Chapter 29: The Final Trial of the Supreme Leader – A Path Beyond Power

Leon stood at the center of the Inner Sanctum, his golden eyes locked onto the High Council—the true rulers of the Abyssal Academy.

The air was thick with unseen energy, a pressure that would have crushed weaker students.

But Leon wasn't just another student anymore.

He was Rank #1.

And yet, the challenge before him felt heavier than any battle he had fought before.

The High Council's Demand – The Last Barrier to True Power

The leader of the Council, an unseen force cloaked in abyssal energy, spoke first.

"You have risen beyond expectation, Valeheart," he said, his voice echoing with an unnatural weight. "But power without control is meaningless."

Leon smirked, unfazed. "Then let's cut to the chase—what's this Final Trial about?"

The twelve Council members exchanged glances.

Then—a golden seal appeared in the air.

It pulsed with an overwhelming presence, radiating the authority of the Abyss itself.

[Mission Issued: The Final Trial]Objective: Survive and Conquer the Domain of the Forgotten Kings.Time Limit: 72 Hours.

Leon's eyes narrowed. "Domain of the Forgotten Kings?"

Lady Seraphis, standing at the side, finally spoke.

"It is the burial ground of fallen rulers—those who once held great power but were ultimately erased from history."

Leon folded his arms. "And let me guess… I'm going to be dropped in the middle of it?"

The council leader chuckled. "Not quite."

Another wave of power surged through the chamber—and the shadows parted.

Behind the council, a massive gate began to materialize.

A door covered in ancient markings, pulsing with both life and death.

"You are not just being dropped in, Valeheart."

The doors creaked open.

"You are being sealed inside."

The Domain of the Forgotten Kings – A Land of Dead Legends

Leon stepped forward, the abyssal gate swallowing him whole.

The moment he crossed the threshold, the world shifted.

The Academy was gone.

He stood at the edge of a desolate battlefield, where the sky bled crimson, and the ground was cracked with forgotten echoes of war.

Towering statues of long-lost rulers lined the landscape, each carved from blackened stone, their faces worn away by time.

[Selene]: "Analysis: This world exists outside normal reality. No external support will be available. Survival is dependent entirely on host's strength and adaptability."

Leon rolled his shoulders. "Figures."

Then—the first enemy appeared.

A towering knight, clad in tattered black armor, wielding a blade that radiated an aura of death.

His voice was like a whisper from the void.

"Another one seeks the throne?"

Leon smirked. "No. I'm here to take it."

The knight charged.

And the battle for the Supreme Path began.

Meanwhile… Celeste's Battle in the Abyss – Facing the Shadowed One

Far from Leon's trial, Celeste stood surrounded by abyssal darkness, her sword dripping with energy.

She had fought her way to this point, but now—she faced something beyond any normal foe.

The hooded figure watching her finally stepped forward.

"You are persistent," it murmured. "But persistence alone will not grant you what you seek."

Celeste clenched her fists. "I don't need your approval."

The figure smiled.

"Then let's see if you're worthy."

The Abyss itself trembled.

And the battle began.

Leon's First Battle – Supreme Instinct vs. Abyssal Will

The knight swung his greatsword, the sheer weight of it causing the air to scream.

Leon dodged—barely.

The ground exploded where the blade struck, sending shockwaves rippling outward.

Leon countered instantly.

He moved faster than before, his Supreme Instinct adapting mid-battle.

His fist collided with the knight's armor—

But instead of breaking it, the force vanished into nothingness.

Leon's eyes narrowed.

[Selene]: "Warning! Opponent's armor absorbs kinetic energy! Direct attacks ineffective!"

Leon grinned. "Now that's interesting."

He twisted mid-air, using the knight's own swing to propel himself upward.

Then—he struck the knight's exposed neck.

The armor shattered.

The knight staggered, crimson energy spilling from the wound.

Leon landed, exhaling.

"You're strong," he admitted. "But you're not enough."

The knight fell to his knees.

Then—he laughed.

And in a voice filled with both amusement and warning, he whispered—

"Then face the others."

The ground split apart.

And from the cracks—more figures began to rise.

Leon gritted his teeth.

So that's how it was.

"Good."

He cracked his knuckles.

"Let's get started."

The Gathering Storm – The Academy Moves

Back at the Academy, whispers spread like wildfire.

Leon had vanished into the Forbidden Domain.

But not everyone was happy about it.

At the highest balcony, Nyssa the Devourer stood watching the empty battlefield, her arms crossed.

"He's not going to die," she murmured.

Beside her, Velgrath smirked. "You sound sure."

Nyssa's crimson eyes glowed. "Because we're not done yet."

Velgrath chuckled. "You really think he'll make it out?"

Nyssa turned to him, her expression unreadable.

"If he doesn't…"

Her voice was quiet, but absolute.

"Then he wasn't worthy in the first place."

The Supreme Leader's True Test – The Forgotten Kings Awaken

Leon stood surrounded.

The shadows of fallen rulers, each exuding an aura of power beyond anything he had fought before.

They had been kings.They had been conquerors.They had been forgotten.

And now—they would test him.

Leon exhaled.

Then—he charged.