In the next instant, Phryne's massive body lunged toward Leon like an enraged beast.
But with her falna sealed and her strength diminished, her bloated figure was far from the agile, terrifying presence she once wielded at Level 5.
Each step she took sent tremors through the underground floor, but her movements were sluggish, almost laughably so.
Despite the obvious aggression, none of the others present moved to stop her.
The members of the Kali Familia watched impassively, uninterested in involving themselves.
As for the Ishtar Familia, Phryne had long lost their favor. After Ishtar's sudden return to heaven, the familia had collapsed like a house of cards. Phryne, who once stood at its head, now had no authority and no allies.
What she did now—no one cared.
A thunderous crash echoed through the underground hall as Phryne's massive body was sent flying like a ragdoll, crashing violently into the wall. The entire structure shook under the impact, dust raining down from the ceiling. Her bulk slid down the stone with a dull thud.
There was no breath. No movement. She was gone.
Leon blinked slightly, his expression somewhat blank.
"…Oops, forgot her falna was sealed." He murmured to himself.
Killing Phryne hadn't been his intent. He just wanted to do a simple counter. But what was done was done—Leon wasn't about to weep for it. Sympathy wasn't owed to someone like her.
He had never liked Phryne in the first place. After everything Ishtar had pulled, Leon's distaste for her entire familia had only deepened.
If someone from that camp leaped at him, stacked with killing intent, and got destroyed as a result… well, who else was to blame?
The members of Ishtar Familia, witnessing this brutal spectacle, turned pale with fear.
The Amazonesses of Kali Familia, on the other hand, were undisturbed. In fact, their gazes toward Leon were filled with undisguised heat and admiration.
He was strong. Decisive. Unapologetic. Just their type.
"You're really something… decisive to the bone. Truly a perfect fit for my familia." Kali said, her voice laced with amusement and approval. "Leon, are you sure you won't reconsider?"
Once again, she extended an invitation.
Leon gave a small, polite shake of his head. "I'm sorry. I have no intention of switching allegiances."
Then, his golden eyes shifted, falling upon Haruhime.
"I came here today for that child." He said simply.
Aisha's body moved instinctively. In a flash, she stepped in front of Haruhime, shielding her with her arms.
"What do you want with Haruhime?" She demanded warily, her voice tight.
The image of Leon effortlessly killing Phryne still lingered vividly in her mind.
"Relax. It's not what you think."
Leon offered a soft nod of reassurance before turning his full attention to the cloaked renard behind Aisha.
"Haruhime, come with me. I'll bring you to a familia that will truly protect you."
Leon's voice was gentle—an anomaly for someone so formidable. That tone eased some of Aisha's tension.
Leon didn't harbor ill will toward Aisha. In fact, he had a measure of respect for the woman, who had always stood up for Haruhime. Because of that, Leon's demeanor remained unusually kind.
Aisha hesitated. Haruhime looked up at her, clearly confused.
Aisha frowned, then looked at Leon and asked in a serious tone, "Leon, can Haruhime join your Lucifer Familia?"
She took a deep breath.
"I swear—if you let her join, it'll benefit not only your familia, but you as well."
After all, Haruhime possessed a support-type magic of incredible value. Any familia would drool over such a rare talent.
But more than that, Aisha knew Haruhime deserved someone strong and trustworthy—someone who could guide her safely.
And Leon was that person.
She continued firmly, "The Lucifer Familia is just you, right? If Haruhime joins, she'll grow under your care. You're powerful enough to guide her, and with no one else in your familia, she'll receive your full support."
"...I'm sorry." Leon replied after a moment of silence. "The Lucifer Familia won't be accepting other members."
He looked at Haruhime again, softer this time. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹·𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾·𝗇𝖾𝗍
"I want her to join the Hestia Familia."
Leon continued calmly, "Ishtar must've investigated me before acting—she likely learned about my connection to Hestia. If Haruhime joins the Hestia Familia, I'll be able to protect her officially. She'll have my full backing, whenever she needs it."
Aisha fell into deep thought. But just as she did, several other members of the Ishtar Familia suddenly stepped forward.
"Leon-sama! Can I join the Hestia Familia too?!"
"Please take us as well!"
Their eyes sparkled with hope.
They knew they wouldn't be joining the Lucifer Familia, but even entering the Hestia Familia, which Leon clearly supported, was like winning the lottery.
Hestia herself was well-known for her kindness, and with Leon's strength supporting her, the future seemed promising.
But Leon remained firm.
"I'm sorry." He replied.
"That's something only Hestia herself can decide. I'm only here to bring Haruhime."
The others fell silent, though the disappointment was clear on their faces.
Still, they didn't give up. Determination flickered in their eyes—many of them had already resolved to seek out Hestia on their own.
Aisha sighed lightly, glancing at Haruhime.
"Haruhime, go ahead. Join the Hestia Familia."
Haruhime didn't hesitate. "Yes, Aisha-sama!"
She nodded obediently, her voice soft but resolute.
Aisha turned back to Leon and said, "Then I'm entrusting her to you."
Leon returned the nod. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of her."
At those words, Haruhime's cheeks flushed beneath her hood.
Leon's presence, voice, and strength—it was all overwhelming. But hearing those words directly, she couldn't help the fluttering in her heart.
Before the atmosphere could soften any further, a new voice echoed through the hall.
Kali stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with battle lust.
"Leon… fight Argana and Bache."
"If you defeat them, I'll stop bothering you."