Cindy (2)

I'd teach Reno to trust in himself, to believe he wasn't trapped by fate or by anyone else's definition of what he could become. That with the right effort and mindset, he could forge a future brighter than any evaluation could predict.

Surprisingly, I think I finally understand why that crafty professor enjoys teaching so much. It wasn't until after going through the whole recruitment mess that I truly realised what she was trying to show me all along.

There really is something rewarding about watching someone's face light up when they cast their first spell, or seeing a quiet kid come out of their shell after a little praise and encouragement. I probably wouldn't have noticed that if it weren't for meeting Reno.

If Professor Melinda ever found out I was taking on a disciple like this, she'd gloat for weeks. She wouldn't just throw a smug little party in the courtyard. Oh no, she'd print flyers and pass them out herself.

I can already see the headline: 'Breaking News: The Infamous Genius Hater Takes on an Apprentice!' And just like that, my arduously earned reputation? Destroyed. Not that I ever wanted it in the first place.

I wonder how Lilith would react if she knew I was seriously taking on an apprentice. She'd be extremely shocked, right? Probably say something like, 'You of all people took on an apprentice?'

I should call her and see. It's been forever since we last talked and I really miss her.

But wait… that's strange. No calls in over a week? She usually checks up on me every day without fail, especially when we're apart.

Something must've happened.

I frowned, opening my treasure bag and pulling out an azure orb. My fingers brushed the cold glass, and the white etchings flared to life. Thin lines twitched like veins under the surface, pulsing with a soft, blue heartbeat.

Mana surged from my palm, and the glyphs blinked awake, one after another, as if breathing for the first time.

Please be okay.

A sharp chime rang out, and a translucent menu flickered into view above the orb. Contacts was etched in black. I flicked my fingers through the air, swiping past my three contacts until I got to Lilith.

I poured more mana in. Frost leapt across the orb's surface like cracks in glass, sealing it in a skin of ice. The once-cerulean sphere turned milky and pale, trembling as though something inside it was clawing to get out.

Then, with a final jolt, it stilled. A familiar image reflected back at me. It was the image of a woman with short black hair, piercing blue eyes and an adorable smile. Her outfit was identical to mine, black tights and a purple cloak with a lilac dress.

It was my big sister – safe and sound.

"Hey sissy! Are you busy right now? I haven't called at a bad time, have I?" I breathed a sigh of relief, the anxiety from earlier melting away.

"Hi Cindy, no, I'm free! It's been so long—why haven't you called? Did you forget about me?" Lilith pouted, her voice carrying a playful hurt. "I've been trying to reach you for ages! Did you see my calls?"

Oh no. She had tried to reach me. And I'd seen the calls. I just... forgot. A knot twisted in my stomach.

"Uh, no? I didn't see them..."

"You didn't see any of them?" she asked, her voice gentler now, but edged with disbelief. The knot pulled tighter. "That stupid orb. It's faulty, isn't it?"

"Well..." I couldn't keep it up any longer, I couldn't lie to Lilith. "...sorry. I did see some of your calls, I just forgot to call you back." I gave a sheepish smile, the guilt nibbling away at me.

Lilith sighed. It was a soft, fond sound.

"Of course, Cindy," she said, shaking her head with a small smile. She folded her arms and studied me, her tone walking the line between teasing and real concern. "One of these days, you're going to realize how much I worry about you."

"Yeah. I know. I'm sorry sissy, I'll do better." After all, I know better than anyone just how much you worry about me.

"It's okay, Cindy. Really." She waved it off and that was that. But I still felt uneasy.

I knew she'd forgive me. She always has. Like that time we fought over mana crystals. Totally my fault, but she apologized first and let me keep them. She's just the type of big sister who always puts me first.

Of course I gave them back. We shared them, like we always do. Fighting with her just felt wrong. We haven't argued since and we never will. I'm just the type of little sister who never wants to let her down.

I exhaled deep, hoping for relief or something close to it. But the anxiety didn't leave. It swelled. Why do I feel so on edge like this? Mana flaring beneath my skin. Breath caught, like I was mid-spell. Ready for a fight I hadn't sensed coming.

And then I heard it, so faint I almost missed it. A low, rhythmic hum beneath her voice.

"Sissy, what's that noise in the background? It sounds like... drilling? Where are you right now?" I hurried to change the subject, hoping to both gloss over my slip-up and get to the crux of my unease.

"Oh that. I'm in the Exchange right now." She spoke casually, like she was talking about one of her new inventions.

"The Exchange!?"

The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

The Exchange. Where the abandoned wait. Fragmented spells. The mechanical howl of progress. Lustrous crystals gleaming with greed. The unrelenting screech of drills. Horrific beasts. The Black Tide. Our disgraceful escape.

And there she was, right in the core of it all. Seemingly unfazed.

"Why?" My rationality told me why she was there, but my heart told me otherwise. "Don't tell me... you're going back?" The words struggled out.

"Of course not." Lilith frowned. "Cindy, are you still hung up on that?"

"No. I mean... yes." I bit my tongue. "How are you not?"

Lilith let out a slow, heavy breath, like she'd been holding it in for years.

"I still am," she said. "Of course I am. Do you think I could ever forget?"

She paused, looking away for a moment before meeting my gaze again. "But we made a promise, remember? We'd only go back after graduating. And we're not there yet."

"Yeah," I nodded. "We did promise each other."

"I'm in the Exchange," she added, "But not because I want to go back. I'm here for something else."

"Okay," I said. "I trust you."

Her voice shifted. It was steadier now and full of resolve. It was her big-sister voice. "Cindy, I know you hate when I say this, but we need to return eventually. We have to face them at some point."

Her eyes locked onto mine - she was determined. I looked away.

"But sis—

"I know, Cindy. I know. I don't like the thought of going back there either." She drew a breath. "But we must. For Elaina's sake."

Her name hung in the air, cold and heavy. A bitter reminder.

We stared at each other through the glow of the wintry orb. The silence was heavy with the words we never said.

Wait for us, Elaina.

"Sorry for bringing it up," I murmured. "Ugh, I want a hug."

Lilith's expression softened. "You're older now, but you really haven't changed much. Still my childish little sister. Want me to read you a bedtime story too?"

"Hmph. Stop teasing me." I pouted, arms crossed in fake frustration, not that it fooled either of us.

"Pfft."

We both laughed and for a moment, just a moment, the weight of everything lifted.

"So," I said, leaning in, "Why are you down there then? I want the real reason." I trusted Lilith. If there was anyone in the world I could trust no matter what – it was her. I think I'd pieced together why she was there but I wanted to hear it from her directly.

She smirked. "I thought you'd never ask. You remember the school festival project, right? The one coming up for both of us?"

"Ah of course! That's part of why I'm exploring the outer ring. Right, that makes sense. Are you cooking up some new invention?"

Her smile widened. "Bingo! I'm thinking of making a self-conducting, perpetual motion train." With that the final traces of doubt I had vanished. It was just like I thought. She was trying to build something crazy again.

"A train?" I blinked, confused.

"Yeah, the kind the exchange used to haul ores and supplies. You know, the big metal ones we saw when we were younger? I'm thinking of making it self-driving, with no need for a conductor. Plus, it'll build its own tracks while it moves." She paused for effect, eyes sparkling. "It'll need a mana core to power it, obviously."

"Wait," I interrupted, "So you want to make a train that moves forever, builds its own tracks, and doesn't need anyone driving it? And you think that's... normal?" I leaned back, incredulous.

As absurd as it sounds, this was classic Lilith. She's always been a genius, one of the few I actually like. Back when we were kids, she was already building weird little gadgets while I was just trying to blow stuff up.

That time we fought over mana crystals? It was because I wanted to use them as mana reserves, but instead she wanted to turn them into some... thing. I don't even remember what. Probably something that sprouted legs and walked off.

Of course I'm kidding—sort of. Truth is, I couldn't forget any of Lilith's inventions even if I wanted to. Especially not the ones that blew up in our faces.

But if we don't count those awkward prototypes, then her first real invention ended up saving our lives. Even now, I get chills just thinking about what would've happened if it hadn't worked. Honestly, she should remake that crystal canon.

"Whether it's normal or not I don't know." she shrugged, unbothered. "I've had this idea for a while now, ever since we travelled through the mines that day."

I laughed. "Oh yeah, I remember now. The noise, the steam, and you nerding out over the gears and wheels. I vaguely remember you saying you wanted to make something like it that day too. But do you really need this 'infinite train' for your project?"

"Absolutely. The train is pretty much my entire project." Lilith said, "And to make it I need specialized ores. That's why I'm down here to look for the materials I can't find at the academy."

I nodded along. "Makes sense. The Exchange does have a ton of rare ores." I paused before continuing. "However, the Exchange is also incredibly dangerous."

"I know but that's not so much the case in the trading areas. We're stronger than we were back then. We can easily defend ourselves in the Exchange now." I hoped she was right.

"I came down here looking for fifteen rare ores. I've already found nine of them and just need six more. Specifically: Kent, Aerostone, Sunfire, Hollowed, Aether, and Bramble."

"Some of those are pretty common, especially around the outskirts," I said, rubbing my chin. "I can get you some Kent and Aerostone. I heard they're fairly common in the neighbouring regions."

"Really? That'd be a huge help! Given Aerokent alloy's extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio, it's the optimal choice for the wheels. Durable enough to bear the train's mass and resilient enough to minimize frictional degradation over time."

"Yeah, sure, whatever." I waved her off. "But you do know the outskirts have most of what you need, right?"

She nodded. "I know, but the exchange has the most variety. It seemed like the best place to start. If I don't find them here, I'm sure there's a way to get them on the surface."

I sighed. "Well, with your reputation as a famous inventor, you could have probably gotten these ores without leaving the academy. You wouldn't have to risk your safety at all."

"True but collecting the materials yourself is part of the fun as an inventor! When you get to see how different ores form in various conditions and their unique local uses. It makes the creative process feel more... natural."

Ah I forgot she had this hobby.

"You just wanted to see all the weird stuff in the Exchange, didn't you?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Guilty as charged. The mechanics down here really know their stuff. Their railway transportation system is genius - and don't get me started on their puppets and golems!"

"Pfft! That's just typical." I said raising a hand to my face in resignation. "Alright. how much Kent and Aerostone ore do you need?"

"About thirteen tonnes of each."

"..."

"Is that too little? Yeah, you're right, go for twenty instead then Cindy."

"I'm pretty sure no one can beat you when it comes to gathering resources."

"Why thanks, every good inventor needs their tools," she grinned.

I hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Hey, sissy... since I'm helping you with your project..."

"Mhm."

"You know how I don't have a project yet?" For some reason I was getting kinda nervous.

"Yes, Cindy. And?"

"Well, you know. Can you let me be part of your project?" There, I said it.

Lilith sighed but didn't miss a beat. "You know I won't say no to you Cindy. But, you really need to start doing some assignments yourself. Because we both know you won't help me build it."

I scratched the back of my head while smiling. We both knew she was probably right about that.

"For now, just keep looking for something unique you can do. If you don't find anything you can tag along with my project, okay?" She reassured me.

"Okay! Thanks sissy!" I could always rely on Lilith.

"But Professor Melinda won't be too happy when she finds out you're leaching off my school festival project. She has high expectations of you."

"Professor Melinda, huh? Don't worry about her, big sis. If she's got something to say I'll just beat her up again!"

"Oh yeah? The same way you did last time, right?" Lilith chuckled, amused.

Ouch, right where it hurts.

"Hmph, I was holding back last time. I'll win the rematch next year." She wouldn't have had a chance if it wasn't a water duel. At least that's what I told myself. Even still, next year I'd probably challenge her to a water duel again. I don't think my pride would let me do otherwise.

"Oh Cindy... I don't think you were the only one holding back."

"..."

She might've had a point.

"Too soon?" Lilith asked.

"Too soon." I sighed.

Lilith laughed, then stretched slowly. Her voice grew relaxed. I could tell we both missed talking to each other like this – even though it'd only been a week since we last spoke. It'd been a week too long for us.

"Anyways speaking of Professor Melinda how is your recruitment assignment going?"

"Oh boy. Where do I even start?" I mused. "I've recruited about forty-five more people since we last spoke."

"Wait, forty-five? So, adding onto the seventy people you've already recruited that's one hundred and fifteen! Cindy that's insane!"

I smiled ruefully. It was satisfying being complimented by Lilith.

"I remember in the first week you barely managed to recruit ten people. Back then you'd complain about how hard it was and now look. You 're really taking this assignment awfully seriously."

"Naturally. It's my punishment for losing the duel. So, I'm giving it everything I've got. It's only fair."

I paused. Something tugged at me. Right. The whole reason I called in the first place.

"Oh! That's right, I almost forgot to tell you."

"Hm?"

"I was so caught up rambling about the Exchange and the festival... but this is important." I took a breath. *

"So, what is it you wanted to tell me?"

"I took on an apprentice."

There was a beat of silence.*

"...WHAT!?"

Yeah, that was about the reaction I expected.

"Yup." I smiled smugly. "Also, I gave him one of those coupled books you made."

"No way. The infamous Genius Hater took on a disciple? Did Professor Melinda make that part of the assignment too?"

"Nope. I chose this."

"I'm honestly impressed. Has the Professor heard? She'd be thrilled you finally managed to cure yourself of your genius allergy."

"No, I still hate them. Unfortunately for Professor Melinda and her dreams of making me the Headteacher at the academy." I leaned against a nearby tree, staring at a shadow on the floor. My shadow. "Geniuses are nothing but trouble. I've always said that – and I really meant it."

"Ah, there she is. That's the Genius Hater I know."

"But," I hesitated. I couldn't believe I was about to say this.

"...But?"

"But maybe I was wrong."

Lilith paused, her eyes widening in surprise as if she doubted her ears.

"Maybe they're not all entitled, arrogant and impossible to handle. Maybe I've just been lumping the wrong people into the same box. After meeting so many of these kids, hearing their stories, watching them struggle in their own ways, I've started to rethink things."

There was no reply. I continued.

"I think I've changed."

The air shifted on her end of the call. No teasing. No smirks. Only... sobs?

"…Sissy, are you crying?"

Tears streamed down Lilith's face, but she quickly wiped them away. A choked breath. Then came a familiar voice, softer than usual.*

"I'm not crying," she sniffled. "I'm just... happy for you." Her tears had been wiped away now and all that remained was a blossoming smile.

"You haven't changed Cindy, you've grown."

I stopped and reflected. I've grown, huh? Honestly, I'm not sure. But if anyone would know, it's Lilith.

"…Perhaps. But don't get me wrong most geniuses are still incredibly annoying."

"There it is." She laughed. "But seriously, why the change of heart? Was it the apprentice?"

"Yeah. I believe so. It's all because I met him."

"Oho? What kind of prodigy caught the eye of the Genius Hater? You've got high standards."

"Kinda I guess."

"You mentioned that kid who was too scared to cast a spell last time we talked. The one with the quadra element affinity. Is it him?"

"Nope not Chovey."

"Then is it that explosive girl who set her pre-scouts centre on fire?"

"Not Tiffany either."

"Don't tell me you met someone with the legendary quintuple element affinity? That's practically a myth even back home."

"Obviously not."

I exhaled slowly, remembering our brief encounter. The warmth of my earlier sarcasm faded into something quieter. Realer.

"His name is Reno. He's five. Already knows how to cast Fireball and Waterbomb. His reaction time and battle senses are quite insane too. But that's not what stood out the most."

"Continue."

"He reminded me of us when we were younger. That's what stood out to me the most."

"Oh? He also has no parents?"

"Sis, that's not what I meant."

"He has a twin sibling as well?"

"Sissy that's not what I meant either."

"So then he's a triplet?"

"Now you're just being ridiculous."

"Then what did you mean?"

A pause.

"His striking blue eyes, his lack of confidence and his uncertainty. He reminded me of you, sissy. When you were younger."

"Hmmm, is that why you made him your disciple?"

"Well that's part of it but not the full story." I scratched the back of my head.

"Then why else?"

I let the silence stretch. She deserved the whole truth—not just the words, but the weight behind them.

"He has a weak grey soul. No elemental affinities. An inferior mana pool. No signs of talent."

"Ahhhh." Lilith let out a big sigh, realisation dawning on her quickly.

"That's right. It's exactly as you think. He has the same evaluation we had." That was the biggest reason I felt compelled to guide him. I'd make sure he didn't go through what we did back then.

"So that's why."

"Yep."

"You want to teach him there's a way don't you. You don't want him to be abandoned and feel hopeless like we did."

"Exactly." I didn't want to see history repeating itself. Not that kind of cursed cycle anyways.

"Interesting. Then I'll support you, Cindy. You're doing something amazing here. As your big sister, I couldn't be more proud. If you collect the materials, I could even help make some training tools for him."

"Wow, thanks sissy! You're the best. I love you!" I knew it. Compliments from Lilith really were the best.

"I love you too, Cindy."

We shared a quiet moment. Just for a second, it felt like all three of us were back at the Ashveil mansion—running through the garden, laughing like nothing could touch us. Just for a second.

"What was the name of your apprentice again?"

"Reno."

"I see, Reno is it? I'll remember that name."

I smiled.

"But don't think I forgot about you giving away my unique invention for free like it's some kind of candy. Do you know how much a coupled book sells for? I'll tell you, it's a lot! I'll let it slide this time. Hmph." Lilith scolded.

Yeah, my bad sis.

***

"By the way teach, did you really mean it when you said you'd teach me that Emperor Tier water spell?" I asked slightly nervous. I knew what was coming anytime I asked Melinda anything earnestly.

"So now that I've taught you a lesson you finally want to learn from me again huh, ahahahaha!" Professor Melinda gloated, clearly ignoring my vulnerability.

Ugh, this is why she can be so frustrating.

"So you lied? I knew I couldn't trust any promise a sly professor like you makes. Hmph."

She stopped laughing, her tone serious now.

"I wasn't lying. I promise I'll teach you it."

"Really!?" My eyes lit up.

"Mhm. As soon as you agree to become my successor."

"You scammer professor."

"Ahahahaha! How about this," she proposed, "After our rematch, regardless of the result, I'll teach you. I can't have you using it against me now can I."

"Fine. What's the catch?" I probed. There was always a catch with Professor Melinda.

"You have to stop skipping classes."

"..."

The catch was worse than I expected.

"Come on, you get to learn an Emperor Tier spell just for coming to some classes and not only that it's my own original spell, you literally can't learn it from anyone else in the entire world! And you're still complaining?"

"... Teach, you're the worst." I grumbled.

"I love you too, Cindy."