MYSTERIOUSLY "TRANSPORTED" TO THE 18TH CENTURY: When Phoenix's attack roll is 5 or less or the attack roll of an opposing character attacking her is 5 or less, after actions resolve remove an action token from her.

Assume the following situation:

Phoenix begins the turn with 0 action tokens.

Phoenix declares an attack on a target. The attack misses, and the attack roll is 5 or less.

Does Phoenix apply the action token for the attack, then remove it, or does Phoenix try to remove an non-existing action token, then place her token for the action?

Thank you.

Action Tokens for non-free actions are placed "as actions resolves" and her effect removes tokens after actions resolve.

So if she had no action tokens the token for the action would be placed and then removed.