Rui's journey through the forest continued in solitude, the days blending into one another as he moved closer to the coast. He didn't speak to anyone, and no one approached him. His thoughts were occupied with his mission, with the god's cryptic words, and the growing weight of his decision. Every step was one closer to the Central Continent, but every step was also a step away from everything he had known. His family, the life he had lived, the estate he had called home—they were all distant now, like a fading memory.
The path was long, but the journey felt much shorter when he allowed his mind to focus solely on the goal ahead. The fire that burned in his chest, the raw, untapped strength that surged through his veins—he was no longer the uncertain boy who had walked into the academy. He was becoming someone else, someone who could stand shoulder to shoulder with those like Fenrir. The Central Continent was a realm where power was king, and if he was to prove himself, he had to grow stronger—far stronger.
After days of travel through dense forests, across vast stretches of plains, Rui reached the edge of the coast. The sound of crashing waves greeted him, and the salty air was a welcome change. The shoreline stretched out before him, bathed in the golden light of the morning sun. He had reached the docks where Fenrir's ship would pick him up.
For a moment, Rui paused, letting the serenity of the scene wash over him. He stood at the edge of the world, where the land met the sea, and the vastness of the ocean before him mirrored the journey he had ahead. The horizon stretched endlessly, just as his path in the Central Continent would.
His silver eyes scanned the area, though there were no ships in sight yet. He sat down by the water's edge, letting the cool breeze ruffle his hair as he took a few deep breaths. It was strange, the quiet before everything changed. He was about to enter a new world, a place where he would be tested in ways he couldn't yet imagine.
The fire in his chest flickered, and Rui's mind wandered to the god's words again. "You were created for something far grander." What did that really mean? Was he just a tool in some game, or could he carve his own path, create his own destiny? The god had promised power, immortality, and a place among the divine. But those promises seemed hollow now. Rui had learned to rely on his own strength, and whatever the future held, he would face it with his own hands.
The sound of sails rustling in the wind broke his reverie, and he turned just in time to see the silhouette of a ship on the horizon. It was large, sleek, and powerful-looking—just like Fenrir had described. The ship cut through the water effortlessly, moving toward the docks with precision. Rui stood, brushing the sand off his clothes, and walked toward the pier.
As the ship docked, Rui could see Fenrir standing at the bow, his imposing figure visible even from a distance. Fenrir's expression was unreadable, his gaze fixed on Rui as the ship slowly came to a stop.
"Rui," Fenrir called out as he stepped off the ship and onto the dock, his voice as commanding as ever. "You've made it."
Rui nodded, though his voice was steady. "I'm here."
Fenrir gave a small nod, his eyes scanning the horizon before returning to Rui. "The journey to the Central Continent will take us a while, but it'll give you time to prepare. You've made the right decision. The next chapter of your training begins now."
Rui stepped onto the ship, the weight of Fenrir's words settling on him. The deck beneath his feet creaked as the ship began to pull away from the dock, the coastline gradually receding behind them. The vast expanse of the ocean stretched out before him, and the wind tugged at his clothes, carrying the scent of salt and adventure.
As they sailed across the open sea, Rui stood at the bow, watching the land fade into the distance. His thoughts were still clouded, but there was a strange clarity in the calmness of the ocean. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was moving forward, that he was heading toward something bigger than himself.
The journey to the Central Continent was just beginning, but Rui knew that everything from here on out would be different. His power would grow. His purpose would be revealed. And though the road ahead was uncertain, he would walk it with resolve.
And he would be ready.