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[Valtara Fortress – War Council Chamber]
The grand chamber was filled with powerful figures.
Leonhardt sat at the head of the table, his crimson eyes cold and calculating.
Celestia lounged beside him, sipping wine with a smirk.
Evelyn sat across from them, silent but watching carefully.
And around the table—the leaders of Valtara's forces gathered.
Commanders, generals, beast masters—all awaited Leonhardt's words.
Finally, he spoke.
"The hero faction is gone. The kingdoms kneel. The world is ours."
The warriors cheered.
Leonhardt continued. "But there is one enemy left."
His gaze sharpened.
"The gods."
The room fell silent.
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Leonhardt's voice was firm. "The gods created this world's system. They decide who becomes a hero. They twist fate as they please."
He leaned forward. "But I refuse to be a pawn."
Evelyn hesitated. "Leonhardt… are you saying…?"
Celestia grinned. "We're going to kill the gods, of course~"
Murmurs spread through the room.
Even among Valtara's strongest warriors, challenging the gods was unthinkable.
One general hesitated. "But my lord, the gods are—"
BOOM.
The table cracked as Leonhardt slammed his fist down.
His eyes glowed with dominance.
"We are Valtara. We bow to no one."
Silence.
Then—Celestia giggled darkly. "Kyaa~ So bold~"
Ironhorn let out a deep, rumbling growl, as if agreeing.
The warriors exchanged glances—then, one by one, they kneeled.
"We follow you, Lord Leonhardt!"
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After the meeting, Evelyn stood on the fortress balcony, staring at the night sky.
Leonhardt approached.
She turned to him. "You're really going to do this."
He nodded. "Of course."
Evelyn bit her lip. "But… they're gods."
Leonhardt smirked. "And?"
Evelyn clenched her fists. "If you do this… you'll become more than just a villain. You'll become the greatest enemy of fate itself."
Leonhardt chuckled. "Good."
Evelyn's heart pounded.
Even now—after everything—she couldn't stop herself from being drawn to him.
Leonhardt Valtara was unstoppable.
And deep down—she knew she could never escape him.
That night—Valtara's forces moved.
Leonhardt and Celestia stood before a grand temple—a sacred site of the gods.
Celestia licked her lips. "Shall we start, Darling?"
Leonhardt smirked. "Burn it."
BOOM.
Flames erupted.
The temple—a symbol of divine authority—was reduced to ashes.
And in the heavens—the gods took notice.
Leonhardt had declared war.