Chapter 24: The Challenge of the Tyrants Begins – The Flames of War Ignite

The Inner Sanctum's chamber still trembled from Leon's trial. The abyssal energy lingering in the air crackled like unseen lightning, reacting to the choice he had made.

The Council of the Inner Sanctum remained silent, their robes still fluttering in the wake of Leon's triumph.

He had passed their test.

But the true battle had only just begun.

The Aftermath of the Trial – The Academy in Chaos

By the time Leon stepped back into the Academy grounds, the entire school was on edge.

His name was everywhere.

Whispers, rumors, outright challenges—everyone had something to say.

"He passed the Inner Sanctum's test?""That hasn't happened in decades.""Does that mean he'll challenge the Tyrants next?""Velgrath won't let this go unanswered."

Leon wasn't surprised.

That was the plan.

[Selene]: "Your Supreme Presence has been acknowledged by the Academy. Influence and fear levels rising. Expect increasing hostility and recruitment attempts."

Leon smirked. "Good. Let them come."

But before they could, someone else got to him first.

Invitation to the Storm – The Phantom Dominion Makes Their Move

Leon barely had time to reach his quarters before he sensed a shift in the air.

A presence—hidden, powerful.

"You're being watched."

Leon didn't react. He simply sighed. "You people really don't know when to quit."

From the shadows, a figure materialized.

A woman this time—her black robes were stitched with silver runes, and her aura was unnaturally still, as if she had erased herself from existence.

This wasn't just another student.

She was an agent of the Phantom Dominion.

The faction had tried to recruit him before.

Now, they were sending someone stronger.

"Leon Valeheart," she greeted, her voice smooth, deliberate. "You are walking a dangerous path."

Leon leaned against the wall. "That's the only kind worth walking."

She smiled. "Indeed. That is why the Phantom Dominion extends its invitation once again."

Leon tilted his head. "And if I refuse?"

She chuckled. "Then we will watch. And when you fall, we will pick up the pieces."

His smirk didn't waver. "Then you might be waiting a long time."

The woman studied him for a moment, then reached into her robe and tossed something toward him.

Leon caught it mid-air. A black insignia.

"The next time you wish to know what's truly happening in this Academy… break it."

She stepped back, her form already fading into shadow.

"Good luck, Supreme Leader."

And then—she was gone.

Leon looked at the insignia in his palm. Interesting.

He pocketed it. He'd deal with it later.

Right now, he had bigger concerns.

The Tyrants React – The Challenge is Set

Elsewhere in the Academy, a private war council was forming.

Nyssa the Devourer leaned against the balcony of her personal chamber, gazing down at the students training below. Her crimson eyes glowed faintly.

"He's rising too fast," she murmured. "Faster than anyone expected."

Behind her, Velgrath the Abyssal Flame, the strongest of the Three Tyrants, sat in silence.

A living legend, his mere presence distorted the air, his body radiating an aura of destruction.

"He's strong," Velgrath admitted, his voice a deep rumble. "But he's reckless."

Nyssa smirked. "That recklessness is what makes him dangerous."

Velgrath's eyes flickered with fire. "Then we put him in his place."

Nyssa's smile widened. "I thought you'd say that."

She stepped forward, her aura twisting the very space around her.

"I'll go first."

Velgrath nodded.

"Crush him."

The Official Challenge – Leon vs. Nyssa the Devourer

The next morning, a golden scroll appeared outside Leon's door.

An official duel challenge.

Nyssa had wasted no time.

The challenge was simple: A formal battle in the Grand Arena.

Winner takes rank #2.

Loser? Falls.

Leon read the message twice, then smirked.

[Selene]: "Warning: Nyssa is not just a fighter. Her power allows her to drain energy from her opponents. Previous challengers have been completely devoured before they could even surrender."

Leon's golden eyes burned brighter.

"Then I won't let her touch me."

Meanwhile… Celeste's Journey in the Abyss

Far beyond the Academy, Celeste walked through a wasteland of shattered worlds.

The Abyss was not a single place.

It was infinite, a collection of dead civilizations, forgotten empires, and places that no longer had a name.

And in the middle of it all—she searched for Leon.

Her body had changed.

The trials had forced her to grow stronger—faster than she had thought possible.

But she was still not ready.

And she knew it.

Because something was watching her.

She turned slowly.

In the distance, beyond the endless black ruins, a figure stood.

Not moving.

Not speaking.

Just watching.

Celeste clenched her fists.

"Come out."

The figure smiled.

And then—it vanished.

Celeste was not alone in the Abyss anymore.

The Grand Arena – Leon's Battle Begins

The sun burned crimson in the Abyssal sky.

The Grand Arena was overflowing, thousands of students gathered to watch the biggest duel yet.

Leon stood in the center, rolling his shoulders.

Across from him—Nyssa the Devourer.

She was tall, elegant, with flowing obsidian hair and eyes that glowed with endless hunger.

She smiled, licking her lips. "Are you afraid?"

Leon smirked. "You'll have to try harder than that."

The ground rumbled.

The match had begun.