Dark in the Dollhouse Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Unreactive

Read chapter 33 of Dark in the Dollhouse by Haspberry on NovelPedia.

The majestic garden trembled as the wilting flower’s hunched back stood up ever so slightly. Another dark twisted root writhed underneath the garden. The flowers and the birds yet didn’t acknowledge her existence as they danced without fear. She cackled at their ignorance, her patience ticking on... Yuliana’s eyes shot wide open. She sat up straight and saw that she was sitting in the comfort of her own room. She looked outside the window and saw an army of picturesque clouds covering the bright blue sky, hiding the shape of the sun yet not its light. It’s morning already... She looked at the clock and her eyes widened, “W-wait a sec, it’s 11!?” she shouted as she tried to get up, but felt a jolting pain reverberate through her head “Ugh!!” she fell to the floor on her knee. She grabbed her head as she felt her stomach churn with pain. An intense sense of nausea welled up within her. I just advanced to Act 2 of Stage 1 and the whiplash is this painful? How will the higher acts be like then? Yuliana shivered in thought. And I have to become Stage 2 in order to be even considered an Artisan worthy of the leader’s attention. I’m still Pseudo for now, a sham. She sighed as she got up with some difficulty and sat on the bed. A series of knock rang against the door to her room. “Have you woken up, Yuli? How are you feeling?” a familiar voice called out to her. A smile spread across Yuliana as her worries were alleviated for the moment. “I’m doing well now. Although my head still hurts quite a lot.” “I see... May I enter? I have something which could help you.” “Sure, come on in.” “Alright then.” The knob of the door turned as Vindici stepped inside the room with a tray in one of his hands. Atop the tray, there was a tall glass of water and a small teacup. He came closer to her and handed her the glass of water. “Here, drink some water, it may help you feel rejuvenated. Don’t drink it all though, there is some medicine I prepared beforehand in case you had any lingering problems.” “You really thought things through huh? Thank you,” she smiled and gave him a light bow as she accepted the glass with her two hands. She gulped down half the water in the glass and let out a relished sigh. “Yup, water always helps,” she nodded as she handed Vindici the glass back. Vindici accepted it and handed her the porcelain teacup. She looked down at it and saw a swirling transparent blue liquid. “What a magical colour...” she marvelled at the prettiness of the drink. “Are you sure this a drink and not a potion that’ll give me super powers? Like maybe giving me the ability to teleport or fool people using magic tricks?” she said with a chuckle. “I believe you are still dreaming. It’s just medicine. All it’ll do is alleviate some of the aftereffects of your Ingestion. If you want superpowers, you should try to find yourself some good Bestowed Artistries. From what I know, you only have the two of Dream Vision and Guardian’s Veil. At your level, you should be able to hold at max four.” Yuliana’s brows widened. “I was just joking but you make a really good point. Do you have any?” “My system is imbedded with numerous but most of them are on the combative side to make up for my low level as a Series Artisan. I think it’d be better to ask around in the organisation to see if you can get one. Artistries are very valuable, so you probably won’t get one for free no matter how much you pay, but there are multiple ways you can obtain one. Do you want me to state them?” Yuliana shook her head. “no you don’t need to. I can think of a few on my own.” She pulled the porcelain cup close to her mouth before stopping at the last second. She asked warily, “Is this medicine... bitter?” Vindici nodded. “Yes, it is medicine and naturally, it is bitter.” “Can you add sugar to it?” ... Vindici tilted his head as his gold-laced furrowed for the first time ever. “It is medicine Yuli, not tea. Please do not put sugar into it. That’d be very problematic” “I know! I’m just askin