Edgar finished his explanation with a sigh. "And that's Eryndral, or at least what I know of it. Each dominion has its strengths, its weaknesses. Some are ruthless, some are rich, and some are strategic. But all of them have powerful ability users shaping their fate."
Xhaelyn nodded slowly. "I see. So this world… is constantly shifting in power." This world sounds interesting. But unlike Earth in her second life, Eryndral seems to have constant power struggles.
Edgar raised an eyebrow at her insight but simply smiled. "That's right. Power, wealth, influence—it all changes hands. You just have to know where to stand when it happens."
Xhaelyn fell silent, processing everything. Now, she had a foundation of knowledge about this world. The only thing left was to see it for herself.
But then, a thought struck her. I still don't know much about Unique Abilities.
She hesitated for a moment, then carefully asked in a childlike, innocent tone, "Uncle Edgar... I also want to learn about Unique Abilities."
Edgar's brows lifted slightly before he let out a chuckle. "I'm glad to enlighten you."
From the side, Carlo exhaled in relief, shaking his head with a small smile. "After everything she's been through, she still has the curiosity of a child, huh?"
"Of course she does," Paulo chimed in, stepping closer. "Curiosity isn't something hardship can erase so easily." He then looked at Xhaelyn, his expression warm. "Unique Abilities, huh? That is an interesting topic. Alright, listen closely, kid. Unique Abilities are special powers that manifest as a person grows. Most people awaken theirs at six, though some are early or late bloomers."
Xhaelyn's gaze sharpened as she absorbed the information. They awaken over time? So even if someone is born in this world, they don't necessarily have an ability from the start.
Edgar continued, "Everyone is born with what we call Unique Energy—it's an internal force that exists in every individual. This energy eventually manifests into a Unique Ability. Some people have strong energy from a young age, while others have a weaker presence. And as they grow, their ability forms based on that energy."
Paulo nodded. "Velmoria, for example, is famous for its Elemental Abilities. Their bloodlines are filled with powerful users. Meanwhile, Verenholm Theocracy has people with abilities similar to healing magic, which is considered a divine gift."
Xhaelyn's thoughts swirled. So that's why this world's power structure is so different. Unlike Earth, where strength relies on weapons and technology, here it's determined by abilities.
"Abilities are an important part of life here," Edgar went on. "But remember, not everyone is born with an awakened one. If someone doesn't manifest by seven, they might never awaken one naturally. Some people have strong energy but never manifest an ability, while others awaken one despite their energy being faint."
Xhaelyn's fingers twitched slightly.
Seven.
A sudden realization struck her.
I transmigrated into this world at the age of seven.
Does that mean… she could have an ability?
Her heart skipped a beat. If she truly had one, what would it be?
Would it be like her past self's assassin skills? Or something entirely new?
Come to think of it… she had always sensed something in others. Something she couldn't quite explain. She could tell when someone had a strong ability, where their strength was concentrated—like Samuel's keen eyesight or Owen's subtle wariness.
Was that… her Unique Energy at work?
Her mind raced with possibilities, but she forced herself to remain composed. She couldn't afford to let her thoughts slip.
Instead, she simply nodded, looking up at Edgar and Paulo with wide, curious eyes.
"I see…" she murmured. "So… do I have one?"
Her innocent question hung in the air, but deep inside, her thoughts ran far deeper than what her expression showed.
And for the first time since coming to this world, she felt something unfamiliar bloom within her.
Anticipation.
Silence followed Xhaelyn's question.
She kept her expression neutral, maintaining the curiosity of a child, but inside, her mind raced.
Do I have a Unique Ability?
Edgar leaned back, stroking his beard. "That's something only time will tell, kid. You're seven now, so if you have one, it should've started showing signs by now. But some abilities take longer to manifest."
Paulo nodded. "Most people awaken their abilities by six. If it happens later, at seven, it's called a late manifestation. But if it still doesn't appear… well, some people travel to the Verenholm Theocracy for awakening."
Xhaelyn's ears perked up. "The Verenholm Theocracy?"
"It's a religious dominion," Edgar explained. "They believe Unique Abilities are blessings from the divine. Some say they have a way to awaken dormant abilities, but not everyone qualifies."
Carlo chuckled. "It's funny, actually. Even with all their talk about blessings, they won't help just anyone."
Xhaelyn hummed in thought. So there's still a chance for those who haven't awakened… But from what Edgar said, the process wasn't guaranteed.
"Have you noticed anything unusual?" Paulo asked. "Strange sensations, moments where you felt something beyond normal?"
She hesitated.
She thought about the times she instinctively sensed something about people—how she could perceive the concentration of their energy, the way Owen's awareness always felt sharp, or how Samuel's presence focused around his eyes.
That wasn't normal, was it?
Yet, she wasn't ready to reveal it. Not when she didn't fully understand it herself.
So she simply tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Unusual? Hmm… I don't think so."
Owen scoffed from where he sat, arms crossed. "Well, if you do awaken something, let's hope it's useful."
Carlo sighed. "Owen."
"What?" Owen shot him a glance. "Not like every ability is good. Some are useless."
Xhaelyn blinked at his bluntness. "Like what?"
Owen raised an eyebrow, then smirked. "Like an ability that makes plants grow faster. I heard of a guy who had that. Real exciting, huh?"
Paulo chuckled. "Actually, in the right hands, that would be useful."
"Not in a fight, though," Owen shot back.
"Not all abilities are meant for combat," Edgar pointed out with a knowing smile. "Some excel in support roles, some in strategy, and some in survival."
Xhaelyn listened carefully. She had assumed Unique Abilities were like the supernatural powers from fantasy stories, but it seemed they had practical applications too.
Then again, if power dictated status in this world, having an ability meant being one step ahead.
What if I never awaken one?
She frowned slightly at the thought. She had relied on her assassin skills in her past life. If she couldn't regain that edge here, wouldn't she be at a disadvantage?
As if sensing her thoughts, Paulo gave her a reassuring pat on the head. "Don't worry too much, kid. If you have one, you'll figure it out soon enough."
Edgar nodded. "And if not, well… some people thrive even without abilities."
Carlo smiled gently. "Either way, you're still you."
Xhaelyn blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sincerity.
She wasn't used to people reassuring her like this.
She lowered her gaze, fingers curling slightly.
Still me, huh?
A small, fleeting smile tugged at her lips.
"…I'll wait and see, then."
For now, she would observe.
And when the time came, she would know exactly where she stood in this world.