Moments of Serenity: A Relaxing Interlude

Aria, who was standing in front of the mirror, decided to practice her abilities. She first used "Phantom Eye." Upon using it, she felt a slight warmth in her eyes, causing her to close them. Upon reopening them, she was surprised to find that everything appeared to be green. When she looked at herself in the mirror, her surprise escalated significantly. Reflected in the mirror was her image, and there she could also see a ball of energy circulating within her. It was silver in color, casting a different shine amidst the greenish surroundings.

Upon seeing her own soul, she never thought she'd see herself like this. What she once believed to be a representation of the soul in a certain form turned out to be quite different. And even though her soul was small, it had a dazzling brightness.

After spending a while testing her ability, she wanted to try her other skill: Soul Harvest. However, when attempting to test it, the system alerted her that it was useless.

[You need the soul of a monster or a being.]

"It's understandable. The excitement of trying things made me lose my senses for a few seconds."

After spending some more time testing her ability, she decided to explore the house. Upon opening the door of the room, she found a very long corridor decorated with various paintings. They had a unique art style that left Aria impressed.

After traversing the long corridor, she came upon a massive door. To the left, there were stairs. She chose to open the door first and found herself in the midst of a gigantic dining room. In the center, there was an exceedingly large and lengthy table, surrounded by over a dozen chairs. The décor exuded a style that was both unique and distinct, with white and blue colors standing out prominently. The walls were adorned with a brilliant white hue, and a substantial blue curtain obscured the view from a window.

Approaching with swift yet gentle steps, Aria opened the window as she drew near, becoming entranced by the view beyond. Even from indoors, the house's garden could still be observed, while farther away lay a flourishing forest. Gazing at the sky, she spotted an array of various birds gracefully navigating through the woods. But it wasn't solely the forest that caught her eye; in the far background, towering snowy mountains added to the picturesque scenery.

After spending a while entranced by the garden's view from within, Aria decided to descend the stairs. Upon reaching the second floor (as she discerned from the presence of continuing stairs leading downward), she encountered a corridor lined with numerous rooms, each decorated in a manner similar to the first room she had exited.

Aria continued descending until she reached the ground floor. There, she observed several features: a door leading to the rear area, another leading to a grand entrance, and yet another guiding to the front garden. Lastly, there was a door with distinct decorations. Overwhelmed by curiosity, Aria chose to open this distinct door, and upon doing so, found herself amidst something akin to a blacksmith's workshop, replete with an assortment of weapons and shields.

She also noticed a separate shelf where glass jars containing various substances were placed. Upon approaching, she realized that they contained mana.

"System, what are these glass jars?"

[Those are potions, they seem to be all sorts of potions, ranging from healing to anti-curse.]

Before leaving the room, Aria observed and tested different weapons. Despite the space being large, it felt uncomfortable due to being confined with various objects.

Then, she decided to open the grand door and found herself in a kitchen that appeared to be modern, the only part of the house that didn't seem to have a medieval style. She found a variety of things one might find in a normal kitchen as well as things she had never seen before, from various types of spices to unfamiliar appliances.

She was astonished by the size of the refrigerator, which was so massive that it had an enormous capacity, capable of fitting several of them inside.

"Why would I need so much stuff? I don't eat that much. I don't think I'll need to store so much food."

Aria continued her exploration of the house, moving through the garden and then approaching the final door leading to the rear. As she opened the door, she stepped into a room that held a fascinating array of resources. The space was adorned with shelves filled with books on various magical subjects, their worn spines indicating years of use and study. Nearby, a collection of intricately designed cauldrons and alchemical tools hinted at the room's potential for potion-making.

Upon further exploration, Aria discovered a worktable in the center of the room, strewn with scrolls, vials of colorful liquids, and curious ingredients in glass containers. An ornate crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow that illuminated the room's many corners.

Curiosity beckoned Aria to a secondary door tucked away in a corner. Upon opening it, she stepped into what seemed like a hidden paradise—a backyard garden. The scent of blooming flowers and the sound of a gentle stream filled the air. The garden was a symphony of colors and life, with vibrant petals swaying in the breeze and lush greenery forming secluded alcoves. Along the garden path, she spotted a charming gazebo nestled beneath the branches of a towering tree.

Her attention was also drawn to a delightful sight in one corner of the garden—a charming little structure resembling a small cottage. This cottage was adorned with quaint tables and chairs arranged around it, creating an inviting space that evoked the ambiance of an outdoor tea house. It was a perfect spot for Aria to sit and immerse herself in the tranquility of the garden.

With each step, Aria's exploration revealed more layers to the house's enchanting design, leaving her eager to uncover even more secrets.

Aria, finally, decided to return to her room. She longed for a break and some relaxation; she hadn't had much time to herself, and she wished to make the most of this peaceful interlude before making more decisions that could put her life at risk. As she entered the room, her gaze fell upon another door. Opening it, she found herself in a bathroom, complete with an enormous bathtub that resembled a small pool. In one corner of the room, there was a gigantic button. With a touch, the water began to cascade from the faucet, quickly filling the tub.

As the water rose, Aria's spirits lifted. Without hesitation, she decided to indulge in a soothing shower. The warm water embraced her, and she closed her eyes, allowing the worries of the world to momentarily melt away. The bathroom was designed to offer a sense of luxury and comfort, with soft towels neatly arranged on a shelf, aromatic candles casting a gentle glow, and the sound of calming music playing softly in the background.

She reached out to a nearby shelf, where an assortment of fragrant bath oils and soaps awaited. With careful consideration, she selected a soothing lavender-scented oil and added a few drops to the water. The bathroom transformed into a sanctuary of relaxation, and Aria let herself fully enjoy the tranquility of the moment. Amidst the steaming water, surrounded by the flickering candlelight, she allowed herself to unwind and recharge.

After a peaceful shower, Aria emerged refreshed and with a renewed sense of energy. She wrapped herself in one of the soft towels, feeling comforted by the experience. As she exited the bathroom and returned to her room, she knew that taking this time for herself was essential for her well-being, especially as her journey held more challenges ahead.