The sun blazed over Iridius, its heat mixing with the scents of fresh bread and the rhythmic clank of the blacksmith's hammer. The market bustled, but at the edge of town, Abell stood in the training yard, sweat dripping from his brow as he faced his mother. Her movements were fluid, effortless—his every strike met with a dodge.
"Stop being predictable," Keeko's voice cut through the tension.
Abell gritted his teeth, frustration rising. He wasn't strong enough—never fast enough. He had trained for this, but it still wasn't enough.
Her words echoed in his mind: The darkness is coming, whether we like it or not.
Abell's sword hung in the air, the prophecy from the old man haunting him. The Malignants grow stronger, and so must we. The days of peace are over.
Today, it felt like more than a warning. The world was changing, and soon, it would be his turn to face it.
Abell's frustration built with each failed strike. No matter how hard he tried, her hands blocked them all. This always happens, he thought, gritting his teeth. "You know, at this age, Genevieve was already giving me a hard time," Keeko smirked, poking at his pride. "And that was when I was at my prime."
The mention of Genevieve hit harder than expected. Abell clenched his jaw, memories of a recent battle with a Malignant flashing before him. That was easier than this, he thought bitterly.
He swung again, with all his strength. But Keeko was faster. She swept his feet out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground as his sword dissipated into glowing particles.
Keeko offered him her hand, but Abell slapped it away, frustrated. "C'mon, kiddo, don't be like that," she said with a teasing smile, her laughter lightening the mood.
"Seriously, how strong can an old woman be?" Abell retorted, his irritation boiling over.
Keeko's smile faded, and before he could react, she landed a swift strike to his chest, sending him stumbling back. "Show some respect, Abell!" she scolded.
After a moment, they both walked toward the house. Keeko shot him a concerned look but quickly changed the subject. "Enough about that! Let's hit the market. You promised me if I won, you'd come with me."
Abell crossed his arms, pouting. "Yeah, whatever. I'll wait outside."
The market was busy, the air thick with the chatter of townsfolk. Abell's attention was caught by a conversation nearby. "Malignant attacks are getting worse. When will the government help?" a woman said.
" The Alsaints are too busy lining their pockets," a cynical woman replied. "Knowing how the Alsaint's are our small-town isn't a priority sadly, when's the last time You've seen a luminary around these parts? They've been so preoccupied with bolstering their own wealth that we civilians mean nothing." The cynical woman said.
Do any of the 4 families care?" The west isn't the only region with issues" she sighed, the weight of her words hanging in the air.
Abell's heart pumped at the mention of Malignants, wishing he could fight one at this very moment to blow of some of his anger.
Keeko nudged him with a grin. "C'mon, focus on the market, not the gossip."
They passed through the bustling crowd, many people thanking Keeko for her protection. Abell couldn't help but feel a bit proud of his mother—she wasn't always so well-regarded.
As they moved past the crowd, a statue in the heart of the market caught Abell's eye. It was the statue of the Liberator—heroic, proud, larger-than-life. Abell's gaze hardened as he stared at it, clenching his fist. One day, I'll be a top Luminary. No one will doubt my strength. Not for the glory, but to prove to myself that I can do it.
"Face me, Abell!" A voiced echoed.
Get down from the stall, Misha!" exclaimed a girl nearby. "Sorry, Abell. He's like this whenever you're around. He means no harm." Clearly embarrassed by the attention her younger brother garnered, he said in a muffled voice, "Don't worry, Astrid.
Abell sighed, glancing over at Misha, who had jumped down from a nearby stall. "Not now, Misha." He muttered, trying to avoid the challenge.
But Misha wouldn't back down, charging at him with a wooden sword. Abell, irritated but unwilling to entertain the fight, easily flicked Misha's nose, sending him tumbling backward.
"No fair!" Misha protested from the ground. "You're supposed to show me your light sword, not just use your hand!"
Abell smirked, "It's not a toy, Misha. Besides, you're not worth the effort." His tone was teasing, though the laughter of onlookers made him uneasy. A few people frowned, muttering, and some of them even shook their heads in disapproval.
Astrid, anticipating something bad happening, grabbed Abell's arm and Misha. "Come on, Abell, let's go find your mom before this turns into more trouble." Her grip was firm, and she tugged them away from the crowd.
As they made their way through the market, the whispers continued. Abell's face flushed, knowing his reputation always seemed to precede him. He'd spent most of his life fighting his own image, always a step away from being the town's troublemaker.
They found Keeko in the middle of a conversation with a tall man, his presence commanding despite the casual way he was dressed. Abell eyed him, noting the battle-worn look of his tunic, the faint scar under his eye, with stars for pupils, and the broad grin on his face that contrasted his rugged appearance.
"Keeko!" the man greeted cheerfully, as if nothing had changed. "Still as youthful as ever!"
She quickly became frustrated at the remark about her age, prompting her to deliver a swift strike at the jolly man. He dodged with ease, a smug grin plastered across his face, which only deepened her displeasure.
Her smile tightened. "Why are you here, Hugo?" she asked, clearly frustrated. "I thought I had hid my location well from the Luminaries."
"We were bound to find it," Hugo replied, his voice playful but with a hint of seriousness. "This is one of the safest spots in western Eudora. Someone with power had to be here." His eyes flickered toward Abell. "So, this is what you've been hiding."
Before Keeko could respond, a blood-curdling scream pierced the air, silencing the chatter of the marketplace. Panic spread through the crowd in an instant, as villagers ran in every direction.
Abell's heart raced. Adrenaline surged through his veins as his focus shifted entirely to the chaos unfolding around them. "Is it on of them?" he asked, scanning the crowd.
His answer came swiftly—a group of Malignants, grotesque and unnatural, surged into view, their hollow eyes filled with a primal hunger.
Abell motioned for Astrid to take Misha and run. "Get out of here," he ordered, his voice steady. Astrid nodded and grabbed Misha, pulling him away, her expression a mix of fear and resolve as she grasped Misha's arm. He followed reluctantly, glancing back at Abell with wide, terrified eyes.
As the Malignants drew closer, their malevolent energy became palpable; terrified screams flooded the market as chaos erupted. Villagers ran in all directions, desperately trying to escape the imminent danger.
With the market gradually emptying, Abell felt a confident smirk tugging at his lips. He opened his palm, channeling the energy within him. Harnessing his Trait, Lumination, he turned luminous energy into solid objects. In an instant, a brilliant sword, shining with a glimmer of golden light, materialized in his left hand.
"Finally, some action," he said, feeling the thrill of the fight stir within him. "I was starting to get annoyed."
Hugo's expression shifted to one of surprise. "Interesting…" he murmured, eyeing the sword with awe.
Abell stepped forward, ready to face the chaos.