Compared to the filthy dungeon, the bandit leader’s room was practically a noble’s residence.

It might not be adorned with jewels, but at the very least, it was impeccably tidy.

Sophia watched as the bandit leader impatiently shoved the door open and gestured with an exaggerated “after you.”

Outside his hut, the entire camp had gathered—eyes burning with heat as they watched the girl step slowly inside.

It was the first time they’d seen their leader show such interest in a girl. Hope flickered: *Once he’s done, maybe we get a taste too.*

Curiosity or lust—they all crowded the doorway.

Sophia felt the nauseating stares. Her eyes simply darkened a shade deeper.

“Please, come in,” the bandit leader said, gaze lingering on the slender figure hidden beneath her black robe. He licked his dry lips. “I’m sure we’ll have an unforgettable night.”

Sophia slightly raised her head. Her calm gaze swept over him and the leering thugs before she spoke softly:

“Unforgettable… I suppose it will be.”

She stepped inside.

Hearing this, the bandit leader smirked—*She’s given up.* His impatience surged. He shot a warning glare at the crowd: *Don’t bother me until I’m done. Your turn comes later.*

They nodded hastily.

A greedy smirk returned to his face. He dashed in first, then slammed the door shut and locked it.

His lifestyle was clearly comfortable. For lighting, he used a magic luminescent pearl—a mage-crafted tool not overly lavish, yet far beyond ordinary folk’s means. Maintenance alone wasn’t cheap.

But unlike the tidy exterior, a pungent stench hit Sophia the moment she entered. She frowned. Only after spotting the damp stain on his bed did understanding dawn—and disgust sharpen within her.

*Click.* The door locked. Heavy footsteps approached. Ragged breathing filled the air.

The bandit leader grinned, arms opening to embrace her from behind.

“Mister Bandit,” Sophia asked calmly, “are you certain you wish to proceed?”

To his shock, she nimbly sidestepped his grasp.

“Of course!” he chuckled. “You know what’s coming. Cooperate, and I’ll be… gentler. Help you find pleasure faster.”

He wasn’t worried. *A delicate girl like her? No threat.* If she walked out of this room untouched, he didn’t deserve to be leader.

Slowly, Sophia removed her hood. Silky golden hair spilled free, revealing exquisite features.

Meeting her pure, clear eyes, the bandit leader’s arousal flared.

“In that case, wait just a moment,” Sophia said, her gaze detached as she unfastened her robe. “Let me remove this first.”

Seeing her compliance, delight bloomed. *Should I keep her? Hand her to those wolves outside, and she’d be ruined in minutes.*

While he fantasized, Sophia folded the robe neatly on the table.

“Ready to begin?” An’s voice echoed softly in her mind.

From the start, An had watched silently. To An, the leader’s stupidity and the thugs’ lust were pure folly.

Sophia gave no reply. Only a calm, indifferent look.

“Ready? Then let’s begin,” the bandit leader leered. “Don’t worry—I’ll be gentle.”

*As long as you don’t make it too enjoyable.*

He lunged again, already imagining her soft body writhing in his arms—

*Thud!*

No softness. Only dizziness. The world spun. He slammed onto the floor.

“Wha—? Mmph!”

A rag gagged his mouth. Panic seized him—he couldn’t move his limbs. Bound. Helpless.

“How pitiful…”

Sophia pinned him down, limbs locked with eerie precision. Her cold whisper brushed his ear. He felt her soft weight—but the sharp sting at his throat made it feel colder than any beast.

“Mmmph! Mmmph!”

Only muffled cries escaped.

Sophia looked down. Her aqua-blue eyes dimmed slightly. The dagger flashed.

*Shhk—*

Blood gushed. Throat and vocal cords severed. Light fled his eyes. Silence.

Only when all resistance ceased did Sophia rise. She gazed at the cold corpse—her expression unchanged.

Always icy. Always piercing.

“Killed so easily? I thought he’d be tougher,” An’s mischievous whisper teased in her mind.

Sophia said nothing. Her gaze dropped to her slightly reddened wrists.

Her strength had faded far more than expected.

In her former male body, she’d have crushed him instantly.

Now? Only refined royal techniques barely held him down.