21. Serenity.

Serenity had undergone a complete transformation after thoroughly inspecting the house and ensuring its protections were sufficient. She had shifted from an assassin into what could only be described as a perfect housewife, moving gracefully around the kitchen, setting plates of delicious-looking food on the table.

Despite being trained in assassination, disguise, and information gathering, she also possessed a wide range of skills meant to lower an enemy's guard—cooking, cleaning, seduction, and more.

It was ironic that a girl whose entire body could kill with a single touch was now expertly preparing a meal.

I cut into the perfectly cooked steak, taking a bite. Juicy, tender, and seasoned just right. My taste buds exploded with flavor. "This is delicious!" I couldn't help but praise.

As someone whose cooking skills could burn water and who barely managed to make ramen, this was a godsend.

Serenity smiled softly, a hint of satisfaction in her usually cold eyes. "Thank you, Master."

Even Yue, who rarely praised anything outside of battle or magic, gave a small approving hum as she took another bite. "This is good. Thank you for cooking, Sera."

Originally a princess, Yue had never needed to cook—her meals had always been prepared by chefs and servants. Then, after being imprisoned for centuries, cooking was the last thing on her mind. As a result, her skills in the kitchen were even worse than mine.

Serenity's violet eyes glowed with happiness at the praise, though her expression remained reserved. "You're welcome, Mistress."

With her assassination skills unneeded for the moment, she was eager to prove her worth in any way possible.

"We need to go shopping later," I said, cutting another piece of steak. "Like Yue, you arrived with documents, money, and basic clothing, but I want to get you a magical trunk, some extra clothes, and maybe a wand. I also want to browse the bookstore again."

Serenity could interact with others safely as long as she covered her skin, so getting her a proper wardrobe was important.

"Yes, Master."

"Okay, darling," Yue said with a faint smile.

There was no jealousy between them. Both understood that they belonged to me, and there was an unspoken agreement between them regarding their places.

Much like Serenity, Yue would kill without hesitation for me. Her world had been filled with battle, monsters, and war—she had taken many lives and felt no remorse. However, unlike Serenity, she had a moral bottom line. Serenity, on the other hand, was an assassin to her core. She would slaughter men, women, and even children if I so much as hinted at it.

Later that day, we went to Diagon Alley.

Among the things we purchased was a wand for Serenity—Oak, 10 inches, Manticore heartstring, unyielding. A vicious wand, yet fiercely loyal to its wielder.

She also acquired a new multi-compartment trunk, several sets of clothes, and a personal collection of Hogwarts books, including several on dueling and curses.

Walking through the alley, Serenity held onto my hand tightly, an almost dreamy expression on her face. To her, this was nothing short of a date. Yue, holding my other hand, looked at her with mild amusement but didn't object.

Despite her happiness, Serenity remained on high alert, constantly scanning for threats. She would never allow any harm to come to me while she was by my side.

After stopping for ice cream, we finished our shopping and returned home.

That evening, I sat on the couch, flipping through the second-year History of Magic book. Serenity was curled up against my left side, her arms wrapped around my arm, face resting against my bare shoulder.

On my right, Yue was reading a Hogwarts book, similarly pressed against me.

I was crowded, but honestly? I didn't mind.

"Sera," I said.

Serenity immediately perked up. "Yes, Master?"

"Would you be willing to teach Yue some combat skills? I already have a solid foundation, but she mainly focuses on magic."

A spark of excitement flashed in her eyes. "Of course, Master. It would be my honor."

"Perfect. Let me show you both one of my gifts."

Summoning the Ancient Stone Talisman, I held out my hand. "Give me your wrists."

Without hesitation, both of them extended their hands. I pressed my finger against their skin, embedding a faint mark into their wrists.

"Make sure you're sitting comfortably. When we enter the dream space, our bodies will remain here."

They nodded, pressing themselves closer against me, and together, we entered the mental training space.

The dream space was vast and empty, save for the floating stone platform in the center.

"Welcome," I said, stretching as I walked toward the Jade Soul Platform. I stepped onto it, letting out a satisfied groan as a wave of warmth washed over me. "Ah, still as good as I remember."

Serenity and Yue looked around curiously before following me onto the platform. The moment they stepped on it, they visibly relaxed.

"This is the Jade Soul Platform," I explained. "It nourishes and heals the soul. As for this space, it's a dream training realm where we can practice endlessly without growing tired."

Serenity's eyes sharpened with understanding. "This is invaluable for combat training, Master."

I smirked. "Exactly. Now, go ahead and give it a try—think of a combat technique."

Serenity closed her eyes, and a shadow materialized in front of her, flawlessly performing precise knife-fighting maneuvers.

"As I thought, this place allows us to create training shadows." I watched as her shadow expertly flipped a dagger, striking imaginary targets with perfect accuracy. "If you want to train, just stand in front of a shadow and follow its movements. If you do it correctly, it will advance to the next step. If you make a mistake, it will highlight your error and reset."

With another thought, I summoned additional shadows. This time, they performed the Marine Six Styles—Soru, Geppo, Tekkai, Rankyaku, Shigan, and Kami-e—each demonstrated in perfect form.

"This should help both of you develop greater mobility and power," I said, stepping forward to test one of the Soru shadows. It moved, and I copied its footwork, vanishing and reappearing instantly in another location.

Yue's eyes gleamed with intrigue, while Serenity analyzed the movements with sharp precision.

I wasn't done. I focused again, and more shadows appeared, this time demonstrating Haki training.

"These will help with Observation and Armament Haki," I continued. "I already have some skill, but this will let me refine it further. Yue, you'll benefit from the defensive applications, and Sera, this will let you bypass magical protections and enhance your combat effectiveness."

Both of them nodded, fully understanding the significance of this.

"We can train here at night," I added. "Since we don't need sleep while in this space, you can sharpen your skills, practice magic, or meditate. Also..."

I waved my hand, and bookshelves appeared, filled with every Hogwarts book I had read so far.

"We can practice magic here."

Then, I summoned another set of books—ones that Yue and Serenity had never seen before.

"This," I said, holding up a familiar title, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "is the story of the world we are currently in. We are one month away from the first book's events."

Yue's crimson eyes flickered with curiosity as she reached for the book. "Of course, darling."

Serenity, ever the assassin, immediately understood the value of such knowledge. "I will study them carefully, Master."

I handed the first book to Serenity. "Please read up on this one first. I have plans that will require your help soon."

She clutched the book like it was the most important mission of her life. "Yes, Master!"

With that, we all stepped forward, ready to train.