Chapter 26: The Supreme Leader vs. The Abyssal Flame – The Final Tyrant Stands

The Academy stood still.

Word had spread faster than wildfire—Leon Valeheart was now Rank #2.

The arena had barely settled from his victory over Nyssa when the final challenge arrived.

A single message was etched into the Ranking Pillar, glowing in molten gold.

Leon Valeheart vs. Velgrath the Abyssal FlameThe Final Duel – Tomorrow at Dusk

Leon read the words without surprise.

It was inevitable.

There was only one person left between him and the peak of the Academy.

And he was waiting.

Velgrath the Abyssal Flame – The Unmatched Tyrant

Deep within the Academy's highest tower, Velgrath stood alone.

The flames around him burned without heat, shifting in unnatural patterns.

He was Rank #1 for a reason.

No one had challenged him and survived.

He had reigned for years, watching countless students rise and fall.

But now…

A new name had reached him.

Velgrath smirked. "Finally."

He had been waiting for a real fight.

And Leon Valeheart?

Might just be it.

Preparation – Leon's Final Night Before the Duel

Leon sat in his quarters, focused.

The weight of the upcoming battle wasn't lost on him.

Velgrath wasn't like Nyssa.

He wasn't like Darius.

He was the strongest.

And he knew it.

[Selene]: "Velgrath possesses Abyssal Flame, a power that transcends standard energy levels. His body is immune to most conventional attacks."

Leon exhaled. "So brute force won't work."

[Selene]: "Correct. You must adapt beyond your current limits."

Leon smirked. "Then it's time to evolve."

His body cracked with energy.

Tonight, he would push his Supreme Path beyond anything before.

Because tomorrow?

He would fight for the throne.

Meanwhile… Celeste's Trial in the Abyss – The Watcher Reveals Itself

Celeste moved through the Abyssal Core, her eyes scanning the endless void.

She felt the presence following her.

She had ignored it before.

Not anymore.

"Show yourself," she called.

The shadows twisted.

A figure emerged—tall, draped in flowing abyssal robes, its face hidden beneath a hood.

"You seek something," the figure spoke, its voice layered with echoes.

Celeste's grip tightened on her sword. "Leon. Where is he?"

The figure chuckled.

"You will find him… if you survive."

Celeste's eyes narrowed. "Then let's not waste time."

She charged.

And the Abyss roared in response.

The Arena of Flames – The Final Battle Begins

The next day, the Academy gathered.

The largest crowd in history filled the Grand Arena.

This wasn't just a duel.

This was a war for dominance.

Leon stepped onto the battlefield, golden eyes burning.

Across from him—Velgrath.

The Abyssal Flame.

His very presence distorted the air, waves of heat radiating from his body.

The ground beneath his feet was already melting.

He tilted his head, studying Leon.

"You made it."

Leon smirked. "Surprised?"

Velgrath chuckled. "No. But I hope you're ready to lose."

Leon cracked his knuckles. "You talk too much."

The arena trembled.

Then—the final battle began.