Godslayer's Legacy: THE PATH TO SUPREMACY

The sun climbed higher into the sky, its golden rays filtering through the dense canopy of trees above the winding dirt road. The Kirean entourage continued its journey, the steady rhythm of hooves on the packed earth providing a constant backdrop to the rustling of leaves and chirping of birds. Rui sat in the carriage, his silver eyes reflecting the light as he mulled over the captain's explanation of aura from earlier that morning.

His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden halt in the carriage's motion. The abrupt stop jarred him from his musings, and he leaned out of the window to see what had caused the delay. Lady Elaris, at the head of the convoy, had raised a hand to signal a stop. Her gaze was fixed ahead, her posture tense.

"Stay inside, my lord," one of the guards called to Rui as they moved to flank the carriage. Their movements were precise, disciplined, and undeniably cautious.

Rui's curiosity outweighed his apprehension. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with curiosity.

"A blockage ahead," Elaris replied, her sharp eyes scanning the treeline. "A fallen tree—too conveniently placed to be an accident."

The guards quickly formed a defensive perimeter around the carriage, their hands resting on the hilts of their weapons. Elaris dismounted, her aura flickering faintly around her as she strode toward the obstruction. Rui watched her closely, fascinated by the way her presence seemed to command the space around her.

The fallen tree lay across the path, its branches tangled and its bark scarred. It looked old, but the way it had been positioned was deliberate. Elaris stopped a few feet away, her hand on the hilt of her sword.

"Show yourselves," she called out, her voice calm but authoritative.

For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves. Then, from the shadows of the forest, figures began to emerge. Their movements were slow, calculated, and their mismatched clothing marked them as bandits rather than soldiers. Weapons gleamed in their hands—crude swords, rusted axes, and bows with arrows already nocked.

The leader stepped forward, a burly man with a jagged scar running across his cheek. He grinned, revealing a mouthful of uneven, yellowed teeth. "What have we here?" he sneered, his voice rough and mocking. "A fine carriage, some noble brat inside, and a handful of guards. Looks like we've hit the jackpot."

Elaris didn't flinch. Her voice was as sharp as her blade. "Leave now, and you may live."

The man laughed, the sound grating and filled with false bravado. "Big words for someone so outnumbered. We've got you surrounded, lady. Best you hand over the brat and whatever's in that carriage, and we'll let you walk away."

Elaris's aura flared briefly, a ripple of energy that seemed to make the very air heavier. "Last chance," she said evenly.

The bandit leader raised his axe. "Kill them all!"

The bandits charged, their movements wild and uncoordinated. The guards met them with the precision of seasoned warriors, their swords flashing in the sunlight as they moved in perfect formation. Elaris was at the forefront, her blade cutting through the air with calculated efficiency. Her aura surrounded her, a faint shimmer that seemed to guide her strikes and shield her from harm.

Inside the carriage, Rui watched with wide eyes. The clash of steel and the shouts of battle were unlike anything he had ever seen. The guards moved like a single entity, their training evident in every strike and block. And Elaris—her movements were mesmerizing, a blend of power and grace that left him in awe.

One of the bandits broke through the line, charging toward the carriage with a wild cry. Rui's heart raced, but before the man could reach him, a guard intercepted the attack. The bandit fell to the ground, his weapon clattering as the guard's blade struck true.

The battle was over quickly. The remaining bandits, seeing their leader fall and their numbers dwindle, fled into the forest. The guards didn't pursue; their priority was the safety of the carriage and its occupant.

Elaris sheathed her sword, her breathing steady despite the exertion. She turned to the guards. "Check the perimeter. Make sure none of them are lingering."

As the guards moved to secure the area, Elaris approached the carriage. Rui opened the door before she could speak, stepping out with a steady gaze.

"That was incredible," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You… you didn't even hesitate."

Elaris gave him a small, approving nod. "Hesitation in battle can cost lives, my lord. We act decisively because we must."

Rui hesitated, then asked, "Was that… aura? The way you moved, the way you fought—it seemed different."

Elaris's expression softened slightly. "Yes. What you saw was aura in practice. It's not just about strength—it's about focus, precision, and control. It's the culmination of years of training, of understanding one's limits and pushing beyond them."

Rui nodded, his mind racing with questions. But for now, he held them back. The journey was far from over, and he had a feeling there was still much to learn.