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1. Fearlessness: Ah, Fearlessness, a nifty feature when facing sharks and demigods. But let’s not get too cocky; survival is about cunning, not just bravado. Now, if only there was a switch to turn it off – no one wants a dose of overconfidence.

2. Eyes of terror evocation: Crimson eyes that double as fear-inducing beacons. Perfect for scaring off enemies, not so perfect for making friends. Turning this feature on and off would be a lifesaver.

3. Adaptation: A wildcard in the bodily perk deck. Changing bodily functions on a whim? At least this one seems to require a conscious decision to activate. Vague information? Sure. But where’s the fun if everything is laid out neatly? (Just coping here) I’ll figure it out, one adaptation at a time.

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So, that sums them up.

Now, it was time.

Engrossed in an impromptu exercise routine, I counted, “one, two, three, one, two, three,” with the gusto of someone who just discovered the joy of flexibility.

Giggles of excitement accompanied each stretch and bend; I was practically a one-woman aerobics show.

With newfound flexibility and a burst of energy, it was time to put those skills to the test. I sprang off the luxurious bed, a gymnastic feat worthy of applause in my own mind, and dashed to the door.

A cautious peer into the hallway revealed no prying eyes. Excellent. I closed the door, realizing there was no lock – a minor hiccup. Solution? Push one plush chair from the window to create a makeshift barricade. Not foolproof, but it would buy me some time if an unwanted guest decided to make an entrance.

Long azure locks tied back, gown loosened – battle readiness achieved.

The excitement bubbled within me like a cauldron of butterflies. It was time to see what these skills could really do. With a heart pounding in tandem with the fluttering creatures in my stomach, I stood poised for the grand unveiling.

[Keen Perception], I whispered in my mind while closing my eyes, mentally nudging the switch into action. Like a subtle breeze stirring the stillness, a shift occurred within me.

The once unnoticed world around me suddenly unfolded in intricate detail.

The soft murmur of a distant stream. A serene backdrop, to the rustle of leaves. A gentle breeze weaving through the trees.

Birdsong. A cacophony of nature’s musicians. The air painted in its vibrant hues.

The robust trill of a robin. The delicate chirping of a sparrow. A woodpecker’s rhythmic tapping. The symphony of a spring morning.

The subtle crunch of dew-laden grass beneath unseen footsteps. The distant sounds of brooms against floors. A muffled hum.

I witnessed the awakening manor through my ears. Servants diligently starting their day.

A particular voice seized my attention. I focused, the sound originating right below me, beyond the ground floor hallways. Barracks, I surmised. The swishing of something cutting through the air and the grunts of a man engaged in intense sword training led me to believe it was my elder brother, Zach.

Another voice, adjacent to my room on the second story. I pondered, perhaps two walls away. The intrusive snoring was unmistakable – Fiona, my perpetually gloomy sister.

Apparently, I had risen quite early. Which was kind of surprising.

As the sounds of swordplay continued below, I shut off [Keen Perception], and the world retreated back to its former state.

The cessation of [Keen Perception] wasn’t due to lack of excitement but rather a pragmatic realization that wielding such heightened senses demanded more mental energy than anticipated.

It was akin to holding one’s breath, a limit reached before the need to release and replenish set in. Superhearing, a concept alien to the pre-transmigrated version of myself, whose body rebelled against even minor physical exertion.

The distant noises lingered in my memory. The peculiar sensation of auditory omnipotence. An oddity for someone who used to endure pain from the slightest physical effort.

The skill had only unveiled its first facet; [Danger Perception], the second part, lay dormant, unactivated in the absence of imminent threat. No need to rush into that particular experiment.

With one skill tested and six more to go, weariness was a distant concept compared to the shivering excitement bubbling within me.

I hopped onto the bed, swiftly unmounting plush cushions, arranging a makeshift landing zone around it.

Climbing back onto the bed, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer impossibility of the situation. Such physical feats were beyond the wildest dreams of my former cancer-ridden body. Yet, here I was, nervous but electrified.

“[Aerial Grace],” I whispered once again, and like a switch being flipped, a surge of vitality coursed through my entire being.

Every unnoticed detail of my body, from the rapid beat of my heart to the constant flow of blood in my veins, came alive.

My limbs weren’t just extensions; they were integral parts of a grand design. With one leg gracefully moving forward and the other lifting from behind, I felt the perfect balance, the right amount of force to propel me upward.

The energy within me soared as I flipped midair.

Exhilarated.

Excited.

Suspended for a moment, my mind instinctively knew what to do – focus on the front, increase the force, shift trajectory.

The plush cushion awaited below as I touched down with a single leg, a choice to continue or come to a halt.

But stopping was the last thing on my mind.

Laughter bubbled out of me as the second leg touched down, propelling me into another flip, midair once again.

The feeling was intoxicating, irresistible.

Couldn’t stop.

Wouldn’t stop!

The wall approached, and I embraced the impact, legs braced for the force. Building momentum from the flips, I stood vertically, and the skill whispered for another activation.

“[Fleet-footed Sprint],” another switch flipped, another rush of energy. Legs that touched the walls were powerful.

Such strength!

SUCH FORCE!

Hahahahaha! Laughter erupted as I vertically ran forward, hands to the ground, flipping once again, landing on my feet without missing a beat.

The legs, still powerful, full of energy and the sequence continued. On and on, running, flipping, and flipping once more.

Crazed with the madness of newfound power pulsating through my veins.

So lost in the exhilarating dance of flips and sprints.

The world around me blurred. A canvas of movement and excitement.

So absorbed in the rush, I didn’t even register when the makeshift barricade at the door gave way, and someone entered the room.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Umm, hey Eli, why was this chairAH- WHAT ARE YOU DOIN-,” the voice’s sentence took an unexpected nosedive, and suddenly, I found myself realizing that the wall I was treating like an Olympic gymnastics apparatus was, in fact, suspiciously squishy.

Panic gripped me as the revelation hit, and in a frenzy, I hastily shut down the skills. Momentum, however, was not so easily dismissed, and I crashed into the soft wall.

We both tumbled down, and the person I collided with had the foresight to open his arms and catch me, cushioning the fall.

A deep voice, a large frame, and the distinct presence of a sword at his hip – my brother Zach. Weren’t you supposed to be sword training downstairs, big bro? Well, the mysteries of his sudden appearance could wait. Am I in trouble here? Eeep! Time to work that brain magic and conjure up some excuses, Eli!

****

Zach stood in front of me, his eyes brewing a storm of disapproval.

I fidgeted nervously, trying to radiate innocence—the kind that would make even a detective question their career choice.

"In the name of the Moonweaver, what were you doing, Eli?" he thundered.

I blinked, showcasing my most innocent smile.

Unfortunately, the crimson eyes in front of me were unimpressed, and my charm offensive was falling flatter than a pancake on a Sunday morning.

"I, uh, indulged in a spot of exercise?" I ventured, my innocent facade failing to thaw the icy glares.

"Something that involves you prancing about like a goddessforsaken sprite? Did you not contemplate the consequences if I were not present to break your fall?" Zach's tone took on a darker shade.

Ah, that was a walk in the royal gardens, wasn't it?

In actuality, I'd have sprinted up to the wall, indulged in a fancy array of flips, and made it a wall-crashing spectacle until the gremlin in my mind was sufficiently entertained.

But confessing that to him? Not in this medieval kingdom or any other. I couldn't just spill the beans, ‘Hey, esteemed big brother, your darling sisso here has been graced by the Eldritch Comet. Now, she's got the finesse and flair of a magical clown/assassin blend – crashing into walls? Never heard of that.’

Nope, not rolling out that carpet of truth just yet.

"Just a little experiment," I added, hoping my excuse sounded less ludicrous than the actual truth.

"What kind of experiment?" Zach inquired, scepticism etched on his face.

Ah, a question I had anticipated. Eli had undergone formal knight training in the novel, albeit commencing at a later age.

"I wish to embark on the path of knighthood," I declared, fully aware he'd likely resist the idea.

"Knighthood? You say?" Zach tilted his head, clearly perplexed. "Hm... why? It doesn't strike me as a pursuit befitting you. The world of knights is predominantly inhabited by men, and you would encounter formidable challenges fitting into that world."

Aha, I knew this medieval world was steeped in gender bias, having gleaned insights from the first five volumes of this novel. Witnessing how it treated the protagonist, our time-traveling princess, served as evidence.

“But, Brother…” I interjected, seeking to divert his attention from my earlier monkey acrobatic escapades.

"No, none of that. You'll be off to the Royal Academy in two years. Military education isn't a must for women, but etiquette is. Should you possess an inclination toward the magic, that avenue may better suit your disposition. So, simmer down, Eli. You're a bit too green to be plotting your life's course," Zach's stern response tried to put a damper on my ambitious aspirations.

Ah, the fine art of distracting a sibling – a skill honed to perfection.

“Alright,” I relented, feigning a touch of gloom.

But wait a minute, didn't I hear him earlier, clashing swords in the barracks? Or was I confusing him with someone else? No, it was definitely him. I could still catch the whiff of sweat lingering around him, and his outfit was far from formal – a white shirt with sleeves rolled up, buttons undone on his broad chest, showcasing pecs that might rival his fiancée's. Classic action hero vibes.

So, what was he up to here? A chance for a little sibling bonding, perhaps? Suppressing a grin, I allowed my mood to darken.

“But why the surprise visit, brother?” I said, channelling the gloominess inspired by my recent encounters with other family members. “Nobody usually visits me. Even if they do, they’d usually leave without even looking at me.”

Zach’s face twisted in surprise before softening, and he crouched down, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

“Hey... Eli,” he began.

"I can almost envisage your words," I continued, a touch of bitterness seeping into my tone. "Even amidst your busy schedule, a moment to converse could have been spared. Yet, you chose to stand on the periphery, casting sympathetic glances my way. I am aware that my eyes may be disconcerting, but that doesn't warrant the treatment I receive. I have committed no transgressions. Why does most of our family harbour such disdain for me?”

At this point, I wasn't even sure if I was acting anymore.

It had been something I had felt since I arrived here. But no tears came out of me, as if my body had long since forgotten the concept of shedding them.

Zach's face retained a flicker of surprise, as if grasping the depth of my emotions for the first time.

Eli had always been a closed book, her memories revealing a long-standing resignation to the lack of familial love.

She reciprocated their coldness with her own.

Yet, Zach stood apart. He treated Eli no differently than his other siblings—stern but kind, and gentle.

Despite his warmth, Eli maintained her stoic exterior, keeping her emotions locked away.

However, I wasn't her. If I sought the familial love I yearned for, Zach was my best bet.

His hand rested on my shoulder, his expression softening even more.

"Eli," he said, his voice carrying a blend of empathy and bewilderment, "I had no idea you felt this way. I've been preoccupied with my own concerns and responsibilities, and I didn't realize you were navigating this alone. I'm sorry if I seemed distant."

He enveloped me in a tight hug.

He paused, searching for the right words to convey his understanding. "Your eyes, they're not fearsome; they're unique, an integral part of your identity. And you haven't done anything to deserve the treatment you've received. I promise we'll work through this together. I will try to carve out time from my responsibilities. You're not alone, Eli."

Taking a deep breath, a mix of vulnerability and relief surged within me in Zach's comforting embrace.

I yearned to express that it wasn’t merely about the cold treatment; it was about feeling like a specter haunting the manor—hushed conversations, sidelong glances, people treating me like a living curse.

There was an overwhelming desire to release this pent-up frustration in his presence, yet I hesitated. Weakness was a luxury I couldn't afford.

So, instead, I initiated a different course.

"Thank you, Zach," I commenced, my voice resonating with a sincerity that had remained veiled until that moment. "I value your comprehension and, well, your time. It holds greater significance for me than you may realize. You'll stand by your promise, won't you? About carving out moments for me?"

Zach stood me upright, cradling me in one of his arms, his grin forming a stark contrast with my ten-year-old stature compared to his towering 6’5”.

“I promise,” he declared, extending his pinky for a little finger promise.

I looked at it for a moment before my small finger intertwined with his, creating a miniature pact.

In that fleeting instant, the weight of isolation seemed to lighten. A crack had appeared in the walls Eli had constructed around herself, and my mission was to dismantle her entire fortress.

But hold on, I still had no clue why he was here so early.

I shot the question his way, prompting a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

“Ah, I almost forgot,” Zach smiled, reaching into his pocket.

Was I even surprised anymore? You'd need to work on that memory of yours, big brother. You almost forgot I was pulling off monkey flips when you arrived.

Though, it might be for the best if you don’t remember that.

"Here," he said, presenting a pendant with an azure droplet-shaped jewel.

“Wanted to give it to you yesterday on your birthday, but you left in such a rush after finishing dinner. By the time I came up, you were already asleep,” he said, gently placing me down and draping the pendant around my neck.

It was stunning. Don't judge me; I harboured a soft spot for jewels and gemstones, akin to any other young lady.

“It was something I picked up during my visit to the capital,” he continued. “Resonant Barrier, if I remember correctly.”

Resonant Barrier? Did I hear that right? It wasn't my first encounter with such a term, having read the novel before. It must be quite pricey, considering it was a magical item exclusively available to royal mages.

As the name suggested, it created a resonating barrier, utilizing the wielder’s mana. But that wasn't all. Multiple resonant barriers would stack and resonate, forming a formidable magical wall.

It was with the help of this item that our protagonist princess averted a Drake disaster in the fourth volume. Ah, the nostalgia when such events were confined to the printed pages, not impending encounters in my near future. Quite the letdown.

But still.

"Thank you, dear brother! It's exquisite, almost resembling a magic item?" I inquired, feigning curiosity, though already privy to the item's description.

"Indeed, you're astute. A single glance, and you discern it's a magic item. Yet, worry not until you've learned the art of mana manipulation. It simply conjures a magical barrier, a shield to ward off harm," Zach responded with a smile.

Well, not the complete rundown of what this item could do, but still, I cherished it nonetheless.

I expressed my gratitude once more, emphasizing how much I loved it. An extravagant birthday gift in the Shadowstep household? Things were definitely looking up!

As he was about to exit my room, he called out, “And no exercises indoors. Certainly not the ones you were attempting, Eli.”

Ah, so he did remember. I just flashed an innocent smile.

"But... if you wish, I may assist you with a modicum of physical training, nothing too strenuous, merely enough to maintain your health," he added, and the smile on my countenance widened.

Noticing my grin, he made a face, "But assuredly not within these confines. And in the early hours of the morn! You best be prepared, Eli."

"Indeed! Thank you, brother!" I maintained my innocent smile, yet I could envision that, from an external perspective, my crimson eyes might render my expression akin to plotting a grand machination.

Zach gulped and departed, leaving me alone in my room, squealing delightfully.