Chapter 87: Tenth Rank Outer Disciple's Special Home
Zeus remained seated in the arena, his gaze distant as he watched Lucy leave. But his mind wasn't entirely present—his focus was split, part of it resting in the consciousness of his clone, Lucas, back at Lucy's house.
As he monitored the situation through Lucas, he sensed Lucy approaching the house. She had returned, just as he had anticipated.
The door creaked open, and the moment Lucas saw her, Lucy rushed toward him, her expression bright and full of joy. She enveloped him in a warm, tight hug, lifting him off the ground with surprising ease. There was no hesitation in her movements, just pure excitement.
"Where are you taking me, Sis?" Lucas asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and mild confusion, as he tried to keep up with her sudden burst of energy.
Lucy grinned down at him, her eyes gleaming with pride and satisfaction. "I'm taking you to our new house," she announced, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
Lucas blinked, the surprise evident on his face. "New house? What do you mean, Sis?"
Still beaming, Lucy couldn't help but laugh softly at his reaction. "I'm now the tenth-ranked outer disciple," she explained, a note of pride in her voice. "Because of that, they've given me a better house—one that's reserved for the top ten."
Lucas's eyes widened in astonishment. "You're already the tenth rank? That's incredible, Sis!" His voice was filled with admiration, clearly impressed by her rapid rise.
Lucy's smile widened, clearly pleased by his reaction. "Of course! I'm your big sister, after all." She added with a playful wink, "And I've also earned a lot of academy points."
Lucas's curiosity was immediately piqued. "How many points did you get, Sis?"
Lucy's grin turned mischievous, her eyes twinkling with pride. "More than 1000 points."
Lucas's eyes widened in disbelief. "A thousand? How did you get that many?"
Lucy chuckled, her tone light and almost playful. "Well, it was a bit of an accident. I ended up killing my opponent, and it turns out he had bet everything he owned on the battle. So, when he lost... all of it became mine."
Lucas nodded slowly, piecing it together. "So, your opponent died, and you ended up with all his assets."
For a brief moment, Lucy's smile wavered, a flicker of concern crossing her face. She suddenly realized the gravity of what she had just admitted. "He's still just a child," she thought, wondering if this revelation would be too much for him.
But Lucas, ever perceptive, noticed her unease and quickly spoke up to reassure her. "Don't worry, Sis," he said with a small, reassuring smile. "I know how the world works. I'm your little brother, and whether it's now or later, I'll learn about these things. What matters is that we're together and safe."
Lucy's heart warmed at his words, her smile returning with genuine affection. "Yeah, you're right," she agreed softly, her voice filled with a newfound resolve. "As long as we're alive and together, nothing else matters."
Lucas smiled back, a shared understanding passing between them. Together, they continued toward their new home, the bond between them stronger than ever.
When they arrived at the house reserved for the tenth rank, both Lucas and Lucy were momentarily stunned by the sight before them.
The house was nothing short of impressive—a vast improvement over their previous dwelling. It wasn't just bigger; it was grander in every way.
The exterior was crafted from polished stone, glowing faintly with embedded runes that pulsed with protective magic.
The air around the house felt different, heavier with the rich concentration of mana that seemed to hum with energy.
Tall, elegant windows allowed sunlight to pour into the house, illuminating the intricately carved wooden doors that opened to welcome them inside.
As they stepped through the entrance, they were greeted by a spacious interior that felt both luxurious and secure.
The floors were smooth, polished marble, and the walls were adorned with subtle, shimmering enchantments that promised protection against any would-be intruders.
The air inside was cool and refreshing, infused with a constant flow of mana that made every breath feel revitalizing.
The house was filled with an array of enchantments—wards and spells carefully woven into the very fabric of the building.
These spells not only ensured the safety of its occupants but also enhanced the atmosphere within, making it an ideal space for both rest and cultivation.
The mana concentration was noticeably higher here, creating an environment that felt almost alive with potential, perfect for honing their skills and recovering their strength.
Lucy's smile broadened as she took in the sight of their new home. Knowing that her brother would be safe here while she went on missions gave her a sense of relief she hadn't felt in a long time.
She glanced down at Lucas, who was equally in awe of their new place. "What do you think, little brother?" she asked, her voice filled with warmth.
"It's amazing, Sis," Lucas replied, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's like a real home."
Lucy nodded, her smile softening with affection. "It is, isn't it? I feel better knowing you'll be safe here."
But as she thought about the future, a new idea took hold. With the bounty of academy points she had earned, there was no immediate rush to dive back into the chaos of missions. For once, she had the luxury of time.
"You know what?" Lucy said, a playful glint in her eye. "I think we both deserve a break. Let's take some time to enjoy this new house together—just the two of us. A little home vacation."
Lucas looked up at her, surprised but delighted. "Really? You mean it?"
Lucy chuckled, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Absolutely. We've earned it, don't you think?"
As they stood together, taking in the peaceful surroundings of their new home, Lucy felt a wave of contentment wash over her. This was exactly what they needed—a chance to rest, recharge, and simply enjoy each other's company in a place that finally felt like home.