"Maryann and Lilia, go pack your bags. Your dismissal notices are already in your rooms."

"Huh... huh?"

A confused murmur rippled through the crowd.

Everyone froze—then all eyes snapped toward Maryann and Lilia.

Even Mylora looked genuinely stunned.

As the accused, Maryann and Lilia were utterly baffled.

"...Senior? Are you sleepwalking?" "Is this a joke? Not funny at all..."

"No joke. You're expelled. I've already filed the notice with the Adventurers' Guild."

"Shouldn't *that useless Mylora* be the one kicked out!?" "What did we even do wrong?!"

"Because you relentlessly bullied your own teammate—Mylora."

"......Hah?"

"Starting today, team discipline is non-negotiable. I mean every word. Remember this."

Torina spoke slowly, each syllable crisp, her expression uncharacteristically stern—leaving zero doubt she was dead serious.

All stared in shock—even Mylora, whom she'd so blatantly shielded. No one could fathom what this infamous young mistress was scheming.

"Others may reform. Not you. Your actions crossed the line. Expulsion is the only justice. So—leave. Or would you prefer to prostrate yourselves naked in the dirt to apologize?"

She leaned into her villainess aura—gaze sharp, tone icy, posture radiating hair-raising pressure.

Maryann and Lilia stood frozen. They genuinely couldn't grasp why "bullying a low-born, mediocre, socially awkward girl" was wrong—or why their captain, who'd once ignored Mylora, suddenly flipped.

They didn't understand—so they scrambled to reason—*Why? Why now?*—and landed on the answer:

"You bitch! Milora Sistem!" "You slipped Senior some love potion, didn't you?!"

They slammed the table, fury blazing. Earth mage Maryann raised her staff—stone slabs erupted through the floor, hurtling toward Mylora! Gale Swordswoman Lilia drew twin blades wreathed in wind, slashing for Mylora's face!

"Tch—!"

Mylora stumbled back, short sword raised. Ji Xue moved to intercept—but too late. Stone and wind blades closed in—

"ᚺ ᚻ"

*Crack!* A rune-etched ice wall materialized, blocking both attacks.

Torina had moved.

Her first weapon draw since convalescence: a dark silver rapier with three rings, blade slightly wider than standard, faint blue runes pulsing along its edge.

A casual flick—silvery runes flashed—

"ᚦ ᚷ"

Two lightning bolts splashed from the blade. One shattered the stone; the other sent Maryann and Lilia flying. Residual currents crackled over them, eyes rolling white.

"I'm serious. No potions. No bribes. That was a warning. Cross the line again? Expulsion will be the *least* of your worries. Ten minutes. Pack. Leave."

...

...

Soon after—

Hair standing in electrified afros, Maryann and Lilia trudged out of the inn, luggage in hand, heads bowed. One last glance back: confusion, resentment, fear toward Torina; raw hatred toward Mylora.

But they dared not speak. Slunk away, tails between legs.

Torina felt a flicker of discomfort—*like bullying...*

—Nah. Zero guilt. These two were pure bullying lackeys in-story and IRL. Used minor noble status to trample commoners back in school. Kicking them? No remorse needed.

"Alright, team! We're leaner now! Clap-clap~"

She clapped cheerfully. Members exchanged uneasy glances, offering half-hearted applause.

Maryann and Lilia weren't missed.

But... Torina's shift felt *sudden*. She'd enjoyed their flattery before. Injury recovery really scrambled her brain?

Torina continued, voice firm: "No bullying—overt violence or silent treatment. Maryann and Lilia were worst offenders. Others... *ahem*... you know who you are. Bossing teammates like servants? Also bullying."

Her gaze swept Annawiel, Naji, Ranifi, Lindas—sharp as needles.

"...Hey. Threatening *me*? For *her*?" Annawiel snapped, tone oddly sour.

"Boss, I disagree!" Ranifi blurted, blunt as ever. "Mylora's weak, contributes little, causes trouble—so what if she does chores?"

"I agree with Ranifi," Naji frowned. "Let her help daily. At least she'd be *useful*."

"Same~ Mmm~ I just had her fan me while napping~ Not bullying, right?" Lindas murmured, still drowsy.

"So you all think it's fine to boss her around?"

"......Yeah..."

"I beg to differ."

*CRACK!!!!!!!!*

Lightning-and-ice runes slashed the air. The "Ice Lightning Spear"—a frozen lightning spear—speared through the entire inn floor. Air turned glacial, static pricking like needles; sharp magic choked breath.

Had she not controlled the range, it would've AOE'd every spectator.

Tendrils of ice-lightning grazed the four dissenters' necks.

A blatant warning.

"Touch her? Go ahead. Get through me first."

Torina took Mylora's hand, palm warmth whispering: *Don't worry. I've got you.*

Inside Torina's head—

(Yay! So cool! A bit cringey as a power fantasy trope... but she's totally moved, right?!)

Meanwhile, Mylora—who'd never known such kindness—and her system reacted instantly—

[CAUTION: Torina Dewell has ulterior motives.]

(That lesbian's totally after my body, isn't she!?!?)