Chapter 10 ( edited)

Born of divine lineage, between the god of time, Chronos, and the goddess of elegance, Philyra, Chiron emerged into the world. He was a centaur, yet stood in stark contrast to the savage nature of his kin. As the sage of the centaur clan and the mentor to nearly all Greek heroes, Chiron was a beacon of wisdom, a figure from whom one could learn countless arts and skills.

He was Chiron, an immortal deity, and an unparalleled teacher.

But at this moment, he found himself perplexed.

"Self-defense... techniques?" Chiron puzzledly observed the pure white youngster sitting on the ground, his legs weakened from a trip in the air.

"Yes, I want to learn self-defense," Cyd nodded. "To know how to counter and resolve opposing strikes."

Chiron bent down to meet Cyd's gaze. "Before we proceed, why do you wish to learn this self-defense?" Chiron supported Cyd's right hand, noticing that despite the pain, Cyd remained indifferent.

"Because I want to protect myself in times of war and disaster," Cyd honestly stated the reason.

"Just self-preservation?" Chiron touched Cyd's hair, helping him remove the leaf tangled in his strands. "I can teach you various martial arts skills."

"Sensei, may I call you that?"

"Of course," Chiron replied with a gentle smile.

"What I'm asking, Sensei, is a life completely opposite to the Heroic Path," Cyd earnestly gazed into Chiron's brown eyes.

"Opposite? Until now, my students have pursued magnificent lives. But you, you seek the life of an ordinary person," Chiron stood up and extended his hand towards Cyd. "Whether magnificent or ordinary, as long as you are my student, I will guide you forward."

"Sensei..." Cyd's hand clasped Chiron's larger palm.

"Shall I introduce you to your fellow apprentices?" Chiron smiled gently.

"No!" Cyd's attitude was resolute as he shook his head. A student of Chiron is no pushover, especially when encountering renowned heroes like Hercules!

"Fine, since you've become my apprentice, you'll meet them sooner or later," Chiron sighed helplessly.

"I'll try my best to avoid them!"

Three years later.

In the forest, Chiron leisurely strolled, carrying a basket of apples. "As always, Cyd, your aura is unmistakable," Chiron nonchalantly stepped over a concealed trap hidden in the grass, then lifted his hoof to gently press the ground ahead. Suddenly, a pitfall appeared before him.

"Such traps are impressive against wild animals," Chiron calmly picked an apple from the basket and effortlessly leaped over the pit. "But using them against me is inadequate, and the pit's depth is insufficient."

"That's right!" Chiron's expression suddenly changed as Cyd, seemingly conceding defeat, emerged from the thick patch of grass before him!

"But Sensei!"

A shadow sprang from the pit, wielding a stick to strike Chiron's head, while another figure emerged from the ground, drawing Chiron into the earth with a line. Meanwhile, three arrows gleaming with cold light were aimed at Chiron's eyes.

"You remain calm as ever!"

"Yes, Cyd, your growth surpasses my expectations."

Despite the imminent danger, Chiron remained remarkably composed, even displaying a satisfied smile.

"Very well done."

As he spoke, Chiron used the basket to deflect the arrows before gently kicking the shadow in the abdomen.

The shadow flew through the air and crashed into the trees, while Chiron casually retrieved a crossbow from the grass.

"Be careful with that crossbow," Cyd, lying on the ground, warned Chiron as he removed the black cloth from his body. "You haven't been lenient, Sensei. I don't have an immortal body."

"But your body is more resilient than mine," Chiron shrugged as he placed the crossbow back in the basket and leaped over the pit Cyd had dug.

"But it's quite scary to see someone fly after being trampled," Cyd, still shaken, touched his abdomen.

"The Styx River not only makes your skin invulnerable, but your flesh is also tougher, and your bones and cognition are more resilient," Chiron explained as he caressed Cyd's head. "And you've grown."

"Really?" Cyd touched the white hair at the back of his neck.

"But you're still half a head shorter than Hercules. Are you not eating well?" Chiron, somewhat concerned, rubbed Cyd's head. "Cut back on the offerings a bit."

"I thought I was normal," Cyd sighed helplessly as he took the basket from Chiron's hand.

It seemed that Cyd had piqued Chiron's interest as an ordinary individual. While Chiron often presented other students to him, most were sons of Zeus, such as Hercules, the epitome of divine strength.

However, it appeared that this Son of Zeus was not one to follow the rules.

This particular individual, enraged by another Sensei's unjust scolding, went on a rampage, even killing his own nephew, Apollo's son.

Cyd, indifferent to the gods' intricate relationships, only desired to distance himself from this excessively powerful individual.

However, Hercules's surrender, despite being acquitted, offered hope for his character. Though his future deeds may not match those of his father, they seemed promising.

"Normal? Cyd, how long has it been since you've seen others your incredibly strong?" Chiron took Cyd's hand and insisted, "It's not good to stay here. You need to see the world, meet people, and travel the land."