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[Celestial Realm – The Pantheon's Gathering]
A golden palace stood above the clouds, bathed in ethereal light. At its center, a grand hall stretched into infinity, its pillars carved from divine stone. Seated upon massive thrones were the gods of this world, their gazes sharp and filled with contempt.
An unsettling tension filled the air.
At the center of the room, a massive divine mirror displayed a scene from the mortal realm—Leonhardt Valtara subjugating Nyxdrasil, the Mythical Black Dragon.
A god with golden wings scoffed. "That mortal… he continues to defy the natural order."
Another god, clad in silver armor, narrowed his eyes. "It is beyond mere defiance now. He is growing too powerful."
Seated at the highest throne, a being draped in celestial robes finally spoke. His voice carried absolute authority. "Leonhardt Valtara… the villainous son of the Valtara family… has begun his ascension."
Silence followed.
A goddess with flowing silver hair, her eyes shimmering like the moon, sighed. "We should have eliminated him when we had the chance."
The golden-winged god clenched his fists. "And now, even Evelyn Astralis, the one fated to stand beside our chosen Hero, has fallen into his grasp."
A new image appeared in the mirror—Evelyn standing beside Leonhardt, her expression no longer filled with righteousness, but devotion.
The gods seethed in anger.
The chosen Hero, Rael Ascarion, had failed.
The villain had won.
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[Valtara Fortress – Throne Room]
Leonhardt leaned back on his throne, watching his two summoned beasts—Ironhorn and Nyxdrasil—spar against one another. The ground shook with their clashes, the sheer force of their battle enough to crush mountains.
Celestia, sitting comfortably on his lap, giggled. "Darling~ You're making the gods nervous."
Leonhardt smirked. "Good. They should be."
Evelyn, standing nearby, bit her lip. "But won't they retaliate soon?"
Leonhardt met her gaze. "Of course they will."
His voice held no fear—only cold amusement.
Evelyn shivered. Even now, after everything, she still couldn't fully grasp how terrifyingly confident he was.
Leonhardt reached out, gently brushing a strand of her hair. "But when they do… I'll make them regret it."
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[Celestial Realm ]
The highest god rose from his throne. His golden eyes burned with divine wrath. "We can no longer stand idly by."
A new decree was issued.
"We shall send a new Hero."
The gods turned to a figure kneeling before them. His golden armor gleamed under the divine light. His expression was unreadable.
A new champion had been chosen.
And his sole mission—was to destroy Leonhardt Valtara.