Abell and Hugo stepped back into the main tavern in Iridius, where the midday sun streamed through the windows, adding to the homey atmosphere of the establishment.

  The thought of the fight Hugo just had lingered through Abell’s mind. The speed, the power, and the precision. Was this the power of a true top luminary? He stole a glance at Hugo, watching him scan the menu.

  “This guy is supposedly the strongest?” Abell thought before he spoke up.

  “Hey, Hugo.”

  Hugo didn’t look up.

  “What’s up?”

  Abell hesitated. Unsure of his question, he found the courage to ask.

  “Why are you giving me this opportunity? Is it because of who my mom is... or because of my sister’s greatness.”

  Hugo’s curiosity peaked. He looked up, a massive grin across his face. “Ah, so you can think critically outside of battle.”

  Abell’s eyebrow twitched. “Of course I can. I'm not some meathead.”

  Hugo laughed, “Let me order something first.” As he waved down a server.

  A muscular woman with thick brown curls and sharp eyes approached their table with a smirk. Her name was Mira, the tavern’s owner.

  “Well, if it isn’t Keeko’s son, the biggest troublemaker in town.” Mira teased. “It’s weird seeing you here with someone that isn’t Astrid.”

  “Finally making new friends?”

  Abell frowned, “No, nothing like that.”

  “Don’t be like that kiddo.” Mira teased. She ruffled his hair, “You seem stressed. What’s wrong?”

  Abell sighed, “It’s nothing major, don’t worry.”

  Mira placed her hands on her hips, “Well, whatever it is, a meal from the best tavern in town will cheer ya up, so what can I get ya?”

  Hugo chuckled as he listened to their interaction.

  “Give me the biggest plate of roasted meat and bread. Oh, and water.”

  ‘And you, Abell?”

  “I’ll just take some bread. I want to keep my stomach light.”

  Mira scribbled on her notepad and grinned. “Alright, one meal for a civilized young man and one feast for the walking stomach.” She winked at Hugo before walking off.”

  Hugo leaned on the table, watching her leave.

  “Interesting woman, isn’t she?”

  “More like trouble, ever since I was young, she always annoyed me,” Abell said.

  “Seems like she’s able to see through everyone’s nonsense,” Hugo said.

  Abell paused, “I guess.”

  Moments later, the food arrived, and Hugo wasted no time chomping down on it. Abell watched in awe as his speed was beastlike.

  So, why me?” he asked again.

  Hugo wiped his mouth and served himself a glass of water. “It’s simple. I like your attitude and approach to fighting.”

  Abell blinked, then frowned.

  “So that’s it my attitude?”

  Hugo chuckled. “There is a bit more, but what would be the fun of telling you everything now?”

  Then he placed his hand on his chin.

  “Well, I’ll tell you this: your Lux is a big reason.”

  Abell raised his eyebrows. “My lux, it’s just a sword. What's so special about that?”

  Hugo chuckled. There’s more to it than just a sword, kid. But you’ll figure it out.”

  Abell felt a hint of rage in his system. “You're telling me nothing; what’s even the point of talking to you.” He yelled.

  “Hey Abell, No yelling in my tavern,” Mira yelled from across the room. Causing a few customers to laugh

  "I’m not yelling!” he shouted.

  Mira gazed into his eyes, which caused him to calm down immediately.

  Moments later, Hugo continued eating. His plate was almost finished, and he raised his head to speak.

  “I’ll tell you one thing,

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  “You rely on your Lux too much,” Hugo said. “I didn't utilize my ability at any point during that battle, right? Strength serves you well, but battles are won through creative thinking.”

  Abell considered those words. He had always relied on brute force to overcome obstacles, but maybe he was confining his abilities.

  Hugo finished his meal and stretched before he could respond to anything. “Anyway, I’ve got work to do. Later, kid.” And just like that, he was gone.

  Abell remained seated with his stew untouched halfway through as his mind wandered in chaos.

  “Creativity, huh?”

  Midday

  After his outing with Hugo Abell, he trained a bit more. After resting, he found himself in the marketplace. The usual chaos of vendors shouting and food aromas caught his attention.

  Abell weaved through the crowds, eventually stopping at his favorite food stall.

  “Two Solara rice cakes, old man.”

  “Still rude as ever, I see,” the man replied. “You know I’m not that old, Abell.”

  “Alright, sorry, Gilford. Two rice cakes, please.”

  He smiled, “That’ll be five sols.”

  Abell handed him the sols and received his food. As he turned to leave, A wall of wanted posters caught his attention.

  At the top, in bold letters, read: “FRACTURED DAWN – WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE.”

  “Hmm, never seen anything like this before,” he thought. Their faces were not clear, but the sketches felt ominous.

  Gilford noticed his interest. “Those five are the biggest criminals in the country right now.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes, apparently, they used to be luminaries, but now they attack anyone who gets in their way. However, no one knows their names.”

  A nearby customer scoffed. “They’re not attacking just anyone. They’re taking down the elites. It’s time someone stood up to them; I see them as heroes.”

  Another man jumped into the conversation.

  “You dumbass, they don't care about you. I bet they have their own goals, but no one genuinely cares about helping the lower classes.”

  Gilford adjusted his glasses. “Please, not in front of my stall.”

  Abell kept walking

  “Luminaries turning against their own? That doesn’t make sense… unless there’s more to it than we’re being told...”

  After some time, he found himself by the statue of the Liberator once again.

  “How strong were you, really?” he said.

  The liberator was a figure all people respected. But some of him wanted to know whether he was a true warrior or if he happened to win when it mattered most.

  Before he could finish his thought, a voice cracked his immersion.

  “Aha! I finally found you, Abell. Prepare yourself!”

  Abell facepalmed. “This kid has too much energy.”

  Misha charged towards him, “You can’t run this time!”

  Behind him was Astrid, sighing. “Could you stop causing trouble, Misha?”

  Abell decided to take off running, not wanting to cause a scene in the marketplace again. “Hey, don’t run, you coward!” Misha shouted. With that, a light chase through the streets ensued.

  Later, Misha caught up with Abell, panting. “I heard about your duel with Torin. I want to be next.”

  “Not today; I have something bigger coming up.”

  Misha’s grin faded. “You don’t respect me as a fighter, huh?”

  “That’s not it. I don’t have time.” Abell said.

  Misha scowled. “Fine. But don’t come crying when I’m stronger than you next time!” He stomped off.

  Astrid crossed her arms. “So? Who are you fighting?”

  “My mother.”

  She blinked before responding,

  “Wait, what? Are you serious?” she said.

  He nodded his head.

  “She doesn’t think I'm ready to leave the town for the luminary academy. So, we’re having a battle to settle it.”

  Astrid remained quiet for a few moments.

  “So... Did you not plan to tell me this?”

  “No, not really,” he said.

  Astrid nodded slowly. “So, if you win, when would you be leaving?”

  “Probably in the next week or so.” Abell shrugged.

  And you just NOW tell me?” Her voice rose with anger. “You planned to without warning?”

  Abell’s jaw tightened. “I don’t owe anyone an explanation.”

  Astrid’s expression darkened. “I thought you were growing up, Abell. I guess I was wrong. You’re still the same bratty loner.”

  “Hey, watch it. What’s the big deal?”

  She scoffed. Walking right past him as she turned and walked away.

  Abell exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples.

  “Why do I even bother?”

  Meanwhile, at the smithery.

  Torin was freed with his father, working on some equipment for some of the town’s warriors.

  “You’re getting sloppy, boy,” Freed said, his deep voice cutting through the sound of crackling embers. “I’ve told you—press the iron like this, not like you’re afraid of it.”

  Torin flinched at his father’s loud voice. “Sorry, my mind is not present at the moment.”

  Freed smirked knowingly. “Still thinking about your fight with Abell?”

  “Yes, Father, I’m still frustrated.”

  “You did well, son, for a kid with no Lux. Going against someone with a lineage like Abell’s.”

  Torin clinched his fist. “But still, I want to do better.”

  Freed sighed. “Alright, I’ll make you a deal.”

  Torin looked up, eyes hopeful. “What kind of deal?”

  “I’ll train you every morning, personally.” Freed crossed his arms. “But if you miss a single day, I stop. No second chances.”

  Torin’s eyes widened in shock. “Wait… seriously? You always said training me would be a waste of time.”

  He smirked. Well, your battle made me remember my glory days. You’ve got the same fire I had back then, hahaha.” His voice booming.

  Torin jumped in excitement. “I won’t disappoint you, I swear!”

  But before Freed could respond, the smithery doors slammed open.

  “TORIN!”

  Torin spun around as Astrid stumbled in, her breath ragged, her eyes red with tears.

  Whoa, what happened?” He rushed to her side.

  Astrid tried to speak, but her voice was breaking. “It’s Abell—he’s…!”

  Evening

  Abell sat on the edge of his bed, staring out the window. As the sky began to darken, he knew it was almost time. The weight of this battle would determine his future, but he knew he had to win.

  “It’s time,” he said aloud.

  Keeko stood in the training yard, stretching her arms, her expression unreadable. But she knew this was the only option.

  Are you ready, son?

  Abell stepped onto the training field, his heart pounding, but outwardly he looked confident.

  “I’m ready.”

  This was it

  The battle is about to begin.