The organizer later announced that the rest of the awakening would happen later in the month. Due to Leo destroying the Awakening Tree, things were going to change this year compared to previous years.
Things wouldn't be that hard for Leo himself since he was already of royal bloodline—two, in fact, if they were counting the perished.
As one of the last members of the assassinated Zahara Royal Family that belonged to the Zeus Clan, and a supposed adoptee of the Atlantis Royal Family that belonged to the Dravenor Clan, his life was nearly planned.
He would be fully adopted by the Atlantis Family, considering that was his own choice, although other families would try other ways to claim him. Since Leo had made up his mind, there was no use in trying, but Royals will always be Royals.
The war for Leo had officially begun.
Even the Celestials and Tenebris would be fighting to get him. The whole world would be after him.
...Just what he wanted.
"Congratulations, Leo."
Leo would have rolled his eyes hearing that, since it was the millionth time he had heard it, but this one was special because it came from two people simultaneously.
Taren and Mirage.
Hiding his happiness, he smirked.
"Not much of a big deal. I knew I was going to awaken something strong. I worked and lost a lot for it, after all."
Taren's smile froze on his face. "All you did was touch a shrub and blow it up. If you're talking about losing the tree, then may I remind you it wasn't yours."
If only he knew...
Truly speaking, he was never happy about awakening such a strong Volume. He had gone through a lot, and although it was well-deserved, he didn't feel it.
Was this a boon for breaking a promise? For destroying the dreams of thousands? For leading a whole realm to its downfall?
The Aura System had said he hadn't gone mad and that he didn't carry the burden of their deaths. It was wrong.
He did carry the burden. Lyra's succumbing to madness, the death of the King, Elowen, and the others. It was all a burden.
Elowen had also asked him if he would be able to bear the burden of saving them from their silent doom. At the end of the day, he had led them back to that doom; now, he couldn't bear the weight of their deaths.
Leo had enjoyed leading them and being seen as the sole savior, but being the sole survivor wasn't good news. It didn't mean he was strong or smart enough to escape. It didn't mean he was well-prepared.
All he did at the end was cry to be spared from death. He allowed his pride and ego to be ridiculed. He had failed.
Leo had never in his life thought he would ever beg to be spared.
Leo clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. 'I will become stronger, I promise... I'll never beg anyone again... Never!'
Elowen had also told him pride can be tricky at times. Was this what she meant? Did it mean his battle wasn't for his pride or ego, but against them?
Whatever it was, Leo would figure it out later. He just had to find a way to remove this emotional weight from his heart.
"Uhhh... Leo?" Taren raised an eyebrow, noticing his best friend had spaced out.
Leo flinched and scratched the back of his head. "Ah, yes. I forgot the awakening tree didn't belong to me."
Taren smiled back and patted him on the head. Leo then turned to Mirage and moved closer to her.
"And how are you feeling now?"
Mirage's cheeks turned red. "I'm... I'm doing fine."
"Ah, that's a relief," he smiled.
Taren, meanwhile, looked around and tapped the two Atlantis members.
"Everyone's left the dome... let's go."
"Where are Jean and the old man?"
The others looked around frantically.
"Maybe they've gone out already," Taren decided.
Soon, Leo frowned, noticing a shadow appearing behind them. He turned around with a smirk.
"Oh, I hope you're not here to congratulate me, because you see... I'm done accepting congratulations for the day."
Fang Rui didn't reply at first, then frowned slightly.
"Why would I want to congratulate you?"
"Oh, haven't you heard? I awakened the strongest Volume ever."
Fang Rui frowned, a bit of coldness finding its way into his voice. "And who decided that? Oh, you awakened a new and dangerous Volume that shattered the Awakening Tree? And why should I care? What if the Volume isn't worth the praise? Simply shattering a tree doesn't make it God-tier or Devil-tier. Hmm... 'Bastard Volume,' huh? A befitting title for someone whose family was wiped out at birth and is now a lackey to another clan. See, Leo—when you have more important things to tell me, let me know. This 'Bastard' charade isn't something I care about."
Leo's shoulders fell as Fang Rui walked past them. "Leave the cathedral now!" he commanded with urgency.
Leo was infuriated. "And why should we leave?! You don't have the right to— ...huh?"
He wasn't able to finish his statement when the air around them suddenly grew tense. It became wilder by the second. The stone chairs started cracking slowly as the cathedral rumbled.
"Leave now!" Fang Rui yelled again.
Leo was hesitant to leave. He turned to Taren.
"Taren, do you know... huh, what's wrong?"
Taren's expression had changed; not sparing Leo a glance, he frowned. "Fang Rui, you don't mean? It can't be."
"Yes, it is," Fang Rui replied. "So leave."
"We need to inform the officials right away!" Taren yelled over the increasing violence of the wind.
Fang Rui stretched. "Nah... I'll handle it."
"Leo, let's go..." Mirage whispered in fear.
Leo didn't reply. What was going on?
And then, right where the awakening tree had been, reality cracked slowly, then expanded, sending the Dravenor members and Taren flying—but they were immediately caught by shadow tendrils that extended from Fang Rui's shadow.
Stones exploded. Everything and everywhere turned into chaos as a large portal slowly appeared in front of them. It enlarged until it fully blew up the dome, revealing the outside world.
Leo used his hands to shield himself, but that was useless as the shadow tendrils had wrapped around him. The same happened to Taren and Mirage.
Everyone outside was left in shock. Some were immediately thrown back by the impact. Soldiers, civilians, and high officials were left in awe and dread, their expressions changing instantly.
Only Fang Rui stood in front of the portal until it fully appeared. He summoned a long odachi, resting it on his shoulder, his long hair blown sideways by the violent wind.
When it fully appeared, Leo finally understood what was happening and what the portal was.
'An Eldrath portal...'
[End Of Volume One: Exodus]