Timeless Assassin

Chapter 1096: War Council

(Within the Time Stilled World, Leo’s POV)

A week after the conclusion of the tournament, Leo convened the first war council in a long time, as he gathered all the Cult Commanders under one roof and began outlining his plans for the next phase of conquest.

"We need to begin planning for a phased expansion," Leo said, his voice steady as he addressed the room.

"According to internal records, we have lost close to 1.5 million capable fighters over the past two decades to natural causes alone."

He paused briefly, letting the weight of that number settle.

"As beneficial as the Time Stilled World is for our safety and long-term stability, the reality remains that our people age significantly faster here compared to the outside universe, as many of our soldiers live out their entire lives training, only to die without ever seeing real combat."

A quiet tension spread across the room as several Commanders lowered their gaze.

"Many of you have already raised concerns about declining morale," Leo continued, his eyes sweeping across the gathered leaders. "Our soldiers dedicate their lives to becoming warriors, yet most never get the chance to prove themselves on the battlefield."

He let out a slow breath.

"So... it’s time we change that."

The shift in tone was immediate.

"We begin with our most experienced forces. The oldest soldiers, the veterans who have spent decades preparing for war, and those who desire nothing more than to finally fight....

We deploy them first, and let them live out their dreams."

Leo straightened slightly as he continued.

"From the start of next calendar year, we will begin taking one new planet every 120 days.

Within the Time Stilled World, this pace will remain controlled and sustainable."

His gaze sharpened.

"However, from the perspective of the outside universe, it will appear as though the Cult is launching a new invasion every other day."

A murmur rippled through the room.

"That means three planets every year. A steady, consistent expansion that we can sustain over the long term."

Leo paused again, then delivered the number plainly.

"By the end of this decade, I intend to bring thirty new planets under Cult control."

The room fell silent.

’Thirty planets...’ Commander Silva thought, his expression tightening slightly. ’That’s more than what we held even during Lord Soron’s era...’

"I made a promise to our people," Leo continued, his voice growing firmer. "By the end of this century, the Cult will control half of the Rainbow Stream."

He held their gaze without wavering.

"And I intend to keep that promise."

A faint pressure filled the room as his presence settled over them.

"At the Demi God tier, I now possess the strength required to defend our territories against hostile Gods, and unlike Lord Soron, I am not racing against a failing body."

No one spoke.

No one dared interrupt.

"However... I cannot achieve this alone."

Leo’s tone lowered slightly, though the weight behind his words only deepened.

"For the Cult to rise again, for us to reclaim what was lost, I need every one of you to operate at your absolute peak over the next decade."

His eyes hardened.

"You will not have the luxury of rest. Most of you will be deployed continuously, moving from one battlefield to the next without pause."

A beat passed.

"Your lives will be difficult."

Then, more quietly—

"But if we endure... we will reclaim the pride that generations before us bled for."

Leo said, his words settling into the room as the atmosphere hardened with resolve, the hesitation within the Commanders replaced by something far more focused and unyielding, as silence held for a brief moment before—

"Lord Father... if I may interrupt."

Dumpy spoke, his voice cutting through the stillness as all eyes turned toward him, his expression already burning with impatience.

"I think we have talked about war for far too long," he continued, as he rose to his feet, his presence carrying a raw intensity that demanded attention. "Talk is cheap. Deploy me tomorrow, and I will win you a dozen planets before a hundred days pass."

A faint grin spread across his face.

"I do not even need an army. Just give me the freedom to act, and I will show you just how puny and insignificant righteous mongrels are in front of me."

The sheer confidence in his words sent a ripple through the room.

Fists clenched.

Eyes sharpened.

"Same with me, Cult Master" Mickey James said, standing up next, his voice firm as he raised his fist high. "Give me and my unit the freedom to act, and we will deliver results ahead of your timeline."

"Same for me, Cult Master," Anderson Silva added, rising shortly after, his tone steady, yet filled with conviction. "I am ready for deployment at any moment."

One voice became many.

"Me too, my lord."

"I am ready."

"Deploy us."

Commander after Commander rose to their feet, their voices overlapping as the room filled with a unified surge of determination, as what began as a council had now turned into a declaration of war.

Leo looked around.

And for the first time in a long time, he saw no doubt or hesitation in the eyes of a single man....

Instead, there was only resolve, as everyone seemed ready for war.

"Good...."

He muttered, nodding slowly, as a quiet sense of satisfaction settled within him as he let the moment breathe before raising his hand for silence once more.

It came instantly.

"One year," Leo said, his voice calm, yet carrying absolute authority.

"Take one year to prepare everything you need. Logistics, weapons, ships, fuel, mana crystals. I want every detail accounted for, every weakness addressed, and every unit ready for sustained war."

His gaze hardened.

"Because once that year ends... there will be no pauses."

The weight behind those words settled deeply into the room.

"We move forward without stopping....

And we take back everything that belongs to us."

Leo finished, as the silence that followed was no longer empty, but filled with a shared understanding.

The countdown to the redemption war had finally begun.