Chapter 198: Two-Pronged Approach

Killing them all would be troublesome. If they retaliated later, there would be no proof of wrongdoing, and acting too rashly could invite condemnation from those with ulterior motives.

"Of course, we only killed Phryne, their leader. The rest have already been taken to the basement," Ahri clarified.

"Alright, I understand the situation. Go get some rest. I'll discuss the matter with Sol-sama tonight before deciding how to deal with the Ishtar Familia," Riveria responded.

"Thank you." Ahri left the office without hesitation.

There was no need to worry about what came next.

This matter would soon be resolved, one way or another.

Late at night, after a long day of work, the ever-diligent Sol finally returned home.

However, before he could even greet Riveria properly, she brought up the situation.

"What are you even thinking about? Just fack that bitch Ishtar!" Sol snapped, suddenly fully awake.

They had already crossed the line—what more needed to be said?

If they didn't teach Ishtar an unforgettable lesson, she'd really start thinking the Sol Familia was easy to push around.

Besides, he never had a good impression of the dark-skinned goddess. Even back in the heavens, he had no interest in her so-called beauty.

"You want to initiate a War Game? I can arrange it now," Riveria said, eyeing Sol with a strange expression.

They had known each other long enough that she considered herself familiar with his temperament.

But for some reason, his anger felt… exaggerated?

Almost like he was putting on a show.

Was it just her imagination?

"A War Game? What kind of joke is that? They've already attacked my children directly, and I'm supposed to follow the rules? Forget that. Inform the troops—we're taking down the Ishtar Familia tonight!" Sol ordered.

"But their base is in the Pleasure Quarter. Acting there will draw a lot of attention," Riveria cautioned.

"Riveria, the objective is Ishtar herself. No matter where her Familia is, this will attract attention." Sol's tone made it clear—his mind was set, and nothing would change it.

Since that dark-skinned goddess didn't want to behave in the lower world, she could return to the heavens and try her luck again.

"Right now, Orario is in a tense situation with the Ares Familia at war. If we move recklessly, we could end up sanctioned by the Guild," Riveria warned.

"You think I'm afraid of that? This operation will be swift, ruthless, and precise. We'll take down the Ishtar Familia in one strike. 

As long as we finish the job before the Guild can react, there won't be anyone left to complain about Ishtar in the heavens."

Riveria sighed. "Understood. I'll begin assembling the forces."

She didn't question him further.

Sol had made his decision, and as the head of the Familia, she wouldn't go against her god's will.

In truth, Riveria harbored just as much resentment toward the Ishtar Familia as Sol.

Her role now was to ensure the plan unfolded without a hitch.

"By the way, inform Kayle that she'll be taking over the Pleasure Quarter," Sol added casually.

Riveria blinked. "...Kayle-sama? Taking over the Pleasure Quarter? Not Morgana-sama?"

A giant question mark formed in her mind.

Kayle was practically an angel, a paragon of justice bathed in holy light.

And that was the place Sol wanted her to manage?

If he had suggested the Morgana Familia take over instead, Riveria wouldn't have batted an eye.

But Kayle? In the Pleasure Quarter?

"What's wrong? Don't you think it's best for the Angel of Justice to cleanse the filth of Pleasure District?"

Riveria had a strong feeling that Sol was simply amusing himself with this decision.

However, she wisely kept that thought to herself. If she voiced it aloud, this man might just take it as an excuse to make things difficult for her.

"Pleasure District is huge. If Kayle-sama has to handle it alone, she won't be able to manage everything."

After pondering for a moment, Riveria attempted to dissuade him from a different angle.

Besides, she had a hard time picturing someone as principled as Kayle being able to stomach taking over a place like this.

"Then send Janna with her. We'll claim as much of the territory as we can—there's no such thing as too much land."

"...Understood."

A small victory.

At least Master Kayle wouldn't have to face the mess of the Pleasure District alone.

That evening, as most of the Familia members returned, Riveria successfully gathered two teams.

One team, led by her, consisted of the Familia's top adventurers:

Irelia and Yone, both at Level 6, alongside the Amazonian sisters, Akali, Kled, and Sett, all at Level 5.

This team had one goal—storm the Pleasure District and go straight for their Goddess: Goddess Ishtar.

The second team, composed of lower-level adventurers and commanded by Syndra and Shen, was responsible for collecting loot and securing the area.

Inside the Familia's grand hall, all those summoned had assembled.

"Everyone understands the mission," Riveria addressed them, feeling a surge of excitement as she looked over the growing ranks of their Familia.

Though night had fallen, the room was still brimming with energy.

Especially among the troublemakers, with Kled leading the charge—it was clear they could barely contain their eagerness to storm Pleasure District.

"I won't waste words. Sol-sama has already entered the Pleasure District ahead of us. Move out!"

With a calm wave of her hand, Riveria signaled the start of the mission.

The massive doors to the hall swung open, and in an instant, the Familia members surged outside, leaving the hall eerily empty.

Pleasure District

Perhaps due to the looming war between the Ares Familia and Orario, Pleasure District was even livelier than usual.

Drunken adventurers staggered through the streets, their arms wrapped around prostitutes, slurring nonsense into the night air.

The majority of the courtesans were still Amazones—many of whom were unaffiliated with the Ishtar Familia but worked under its influence.

Amidst the revelry and chaos, Sol strolled leisurely down the bustling street, accompanied by Alfia.

After all, with his Familia about to unleash mayhem here tonight, he had to ensure his own safety first.