"What kind of way?" Sal asked, growing excited.

"I know of an ancient purification array," Odian said, his tone steady. "With the power of the staff added, it should be able to suppress that snake’s curse."

"Then set it up as soon as possible," Finch urged. "The sooner Nina is free from him, the better."

"Exactly," Sal agreed. "He may not be harming her now, but no one can guarantee he won’t completely lose control one day."

Odian nodded. "The array requires a specific environment, and it’ll take time to prepare. Once it’s ready, we’ll also need a way to lure him into it."

He glanced at the others. "I’ll start immediately. Dian, come help me. Sal, Aviel—you’re in charge of protecting Nina."

"Don’t worry," Aviel said. "We’ll keep her safe."

After a few more instructions, Odian left to begin preparations.

Aviel returned to Nina’s room, where Kith was still standing guard outside.

Although Nina had told them not to, the mates insisted—two would always remain on watch, rotating in shifts.

Yanai and Setan had also reached an understanding, taking turns guarding as well.

***

The next morning, Nina shared the decision she had made after a night of thought.

She set down her chopsticks. "I’ve decided—I’ll take on the role of City Lord of Barbarian City... but I won’t stay there permanently."

She had considered it carefully.

If, one day, she truly gained divine power and enabled females to awaken abilities, then perhaps capable females could also become leaders.

She wasn’t particularly interested in being a City Lord, but she could become the first example.

And right now, the females of Barbarian City needed help.

"Alright. I’ll call Haas and the others over and inform them," Kith said immediately.

"Nina, we’ll all support you," Ming said with a smile.

He fully approved of her decision.

"I can assign you people," Taru added. "They’ll help guard Barbarian City. You can gradually build your own following over time."

Of course, those people would effectively become hers.

Having a daughter—or future daughter-in-law—like this... it was something to be proud of.

"Same here," Aron added. "I can provide manpower as well. You choose who you want."

He cast a glance at Yanai, silently wondering when this stubborn boy would finally win Nina’s favor.

Ming quickly added his own support as well.

"Thank you... all of you," Nina said sincerely.

Viann and the others were equally delighted.

From now on, Lady Nina would be City Lord Nina.

***

After breakfast, Kith went to summon Haas and the others.

When they heard the decision, they were stunned.

"What? Lady Nina herself will be City Lord?" Haas exclaimed in disbelief. "Are you certain? Not... one of you powerful males?"

He had seen Kith’s strength firsthand—he was more than qualified.

Though he had heard Nina’s mates were all strong, they were still her mates. A City Lord needed to command respect through their own strength.

If Nina took the position... some might not accept it.

"Yes," Kith said calmly. "Nina will be City Lord."

"But... she’s a female!" one of the males beside Haas blurted out.

"Exactly—how can a female be City Lord?"

"A female without strength—how can she lead us?"

Murmurs spread through the crowd, most of them doubtful.

Kith’s expression turned cold. "And what if she’s a female? Who says a female can’t rule?"

"We’re grateful that Lady Nina saved us," another beastman said, "but we can’t accept a City Lord without strength. If it were someone like you, Lord Kith, we’d have no objections."

"Yes, that’s what we think too."

More voices rose in agreement.

Ridan and the others bristled with anger at the comments.

The air began to shift again—another confrontation looming just beneath the surface.

"Who told you our Lady Nina has no strength?" Ridan snapped, eyes blazing. "She’s the strongest among us."

"Exactly," Viann added proudly. "With your level of strength, you’re not even worthy of making her lift a hand."

"You have no idea how powerful she really is."

Pado scoffed. "The fact that she’s even willing to be your City Lord is already your fortune."

A bunch of short-sighted fools.

. . .

The beastmen outside were unconvinced.

"A female... that strong? You’re not exaggerating, are you?"

Doubt rippled through the crowd.

They had seen Kith and the others fight—those were monsters in their own right. Could this female really be stronger than them?

Up until now, they had assumed those powerful males respected Nina because of her mates—not because of her own strength.

Nina stepped forward.

"If you don’t believe it," she said calmly, "then challenge me."

No amount of words would convince them like seeing it with their own eyes.

Haas and the others exchanged uncertain glances. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Challenge... a female?

After a moment, they stepped forward anyway—choosing several of the strongest among them.

"Lady Nina, we challenge you."

If she truly was that strong, they would accept it.

Nina smiled faintly. "Alright. Come at me together."

Haas blinked. "All of us... at once? We’re all Rank Six and Seven beastmen."

"Then get on with it," Ridan said impatiently. "Our Lady Nina could defeat you with a single finger."

The challengers felt a flicker of irritation.

They were no weaklings—how could they be dismissed so easily?

And yet... seeing the absolute confidence in Nina’s group, doubt crept into their own certainty.

Fine.

They would go all out—well... mostly.

They would still hold back. After all, she was a female.

The space was quickly cleared. Nina stood calmly at the center.

"Come."

At the side, the cubs bounced excitedly, cheering at the top of their lungs:

Go, Mother!

Beat those bad males!

Their eyes sparkled with confidence.

Haas and the others hesitated for only a moment before launching forward. Even as they attacked, they restrained themselves.

Nina’s lips curved slightly. In a single motion, she struck. A surge of power swept outward. Haas and the others were sent flying as if struck by a storm, crashing hard onto the ground.

Silence fell.

They lay there, stunned.

She... actually had an ability. And it felt stronger than theirs.

They exchanged looks, disbelief written across their faces.

No—this had to be a fluke.

They pushed themselves up and charged again. This time, Nina didn’t even bother adjusting her stance.

Another effortless strike, and they were down again.

This time, they didn’t get back up immediately. Shock filled their expressions.

She was strong.

No—far stronger than them.

Stronger even than Kith and the others.

They couldn’t withstand even a single move from her.

The memory of Ridan’s words—one finger is enough—burned in their minds.

The ones being ridiculous... had been them.

Around them, the watching beastmen were dumbstruck.

Rank Six and Seven warriors... defeated in an instant?

This... was terrifying.

Ridan and the others stood tall, pride written all over their faces. She hadn’t even used her full strength.

The cubs squealed in delight, throwing themselves into Nina’s arms, their eyes shining with admiration.

Mother is amazing!

She knocked them all down in one move!

In their world, their mother was the strongest of all.