Godslayer's Legacy: THE PATH TO SUPREMACY

The walk back to the estate was long and tense. Rui kept his focus inward, his sharpened senses amplifying every sound, every shift in the air. The faint hum of his aura, now more vibrant and volatile than ever, was a constant reminder of the power surging within him. Heren, walking a step behind, broke the silence with an exasperated sigh.

"You're quiet," Heren said. "Processing, or just ignoring me?"

"Both," Rui replied curtly, his silver eyes fixed ahead.

Heren snorted. "Figures. But you should listen to what that woman said. You might've walked out of there stronger, but you're not invincible. Not yet."

"I know," Rui said evenly. "That's why I'm heading back to train."

"Train?" Heren's tone was incredulous. "Boy, you just survived one of the most dangerous elixirs in existence, obliterated a mountain, and sent ripples strong enough to wake higher-ups we'd rather not deal with. You need rest."

"Rest won't make me stronger," Rui countered. "And stronger is the only thing that matters right now."

Heren muttered something under his breath but didn't argue further. He knew better than to try. Rui's resolve was a force in itself—unyielding, almost reckless, but undeniably effective.

The academy grounds were quiet as Rui and Heren approached the dormitory. The sprawling structure was a testament to the academy's prestige, its walls etched with faintly glowing runes that enhanced mana flow and provided protection. Rui's special dorm was set apart from the others, a secluded space designed for students whose talents set them above their peers.

As Rui opened the door, the familiar sight of his private quarters greeted him. The room was spacious and well-equipped, with shelves lined with books and a small training area to one side. Yet, it felt smaller now, as though the space could no longer contain the power surging within him.

Heren stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his sharp eyes studying Rui.

"So, what's the plan?" Heren asked. "You're not seriously thinking of training here like nothing happened."

"I don't have a choice," Rui replied, placing his satchel on the desk. "The academy's resources are still valuable."

"Valuable?" Heren scoffed. "You're practically bursting at the seams with power. What can this place possibly offer you?"

"Control," Rui said simply. He turned to face Heren, his silver eyes gleaming faintly in the dim light. "Power without control is nothing. If I can't stabilize what I've gained, it'll destroy me."

Heren's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained gruff. "At least you're not completely reckless."

The knock at the door was sharp and deliberate. Rui and Heren exchanged a glance before Rui moved to open it. Standing in the doorway was Headmaster Arlan, his amber eyes scrutinizing Rui with an intensity that made the young man pause.

"Headmaster," Rui said, bowing slightly.

"Rui," Arlan replied, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. His gaze shifted to Heren, his expression neutral but assessing. "I had a feeling you'd be involved."

Heren smirked. "I keep an eye on him when no one else will."

Arlan's attention returned to Rui, his eyes narrowing as he took in the faint glow of the boy's aura and the subtle changes in his demeanor. "It's been months since I last saw you, Rui. And yet, in that time, you've become… something else entirely."

"I've trained," Rui replied, his tone measured.

"Training doesn't account for this," Arlan said sharply. He stepped closer, his amber eyes locking onto Rui's silver ones. "Your aura is volatile, forced. Whatever you've done, it's pushed you far beyond natural limits. That kind of progression comes with risks—risks you clearly haven't accounted for."

Rui remained silent, his gaze steady but unreadable.

Arlan sighed, his tone softening. "You're stronger, yes. But strength isn't enough. If you don't stabilize your foundation, everything you've gained will collapse."

Rui crossed his arms, his silver eyes narrowing. "And how do you propose I do that? The academy's curriculum isn't exactly designed for this."

"Which is why you'll train under me," Arlan said, his tone firm. "In secret. We'll use the academy's resources, but your progress will be hidden from everyone else. The other instructors, the students—they don't need to know." as he also thinks about people from other lands.

Heren raised an eyebrow. "A bold move, Headmaster."

"It's the only way," Arlan replied, his gaze unwavering. "Rui's power is a double-edged sword. If he can't control it, it will destroy him—and possibly more."

Rui considered the offer for a moment before nodding. "Agreed."