"Alright, I'll choose this one," Nevia declared.

"You have excellent taste," Yin the Dream Administrator, the black-haired girl, said with her ever-gentle smile. Her fair, slender fingers tapped the ground. "But... I have a better recommendation here. Would you like to try it?"

Following her gesture, Nevia saw a thick book. It was entirely reddish-brown, with a golden border on the cover, shimmering with an inexplicable glow. Though she didn't know why, she suddenly felt it seemed incredibly powerful. But when Nevia looked closely, her face instantly turned embarrassed.

*The Book of Georgia: How to Be the Ultimate Uke! How to Take It!*

*A Heavenly Tome recording over 103,000 secrets to mastering the uke role! Personally taught by a legendary uke, it will make you beloved by all!*

*It grants an attribute of never dying... hehehe...*

Nevia covered her face, unable to look further. "Why must this hurt my eyes! So that fellow transmigrator 'compatriot' is actually a pervert!"

"No, thank you for your kindness, but I don't need it!" Nevia shook her head vigorously, refusing firmly. Disappointment flickered across Yin's face.

This action drew Nina's attention. She had been watching nearby, dazzled by the scene. Immediately, she turned her gaze to the "Book of Georgia." Though she didn't understand some words, Nina—whose relationship with Nevia was complicated—harbored her own little schemes. She was jealous of the maternal love Nevia enjoyed. Yet, due to her innate kindness and because Nevia was her favorite aunt's daughter, she couldn't act too harshly. So she'd stir small conflicts, feeling inexplicably pleased when Nevia was unhappy.

But a certain feeling, unnoticed even by Nina herself, had already taken root. Because of this, Nina watched Nevia's every move closely. She'd noticed the previous "Piercing Death Thorn Spear," but since Nevia scorned it, Nina dismissed it as worthless. However, Nevia's reaction to this book wasn't disdain—it held a strange fear and a barely noticeable trace of "excitement." Having observed Nevia constantly, Nina could read her emotions from her expressions.

Curiously studying the book's description, Nina thought: *Why that expression? This book looks great. Never dying... though "only effective in endless pleasure" is confusing. But even just making people love you is amazing! Beloved by all... hehe... Nina wants to be everyone's favorite girl!*

But why didn't Nevia want it? Oh! A flash of insight struck Nina. "Could it be like legendary Divine Artifacts, causing unpredictable effects on the bearer?" Nina was a genius; she wasn't afraid!

Driven by childish competitiveness, Nina walked over to prove she was better. Under Nevia's surprised gaze, she reached for the "Book of Georgia"—the very book Nevia had desired but dared not touch.

"Hold on..." Nevia grabbed Nina's small hand. "You can't take this!"

"Why not?" Nina asked, glancing up.

"Uh..." Nevia faltered, unable to explain "uke" to a child. After a pause, she said firmly, "Just no!"

"I know! You're scared I'll surpass you!" Nina declared triumphantly, ending with a soft "Hmph! I won't fall for it."

*I'm not that scheming,* Nevia thought, rolling her eyes inwardly. *Don't assume the worst!*

"If it's good, I'll choose it. It really has problems!"

"It's just that you can't handle it," Nina insisted, convinced Nevia feared it for both of them.

"It's not! It genuinely has issues!" Nevia's temper flared. *I warned you for your own good, and you accuse me?*

"But you can't say why!"

"Uh..." Nevia turned away angrily. *Brat, go ahead and ask for trouble. I don't care!*

"Hehe..." Nina grinned with victorious delight.

"It seems fine to me," Celia said, glancing at the book.

"Exactly..." Bolstered by her sister's support, Nina beamed smugly—her imaginary tail would've wagged sky-high. "Don't you agree, Alyssa?"

"Ah..." Alyssa blinked. "I think whatever's fine..."

"Have your own opinion, Alyssa!" Nina repeated the words she'd said earlier on the hillside.

"But I don't have one..." Alyssa blinked innocently.

"That won't do!"

"I think it's wonderful!" Yin chimed in, narrowing her eyes with a strange, dazzling glow.

"Hmph." With everyone's backing, Nina snatched the "Book of Georgia," shooting Nevia a triumphant glance.

Nevia ignored her, turning away indifferently. She looked at Alyssa, who watched silently. Nevia knew Alyssa's timid nature meant she'd struggle to choose. As her best friend, Nevia had to help.

"Alyssa, you haven't picked yet, right?" Nevia stated firmly.

"Mm." Alyssa nodded.

"Then I'll choose for you."

"Mm!"

○

Nevia was helping Alyssa select gear when Nina approached.

"What now?" Nevia asked, pouting awkwardly.

Nina looked strange—her usual arrogance gone, replaced by timid hesitation, as if channeling Alyssa herself. Startled by Nevia's voice, tears filled Nina's pale blue eyes, making them glisten damply.

"I'm deeply sorry for my arrogance earlier!" Nina bowed abruptly, sobbing. "I'm sorry, wuwu... Sorry, sorry..."

"Uh..." Nevia stared, her gaze settling on the thick "Book of Georgia" in Nina's hands. After a long pause, she said slowly, "Never mind. I suddenly agree—you're right. This book is indeed quite good."

Beside them, Alyssa stood completely dumbfounded.