For the following weeks and months, Ame’s daily routine is as follows. Morning is studying and training with Dara, then followed by Lunch and more studying, and finally Dinner and then sleep. Then, everything is followed by awakening soundlessly in the middle of the night and practicing out cultivation theories, which did not have any success.

During the past months, Ame had accumulated an array of useful information of this world’s ancient civilizations. Massive warfare will always be waged every few hundred or thousand years as the conflict exists perpetually throughout Sen and thus creating the vicious cycle of allowing the rise of new empires and the fall of powerful nations. It is similar that of the history of a normal world filled with mankind. However, when looking at the sheer number of disastrous conflicts, the feeling of political turmoil and generally backstabbing led to the current lack of progressive public order. But the governments and politicians weren’t solely to blame for the situation as the root of the problem lay at the feet of the institutions known as Sects.

Nonetheless, there were several important eras in which empires have lasted for over tens of thousands of years or even millennia if the accounts of Sen held true. Such eras existed at least seven different times. In some, a single continent’s empire was so vast and powerful that it brought the rest of the continents into submission and under its domain.

It was not until the rise of the Martial King, Goo Uddin, the current ruler of Hua, that the continents all agreed to live in co-existing peace with one another. That did not imply there were no wars being waged between nations, but instead, no wars were to be waged between continents. Though, some historical actions could be seen as discrepancies including current information, the peace treaty was either temporary or there was more to the treaty that appeared on the surface.

On an interesting note, Ame had coincidently found and studied the Min’s family hidden genealogy books. The interesting tidbit was that Min Hee was the only living nephew/relative remaining of the Martial King, Goo Uddin outside of the Martial King’s inner family circle.

Thus, this raised the unintended question: Why was Min Hee not residing with the Martial King in the capital of the Hua continent, Konyapur? Since it was not a known fact, that meant there was a secret hidden there, which led to an inevitable conclusion either the Martial King was attempting to protect Min Hee or not.

Being a child of the Min Household did not seem very safe in the long run. With those thoughts in mind, Ame had carefully studied government policies and laws regarding trade, commerce, taxes, and had even pointedly reviewed the fiscal coin system.

[The monetary system increases by a 10:1-coin ratio for each increment per value of coin except for Bronze to Cooper 100:1 ratio. The 6 coin detonations were: Bronze, Cooper, Silver, Gold, Diamond (coin enlaced in gold with a small gem fitted in the center,) and Adamantine.]

Ame soundlessly awakens as she yawns quietly in the dark. Being careful of making too much movement, Ame smoothly reaches under her pillow for the sweets she had wrapped in a handkerchief and hid for Sada’s prying eyes. Ame silently grabs the small package and carefully undoes the knots to access her sweet treasures.

Ame sighs in contentment as she settles down against her pillows and chews on the soft fluffy sweets. After chewing and eating, Ame stretches her limbs quietly, before crossing her legs and meditating.

Though Ame had been meditating for some months, she had yet to draw any Qi into her body. It was not a lack of trying, rather a process of successfully learning how to sense the presence of Elemental Qi in her surroundings. However, rather than immediately attempting to absorb Qi, she had no wish to do so until she was certain of a proper method. Thus, leading her to monitor particle movements by experimenting and studying reactions when using portions of various cultivation methods, she had read about.

Luckily, she also managed to find several valuable manuals during her extensive research into cultivation methods. Even if they were incomplete due to not having the complete manuscript or only being practiced until a certain realm. She read and researched any scroll and book on the subject. It didn’t matter how rare, complex, or unique the item was with the aid of underhanded tactics such as of puppy dog eyes, sweet smiles, and any number of cuddly hugs were used to ensure her possession of said information.

Having referenced all useful scrolls and books, hypotheses were finally formed from the conclusive results. After much trial and error, Ame had concluded. An alternative form must be created to avoid forming a core based on Sen’s misperceptions and contradictory knowledge to avoid wasting any Qi or creating a fragmented energy flow within her. To accomplish this, her selected solution was to use the concept of [Cellular Respiration] and [Evolution] to her advantage by absorbing all types of Qi into the cells themselves. This would allow her to cultivate the power of Qi in its entirety while hypothetically avoiding the weakness of losing her cultivation by having one’s inner core destroyed.

Thus, for the last few months, Ame had concentrated on feeling every part of her body synchronizing her whole being as one, even watching her breathing during the meditative process. Her awareness of the surrounding Qi was improving along with her visualization, while her concentration on keeping a clear mind became steadier. Ame believed she was, at last, ready to attempt to draw the Qi into her cells. Then again, if this still fails, following the path of a regular cultivator was acceptable in the end.

Ame, feeling every inch of her body begins to imagine various atoms gradually forming into many small streams of particles being drawn into every inch of her body in an attempt to feed and invigorate every living cell. She continues to project this image in her mind over and over until with the passage of time, she begins to feel a prickling sensation in her flesh.

For a moment, Ame’s heart twitches in excitement as Ame inhales slowly through her nose and exhales to calm herself. As she feels her body relax, Ame continues her efforts as the tingly sensation increases.

As time passes, Ame is forced to keep herself from twitching at the uncomfortable sensation being generated, a feeling like that of bugs crawling all over her body. Ame clamps her teeth together as she tries to prevent herself from being distracted. Finally, when Ame can take no more, the sensation disappears, leaving only a cool yet warm sensation lingering behind. Her mind focusing only on the streams of particles by itself as she falls into a somewhat hypnotic state.

After having become used to the feeling, Ame sighs in relief as she opens her eyes and is surprised to find glowing wisps of light pouring into the room. She glances at her body and is pleased to find that there is no guck on her body from sweated impurities. Although, her body was slightly sweaty from the eerie sensation of bugs crawling all over her body.

Ame nods to herself in satisfaction at a theory being proven. Pleased with her results and success, she smiles to herself quite cheerfully as she climbs out of bed. As she carefully places both feet on the floor, she glances at the picturesque figure sleeping on a warm futon at the end of the bed. Sada’s sleeping form portrays the imagery of the fairytale Sleeping Beauty waiting for her prince to awaken her from her cursed sleep.

No matter, how many times Ame awakens before Sada, she can never find a single trace of drool, snoring or any normal action of a sleeping female body for that matter. Annoyed by the charming scenery, Ame rudely steps on Sada for a moment.

Sada awakens to a start, somehow managing to make her eyes look warm and inviting. A sweet smile appears on her face as she happily chirps, “Good morning, my Lady.”

Ame mumbles something in return as she heads towards the bathroom area. Ame was certain that no matter what she did, Sada would happily accept the actions. Even if she did make Sada weep, she was certain Sada would still end up making weeping appear as a form of art.

While Ame enjoys a relaxing bath, Sada hunts for prey. After having a pointed word or two, Sada and Ame had agreed that while training with Dara wearing pants and dark tunics would be acceptable to wear. But for any other type of outing proper female garb was to be worn.

Upon Ame’s return, Sada has successfully returned from her hunt with a dark blue tunic and matching pants with the usual pair of boots. After dressing, Ame and Sada eat a small meal before visiting Dara.

On their way there, a rare sighting appeared that of the manor’s servant’s children playing. The children of various ages were strewn in a long line with the head of the line trying to catch the end of the line, the dragon’s tail. The children instantly stiffen and their hands drop to their sides. The children politely bow and greet Ame, “Greetings Miss Min, we apologize for our lapse.”

Ame frowns reflexively at the frightened voices. In response, the children shiver and bow even further. With a sigh, Ame dismisses them with a gesture of her hand. The children dart away like a startled group of sparrows. For better or for worse, the children of the Min Manor were frightened of Ame.

From her limited understanding, Ame understood that the children had been frightened by their parents, the manor servants. As a small three-year-old child Ame’s roots had been tested and been found they were average. Ordinarily, this would have caused for Ame to even be bullied or humiliated by the servants.

However, that was not a problem given that Lord Min Hee was not only wealthy but possessed plenty of cultivation manuals. Once Ame began to cultivate, items could be easily being purchased to increase her cultivation level ensuring that she at least becomes a 5th rank cultivator.

And despite being ignored, Ame was still a young Miss of the Min Household and was not one to be trifled with by the manor’s petty servant schemes. It wasn’t though Ame was left without protection, Dara had taken her under his wing. And no mere servant would ever dare mess with Dara.

Ame lets out a small huff, before resuming their journey with Sada carefully in tow. Upon their arrival, Dara smiles warmly at them from the library door. "Greetings, little Mistress.”

Ame mumbled an inaudible reply as Sada smiles sweetly and says, “Very well, Dara.”

Both Sada and Dara chat gaily as they all head into the library. After a moment, Ame interrupts their morning chatter and asks, “Dara, how can another cultivators energy be sensed?”

Dara nods approvingly at Ame’s words as he smiles with pleasure. “Excellent question, Little Mistress. All cultivators can sense the cultivation of a weaker cultivator than themselves. But, the more powerful the expert, the ability for powerful Qi cultivators to hide their strength and appearance from weaker cultivators is. Although hard to come by, there are rare treasures and techniques specifically meant for such a task.”

“However, for simplicity’s sake, cultivators can sense each other’s development of their core and the residual energy released from the person’s body and aura,” Dara kindly said.

Ame nods and asks one last question, “Then how does one use Qi?”

Dara smiles warily and replies, “Very simple, little Mistress. One just needs to call upon the existing internal Qi and use it by circulating the Qi within the meridians according to a cultivation method to unleash a much greater power from within, which is normally in the form of techniques and Mystic Arts. Unfortunately, Little Mistress, you have yet to cultivate any Qi into your body, but I am sure that this will change soon enough.”

Ame stares blankly at Dara before turning on her heels and striding away into the library. Dara and Sada stare at each other in surprise and worry at the reaction. Worried, they both decide to leave Ame to her own devices. The rest of the day passes in silence as Ame studies topics of interest and use, before retiring to bed.

Hours later as usual Ame awakens and rubs the sleep out of her eyes. Intrigued by the concept that Dara was unable to sense the residing Qi in her cells, Ame wishes to verify that she did successfully absorb Qi during the night.

Ame silently pulls out a sharp golden pin from underneath her pillow. Eying the pin for a moment, Ame tries to not grind her teeth together, which is a terrible habit to break and one that wears enamel down in the teeth. Nonetheless, she must keep quiet and confirm her hypothesis.

Taking a small breath, Ame stabs the sharp tip through her palm as she stuffs her face into a pillow to muffle her groan of pain. Ame’s palm stings with a burning pain as she lifts her face from the pillow. She winces from the pain and removes the pin from her palm.

Cold sweat forms lightly on Ame’s forehead as she feels the energy in her cells and calls out to it. Slowly, the pain goes away, and minutes later, the cells have repaired themselves, leaving her hand completely healed. Ame flexes her hand and touches the skin to ensure that the healing was not merely superficial.

Ame smiles wolfishly at the new possibility of accelerated self-regeneration for the future. Her smile widens even more upon the realization that she would never need to visit or have need of the questionable medical practices of the world.

Yet, her smile fades away at the realization of the current limit. For a small cut to heal it take minutes, but for a large wound, how long would that be? Or better yet, what happens if there is a lack of sufficient Qi to do so?

Ame seats herself properly on her bed and begins to meditate as Qi smoothly flows into her cells according to her basic instructions. As expected, her cells have learned how to absorb Qi on their own, but due to being in the initial phase, the absorption rate is practically negligible. Her body can’t yet self-cultivate until she properly sets down a foundation of Qi within herself. Thus, she will have to continue feeding her cells to gradually accustom her body to her cultivation method.

For now, the Qi is being drawn into her cells empowering them. Ame meditates on Dara’s words. Perception is a large factor after all. Denizens of Sen lack the knowledge of cells and can’t sense Qi at such a minuscule level.

However, that does not mean it is an entirely foreign concept to them since they understand some functions of the body. Given enough time and if she is able to reach a higher level of cultivation, the more powerful cultivators may be able to sense a low level of Qi emanating from her body. It shouldn’t be a problem, but she will just have to wait and see.

The Qi being drawn into the cells and gradually establishing her basic foundations on its own, Ame returns her focus back to the Qi. Yes, she is focusing on the Qi, or more specifically, Ame has begun to see more clearly the wisps of light throughout her surroundings. Perhaps, once her foundations get stronger, her unusual perception will become clearer and more distinct.

She may welcome the added eyesight in the long run, but for now, the wisps of light were rather annoying like buzzing flies. She gathers the streams of particles surrounding her and decides to play with them to better control them. She begins to weave the streams of particles over and over in her mind.

In a deep sleep-like state, a glowing door appears in her mind. The image flickers persistently in her mind and only continues to emanate a stronger presence and vastly irritating glowing brilliance as time goes on. Without being aware, the Qi in her surroundings and within her starts to transform repeatedly, creating an illusory feeling around her. The door within her mind continues to further expand and open invitingly, releasing annoyingly loud roars of various beasts from the shadows beyond the door.

Despite the persistent nuisance of the door, she attempts to clear the mysterious, psychotic episode from her mind. Frustrated, Ame grumbles in her mind, “Go away. I have no need for you unless you are a great deal of luck.”

The white door’s glow dims for a moment before suddenly brightening with an overbearing, blinding brilliance, her consciousness and soul tremble at the ferocity of the wretched light show. The door revolves joyfully for a moment before both the door and unknown illusory phenomena around her disappear. Ame opens her eyes in bewilderment and wonders if it is a side effect of Qi absorption or a latent sign of mental instability.

Uneasy, Ame silently climbs out of her bed and sneaks past Sada to the bathroom. Ame heads towards a sink to drink some water and hopes that will help. After drinking some water, she turns off the taps and dries her face.

Ame tries to recall the symptoms of possible mental instability. It was possible given the fact that she experienced death and had all her past life memories suddenly awaken within her still underdeveloped mind. For all she knows, her psyche may have suffered too much strain, or her brain can’t keep up with her sudden mental capabilities. Other possible options are that her past life and child egos are rejecting with each other or that her body is rejecting her new psychological changes.

Even in the depth of thoughts, Ame’s ears prickle at a soft swoosh. The moonlight streams through the windows lightening and casting shadows in odd places in the bathroom. Ame’s eyes dart in search of the noise as her ears strain themselves to only hear the odd swoosh of padded feet.

Two small pairs of golden cat slit eyes gaze at Ame with interest from within the shadows. Ame frowns at the scene of intent pairs of golden eyes blinking back at her. The furrows on her face only increase as the eyes do not disappear with time.

Ame’s face pales slightly as she begins to wonder if she miscalculated in theory of Qi and was too rash in testing them on herself without a test subject. After all, it was possible that mental instability was the hidden side effect of her cellular cultivation. Although, she would never have imagined that hallucinations would be a side effect.

Ame shrugs to herself after a moment. She had been called, crazy, deranged, a psychopath, the mad lunatic, and worse names by her colleagues. It would be no different from then. She would just have to ensure that she keep to a strict retinue to verify her surroundings are not a hallucination. After all, such an illness was manageable with proper care.

A small black kitten followed by a golden kitten pops out of the shadows and creeps towards her. Their tails curl up in the air as they quietly pad towards her. The kittens both come to a halt at her feet and gaze solemnly up at her.

The black kitten open’s its mouth seemingly about to meow, but instead, it says, “As per the Heaven’s Will, we have answered the call. We asketh you.”

“The one to call and seeketh us…” The golden kitten suddenly spoke. Surprisingly or not too surprisingly, it seemed to possess the same level of intelligence and language ability as the other one.

“The one to manifest our form into this world under the power of the Heavens…” The black kitten continues the words from the golden one. It would as though they were twins completing the words of the other.

“Are you our Master? And if so, may we inquire your name?” The golden kitten finished their inquiry. Both kittens continued to stare as their childish voices continually resound in Ame’s ears.

Ame gazes wordlessly at the kittens, her shock evident on her face. Well, at least it would not be difficult to confirm what was a hallucination, but she must applaud the creativity of the mind in creating such life-like kittens. One check in the box for possibly being schizophrenic.

The kittens glance nervously at Ame as their ears flick back in uneasy. In a cute high pitched voice, a kitten says, “Master, are you displeased with us?”

Ame sighs as she feels pity for the hallucination and reaches out to pet the small black and golden kittens. A gentle smile appears on her face as she kneads the soft fur in her hands. The tiny kittens purr in contentment.

With a start, Ame realizes that the fur is real to the touch. Her eyes widen as she gapes for a moment at the tiny kitten. A dark expression quickly flickers in her eyes as she curses the improbability of the world known as Sen.

With a profound sigh as if giving up on sanity, Ame seats herself on the floor and allows the kitten to climb into her lap. The black and golden kitten scramble up her lap and settle onto her knees. Smiling gently at them, Ame then says, “I apologize for my lack of manners, little one. I am known as Ame, but if I may inquire your names? And, may you inform me of how and why are you here?”

The little tails of the kitten’s twitch for a second as the tiny voice of the black kitten say, “Master Ame, we apologize for inconveniencing you as it is not our intention. However, neither of us possess a name until you bequeath us with one.”

Ame stares at the kittens in her lap for a moment and reflexively asks in bewilderment. “Master?” She didn’t ask anyone in particular or expected any answer. She was just bemused at this turn of events, having a vague feeling this was caused because of her lack of planning and persistent experimentation into the unknown.

She snorts under breath, whilst stroking her chin with her right hand with a look of contemplation floating on her face. Suddenly her eyes shimmer with mischief and she points at the black kitten and then to the golden kitten respectively. She solemnly says, “Morpheus, after the gods of old of dream and sleep. I will call you, Morph for short. As for you… Kiroberus, after the valiant sentinel that guards the gates of the underworld. I will call you Kiro for short.”

The black kitten whispers quietly its name to itself. After a second, Morph puffs out its chest and says, “Thank you, Master, for the wonderful name. I will do my best to live up to my name.”

The golden kitten purred as well. “Thank you, Mistress. I too will live up to your expectations.” Its golden eyes glowed with a trace of resolve and delight.

Ame pats the tiny heads with her index finger and reminds both kittens of her other questions. “I look forward to a fruitful, prolonged partnership. But I have already asked a question and I would like an answer.

Morph nods and says, “Master, we are spirit guardians that contracted with thee and now have a living flesh form.” An expression of seriousness could be seen from their faces…. Or at least, Ame thinks their expression is one of seriousness

Morph pauses for a moment with worry, before softly continuing, “Master, you must not be loved by the Heavens. The truth of the matter is that my brother and I are both Luck Spirits. Although we are confident in bringing fortune and wealth to you, we are also known for being weak at birth.”

Kiro sadly interjects, “Therefore, we are rarely chosen to become a living mortal's guardian. Most mortals that encounter us, would refuse our attempt to bond and choose more powerful spirits that are more suitable for combat.”

Morph pauses for a moment with worry, before softly continuing, “Master, I am a Luck Spirit. Luck Spirits are rarely born in the Spirit Realm, since we are rather weak creatures at birth. Therefore, we are rarely chosen to become a living human's guardian. Most humans that encounter us, refuse our attempt to bond and choose more powerful spirits or fighting type spirits."

In the end, our kind is always easily killed off by the more powerful experts and their spirit guardians.” A sense of sorrow and helplessness was evident in Morph’s voice. Both brothers’ eyes anxiously watch their master awaiting her response.

Ame frowns at their tone and gently places a single finger under each of the kittens’ chin. Gently tilting the black and golden kittens’ faces upwards, she says, “There is nothing to be ashamed of. I choose you, and I do not regret my actions.”

Both kittens’ eyes widen as they happily rub their little face against Ame’s finger. Ame smiles gently at seeing the tears glistening at the corner of their squinted eyes and taps them on their fuzzy heads reminding the kittens to continue. Morph wipes its little face clean with evident embarrassment as it tries to compose itself, whilst Kiro wipes its face against Ame’s clothing, purring in happiness.

“We were the last Luck Spirits left in the entire Spirit Realm. Eons ago, all the remaining Luck Spirits willingly choose to be reborn in the Spirit Fountain. Neither of us wished to be reborn nor much less be separated from each other. We choose to remain and wait until we were contracted,” Kiro firmly said.

Ame’s eyes widen at the little black kitten’s words. Her eyes become gentle as she smiles in understanding and respect at the kitten’s words. After all, they both understood what it was like to be alone in the world.

Ame gently pats them as she wonders how she contracted these little things. As Ame contemplates her past actions, and apparently not so psychotic episode, she easily concludes, that this phenomenon must be a product of her cultivation method. From mouth to mouth accounts and a small reference in a book concerning Spirit Guardians, there was a matter of summoning said guardians via a special ceremony from the Spirit Realm. Not everyone would or could receive a spiritual guardian, but depending on the circumstances, a new realm of possibility or potential could open even if one’s natural talent is not the most amazing among his/her peers.

However, there is one problem according to what she learned: She didn’t perform any ceremony, and there was no formation created. The only explanation presently is that her cultivation method has created Qi movements similar to the aforementioned ceremony. It may even be that the formations and techniques used in the ceremony make use of all the elements, like herself.

Ame glances at the purring kittens with interest and a mixture of emotions. She was beyond gratefully to gain not one but two trustworthy companions. However, she wondered just how far their bond extended. Well, either way, she would come to find out.

Ame stops petting Morph and Kiro as the kittens’ pout in protest. “Morph, Kiro, what is it exactly that a Luck Spirit, can do?” Ame quietly asked.

Morph preens himself and says, “Master, we can definitely bring you both fortune and prosperity by nature. Whether finances, gambling, or treasure hunting, you will have an easier time in all forms of business ventures and monetary matters. I also have a natural talent to navigate quite well in unfamiliar places.”

Nodding his head, Kiro also tries to look good in front of their new master. “As for me, I am better at protecting you from traps and other forms of malice and misfortune. And I am much more sensitive to treasure hunting and business prosperity than my brother. Although when it comes to gambling, it is best to have my brother near for better effects.”

Morph then continues. “For the best effects in all situations, it is still best to have us together. Ever since we were born in either realm, we function better together.”

A wolfish smile appears on Ame’s face, causing the kittens to shiver at the hungry smile. Ame mumbles under her breath, “Mere fools to disregard such priceless treasures.”

Morph and Kiro tilts their heads in confusion as Ame fixes her expression and sincerely says, “Those who did not wish to contract ye are barbarians who didn’t know the boundlessness of the World and the immensity of the Heavens. The scientists of Earth would have gladly killed each other to possess you.”

Ame did not add that such an ability was applicable to combat as well. To increase the efficiency of an attack against the enemy or to dodge a blow would greatly increase the odds of survival. Indeed, Morph and Kiro were treasures beyond compare.

Kiro and Morph looked at one another in shock and amazement. Kiro then gazes in awe and adoration at Ame as its little tail twitches happily in the air. “Master, I am glad that I heeded your call. For that was all that was ever wanted by this one, a Master who would believe in this one’s capabilities.”

Ame pets Kiro in an answer as she motions for the kitten to quiet down. Morph quiets down as well, purring happily under her touch. Curious of their gender, Ame tilts the kittens onto their back to confirm her initial assumptions. All the while Morph and Kiro gazes up at her with confusion.

Ame gently returns the kittens to their previous positions upon having the discovered their gender. Both kittens were male after all. Well, that simplified things greatly.

Ame soothes the ruffled kittens and says, “Morph, Krio, if I may ask, what was the gift that the heavens bestowed upon you?"

Morph and Kiro happily scrambles out of Ame’s lap and onto the floor. They soon start to glow as the little kittens turn into kitten-sized small wolves. After a moment, they effortlessly return to their small kitten shapes.

“We are able to change our size, Master. Once we grow stronger, we can grow even larger,” Morph proudly said.

Ame smiles with pleasure at the practical gift. Not only could Morph and Kiro be used as pack mules but even as a pair mounts for the future. Such a capability would be wonderful in battle. At the least, an opponent would be much easier to deal with if she can use a mount to increase her moment and charging speeds. Not to mention, that the two of them would become formidable opponents if they could adjust their size to avoid an attack.

Ame happily pets the purring kittens and rubs them under their chin with pleasure. “Both of you, remember to act as kittens after this. You are cats, and regular cats do not speak, EVER, especially in front of others. Is that understood?” Ame sternly said as gazed at the small kittens.

They shook their heads in vehement agreement. Tired of sitting on the cold floor, Ame placed the kittens on her shoulder as she scrambled to her feet. After lightly stretching her limbs, Ame silently returned to her bed.

Ame only glances at Sada for a moment as she contemplates on how to deal with the subject of Morph and Kiro. As she settles back in her bed, Morph and Kiro happily curl up on a pillow and fall fast asleep. A small smile appears on her face, and she could only shrug her shoulders in self-response. It shouldn’t be too hard to deal with. And with that, Ame lays down next to them and falls sound asleep.