In the middle of the night, I was awakened from my sleep on Sophia's bed.

  I stretch and leap out of bed, nding fwlessly on my feet.

  'I guess Cat's body is better than I thought.'

  In my spare time, I've experimented with integrating various biological traits into my cat's body. Through these trials, I discovered that adding new biological functions comes with significant trade-offs.

  For example, attaching wings to a cat's body wasn't enough to enable comfortable flight. I had to completely redesign my head structure and reshape my lungs to adapt to rapid pressure changes and the unique breathing requirements of flying.

  Even if I manage to fly, it comes at a cost—I lose the sharp reflexes and quick reaction speed of a cat.

  When I modified my paws to include finger-like structures for better grip, I lost the ability to run at a cat's usual speed.

  I even tried to alter my paws to produce and shoot webs, like the well-known, multiversal Spider-person. While I succeeded in creating webbing, shooting it proved impossible. Worse, the adjustment caused my rectum to relocate to my paw.

  Through all my attempts, I realized that a cat's body might be the most versatile as it is. From a biological standpoint, their stats are maxed out in nearly every area.

  For me, though, the most remarkable feature is their ability to sleep. This body can find comfort in any position as if its 'sleep stat' has been fully optimized.

  Additionally, after conducting multiple experiments with my skill, 'Transmogrify Essence,' I realized that mana usage doesn't simply range between one and two; it can vary.

  For instance, when I transformed my entire body from a cat to a human, it required three mana. However, when I shifted from a mosquito to a human, it used four mana.

  It seems that mana consumption depends on the volume and mass of both the original form and the target form.

  After completing the first part of my research pn for Transmogrify Essence, I moved on to the second part: integrating the transformation of inanimate objects.

  Before, I knew I could transform my body into clothing, but now I’m considering taking it further.

  Concentrating on my skill, I transform my body.

  A sword materialized, repcing my right front paw.

  Its design was intricate—a depiction of the night sky, with countless dots resembling stars.

  I didn’t exactly choose this design.

  Much like how I default to bck hair and eyes when shifting my appearance, it seems this design is the tempte for inanimate objects.

  I decided to test the sword, slicing a nearby curtain. To my surprise, it cut effortlessly.

  I could barely feel the resistance.

  Then, a thought crossed my mind.

  I raised the sword and severed my left paw. The limb fell to the floor, bleeding.

  I quickly used my skill again, and the severed paw grew back, fully restored.

  'Wow, I’d be an excellent donor.'

  But as I stood there, a strange sensation crept into me. It felt as though something essential within me had vanished.

  Suddenly, the deep pain inside me—the one that has always been my constant companion—began to grow slightly.

  'This feeling…'

  I gnced at my severed paw.

  Focusing intensely, I tried to transform it back into me. But no matter how much time passed, it refused to return.

  A cold sweat broke out across my body.

  'No… no, no, no...'

  A realization struck me, 'Every time I lose part of my body… my pain increases.'

  My eyes darted around the room, nding on traces of my fallen fur scattered on the floor. Even in the trash can, a pile of bck fur sat where Sophia had gathered and discarded it.

  I froze, 'This whole time....'

  Panic set in. Frantically, I opened the skill description.

  ---

  Transmogrify Essence Type: Transformation Css: High-tier Attribute: Cosmos Effect: Allows the user to alter their form according to their will and mastery of the skill.

  ---

  The description emphasized 'form.'

  'But how does this skill define my form?'

  The severed paw was undeniably mine, yet cutting it removed any indication that it was part of me.

  Turning my attention to the sword, I transform it back into my paw.

  It worked.

  'So it’s not about organic versus inorganic.'

  I forced myself to stay calm, attempting to piece everything together. But as time passed, my panic only grew.

  I could endure the pain inside me, but the thought of it increasing still traumatized me.

  As I pondered the situation, another realization hit me.

  "You’ve got to be kidding..."

  I hesitated as an idea formed in my mind.

  "Would it even work?"

  My gaze shifted to Sophia, who was peacefully sleeping nearby.

  Making up my mind, I grasped the severed paw in my mouth and slipped out through the window, using the thin membrane technique to glide through the air.

  I nded awkwardly on the ground, but I quickly got up and fixed my body.

  I ran, creating as much distance as possible between myself and the Kovalevska mansion.

  Eventually, I reached the edge of a nearby town and hid in the bushes.

  With the severed paw in my mouth, I activated my skill: 'Essence Devour.'

  The severed paw disappeared, and I felt something deep inside me being filled. My status window also showed some changes.

  But right now, one thing dominates my thoughts.

  The pain inside me had lessened.

  "My pain... it can be reduced..."

  A thrill coursed through me as I entertained the thought further.

  My gaze shifted toward the city visible beyond the bushes.

  "If I 'devour' everything here… how much more could I reduce this pain?"

  But before the thought could consume me, I acted on impulse. Using 'Transmogrify Essence,' I maximized my pain receptors and bit down hard on my paw.

  Agonizing pain shot through me, overwhelming every other thought. Still, I forced myself to endure it, sinking my teeth in further.

  I needed a distraction—something potent enough to break the compulsion gripping me.

  Eventually, I colpsed into the bushes, trembling.

  As the haze cleared, I reviewed everything that had just happened.

  "Essence Devour was far more dangerous than I had anticipated."

  ***

  Early in the morning, Sophia woke up from her bed. Without dey, she reached for Seraphix, burying her face in its soft fur to start the day.

  Yesterday, she and Cal had bought airship tickets for tomorrow's flight to the academy.

  There was so much to prepare before their departure.

  But suddenly, as if remembering something urgent, she dashed to her drawer and pulled out a silver-covered notebook—her diary. She flipped to the st page, only to find something written there that she hadn’t written herself.

  “No!” Her heart sank as she smmed the book shut, unable to bring herself to read the entry.

  This silver-covered book wasn’t just an ordinary notebook; it was, in fact, an artifact. It was a gift from her mother.

  In this world, artifacts were remnants of an ancient civilization—relics no one could replicate even in modern times.

  What set artifacts apart from ordinary tools or amulets wasn’t just their mysterious and potent abilities but also their inherent drawbacks, commonly referred to as 'artifact curses'.

  These curses ranged from minor inconveniences to catastrophic consequences, depending on the artifact.

  The artifact in Sophia’s hands was known as the 'Book of Blunders'. Its unique property ensured absolute secrecy over its contents, visible only to its registered owners. However, its curse was humiliating: if the current owner failed to write something in it daily, the book would randomly record one of their embarrassing memories. Worse still, it rendered the memory in vivid, first-person detail, sparing no dignity.

  Sophia felt a wave of mortification wash over her—she had forgotten to write in the Book of Blunders yesterday.

  After taking a deep breath to gather her courage, she slowly opened the book and braced herself as her eyes fell on the fresh entry.

  She froze.

  It was a memory of her wetting herself during her summoning of Seraphix.

  “Ahh!!” Sophia smmed the book shut again, her face burning with embarrassment.

  ***

  I am jolted awake by Sophia's sudden scream.

  Heart racing, I quickly scan the room, searching for her. When I finally spot her, screaming at the sight of a book, I spring into action.

  I leap, channeling the full power of my feline legs, toward Sophia.

  As I prepare for nding, I miscalcute my speed. I nd in a kicking position. My foot collides with Sophia's head, smming her into the table.

  "Ugh," she groans, cutting off her scream.

  Feigning composure, I assume a dignified seated posture—a skill I've been diligently practicing—and activate my skill, Veil of the Abyss, around us.

  "Where's the danger?" I ask, my voice steady.

  Gncing down, I spot a book lying in front of Sophia—the very one she had screamed at. "Is this it?"

  Still clutching the back of her head, Sophia shakes her head. "No, no, I'm alright. I'm sorry for waking you, Sir Seraphix."

  "You’re sure?"

  "Yes! Yes, I’m fine. I just... got excited."

  "About what?"

  Sophia’s eyes dart nervously around the room before nding on a Cat Backpack in the corner.

  "Today, we’re working on Cat Backpack 0.2!"