In their youth, Clive guards his brother Joshua, a Bearer blessed with Phoenix powers. During an ambush, Joshua's awakening unleashes destruction, with Clive vowing revenge. Their mother, Anabella, betrays Clive and enslaves him. Years later, Clive rescues Jill and seeks Ifrit's Dominant, encountering new Eikons. They join Cid to dismantle Mothercrystals causing Blight. Ultima's manipulation ensues, escalating conflicts.

Clive, now "Cid," orchestrates Mothercrystal destruction amid war. Ultima's influence drives Hugo to seek vengeance, leading to his demise. Clive destroys the Dhalmekian Mothercrystal, while Dion's coup triggers chaos. Clive combats Ultima's plan to possess him, aided by Jill's power. They learn of Ultima's origin and confront its fortress, losing allies but defeating Ultima.

In DLC expansions, Clive confronts Omega and the lost Eikon Leviathan in Mysidia. Ultimately, Clive and Joshua dismantle the final Mothercrystal, restoring peace to Valisthea.