can hire slaves and train them yourself. This is typically done by dukes or royal families, who have the time and resources to do it, but a few wealthy Marquess families also do it.

There were two male and female servants, four cat troops, and a butler from the goat species. His name was Elgin.