By the time the group left the dock, the sun had already dipped below the horizon, and twilight blanketed the port city of Melen.
With the sky tinged in hues of crimson and indigo, the members of the Loki Familia decided to settle down for the night, booking a modest yet cozy hotel to rest.
Inside the hotel lobby, a number of adventurers from the Loki Familia who were still unfamiliar with the Telskyura Amazons found themselves gathered around Loki and Riveria, their curiosity piqued by the earlier encounter.
"So... what's the deal with those Amazons from Telskyura?" One of the younger adventurers asked, glancing around.
Riveria, calm and composed as always, gave a soft sigh before nodding. "It's a long story. But if you really want to understand Tione and Tiona's reactions, you need to know the environment they came from."
With Loki occasionally interjecting with humorous or sarcastic remarks, Riveria explained the harsh and brutal traditions of Telskyura—its matriarchal hierarchy, its obsession with strength, and its tribal customs that revolved around combat and dominance.
As the tale unfolded, the room fell gradually silent, the cheerful atmosphere dimming into a more somber understanding.
"So that's what they went through..."
"No wonder they were so tense earlier…"
"Speaking of which, where are Tione and Tiona?" Someone suddenly asked, glancing around. "I wanted to hear their thoughts now that we know more."
"They stepped out a while ago." Another member replied.
"Leon went with them too." Someone added, recalling the trio's departure.
Riveria nodded lightly. "They probably went for a walk to clear their minds. Meeting the Kali Familia again must have stirred up a lot of old memories. But with Leon by their side, there's nothing to worry about."
Assured by her calm words, the topic slowly shifted to other matters, and the group disbanded to rest.
— — —
Outside, under the cool night sky, Leon walked alongside the two sisters. The streets of Melen were relatively quiet, the sea breeze gently brushing against their faces as lanterns swayed gently above.
"I still can't believe we ran into Kali here." Tiona said, hopping a few steps ahead.
Her hands were clasped behind her head, and she smiled as if trying to downplay her own unease. "What are the odds?"
"Too high for my liking." Tione replied with narrowed eyes.
Her voice lacked the playful tone of her sister. "Kali never goes anywhere without reason. That woman only walks toward conflict."
She paused, her gaze growing sharp. "Have you already forgotten what they put us through back in Telskyura? The kind of things they made us do? If you have, then you're more naive than I thought."
Leon watched her quietly, his eyes soft. Tione's fingers clenched slightly as her memories stirred. She wasn't just angry—she was wary. Suspicious.
"I have a bad feeling." She muttered, her brow furrowed deeply.
"Something's going to happen in Melen. I can feel it in my gut."
Leon stepped closer, lifting his hand gently to stroke her hair. His voice was calm, steady. "Don't worry. I'm here now. Even if they try something, they don't have what it takes to cause chaos in this city. Not with us around."
"Exactly!" Tiona chimed in with a grin. "With Leon's strength and the two of us, what's there to fear? We've grown a lot too, you know."
Tione exhaled slowly. "That's not the point. It's because Leon's here that I'm more worried."
"Eh?" Tiona blinked. "Why's that?"
Tione shot her a look. "Did you forget what Argana said earlier today? She's targeting Leon."
"Pfft," Tiona laughed. "So what? Plenty of girls are targeting Leon. That's nothing new."
"That's different!" Tione snapped, her expression turning fierce.
"If it's someone from our Familia, I won't complain. But not someone from Telskyura. Not her. Not Argana."
Tiona abruptly stopped jumping and turned her head with a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh? So if it's me, then it's fine?"
"...What?"
"What's true or false~?" Tiona sang, but her face turned red and she suddenly waved her hands. "Ah! It's nothing. I didn't say anything!"
"So suspicious!" Tione narrowed her eyes. She squinted at her sister as if trying to see through her soul.
Her gaze dropped to Tiona's ears—red.
'No way… are her ears actually red?'
The sight made Tione's thoughts spin. That kind of reaction from her sister was rare. Almost never seen.
'Could it be...?'
'Is it possible that…'
Her gaze shifted rapidly between Leon and Tiona. The idea settled in her mind like a rock dropping into a pond, sending ripples across her thoughts.
'Well… whatever. If that's how it is, then so be it.'
'We've always been together anyway. There's no need to separate in the future.'
Leon, completely unaware of the tension between the sisters behind him, was deep in thought.
His eyes scanned the streets as he mulled over the information in his mind.
The Kali Familia. The Ishtar Familia.
If nothing unexpected had occurred yet, then the two groups were likely already in contact. After all, the first time they had entered the artificial dungeon—the Daedalus Street incident—it was because of a certain collusion. The one who created the passage to the first floor had ties to the Ishtar Familia.
Leon narrowed his eyes.
'Will Ishtar still try to attack the Loki Familia like in the original timeline?'
'This time… the equation's changed. Alicia and Aki have already reached Level 5. That changes the playing field.'
— — —
Indeed, just as Leon suspected, the two factions had already begun moving.
Deep beneath Melen, in the hidden basement of a nondescript building, flickering magic stone lamps provided faint, sensual lighting.
The chamber was lavish in a gaudy way—rouge drapes, velvety furniture, and a heavy scent of perfume in the air. The atmosphere was decadent, like a luxurious brothel masked as a war room.
A swarm of Amazonesses filled the room—members of the Kali Familia dressed in battle gear.
Despite their fierce appearances, many of them wore bandages. Cuts and bruises marked their bodies—remnants from the earlier clash at the dock.
Argana stood at the front, arms crossed proudly, a wild gleam in her eyes. Beside her, Bache leaned silently against a pillar, scanning the entrance with sharp eyes.
Suddenly, the heavy doors creaked open.
A group of seductive figures strode in—clad in revealing clothing, adorned with gold and silver ornaments that clinked with every step. Leading them was a sultry figure with flawless brown skin, barely covered in belts and silk.
Her voluptuous figure, hourglass shape, and alluring expression made even the Amazons blush.
This was the goddess of beauty—Ishtar.
The infamous second beauty of Orario.
Although Freya was often considered her superior, Ishtar had her own charm—brazen, passionate, and cruelly seductive. Compared to the noble grace of Freya, Ishtar was carnal temptation incarnate.
The moment she stepped into the room, the air itself seemed to thicken.
Some of the Kali Familia members flushed instinctively.
***
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