Chapter 38 – War Declarations and The Rise of the Voidborn Empire
The night was unnaturally still after the Chrono Sage's departure. Leon stood motionless on his balcony, overlooking the Academy courtyard where his newly formed Voidborn Legion gathered. Forty strong… for now.
But soon, thousands would march under his banner.
Beside him, Selene quietly watched, her violet eyes darkened with hidden knowledge. She had been avoiding the conversation all night—until now.
"You're not surprised," Leon finally said, his voice low. "About the Chrono Sage."
Selene exhaled deeply. "Because I already knew this day would come."
His gaze snapped to her. "…Explain."
She turned slowly, her voice measured. "The Sage was never here to warn you. He came to confirm you."
Leon's eyes narrowed. "Confirm me for what?"
Selene hesitated. But before she could answer—
Boom!
The sky above the Academy exploded in blinding golden light.
"What now?" Leon muttered.
---
Outer Academy Walls – Celestial Envoys' Arrival
From the crack in the heavens descended seven golden-clad envoys, their divine armor radiating pure celestial energy. Each envoy represented a different Celestial Kingdom—powerhouses that governed entire multiversal realms.
The students of the Academy fell into a hushed silence, watching in awe and terror.
The lead envoy, a middle-aged man with a flaming crown, descended first. His gaze swept the Academy grounds before it settled on Leon's balcony.
"Leon Vortega!" His voice boomed unnaturally loud. "By decree of the Celestial Conclave, you are hereby summoned for subjugation—"
"Denied."
The envoy froze. "Excuse me?"
Leon casually stepped forward, his tone colder than death. "I don't answer to gods. Much less their dogs."
Gasps erupted from the crowd.
The lead envoy's face twisted in fury. "Blasphemy! You dare—"
"Dare?" Leon's voice darkened, his void aura coiling around him like serpents. "I don't dare. I promise."
Before the envoy could utter another word—Leon moved.
BOOM!
In a flash, Leon appeared before the envoy, his palm already embedded into the man's chest. The envoy's golden armor cracked like fragile glass.
"W-What…?" the envoy stammered.
Leon's gaze burned like the abyss itself. "Tell your masters. I don't kneel."
And then — he ripped out the man's heart.
The entire Academy erupted in chaos.
---
The Voidborn Legion's First March
In under an hour, word had spread that Leon had slain a Celestial envoy.
The students now had two choices: either submit to the Academy's declining order or join Leon's Voidborn Legion. And one by one… they chose power.
By midnight, one hundred and forty members now stood behind Leon.
Celeste watched in silence, admiration burning in her eyes. This was no longer a mere faction—Leon was building an empire.
Selene, however, remained eerily silent. And Leon finally had enough.
"You know something," he said, approaching her.
She didn't respond.
"Selene." His voice was sharp. "I've let you keep your secrets for too long. Tell me. Now."
A long silence.
And then, she finally whispered—"You are not meant to exist."
Leon froze. "…What?"
Selene swallowed hard, her voice trembling. "The void energy you command… is not from this reality. It was never meant to be wielded by a mortal. The moment you merged with it, you became an anomaly. And the Conclave knows."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"…Because I was afraid."
Leon's teeth clenched. "Afraid of what?"
Selene's eyes slowly lifted, burning with hidden sorrow. "Afraid that I'd fall in love with you before the heavens killed you."
Silence.
For the first time in months, Leon faltered.
And before he could respond—
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Three more golden cracks erupted in the sky. But this time, they didn't send envoys.
They sent armies.
---
The Battle of the Academy – Hour Zero
The Academy bell tolled in rapid succession. Thousands of celestial troops descended like a flood, their divine weapons shimmering in holy light.
Leon smiled coldly. "Good. They brought an army."
Selene grabbed his arm. "Leon! We can't fight an entire celestial force—"
"I'm not." He turned toward his growing army. "We are."
Celeste, standing beside him, smirked. "I'll take the east flank."
Ishka, the warlord, slammed his spear against the ground. "We'll hold the gates, my lord."
And Leon? He stepped forward, void energy pouring from his body like a vengeful god.
"Kill them all."
---
Chrono Sage's Observation
Far from the battlefield, the Chrono Sage watched through a time rift, his expression unreadable.
"He's progressing faster than expected," another voice spoke from the shadows.
The Sage didn't turn. "Yes… but the Void has already begun to corrupt his mind."
"What do we do?"
The Sage's smile was cold. "Nothing. Either he becomes the sovereign of all realms…"
"…or he destroys them."