Godslayer's Legacy: THE PATH TO SUPREMACY

The third day of the journey began under a sky streaked with pale morning light, the chill of dawn still clinging to the air. The Kirean entourage departed from the quiet village inn where they had stayed the night, the small procession winding its way along the cobblestone road toward the capital. The excitement of reaching their destination was palpable, but Rui's thoughts were focused on the unknowns that lay ahead.

The forested landscape gradually gave way to rolling fields and distant signs of civilization. Rui watched the world pass from the window of the carriage, the rhythmic clatter of hooves and wheels a steady backdrop to his thoughts.

By mid-morning, the group neared a crossroads where the forest thinned, giving way to a broad, open plain. As they approached, the sound of voices and laughter reached their ears, followed by the sight of another traveling party. Rui squinted, his silver eyes narrowing as he recognized the familiar sigil on the banners fluttering in the breeze.

"The Valdens," the captain murmured from his position beside the carriage. "Stay alert."

Rui's heart quickened as the two groups slowed to a halt near the crossroads. The Valden entourage was larger, their carriages more ornate, their guards clad in polished armor that glinted in the sunlight. At the head of the group, astride a sleek black horse, was Leoray Valden.

Leoray's gaze swept over the Kirean party, his expression a mixture of curiosity and amusement. His sharp features had matured since the awakening ceremony, but the air of arrogance that surrounded him remained unchanged. As his eyes landed on Rui, his lips curved into a sly smile.

"Well, if it isn't the Kirean prodigy," Leoray said, his voice carrying easily over the distance. "I wondered if we'd cross paths on the way to the capital."

Rui stepped down from the carriage, his movements calm and deliberate. He met Leoray's gaze with a steady look, his silver eyes unyielding. "Leoray," he said evenly. "It's been a while."

"It has," Leoray replied, dismounting his horse with practiced ease. He approached Rui, the tension between them drawing the attention of both entourages. "I hear your reputation has only grown since the ceremony. A silver core, tempered and refined. Quite the feat."

"And your Amethyst Core still commands respect," Rui said, his tone neutral but firm. "I suppose we've both made progress."

Leoray chuckled, his eyes gleaming with challenge. "Progress, indeed. Though I must admit, I've been curious to see how far that tempering has taken you. Words only go so far, after all."

Before Rui could respond, a third voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. "Are you two going to posture all day, or do we get moving?"

Both boys turned to see Amara Velare stepping forward from the Valden party. Her crimson and black traveling robes were elegant yet practical, her presence as striking as Rui remembered. She crossed her arms, her sharp eyes moving between Rui and Leoray with thinly veiled impatience.

"Amara," Rui said, inclining his head in greeting. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Clearly," she replied, her tone laced with dry humor. "The capital has a way of drawing everyone together. Though I see some things haven't changed." She raised an eyebrow at Leoray. "Still looking for someone to measure up to?"

Leoray smirked but didn't rise to the bait. "It's not my fault the competition is so sparse."

Amara rolled her eyes before turning her attention back to Rui. "What about you, Kirean? Are you still trying to balance all that refinement with actual strength?"

Rui met her gaze evenly. "You'll find out soon enough."

The tension between the three was palpable, but it was broken by the sound of the captain clearing her throat. "We still have a journey ahead of us," she said firmly. "If you wish to settle old scores, I suggest you wait until we're not on an open road."

Leoray gave a mock bow, his smirk widening. "Wise advice, Captain. We'll save it for the Academy."

With that, the Valden party began to move again, their carriages and guards merging back onto the road. Rui watched them go, his mind churning with thoughts of the challenges that awaited in the capital.

"Do you think they'll be a problem?" Rui asked the captain as they resumed their own journey.

She glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Every rival is a potential ally or a potential threat. How they turn out depends as much on you as on them."

Rui nodded, her words settling into his thoughts. As the day stretched on and the capital drew closer, he couldn't shake the feeling that his path was about to cross with theirs in ways that would shape the future.