Godslayer's Legacy: THE PATH TO SUPREMACY

The grand hall of House Valden was a stark contrast to the serene Kirean estate. Opulent and commanding, its vaulted ceilings bore intricate carvings of their family's crest—a crimson phoenix encircled by flames. The walls shimmered with enchanted sconces, casting a warm glow that danced across the room. Despite the grandeur, an air of unease hung over the gathering, like a predator lurking just beyond sight.

At the head of the table sat Marquis Eryan Valden, a man of sharp features and sharper intellect. His piercing green eyes scanned the room, lingering on each of the attendees as though dissecting their thoughts. Around him sat advisors, family members, and prominent nobles aligned with the Valden house.

"We can no longer ignore the boy," Eryan began, his voice smooth but cutting. "The Kirean child has upset the delicate balance we've worked so hard to maintain."

A murmur rippled through the room, a mix of agreement and apprehension. To the Valdens, power was not merely a tool—it was a weapon wielded with precision. And yet, this new factor had introduced unpredictability, an element they despised.

"My son's awakening," Eryan continued, gesturing toward Leoray, who sat at his side, "was meant to solidify our standing. An Amethyst Core—refined and unparalleled in potential. But now?" His lips curled into a thin line. "A Silver Core overshadows it, one tempered before the ceremony. The whispers have already begun."

Leoray, though outwardly composed, couldn't hide the flicker of resentment in his eyes. His father's words were a bitter reminder that even his extraordinary achievement was now seen as second best. He straightened in his chair, his voice calm but edged with frustration. "The Kirean boy is a mystery, but mysteries can be unraveled. His power may be great, but no one is invincible."

A woman to Eryan's right leaned forward, her emerald necklace catching the light. "No one questions the boy's potential, but we must consider the Kireans themselves. They are not a house known for ambition. Perhaps they'll waste his gifts on their precious balance and refinement."

Eryan's gaze darkened. "Do not mistake humility for weakness. The Kireans may not flaunt their power, but they wield it with precision. If they choose to unleash that boy, he could reshape the noble order entirely."

Leoray smirked faintly, his confidence returning. "Then we ensure he never reaches that point. He's only seven, Father. A child with a core that powerful will be consumed by it before he can master it."

Eryan's fingers tapped against the polished table, his mind clearly weighing possibilities. "The boy's core is a double-edged sword," he said finally. "Its strength is undeniable, but such power comes at a cost. We need only wait for the cracks to appear."

"And if they don't?" a voice interjected from the far end of the table. It belonged to a man dressed in muted gray, his face partially obscured by the shadows. "What if the Kireans succeed in tempering him further? What if they control the uncontrollable?"

The room fell into silence. The question lingered like a storm cloud, dark and unrelenting. Finally, Eryan spoke, his voice colder than before. "Then we act. Quietly, but decisively. A flame this bright must be snuffed before it burns out of control."