"You're here." Ishtar said as soon as she stepped into the lavish hall. Her voice was calm, but her eyes carried a glint of amusement as she greeted the goddess lounging lazily on the sofa.
"You're finally here." Kali replied, shifting slightly as she leaned onto one arm, resting her cheek against her hand.
Her crimson eyes gleamed with wicked delight, a wanton smile curling her lips. "I've been waiting."
As more of Ishtar's familia entered the chamber, their presence radiated sultry arrogance. Perfume lingered in the air, mingling with the incense that burned in silver trays by the wall.
Slowly, the warriors of the Kali Familia, who had been sprawled about earlier, regained focus, their eyes sharpening. Despite the bandages and bruises, each Amazoness straightened with caution, casting vigilant glares at the newcomers.
A tension hung in the air like a coiled serpent.
Ishtar didn't answer immediately. Instead, she strode across the hall with graceful authority and seated herself across from Kali.
The two goddesses faced one another—each an embodiment of unrelenting will and feminine dominance—while their familias stood behind them like armies poised for battle.
The silence that followed wasn't awkward, but heavy with unspoken danger.
"Perhaps it's a little late to confirm this now." Kali began, her voice lazy yet edged like a blade. "But just to be sure… You are indeed Ishtar, aren't you?"
"I am."
"I see." Kali said with a nod.
Her tone was amused, but her eyes held deeper interest. "Then I must say—you're crazier than I expected, going out of your way to seek help from a goddess like me, who's been lurking near the border for ages."
"I've said it in the letters already, haven't I?" Ishtar replied smoothly. "I will use whatever means I must."
"I'll offer whatever I can—sacrifice anything I must—to bring down that woman."
As she spoke, her tone dropped, laced with bitter venom.
The very mention of Freya ignited a fire in her gaze. Her loathing toward the goddess of beauty was a raging storm barely concealed beneath her skin.
Ishtar's gaze swept across the room, pausing when she noticed the wounded Amazonesses seated behind Kali. Bandages wrapped around limbs, shoulders, and even foreheads. The air still carried the scent of medicine.
She frowned.
"…What happened to your children? Why are they all injured?" She asked, arching an elegant brow.
This was not what she had expected. She had summoned the famed Kali Familia for war, expecting savage elites—Amazonian warriors renowned for their unmatched strength. Instead, what she saw looked like the aftermath of a battlefield.
If she didn't know better, she might think Kali had sent second-rate warriors instead of her finest.
"Ah, that." Kali laughed, flicking her wrist dismissively.
"They had a little scuffle this morning at the port. Some rowdy adventurers from Loki Familia crossed our path."
"Oh?" Ishtar's eyes narrowed.
"Loki Familia is here in Melen?"
"That's right. And they weren't in the mood for a chat." Kali said casually. "My girls got thrashed."
Ishtar leaned forward slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line. A foreboding feeling stirred in her gut.
Loki's people? Here?
This was bad. Very bad.
If they were in Melen, and especially if they'd already clashed with Kali's forces, then things might spiral out of control much faster than anticipated.
"They're strong." Kali added with a rare note of respect. "My children couldn't handle them."
"Still, can you lend me your strength?" Her tone shifted as her lips curled into a teasing grin.
"My children have taken a liking to a particular elf among them. A silver-haired beauty. They want to bring him back with them."
"…You want to start a fight with Loki Familia over a man?" Ishtar asked slowly, lifting a teacup that one of her attendants had just poured.
She took a delicate sip of red tea, her gaze thoughtful. "That wasn't part of our deal."
She wasn't angry—yet. Just intrigued.
An elf that strong, yet handsome enough to captivate the warrior Amazons of Telskyura? That was rare.
"What does this elf look like? And what's his name?" she asked.
"Young man. Long, silver-white hair. His name is Leon," Kali replied without hesitation. "Argana wants him as her husband. And I personally find the boy quite delightful."
CRASH!!!
The porcelain cup shattered as Ishtar slammed it down on the glass table, tea splashing in all directions.
"What did you just say?! Leon is here—in Melen?!"
Kali blinked, surprised by the goddess's uncharacteristic outburst. "Yes, I saw him this afternoon."
Ishtar's eyes widened with unmistakable emotion—not shock, but hunger. Obsession. She stood up slowly, her voice trembling ever so slightly with suppressed excitement.
"That child… he's very important to me."
"I've been searching for him, waiting. For so long. I missed my chance during the last war—damn those delays. But now…" Her fingers trembled slightly, eyes glinting with wild intent. "Now that he's here… no one will stop me."
No one.
Back when Loki Familia and Freya Familia clashed, Leon had revealed his power—Level 6. A warrior of such strength, appearance, and charisma… Ishtar had desired him ever since.
She had dispatched Phryne and her top warriors into the Dungeon, hoping to catch him off guard. Her plan had been simple—ambush Leon deep within the Dungeon, drag him to the Night District, and use her divine charm to break his will and make him hers.
But the plan had failed miserably. Not only had her operatives failed to even locate Leon, they'd never even laid eyes on him.
Later, Leon vanished on an expedition with Loki Familia—completely beyond her reach.
So she redirected her attention to Kali, plotting a larger scheme.
But fate had turned in her favor.
Now, by sheer chance, Leon was here—in Melen, outside the Guild's immediate jurisdiction.
This time, she wouldn't let him slip away.
"Aisha!" Ishtar barked suddenly.
A tall Amazon with fierce eyes stepped forward. "Yes, Lady Ishtar!"
"Find the location of Loki Familia. Immediately. I want to know where they're staying, and who is with Leon. Move!"
"Understood!" Aisha responded without hesitation, taking several warriors with her as she departed in haste.
Behind her, the room simmered.
Kali's expression darkened, and her smile faded. "Ishtar, what is the meaning of this?"
She had just mentioned Argana's desire to claim Leon—and now Ishtar had declared her intent to seize him herself. The blatant provocation was hard to ignore.
Argana, who had remained silent until now, clenched her fists. Her gaze had turned icy. If not for Kali's presence, she might have lunged at Ishtar then and there.
"It means exactly what it sounds like," came a smug voice from behind Ishtar.
It was Phryne, the massive toad-like Amazon, sneering with disdain. "Lady Ishtar's had her eyes on that brat for a long time. You better back off."
"Phryne. Shut your mouth," Ishtar snapped without turning around.
She faced Kali again, this time wearing an apologetic smile—if only on the surface.
"I'm sorry. But I can't back down. I've wanted Leon for far too long. I won't give him up."
She turned her gaze toward Argana, her tone oddly diplomatic. "But if you're willing… I don't mind sharing."
The room froze.
Behind Kali, Argana's expression contorted.
"Hah! Then let's see who gets him first," Argana growled. Her voice was sharp, her tone openly hostile. "But don't think I'll go easy on you."
"Oh? Are you picking a fight?" Phryne hissed, stepping forward threateningly. "Come on then!"
"Bring it!" Argana shouted back, stepping up without hesitation.
In the blink of an eye, the Amazons behind her surged forward, their weapons nearly drawn.