Voidbound Ascension

The moment had arrived.

Leon stood before the massive obsidian gates of the Abyssal Academy, the very air vibrating with power. This was no ordinary institution—it was the cradle of warlords, the proving ground for the strongest, and a place where only the worthy survived.

From the outside, the Academy looked less like a school and more like a colossal fortress, its dark spires stretching into the sky, eclipsing the blood-red sun of the Abyss. The walls pulsed faintly with runic enchantments, ancient seals radiating energy that could crush unworthy souls on entry alone.

Behind him, Karos smirked. "Not too late to turn back, kid."

Leon glanced over his shoulder, his golden eyes unwavering. "Why would I?"

Korran folded his arms. "Because this isn't just a place of learning. It's a battlefield. And you're walking into it without your army."

Leon smirked. "Then I'll make them my army."

The envoy who had summoned him watched their exchange with mild amusement. "You'll find that ambition is a double-edged sword here, Supreme Leader."

Leon said nothing.

Because he didn't just plan to survive the Academy.

He planned to dominate it.

The First Test – Crossing the Abyssal Threshold

The gates of the Academy slowly rumbled open, revealing an entrance shrouded in eerie black mist.

Leon took a step forward—and immediately felt the pressure.

The energy of the Academy wasn't just oppressive.

It was alive.

A force designed to crush the weak before they even stepped inside.

[Selene]: "Leon, this is an Abyssal Suppression Field. It is meant to test all who enter. Weak souls will disintegrate before they reach the inner halls."

Leon exhaled. "Then I suppose I shouldn't let that happen."

Around him, other new entrants began to step forward.

Some faltered immediately—the pressure forcing them to their knees.

Others collapsed outright, their souls consumed by the dark mist.

Only a few managed to push forward.

Leon moved without hesitation.

🔥 The Abyss pressed against him, trying to bury him beneath its weight.

🔥 He pressed back.

🔥 And the darkness buckled.

The moment he passed through the threshold, the suppression shattered around him, sending a ripple of force outward.

The few remaining students who had survived stared at him in shock.

Leon simply rolled his shoulders. "Was that it?"

The envoy's lips curled into a smirk. "Interesting."

The Academy's Inner Sanctum – A Gathering of Elites

The students who had passed the entrance trial now stood in the Grand Plaza, a massive courtyard lined with abyssal torches. Statues of legendary warriors loomed overhead, their stone eyes watching the newcomers with silent judgment.

Leon's gaze swept across the crowd.

There were hundreds of them.

Some radiated power. Some were unreadable. But one thing was clear—every single one of them was dangerous.

And all of them were competition.

A sharp voice rang out from the front of the plaza.

"Welcome to the Abyssal Academy."

Leon's gaze snapped forward.

A woman stood before them, draped in flowing robes of abyssal silk, her presence exuding an aura of absolute authority.

She had piercing violet eyes and silver hair that cascaded down her back.

"I am Headmistress Elaris. You stand in the heart of the Abyss, where only the strong survive."

Her gaze swept over them, cold and calculating.

"You are not students. You are candidates. And most of you will not last a month."

Leon smirked. Sounds familiar.

Elaris continued.

"You are here because you seek power. But understand this—power is not given. It is taken. You will fight for your place, and you will either rise… or you will be forgotten."

Her words were not a threat.

They were a promise.

The Ranking System – Power Measured in Blood

Elaris gestured, and suddenly—a massive stone obelisk rose from the center of the plaza.

The names of hundreds of students were etched into its surface. Some names burned bright. Others flickered weakly.

"This is the Ranking Pillar," Elaris explained. "It determines your standing within the Academy."

"Your rank is everything. It determines your privileges, your training resources, and whether you live or die."

Leon narrowed his eyes.

At the very top of the list—three names glowed with a golden radiance.

The Three Tyrants.

1st: Velgrath the Abyssal Flame2nd: Nyssa the Devourer3rd: Darius the Shadow Fang

Leon's lips curled. He'd be taking one of those spots soon.

But his own name?

It was nowhere to be seen.

Elaris smirked. "Those of you who have no ranking? You are at the bottom. You are unranked."

She let that sink in before continuing.

"To earn your place, you must challenge those above you. And if you fail?"

"You will be expelled. Or worse."

Leon exhaled. So that's how it was.

No structure. No mercy.

Just pure, ruthless competition.

Perfect.

The First Challenge – Leon's Introduction to the Academy

Elaris turned. "The first trial begins now."

Suddenly, the ground beneath them shifted.

The students gasped as the Grand Plaza transformed, the smooth stone morphing into a massive combat arena.

Leon smirked. Of course.

"Your first test is simple," Elaris announced. "Survive."

Without warning—the arena exploded with movement.

The ranked students at the top? They stood still, watching in amusement.

The rest?

They turned on each other instantly.

Blades clashed. Spells were cast. The air filled with the scent of blood and fire.

Leon dodged a strike from behind without even looking.

His instincts screamed—two more coming from the left.

He twisted—his fist smashing into an opponent's jaw, sending them flying.

Another rushed him with a spear—Leon sidestepped, grabbing the shaft and slamming the attacker to the ground.

It was a frenzy. A bloodbath.

And Leon?

He thrived in it.

Because this wasn't just a test of strength.

This was war.

Meanwhile… Celeste's Journey Grows Dangerous

Celeste wiped the sweat from her brow, staring at the towering portal before her.

She had found it.

A way into the Abyss.

Her heart pounded. She could feel it—Leon was close.

But as she stepped forward, a voice stopped her.

"Well, well. What do we have here?"

A figure emerged from the shadows.

Not human. Not friendly. And blocking her way.

Celeste clenched her fists.

If they thought they could stop her, they were about to learn otherwise.