Chapter 5: The Supreme Army’s First Member – A Deal in the Abyss
Leon exhaled, his body still pulsing from the aftereffects of his fight with the Abyssal Arbiter. His hands trembled, not from fear, but from the raw, untamed power surging within him.
🔥 He had survived. He had adapted. He had won.
And now?
The Abyss knew his name.
[Selene]:"Leon, your Supreme Path progression has attracted interest. You are no longer an unnoticed anomaly."
Leon's eyes flickered upward, scanning the darkened horizon.
She was right.
He could feel something—someone—watching him.
A Presence in the Shadows
🔥 A faint rustling came from the jagged rock formations nearby.🔥 It wasn't the mindless beasts of the Abyss. This presence was different. Calculated. Intelligent.
Leon remained still, his Supreme Instinct sharpening.
"Come out."
The silence stretched—then, a figure stepped forward.
A man cloaked in abyssal mist, his posture relaxed yet exuding an aura of dangerous confidence.
His dark crimson eyes gleamed, scanning Leon like a predator assessing prey.
His features were sharp, his build lean but powerful. A warrior. A survivor.
And then, he spoke.
"Not bad, kid."
Leon's eyes narrowed.
The stranger smirked, stepping forward.
"I've been watching you. You took down an Abyssal Hunter, then faced off against an Arbiter and lived. That's not something you see every day."
Leon didn't lower his guard.
"And who the hell are you?"
The man chuckled.
"Name's Karos Bloodfang. Warlord of the Forsaken."
A Proposition in the Dark
Leon studied him carefully.
[Selene]:"Analyzing… Karos Bloodfang. Former Abyssal Legion Commander. Current status: Rogue Warlord. Power Level: Master Rank (Peak-Tier)."
Leon's jaw tightened.
A Master Rank warrior? Here?
"What do you want?" Leon asked.
Karos grinned.
"I like strong people. And you? You're interesting."
He crossed his arms.
"The Abyss isn't kind to those who walk alone. You've already drawn too much attention. If you stay on your own, you'll get hunted down—fast."
Leon knew he wasn't lying.
He had felt it himself.
He wasn't just an anomaly anymore—he was a target.
"You're suggesting an alliance?"
Karos smirked.
"More than that."
🔥 He pointed directly at Leon.
"Join me, and I'll make you a warlord."
Leon's Choice – Supreme Army Begins?
Leon stayed silent, considering.
Karos was right about one thing.
Power attracted enemies.
And if he wanted to survive and grow, he couldn't just be a lone warrior forever.
But... he wasn't the type to follow someone else.
His path was his own.
His own empire. His own power.
Leon grinned.
"You want me to be a warlord? Fine."
🔥 His eyes burned with Supreme Energy.
"But not under you."
🔥 The air trembled.
"If I'm taking an army, I'm leading it myself."
Karos raised an eyebrow. Then—he laughed.
"Heh. Bold. I like that."
He stepped closer.
"Then consider this a test. If you want to lead your own army, you'll need warriors.
🔥 He turned, motioning toward the distance.
"And I know exactly where to find them."
Meanwhile… Celeste's Soul Stirs
🔥 A ripple in the fabric of existence.
🔥 Somewhere, far beyond the Abyss, a dormant soul trembled.
Celeste.
She didn't understand the dreams, the visions.
A name—a voice that called out to her.
"Leon…"
Her breath hitched.
Why did that name feel so familiar?
Why did it make her heart ache?
And why… did she feel like she was running out of time?