Chapter 196: Kicked To The Steel Plate

Leisurely lifting her head, Ahri's pink eyes shimmered with an enchanting allure, a charm so potent it seemed almost tangible.

"Let's have some fun~"

Her cherry lips parted slightly, and in that instant, Phryne felt her heartbeat accelerate uncontrollably.

The tension in her muscles melted away, her grip loosening as the twin axes slipped from her hands and crashed to the ground.

Of course, Ahri had no intention of making the toad before her fall in love.

She was merely exploiting the effects of her charm to disrupt Phryne's movements.

Seeing that dumbstruck, lovestruck expression again, Ahri couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Some people are simply born with an unfortunate lack of brain function.

"That should do it."

As if responding to her will, the foxfire surrounding Ahri flickered before surging toward Phryne in an instant.

The moment the flames touched her skin, Phryne snapped out of her daze, a piercing scream ripping from her throat as searing pain spread through her body. The flames burned deep, corroding flesh and bone alike.

Then, in the next heartbeat, the orb in Ahri's hand erupted in a brilliant blue light and shot forward, streaking toward Phryne alongside the foxfire.

A glowing tail of azure flames trailed behind the orb as it tore straight through Phryne's body without resistance.

Aisha and the others could only watch, unable to feel much from where they stood.

But Phryne, the one experiencing it firsthand, knew exactly what was happening.

The moment that strange orb pierced her, a chilling sensation spread through her body. Her mind turned hazy, consciousness slipping away as if something was being forcefully pulled from her very being.

She wanted to resist. She wanted to fight back.

But she was just a brute, a woman whose body was built for strength, not understanding.

Even as her instincts screamed danger, the concept of a soul attack was beyond her comprehension.

No matter how strong the body, the soul remained fragile.

Few in Orario ever trained their souls, after all.

As her awareness faded into nothingness, her mind went blank, leaving her helpless against the relentless foxfire that continued to devour her.

"It seems that's the end of that," Irelia said with a chuckle.

Aisha, however, wore an expression of disbelief.

Despite her hatred for Phryne, she knew just how powerful the toad was.

If Irelia had been the one to take her down, it would have made sense—after all, she was also Level 5. But Ahri?

Ahri was undeniably famous in Orario. Though she had a laid-back nature, her unparalleled charm had earned her a reputation that rivaled anyone else's.

Especially among the prostitutes of the Pleasure Quarter, who were well-versed in recognizing the most beautiful women in Orario.

After all, their clients—drunken, wealthy scoundrels—often gossiped about such things.

According to the Guild's records, Ahri was only Level 3.

Since when could a Level 3 adventurer defeat a Level 5?

And not just defeat—this was an overwhelming victory, practically a one-hit kill.

What's more, the one she had slain was an adventurer known for immense strength and endurance.

When did Orario become so insane?

But what left Aisha the most speechless…

Was the fact that her unreliable god had actually sent them to fight someone like this.

Did she seriously overestimate us or is it blind confidence?

We really kicked a steel plate this time!

"If you don't control it, this toad is going to turn into a roast toad," Irelia remarked, glancing at Phryne, who was still writhing in the foxfire.

"Are we really taking her back? Just let her burn to ashes here." Ahri cast a look of pure disgust at Phryne, whose skin was now charred black in several places.

Even in unconsciousness, Phryne's massive mouth hung open, drool pooling onto the ground in an unsightly mess.

Watching her unsightly state, Irelia fell into brief contemplation.

If Ahri isn't going to finish her off, does that mean I have to?

The other Amazons around them were already incapacitated, thoroughly overwhelmed. Given their condition, they probably wouldn't be waking up for at least a day or two.

"We only need to keep a few alive to interrogate. It doesn't really matter which ones, does it?" Ahri stated nonchalantly, her tone calm despite the chilling implication.

Irelia's breath hitched.

She wasn't just considering killing Phryne—she was completely fine with it.

Since when did Ahri have such a ruthless side?

Even Irelia had never truly intended to kill them from the start.

After all, Phryne was the leader of the Ishtar Familia, one of Orario's more prominent factions. Irelia had been planning to consult Riveria upon their return before making any drastic moves.

"Irelia, do you really think you can maintain peace with the Ishtar Familia after this?"

Ahri's voice cut through her thoughts like a blade.

Compared to Ahri, Irelia was still too naive.

It was good to have kindness, but only when directed at the right people.

Right now, they stood as senior members of the Sol Familia, and an organized attack on them inside the dungeon was nothing short of a declaration of war from the Ishtar Familia.

Their god, Sol, was known for his kind and gentle nature, but when it came to matters of principle, he was anything but soft-hearted.

If they let this go, it would only encourage others to trample over them in the future.

For a principled person like Aisha, once she confesses everything, she lets the other party go and would pretend she didn't see it.

And Phryne?

She deserved whatever came to her.

Ahri shuddered as the image of Phryne's grotesque, drooling face resurfaced in her mind.

Disgusting.

"I'm sorry. I was too naive," Irelia admitted, lowering her head in acknowledgment.

Ahri simply waved a hand dismissively.

"At least you can listen to reason. That's one of your better qualities."

Then, stretching her arms lazily, she continued, "Break time's over. Go wake those guys up. Anyone who doesn't get up in the next few minutes… well, they don't need to get up at all."

Ahri turned to Aisha and issued the command without the slightest hesitation.

Her enchanting eyes held a murderous glint, a cold killing intent lurking beneath their usual allure.

Aisha swallowed hard.

She didn't doubt for a second that Ahri meant every word.

If someone failed to respond, they wouldn't just be left behind—they'd be silenced.

The lingering scent of charred flesh in the air served as a gruesome reminder.

They hadn't checked yet, but judging from the situation, their group leader had likely already departed for heaven to await their Goddess Ishtar.

Knowing that the fate of her companions now rested in her hands, Aisha's wake-up call became much rougher.

Luckily, she carried a decent supply of healing medicine, and after some quick treatments, many of the fallen Amazons regained consciousness.

"...Is this all of you?"