"System, do you think that damn Void Expanse will interfere again?"
Void's voice echoed with tension.
"In my opinion, host," the system replied, "by the look of it, he can barely hold your power. I doubt he can seal more of it."
"Hmm, is that so? Seems I need to prepare for war," Void said coldly. "All these nations keep trying to take me down—I should give them a present they'll never forget."
"Present? What do you mean, host?" the system asked.
Void's eyes narrowed. "Nothing. Just know—in this fight, I'll conquer this world. From now on, I have only one goal: to become king."
"And how are you going to conquer the world?" the system urged.
Void looked up at the storm-filled sky, his face dark. "People cling to lies—sects, clans, tradition. The truth is simple: Only power decides. Not words, not rules, not pity."
"That… sure does make sense," the system said.
Void laughed. "Right? This world's all about survival. The strong devour the weak. I have the power, so I will decide."
"Yes, host. That is right."
Void gazed out, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I wonder what Leon is doing…"
* * *
**Leon in Abyssal Star Dominion Kingdom**
Leon stepped into the gloom, heart pounding.
"What's… with this place?" he whispered. Shadows wrapped every surface, and not even sunlight reached the ground. Above, twisted stars flickered like black flames—casting no warmth, only a suffocating chill. Obsidian towers climbed high, etched with spirals that seemed to glare back. Streets remained silent, except for the distant hum of cultivation and the hollow eyes of robed figures.
"It's like the whole kingdom is trapped between midnight and a nightmare," Leon muttered, shivering.
He pressed forward, nerves on edge. "This place is gloomy as hell. Guess walking straight in was a dumb move…"
Suddenly, nearby voices broke the silence. "Have you heard? All the kingdoms gathered to kill a dangerous demon—destroyer of the Heavenly God Sect. That demon's a threat to us all."
Leon stopped, stunned. *Master… a demon? No way,* he thought. *How could they call Master a demon?*
A boy snorted, "Did you hear about the bounty on that demon's head? Who'd risk their life for that? If he killed the sect leader—who reached the realm of Gods—who could possibly kill him?"
Leon trembled. *A bounty on Master's head?*
Trying to keep calm, he approached the boy. "How much bounty is on that person?"
The boy looked Leon over. "You a new kid? Don't you see his poster everywhere? That demon carries a bounty of 1,500,000,000,000,000 Crystals!"
Leon's breath caught. "That many...? How many zeros is that? And what are these crystal things?"
The boy sneered, "Must be poor, huh? Listen—a single crystal is worth 100 gold coins. One gold coin's 100 spirit shards. One shard is 100 spirit coins. Now you get the scale, brat!" The crowd laughed.
Leon mumbled, "This much...? How can Master survive? I… I have to help. I must do something."
Then Void's last words echoed in his mind: *Go, Leon. Experience this world. Don't forget—I am the strongest!*
Leon steadied himself, determination burning. "I shouldn't interfere—I must complete the mission Master gave me. No fear, only action."
* * *
**Void, At Home**
"Sigh… those assassins just don't quit. Now that I think about it, Leon must have heard the news. Better if he doesn't come back now!"
"Host, you've killed 50 assassins so far," the system reported, "and you have 1,200 points left—after deducting the 1,000-point system fee."
Void scowled. "You remembered my words… Sigh."
"Thank you, host, for 1,000 points. You now possess 200 points," the system droned.
Void grumbled, "Next time, warn me when you take my point."
"I… will take this as a compliment, host."
Void rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Time to get moving."
"Yes, host."
* * *
**Center of Eternal Zenith Empire: The Gathering**
All the kingdoms assembled to plot Void's end. Each ruler introduced themselves, titles echoing:
1. **Eternal Zenith Empire**
- Emperor Kaelen Stormspire
- Empress Lyria Dawncrest
2. **Abyssal Star Dominion**
- Empress Nyxara Voidwhisper
3. **Celestgrave Dynasty**
- Emperor Thalric Celestgrave
- Empress Serethia Mourningstar
4. **Radiant Dusk Kingdom**
- King Solarian Duskfell
5. **Obsidian Veil Empire**
- Empress Valyra Shadowveil
6. **Sovereign Flame Court**
- King Ignar Ashblood
- Empress Sylena Flamesong
7. **Astral Myriad Kingdom**
- Emperor Zephyrion Starborn
8. **Netherborn Dominion**
- Emperor Malakar Shadowbane
9. **Heaven-Piercing Realm**
- Emperor Valtor Skydrake
10. **Titanfall Dynasty**
- Emperor Gorrath Titanbreaker
One by one, voices thundered:
- "From the heights of the Zenith, I am Kaelen Stormspire. Heaven's Limit protects us; those who threaten order will face judgement!"
- "The void beckons, and I answer. I am Nyxara Voidwhisper—cross us and the abyss shall swallow you."
- "Dynasty's light may fade, but I stand unbroken. I am Thalric Celestgrave."
- "In endless dusk, I, Solarian Duskfell, hold the realm through war and shadow."
- "Mistress of the Veil, unseen, untouchable—Valyra Shadowveil."
- "Magma-born, I am Ignar Ashblood, forging destiny in flame itself!"
- "Ten thousand stars unite—Emperor Zephyrion Starborn!"
- "Darkness nurtures strength—Malakar Shadowbane."
- "I pierce the heavens—Valtor Skydrake!"
- "Giants shaped me; now I shape the world—Gorrath Titanbreaker!"
* * *
**Void, Smirking Alone**
"So, all those bastards gathered… all the nations, all the empires… let's see who else comes. I'm looking forward to this—me versus the world.Ha ha ha!"
***