The Advancing Valkyrie

"Bang!"

On the open-air balcony of one of the luxurious rooms in the Goddess Palace, Ista slammed her hand against the stone railing before her, furious beyond measure.

She could see the battle taking place before the Goddess Palace.

Or rather, a battle that had already ended.

The blazing explosions rising in waves began to disperse, revealing the scene within.

The ground had been scorched black, and the deep pit where Frini had been buried had shattered further and sunk inward, becoming a charred crater.

Within that blackened crater, the ugly giant toad woman was likewise burnt all over, her skin charred from head to toe.

Black smoke poured from her mouth, her eyes had rolled back, and she had completely lost consciousness. She could even be said to be barely clinging to life, having entered a near-death state.

Standing atop Frini, the boy who had not even drawn his sword lifted his head as though nothing had happened and looked toward the Goddess Palace again.

Then, whether by coincidence or because he had truly noticed her, Ista's gaze suddenly met his.

One was filled with rage.

The other held a faint, mocking smile.

Thus, the goddess and the boy stared at each other.

Though they bore different emotions, there was no doubt that both wanted to cut the other into a thousand pieces.

"Riezel Brihaut..."

Ista ground out the name through clenched teeth.

That name had now become part of her nightmares, almost comparable to Freya.

If someone asked whom Ista hated most right now, she truly would not be able to tell whether it was Riezel or Freya.

That alone showed just how deeply Ista hated Riezel now.

"Even Frini with 'Rank Ascension' can't deal with that monster...!?"

Ista was beside herself with fury.

"Why does everyone have