Godslayer's Legacy: THE PATH TO SUPREMACY

A week passed in quiet determination. The secluded estate became Rui's sanctuary, a place where distractions faded, and focus took over. Under Master Telsor's relentless guidance, his mana control improved by leaps and bounds. The once-noticeable fractures in his flow had all but disappeared, and his silver mana now pulsed with a smooth, resonant rhythm that spoke of refinement.

But while his mana control flourished, Rui couldn't ignore the limitations of his physical body. Every intense training session left his muscles screaming for relief, a reminder that, despite his progress, he was still only twelve years old. His strength and endurance lagged behind his mana capabilities—a weakness that gnawed at him.

The Morning Reflection

Rui stood shirtless in the estate's training grounds, the morning sun casting long shadows across his lean frame. His silver mana flared faintly as he went through his usual exercises, the movements precise and deliberate. But as he landed a final punch against the reinforced dummy, the lack of force behind it made him frown.

"Your mana is sharp, Rui," Telsor's voice rang out from the sidelines, his amber eyes observing him critically. "But your physique isn't keeping pace. Power isn't just about the flow of mana—it's about the vessel that wields it."

Rui exhaled sharply, lowering his fists. "I know. My body isn't strong enough."

Telsor nodded. "It will come with time, but you're at an age where growth is gradual. For now, you'll need to compensate with precision and strategy."

Rui wiped the sweat from his brow, his silver eyes thoughtful. "Or… I could find a way to accelerate it."

Telsor raised an eyebrow. "What are you planning?"

"I'm not sure yet," Rui admitted, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "But I'll figure something out."

Into the City

Later that day, Rui left the estate for the first time in a week, his destination the bustling city marketplace that lay just beyond the Academy grounds. The air was alive with energy, merchants calling out their wares, and the streets filled with the chatter of students, adventurers, and common folk.

Rui wandered through the maze of stalls, his silver eyes scanning the goods. He passed rows of weapons, stacks of enchanted trinkets, and vendors selling exotic herbs and tonics. One stall in particular caught his attention—a display of alchemical vials, each one glowing faintly with magical properties.

"Looking for something specific, young man?" the merchant asked, a wiry man with a sharp smile and a gleam in his eye.

Rui pointed to a vial filled with a golden liquid. "What's this?"

"Ah, a strength-enhancing serum," the merchant replied. "Temporarily boosts your physical capabilities, but the effects don't last long. Perfect for a quick burst of power."

Rui shook his head. "I'm looking for something permanent."

The merchant chuckled. "Aren't we all? You'd need a dedicated regimen of alchemical tonics and rigorous training for that. Expensive and time-consuming, but doable."

"Noted," Rui said, filing the information away. He continued his search, the idea of improving his physique driving him forward.

Seeking Guidance

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Rui found himself outside a small, unassuming building on the edge of the marketplace. A simple wooden sign above the door read, "Adventurer's Guild."

Inside, the air was filled with the faint scent of leather and wood polish. Adventurers of all kinds sat around tables, their conversations a mix of laughter and serious strategy. Rui approached the counter, where a grizzled older man sat, polishing a sword.

"You lost, kid?" the man asked, his tone gruff but not unkind.

"Not lost," Rui replied, meeting his gaze. "Looking for advice."

The man raised an eyebrow. "On what?"

"Getting stronger," Rui said simply. "Not just mana. My body needs to catch up."

The man let out a low chuckle. "Straight to the point, huh? Alright, here's some free advice: eat more, train harder, and don't overdo it. You're young. Growth takes time."

Rui frowned slightly. "Time isn't something I have a lot of and the problem ain't going to be fixed by growing"

"Then you'll have to cheat the system a little," the man said, leaning back in his chair. "Focus on the basics—strength, endurance, flexibility. There are plenty of ways to enhance your progress if you've got the right connections."

"Like alchemy?" Rui asked.

The man nodded. "Alchemy, specialized diets, enchanted weights. If you can afford it, there's no shortage of options."

By the time Rui returned to the estate, the stars were already beginning to dot the night sky. He stood in the courtyard, his thoughts racing as he considered his options.

"I need to get stronger," he muttered to himself, clenching his fists. "Not just mana. Everything."

He glanced at the scrolls stacked on his desk inside, his resolve hardening. Tomorrow, he would begin his search for a solution. Whether through alchemy, equipment, or something else entirely, he would find a way to build the strength he needed.

The estate hummed faintly in agreement, as though recognizing his determination.