Luther, the patriarch of the Muse family, observed as Eustace presented the dragon teeth to Cedric. His eyes gleamed with a sense of camaraderie, and a warm smile played on his lips. Inspired by the moment, Luther, too, decided to share a piece of his own history, reaching into his storage ring to retrieve a bone, a fang of profound significance.
The fang, curved and black, held an aura of ancient power. Its very presence resonated with a history that surpassed the boundaries of time. As Luther handed the fang to Cedric, even Sandra, his wife, displayed a mix of shock and concern. Her voice, gentle yet cautious, interrupted the moment. "Honey, are you really sure you want to give this?"
Sandra's gaze shifted from Luther to Cedric, her concern evident. She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "It's not that I don't want to give you that, darling, but its history is a bit dark." Sandra took a breath, her eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and caution. "There was once a millennium White Tiger, one of the strongest beings alive at that time. However, its mate was not as strong, and many coveted the fangs of the White Tiger for their purportedly unparalleled strength."
As she recounted this tale, a somber tone entered Sandra's voice. "Seizing the opportunity of its mate's absence, people killed the White Tiger's companion, pushing it into a dark path. The once divine beast transformed into a demonic entity, driven by grief and rage. It became a threat that needed to be eliminated."
Sandra's gaze remained fixed on Cedric, a weight of responsibility evident in her expression. "One of the ancestors of the Muse family, along with the Pope of that era, led a crusade to eradicate the corrupted White Tiger. The fang you hold is a relic from that once-divine being, now tainted by the shadow of its past. Even though much time has passed, the echoes of its malevolence might linger."
The revelation added a layer of complexity to the fang's significance. As Cedric held this artifact, the weight of history pressed upon his shoulders, linking him to a tale of tragedy and redemption that transcended generations. The familial gathering, now immersed in stories both mythical and real, became a nexus where the past and present intertwined, shaping the legacy of the Northstar family.
Rebecca, perceiving her mother's hesitation regarding the dark history of the fang, stepped forward with a determined expression. "I will safeguard the fang for now until I deem that Cedric is strong enough to defeat the lingering spirit inside. We must ensure that he can handle its power responsibly."
Her words carried a sense of authority, and she carefully took the fang from Cedric, promising to protect it until the time was right. Cedric, though temporarily separated from the artifact, was content knowing that his family prioritized his well-being over immediate possession of the potent relic.
With the evening's events settling, Alan, Cedric, and their maid retired to their rooms for the night. The adults, however, lingered in the dining room, engaged in discussions that would shape Cedric's future. Eustace, the patriarch, redirected the conversation toward a crucial aspect of Cedric's development.
"Now, I know that you guys love Cedric," Eustace began, casting a glance at Rebecca and Andrew, "but you might not be able to nurture him to his full potential while staying within the Northstar territory. Swordsmanship is just one facet of his trait. To unlock his complete potential, he needs training in various aspects."
Eustace emphasized the importance of a well-rounded education for Cedric, acknowledging that the Northstar territory, while rich in resources, might not offer the diversity needed to hone all facets of his Martial Saint trait. Andrew and Rebecca listened attentively, recognizing the wisdom in Eustace's words.
"Alan is fine with the training and manuals available here. He will likely reach at least Silver 1 before going to the Caliope Academy at 8 years old, considering he's already at Bronze 1 at just 6," Eustace continued, shifting the focus toward Alan's progress.
The conversation delved into strategic planning for Cedric's education and training, taking into account the broader scope of his potential. As the night unfolded, the Northstar family grappled with decisions that would chart the course of Cedric's journey, balancing tradition with the need for external influences to unlock the full extent of his unique Martial Saint trait.
After a lengthy discussion, the family arrived at a significant decision concerning Cedric's future. Eustace, recognizing the need for a diverse and expansive environment to nurture Cedric's potential fully, resolved to create such a setting. He made the decision to contact some of his influential friends who could contribute to Cedric's comprehensive training.
In the meantime, Eustace decided to stay within the Northstar estate to personally guide Cedric in the refinement of his swordsmanship skills under Andrew's expert tutelage. This decision marked a pivotal moment, aligning Cedric's destiny with the combined wisdom of generations.
As the discussions concluded, the grandparents bid their farewells to Alan and Cedric. Before departing, they bestowed birthday presents upon Alan in anticipation of his upcoming celebration. These parting gifts were a tangible expression of their affection and support for the Northstar family's promising scions.
Eustace, Luther, Harley, and Sandra left the estate, their figures gradually disappearing into the night. Their departure carried a sense of purpose, each step taken with the assurance that Cedric's journey required a more expansive canvas for his unique Martial Saint trait to flourish.
The decision to contact influential friends hinted at a network of mentors and trainers awaiting Cedric in the broader realm beyond the Northstar territory. Eustace's commitment to Cedric's training was evident, and the prospect of exploring new horizons filled the air with anticipation.
As Alan and Cedric witnessed the departure of their grandparents, they embraced the significance of the path ahead. The forthcoming collaboration between Eustace and Andrew in Cedric's swordsmanship training added another layer of depth to the familial bonds that transcended generations.
With a sense of purpose and a plan for Cedric's future in motion, the Northstar family stood at the threshold of transformative change. The departure of the grandparents, though bittersweet, signaled the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter where Cedric's potential would unfold on a broader stage, guided by the collective wisdom and experiences of those who came before him.