A few days had passed since Abell was admitted to the clinic. His injuries had healed almost completely, leaving only a few minor bruises. Astrid had been caring for him throughout this time while Torin showed up to ensure they did not get too close.

  One day, Astrid and Torin had gone home. His mother had stepped out with Ms. Mary to bring back food.

  Left alone, Abell stared at the ceiling.

  “I’ll be leaving soon.”

  He thought he’d be more excited, but he felt pretty dejected.

  “I am making the right choice, aren’t I.” he thought.

  Sunlight faded into the distance as the moon began to rise. Illuminating the tone with a vibrant tone.

  “Did I come at a bad time?” a voice asked.

  Abell jumped and turned to see who the voice was coming from.

  Hugo.

  “I didn’t know you could be lost in thought,” Hugo said.

  Abell frowned.

  “What’s that supposed to mean? How did you get in here anyways!?” he replied.

  “Never mind that.” Hugo shot back. “I came to tell you we’re leaving soon.”

  This information caused Abell to sit straight up.

  “How soon?”

  “I’d like to leave tomorrow, but given your injuries, we’ll go the day after.”

  Abell silently nodded his head. “Sure, that’s fine.”

  “Woah, no argument back? I’d thought you’d want to leave as soon as possible.” Hugo smirked. “Having second thoughts?”

  “No, it’s just...” Abell said.

  “Well, whatever your answer is, it doesn’t matter. You’re stuck with me.” Hugo grinned. “Meet me by the north exit in 2 days.”

  Abell gazed at him with somber eyes.

  “Okay, but where are you going?”

  “Secret business. Can’t tell you." Hugo said.

  And just like that—he was gone.

  Abell decided to lie back down and relax, causing him to drift asleep.

  The clinic’s main door creaked open.

  Keeko and Mary entered, carrying food. Mary set the tray down, but she focused on Keeko’s arms.

  Keeko winced while moving her arms to sit down.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, Ms. Keeko, why are you hiding your injuries?”’

  Keeko’s body stiffened. “My injuries are healed.”

  “You don’t have to act tough,” Mary replied. “Your son’s not around.

  Keeko sighed. “You're right; my arms took some damage from Abell’s Lux,” she said with her head down. “Then the strain from my Lux, Prismatic veil puts immense strain on my body, which didn’t help either.”

  Mary’s expression softened.

  “So that’s why you retired young. Your own lux was damaging your body.”

  Keeko remained silent.

  “I’m sorry, the doctor in me came out.” Mary giggled. “But.... you know this is probably the first time you’ve opened up to me.”

  Keeko shot her a look.

  “Don’t make this weird, Mary, please.”

  “My husband’s gonna be shocked when I tell him I made friends with the ‘Iron Wall.’”

  Keeko groaned. “How do you know that nickname?”

  Mary only laughed.

  “Alright, go check on Abell. I’ll prepare something for your arms.”

  As she headed inside, she found him sound asleep. His breathing was steadier than the previous nights, causing her to smile—she couldn’t believe how far he had come.

  She sat beside him, brushing his messy hair aside to see his face.

  “Genevieve... I tried to stop him, but our family can’t escape this life, can we?”

  Her fingers curled against the blanket.

  “I hope he’ll be alright.”

  The following day, Abell woke up feeling lighter, agile, and ready to walk.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  His body still ached, but the pain from the fight was fading. However, the weight of leaving was finally settling in.

  “One last day.” he thought.

  Instead of lying in bed feeling bad, he dressed, deciding to explore the town one last time.

  Mary greeted him as he headed to the clinic's main lobby.

  “Hello, Abell, feeling better?” she asked.

  Abell rotated his shoulders. “Yes, I feel better, thanks to Astrid.”

  “Ooh, only Astrid, huh?’ Mary giggled.

  “It’s not like that,” he said, dismissing the thought. “Have you seen my mom?” he asked politely.

  “Oh, Keeko, she left earlier this morning. Don’t know where exactly.”

  “Hmm, okay, thanks,” he said.

  With that, he headed out to explore the town.

  He passed the training yard, the market, and the small park by the edge of town where he used to sit and think.

  Everywhere he went, things felt smaller than before.

  A familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts.

  “Abell?”

  He turned to see Torin standing nearby.

  “I heard from Astrid. You’re leaving.”

  Abell nodded. “Yeah, looks like it.”

  “Welp, it’s about time; I can finally be the hero Astrid needs.”

  Abell hesitated, then forced a grin.

  “Uhh yeah. You do that, I’m leaving to become stronger.”

  Torin smirked but didn’t reply immediately.

  He clapped Abell on the back. “Mark my words, next time you come back, I’ll be stronger than you.”

  Abell paused

  “Wait, did you ask Hugo about coming with us?” he asked.

  However, Torin turned away—continuing to walk.

  “What do you think, Abell?” he faced back, teary-eyed.

  “We’ll meet again when I'm stronger.”

  Abell remained silent.

  “I’ll see you then, Torin.”

  As Abell continued through town, he passed a familiar vendor’s stall where he used to buy snacks after training.

  The vendor waved.

  Abell nodded back but didn’t stop.

  His gaze drifted to the statue of the Liberator, towering in the center of town—a silent reminder of the past.

  He stared at it momentarily, feeling a tightness in his chest.

  Then, he turned away.

  “ABELL!”

  A slight blur shot toward him before crashing into his leg.

  Misha.

  The kid clung to him, eyes wide with panic.

  “Is it true?! You’re leaving?!”

  Abell sighed. “Misha, get off me. You’re ruining my pants.”

  “But you’re leaving?” Misha’s voice wavered. “Are you mad at me for calling you a coward last time?”

  Abell shook his head. “No. I have to train harder, that’s all.”

  Misha sniffled. “But who’s gonna watch me train?!

  Abell opened his mouth—but hesitated. Misha’s grip tightened for just a second before he abruptly let go.

  “You can’t leave. I won’t accept it!” And then, he ran off.

  Abell watched him disappear into the streets, silent.

  “Stubborn brat.”

  Abell exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

  As the day winded, Abell looked around for his mother, but she was nowhere to be found. Giving up his chase, he decided to go to the one place he knew would be the hardest to let go.

  Genevieve’s grave.

  His heart began to weigh down with guilt. He promised his sister he would stay to protect the town.

  But here he was leaving.

  When he arrived, he stood before the stone, hands clenched into fists.

  “Sorry, but I can’t stay here.” he began.

  He held his head down.

  I know I promised you I would, but… I can’t miss this opportunity. I have to go. I must become a Luminary—like you were.”

  Instead of breaking him, it lit something inside him. His tone picked up and began to sound brighter.

  “I’ve got a bigger dream now.”

  He exhaled, a slight smirk forming.

  “Not just protecting this town. I’ll protect the whole country.”

  His fingers brushed the edge of the grave marker.

  “I hope you’re watching when I become the greatest Luminary ever.”

  The wind picked up momentarily, rustling the nearby leaves and trees.

  Abell imagined that was her answer.

  He turned away, feeling refreshed and renewed.

  This time, he felt ready.

  The rest of the day passed without much happening. Abell wandered through town, taking in the sights and sounds one last time.

  As the sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, Abell retired to his room, his mind filled with thoughts of what lay ahead.

  "Don't forget to wake up early," Keeko said while entering his room.

  "Yeah, I know," Abell replied.

  She paused for a moment, gazing at him.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  She composed herself, “Sorry, It’s nothing...”

  “Okay...” Abell replied.

  As she began to walk away, Abell spoke up.

  Pointing to his chest

  “Don’t worry about me; I’ll become stronger than you and Genevieve,” he said. “That’s a promise.”

  She couldn’t help but smile at his bravado. “Alright, Abell, I’ll hold you to that,” she said.

  Before she walked away, she embraced him in a big hug. Causing Abell to feel embarrassed.

  “You don’t have to do this, you know.”

  “Shut up, let me enjoy this,” she said.

  The night passed quickly, and morning came. The sun shone brightly over Iridius, and the town began to bustle with life. Abell sat up in bed, his thoughts clearer, but his mind was occupied with the future.

  A soft knock on the door. “So… today’s the day, huh?” Keeko stood in the doorway, arms crossed.

  Abell nodded. “Yeah.”

  She didn’t say anything else—just stepped forward and hugged him tightly.

  “Another one?” Abell asked.

  But she remained quiet.

  After a moment, she left the room and placed something cold in his hand—a broken blade.

  “It’s the only thing they found where Genevieve was last seen.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “I know she’d want you to have it.”

  Abell stared at the weapon, running his fingers over the dull, jagged edge.

  He could still see his sister standing tall, her sword in hand.

  “Strong. Fearless. Untouchable.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  Keeko gave a slight nod, then turned toward the door.

  “Let’s not keep Hugo waiting.”

  As they walked toward the north edge of town, Abell couldn’t shake the feeling that this was it.

  His mother walked beside him in silence. He could feel the weight of her presence, but neither spoke.

  Because there was nothing left to say.

  At the edge of town, Hugo was waiting.

  His hands were in his pockets, and he wore that same knowing smirk. “Took you long enough,” he said.

  Abell exhaled. “Let’s just go.”

  Hugo stretched. “So, are you gonna be the greatest Luminary ever, or was that just for show?”.” He turned.

  Abell blushed before Abell could respond— “You’re not going to say goodbye?”

  The voice was soft but firm. Abell turned. Astrid stood there, arms crossed.

  A second later, Misha appeared, running toward him.

  “Yeah, really, Abell?!” he shouted, his tiny fists clenched. “You were just gonna leave?!”

  Abell sighed. “Misha—” The boy grabbed onto his leg. “Who’s gonna watch me train?!”

  Abell hesitated for a moment.

  Then, his eyes scanned past Astrid and Misha, scanning the quiet street. And he noticed. Torin wasn’t there. Something stirred in his chest—but he didn’t get mad.

  He understood.

  However, other townspeople began to appear one by one: the town elder, Mira, Mary, Freed, the vendors, and even his biggest haters.

  Mira spoke up. “It’s gonna be silent without him stirring up trouble.”

  “Yeah, we’ll finally get some peace.” Another person said.

  “Don’t talk bad about him!” Misha shouted. Causing everyone to laugh.

  For so long, he had felt like he was passing through this town. A restless kid waiting for something bigger.

  Now, for the first time, he felt the weight of what he was leaving behind.

  A hand rested briefly on his shoulder. Keeko.

  For a moment, she wanted to stop him. But opted to embrace him one last time.

  “Go, Abell.”

  Abell smirked. “I promise I’ll be the strongest.”

  One last glance at his childhood home. And with that, he stepped forward.

  This time, he didn’t look back.