Voidbound Ascension

Leon walked beside Karos, his mind sharp, his body still adjusting to the overwhelming energy of the Abyss.

🔥 This world wasn't kind.🔥 It didn't reward the weak.🔥 Power had to be earned. Authority had to be taken.

And if he was going to build his own army, he would start here.

[Selene]:"Leon, your decision to lead rather than follow is a divergence from normal Supreme Path candidates. The consequences will be significant."

Leon smirked. "Good. I don't intend to follow anyone's script."

Karos glanced at him, amusement flickering in his crimson eyes.

"You've got guts, I'll give you that. But leading an army isn't just about being strong."

Leon didn't answer immediately.

Because he knew that already.

It wasn't just about brute force.

It was about commanding loyalty, inspiring fear, and proving that he was worth following.

🔥 And today, he would start proving it.

The Gathering of the Forsaken

They reached a ruined fortress, its massive stone walls cracked but still standing.

🔥 Torches flickered in the distance.🔥 Dozens—no, hundreds—of figures stood within the ruins, their voices low, their gazes sharp.🔥 These were warriors. Mercenaries. Outcasts. The Forsaken of the Abyss.

Leon's eyes scanned the crowd.

Some bore jagged Abyssal markings on their skin, proof of their exposure to the corruption of this realm. Others carried scars—both physical and spiritual—etched into their bodies like battle trophies.

🔥 These weren't common soldiers.🔥 These were survivors.

Karos stepped forward, his voice carrying through the ruins.

"Listen up!"

The crowd fell silent.

"I brought someone interesting today."

A murmur rippled through the warriors.

Their gazes locked onto Leon—some curious, others skeptical, a few openly hostile.

Leon didn't flinch.

If they thought he was just another arrogant fool, they would learn otherwise.

Karos turned toward him, smirking.

"They won't follow you just because you say so.""If you want their loyalty, you'll have to take it."

🔥 A challenge.

Leon expected nothing less.

The First Test – The Warrior's Trial

A large, heavily armored man stepped forward from the crowd.

🔥 Over seven feet tall, muscles thick as iron, a massive war axe slung over his shoulder.🔥 His Abyssal aura was suffocating—a clear Master Rank warrior.🔥 His eyes burned with amusement and disdain.

"You want to lead?" the warrior growled. "Then you fight me. Here. Now."

The crowd roared in approval.

Leon's lips curled.

He didn't mind a fight.

But—this wasn't just about winning.

He had to win in a way that cemented his dominance.

🔥 Brute force wouldn't be enough.🔥 This had to be a statement.

The Battle – Supreme Strategy vs. Raw Power

🔥 The warrior charged.

His war axe swung down, splitting the air.

Leon sidestepped at the last second, the sheer force of the swing splintering the ground where he had stood.

🔥 Leon didn't counter immediately.

He observed. Adapted.

The warrior's movements were powerful but predictable.

Each strike left openings.

Leon's eyes flickered.

[Selene]:"Analyzing opponent's weaknesses… Calculating counter-strategy."

🔥 Leon moved.

The next attack came—but this time, Leon didn't dodge completely.

Instead, he angled his body, letting the attack scrape past while shifting into the warrior's blind spot.

🔥 And then he struck.

His elbow slammed into the warrior's ribcage—twisting, striking at the joints.

🔥 One precise hit.🔥 Then another.🔥 And another.

The warrior staggered.

His movements—slower now.

His breath—ragged.

🔥 Leon's attacks weren't about brute strength.

They were surgical. Calculated. Designed to cripple.

The crowd watched in silence.

"You—!" the warrior gasped, but he never got to finish.

Leon grabbed him by the throat—then slammed him into the ground.

🔥 A shockwave erupted through the ruins.

And then—silence.

Victory – The First Step Toward Command

Leon stood over his fallen opponent.

He didn't gloat. He didn't speak.

He simply waited.

Because what happened next would determine everything.

The warriors exchanged glances.

Then, one by one—they dropped to one knee.

"He's strong.""He's different.""Perhaps he truly is Supreme."

Leon exhaled slowly.

🔥 This was only the beginning.

Meanwhile… Celeste's Awakening Continues

Somewhere, in another world…

🔥 A woman sat alone, staring into the stars.

Her fingers trembled, her heart pounding against her ribs.

Dreams. Visions. A name that haunted her soul.

"Leon…"

She didn't know why, but she felt as if something had just changed.

Something… had begun.