Alex woke up with the uncomfortable certainty that something was wrong.
The house was quiet—too quiet—and yet the air around him felt heavy, as if someone powerful had already entered his personal space without permission. He barely had time to turn his head before the door to his room opened.
"Good morning."
That voice alone was enough to drain all the warmth from his blanket.
Alex cracked one eye open and immediately regretted it.
Cynthia stood at the doorway, dressed not in her usual long black coat but in simple training clothes—dark athletic wear that hugged her tall frame comfortably, built more for movement than intimidation. Her pale lemon-blonde hair was tied back loosely, though two thick locks still framed her face, and the black teardrop-shaped ornaments rested against her hair as always. Her sharp greyish-blue eyes carried a hint of amusement.
Alex stared at her for several seconds.
"…Why do you look like you're about to ruin my entire day?"
Cynthia tilted her head slightly. "Because I am."
Alex groaned and pulled the blanket over his head. "I'm still a child. I should be sleeping."
"Too late," she replied calmly. "Get dressed."
Alex peeked out again. "Why?"
"Training."
"…I knew letting you stay here was a mistake."
Cynthia smiled faintly. "You'll thank me later."
"I absolutely won't."
The morning air outside was cool and refreshing, sunlight barely spilling over the rooftops of the town. Cynthia stretched casually, her posture perfect, movements smooth and controlled. Alex copied her with far less enthusiasm, exaggerating every stretch in protest.
"So," Alex said while bending sideways, "is this the part where you pretend this is 'light training' and then secretly destroy me?"
Cynthia glanced at him. "No secrets involved."
"That's worse."
They began jogging at a slow pace along the quiet road. At first, Alex felt fine. He even had enough breath to glance sideways at her.
"You know," he said, "for someone who claims this is casual, you look unfairly relaxed."
"That's because I am relaxed."
"…I don't like you."
She chuckled softly.
A few minutes passed.
Then a few more.
Alex's steps became heavier, his breathing uneven. Cynthia, on the other hand, looked exactly the same.
"You're slowing down," she commented.
"I'm pacing myself," Alex replied, immediately stumbling.
Cynthia stopped near a tree and waited patiently.
Alex bent forward, hands on his knees. "If I collapse," he muttered between breaths, "you're explaining this to my mom."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow. "She approved."
Alex froze.
"…She what?"
"She said you needed physical conditioning."
Alex straightened slowly, staring at her in disbelief. "I trusted her."
A minute later, Alex collapsed flat onto the grass with dramatic flair.
"I've decided," he announced to the sky. "My body has betrayed me."
"Get up," Cynthia said calmly.
"My legs have resigned."
When he tried to stand, they trembled and nearly gave out.
Cynthia caught him easily.
"…I can't walk," Alex admitted quietly, face burning with embarrassment.
Cynthia sighed, then lifted him effortlessly.
Alex squinted at her. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Only a little," she admitted.
As she carried him home, Alex rested his head against her shoulder, too tired to protest anymore.
"This better make me stronger," he muttered.
"It will," she replied. "Eventually."
At breakfast, Alex sat slumped in his chair, glaring at his food.
"This is child cruelty," he said flatly.
Elara sipped her drink calmly, completely unbothered. "You needed it."
Alex stared at his mother. "You sided with her?"
"Of course," she replied gently. "Your powers place a strain on your body. This is for your safety."
Cynthia nodded. "See? I'm the responsible one."
Alex pointed weakly. "You're both terrible."
After resting, Alex finally headed to school.
Not long after class began, the door opened.
Cynthia stepped inside.
Even without her Champion coat, her presence alone silenced the room instantly.
"Good morning," she said politely.
The students stared.
Then recognition hit.
"That's—"
"Champion Cynthia?!"
The class erupted.
Miss Ave struggled to regain control as Cynthia raised a hand gently.
"Please remain seated."
Her calm voice cut through the noise immediately.
"I'm visiting today," Cynthia continued, "because my nephew studies here."
Every head snapped toward Alex.
Max stared. "Nephew?"
Bex leaned closer. "You didn't think this was important?"
Alex lowered his face onto his desk.
"I wanted a normal childhood."
Later, during free time, Alex went to the computer room to participate in the Joy Family Regional Quiz. He focused calmly, answering each question without hesitation.
When he emerged, Cynthia was waiting.
She took him out for lunch.
Ice cream followed.
Too much ice cream.
When Miss Ave announced that Alex had placed second, Cynthia ordered another round to celebrate.
By evening, Alex was sneezing nonstop.
At home, Elara scolded Cynthia lightly.
Cynthia listened calmly.
Alex curled up on the couch, exhausted but smiling.
It had been a very long day—and somehow, a good one.