The tension emanating from Julius as he tossed and turned in his sleep was palpable. Since Julius is my caretaker, I could sense his deep concern about the Royal Summons. With a single sniff of the document, my instincts alerted me to its origin—a high-ranking Immortal who had not only formed his domain but had also reforged his core at least twice. The notion that such a being would summon Julius was perplexing and unsettling. My deliberation on whether to intervene had oscillated, but the gravity of the situation compelled me to keep a vigilant eye on developments. However, as I reached this conclusion, my innate feline instincts took over, and I succumbed to an impromptu cat nap.
Upon awakening, I positioned myself atop Julius's stomach, ensuring easy access for him to scratch my ears just the way I preferred. Observing his struggles with cultivation, I couldn't help but muse, "Julius really is the slowest cultivator I've ever encountered. He hasn't even manifested all his abilities, let alone progressed to Body Cultivation as he should have by now." It became evident that I would need to intervene directly. After all, Julius's journey would be significantly hindered without my superior knowledge and guidance.
When Julius rose to shower, his query about felines' bathroom fascination prompted an accidental response from me: "I wish I knew..." Realizing my slip, I hastily adopted an appearance of cat-like innocence. It was not yet time to reveal my identity as a retired member of the Order of Magi. Such a revelation, especially before the Royal Summons, could complicate matters, attracting unwanted attention from the powerful cultivator who is almost most likely a true Wizard.
As I lingered by the shower, my stomach began to rumble with hunger. While I typically relished meal times, Julius's culinary attempts often left much to be desired. His lackluster cultivation skills only exacerbated the quality of his mana-infused cooking. It was clear that if Julius was to thrive, both in the kitchen and in his cultivation, my guidance would be indispensable. The path ahead would require my careful oversight and, perhaps, a more direct intervention than I had initially anticipated.
I trailed behind Julius as he entered his bedroom to dress for the day ahead. From a cherry oak box, he retrieved two packages that immediately filled the room with a hum of formidable power. Curiosity piqued, I wondered, "Where did Julius acquire such potent artifacts?" My paws carried me atop his dresser for a closer inspection. As I inhaled deeply, the scent of strong enchantments filled my nostrils, leaving me thoroughly impressed. The craftsmanship of the defensive magic was exceptional; perhaps my somewhat squishy cultivator would indeed have a fighting chance after all.
The morning was still young when Julius departed. My initial intention was to shadow him to work, yet an irresistibly fluffy ball of yarn, overlooked by a cleaning spell, captivated my attention. Hours passed in what felt like moments as I engaged in a spirited chase, completely ensnared by the simple joy of play. It was only when the Suns ascended higher into the sky that I realized my lapse. "Damn this cat mind and its susceptibility to distraction," I chastised myself.
Resorting to teleportation, I materialized in Julius's office, only to find his two companions—cultivators in their own right but hardly impressive by any measure—completely oblivious to the physical manifestation of pure mana that had just occurred before them. For over twenty minutes, I observed them, both engrossed in their mundane work, as I sat in silent judgment. They were none the wiser to my presence or the extraordinary event that had just taken place.
Judging others has long been a pastime of mine, even before my transformation into a cat. But now, with the added layer of feline discretion, I found the activity even more delightful. From my vantage point, I watched, critiqued, and revealed in the subtleties of mortal—and cultivator—behavior, a silent observer hidden in plain sight. My day had taken an unexpected turn, but in these moments of observation and judgment, I found a peculiar sort of contentment only a creature of my unique perspective could appreciate.
julius finally entered the room, his expression one of utter surprise at my presence, while his friends looked on in sheer disbelief. They couldn't fathom how I had managed to slip into the room undetected—a secret that, if revealed, would surely leave them mortified beyond recovery. Recognizing the opportunity to lighten the mood and perhaps alleviate some of the day's tension, I embraced my role as the entertainer.
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I set about chasing beams of light, engaging with the makeshift toys they had crafted, all the while exuding an aura of undeniable cuteness. It was my little way of contributing to the atmosphere, a sacrifice I made gladly to ensure Julius's happiness. Being a cat, especially one tasked with the well-being of my human, is a demanding role filled with responsibilities that go beyond mere companionship.
As I darted around the room, eliciting laughter and smiles from everyone present, I couldn't help but reflect on the weight of my duties. Protecting and caring for Julius, ensuring his spirits remained high amidst the challenges he faced, was a job I accepted with a sense of pride and purpose. "Heavy is the crown upon the head," I mused internally, acknowledging the silent acknowledgment of my efforts and the importance of my role. Indeed, if anyone were deserving of wearing a crown, metaphorical or otherwise, it was I—a guardian masquerading as a simple house cat, yet so much more.
In those moments of play and levity, I not only fulfilled my duty to entertain but also to remind Julius and his friends of the lighter, joyous aspects of life, even in the midst of uncertainty. It is a lot of hard work being a cat tasked with such a noble purpose, but it is a role I embrace wholeheartedly, for there is no one more suited, more dedicated, or more worthy of this unique crown than myself
As the crucial moment approached, I sensed the anticipation in the air; Julius's royal summons was imminent. Despite the tension, Julius and his friends were momentarily distracted, a perfect moment for me to assert my presence. With a loud, commanding "Meow," I successfully garnered their attention, a small but effective reminder of the weight of the moment upon us.
Then, almost as if my vocal cue had been the signal, the majestic sound of Immortal Domain horns filled the room, vibrating through this Mana Plane. A surge of emerald light enveloped Julius, teleporting him away in an instant. The familiarity of that scent struck me; it was something I recognized from my days as a Magi, though the specifics eluded me. Conflicted emotions swirled within me—was this familiarity a cause for relief or concern?
In the wake of the teleportation's power, Ka-Del and Ja-Vazee succumbed to unconsciousness, overwhelmed by the sheer force of the event. Observing them crumpled on the floor, I couldn't help but judge their weakness. They were clearly too frail to offer Julius the protection he needed, a realization that filled me with disdain.
Acting on impulse and a touch of scorn, I leaped onto both of them, my landing expressing my contempt for their inadequacy. They were companions, yes, but in their current state, far from the guardians Julius required. As I stood over them, the weight of my responsibility—to safeguard and guide my caretaker—felt all the more pressing. In this world of cultivators and Immortal Lords, it was clear: the duty to protect Julius fell squarely on my shoulders, a task I accepted not just as his pet, but as his protector and confidant. Heavy indeed was the crown I bore, but in my heart, I knew there was no one more suited to the task than I.
Magi serve as the stalwarts of Mana, our existence intertwined with its preservation and protection. Retirement emerges not as an end but as a sacred duty, a means to safeguard the arcane secrets we've amassed. Within the Order, this transition is revered as our final mission—a lasting tribute to Mana, our most cherished ally. In exchange for this ultimate act of guardianship, we have bestowed the grace of retaining our immortality, a gift that allows us to watch over the realms in silence, unseen yet ever present.
As these thoughts swirled in my mind, a sense of weariness washed over me. Yielding to the comfort of Julius's desk, I indulged in a luxurious stretch, feeling the remnants of my magi strength pulse through me. It was a reminder of the power that once defined my existence, now a whisper of its former glory. This moment of reflection was swiftly followed by the gentle tug of slumber, pulling me into its embrace. Another nap beckoned, a peaceful interlude in the life of a guardian now cloaked in the guise of a cat. As I succumbed to sleep, the mysteries of Mana and the duty I bore as its protector lingered in my dreams, a silent oath to a friend I would forever hold dear.
As the air around me vibrated with the stirring of mana, I noticed the sudden absence of Ka-Del and Ja-Vazee. That peculiar, familiar scent permeated the atmosphere once more, heralding another significant event. In a spectacle of blinding green light, Julius reappeared before me. Without hesitation, I leaped into his arms, my senses on high alert as I sought to unravel the mystery of that recognizable scent. Yet, as I diligently investigated, Julius began to weep, his tears dampening my meticulously groomed fur. Despite my initial irritation, I couldn't ignore his distress. I nuzzled him gently, offering what comfort I could, though I mentally allotted him a brief respite before resorting to a gentle nose bap as a reminder of my patience.
His voice reached me, but his words were lost to my intense focus on deciphering the enigma of the mana signature that evoked distant memories, memories that stubbornly lingered at the edge of my consciousness. Then, the curse of my feline nature struck, derailing my investigative efforts as I succumbed to the warmth of Julius's embrace, curling up contentedly. The purring began uncontrollably, a testament to Julius's innate ability to provide the most satisfying of comforts.
As I lay there, enveloped in the security of his arms, I decided to roll over, inviting him to scratch my belly in that particularly delightful manner only he seemed to master. The missed meal crossed my mind, prompting a few strategic meows to remind Julius of my neglected lunch. At this moment, nestled in the solace of our shared silence, the complexities of my past life as a Magi and the simple joys of my current existence intertwined, painting a portrait of a life transformed yet still profoundly connected to the mystical forces that had always guided my path.