Chapter thirteen: The Worth of a Student

The morning passed as every morning did—warm food, laughter, and play echoing through the house. It was almost too peaceful, until a knock sounded at the door.

Cid opened it to find Johny Hursen waiting outside, standing tall with nervous determination.

“Good morning, John,” Cid said calmly.

“You have an answer for me?” Johny asked without hesitation.

Cid studied him for a moment, then nodded. “I already have three students. Come at noon. I’ll test you. If you pass, I’ll train you as well.”

Relief washed over Johny’s face. “Thank you.” He bowed slightly and hurried back home.

Fenrona appeared at Cid’s side, slipping her arm around his waist. “That was him?”

“Yes,” Cid replied, closing the door.

“You sure you can trust him?” she asked quietly.

“No,” Cid admitted, hugging her back. “That’s why I’ll test him first.”

She leaned into him, her wolf-ears twitching with unease. “And you’re sure about this plan of yours?”

“What plan, love?” Cid asked, though he already knew.

“The one where you carry the burden of protecting not just us, but this entire kingdom.”

Cid kissed her forehead. “Yes. If I don’t, no one else will.”

“Then I want in,” she said, gripping his cloak.

“You’re certain?”

“If you’re certain, then so am I. Husband and wife—we do it together.”

A smile touched his lips. “I love you.”

“And I you,” she whispered, and their kiss was broken only by Adel’s small voice.

“Will you play with us, Papa? Mama?”

They laughed softly, joining the children on the floor. Hours passed in simple joy, until another knock stirred them again. Fenrona rose to answer it. Emily and Charls stood outside.

“Welcome,” Fenrona said warmly, pulling Emily into a hug.

“Hey,” Emily smiled shyly.

Cid embraced her briefly, then gestured toward the basement. “Come with me.”

Another knock—this time Johny again. Cid nodded at him. “So you decided to come. Good. Downstairs.”

“Mother,” Dalin tugged on Fenrona’s dress. “Can I come train too?”

“I want to as well!” Nyx called.

“Me too, Mama!” Adel added.

Fenrona smiled, brushing their hair. “Of course. Come, little wolves.”

Together they descended into the basement. The air smelled faintly of dust and wood oil, the space cleared for training.

“Johny,” Cid began, “as I said—you’ll be tested. Emily and Charls will duel first. You’ll face me.”

“Why do I fight the girl?” Johny frowned.

Cid smirked. “Because she’ll kick your ass.” He tossed them wooden swords. “For now, all of you will use blades, whether you like it or not.”

Fenrona raised her hand. “Ready? … Go!”

Emily lunged first, fast and aggressive. Johny stumbled back, barely blocking. He struck back clumsily, but Emily ducked aside and hurled a fireball. He dodged, but she was already upon him, sword flashing. He tried to counter with a shard of ice, but she ducked and swept his leg. He crashed to the ground.

“Stop,” Cid called. “I’ve seen enough. Charls—you’re next. Against me.”

Charls hesitated, gripping his sword. “You sure?”

“Yes. Don’t hold back.”

“You’re not taking a weapon?”

Cid shook his head. “I’m not here to fight. I’m here to watch you fight. Nyx—start us.”

“You two ready?” Nyx asked, eyes shining. “Go!”

Charls charged, swinging hard. But Cid was gone—vanished, then reappeared behind him. Again and again Charls spun, striking at empty air, while Cid’s calm voice taunted him.

“Come on. You can do better. Don’t be afraid. You won’t touch me like this.”

Frustration boiled over. Charls flung fire with his fists, but each strike missed. Finally Cid raised a hand. “Enough.” He handed Charls a cup of water.

The young ones gathered around. Cid looked each of them in the eye.

“Johny—you have good instincts, and you adapt fast. That’s rare. Yes, I’ll train you.”

Johny exhaled in relief.

“Emily—you stayed sharp, thought quickly, and your magic has improved. But your swordwork needs refinement.”

Emily nodded firmly.

“Charls—you know what you lack. Control. Patience. But your fists are strong. Hone that.”

He turned to Fenrona. “And you—you’ve already bonded well with Elga. That will carry you far.”

Finally, Cid addressed them all. “Now listen. The first lesson is simple—meditation. Feel your core. Let it fill you. Flow it through your body. Charls, your task is different—focus on holding your core. Imagine it, control it.”

The young ones sat, closed their eyes, and began. Hours passed. Sweat beaded their brows, and little by little, Cid saw it—the sparks of progress. Charls’ wild flames dimmed, his magic finally quieting into something steadier.

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It was only the beginning.

“Cid,” Emily whispered as the faint glow around her flickered in the basement. “What are those lights surrounding me?”

“They are magic particles,” Cid said, watching them drift like motes of dust in sunlight. “That’s enough for today. Tomorrow, I’ll explain more.”

They exchanged farewells, each student returning home. The basement fell silent, leaving only Cid and Fenrona standing there.

“Love,” Fenrona said softly, her hand brushing against his. “I spoke with Elga again.”

“And?” Cid asked, wrapping his arms around her.

“She told me something about you… she said you are more than a monster.”

His jaw tightened. “…Honey.”

But Fenrona placed a finger on his lips. “I know, my love. You promised me—you’ll only release that side of you if you truly must. I trust you.”

He closed his eyes, holding her close. “Come, we need sleep.” He lifted the little ones, carrying them upstairs.

In their room, Fenrona lay down and opened her arms. “Love… it has been a while since you slept on me.”

“You really want me to?” Cid asked with a faint smile.

“Come already, love. I’m tired.”

He laid his head against her chest, her warmth surrounding him. “I missed this soft body,” he murmured—and before long, sleep claimed him.

Fenrona chuckled quietly, brushing her fingers through his hair. “Every time,” she whispered with a smile, before drifting into sleep herself.

Morning came swiftly. The smell of food filled the house as Cid prepared breakfast. A knock broke the quiet rhythm.

“Good morning, kid,” Briks greeted as Cid opened the door.

“Good morning. What is it?” Cid asked.

“It’s time,” Briks said. “You’re to train Alpha.”

“Can it wait until after breakfast?” Cid asked.

“Will you join us?” Fenrona called from the stairs, Nyx in her arms.

“Hello, Uncle,” Nyx said, smiling brightly.

Briks laughed, stepping inside. “Why not?”

They all sat together at the table, the warmth of bread and eggs filling the air with a homely comfort. After the meal, Cid rose, fastening his cloak.

“Time to go,” he said.

Briks followed him out. Together, they walked through the quiet streets, toward the house where a girl named Alpha awaited—the next student under Cid’s shadow.

“That’s the place,” Briks said, stopping in front of a tall stone house. He clasped Cid’s shoulder. “I need to go, so… don’t be too tough on her, alright?” Without waiting for an answer, Briks turned and left.

Cid knocked.

“Who is it?” a man’s voice came from within.

“Cidolfus. Briks sent me to train Alpha,” Cid replied.

The door creaked open. A stern-faced man with streaks of gray in his beard studied him. “So, you’re the young man Briks spoke of.”

“Yes,” Cid answered.

“Good. Let’s not waste time. I am Formy Dorsten.”

From the kitchen, a sharp voice called out, “I am Alpha.” A girl stepped into view—long dark hair, sharp green eyes, and a scowl that matched her name. “You look my age. How are you supposed to train me?”

Cid’s expression didn’t change. “I can assure you, I’m stronger than most men you’ll ever know.”

Alpha crossed her arms. “Then duel me. First blood. If you win, I’ll accept you as my teacher.”

“Fine.”

“Outside, then.”

The Dorsten home opened into a yard where an old arena lay waiting, half-forgotten, weeds growing between cracked stones. Alpha strode to the center, drawing her blade with youthful confidence.

Cid pulled Clain free, the steel whispering.

“You know the rules?” Alpha asked, a hint of challenge in her voice.

“Yes.”

Formy raised a hand. “Ready… begin!”

Alpha exploded forward. Her strikes were quick, furious—steel clashing again and again. But Cid met each blow as though he were swatting at branches in the wind. His mind was calm, watching. She’s strong. She’s fast. But everything else…

Another strike came, and instead of blocking, he twisted his blade, deflecting her attack and driving forward. Alpha staggered, barely parrying.

“She’s lacking in swordsmanship,” Cid muttered, pressing her harder. His strikes rained down with terrifying rhythm until she lost footing. A swift kick sent her sliding across the stone.

Before she could recover, he was already there, his movement like a ghost. Fear flickered in her eyes.

“You claim you want to be S-rank or above… yet you lack control of both body and blade. You refuse to learn. I won’t waste my time on someone worthless.” He turned his back to her.

“It’s not over!” Alpha cried, forcing herself to stand. She raised her sword, flames bursting to life along the edge.

Cid’s eyes narrowed. “Strong magic too… and yet wasted.”

He lunged. A single strike—swift, precise—left a shallow cut across her arm. Alpha gasped, her sword falling as she dropped to her knees.

“Now it’s over,” Cid said flatly.

“Who are you?” Alpha asked, staring up at him, trembling.

“For you? No one,” Cid said, walking toward the door.

“Wait!” she shouted, desperation breaking her pride. “Don’t you want to train me?”

Cid’s voice was ice. “I despise prodigies like you. You think being born strong means you don’t need to train, don’t need to learn. Keep living like that—an arrogant, worthless prodigy.”

Her shoulders shook. She lowered her head. “…No. Please. Train me. I’ll do everything you say.”

He paused, glancing back over his shoulder. “Fine. But the moment I see you stop taking this seriously, I’ll walk away—and I won’t return.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“We’ll start tomorrow,” Cid said, sheathing Clain. “Today’s too late to begin.” And without another word, he left the Dorsten house, the weight of his judgment trailing behind him like a shadow.

On the way back home, Cid spotted Emily walking with a group of friends.

“Emily, isn’t that your lover?” Monic teased with a grin.

Emily froze. “Monic, call him my lover one more time and I’ll kill you,” she hissed, though her hand still waved cheerfully toward Cid.

“Who is he?” Glory asked, curiosity burning in her voice.

“My private teacher,” Emily replied curtly.

“He’s handsome,” Glory added.

“He’s married,” Emily shot back.

“Emy, when will you come today?” Cid asked as he approached.

“At noon,” she said.

“Will you stay for dinner this time?” Cid asked.

“Why not? What are you making?” Emily asked with a smile.

“We’ll see once I get to the store,” Cid replied. “Enjoy your time with your friends.”

As he walked off, Monic leaned close and whispered, “Emy… he’s more than just a teacher, isn’t he?”

“I’ll tell you later,” Emily whispered back.

Before noon, Emily pulled Monic aside. “Listen to me. Remember when I told you Briks took me in as his daughter?”

“Yes,” Monic said.

“My real name is Emily Lynvern. I’m originally from Moonlight. That man—Cid—is my older brother. He gave me to Briks to save me from the terror he endured.”

Monic blinked in shock, then slowly nodded. “So that’s why you’re always interested whenever new hunters arrive in the capital…”

“Can I meet him?” she asked.

“I don’t see why not. But you’ll have to watch me train,” Emily said.

“I don’t mind.”

On the way, they crossed paths with Charls.

“I see you’ve decided to bring friends now,” Charls remarked, raising an eyebrow.

“Hello, dear husband,” Monic said, stepping up to kiss him.

“You didn’t know I trained too?” Charls smirked. “If you lived with us, you’d know.”

They reached Cid’s house. When the door opened, Cid studied Monic for a moment before saying, “I see you brought a friend, Emy. Welcome.”

Fenrona appeared, holding Adel on her hip. “Hello, I’m Fenrona. Welcome to our home.”

“I’m Monic Dorin,” she said politely.

“Dorin? Then you must be Charls’ wife.” Cid nodded. “I see we’ll be having more guests for dinner.”

“I suppose you will,” Charls said with a faint smile.

“Come. Johny’s already here,” Cid said, leading them to the basement.

They gathered in the training hall. Cid stood before them, his expression calm but firm.

“From today onward, each week I’ll give you a new task. You’ll continue until you’ve mastered the basics. Emily—your sword skills are lacking. I’ll personally oversee that.”

“Yes, sir,” she replied, standing tall.

“Charls, Johny—you continue with your cores. Charls, keep imagining your core and holding it steady. Johny, let it flow through your whole body, from head to toe.”

The three began their exercises, sweat already forming as the minutes passed. Cid left them in Fenrona’s watchful eyes while he went upstairs. The scent of roasting meat soon drifted down into the basement. Hours later, he returned.

“That’s enough for today. Food is ready.”

They went upstairs, ate together, and shared laughter around the table. When the night deepened, Emily, Charls, Johny, and Monic departed.

Cid tucked the children into bed, then returned downstairs.

“Come, my love,” Fenrona called softly from the fireplace.

He joined her, sitting close.

“It’s nice, you know,” he murmured.

“What is?” she asked, resting her head against his shoulder.

“This peace.” He brushed a hand through her silver hair.

Fenrona smiled faintly. “Yes, my love. Let’s end our day like this.”

“I agree,” Cid whispered, kissing her head. Together they sat, watching the fire burn.

“Honey,” Cid said at last, only to realize Fenrona had already drifted asleep on his shoulder. He smiled faintly, lifted her into his arms, and carried her to bed. Soon, he lay beside her, surrendering to sleep as the last embers glowed in the hearth.