Godslayer's Legacy: THE PATH TO SUPREMACY

The weeks leading up to Rui's departure from the estate passed with a strange duality. Each day felt both fleeting and endless, as though time itself struggled to decide whether it wanted to hasten his departure or linger in the familiar rhythms of the Kirean household. Rui, for his part, immersed himself in preparation, his every waking moment a blend of training, study, and quiet reflection.

The mornings began as they always had, with the sharp crack of Soren's commands echoing across the courtyard. Though Rui had outgrown the awkwardness of childhood movements, his father's relentless expectations ensured there was always room for improvement.

"Again!" Soren barked as Rui stumbled mid-strike. The wooden practice staff in Rui's hands vibrated from the missed connection.

Rui gritted his teeth, adjusting his stance. His muscles ached, his breaths came shallow, but he wouldn't stop. Not yet. He reset the staff, his silver eyes locking onto his father's.

"Good," Soren said, his tone softer now. "Your form has improved, but you're hesitating. Your instincts are sharp, Rui. Trust them."

Rui nodded, the lesson sinking in as deeply as the ache in his arms. "Yes, Father."

As the sun rose higher, painting the courtyard in golden light, the sounds of their practice began to draw attention. A few of the estate's retainers paused to watch, their faces a mix of admiration and curiosity. It wasn't often they saw Soren train with such intensity, even less so with his son.

When they finally stopped for the day, Soren clapped a hand on Rui's shoulder. "You're strong, Rui," he said, his voice carrying a rare warmth. "But strength isn't enough. At the Academy, they'll test your patience, your discipline. Remember what you've learned here."

"I will," Rui replied, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions churning within him.

The afternoons were quieter, filled with hours spent in the library under Arielle's watchful gaze. She had always been a patient teacher, but now her lessons carried an urgency that hadn't been there before. The books she chose for Rui were dense, filled with topics ranging from the ethics of mana use to the history of noble politics.

"Read this," she said one day, sliding a tome across the table. "The Treatise on Magical Equilibrium. It's not just about casting spells, Rui. It's about understanding the consequences of every choice you make."

Rui opened the book, its pages filled with tightly packed script. He glanced up at his mother, her expression unreadable.

"Why now?" he asked. "Why this book?"

Arielle leaned back in her chair, her fingers laced together. "Because power without understanding is dangerous. At the Academy, they'll push you to focus on your strength, your abilities. But I want you to remember that every action has a ripple. Even the smallest decision can change the course of your life—or someone else's."

Rui nodded slowly, her words settling heavily in his mind. He spent the rest of the afternoon poring over the text, the intricate theories and moral dilemmas forcing him to think beyond the raw force of his abilities.

Evenings became a time for reflection. Rui often found himself wandering the gardens, the cool breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers. It was a place of peace, but also a place of memories. He had spent much of his childhood here, playing with the other children, training in secret, and dreaming of the world beyond the estate's walls.

One evening, as the first stars began to peek through the darkening sky, Rui was joined by Liora. She had grown over the years, her once-childish features now sharp with the promise of adulthood. Her eyes, however, still held the same spark of curiosity.

"Do you remember when we used to race through these gardens?" she asked, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

Rui smiled faintly. "You always won."

"That's because you didn't take it seriously," she said, nudging him lightly. "You were always thinking about something else."

"Maybe," Rui admitted. "But now, I think about what's ahead."

Liora's expression softened. "You're nervous."

"Not nervous," Rui said after a pause. "Just… unsure. The Academy is different. It's not like here."

Liora studied him for a moment before nodding. "You'll do fine. Better than fine, probably. Just don't forget where you came from."

"I won't," Rui said firmly, the weight of her words grounding him.

The night before his departure, the Kirean family gathered for a quiet dinner. It wasn't a formal affair, but there was an air of significance that none of them could ignore. Arielle had prepared Rui's favorite dishes, and Soren had uncorked a bottle of wine older than Rui himself.

"To Rui," Arielle said, raising her glass. "To the beginning of something great."

Soren followed suit, his words simpler but no less heartfelt. "To our son."

Rui hesitated for a moment before lifting his own glass, his gaze moving between his parents. "To the Kireans. For everything you've given me."

They ate in comfortable silence, the bonds of family unspoken but deeply felt. It was a moment Rui knew he would carry with him, a memory to anchor him as he stepped into the unknown.