Unconsciously, Xia Er had no impression of it at all, but after recalling her simulation diary, she understood.
In the simulation, Xia Er had written in her notes that she planned to explore the path of a "Physician," so she had been learning medical knowledge from Adele, but later abandoned it due to misfortune.
As for gardening, that was naturally influenced by her time spent with Ai Mi.
And cooking? Xia Er already knew how to do that.
So, does that mean everything she did in the simulation would be recorded?
"System, what’s the use of these points?"
Xia Er silently inquired, directing her thoughts toward the system.
Every destined point was precious; without understanding their specific effects, she wouldn’t waste them carelessly.
Soon, the system's dialogue interface appeared before her.
【【Basic Disciplines】includes all foundational knowledge related to the extraordinary that the host has initially grasped, but is not extraordinary itself. Upon purchase, the host automatically gains Lv.1 in that discipline and can spend points to upgrade.】
【The level increase in 【Basic Disciplines】 does not directly provide knowledge; instead, each level up enhances the host's 【Comprehension】 and 【Inspiration】 in that discipline, aiding rapid learning.】
Looking at the system's explanation, Xia Er understood the purpose of the 【Basic Disciplines】 points.
The knowledge included in 【Basic Disciplines】 was all foundational and unrelated to the extraordinary. Spending points could enhance her comprehension and learning ability in that field.
In other words, if Xia Er wanted to quickly advance as a "Physician" in the simulation, she just needed to invest points in the 【Medicine】 discipline to a high level, and she could learn the necessary knowledge at an astonishing speed...
This could accelerate her completion of other ritual reproductions.
Though it wasn’t apparent now, Xia Er could feel that this was an incredibly useful ability.
It would allow her to swiftly complete some rituals that would typically require a significant amount of time... such as the "Physician," which needed a solid medical foundation, the "Blood Painter," which required good drawing skills, and the "Performer," which demanded vocal talent and music theory.
However, the 【Basic Disciplines】 only included subjects related to the extraordinary... so why was cooking included?
Xia Er pondered carefully but couldn’t find any corresponding reason.
Who relies on cooking as a path?
Could it be that mysterious "1" in the 15 minus 1 that she didn’t know about?
Or perhaps it was a follow-up to certain paths?
Uh... it couldn’t possibly be "Butcher" or "Coroner," right?
For some reason, Xia Er found herself linking these two paths, associated with corpses and killing, to cooking.
Shaking her head, she temporarily abandoned these thoughts. She hadn’t yet decided which path to take next, so she wouldn’t make a choice for now.
Currently, she had potions for "Blood Painter," "Adventurer," "Detective," "Butcher," and "Coroner," but she didn’t need the current 【Basic Disciplines】 just yet. The most likely option was to invest in medicine and then find Adele in the simulation to exchange for a "Physician" potion.
Xia Er closed the points shop page and opened the simulation interface.
The simulation times for "Past" and "Future" were the main factors determining her next actions.
A screen unfolded before her.
【Future: 5 Days (Year 741, June 29, 12:58) (Cost: 10 Destiny Points)】
【Past: 24 Days (Year 741, May 31, 8:55) (Cost: 10 Destiny Points)】
【Old Days: ***, *** Days (???) (Cost: 10,000 Destiny Points)】
Five days later, twenty-four days ago...
The number of days in the past simulation didn’t exceed 30, so it only required 10 destiny points.
What could I do twenty-four days ago to break the deadlock?
Five days later... the preparation time for her simulated self was getting tight, and there were also the restrictions of the misfortune rules...
Knock, knock, knock—
Just as Xia Er was deep in thought, the sound of the doorbell and knocking echoed from downstairs.
Who could it be?
Xia Er stood up, her hands hanging at her sides, ready to summon the 【Deadly Blood Roland】 at any moment.
She walked downstairs, reached the living room, and called out from behind the door, "Who is it?"
"Miss Xia Er, I apologize for the interruption. I am the butler of Miss Ai Wei Na. I have an urgent letter that needs to be delivered directly to you."
A voice, old yet strong, came from outside the door.
Xia Er opened the door and, upon seeing the elderly butler standing there, nodded to him. She then reached out to take the thick envelope he offered.
A letter from Ai Wei Na?
Is this the translation of those ancient An Su languages?
After thanking the butler for his efforts, Xia Er closed the door and headed upstairs.
She sat down at the wooden table, broke the wax seal on the envelope, and pulled out several sheets of densely written letter paper, along with a large stack of 5 Su pounds in cash.
The 5 Su pound note was one of the most common high-denomination bills in An Su, and due to its relatively low value, it was less likely to attract the attention of ill-intentioned individuals.
Xia Er set the Su pounds aside and picked up the letter paper to read.
【Dear Xia Er:】
【Seeing this letter is like meeting face to face. I won’t waste time on small talk. The ancient An Su language I transcribed yesterday has been translated. Please see the attachment for details.】
Translated already? That was quick!
Did she stay up all night translating after we parted?
Xia Er continued reading.
Chapter 113: Let’s See Whose Fate is Tougher.
【Bolen, United Kingdom of An Su】
【Russell Manor】
【Year 741, June 24】
【——】
【Bolen, United Kingdom of An Su】
【71 Gem Avenue】
【Miss Xia Er】
【——】
【Dear Xia Er:】
【I spent a bit of time translating the transcribed text... To be honest, it’s not easy to understand, and that’s a reflection of my own level.】
【However, the last two sections had too many errors, making it impossible to provide a detailed translation.】
【If you find the translation lacking, may I send the transcribed attachment to An Su? I know a professor who specializes in ancient An Su language; she could do a better job than I can.】
Xia Er continued reading, finding more of Ai Wei Na’s analyses of each word.
Ai Wei Na pointed out several mistakes in Xia Er’s writing, even detailing the different regional translations and interpretations by scholars from various periods, filling several pages with her notes.
The final attachment contained Ai Wei Na’s own polished translation of the entire ancient An Su text.
The amount of work involved was far more than what Ai Wei Na had claimed in her letter as just "spending a bit of time."
It was clear that Ai Wei Na had diligently researched a lot of material, possibly even staying up all night to produce this translation—after all, her own research on ancient An Su language wasn’t extensive, making the workload even greater.
This meticulous and rigorous translation, akin to an investigative report, would indeed be a significant help to Xia Er.
Unknowingly, Xia Er found herself indebted to Ai Wei Na once again.
As for how to repay this favor, Xia Er had already thought of a way.
Ai Wei Na’s potion was stuck at the second tier "Psychologist." Although she had smoothly digested the prerequisite first tier "Listener," she was struggling to overcome the hurdle of "Psychologist."
In the last simulation, Ai Wei Na had been troubled by this for a long time.
Xia Er decided that in the next simulation, after completing her new potion’s reproduction ritual, she would take some time to help Ai Wei Na find the reason behind it and assist her in resolving the issue in reality.
Xia Er could naturally sense Ai Wei Na’s fondness for her; whenever it came to her own matters, Ai Wei Na was particularly attentive and serious.
Yet, in Xia Er’s heart, there remained a barrier that made her somewhat shy about facing Ai Wei Na’s affection.
That was the "Friend Fee," the Eye of Order contract.
Even though Ai Wei Na had the presence of the "Death Substitute," it still made Xia Er ponder how much of Ai Wei Na’s fondness was genuine and how much was due to the contract.
However, Xia Er decided not to dwell on this matter any longer.
If uncertain, she could just be honest in the simulation.
Regardless of the outcome, at least it would prevent her heart from being tangled once more.
Xia Er took out the attachment from the envelope and unfolded the paper.
【"The calamity of fate (?) approaches, punishing three fated instruments (?)"】
【"The chosen one is capricious, unwilling to follow the destined guidance (?)"】
【"The rules remain chaotic and unclear; distorting fate (?) will only invite dire punishment."】