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Chapter 9 - Hitting the Books

It is the following day, and it seems Alianna did not return. Aria begins to wake up after feeling he sun's rays hitting her face. "Seems mom did not come home yesterday," Asia says as she gets out of bed. After getting up, she notices she slept in the uniform she used during training, and it stinks of sweat. " I should probably hit the bath before anything else," Aria says as she goes to the bathhouse located near their room. This bathhouse exudes a serene and tranquil ambiance, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with natural beauty. Inside, a luxurious soaking tub is positioned to face large, open windows that showcase a breathtaking view of cherry blossom trees in full bloom, their pink petals contrasting beautifully against the soft sunlight filtering through. The interior features simple yet elegant decor, with wooden accents and shoji screens adding to the authentic atmosphere. Nearby, a small table holds neatly folded towels, and delicate cherry blossom petals are scattered on the floor, enhancing the peaceful, Zen-like environment perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst nature's splendor. " This feels amazing," Aria says as she submerges her body in the tub. "Seems you're enjoying yourself, my lady," The dreamer says telepathically. "Dude!! A little privacy, if you haven't noticed, I am in the bath," Aria says while shyly covering her chest with her hands. "What are you shy about? We share the same body; it's not like I can go anywhere," the dreamer says. "Fine, I get it, will just have to get used to sharing a body, so what is it you wanted to talk about ?"Aria asks. "I have been researching this charm. I believe I can improve its duration indefinitely. I discovered this using Alianna's tome, you know, the one where you learned the spell. I especially found the chapter on the cerebral cortex enlightening. I found out that the part of the brain primarily responsible for thoughts is the cerebral cortex, especially the prefrontal cortex. The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain and is involved in higher order functions such as reasoning, decision making, problem solving, and conscious thought. The prefrontal cortex, located at the front part of the frontal lobe, plays a key role in complex thought processes, planning, and self awareness. If you go to the family library and find books on how to advance your psionic talent hypothetically, you can make the control creature spell last longer and even enhance the controlled creature's intelligence to match your needs. "The dreamer says to Aria, who is still trying to process the info. "Cereb, pre what!, how the hell did you learn so much and what with this psionics, I don't think I have ever used it," Aria says telepathically. "Don't worry, I have already written the info in your mental library. You can summon the spiritual book and read it whenever you're free, as for psionic, I am sure you can use it effectively since we usually speak through telepathic links," the deamer says. " Fine, I'm almost finishing up I will do as you suggest and look for info on psionics, and thanks for your work. Dream it really means a lot to me," Aria says. "Stop it, my lady, you're making me blush. I will do whatever it takes to ensure you survive; my very survival depends on you." The dreamer says, speaking no more.

After a while, Aria exits the birth house as she is dying her hair, and she notices Liza entering the room holding several cloths. "Greeting, Lady Aria, I have brought you several outfits your mother bought for you. She told me to inform you that she is currently on a mission and won't be home for two months. I am to take care of you. Should you need any assistance, feel free to ask."Liza says as she places Arias's pass on a nearby table. "Why are you so polite to me ?" Aria asks as she combs her red hair. "It's because of the pass, anyone having a pass from lord Bhaal is to be treated with at most respect as per the family law," Liza says. "Okay, I get it. How do I call you if I need you?"Aria asks. You can use the pass given to you by your father to call me. It also acts as a communicator, just pass mana into it and activate its communicator function."Liza says. Aria grabs his pass while holding her towel with one hand and tries to activate the items function. Suddenly, she notices a small glowing skull with several teardrops. After that, Aria goes to the nearby bathhouse and asks Liza to bring her the coconut oil. Liza, after receiving Arias' message, goes to the nearby table with several beauty products, looks for the coconut oil, grabs it, and takes it to Arias. "Here it is, my lady," Liza says as she enters the room. " So it actually works, "Aria says as she takes the coconut oil and begins to apply it to her skin. "It is because of Bhaal's soul imprint that I can hear any of your orders telepathically using the pass magic ability," Liza says. "Just a question, are you a slave, Liza?"Aria asks. "Yes, my lady, should I disobey and order from Bhaal or any of his allies, I will receive face punishment in the worst case scenario, death," Liza says as a tear drops from her right eye. " I am sorry, Liza, I shouldn't have asked," Aria says in an apologetic tone. "It's all right, my lady, I have grown accustomed to it," Liza replies as she returns to the main room. "I should go, my lady, should you need anything else, you know how to reach me," Liza says as she leaves the room, bowing slightly before closing the door.

Aria looks at the several clothes brought by Liza, which seem to be tailored with a hole to accommodate Arias' tail, and after a while, Aria seems to have found his outfit for the day. The outfit is a striking and sophisticated ensemble with a dramatic, gothic-inspired aesthetic. It features a long, flowing red coat with a high collar and black accents, creating a bold contrast. The coat is tailored to fit snugly at the waist and flares out dramatically at the hem, giving it a commanding presence. Underneath, the model wears a sleek black shirt with a high neckline, paired with form-fitting black pants that emphasize a sleek silhouette. The look is completed with small red heeled boots that match the coat, and long black gloves with intricate lace detailing, adding a touch of elegance and mystery. As she finishes putting it on, she goes to a nearby mirror and takes a moment to admire herself, especially her short red hair and golden yellow pupils. "Seriously, Aria, you look fine. Can we go to the library?" The dreamer says as Aria begins leaving the room.

As she arrives near the library, she finds a long queue of other children who seem to be waiting to be granted entry by the two red scarfed guards currently posted near the gates of the library. Aria moves closer to the line and asks why the line was long today. The one in front of her appears to be a female around 8 years older than Aria. "Hello, my name is Aria. I wanted to ask why the line is long today?" Aria says. The female child examines her for a while, then suddenly pushes Aria to the ground. "How dare a non-initiate come here? You clearly haven't been taught manners of your superiors?" One of the guards, noticing the commotion, comes closer to Investigate. " What is going on here, Elizabeth ?" he asks. "I was just getting rid of the filth," Elizabeth says as she looks at Aria. As the guard notices Aria, he suddenly bows in respect, picking her up, saying, "You can go in, Aria. As for you, Elizabeth, leave. I will have no further disturbance." "What, you know I am rank 25 from the initiates ranking, and you dare to pick her side," Elizabeth says, her anger evident. " If you have not noticed yet, this is Aria the bhaal spawn, who is to cast up to 3rd class magic at 3 months old and has been given the family pass granting her the lord's protection. Do you wish to continue, Elizabeth?" the guard asks as he continues walking towards the library's entry. "This is not over, Aria," Elizabeth shouts as she begins to leave. "Alright, the rest of you, be prepared with your entry cards. Those without enough points leave before I reach you."The guard says as the rest of the children look at Aria with jealousy as she enters the library.

As Aria enters, she notices the library has many people today, unlike the previous day when he had visited. As she goes near the Librarian, most of the people look at her with curiosity, wondering who she is. "Hello, Aria seems you weren't able to make it yesterday," Says the librarian in a playful tone. "Yesterday I had training classes with Joon," Aria replies. "Ooh, I see, so what books do you want today?" the librarian asks. "I want books concerning psionics, and grimuors with info containing 1st to 3rd class spells," Aria says. "Okay, got you. Today, being a weekday, is quite busy. Follow my Assistant, Sara, who will take you to your own provided quarters as granted by your pass. I will bring you the books shortly, and by the way, my name is Isva, but just call me the librarian," the librarian says as he begins looking for the books, and Aria is taken into a private room by his assistant. As they arrive, Aria observes that the study room exudes luxury and sophistication, featuring rich black paneled walls with intricate gold accents and ornate crown molding that add a regal touch. At the center is a large, polished wooden desk with elegant detailing, complemented by a tufted black leather chair that enhances the room's opulent atmosphere. Behind the desk, built-in bookshelves filled with neatly arranged books and decorative items create a sense of intellectual grandeur. A classic landscape painting framed in gold adorns the wall, adding a touch of artistry to the space. To the side, a lush green potted plant introduces a hint of freshness and contrast, while a stylish brass desk lamp provides functional lighting. Overall, the room combines timeless elegance with a commanding, refined ambiance. After a while, the librarian enters with several books and places them on her table. "You can press the button on the table to call me if you need any aid. I have also brought you the book on the Netherese, which you were previously reading, and lastly, one on Aura training. You can also read the books in the room, although they may be a little advanced for you." The librarian says as he and his assistant leave her in the room.

As the two leave, Aria begins reading and going through the various books. From the books, The Dreamer copied each and every piece of information into an organized format within Arias' mental library.Aria, guided by the Dreamer, copied and stored into the depths of her mental library all info, from the simplest cantrips to third-level incantations to psionic abilities, all of which were carefully inscribed into her mental library by the Dreamer..Aria's mental library now contains a vast knowledge of spells, starting with cantrips such as Acid Splash, Chill Touch, Dancing Lights, Druidcraft, Eldritch Blast, Fire Bolt, Guidance, Light, Mage Hand, Mending, Message, Minor Illusion, Poison Spray, Prestidigitation, Produce Flame, Ray of Frost, Resistance, Sacred Flame, Shillelagh, Shocking Grasp, Spare the Dying, Thaumaturgy, True Strike, and Vicious Mockery. Her first-level spells include Alarm, Animal Friendship, Bane, Bless, Burning Hands, Charm Person, Color Spray, Command, Comprehend Languages, Create or Destroy Water, Cure Wounds, Detect Evil and Good, Detect Magic, Detect Poison and Disease, Disguise Self, Divine Favor, Entangle, Expeditious Retreat, Faerie Fire, False Life, Feather Fall, Find Familiar, Floating Disk, Fog Cloud, Goodberry, Grease, Guiding Bolt, Healing Word, Hellish Rebuke, Heroism, Hideous Laughter, Hunter's Mark, Identify, Illusory Script, Inflict Wounds, Jump, Longstrider, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, Protection from Evil and Good, Purify Food and Drink, Sanctuary, Shield, Shield of Faith, Silent Image, Sleep, Speak with Animals, Thunderwave, and Unseen Servant. Her second-level collection features Acid Arrow, Aid, Alter Self, Animal Messenger, Arcane Lock, Arcanist's Magic Aura, Augury, Barkskin, Blindness/Deafness, Blur, Branding Smite, Calm Emotions, Continual Flame, Darkness, Darkvision, Detect Thoughts, Enhance Ability, Enlarge/Reduce, Enthrall, Find Steed, Find Traps, Flame Blade, Flaming Sphere, Gentle Repose, Gust of Wind, Heat Metal, Hold Person, Invisibility, Knock, Lesser Restoration, Levitate, Locate Animals or Plants, Locate Object, Magic Mouth, Magic Weapon, Mirror Image, Misty Step, Moonbeam, Pass without Trace, Prayer of Healing, Protection from Poison, Ray of Enfeeblement, Rope Trick, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility, Shatter, Silence, Spider Climb, Spike Growth, Spiritual Weapon, Suggestion, Warding Bond, Web, and Zone of Truth. Her third-level spells include Animate Dead, Beacon of Hope, Bestow Curse, Blink, Call Lightning, Clairvoyance, Conjure Animals, Counterspell, Create Food and Water, Daylight, Dispel Magic, Fear, Fireball, Fly, Gaseous Form, Glyph of Warding, Haste, Hypnotic Pattern, Lightning Bolt, Magic Circle, Major Image, Mass Healing Word, Meld into Stone, Nondetection, Phantom Steed, Plant Growth, Protection from Energy, Remove Curse, Revivify, Sending, Sleet Storm, Slow, Speak with Dead, Speak with Plants, Spirit Guardians, Stinking Cloud, Tiny Hut, Tongues, Vampiric Touch, Water Breathing, Water Walk, and Wind Wall. When it came to psionics she obtained info on abilities like Psionic Grease, Psionic Charm, Deceleration, Vigor, Astral Construct, Precognition (Defensive and Offensive), Bolt, Claws of the Beast, Destiny Dissonance, Detect Psionics, Energy Ray, Burst, Mind Thrust, Crystal Shard, Matter Agitation, Energy Adaptation (Specified), Knock, Mental Rage, Flash Dimension Slip, Multiply Pain, Concealing Amorpha, Animal Affinity, Empathic Transfer, Bend Space, Energy Stun, Call Identification Scroll, Serenity, Clairvoyant Sense, Id Insinuation, Brain Lock, Inflict Pain, Find the Heart, Psionic Blast, Time Hop, Body Adjustment, Dispel Psionics, Dismiss Ectoplasm, Eradicate Invisibility, Energy Retort, Cerebral Phantasm, Antidote Simulation, Energy Burst, Psionic Dismissal, Energy Ball, Freedom of Movement, Energy Adaptation, Schism, Ectoplasmic Barrier, Metamorphosis, Psionic Dominate, Mindwipe, Death Urge, Energy Flash, Disintegrate, Temporal Acceleration, Breath of the Black Dragon, Cloud Mind (Mass), Psionic Restoration, Displacing Buffer, Crystallize, Mind Over Energy, Summon Planar Ally, Fission, Insanity, Personal Mind Blank, Oak Body, Reddopsi, Energy Wave, Mind Blank, Psionic Greater Teleport, Shadow Body, True Metabolism, Psionic Iron Body, Recall Death, Timeless Body, Psychic Chirurgery, Greater Metamorphosis, Assimilate, Urge Extermination, Freezing Torrent, Metafaculty and aura techniques each of them carefully cataloged by the dreamer by evening of that day they had already finished coping all the info including the advanced books which were already in the study room. "I believe that is enough for today, you should go rest. I will notify you once I finish organizing the data." The dreamer says as Aria leaves the study room and goes to inform the librarian that she is done for the day. After informing the Librarian, she leaves and heads to her room. The scene ends as Aria enters the room. She sees Liza tidying up the room suddenly, her vision becomes blurry, and she collapses on the floor while Liza hurries to pick her up The floor seems to be absorbing all that info at once, causing mental exhaustion in her body.

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