Godslayer's Legacy: THE PATH TO SUPREMACY

The morning sun bathed the Royal Academy in a soft golden light as the first day of Aetheris, the year 412, began. The campus buzzed with energy as students hurriedly made their way to various halls and courtyards, their voices blending into a lively hum that filled the air. It was the first day of the new month—a time when rankings reset, challenges were issued, and the Academy began its rigorous cycle anew.

Excitement buzzed through the air as students and faculty alike streamed toward the grand stadium, a colossal structure of marble and enchanted steel. Its towering walls were adorned with intricate carvings depicting legendary battles, and the banners of the Academy fluttered high above, proclaiming the event.

Today was the culmination of the trials. The top eight first-years, those who had outlasted and outperformed their peers, would face off in a series of one-on-one matches. For the audience, it was a spectacle. For the participants, it was a crucible. Tens of thousands of spectators cheered and shouted, their voices merging into a deafening roar. The final stage of the entrance trials was not just a competition; it was a spectacle—a declaration of strength and promise from the academy's youngest generation.

Rui stepped into the arena, the silver glow of his core faintly pulsing beneath his calm demeanor. His silver eyes scanning the vibrant crowd. Nobles, scholars, and even commoners who had managed to gain entry filled the stands. The top eight first-years stood alongside him, each radiating their own unique aura. These were no ordinary children; each one carried an air of danger, ambition, and raw potential.

Across the field, Amara Velare's crimson aura flickered like embers in a dying fire, dangerous and unpredictable. Leoray Valden adjusted his robes with measured grace, his amethyst core giving him a precision and refinement that few could match. Caelum Draven was a walking storm, his fiery presence daring anyone to underestimate him.

Beside them, Ilyra Lynthar stood quiet, her demeanor deceptively calm, though her sharp movements hinted at deadly precision. Vexen Draynal, with his towering frame and deep verdant energy, flexed his fists, ready to crush any who stood in his way. Lyric Evaris, her teal aura shifting like water, eyed her competitors with a calculating smile. Finally, Sivrin Halden, the smallest of the group, radiated a quiet intensity, his azure aura rippling with unspoken determination.

Rui's First Match: Sivrin Halden

The announcer's voice boomed across the stadium. "First match: Rui Kirean versus Sivrin Halden!"

Sivrin stepped forward, his lean frame taut with energy. His azure aura swirled around him, the promise of speed and agility evident in his every movement. He flashed a confident smirk, his blue eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"You've got power," Sivrin called, his voice carrying across the arena. "But let's see if you can catch me."

The signal to begin rang out, and Sivrin moved like a blur, his mana surging into his legs as he darted across the field. Rui remained still, his silver aura faint, his stance calm and balanced.

Sivrin's mana condensed into a shimmering blade in his hand. He lunged at Rui, the blade aimed directly for his side. Rui shifted his weight, sidestepping with precision, his movements enhanced by a subtle application of mana. The blade swiped through empty air.

Before Sivrin could recover, Rui moved. His body blurred as he closed the gap, mana surging into his limbs. His fist, glowing faintly with silver energy, struck Sivrin's chest with a controlled force. The impact sent Sivrin tumbling across the arena floor, his azure aura sputtering.

The crowd gasped at the sheer efficiency of the maneuver. Sivrin coughed, clutching his ribs as he struggled to rise. Rui didn't wait. He appeared before Sivrin in a flash, his movements too fast to track, and planted his foot firmly in the ground, sending a wave of force through the sand that knocked Sivrin back down.

Sivrin raised a hand in surrender, his breath labored. The match had lasted less than a minute.

Rui's Second Match: Lyric Evaris

The second match paired Rui against Lyric Evaris, a graceful fighter with a teal aura that rippled like water. She approached the center of the arena with a confident smile, her light-footed steps leaving faint impressions in the sand.

"I've seen your strength," Lyric said, her voice calm but firm. "But power alone isn't enough."

The signal sounded, and Lyric launched into motion. Her mana wove into intricate patterns, forming tendrils of energy that lashed out toward Rui. The attacks came from multiple angles, aiming to bind and overwhelm him.

Rui crouched slightly, his muscles tensing as mana surged through his body. The tendrils closed in, but Rui leapt into the air, his enhanced legs propelling him far above the arena floor. He twisted midair, avoiding the incoming attacks, and landed behind Lyric with barely a sound.

She spun around, her hands weaving a shield of teal energy, but Rui was already moving. He closed the gap, his palm glowing with silver mana as it struck the shield. The impact shattered the barrier with a sharp crack, and Lyric stumbled backward.

Rui didn't give her a chance to recover. His mana-enhanced speed brought him within striking range in an instant. With a sweeping kick, he knocked her legs out from under her. As Lyric hit the ground, Rui's hand hovered over her, glowing faintly as a warning.

"I yield," Lyric said, her voice steady despite her defeat. Rui extended a hand, helping her to her feet.

Rui's Semifinal Match: Caelum Draven

The semifinals saw Rui pitted against Caelum Draven, the fiery prodigy from the House of Embers. The crowd roared as Caelum entered the arena, his crimson aura crackling like flames around him.

"You've been dominating," Caelum said, his amber eyes blazing with determination. "Let's see how you handle someone who can fight back."

The signal rang out, and Caelum wasted no time. His mana surged into his legs as he closed the distance, his fists wreathed in flames. Rui blocked the first strike with his forearm, his silver aura absorbing the impact. The flames licked at his skin but didn't penetrate the dense layer of mana.

Caelum pressed the attack, each punch and kick carrying the weight of his fiery mana. Rui moved fluidly, dodging and blocking with precision. He didn't counter immediately, instead studying Caelum's movements, his eyes calm and calculating.

When Rui finally struck, it was with devastating efficiency. His fist, glowing with condensed silver mana, collided with Caelum's abdomen. The impact sent a shockwave through the arena, the sand beneath their feet rippling outward. Caelum staggered but didn't fall.

"You're strong," Rui said, his voice even. "But you rely too much on force."

Caelum growled, pouring more mana into his strikes. The flames grew hotter, but Rui met them head-on. His mana-enhanced strikes cut through the fire, each blow precise and unrelenting. Within moments, Caelum was on the ground, his crimson aura flickering weakly.

"I yield," Caelum said, his voice strained but respectful.