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[Valtara Fortress – War Council Chamber]
Leonhardt stood at the head of a long obsidian table, his crimson eyes scanning the gathered warlords, noble lords, and beast masters under his command. The dim candlelight flickered against their stern faces, casting eerie shadows across the chamber.
"Alderia has fallen," Leonhardt announced, his voice unwavering. "And with its fall, we have secured the northern trade routes and its vast mana crystal mines."
A murmur of approval swept through the room. The Valtara Empire was expanding faster than any nation in history, swallowing kingdoms and crushing opposition with terrifying efficiency.
Celestia, lounging lazily beside Leonhardt, chuckled. "Fufufu~ Darling, you make conquering sound so easy~"
"Because it is." Leonhardt smirked. "When you have absolute power."
Evelyn, seated on his other side, clenched her hands under the table. She had proven her worth countless times, yet she still felt overshadowed by Celestia's presence. But she refused to be left behind.
"Lord Leonhardt," one of the generals spoke, "What of the remnants of the Hero Army? Scattered though they may be, reports suggest they are regrouping under a new leader."
Leonhardt's smirk darkened. "And who is foolish enough to challenge me now?"
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[Hero Army Encampment – The Last Hope]
Deep within a hidden valley, the remnants of the Hero Army gathered. Their forces, once numbering in the tens of thousands, had been reduced to a fraction of their former strength.
But still, they clung to hope.
A young knight, his armor gleaming under the moonlight, stepped forward. His eyes burned with determination.
"I will lead us against Leonhardt Valtara!" he declared.
The survivors, weary and desperate, murmured amongst themselves. Could this young warrior succeed where even the great Rael had failed?
"But can he be defeated?" one soldier whispered. "He has monsters fighting for him… his wife, Celestia Nightshade, is the most dangerous villain in the world. His beasts are unstoppable."
The knight clenched his fist. "Then we shall tame our own legendary beasts. If we cannot match his power alone… we will make the world fight against him."
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[Valtara Fortress – Summoning Grounds]
Meanwhile, in the heart of the fortress, Leonhardt stood before a massive summoning circle. Ancient runes glowed as a portal to the Beast Realm opened.
It was time for him to acquire a second Mythical-Class Beast.
Ironhorn, his first beast—the indomitable rhinoceros—stood beside him, snorting impatiently. It had already evolved into a Mythical-Class Guardian Beast.
But Leonhardt knew…
If he was to conquer the gods themselves… he needed more.
Celestia licked her lips. "Darling~ What kind of monster will you tame this time?"
Leonhardt smirked as the portal trembled.
"Let's find out."