"Great decision, young one. You don't know how much our country will appreciate your contributions," Hugo said, wide-eyed, smiling proudly.
"Hmph, whatever. I'm not doing it out of selfishness. Testing my limits sounds interesting," Abell countered.
"Ohh, really?" Hugo raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Well, whatever your reason, it shows you want to fight. But I have to say, you were pretty happy when that Astrid girl thanked you. Hahaha."
Abell blushed, clearly flustered. "What are you talking about, you old man? I'm heading out."
"Goodnight, Mr. Hero," Hugo called, waving as Abell walked away.
The festivities were winding down, and the lively bustle of the square began to quiet as the night crept in. The townsfolk gathered in the center of the square, watching the full moon rise. In Eudora, the sun and the moon were seen as essential pillars of life, revered and respected by all.
Keeko looked around for her son, eager to escape the endless praise. She spotted Abell walking alone and called out, "Kiddo, let's go home now. I'm tired of being here."
"No, you can't leave yet!" The village elder exclaimed. "You and your son are today's heroes. Let us give you a few more gifts before you leave."
Abell shrugged, looking at his mother. "Let's just wait for the gifts."
"Yeah, I guess," she said, still not completely happy with the situation.
The townsfolk showered them with fruits, vegetables, meat, and bread, as tokens of their gratitude.
Before they could leave a loud voice could be heard in the distance.
Keeko sighed, recognizing the voice. "The townspeople can only do so much for you, let me give you something no one else can. A real man can offer more."
"Ream, leave me alone. I'm not interested. Your 'real man' act is just annoying. Where were you when my son was fighting?" Keeko snapped, frustration creeping into her voice.
Abell, still irritated by this man's persistent advances toward his mother, couldn't help but chuckle. It wasn't that he liked Ream, but the guy was just… ridiculous.
"Tsk, tsk, I was out of town securing a lucrative deal for my business. A real man knows how to make money. Let me take you to the capital." Ream smiled with exaggerated charm.
"I've been there plenty of times. I'll pass. Let's go, Abell," Keeko said, turning to leave.
"Oof, crash and burn," Ream laughed. "But my love won't die that easily. I love the chase."
Abell couldn't contain himself, letting out an uncharacteristic laugh. Keeko glared at him.
"Sorry," Abell muttered.
As the night fell over Iridius, the once-bustling streets quieted. The cool night air replaced the heat of the day, and the full moon cast an eerie yet serene light over the town. The soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirps of nocturnal creatures filled the stillness, offering a peaceful contrast to the chaos of the day.
Abell lay in his hammock, deep in thought. The moon's pale glow gave him a strange sense of peace, but his mind was far from calm.
"Am I really going to leave this place?" he muttered to himself. His fingers tightened around the hammock's fabric. "Leaving Mom, Misha, Astrid… Will they be okay without me?" His thoughts swirled with memories of Iridius—of the village elder, the marketplace, the laughter in the dining hall.
His eyes closed, trying to relax as the gentle rocking of the hammock helped ease his racing mind. But a creak from the door broke the silence.
"Can't sleep, kiddo?" Keeko's voice was gentle but laced with concern.
Abell stiffened, quickly responding, "Everything's fine."
Keeko stepped into the dim light, her gaze sharp. "I know you, Abell. You only use that hammock when you're stressed.
He flushed, his cheeks turning red. Sighing heavily, he let his emotions show. "See? I'm right. So, what's wrong?"
The wind picked up, rustling the leaves outside, and Abell glanced toward the sky. After a beat, he turned to Keeko. "Hugo told me who he is. He's offering me a chance to train at the Luminary Academy."
Keeko's face twisted with anger. "I knew he was here for something. Just when I thought I'd escaped that life and its challenges, he comes back, trying to take my son."
"Let's tell him no tomorrow," she added, her agitation clear.
Abell hesitated, then spoke up. "I… kind of told him I'd take his offer."
Keeko froze, her expression shifting from anger to shock. "You what?" Her voice cracked. "Without consulting me? Are you even ready for this? You've seen what being a Luminary did to me. My body's falling apart because of it!"
Abell steeled himself, trying to hide his frustration. "This is my future, Mom. I want to go test my limits."
Keeko's eyes welled with tears. "Test your limits? This isn't some game. Life beyond Iridius is tough. And after what happened with Genevieve—" She choked back a sob, and tears streamed down her face. "I can't lose you too."
"You're in way over your head, even today I had to come rescue you from the last Malignant because of your carelessness. I didn't have to do that with her."
The mention of Genevieve hit Abell hard. His chest tightened, his voice becoming cold. "Don't bring up Genevieve. I'm not her."
The wind picked up, howling around them, and the silence between them deepened, their words hanging in the air. Abell turned, fleeing into the house, the sound of his mother's voice fading as he ran.
Keeko stood frozen for a moment, her heart heavy. Watching Abell disappear into the house, she felt a pang of guilt for losing control. She looked up at the night sky, her tears mixing with the cool air. "What would you have done Leo?