Upon hearing Aria's request, her mother, with a hint of displeasure, retorted, "Aria, you're a grown-up now. You can at least dry your hair. The last thing I can do right now is help you manage your hair while I'm in the midst of cooking."

Her mother's response carried a tone of displeasure gently nudging Aria towards taking responsibility for her own tasks, emphasizing that managing her hair could wait until her mother finished her current activities.

Although Aria nodded in a slightly childish manner, appearing very adorable, her thoughts were swirling with the profound insights she had gained. While she observed the dish her mother was preparing, she could distinctly remember not just the steps and flavors but even the name of the dish itself. This newfound knowledge added a layer of depth to her contemplation, overshadowing her current adorable demeanor with a profound sense of wonder and intrigue.

As Aria made her way towards her room to attend to her damp hair, her mother, contemplating the situation, found herself torn. Though she desired Aria to take on more responsibilities independently, the sight of her baby girl, with that lingering hint of adorable innocence, tugged at her heartstrings.

Observing Aria's departure with the intent to manage her hair herself, her mother's perspective wavered. Despite her determination for Aria to become more self-sufficient, the image of her daughter, in that moment, radiated such a captivating cuteness that it softened her resolve. The sight of Aria's fleeting childishness seemed to outweigh her mother's initial intention, evoking a sense of endearment that made it difficult to deny her help.

As Aria walked into her room, her mind was consumed by thoughts of the dark wisps and the inexplicable events that unfolded when she touched them. Reflecting on this unique ability, she contemplated the incredible power it held—a seemingly overpowered skill to effortlessly acquire profound insights imbued with someone else's experiences.

Intrigued by the depth and immediacy of knowledge it bestowed, she couldn't help but ponder the extraordinary nature of this newfound capability. The ease with which she gained intricate insights seemed to her like an immensely potent skill, offering a gateway to understanding through the lens of others' experiences.

 Aria delved into contemplating the absolute limits of her newfound ability, she pondered whether it extended beyond gaining insights from others' experiences, wondering if it could possibly grant her access to acquire someone else's abilities. Lost in these musings, a faint sound of a door opening pulled her attention away.

Turning her head towards the entrance, she spotted her mother entering the room. Aria couldn't help but notice a defeated look on her mother's face—a subtle expression of surrender that hinted at her succumbing to her daughter's overwhelming cuteness. Despite her earlier determination to encourage Aria's independence, the adorable demeanor of her daughter seemed to melt her resolve.

Aria's mother, succumbing to her daughter's undeniable charm, gently took the dryer from Aria's hand and began helping her dry and tie up her hair. As the warm air enveloped Aria, a sense of comfort washed over her, making the moment feel pleasantly reassuring.

Feeling the warmth of the dryer, Aria found herself in a cozy and comforting atmosphere. In this relaxed state, she seized the opportunity, confident that her mother wouldn't notice, and discreetly opened her status window. With a hopeful curiosity, she sought to discover if any cooking-related skill had been  added to her repertoire.

--------

{Status:ON}

{Aria}

[Attributes]:

      [Physique]:[5]

      [Agility]:[6]

      [Strength]:[5]

      [Comprehension]:[Mortal(Common)]

      [Charisma]:[81 (Species Limit: 100)]

[Skills]:

- [Language Proficiency (common)]: [Proficiency in the language of Earth]

- [Cooking Proficiency (Lower grade common)]: [Mastery in culinary]

_______

With a contented smile adorning her face upon acknowledging her powerful new ability, Aria mentally commanded to close her status window. As she shut her eyes, still smiling, she decided to playfully engage her mother.

"Mum, why the sudden entrance? When you commanded me just now, you had this serious look," she teased, infusing her tone with a playful and light-hearted vibe.

Aria's mother, hearing her daughter's playful tease, responded affectionately, "My girl, you seem to grasp everything perfectly, just using those cute expressions to deceive your mother."

Aria, slightly puzzled, mused in her mind, "When did I react cutely?" The idea of deliberately acting cute seemed foreign to her, as she wasn't quite sure how to intentionally portray such expressions.

In the serene ambiance of her interaction with her mother, Aria remained silent as her mother tended to her hair. During this tranquil moment, Aria reflected on her recent transformation and the continuity of her bond with her mother. Despite the changes she underwent, she realized that not once did she feel awkward or estranged while conversing with her mother. It dawned on her that amidst any change, her love and affection for her mother will be unchanging constant.

Some time later, Aria's mother finished tying Aria's ponytail and, with a touch of care, fashioned a side ponytail for her. As Aria rose from her seat, she caught sight of her reflection. The new hairstyle created by her mother was a delightful combination, imparting a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Observing herself in the mirror, Aria appreciated the way her mother had styled her hair. The side ponytail not only looked charming but also evoked a sense of homeliness within her. It felt like a small, yet meaningful touch that brought a sense of ease and warmth to her transformed appearance.

After Aria and her mother made their way out of the room, their footsteps resonating softly down the hallway, Aria's father turned at the sound. His eyes fell upon Aria, now adorned with her freshly tied ponytail, alongside her mother. The sight of the mother-daughter pair departing together, sharing a moment filled with affection and warmth, brought forth a genuine, heartfelt smile upon his face. Observing the bond between the two, a sense of quiet contentment enveloped him, witnessing the beautiful connection they shared.

Following this heartwarming moment, the household seamlessly resumed its usual rhythm. Aria's mother busied herself setting the table while Aria lent a helping hand, assisting her mother in preparing for the meal. As they settled down, the family gathered around the table and began to enjoy their dinner together, savoring the food and the simple joys of sharing a meal as a loving family.

During their meal, Aria's father directed his attention towards her and gently inquired, "Aria, did something happen at school today? You came straight back home and went to your room without saying anything." Aria, trying to brush off any concerns, replied with a fib, "No, Dad. I just wasn't feeling well. I was tired after school." Her words carried a slight fabrication, meant to downplay any potential worries and to maintain a facade of normalcy. In response, her father offered advice, saying, "You should have healthy food and try to keep yourself fit and fine," emphasizing the importance of maintaining good health.

Midway through their meal, amidst the chatter and clinking of utensils, the news bulletin caught Aria's attention. The reporter's voice rang out, announcing an unexpected turn of events. Tomorrow, a holiday was declared nationwide due to an imminent cosmic radiation storm observed by scientists as they deny to provide any further info. A wave of uncertainty accompanied the news as the scientists expressed their inability to categorize or mitigate the effects of this unprecedented cosmic radiation.

The realization of an impending cosmic event, the unknown nature of the radiation, and the incapacity to shield against it cast a shadow of concern over the dinner table. The family exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise and apprehension. Aria's father's brows furrowed, signaling a deep sense of worry as he listened intently to the unfolding news.

Despite the uncertainty looming from the TV, the family continued their meal, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy amid the unexpected revelation. The atmosphere shifted, the impending holiday now carrying a weight of unknown implications, leaving everyone deep in thought as they finished their dinner, each lost in their contemplation of the uncertain future ahead.

Aria's father, attempting to alleviate the tension brought on by the news, suggested, "Since tomorrow is a holiday and we're advised to stay at home, why don't we take advantage of it? Let's relax, spend some quality family time together." His words carried a hint of reassurance, believing that the situation might not escalate drastically. His suggestion aimed to bring a sense of comfort and togetherness amidst the unsettling news of the impending cosmic radiation storm.

Aria's mother rose from her seat, gathering the used plates and cutlery, signaling the end of their meal. Aria and her father promptly collected their utensils, joining her in the kitchen. It was a seamless transition from the dining table to the kitchen, a collaborative effort to tidy up after their meal as they began planning for their upcoming holiday. Working together, they cleared the table and started washing the dishes, engaged in discussions about their plans for the following day, hoping to make the most of the unexpected break.

With  meal concluded and the kitchen chores wrapped up, the family bid each other goodnight. Aria's parents retired to their room while Aria headed to hers. Settling onto her bed, a gentle weight settled within her stomach from the fulfilling meal. Despite the slight heaviness, her heart felt light, warmed by the love and togetherness her family shared.

Lying on her bed, Aria found herself smiling unconsciously. It was a smile born from the warmth and comfort her family provided, a feeling that lingered, subtly influencing her expression even as sleep gradually beckoned. The day's events, the bonding over dinner, and the imminent holiday painted a serene picture in her mind, coaxing her into a contented slumber.

As Aria settled into the comfort of her bed, her mind gently nudged her to take a final peek into her status window.

Said' status on'

------------

{Status:ON}

{Aria}

[Attributes]:

[Physique]:[5]

[Agility]:[6]

[Strength]:[5]

[Comprehension]:[Mortal(Common)]

[Charisma]:[81 (Species Limit: 100)]

[Skills]:

- [Language Proficiency (common)]: [Proficiency in the language of Earth]

- [Cooking Proficiency (Lower grade common)]: [Mastery in culinary]

______

Reflecting on her mother's exceptional culinary expertise, she softly muttered, "My mother's cooking skills are certainly not 'low grade'." Recollections of the delightful flavors from their meal reinforced this realization, causing Aria to ponder the discrepancy between her mother's mastery and the skill level listed in her status surfacing a theory that there's a chance of not having picked up complete strand.

Thoughts of the mysterious strands also resurfaced in her mind. Amidst her contemplation, she realized she hadn't named these enigmatic wisps that granted her remarkable insights. It was a detail that had slipped her attention amidst the whirlwind of revelations and newfound abilities.

In the tranquil embrace of her thoughts, Aria dwelled on the essence of those mysterious wisps. Visualizing their unique appearance and recalling their profound impact on her consciousness, she arrived at a conclusion. With a sense of certainty, she named these ethereal strands "Shade Strands."

The name resonated with the enigmatic nature of these wisps, evoking a sense of depth and intrigue. In her mind, the term encapsulated their elusive yet powerful essence, marking a significant moment in her journey of understanding and harnessing this extraordinary ability. 

Aria's mind, despite the serenity of the moment, swiftly transitioned to the weighty concern looming over her—the imminent cosmic radiation storm. The gravity of the situation hit home as she contemplated the potential alignment between this cosmic event and her unique transformative abilities.

With a sense of urgency, Aria mentally prepared herself for the worst-case scenario. Her thoughts raced, envisioning various possibilities of how this cosmic radiation could affect her, considering the intricate link between the cosmic event and her transformations. She strategized, contemplating how to safeguard herself and her loved ones, bracing for the unknown impact this cosmic radiation storm might have on her existence.

The impending danger cast a somber shadow over her thoughts, urging her to be vigilant and prepared for whatever consequences might arise from this cosmic phenomenon. Aria, with a determined resolve, resolved to face the forthcoming challenges with a sense of readiness and resilience, steeling herself for the uncertain events that lay ahead.

As Aria's thoughts settled on her concerns and preparations for the impending cosmic event, the tranquility of sleep enveloped her. Gradually, her consciousness drifted into the realm of dreams. Despite the weight of worries, the solace of rest beckoned, and her slumber was undisturbed by the usual haunting dreams she'd been experiencing lately.

In the peaceful embrace of sleep, Aria found respite from the turbulent visions that had plagued her nights. For the first time in days, her mind wandered through a serene realm, untouched by the shadows of impending events or perplexing transformations. It was a restful sleep, granting her a reprieve from the unsettling dreams that had kept her nights restless.

Wrapped in the tranquility of peaceful slumber, Aria experienced a restorative rest, unencumbered by the recurring dreams that had previously visited her. It was a welcome break, allowing her mind to rest and rejuvenate amidst the uncertainties that awaited her in the waking world.