Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
That's all I could hear as the sound of the heart monitor drilled into my skull.
It sounded exactly like an elevator soundtrack to hell.
The moment I cracked open an eye, I was instantly met with the glare of hospital walls. All white with the whiff of strong disinfectant.
Great...I was alive.
"Well damn...you've got to be kidding me,"
I groaned as I slightly squinted my eyes.
My throat felt so rough, almost as if I had swallowed a sandpaper.
"I thought I asked you to show me how the space works Nova. Why am I here?"
I questioned my little system who seemed to have all the answers well prepared.
'Technically, you did,but you also had to know your physical state first. According to the system, Host is physically damaged, mentally and emotionally unstable, fashionably dead but...alive.'
I winced at Nova's bluntness. He sounded like a combination of an AI assistant and a sassy spirit that had skipped customer service training.
"Nova..." I whispered.
A whisper that came out as part warning.
"So, what's my 'true'current state and..."
'Your true current state is what I have just described host. You were pulled out of the system so that you can link the two worlds together.'
'That way,it will be easy for you to transition anytime you'd want to.'
As I listened to Nova, I forced myself to sit up, ignoring the headache threatening to blow my brains up.
I carefully observed my body and that's when I noticed bandages all over, the pain pinning me and the IV line tugged against my skin.
"I really look like shit."
'That you do host. But since you accepted the system, you can immediately prompt for physical healing, similar to the one you felt in the Atelier'
'You have exclusive access to the system Interface, allowing you to connect a world and another one, letting you can rebuild yourself, seek vengeance and reclaim your life.'
"Ohh..." I innocently blinked.
"So… you are like a magical revenge tool? Like a simulator?"
'Host please don't cheapen thy beloved.'
Nova's reply made me laugh,a hearty laughter, one that made me wince, reminding me of the pain in my body.
"Okay, okay. So, how do we proceed?"
'However you want. This is your inheritance after all. Everything in the system belongs to you. You can command it however you please.'
"Wonderful!…Let the game begin then."
Our conversation came to a stand still as I leaned back against the pillows, exhaustion flooding through me.
My last memories flashed, as I felt my emotions shift. Jiang Ning's smirk, Han's indifference, the sound of torn fabric and my father's scorn remarks.
Rage started boiling under my ribs but this time round, I had it under my control.
"Okay Nova. This sounds and looks like a fairytale right now but if I have been given a second chance, best believe I'm not wasting it."
'Good girl. Let me initialize your access panel.'
A faint golden light suddenly shimmered before my eyes, forming a holographic panel only I could see.
'You can enter the Atelier, your second and private world. It is a dimension connected to your mind. In there, you can heal faster, practice, gain skills and even control things of this world from there.'
"Control things of this world? What do you mean?"
'Anything that is doable in this world can be done in the Ateliar too, except the effect will be 100 times better.'
"Sweet!"
'So host, would you like to enter the Atelier?'
I didn't hesitate before replying and the moment I did, the hospital faded.
The scent of disinfectant slowly disappeared as it gave way to something softer. Fabric, linen, colorful paint, sweet fragrance and sunlight.
When I opened my eyes again, I stood in the atelier but in a different position from before.
I saw the sunlight flood the space with warm glow as rows of beautiful mannequins lined the walls.
They were dressed in fabrics that shimmered , mixing reality and imagination.
I happily scanned the mannequins, walking as I ran my hands through the softest fabrics I have ever seen and felt.
This went on until I got to the center of the ateliar, right beside the vintage mirror.
There stood a single but majestic desk with my name engraved on it.
Jiang Rui.
On it were all the tools a seamstress could ever wish for and own, alongside some technical gadgets.
To me, it was the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen.
"How come...this… this is mine?"
'Everything here has been designed according to your subconscious desires as a seamstress and fashion designer. All you have ever wished for is here.'
'Oh and any item here can manifest in the real world according to your wishes. To put it simply, you can bring anything here and take anything to the real world.'
"That's cool! I thought you were going to be like those systems that have a lot of instructions... unbearable ones at that."
"Wait...so you mean I can design here?"
I finally registered the most important words as my mouth opened up in awe mixing with disbelief.
'Yes Host. You can do anything legal. Remember this is your inheritance from your mother. That is why all this is impossible.'
Nova's words got me thinking hard. Just what was my mother hiding? Did my maternal family have some mysterious origins?
"So what are the other functions?"
'The other functions include poisoncraft, not too much body modification, charm amplification and hypnosis. All this is unlocked from the moment the host fuses with the system.'
"Hold on Nova. Hypnosis?"
'Yes. I call it strategic charisma.'
"Interesting. And poisoncraft?"
'You can manipulate it through your products and even dodge being poisoned. Manipulating it through your products doesn't bring death to anyone,rather it just teaches them a lesson. Take something like uncontrollable skin rushes or stinky smell...'
"Oh, Interesting." I said, lips curving.
"So now I can finally make people regret underestimating and mocking me."
'That's the spirit host. PS; revenge looks good on you.'
I laughed softly at Nova's words, warmth spreading inside me.
"Then Let's start. I want to be fit again."
'That was already done Host. Kindly check your reflection.'
I turned toward the mirror and the face that stared back wasn't the pale, finished version of me. It was majestic. My eyes looked brighter, my skin glowed faintly and my beauty?
It looked ethereal!!
"I look like one of those immortals. Say Nova, are you perhaps running a beauty salon?"
'Uh huh. But only for high end clients.'
I laughed again, more genuine than my last.
Nova just flicked his tail boringly as he stared at me. What a sassy little thing!
"Alright," I said, stepping forward, feeling all re energized.
"Show me what I can do here."
Suddenly, I saw golden threads shoot from the floor, weaving into patterns that hovered in the air.
Different dresses started forming, as each one seemed to be shifting its style anytime I thought of something new.
All the colors I imagined, the textures and details, the space obeyed, shocking me greatly.
"This Atelier responds to my imagination?"
'Yes. Your thoughts determine what happens here. However, you can still command it to let you physically use the tools and the space will obey.'
"Oh and,if I want to know what's going on with my enemies,or in the outside world,can I?"
'You can, just command the space and you'll get all the information needed. Although I can also give you the information.'
"Of course you can. You are the guardian of The Atelier."
'Tsk!'
I nearly doubled over laughing at Nova's reaction.
Upon learning that time moves faster in the ateliar, I didn't restrain myself.
I designed for hours, with a flow so intoxicating that my hands were flying across the shimmering fabric.
Each dress I created took the form of rebirth.
When I finally stopped, I watched as my creation hovered before me.
A beautiful molten gold gown, with wings of sheer tulle blooming from the back.
"I call it phantom."
'Oooh... aesthetic awakening check!'
'By the way host. It was a stranger who had rushed you to the hospital and now the whole country knows the Jiang's eldest daughter is unconscious.'
'Your family is planning to visit the moment you wake up. Buckle up for some drama.'
"Good. I'll wait for them." I smirked in delight as I responded, shutting my eyes briefly.
When I opened my eyes again, I was back in the damn hospital bed.
The annoying heart monitor still beeped, but this time round, my body felt lighter, fragrant and stronger.
The nurse recording my progress dropped her clipboard when she saw me sit up.
"Miss Jiang! You...you're awake?"
"Duh! Surprise." I smiled faintly as part of my response.
"Is my hair okay lady? My face? Bring the mirror."
She blinked in confusion at my words.
"Miss you were in a coma for two days and that's your first question? Don't you want to know how you are doing?"
"That's for later. You know I can't be seen drooling on my pillow in front of guests...hehe.."
As if on cue, the door swung open as the highlight of the day strutted in.
I immediately spotted my stepmother the moment she walked in.
Well it wasn't that hard with the grape size pearls she had on.
Behind her were my stepsister and ex. They both rushed over as Jiang Ning's overly sweet voice came to play.
"Sister! You scared us! Had someone not found you we..."
"You scared us all! We... Just don't be so reckless next time."
"Yes RuiRui." My stepmother added softly. "You should rest. Stress isn't good for you."
I stared at them both, fighting the urge to launch the IV stand at them.
"Not to worry you all," I answered smoothly. "I plan to look better than ever. Exfoliate my soul even."
I saw my stepmother's smile immediately falter.
"You… you look different."
I leisurely leaned back, eyes glinting with amusement.
"Of course. That's what death does to a girl."
From the corner of my eye, I saw my ex fiancé looking at me so intently that I inwardly snorted.
I shut my eyes as an indication that I wasn't ready for any other conversation.
"You..just take a rest. Your father and I will deal with the bill."
I heard my stepmother's words, pretending that it didn't concern me and indeed, they got pissed off and left.
I felt their footsteps fade as I properly sank into my pillows.
"Ohh...they are so done..."
"I'm going to take everything back and I'll make them choke on it."