Chapter 10: The Forsaken’s First War Begins

Leon stepped out of the abyssal chamber, his breath steady, his energy coursing with newfound strength. The dark markings that had briefly flickered across his skin faded, but their presence had left an impact.

The gathered warriors of the Forsaken watched in silence. None spoke, none moved. They had seen the Abyssal Ritual before. Many had attempted it. Few had survived. Even fewer had come out changed.

Karos crossed his arms, smirking. "Well, I'll be damned. The Abyss actually acknowledged you."

Leon didn't respond. His mind was still processing the system's notifications.

[System Update – Supreme Path Evolution Complete]

New Supreme Energy Unlocked: Abyssal Supreme FusionNew Ability Acquired: Supreme Pressure (Passive – Weakens lower-ranked opponents)Physical & Spiritual Rank Increased: Spirit Ascendant (Low-Tier)Abyssal Recognition Achieved: Your existence is now acknowledged. Expect changes.

Leon clenched his fists. His body felt different. Stronger. More connected to the Abyss itself. But he wasn't foolish enough to think that power alone was enough.

Karos walked up to him, lowering his voice so only Leon could hear. "This is the part where you speak, kid. Make sure they know where they stand."

Leon exhaled, stepping forward to face the Forsaken. "You all saw what just happened. The Abyss tested me. And I survived."

The warriors remained still, their expressions unreadable.

Leon continued, his tone unwavering. "I'm not here to play king. I don't care about empty titles. But if you follow me, know this—"

He raised his hand, Supreme Energy crackling around his fingers. "I will make sure none of you ever kneel to anyone again."

A few warriors exchanged glances. Some nodded. Others remained wary.

One, however, stepped forward.

He was tall, his armor battle-worn, his face lined with scars. He had the presence of a seasoned commander. "If the Abyss recognized you, then we will see if you're truly worthy."

Leon met his gaze. "And how do you plan to do that?"

The warrior's eyes burned with determination. "By going to war."

A Faction Rises – The Bloodfang Legion

Karos sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Well, that escalated fast."

Leon frowned. "Explain."

The scarred warrior—who introduced himself as Korran—nodded. "There's another faction of the Forsaken. The Bloodfang Legion. They believe in one rule—only the strong deserve to exist. If they hear that a new leader has risen, they will come. And they won't come to talk."

Leon folded his arms. "Then we'll deal with them."

Korran smirked. "That's what I wanted to hear."

Karos chuckled. "You really know how to make enemies fast, kid."

Leon turned toward the gathering warriors. "How long until they move?"

Korran's face darkened. "They've already started."

A Battle Looms – The Bloodfang Legion Marches

Leon stood at the edge of the fortress, staring out into the desolate horizon. Even without Supreme Instinct, he could feel it. The weight of an impending storm.

The Bloodfang Legion was coming.

Karos adjusted the hilt of his blade. "They won't send an army right away. They'll send scouts first. Test our defenses. See if we're worth taking seriously."

Leon nodded. "Then we send a message. We strike first."

Korran grinned. "I like the way you think."

Leon turned to the warriors who had sworn their allegiance. "Gather the fastest fighters. We intercept them before they reach our gates."

Korran gave a sharp nod, already moving to assemble the warriors.

Karos clapped Leon on the shoulder. "Congratulations, kid. You're about to have your first war as a leader."

Leon smirked. "Then let's make sure they never forget it."

Meanwhile, in the Mortal Realm – Celeste's Awakening Continues

Celeste sat on the edge of a balcony, overlooking a city she barely recognized. The night air was cold, but the heat in her chest was unbearable.

Visions. Memories. Fragments of a past she couldn't fully grasp.

A name that refused to leave her mind.

"Leon…"

She didn't know why, but she felt it—something was happening. And she had to find him before it was too late.