As sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Iridius, the town square bustled with people, an intoxicating aroma of freshly roasted chicken, spiced meat and grilled vegetables drifted through the streets, thick and mouthwatering. The scent mixed with the earthly undertones of the rural countryside drew attention from all the townspeople. Families and friends gathered, some around makeshift tables and food stalls with some deciding to eat in the main dining hall.
Their laughter and conversations weaved through the warm evening breeze, inviting a sense of relief and joy that was much needed after today's events.
Abell wandered through the crowds, trying to escape his mother's lecture on his performance. As he passed the food stalls, Misha and Astrid were laughing with their parents, stuffing their faces with food. Misha immediately jumped up when he saw Abell, running toward him with excitement.
"You were amazing today! The sword, the Malignant—you just went at it!" Misha rambled. Abell smiled and ruffled the boy's hair. "Thanks, little guy it was nothing." He said clearly embarrassed.
Misha fell silent, starstruck. Astrid smiled at the exchange. "Thanks, Abell. You're a huge help to us," she said softly, her parents nodding in agreement. "I know he's a handful, but he really looks up to you."
Abell gave a silent nod and walked off, feeling a little better about himself.
As he continued down Main Street, he spotted Hugo surrounded by the townswomen. Hugo was lounging in a chair, laughing and talking, clearly enjoying the attention. Abell, not wanting to get involved, kept his distance but overheard their conversation.
"That guy's a handful," Abell muttered to himself. "Better stay clear."
One of the women asked, "Sooo, mister Luminary, who exactly are you?"
Hugo leaned back, a grin on his face. "I'm nobody important," he said with a smirk.
"Hmph, that's clearly a lie sir, you're clearly someone with status." The curious woman said.
The woman raised an eyebrow. "Well, it seems like you know Ms. Keeko. Are you… a past lover or something?" She giggled, nudging her companion. "That sounds romantic, almost like something out of a Vivi Alsaint novel."
Abell's face flushed with curiosity. He quickly turned away, trying not to listen. But his curiosity was piqued—what was their relationship?
Hugo chuckled, unfazed. "She's still as pretty as ever. But I'm actually here on business. And it looks like I've found the person I've been looking for." Hugo's eyes locked onto Abell as he stood up.
Abell tensed. "Is he really coming over here? He did say he wanted to talk about something." He thought.
"Well, Mr. Vespera," Hugo teased. "Ready to talk?"
Abell shot him a glare. "What's so important that you didn't want my mom to hear," he said bluntly. "She doesn't seem to trust you much."
Hugo raised an eyebrow and sighed. "I came here to investigate this town and now it manages to stay safe. But now, I see fate brought me here."
He leaned back, face serious. "As you know the Malignant threat is growing every day. We need more people to join the fight. You've got a solid foundation, Abell. I'm not saying you'd be a Luminary right away, but you certainly have the traits."
Abell's eyes narrowed, his patience thinning. "Spit it out. What are you trying to say?"
Hugo grinned, clearly amused. "I'm offering you a recommendation letter to join the Luminary Academy. It's the best place to test your skills against the top youth in the country and learn more about how to control your power."
"Our country is in peril, Eudora is being threatened once again."We need young talents, and you've got potential. Not many of today's youth can control their gift quite like you.
Abell stared at him, skeptical. "Hmm I know the situation of our country, but… who are you really? Can you even hand out recommendation letters? I thought the Academy was hard to get into."
"Genevieve got in because she was an exceptional talent, I'm not as gifted as her." Abell mumbled.
Hugo's grin widened. "I thought your mom would've told you. I'm Hugo Creed, head of the Shining Order," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "Don't worry about your talents, Abell. My word alone will guarantee you an opportunity."
Abell paused, his thoughts racing. The offer hung in the air, heavy with possibility. It was a huge opportunity, but was he ready for it? The weight of leaving Iridius, leaving his mother, and following in his sister'ssettled in his chest.
Hugo's hand remained outstretched, waiting. Abell hesitated, feeling the pull of both excitement and uncertainty. His eyes flicked to the hand, then to the ground, and back again. Going to places he's never been before, seeing new faces and proving his skill against the best of the best.
Was he really ready for this?
Finally, he took a breath and reached forward. His hand met Hugo's. "I accept," he said, voice steady but his heart pounding.