Chapter 197: Big Stick With Sweet Dates

After roughly estimating the time, Ahri slowly approached the group of Amazons who had yet to fully regain consciousness.

Having just learned the details from Aisha, the Amazoness were still struggling to process what had happened.

Especially the fact that Phryne had been instantly killed—by Ahri of all people.

Even if they didn't want to believe it, the unmistakable body lying nearby, still being consumed by flames, left no room for doubt.

An unsettling feeling crept over them—like an example had been made of Phryne as a warning to the rest.

"I'll carry the others," Aisha said to Irelia, glancing at the companions who were still too injured to wake up anytime soon.

Leaving them here to die wasn't an option, at least not for her.

But she also knew that, between Ahri and Irelia, the latter was far more likely to be convinced.

Sure enough, after hearing Aisha's request, Irelia instinctively turned to Ahri, who stood a short distance away.

Since being lectured earlier, Irelia had silently decided to leave the decision-making to Ahri.

For now, her role was best suited as a fighter, not a leader.

"As long as they don't become a nuisance, a few more prisoners won't make a difference," Ahri remarked indifferently, meeting Irelia's gaze.

This girl is too softhearted.

It was something ingrained deep in her nature—something not easily changed.

But then again, kindness wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Ahri had no intention of forcing Irelia to be different.

After all, someone had to play the "good cop."

Following Aisha's orders, a few Amazons with lighter injuries helped carry their unconscious comrades.

What had started as a three-person operation had now turned into an escort mission with dozens of prisoners in tow.

With their mission complete, they set out on the return journey—leaving Phryne behind.

Her soul had already been sealed within Ahri's orb, stripping away any chance of survival.

Ahri still found the toad repulsive, but a level 5 soul was a valuable commodity. She wasn't about to let that go to waste.

On the way back, Ahri played her part as the strict enforcer, standing at the rear of the group and ensuring the Amazons kept pace.

Before long, under the watchful eyes of passersby, three figures escorted a procession of defeated Amazons out of the dungeon.

Though the onlookers had no idea what had transpired, the bizarre sight vanished into the city before anyone could gather their thoughts.

Their journey ended at the Sol Familia estate.

"Oi, Irelia! You're back! What's with all these Amazons?"

The moment they arrived, Tiona came sprinting out of the guard post, her face full of excitement.

Since Quinn had left for the Kayle Familia, gatekeeping duties at the Sol Familia had fallen to Yone once more. Tiona, eager as ever, had volunteered to assist.

As for Yone, the moment he spotted the mass of Amazons behind Ahri and the others, he made a swift retreat.

Amazons were far too… enthusiastic.

Dealing with Tiona on a daily basis was exhausting enough. The last thing he wanted was a whole crowd of them.

"The prisoners we captured today," Ahri explained with a chuckle.

"Hey, this is Aisha. I remember she's a member of the Ishtar Familia."

After hearing that they had been ambushed in the dungeon, even the others nearby hesitated to make a move.

While Irelia and Haruhime escorted the captives to the basement, Ahri headed to Riveria's office to report the situation.

"You're saying even Phryne was involved?" Riveria asked, her expression shifting slightly in surprise.

"Yes, the infamous 'Battle Whore' of the Ishtar Familia. She was their leader."

Ahri smiled, pulling out her orb.

"But this one's struggle is already meaningless. Her soul has been completely sealed."

Riveria's brows furrowed. "The Ishtar Familia sent their own members after you? But why?"

Ahri tilted her head slightly, amusement flickering in her pink eyes. "It's just an LV5. Did they really think Phryne could handle both Irelia and me?"

Riveria's expression darkened. "An ambush… in the dungeon?"

"Was it the incident on the 18th floor that exposed Haruhime?"

"You already know who the attackers were, don't you?" Riveria asked, relieved that none of their people had been injured.

"Irelia and Haruhime—are they alright?"

"This was a direct provocation against our Familia."

"Of course," Ahri said, her tone light, but her smile carried an edge. "Though we were attacked, the ones who did it clearly lacked the strength to back it up."

The Ishtar Familia's core members were primarily Amazons. When they had first arrived in Orario, they had even considered joining Sol Familia.

Yet now, they had the audacity to attack members of the Sol Familia in the dungeon?

"Yeah… if you want to see her, Phryne is right here."

Through the orb's smooth, glass-like surface, a faint image of Phryne's grotesque face could be seen, struggling helplessly within.

Riveria's gaze sharpened. "Phryne is dead. What about the others? You did remember to keep some alive, didn't you?"

She examined Ahri carefully, noting that she was unscathed. Only then did she relax slightly.

After all, it's just a LV5. In front of Irelia and Ahri, even three Phryne is not enough.