Chapter 690 Lia’s Jealousy
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
(Kazumi’s POV)
We descended from the outer ridge where the gate linking the Third Floor to this “Closed World” stood, following a mountain path down into the only village spread across this underground domain.
No horizon here: the ten-kilometer-wide caldera’s ring walls rose steep and high, enclosing us in stone. And yet, though it was eight in the morning, the sky shone a vivid blue—no sun overhead, only that mysterious glow flooding everything with light.
The village, raised by Mr. Elberhardt and the Hidden Ones (Vampires), pulsed with life from both villagers and adventurers.
In the stone-paved plaza, a swordsman clinked chainmail as he inspected a blade at a stall, while a magician haggled over a battered tome. From a tavern, a scarred Fighter stumbled out laughing raucously despite the early hour, while an archer fingered a bundle of arrows. The clang of hammer on steel rang from the smithy; the savory scent of grilled meat wafted from a diner.
In front of what looked like a general store, bottles glowing faintly with magical power and replacement spearheads were lined up, merchants’ shouts overlapping in a chaotic harmony.
”Luckily, the land here turned out good for farming too,” Mr. Elberhardt explained after a quick greeting to us magic-camp students.
”Between the harvests and contracts with merchants trading with adventurers, our lives here are well provided for.” His smile, bright beneath the blue sky, carried an easy confidence.
”You’ll get the details in class later, but this World is the perfect training ground for your camp. Give it everything you’ve got!”
With that, he and his lover Ms. Barbara blended back into the plaza’s bustle. Her milky-white hair shimmered in the unseen light, her porcelain skin radiant under the sky. The ruby glow of her eyes betrayed her vampire blood, but her gentle smile softened the impression. Their laughter trailed after them, dissolving into the village’s din.
”They look happy,” I murmured. Rena’s eyes softened in agreement.
”Even a Hidden One can live freely under this sky. And with Elberhardt at her side? No wonder she shines.”
I smiled too. Watching their backs, Rena and I couldn’t help but let our lips curl.
”…But y’know.”
”Yeah.”
”…”
Behind us, Lantz, Gazura, and Mash were nodding conspiratorially.
”What?” I asked, glancing back.
Jan, still staring at Elberhardt and Barbara, muttered: “Guess if you’re a hero, you really can walk around with a gorgeous babe at your side, huh…”
Rena shook her head in exasperation. “Still your guiding principle, huh?”
I chuckled, trading a glance with her.
”But yeah… strong guys are attractive.”
”Just look at Hiroya♡,” Rena teased.
Our smiles met, and Jan nodded fiercely. “Knew it.”
The plaza sat at the heart of the village. Besides stalls, there were tables and chairs scattered around: adventurers dropping heavy packs, exhausted, or a woman rewrapping a bloody bandage while plotting with her team. Their chatter roared, overlapping with sword clangs and merchant calls, the sunless sky casting everything in gentle radiance.
* * *
We camp participants were guided into a brand-new building—the village assembly hall. Crossing the wooden doors, the scent of timber and paint wafted up; the polished floors bounced our footsteps back at us.
On the first floor, a wide hall sparkled with light pouring through big windows, scattering across white walls. Miss Maria’s clear voice carried.
”During camp, you’ll lodge here and take lectures too.”
With free time until noon, we bounded upstairs toward the dorm rooms. Each step on the fresh stairs released a faint aroma of wood.
On the second floor, gender-separated rooms awaited. Together with the other girls, I opened our assigned door: curtains glowed with diffused light, scattering soft patterns across the floorboards. Newness lingered in the air.
Eight girls in total, me and Rena included. Beds lined up with space to spare. I dropped my bag by the window corner and peeked out. Though this village had only stood for two years, it already looked a natural part of the landscape.
Behind me, laughter bubbled as the others gathered around a table, their voices bright with expectation. The room sparkled with the promise of the adventures to come.
* * *
(Lia’s POV)
”Seriously—why the hell are we all crammed into one room?!”
I stomped down the cobbled street outside the hall, tossing my bag over my shoulder, venting to the air. Villagers’ chatter rose in the distance, wind tugged at my hair.
”But Lia, come on. Ms. Rena and Ms. Kazumi of Famière are in the same room! Huge chance, right?”
”Exactly! They hardly ever come to class. Best opportunity to get close!”
Leona Weber and Julia Wagner flanked me, one bright, one calm, both upperclasswomen who always treated me like a peer.
”My magic’s special. My grades beat anyone. Why should I have to bunk with the likes of them?”
The irritation smoldering inside caught flame in my words. My magic could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with real adventurers. Support buffs for vanguards, healing spells, offensive arts of earth and water—even basic range, but useful in every fight. That was my pride.
”True, Lia, your magic talent is amazing,” Leona offered, a little nervous.
”But those two are on another level. They’re core members of Famière. Part of Liz’s team that conquered the Great Labyrinth.”
Their eyes gleamed with admiration. That heat only stoked my unrest.
”Being on the roster doesn’t mean they’re the ones carrying it! Anyone looks good standing among stars. Maybe they’re just… dead weight, tolerated for show!”
I snapped. Even Leo had said before: Hiroya, Kazumi, Rena—their reputations were all inflated rumors.
”Especially Kazumi! Did you see that old staff? Bet it’s a magic tool pre-charged with some monster spell. She’s just coasting on it, parading like it’s her own strength!”
My voice rose. That staff—its faded wood, its eerie gleaming inlays—that had to be her trick. Nothing else.
”But RenRen and Kazumie are officially ranked S and A by the guild,” Leona reminded gently.
”Right. And with Lia’s mother and grandmother both serving the guild, you know they don’t cheat the system,” Julia added, her tone calm but piercing.
I bit my lip. True—the device Sage Milia had made measured adventurers’ strength flawlessly. No way to fake it.
(So I’m just… jealous? Refusing to admit their strength?)
The ugly truth squirmed inside me. I shook my head hard. No. I wouldn’t admit it. Couldn’t.
”A-anyway! I haven’t seen their strength with my own eyes! Until then, I won’t believe it!”
I shouted, leaving Leona and Julia wide-eyed as I stomped off. My boots hammered the cobblestones, echoing the turmoil in my chest.
Notes:
• Lia – Leo’s twin sister, who offers support and encouragement.
• Leo – A character reflecting on his surroundings and the conditions of their journey.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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