Godslayer's Legacy: THE PATH TO SUPREMACY

Rui's trembling hand reached for his communication crystal, the weight of his decision pressing heavily on him. The name he spoke into the crystal carried both desperation and resolve.

"Master Heren," Rui said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. The crystal shimmered for a moment before a gruff voice responded.

"Who calls upon me at this hour?" Heren's tone was sharp, his patience clearly worn thin.

"This is Rui of the Kirean Estate. I have need of your expertise," Rui replied firmly. He wasted no time explaining his predicament, detailing his struggles during training, the overwhelming imbalance between his mana and aura, and his decision to pursue the soul-tempering elixir.

Heren was silent for a moment. Then, with a sigh, he said, "You seek a tool for fools and the desperate. The soul-tempering elixir is no simple remedy, boy."

"Desperation is a fine motivator, Master Heren," Rui countered. "I'm willing to pay whatever price is necessary."

"Do you have any reason for this? You're plenty strong as you are now. What could possibly compel you to push further?" Heren asked.

Rui's gaze hardened, his tone unwavering. "Strength is never enough, Master Heren. The moment you believe you're strong enough is the moment someone stronger comes along to prove you wrong. I've seen the limits of where I stand now, and they're not enough for the path I'm walking."

He hesitated briefly before continuing. "There are forces in this world that won't wait for me to grow at my own pace. If I don't take this step now, I'll fall behind. And I won't let that happen."

Heren's voice grew quieter, the weight of his words cutting through the silence. "You speak with the conviction of someone who understands what lies ahead. Very well, Rui of the Kirean Estate. I will assist you. But heed my warning: once you embark on this path, there is no turning back. The elixir will strip you bare, body and soul. It will expose every weakness, every flaw, and magnify them a hundredfold. If you falter, you will die—or worse."

"I understand," Rui said, his tone resolute.

Heren sighed, his gruff demeanor softening slightly, though his words remained stern. "Meet me at the forest's edge outside the capital at dawn. Bring nothing but yourself, your resolve, and your will to survive. You'll need all three."

The Meeting

The arrangement was swift. By the time dawn broke, Rui had arrived at the clearing. The soft glow of a lantern illuminated the space, casting long shadows across the dense trees. He stood still, his breathing steady, his mind sharp despite the storm of thoughts swirling within.

Moments later, Heren emerged from the shadows. The alchemist was older than Rui had imagined, his wiry frame wrapped in robes that billowed slightly in the morning breeze. His piercing eyes appraised Rui with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"You don't strike me as the reckless type," Heren began, stepping forward. "So why pursue something this dangerous?"

Rui didn't hesitate. "Because I've hit a wall. If I stay where I am, I'll never reach the level I need."

Heren studied him carefully, his gaze lingering as if searching for cracks in Rui's resolve. Then he nodded, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Very well. But understand this—the elixir is not a shortcut. It's a gamble. Half who take it die, and most of the survivors are left broken. Do you still wish to proceed?"

"I understand the risks," Rui replied evenly.

Heren's smirk widened slightly, though his tone remained serious. "Do you? I suppose we'll find out."

The Elixir

From his satchel, Heren produced a small vial. The liquid inside shimmered with an otherworldly blend of violet and gold, swirling like a storm contained within glass. It radiated an energy that seemed almost alive, sending faint ripples through the air.

"This is it," Heren said. "The soul-tempering elixir. It's stronger than any version you've heard of before—one specifically crafted for cases like yours. But its power comes with a price."

He handed Rui a leather-bound manual, the pages worn but meticulously detailed. "This contains everything you need to know. Four months of seclusion, minimum. The elixir will sustain you through the process, but the pain will push you to your limits—and far beyond."

"Four months?" Rui echoed, nodding thoughtfully. "That's fine. But… could you inform the headmaster and the estate about this?"

Heren chuckled softly. "Worrying about trivials matter at a time like this? You're an interesting one. Don't worry, I got that sorted" 

He paused, his expression growing more somber. "Listen carefully, boy. The elixir will feel like it's tearing your soul apart. Every weakness, every flaw, will be exposed. If you lose focus for even a moment, it could mean your end. Are you truly prepared for that?"

Rui's silver eyes gleamed with determination. "I am."

Heren nodded, handing him the vial. "Then take it and go. Follow the instructions in the manual to the letter. You'll either return stronger—or not at all."