Damn, I Have to Marry the Strongest Antagonist at the Start?

Though she knew deep down she was no match for him—and that continuing to resist might mean death—she had no intention of backing down. Because behind her… was Leslie. There was no retreat. "Courting death." The Celestial didn't want to waste any more time on her. With a single palm strike, he unleashed a blast of compressed elemental energy like molten metal, piercing directly through her chest. A fountain of blood erupted from the gaping wound. Her already-pale complexion turned ghostly white, her body on the verge of collapse. She had been close to her limit. Now, with The Celestial enraged and attacking, she could no longer hold on—she was gravely wounded in an instant. But The Celestial wasn't about to waste such a perfect opportunity. He raised his hand once more, prepared to deliver another strike to obliterate both her body and soul. Just then, he suddenly sensed a new presence. The woman from the old age felt it even more acutely—her faltering body was suddenly stabilized by a firm grip. She looked up—and saw a familiar, handsome face. Owen. Her pale face filled with disbelief. Of course she knew Owen. He was the one Leslie cared about the most—the one she loved. But… why was Owen here now? "I won't let anyone hurt Leslie." Owen smiled at her—serious and confident. He already knew Leslie's background and identity—and naturally, he also knew who this woman was. Faced with Owen's sudden promise, the woman from the old age felt conflicted, unsure what to say. By her understanding, Leslie was destined to become the next Sovereign. And once she did, all mortal emotions and attachments would be severed. Because of this, she had never supported Leslie and Owen being together. She had even considered eliminating Owen. But she also knew—anyone Leslie cared for deeply was someone she truly loved. If she harmed him, Leslie would undoubtedly sever ties with her. So, she had no choice but to let things be. And now, at the brink of death, the one who saved her… was the very person she had once wanted dead the most. Just as she struggled with how to face Owen, The Celestial—who had been about to strike again—turned cold. "Boy, get out of my way. This isn't something you're qualified to meddle in." The Celestial didn't want to waste any more time. He had to deal with Leslie quickly. He had already wasted too much time with the woman from the old age. If this dragged on, Leslie might succeed! But just as he prepared to strike again, Owen, who had remained silent until now, suddenly raised his head, looking at him coldly. "Take one step forward, and I will kill you." The Celestial froze at the icy words—then burst into laughter. "What a presumptuous brat. It's been so many years, and I've never met someone so arrogant in front of me." Owen's words didn't anger The Celestial—instead, they amused him. He pointed at the woman and said: "Do you even know who this is?" "She's a remnant of the old age—the strongest of her era." "She once was The Celestial—one who held a portion of Dominion." "Now she's just a faded legend. Even if she still holds the title of legend, she's nothing but a corpse before us." "And you think you're a match for me?" "You think she's worth saving?" "Isn't humanity supposed to be rebelling against The Celestial? Yet one stands before you—and you protect her instead of killing her?" "It's laughable. Absolutely laughable." "And besides—Leslie is about to become the new Sovereign. She's one of you rebels, right? When she ascends, will you continue to rebel… or submit?" "No—perhaps you won't even have a choice. She'll forget you all. Kill you all. Usher in an era of her own making. And you're stopping me now? Isn't that both foolish and pathetic?" While The Celestial laughed in arrogant disdain… Owen's expression remained calm and composed. He stared coldly at him and replied: "I know everything about Leslie. As her husband, I've accepted all of it. Do you really think you're the only one who understands what's going on?" His steady voice sent a ripple through the woman from the old age. Anyone else, upon hearing such a truth, would surely have shown some reaction. But Owen remained serene. So calm… it was unsettling. "Owen… have you already made your decision?" The woman finally asked. There was a certainty in his expression—as if he was ready for anything. She wanted to know: What would Owen ultimately choose? Owen didn't answer directly. He merely shook his head and turned to the figures of Divine Mountain who had followed behind. "You'll stay here. No one is allowed to cross into this ancient starry realm." "This is my first command. Anyone who approaches—will be killed without mercy." As Owen's voice, firm and immovable as a mountain, fell… the starry sky trembled, as if the command had been etched into its very fabric. The people of Divine Mountain stopped at once. To them, the Mountain Lord's command was absolute. Though they didn't know what was happening, they all released their most powerful auras, standing like an unbreakable barrier at the realm's entrance. Whoever dared trespass—would die. At that same moment, Madelyn was shrouded in thick black mist, fully transformed into the embodiment of Death's Calamity. The surrounding void withered beneath her aura, turning dry and decayed. Nearby, Seraphina took her true form—an enormous serpent body that stretched across the battlefield like a mountain. Rachel erupted with powerful mana, the spectral form of the Primordial Succubus appearing behind her, warping all perception. Ysera, the Celestial God Palace Master, and the others who had come with Owen—all unleashed their auras. And standing in the back, young Leslie clenched her tiny fists, chaos energy swirling around her. "Mama… I'll do everything I can to protect you. We will meet again. And we'll never be apart!" "So what has Owen decided?" At that moment, Venus, trailing behind the group, looked at those blocking the path to the ancient starry realm, her eyes flickering with curiosity… and heartache. Owen's actions made it clear: he had chosen Leslie. Did he not know… that the one who loved him… was her? Why, even now, did he still choose Leslie instead of her? Was she… truly inferior in every way? Countless thoughts stormed through Venus's heart. Just then, God of Light's voice rang softly in her ear. "Venus. Steady your heart. We need your help." Hearing the familiar tone, Venus quickly composed herself, pulling free from sorrow. Now was no time for love or regret. In this battle against The Celestial, everyone had to give their all. Only by fighting side by side could they have a sliver of hope. With this thought, Venus forcefully suppressed all other feelings, then raised her hands like fluttering butterflies, forming an ancient God of Light Seal before her. From within the seal, a powerful suction emerged—drawing in all the light within her, and even the starlight from the sky. It then shot forth like a meteor toward the God of Light. The seal contained her entire essence. If damaged, she would suffer severe backlash. It was a dangerous, even reckless method of channeling power—but at this point, there was no other choice. Soon, as the radiant seal merged with the God of Light, Venus's complexion paled drastically—her essence seemingly drained in an instant. "Venus, don't push yourself so hard!" The God of Light immediately spoke out in concern. "I can handle it. I'm a divine being of humanity too… Father, I can do it. I'm no weaker than anyone else!" Venus replied stubbornly. Seeing her determination, the God of Light knew exactly what she was feeling. But matters of the heart couldn't be forced. He could only sigh—deeply, heavily. There was heartache in that sigh… and regret.