9 Steps to Godhood

After noticing that Ryan had passed out cold, Rei instructed the other instructors to medicate him and let him rest for two days. He then ordered them to begin training Ryan as a new trainee after the two-day period. Turning to the audience, Rei addressed all the trainees who harbored fantasies of escaping:

"Listen well, all of you. This is a warning from the Viscount. The next time anyone is caught attempting to escape, they will be killed on the spot. Remember, you have all been poisoned. Do not think that escaping will grant you a good life. Without the antidote within three months, you will die. Only the Viscount possesses the antidote. Remain loyal to him, and perhaps one day he will grant you the permanent antidote."

Having delivered his message, Rei left the scene to report to the Viscount. Upon hearing the report, the Viscount responded sternly, "I do not want such mistakes to happen again. If another escape attempt occurs, not only will the student be killed, but the instructors present at the time will also face execution. If you value your lives, ensure this does not happen again."

With these chilling words, the Viscount left the tent, leaving behind an oppressive atmosphere. The instructors' faces darkened as they absorbed the severity of the situation. They resolved to teach Ryan a harsh lesson for his actions and then dispersed to their respective classes.

Meanwhile, Viscount Andrew departed the training ground, mounted his horse, and returned to his villa accompanied by his guards. Upon arriving at the entrance, a maid and the butler hurried to welcome him. The Viscount headed straight to his study, signaling the maid to leave. The butler, Leo, followed him into the study and closed the door behind them.

After a few moments of silence, the Viscount spoke, "Leo, should we truly involve ourselves in the kingdom's power struggles? We already know the third prince is likely to be elected as the new king."

Leo replied, "Sir, the third prince is backed by the new nobles, who advocate for the liberation of serfs and the centralization of fiefdom management. If we do not act now, our ancestral property will be taken from us. The Thunder God Church, which holds significant influence in this kingdom, has declared neutrality in this struggle. The churches of the Goddess of Light and the Goddess of Nature lack the power to interfere in the succession. We have no choice but to take a stance."

The Viscount hesitated, "But if we remain neutral, we might avoid the consequences."

Leo countered, "That is not possible, sir. If you remain neutral, the old nobles will shun you, and the new nobles will not accept you. Should the first prince become king, you will face severe difficulties. Even if the third prince wins, you will be seen as an enemy by both factions. We must choose a side."

Both men fell silent, contemplating the gravity of the situation.

The Viscount then asked, "Leo, how is the mage sent by the prince behaving?"

"Do not worry, sir. He knows his boundaries and does not interfere in official matters. He spends his time conducting experiments and studying. When he goes out for air, our guards accompany him, so we are aware of his activities. Even if he steps out of line, you are a third-rank Ultimate Knight, and with Captain Guard and myself as second-rank Official Knights, we can handle him without causing a disturbance."

"Be patient with him. He was once the first prince's man. Ensure his needs are met."

As Viscount Andrew and Leo continued their discussion, the next morning arrived. Ryan woke up in a hospital bed, his body aching and tightly bandaged. A doctor approached him and said, "The Viscount has shown you mercy by providing medicine and granting you a day of rest. Your training will begin tomorrow. The other students will inform you of the rules, show you the cafeteria, and explain everything you need to know." With that, the doctor left.

Shortly after, a shy-looking boy entered the ward and said, "You must be Ryan. Tough luck, man. You've made enemies of all the instructors and students. Because of you, the instructors have become stricter, and the death rate among trainees has increased. Don't expect me to be nice to you. I'll explain the rules, give you a tour, and answer any questions you have. After this, don't talk to me again. I don't want others to think I have anything to do with you."

With that, the boy led Ryan out of the ward. Despite the pain that made even movement difficult, Ryan gritted his teeth and followed. He knew this might be his only chance to learn the rules and navigate his new environment.