Chapter 22: The Inner Sanctum – Secrets of the Abyss

Leon stepped through the towering gates of the Inner Sanctum, his footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridor.

This place… felt different.

Unlike the rest of the Academy, where students constantly fought for dominance, the Inner Sanctum exuded an eerie calmness—the kind that only came from absolute power.

He was finally here.

This was where the true elite gathered.

And he was about to learn why.

The Sanctum's Guardians – The Last Barrier

The corridor stretched endlessly, lined with dark crystalline walls, each pulsating with abyssal energy. Ancient engravings marked the surface, whispering in languages Leon didn't recognize.

At the far end, two figures stood guard.

They were not students.

They were Wardens—keepers of the Inner Sanctum, warriors whose strength rivaled even the Tyrants.

One of them, a towering figure clad in obsidian armor, watched Leon with cold, golden eyes. "New blood," he muttered, gripping the handle of a massive halberd.

The second, a pale-skinned woman draped in shadowed robes, smirked. "He doesn't look like much."

Leon met their gazes without flinching.

"If you're here to stop me, try."

The armored warden chuckled. "Not stop. Test."

Before Leon could respond, the halberd swung toward him.

The Trial of Entry – Proving His Worth

The halberd came down like a falling meteor, the sheer force cracking the floor beneath Leon.

But he was already moving.

Leon dodged to the side, his Supreme Instinct flaring. The air split apart where he had stood moments ago.

No hesitation. No mercy.

The Warden was not holding back.

Leon countered instantly—his fist colliding with the halberd's shaft.

A deafening shockwave erupted, sending both warriors skidding backward.

The second Warden laughed, her hands glowing with abyssal fire.

"Not bad," she purred. "But let's see if you can handle this."

She vanished.

Leon barely had time to react before shadowy tendrils lashed toward him.

A dual battle.

One against brute force.The other against speed and deception.

Leon grinned. Perfect.

Unlocking Supreme Precision – The Next Step

The armored Warden charged again, his halberd blurring through the air.

Leon didn't dodge this time.

He stepped forward.

His hand snapped up—catching the weapon mid-swing.

The Warden's eyes widened.

[Selene]: "Supreme Adaptation – Combat Efficiency Increased by 14%. System synchronization stabilizing."

Leon's fingers tightened around the halberd.

Then—with a single twist—he shattered the weapon's shaft.

The ground rumbled.

The second Warden materialized behind him, her dagger aimed for his spine.

Leon twisted, catching her wrist and flipping her over his shoulder.

She hit the floor with a crash.

Silence.

Then—laughter.

The female Warden lay on her back, smirking. "Alright. He's in."

The armored Warden exhaled, rubbing his wrist where the halberd had been broken. "Unexpected."

He turned to the great doors behind them.

"The Council will see you now."

Leon exhaled.

This was just the beginning.

The Council of the Inner Sanctum – Unveiling the Truth

As Leon stepped into the massive chamber beyond, he was met with power.

Not just in presence—but in reality.

The very air hummed with ancient energy.

A grand, circular table sat at the center, occupied by figures draped in abyssal robes. Their faces were hidden, but their auras told Leon everything he needed to know.

These were the true rulers of the Academy.

And they had been waiting for him.

One of them leaned forward. "Leon Valeheart. You've made quite the impression."

Another chuckled. "Defeating a Tyrant, rejecting faction offers, breaking our Wardens' weapons… You're either brilliant or reckless."

Leon folded his arms. "I prefer 'unstoppable.'"

The chamber rumbled with amusement.

But then—their auras shifted.

"You are strong, Valeheart," the first figure said, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. "But power alone will not keep you alive. Tell us… what do you seek?"

Leon's golden eyes burned.

He didn't hesitate.

"I seek freedom."

Silence.

Then—something changed.

The temperature dropped. The shadows deepened.

And the true test of the Inner Sanctum began.

Meanwhile… Celeste's Final Trial – Crossing the Abyssal Gate

Celeste was on one knee, panting heavily.

The Abyssal Guardian stood before her, its armor cracked but its stance unyielding.

She had fought through everything to get here.

Now, only one strike remained.

She gritted her teeth, summoning the last of her strength.

Then—she moved.

Her blade flashed.

The Abyss shuddered.

And the gate to the next realm opened.

Celeste stepped forward.

Her path was clear now.

Leon…

She was coming for him.