Cid sat in the comfort of his home, a spacious dwelling carved from enforced coral.
The interior was lit by glowing geodes and furnished with polished driftwood, a sign of the family's affluence.
His father, Lyth, a broad-shouldered man with long grey hair and black eyes, sat across from him.
To his right sat his mother, Nysarra, who managed the growing community of refugee Merfolks.
They had just finished a late-night celebratory meal. Pride lingered over Cid's extraordinary awakening.
"To our Cidelion!" his father had toasted with a bright smile, setting down his goblet.
"Cheers to my baby!" his mother added, her eyes shining.
Cid hid his pride as he raised his cup.
The conversation slowed down, until it was broken by a determined voice.
Tess set down her fork. Her baby-brown eyes held a flicker of resolve.
"I…" she whispered, then took a deep breath. "I will be leaving with you tomorrow."
Cid, who was contemplating the remaining dessert, looked up, surprised.
'Who pressured her? They need some talking too. '
"Tess, you don't need to do that. The Initial Posting is voluntary, and you're already busy enough helping my mother."
He knew she lacked his appetite for combat despite having awakened at a young age.
Tess shook her head, the light blue hair patterned with purple cascading over her shoulder.
Her next words, though timid, were firm.
"I know it's voluntary, and I know I don't have to go. But I want to. I want to fight with you, Cid. I… I won't lose!"
Nysarra seemed to understand Tess's wishes as she covered her mouth and whispered:
"Oh my sweetheart."
Lyth turned silent, knowing he was not fit to chime into this.
Cid was at a loss for words.
Most people didn't know the truth of this world. He didn't think his mother and Tess knew; his father might be aware though.
That they were pieces on a board ruled by Gods.
'But you're safer within the walls…'
Cid said in his heart, locking eyes with Tess's.
As much as he wanted to, he couldn't reject her.
Since his mother took her in five years ago, this was the first time she had asked for something.
"Fine," Cid said. "But make sure we're always together! Mother, you better tell her too!"
Nysarra stood and pulled Tess into a hug.
"Oh, my baby girl is growing. I see what you want and I fully support you!"
Lyth sighed, understanding Cid's choice.
"Young ones, since both of you will be departing together, I will be sharing wise words after dinner."
He revealed his usual bright smile.
"For now, let's enjoy ourselves!"
While Nyssara kept trying to make Tess hyper and Lyth sang a joyous song, Cid constantly chuckled at their antics.
Moments like this were his favorite.
And his worst.
Simply because they reminded him of the family he had lost.
…..
Early the next morning.
After riding sleek whales, the youths gathered with Anaissia and two warrior divisions.
Miss Irid and Sir Bel—an elderly man who appeared no older than a boy—were also present, accompanied by a small contingent of warriors to see the youths off.
They were in a dome of one the island closest to the waters of the merfolk kingdom.
Inside resembled an arena, with rows of people watching all the youths at the center, singing a tune as they usually do on such a day.
This was done to mislead outsiders.
Ignoring the "cheers" of the people, everyone gathered at the center paid attention to today's plans.
Miss Irid, having overlooked a majority of the children's growth, was responsible for being here on such occasions.
"Children, this is your induction as warriors of the Goddess," she began.
"As we have done for the past three years, you will be responsible for playing a part in the saving of our neighbours, the Merfolks, from dark forces.
"You need not be bothered. You merely need to follow the path our people have forged over the years.
"You will follow Lady Anaissia and Sir Marloc. You will be split into two groups now, answering each of them like you're a member of their division."
Madam Iris halted, letting her words sink in.
She didn't expect much questions as the children have been taught measures relating to this for the last year, but it was good to give them a moment to recollect themselves.
ds settle in, she continued.
"Esi and Cid, you guys will be the bridge between the groups and the division captains."
Esi, a figure Cid knew from the game but awakened a stronger Path now, remained stoic as she nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, attention turned to Cid as he remained silent.
Cid remained expressionless.
'Adins isn't present. The Sea-Elves will not be attacking now.'
This mirrored the early turns of the Proxy Wars he had played.
It was only after his first few turns that the Goddess instructed the elders to launch a direct attack on the Merfolk—delivered to Cid as an in-game notification.
Without the Goddess's intervention, the Sea Elves acted cautiously, avoiding involvement in the nearby conflict for far longer.
Although there were instances in the game where they attacked earlier due to his influence, Cid believed this hesitation generally slowed overall progress.
'Plan B, then.'
Of course, he prepared for such a situation.
'The goddess is less available compared to the game. Thank goodness, this is the strongest "build" I've had in all turns of this "game". This is enough to cover the gaps.'
After acting like he pondered the offer for a few seconds, Cid said to Madam Irid:
"I'm sorry. I can't do that."
"Why not, kid? The Elders and Lead Warriors believe you're capable, do you think them wrong?" Bel broke his silence.
Cid smiled—not at the question, but at Bel's involvement. Interacting with this man in the future will be easier now.
"I've spent most of my years apart from my peers. and I don't have the relationship that I can build my leadership on.
"I hope to use this opportunity to build such and even attempt to lead better when other opportunities arise."
Cid seemed to be speaking honestly, but he knew it was pointless. Bel was the best among the Sea Elves at mental warfare.
He knew Cid was just not interested in leading the Sea Elves right now because he had ulterior motives.
"No problem, then," Bel smiled, Cid sensing the insidiousness. "Regardless of the situation, we all hope for the best outcome."
'Mhm, could it be that he thinks the Goddess has bestowed me insight and guidance?'
Cid smiled, even his eyes curved slightly.
'Things will be less bumpier.'