Godslayer's Legacy: THE PATH TO SUPREMACY

The heavy iron gates of the Royal Academy groaned open, revealing a sprawling courtyard that led to the imposing Hall of Resonance. Rui followed the steady flow of candidates, their finely crafted robes trailing over the polished stone walkway. Though his expression remained calm, his silver eyes flitted over the crowd, taking in every detail—the subtle postures of confidence, the murmurs of apprehension, and the faint flashes of mana that flickered unintentionally as some candidates struggled to control their nerves.

The crowd was herded into the Hall of Resonance, an awe-inspiring chamber filled with towering columns etched with glowing runes. The centerpiece was the Resonance Pillar, a crystalline obelisk that hummed faintly, the sound resonating deep within Rui's chest. Its surface shimmered with shifting patterns of light, reflecting the immense power it contained.

A stern-looking instructor in deep navy robes stepped forward, his voice amplified by a minor spell. "Welcome to the first trial of the Royal Academy. Here, the truth of your core will be laid bare for all to see. There are no second chances. Those who cannot meet the Academy's standard will be eliminated immediately."

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, the tension palpable. Rui glanced at his surroundings and caught glimpses of the candidates he had noticed earlier. Caelum Draven stood near the front, his arms crossed as he watched the Resonance Pillar with a faint smirk, as if daring it to challenge him. The girl from House Lynthar remained further back, her piercing blue eyes observing everything with a detached coolness.

The instructor raised a hand, silencing the whispers. "This test will determine the grade of your core. Those with Amber or lower will be dismissed. Step forward when your name is called. Place your hand upon the Resonance Pillar, and it will reveal your essence."

The first name was called, and a boy stepped forward, his shoulders squared despite the obvious tremor in his hands. He placed his palm against the cool surface of the pillar. For a moment, the chamber was silent. Then, a soft amber glow radiated from the pillar, its light weak and unsteady.

"Amber Core," the instructor announced, his tone flat. "Fail."

The boy's face crumpled, and he stepped away as two attendants gently escorted him out of the chamber. The crowd shifted uncomfortably, the reality of the stakes sinking in.

The next candidate was called, and then another. As the line moved, a spectrum of cores was revealed—Verdant, Azure, and even the occasional Teal, each met with varying degrees of approval or indifference. Those with Amber or lower cores were dismissed, their dreams of the Academy shattered before they had truly begun.

When Amara Velare was called, a ripple of anticipation spread through the crowd. She approached the pillar with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, her movements deliberate and precise. As her hand touched the crystal, a vibrant crimson light burst forth, illuminating the entire hall.

"Crimson Core," the instructor declared, his voice carrying a note of respect. "Pass."

Amara stepped back, her fiery aura lingering in the room like an unspoken challenge. Rui watched her return to the crowd, her expression calm but her eyes flickering with pride.

Next came Leoray Valden, whose name drew another wave of whispers. His amethyst-hued core glowed brilliantly, drawing gasps from the onlookers. Even the instructor hesitated for a moment before announcing, "Amethyst Core. Pass."

As more names were called, Rui's anticipation built steadily. He took note of the candidates before him, their strengths and weaknesses evident in their reactions to the pillar's light. Finally, his name rang out, clear and commanding.

"Rui Kirean."

The hall fell silent, the name enough to draw the attention of the room. Rui stepped forward, his silver eyes steady as he approached the pillar. He could feel the weight of a hundred gazes on his back, but his focus remained unshaken. With a deep breath, he placed his hand on the Resonance Pillar.

The effect was immediate. A faint hum rose from the crystal, growing in intensity until the entire hall seemed to vibrate with its resonance. A blinding silver light erupted from the pillar, its brilliance far surpassing anything that had come before. The light wasn't just bright—it was dense, almost tangible, pressing against the onlookers like a physical force.

The instructor staggered back, his normally composed expression giving way to shock. "This… this isn't possible," he muttered, barely audible over the rising hum of the pillar. The crystalline surface began to crack, fine fractures spiderwebbing outward as it struggled to contain the sheer potency of Rui's core.

Gasps and murmurs filled the hall as the candidates shielded their eyes from the intense light. Even Caelum and the girl from House Lynthar seemed momentarily unsettled, their confident expressions giving way to something akin to wariness.

The Resonance Pillar let out a sharp crack, the sound reverberating through the chamber. The instructor stepped forward quickly, his hand glowing with mana as he stabilized the pillar with a surge of energy. The silver light finally dimmed, leaving the room in stunned silence.

The instructor's voice, though shaken, rang out. "Silver Core. Pass."

The crowd erupted into whispers, the shock of the display rippling through the gathered nobles. Rui stepped back from the pillar, his expression calm but his mind racing. He could feel the weight of the moment, the implications of his awakening echoing in the reactions of those around him.

As Rui returned to his place among the candidates, he caught the gaze of Caelum Draven. The boy's amber eyes held a flicker of acknowledgment—perhaps respect, perhaps something more dangerous.

The first trial had ended, but the true challenges were only beginning.