The static image faded away, all traces of the feline vanishing along with her ship minutes later. They were alone. The sole ship for miles in warp space.

"Hmm. So that was the rogue graduate?"

A part of him felt like laughing. This was the person who fought off his elite soldiers in Torpha? This was the person who angered the Argosians so badly they barred others from entry? This was the person who'd gained the respect of the Black Web, the attention of the AIC, and even the ire of a few gods. And she decided to turn tail and run at the opportunity to join with him. To dismiss and threaten him in the same breath.

Was it arrogance? Pride? Ignorance? The wolf he had expected to at least try firing a warning shot or two. But for them to simply leave him like that? Did they think that highly of their own power? Did she?

"Sir?"

He ran a hand through his hair, taking in the moment with a small breath. Was it just wishful thinking on his part? Perhaps. But he'd been awaiting a decent challenger for so long. So many worthy opponents died long before they could even reach his throne. To be threatened by a cat, of all things, must have been some cosmic joke. But this was the same cat who'd survived the White Legion this long. Perhaps she would survive a bit longer...

"We're heading back, Reginald," he finally said.

"Sir?"

"You heard the cat, didn't you? We've been issued a challenge. I'd like to see it through with my own eyes. Set a course for the Legionaire Realm."

His helmsman gave a salute, their ship changing course. The next rally was likely a trap, anyhow. Better to not waste his time with more weaklings.

My enemy, hmm?

He smiled at the thought. With the birth of the new universe, the worthy would inevitably rise to inhabit it. Whether that came about through the White Legion culling the weak or the strong rising in a futile attempt to defend them, the universe would continue to grow. Expand as the superpower it was always meant to be. One where the spirits would be nothing more than apparitions easily culled by the masses.

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So close. I hope you're all watching, you false gods. In the new universe, you all are no longer worthy.

Their ship dropped from warp space, the darkness of the Milky Way stretching out around them. In the Sol system, he could see the White Legion gate from light-years away. It had already swallowed up most of the inner planets, though the AIC was trying its hardest to preserve Earth. Not that it would matter. In the new universe, worlds like that only strengthened the will of the spirits. They wouldn't be returning.

"Taking fire, sir," Reginald said as they drifted past the many different ships. "Shields holding steady. Should we return?"

"Do it."

The comet pulsed outward, the sight of numerous crafts being split apart bringing a brighter smile to the Light Binder's face. With any hope, that would speed up the process. He was tired of waiting. He wanted to see the fruits of his efforts. The strength of the expansion. To see who was strong enough. Worthy enough. His comet drifted through the ensuing debris, coming directly before the continually expanding gate to the Legionnaire Realm. The place that only the strong would ever be able to reach.

Father. Mother. I thank you for this momentous opportunity.

Signals ran through his body, the millions of legionnaires connected to it speaking to him at once. His loyal soldiers. The connection always felt stronger in the Legionnaire Realm.

"Breaching surface layer," Reginald said, their ship continuing onward.

He shut his eyes, basking in the sensations. His limitless arms. His own God Tools. He felt the briefest twinge from miles away as another world was reclaimed from under his nose. But it was replaced moments later by three more falling. Such was the ebb and flow of his crusade. They could have their victories. It wouldn't stop the universe from changing.

Spread my Comet Clan. Let the strong flourish. Cull the weak. If they want this universe so badly, they must grab it with their own hands.

He opened his eyes, taking in the beauty of the Legionnaire Realm. His home. His true home.

Come all who are worthy! I, the Light Binder of the Comet Clan, accept all your challenges! Show me your power!

The portal slammed shut behind them.