themonasnovels Chapter 264 This is the weakest among us.
Chapter 264 This is the weakest among us.
Chapter 264 This is the weakest among us.
Orario, the Pleasure District.
This area remains in ruins, with crumbling walls and rubble. After being ravaged by the building's owner, Amphispina, only large piles of rubble remain. The once majestic building remains are now just broken walls and scorched beams sticking out diagonally, a desolate and lifeless place.
The ensuing war game left the Ishtar Familia with no time, energy, or money to repair the damage.
The many prostitutes who once earned Ishtar countless riches now live in cramped dormitories, including a certain fox-girl.
Because of her incredible power-up magic, her identity was top secret, but the tighter it was hidden, the higher the chance of it being exposed. Ishtar did the opposite, making her a lowly prostitute who wouldn't attract attention. Apart from a few people, no one knew about her magic.
"Haruhime-sama!"
A beautiful girl with black hair and black eyes, dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, stood outside the dormitory where the prostitutes lived, repeatedly calling out the name of Haruhime.
Most of the prostitutes in the dormitory had gone out to earn extra money. With the family in such dire straits, Ishtar had no time to take care of these lowest-class prostitutes.
Haruhime remained in the dormitory with her head down, while outside stood her childhood playmate, Yamato.
But no matter how Yamato called out to her, she did not respond, her lips pursed and her eyes dull and lifeless.
"The Takemikazuchi Familia, so they are indeed acquaintances of yours?" Aisha, who had just been released, asked.
Haruhime's chapped lips parted slightly as she answered in a weak voice, "My childhood playmate."
"What's wrong with going to see them? Nobody knows what will happen next," Aisha said.
Next up is the war game. If they lose, who knows how the Astrea Familia will retaliate? Will they be executed? Or enslaved?
The victor has all the power to deal with the loser, so while there's still a chance, say everything that needs to be said.
A look of reminiscence appeared in Aisha's eyes.
In truth, it was because she listened to that mysterious person's words and went to the Takemikazuchi Kinkaku to inquire about the Sessho-seki (Killing Stone), which led Haruhime's childhood playmate to come over.
That was a magical item specially prepared for fox people. As soon as the other party heard about the Killing Stone, they immediately realized that she knew the whereabouts of Haruhime and kept asking her questions.
Later, she shattered the Killing Stone that the goddess Ishtar had bought at great expense, and was imprisoned and tortured.
I did not participate in the siege of the underground city.
They were too deep inside at the time, and very few of them were able to return. Even after Zagnat's attention shifted to Roy and the others, it was extremely difficult for the decimated team to escape the depths of the arena between the second and third circular walls.
There were over a hundred people when they entered the deeper level, but less than ten people left. They were only able to return to the eighteenth level thanks to that celestial spirit ox.
After that battle, the fierce Amazonian girls, who had been through many battles and were known as "battle prostitutes," were left with deep psychological trauma. Every time they recalled it, their bodies would tremble uncontrollably, and their faces would only show fear.
Zagnat, a pure killing machine, far surpasses the floor master in killing efficiency.
It swept past like a whirlwind, barely visible to the naked eye, tearing apart companions and splattering warm blood onto their faces. Even the most determined and mature adventurers couldn't muster the courage to fight that monster.
If even a fighting prostitute is like this, one can only imagine how timid and reserved Chun-hime looks, so haggard and pitiful.
Aisha frowned, feeling excluded, but according to her sisters, even if she had been there, she would have just been another corpse.
After achieving a level upgrade, even LV.6 Frini was defeated, leaving Aisha terrified.
Aisha's pleas caused Haruhime to cover her face and weep bitterly. "How can I face them in my current state? In the dungeon—in support of Miss Frini with magic—against that boy—"
Chunji's hoarse voice sounded like iron scraping against iron.
To date, she has used magic to help the Ishtar Familia do many dirty things.
But I've never felt this bad before.
To protect her companions, she stood up against the evil group that was hunting her. Her favorite legend featured a hero who perfectly matched Roy's.
But she stands on the opposite side of the hero!
Roy's cold gaze was like a spear piercing her heart, making her feel disgusted with herself.
"The budding of justice—"
Aisha was having a headache. Look at the mess this had made; it had even caused her younger sister to lose her appetite. And now, she would have to face the Astrea Familia in the War Game.
Meanwhile, on the other side...
Yamato returned home disappointed after receiving no response from outside the dormitory, but her resolve to rescue Haruhime only grew stronger. How could she let her important friend continue to be a prostitute!
Yamato returned to his family.
Upon seeing Yamato Mikoto return alone, Takemikazuchi, Sakura Kashima, and Chigusa Hitachi, who already knew the outcome, couldn't help but sigh.
Yamato looked at the main deity and his fellow Familiars, "Let's go find the Astrea Familia!"
"What do you mean?"
Takemikazuchi and the others looked puzzled.
Yamato declared, "We must help the Astraea Familia win the War Game!"
The others were completely confused. What did their rescue of Haruhime have to do with the Astrea Familia?
Only Takemikazuchi seemed to understand something, "Fate, it seems you've made up your mind."
"Lord Takemikazuchi, I'm sorry, but I will come back!" Yamato Mikoto said firmly. This was the only way left, and she had to rescue Haruhime no matter what.
"I understand," Takemikazuchi agreed.
Takemikazuchi and his group left the mansion, crossed the street, and headed to the northern district of Orario.
Unlike the commoner district where they lived, this place was very luxurious. The buildings were all constructed with polished bluestone or whitestone and had courtyards. On the left and right sides of the North Street were the Twilight Mansion of the Loki Familia and the Star Garden of the Astrea Familia, respectively.
Kenjiro's usual job at the potato ball stall was nearby, so he didn't feel much of a stranger there.
The group arrived at the Garden of Stars.
Before they even got close, they heard a crisp metallic clang, the sound waves so loud they seemed to pierce their ears like silver needles.
In the spacious courtyard, Tione, Tiona, Daphne, and the others noticed the other party earlier than the Takemikazuchi Familia, and they all stopped fighting and looked outside the iron fence.
The girls were covered in sweat, which dripped down their bodies like rain.
With three days left until the war game, they need to quickly familiarize themselves with their upgraded bodies and powers.
Fighting is the fastest way, bar none!
After a fierce battle, their hearts raced, their body temperatures rose, and puffs of white steam rose from their skin.
This is a normal phenomenon, similar to human respiration. When the hot water vapor exhaled encounters cold air, it quickly releases heat, liquefies into tiny water droplets, and suspends in the air to form visible "white vapor".
But it's not winter now, so there's no cold air.
The fact that this phenomenon still occurs indicates that their body surface temperature is unusually high.
Sensing the powerful aura emanating from Tione, Tiona, and others, Yamato no Mikoto, Kashima Sakura, and even Takemikazuchi were all taken aback.
They were a small, vulnerable group who wandered the streets and alleys every day and heard a lot of news.
The outside world believes that the Astrea Familia's chances of winning are no more than 30%, mainly because of the presence of "Swift Wind," a LV.5 Level 1 adventurer; otherwise, the chances would be even lower.
But upon seeing them today, the members of the Takemikazuchi clan were deeply shocked, as it seemed to be quite different from what the outside world had speculated.
"Astraea, excuse me." Takemikazuchi greeted the goddess Astraea.
"Takemikazuchi, are these your children?"
With a smile, Goddess Astraea stepped forward, opened the door, and let the other person in. In the North District, they were all old acquaintances.
"Yes, this is Kashima Sakura, Yamato Mikoto, and Hitachi Chigusa—" Takemikazuchi introduced his family members one by one: Captain Kashima Sakura, Vice Captain Yamato Mikoto, Hitachi Chigusa, and several nameless passersby. They were all his crew members who came from the Far East.
"Hello!"
Yamato no Mikoto, Kashima Sakura, Hitachi Chigusa, and the others quickly greeted the goddess Astraea.
Astraea responded with a gentle smile.
The group felt incredibly relaxed and were amazed; this goddess of justice was truly gentle.
"Takemikazuchi, what's the matter?"
Astraea asked, "It's impossible to say that you didn't have a purpose in bringing such a large group of people on your visit."
"Actually, it's about a war game, a prostitute from the Ishtar Familia. It's a complicated story—" Takemikazuchi said somewhat embarrassedly.
With Takemikazuchi's explanation, Astrea and the others roughly understood that the other party wanted to take a trainee prostitute from the Ishtar Familia.
Logically speaking, it wouldn't be a problem to agree to such a small matter, but at this moment, Astraea instinctively thought of Roy, "Let's tell my family's leader about this first, as long as he agrees, it's fine."
"I'll go get the commander!" Tiony volunteered and dashed into the mansion.
Takemikazuchi, Yamato, and the others were surprised. The main gods of other Familias had absolute authority, but in the Astrea Familia, even such a small matter required consulting the leader, "Sprout of Justice" Roy.
Is the main god being sidelined? That doesn't seem likely.
When Takemikazuchi and the others watched Astraea chatting and laughing with the other girls, it seemed more like they were consulting the head of the household on an important matter.
A short while later, Roy and Lily arrived in the courtyard.
"Takemikazuchi Familia————"
Roy's gaze swept over Takemikazuchi, Yamato no Mikoto, and the others. He roughly understood what was going on. Aisha was looking for Takemikazuchi's family to inquire about information about the Sesshoseki. The latter followed the clues and found Haruhime.
On the way here, Tione had already told him the purpose of the Takemikazuchi clan's visit.
We want to use their power to get people out.
When Roy's gaze fell on the other person, Yamato no Mikoto, Kashima Sakura, Hitachi Chigusa and the others felt as if a heavy mountain was on their shoulders.
The immense pressure left them breathless.
Whether Roy likes it or not, as the leader of a clan, authority is essential, especially in front of outsiders, to keep all the villains in check.
Roy, with his imposing presence even without anger, exudes strength and confidence from the core of his being. Just standing there, he commands immense pressure.
Sakura Kashima broke out in a cold sweat. That was the leader of a B-rank familia. He asked himself honestly, as the leader, could he talk to the other party as an equal?
Yamato took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Roy, I'm here to help you!"
Roy frowned. "What do you mean?"
Yamato continued, "I will temporarily join the Astrea Familia as an advisor to help the family develop, participate in the war game, and live and die with you. If we win, I hope you will hand over one of the trainee prostitutes from the Ishtar Familia to us."
A new member?
Tiony, Tiona, and the others looked at Yamato with curiosity, surprised that someone had volunteered to join them.
Roy asked quietly, "The apprentice prostitute you're talking about, you wouldn't happen to be Sanjou Haruhime, would you?"
"???"
Takemikazuchi, Yamato no Mikoto, and the others' pupils contracted slightly. How did Roy know Haruhime's name? The other party was the leader of the Astrea Familia, and he should usually pay attention to the leaders and officers of the enemy.
Why would someone notice a trainee prostitute?
Roy's face was as black as the bottom of a pot. Damn it, they came here to eat and take things?
A level 1 newbie wants to take away the most valuable loot of the Ishtar Familia and even wants to leave it behind to help the other party level up.
Yamato's words also included the word "temporarily," implying that the other party would eventually return to the Takemikazuchi clan.
"Hehehe!"
Roy looked at the other person meaningfully.
While Takemikazuchi, Yamato no Mikoto, and the others were still bewildered, Tione, Tiona, Daphne, Cassandra, and Lily were already trembling with fear.
The guild leader's laughter is quite unusual!
Goddess Astraea lowered her head in deep thought. It seemed that there was indeed a hidden story behind the apprentice prostitute that Takemikazuchi and his group had demanded. Fortunately, she had not rashly agreed.
The effect of the Killing Stone is to store the magic of fox spirits; once broken, it can be used by multiple people.
The Takemikazuchi Familia members probably don't know how incredibly powerful the magic awakened by Sanjou Haruhime is. They probably think she's just a worthless apprentice prostitute, otherwise Roy would have kicked them out immediately.
Roy lost interest and gave a cold smile.
In the eyes of Takemikazuchi and Yamato no Mikoto, sending out a promising newcomer in exchange for a trainee prostitute was a sure-fire way for the other party to make a profit.
Seeing Roy's disdainful attitude towards her suggestion, Yamato Mikoto was somewhat displeased. "Sprout of Justice, are you looking down on me?"
"Yes!" Roy answered immediately.
Yamato's pupils widened, and anger surged within him.
Tiony, Daphne, Lily and the others were secretly surprised. As the leader, Roy not only had to maintain his dignity, but also had to be tactful and maintain good relationships with all parties. Yet today, he showed no respect to the other party at all.
Yamato gritted his teeth. "Justice is sprouting! I will not accept this humiliation! Let's duel!"
The girls of the Astrea Familia were taken aback. How had things escalated to the point of armed conflict? But they weren't worried at all, because the enemy was too weak—
Roy glanced at the Takemikazuchi Familia, a bunch of misfits, and couldn't be bothered to even lift a finger.
"OK!"
Roy laughed, "If you win, I'll agree to all your conditions. Whether you join the Astrea Familia, participate in the War Game, or even Sanjou Haruhime, it's all up to you—"
The Takemikazuchi clan members were somewhat incredulous that Roy had suddenly become so agreeable. But they quickly realized that Roy hadn't finished speaking yet.
Under everyone's gaze, Roy placed his large hand on Lily's shoulder. "But the condition is that you all come together, and your opponent is her!"
"Huh?!?"
A cacophony of surprised exclamations erupted in the courtyard, from both the Astrea Familia and the Takemikazuchi Familia.
The Takemikazuchi Familia members were even more furious. They had heard about the conflict between the Astrea Familia and the Soma Familia. The little girl in front of them was Lilyluka Erde, the former leader of the Soma Familia.
Just a few months ago it was LV.1, how could it have leveled up in such a short time?
Even if Lilyluka Erd were to reach LV.2, the dwarf race's stats are relatively low, so if they team up, the probability of defeating the opponent is still very high.
Roy deliberately wanted to humiliate them?!
Adventurers are people who live on the edge and are full of malice. They (thinking they are being kind) and go to help the other party, but end up being humiliated repeatedly.
Sakura Kashima, Mikoto Yamato, and others were furious.
Roy shoved Lily forward and said, "Lily, can you take care of them?"
"Yes, Lord Roy!"
Lily replied that it wasn't a question of whether she could do it, but rather that since Lord Roy had spoken, she was determined to do it, even at the cost of her life.
Roy, Tione, Tiona, and the others stepped back, making way for both sides.
Goddess Astraea and Takemikazuchi frowned, but said nothing. It was common for adventurers to resort to violence at the slightest provocation.
The saying goes, "No fight, no friendship."
Bang!
Lily has mastered Roy's essence; she won't just wait for others to make the first move, but will strike first!
The petite and agile figure suddenly blurred, shooting out from its original spot like a shadow! The powerful force of its foot left a clear, spiderweb-like shallow crater at its original landing point!
Opposite, the towering Kashima Sakura glared angrily, her battle axe, accompanied by a muffled whistling wind, slashing down with the force of splitting stone and shattering monuments!
In the blink of an eye! Lily nimbly spun around, dodging the heavy axe blade with the lightest of her might, as gracefully as a willow catkin in the wind, effortlessly and comfortably avoiding it.
Before Kashima could finish his attack, Lily's seemingly harmless little fist was already clenched! With a force compressed to its limit, it accurately and ruthlessly struck her opponent's abdomen.
"Ugh—cough!" Caught off guard, Kashima Sakura's massive body suddenly arched, and his bulging eyes were instantly covered with hideous blood vessels. He couldn't help but exhale a breath of foul air and staggered backward.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh—!
On the flank, Hitachi Chigusa was startled. She drew her bow and nocked an arrow. Three arrows, as fast as shooting stars, flew out of the bow in a triangular formation, trying to force Lily back!
However-
Lily leaped into the air and delivered a spinning kick to Kashima Sakura's face, sending her flying.
The moment she landed, Lily lightly touched her toes, and her figure blurred again like a ghost. Her entire movement was fluid and graceful. All three powerful arrows grazed the hem of her clothes and futilely embedded themselves in the grass.
"Cherry blossoms!"
Upon seeing Kashima Sakura's instant defeat, Yamato exclaimed in surprise, drew his sword, and charged at Lily.
"Lily's skills have improved too."
Tiony, Tiona, and the others watching the battle had their eyes light up. With their sharp eyesight, they could tell that Lily was not the LV.2 that the other party thought she was.
It's a genuine LV.3!
Having returned from the world of Inuyasha, everyone else has leveled up, so Roy can't possibly favor one over the other.
Lily can level up her stats more easily. The little people have low caps on strength and durability, medium on magic and agility, and only dexterity can be raised to A.
After returning from the dungeon, Lily's stats were updated and improved. The great task was completed. Roy only spent two or three days to level up Lily.
The entire Takemikazuchi Familia is at LV.1. They are one level apart, and while it's possible to make up for the difference with skills or magic, two major levels is an insurmountable gap!
In the blink of an eye, all members of the Takemikazuchi Familia were defeated by Lily, lying on the ground, howling in pain, their eyes filled with disbelief as they stared at the little girl.
Completely crushing them in strength, speed, and skill!
A battle with absolutely no suspense!
"Cassandra, heal them, and then don't bother me again!" Roy turned and left.
"Yes, Commander!"
Cassandra raised her staff and began to chant, "O light of heaven, once rejected, merciful arm that saves my shallow self—light of Thor!"
As Cassandra's final cry faded, a powerful light emanated from the Takemikazuchi Familia members. They quickly recovered, as Lily wouldn't kill them; their injuries were minor, merely dislocating their joints to render them immobile.
The members of the Takemikazuchi Familia were shocked. Was this the true strength of a great family? A mere little girl could sweep them away, and the healers were able to restore them quickly.
Yamato's eyes flickered. She seemed to understand Roy's "bad attitude." She thought she could help him, so she came over and offered a deal as if it were her own business, but the other party didn't need it at all! They were too weak!
The entire Takemikazuchi Familia was traumatized by the beating, and everyone was dejected.
Seeing this, Kashima Sakura gritted his teeth. As the leader, he had to do something. Roy's confident and powerful demeanor flashed through his mind, and he was filled with envy.
Sakura Kashima comforted everyone, "Don't be discouraged. She's definitely one of the strongest members of the Astrea Familia, second only to Hayate and Sprout of Justice."
"Um!"
Yamato nods, Hitachi Chigusa and the others. Lilyluka Erd is definitely not a Level 2 adventurer, but must be one of the top members of the Astraea Familia, capable of sweeping them all by herself.
Upon hearing Yamato and the others' guesses, the girls of the Astrea Familia looked at each other strangely.
"Lily, you've really made something of yourself! Only Ryu and Captain Tione are stronger than you!" Tione said with a teasing look in his eyes, his arm around Lily's slender shoulders.
"Hahahaha!" Daphne laughed heartily.
Cassandra forced herself not to laugh, her lips pressed together, her shoulders trembling uncontrollably.
The girls' teasing made Lily's face turn pale with fright. She glared angrily at Yamato and the others, shouting, "Don't say things like that again!"
These people are trying to ruin her by praising her too much? Their intentions are malicious!
Lily was furious! How could he be so awful! She was so grateful she held back; she should have beaten him to a pulp!
The strange reactions of the Astrea Familia girls puzzled Yamato and the others. Had they done something wrong again?
"Lily, she's the weakest among us!"
Only Tiona was willing to talk to him, a naive smile on her face.
Watching Tione, Daphne, and Lily playfully bickering, Yamato, Kashima Sakura, and the others' mouths twitched wildly, feeling a chill run down their spines.
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