—Let's take what just happened to you as an example. Eva clearly has a unique ability inscribed in her soul: Mother Progenitor. By using that authority, she was practically sentencing you to death. Your fragile soul couldn't bear to hear her words and interpreted them as an attack. You only survived thanks to the blue flames. You can't blame her—she's been locked in that house for so long that I suppose she forgot.
"Now... just rest a bit," Seraphine said as she lazily leaned back against the tree trunk after finishing her explanation.
After hearing her words, I also stayed silent, processing the overwhelming amount of information: "Wait a moment…" I said, surprised.
Seraphine opened one of her eyes. "What is it?"
"Can a soul have more than one unique ability?" According to what I knew, it was certainly possible—David had more than one unique ability.
"Of course it can. In fact, it's a requirement if you want to stop being mortal. For example…" She pointed to herself with a proud smile. "I have more than one 'unique ability.' If that's all… let me rest." After speaking, she closed her eyes and fell silent.
"At last, one of my questions answered…" I'd had this question for a while. Compared to David, who already had two unique abilities awakening, I...
"System, show me my stats and unique ability," I commanded mentally.
[Race: Unknown – Lesser Hybrid Creature]
[Vitality: 151 years]
[Corruption Level 1] [20/100]
[Description: Allows for the slow corruption of a human soul until it fully transforms into that of a demon. The level of corruption depends on the host's actions.]
"This is my unique ability… the description is very simple, but now with Seraphine's explanation… slow corruption of a human soul…" Opening my eyes, I thought, "Just by speaking, I can corrupt people…" It made sense—it never stated the form or process that had to be used. Taking a deep breath, I understood why I hadn't had any missions to corrupt the girls further. It turns out that just by speaking… though it's probably not that easy. Frowning, I thought, "Weak soul." To use the authority of a unique ability, a strong soul is needed, and clearly, I don't have that.
[Seduction] [Description: The Seduction skill causes others to feel a strong attraction to you. The more interest the person has, the easier it is to influence their mental state. (Only works if the target is in a lustful state.)]
"Maybe these two abilities activating at the same time… that's probably why I managed…"
[Leslie Violet Rose (The Fourth Seraph)] [Status: Sealed]
[Corruption Level: 10%] [Fourth Seraph: Sealed (3%)]
[Daniela Von Benedetto (The Masochistic Saint!)]
[Corruption Level: 15%]
The difference between 3% and 15% was significant. Thinking about it, an idea came to mind: "Leslie's soul must be much stronger than Daniela's and consequently weaker than mine… This could explain why hers increased to 15%, and Leslie's only to 3%." "Interesting…" I murmured to myself.
"Do you mind shutting up?" Seraphine's frustrated voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"…!" I closed my mouth.
Well, it wasn't so bad. I gained a lot of insight from this traumatic experience. Words do have power, after all.
It really is possible to have more than two unique abilities. I wonder what the real names of these abilities are… Since Seraphine was the one who mentioned it, there must be truth to her words. I also wonder what abilities she has. One, I'm sure of—"Mercy." That's obvious. But could she have one more or two? Shaking my head, I dismissed the thought—it's pointless to dwell on it now.
By the way, I'm already level 40… still a rookie. I need to pass level 50 to really begin the proper path. For now, they'll just have level numbers, and later, the proper titles will be assigned.
Leaning back further against the tree, as the unbearable pain had completely disappeared, I let out a deep sigh: "It was definitely worth it. I just hope I don't die if something similar happens again… I hope."
"Hmm…" Seraphine nodded. "He noticed."
"Of course he did…" I replied, grabbing a fruit similar to the one she was eating.
Eva had noticed from the first contact that I was a demon. The second was that she…
"You're not my son." Those were the last words I heard from her… and she never spoke to me again.
"Didn't I tell you? Eva's insane! Just because you're not human, she stops talking… But I think you see where this is going…" Seraphine wore a strange smile.
"Damn it…" I sighed. She had just confirmed it—humans are indirectly her children. As for me, I'm only 5% human, practically nothing… and that's why she won't talk to me. Honestly, given how things are going, I can't find a way to talk to her… unless… I glanced furtively at Seraphine.
"So talking is pointless if she doesn't want to. What other options do I have?" I asked Seraphine.
"For me to intervene, of course… but…" She looked at me. "You'd owe me a favor. What do you think?" She extended her hand mysteriously.
From my perspective, with her strange smile and clearly hidden malicious intentions, I could swear I saw a pair of horns on her head for a moment… It felt like I was shaking hands with the devil himself. But after five days without success, I had no other options.
"Fine…" I shook her hand and could clearly feel its softness. It was oddly satisfying.
"Deal, then." Seraphine nodded and stood up, brushing off her white dress. Slowly, she walked toward the wooden house. Standing in front of the wooden door, she closed her eyes for a moment… and simply knocked.
Curious, I stood up as I heard the door creak open slowly.