“Great decision, young one. You don’t know how much our country will appreciate your contributions,” Hugo said, his eyes gleaming with pride.

  Abell crossed his arms.

  “I have one question,” Abell said.

  “Hmm, what is it?” Hugo said, patiently waiting.

  Abell’s expression darkened. “What is the Shining Order?” he asked coldly.

  Hugo’s jaw dropped in amazement.

  He blinked, and then his smile faded.

  “Let me understand: You took my offer without knowing what the Shining Order was? Secondly, how do you not know?

  Abell shifted a bit, scratching the back of his head. “Well, I just don't know.”

  For a moment, nothing.

  Hugo busted out into a laughing fit, causing Abell to feel a bit self-conscious.

  “Hey, what’s so funny,” Abell commented.

  Hugo wiped a tear away, “You are something, you know that.” He said smiling

  “Are you gonna tell me or not.” Abell huffed.

  We’ll get to that later.” Hugo waved dismissively, then tapped his chin. “For now, enjoy the festivities. "Oh, and” He smirked. “I heard that Astrid girl was looking for you.”

  “Wait really?”

  Abell looked around the tavern but saw nothing.

  “Just kidding.”

  “…Crazy old man.” Abell turned away, ears burning. “I’m heading out.”

  “Goodnight, Mr. Hero,” Hugo called, laughing as Abell stomped off.

  Then, as if remembering something, he shrugged. “By the way, I’m only thirty.”

  The festivities were winding down. The lively town square quieted down as some families began to leave, while others opted to stay and watch the full moon rise. In Eudora, the sun and moon are seen as essential pillars of life. Some worship, admire, and take time to admire their beauty.

  “Now, where did that boy go?” Keeko asked herself.

  Her night had been eventful, with multiple gifts, some men asking for her hand in marriage, and constant praise. She scanned the large crowd gathered at the square and finally spotted Abell sitting near the main tavern.

  “This is where you ran off to?” She asked him.

  Abell jumped at the sound of her voice.

  “Mom! Uh, yeah, I just got here,” he said as he stood up. I was talking to Hugo.”

  Keeko narrowed her gaze.

  “Hmph, Hugo? Tell me what he told you,” she demanded.

  Abell gulped, knowing his mother was already irritated. He did not see this going well.

  “You know what? Let’s go home, " she suggested. All these fruits and vegetables are hurting my arms. Take this.”

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  Abell sighed, reaching out his arm and grabbing the food.

  As the two gathered their things, the town elder rushed to their side.

  “No, you can’t leave yet!” the village elder protested. “You and your son are tonight’s heroes! Let us offer you a few more gifts before you go.”

  Abell shrugged, glancing at his mother. “Might as well wait, right?”

  Keeko sighed. “Yeah, yeah.”

  The townsfolk showered them with baskets of fruit, vegetables, meat, and bread—tokens of gratitude.

  Then—

  A loud, all-too-familiar voice cut through the square.

  Keeko’s expression darkened. She knew that voice.

  A traveling merchant known for his antics and escapades with women, Ream strutted toward them, arms wide.

  “Keeko, my darling, let me offer you something no one can. What a real man can provide is worth more than any of these gifts.

  Keeko pinched the bridge of her nose.

  “Ream, leave me alone. I’m not interested. And tell me—where was this ‘real man’ when my son fought?”

  Abell smirked. “This guy is insane.” He thought to himself

  “Tsk, tsk.” Ream clicked his tongue.

  “I was out securing a lucrative deal. A real man knows how to make money. Let me take you to the capital—I’ll show you something better than this place.”

  “Excuse you, Ream, disrespect will not be tolerated.” The town elder scoffed.

  Keeko folded her arms. “Been there. Not impressed. Let’s go, Abell.”

  “Oof, crash and burn.” Ream grinned. “But my love won’t die that easily. I love the chase.”

  Abell let out a rare chuckle. “The day I call you dad is the day I know Mom has gotten weak.

  Keeko shot him a glare.

  “…Sorry,” Abell muttered, still grinning.

  As night fully descended on Irdius, the lively festivities ended. The cool night air howled, forcing many to retreat home. The full moon shone over the town, creating a silvery glow. Crickets chirped in the distance, adding to the nightly scenery.

  Abell sat in his hammock, looking at the night sky. Hugo’s offer occupied his mind.

  “Am I going to leave this place?” He muttered as he continued to rock the hammock faster.

  His thoughts drifted—Misha, Astrid, the village elder, the noisy marketplace, the laughter in the dining hall. Could he really leave it all behind?

  “Can’t sleep, kiddo?”

  Abell stiffened but didn’t look up. “I’m fine.”

  Keeko stepped into the dim light, her gaze sharp.

  “You only sleep in that hammock when you’re stressed. Don’t try to fool me.”

  Abell sighed, knowing there was no point in hiding it. “Hugo told me who he is... He’s offering me a chance at the Luminary Academy.”

  “Tch, I knew he was here for something. Just when I thought I’d escaped that life, they came back wanting to take another one of my children.”

  “We can tell him no tomorrow,” she added firmly.

  Abell hesitated before speaking. “Actually, I… already told him yes.”

  Keeko stared. “…You what?”

  “I told him yes, I can finally get stronger and prove myself.” He said, smiling.

  Her arms crossed.

  “Without even talking to me?” Her voice sharpened. “Do you even know what you’re signing up for?

  Abell clenched his fists. “Not really,” he admitted. “But I believe in my abilities.”

  Keeko scoffed. “You think it’s that simple? That you can just up and leave.”

  Abell’s jaw tightened. Her doubt stung more than he let on.

  “Is there a problem with me leaving?” He shot back.

  Keeko's stare was ice. Gazing straight into Abell’s eyes.

  “You could barely take down those malignants today. You are not ready.”

  Abell’s breath slowed. His hands relaxed—but only because his nails dug into his palms.

  “What’s her issue? Doesn’t she want me to take this opportunity?” He thought.

  “Then, how come you trusted Genevieve to go? She attended at a younger age than I would,” he asked.

  Keeko’s eyes blinked quickly.

  “She was more capable than you. More mature, more focused, and more talented,” she replied coldly.

  Abell’s eyebrow twitched uncontrollably. His frustration rises with each moment.

  Keeko’s voice was cold, but her hands were trembling. “When you prove you’re ready… then maybe I’ll consider it.”

  The wind howled through the air. Neither of them moved.

  Then Abell turned and walked inside. But before he closed the door, he said something.

  “I’ll show you and everyone else just how great I am.”

  “That’s a promise.”

  Keeko stood still, her hands curled into fists. Her chest tightened. Regret. Anger. Fear.

  She looked up at the sky, her voice barely a whisper.

  “What would he have said if he were still here?”