Godslayer's Legacy: THE PATH TO SUPREMACY

The next morning, Rui woke with purpose burning in his chest. The memory of the grizzled adventurer's advice echoed in his mind. "Focus on the basics—strength, endurance, flexibility. There are plenty of ways to enhance your progress if you've got the right connections." He had the resolve, the resources, and now, a plan.

Seeking "Alchemical" Aid

Rui returned to the bustling marketplace, his silver eyes scanning the stalls with renewed intent. He approached the alchemist's booth he had visited the day before, the merchant greeting him with the same sharp smile.

"Back so soon, young man?" the merchant asked. "Changed your mind about that serum?"

"I need something more than a temporary boost," Rui replied, his tone firm. "A regimen—alchemy that can help me build a stronger foundation."

The merchant's smile widened, his eyes gleaming. "Ah, you're serious about this. In that case, I can offer you a blend of enhancers. Muscle tonics, endurance drafts, and a mana-stabilizing brew to ensure your body and aura remain balanced. It won't be cheap, though."

Rui nodded. "Price isn't an issue."

The merchant chuckled. "Spoken like a true prodigy haha. Come back this evening. I'll have the preparations ready for you."

While waiting for the alchemist's preparations, Rui returned to the Adventurer's Guild. The grizzled man from the day before greeted him with a raised eyebrow.

"Back again?" the man asked, setting down the blade he was polishing.

"Yeah," Rui said, leaning against the counter. "You mentioned enchanted weights yesterday. Where would I find those?"

The man scratched his chin. "You're not wasting time, are you? Good. There's a smith in the east quarter who specializes in that kind of gear. Tell her Jack sent you, and she'll give you a decent deal."

Rui nodded his thanks, already heading for the door.

"Hey, kid," Jack called after him. Rui stopped, glancing back. "The gear can only take you so far. Don't forget the grit."

Rui smirked faintly. "I won't."

The Smith's Workshop

The east quarter was quieter than the marketplace, the sound of hammers striking metal echoing through the narrow streets. Rui followed the directions Jack had given him, eventually finding himself in front of a small forge. The sign above the door read, "Kara's Forge – Precision and Power."

Inside, the heat was immediate, the air thick with the scent of molten metal. A tall woman with broad shoulders and soot-streaked arms stood behind the counter, her sharp eyes scrutinizing Rui as he entered.

"Let me guess," she said, crossing her arms. "Jack sent you."

"Yeah," Rui replied, stepping forward. "I'm looking for enchanted weights. Something to help me build strength faster."

Kara nodded slowly, studying him. "You're young, but I can see the fire in you. Alright, I've got a set that might work. Adjustable enchantments—start light and gradually increase the resistance as you grow stronger."

She led Rui to a back room, where racks of equipment gleamed faintly under the glow of mana-infused runes. Kara picked up a set of wrist and ankle weights, handing them to Rui. He felt the faint hum of magic in the metal, its energy faint but steady.

"These are reinforced for mana users," she explained. "They'll adapt to your aura and increase the strain evenly across your body. But don't overdo it, kid. You push too hard, and you'll end up doing more harm than good."

"I'll be careful," Rui assured her, slipping the weights into his pack. "Thanks."

Kara smirked. "Don't thank me yet. Let's see if you can handle them first."

By the time Rui returned to the estate, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the courtyard. The alchemist's delivery had arrived while he was away—a neatly packed crate of vials labeled with instructions for use. Rui set them on his desk, organizing them alongside the enchanted weights.

That evening, he stood in the courtyard, the weights strapped to his wrists and ankles, his silver aura flickering faintly as he tested their resistance. The strain was immediate, his muscles protesting the added burden, but Rui gritted his teeth and pushed forward.

With each movement, each punch and kick, he felt the balance of mana and physical effort begin to sync. The alchemist's tonics pulsed in his system, enhancing recovery and aiding muscle growth.

"This is just the start," Rui muttered, his silver eyes gleaming with determination. He struck the air with renewed vigor, the weights amplifying the strain but also the progress.

As the night deepened, the faint hum of the estate's mana field seemed to resonate with his efforts, acknowledging his resolve. Rui's path was clear, and this time, he wouldn't stop until his body matched his mana.

The stars above shone brightly, bearing silent witness to the prodigy's next chapter.