Racial talents, as the name suggests, are innate abilities every race possesses. As one's bloodline ascends, these talents grow dramatically stronger. Take Mistflower, for example—she's two ranks above me, so her talents must far surpass mine.
Moreover, higher bloodlines unlock additional talents. Vampires are the classic case, relying entirely on innate gifts. A Progenitor-level Bloodline member and a Count-level one have talents worlds apart. Most Progenitors can even conjure illusions or manipulate time. That's why some non-humans skip professions entirely, focusing solely on bloodline advancement.
"Bishop Farina," Mistflower asked, puzzled, "I heard racial talents are innate. Why do we need to learn them?"
"Have you used your so-called talent these past days?" Anan cut in, answering for her. "Owning a talent and actually using it are two different things. You're way dumber than me, Miss Genius here." She flicked Mistflower's forehead. Well, I thought she was slow too, but that was harsh.
"Haven't you just learned it recently too?" I shot back at Anan. "We were reborn together, after all." I defended Mistflower—we got along well.
"Of course!" Anan puffed out her chest proudly. "I'm a genius, unlike you lot. I've mastered everything. I'll demonstrate soon." Her chest was smaller than mine, but she flaunted it anyway.
"You had Featherwing coach you early," Bishop Farina finally intervened. "Don't get cocky. No Rebirth Angel masters talents right after rebirth. Hurry up and prepare." She added, "We'll teach here. Enrollment's still ongoing outside. Time's tight—let's move fast."
"Yes, Bishop Farina," I chimed in. "What will you teach us?"
"I'm not an Angel," Bishop Farina said, sitting on a flower bed with legs crossed. "But I've observed Featherwing's lessons and trained many Rebirth Angels myself. It's easy—quick to learn." She continued, "First, the simplest skill all winged races share: flight. Anan, demonstrate."
"Got it. Watch closely, you two," Anan said. She spread her wings, gave a gentle downward flap, and soared up, hovering steadily mid-air. Actually, I could do it too. That day chasing Young Master Luo, I'd flown unconsciously. Later, I practiced at home based on that feeling. Now, I've fully mastered it.
I bent slightly forward, jumped gently, and flapped my six wings together. Like Anan, I hovered mid-air with light wing movements.
"So you've already learned it? Good, good. Practiced at home, huh?" Bishop Farina praised with a smile.
Mistflower wasn't so lucky. She stood in place, flapping her ten wings hard. Dust and debris flew everywhere. Yet, she stayed grounded. Anan and I, still new to flying, nearly lost balance and fell. Bishop Farina ended up covered in dust.
"Stop!" Bishop Farina instructed. "Don't flap forward. Push down. Jump up when taking off. No need for high frequency or force. Be natural. A gentle flap is enough." The three of us took turns teaching Mistflower, correcting her moves. But she still couldn't fly. She just flapped in place, looking like a hen running on the spot.
"No worries. There's a better way," Bishop Farina said. "Mistflower, climb that artificial hill. Yes, then jump down. Taking off from height is easier." With her experience, it was indeed smart.
The artificial hill was about three stories high. Bishop Farina must have chosen it as a backup teaching tool. Mistflower took five minutes to climb up. I flew beside her, cheering her on.
"Alright, stay calm. Take a breath. Keep natural. Jump down flat." Bishop Farina counted, "One, two, three, jump!" Mistflower hovered for a few seconds—her first real flight. Then, panicking, she flapped her wings twice and lost balance, falling down.
"Well, at least some progress," Bishop Farina said. "A few more tries and she'll get it. Climbing's too slow, Lerfu. Lift her up."
Lift her up? How? I'd never flown with someone before. First, I tried hugging her from behind under her arms. Whoa, soft and big—nope, couldn't stay calm. Plus, her many wings blocked my view. Then, I tried from the front. Again, those annoying peaks got in the way. Ugh, why did she have so many extra parts?
"*cough cough* Stop hugging," Bishop Farina intervened. "Just lift her by the scruff. That's practical."
I grabbed Mistflower by the scruff of her neck and lifted her gently. With my increased strength, she felt so light—like carrying a newborn kitten.
"Good. Hover mid-air. Don't flap too fast. Watch Anan and Lerfu. Alternate your wing movements. Flapping all ten at once is unstable."
After a few lifts, Mistflower could fly properly. Changing direction and accelerating would come naturally with practice. Anan, the most skilled, was already performing acrobatic moves.
"Alright, next is the most typical Angel talent: absorbing light elements through wings to replenish energy."
