The morning was cooler than the previous day. Clouds gathered in the sky, blocking the sunlight, and the people of Iridius stayed indoors, waiting for the rain to pass. On days like this, it was more dangerous for villagers to be out in the open.
Abell woke up still angry about last night.
"Damn, stupid old mother… Why is she acting like that? Am I really that weak compared to Genevieve?"
He walked out of his room and saw Keeko in the kitchen, making breakfast. Her expression was somber, something Abell wasn't used to seeing. He didn't like it, but he wasn't about to show concern just yet.
"Good morning, dear. How was your sleep?" she asked softly.
"I'm fine," Abell muttered. "Don't worry about breakfast. I'm going to train at the hill."
Just as he was about to leave, a loud knock echoed from the door.
"It's me, Keeko. I need to speak to you about Abell joining the academy," Hugo's excited voice rang out.
Keeko walked over and opened the door. Her face caught Hugo by surprise, her somber expression too strong to ignore. "Come in, Hugo. Abell, leave us to talk."
"Yeah, whatever," Abell snapped, his irritation bubbling up. This was the first time he felt upset with his mom. Seeing her like this hurt, and he couldn't understand why she wasn't listening to him.
"Well, something's clearly off here," Hugo said, grinning. "Still the same, huh, Keeko? Don't worry, Abell, I'll talk to her."
"Don't push it, Hugo," Keeko said, clearly not in the mood for his usual teasing. "I'm not in the mood for your jokes right now."
"Hahaha, still the same old Keeko—stubborn and moody as ever," Hugo chuckled. "Seriously, leave Abell," he said with a wink.
Abell stood there, feeling like an outsider. He had nothing else to do, so he wandered the town. The rain had emptied the square, and the marketplace was closed.
Back at the house
Hugo stood there, grinning widely, eager to continue their conversation.
"Keeko, we need to talk to about Abell joining the academy," Hugo said with a smile, his tone light.
She crossed her arms, her expression tight. "You know why I left I want nothing to do with Luminaries, now you want my son to become one."
Hugo stepped inside, glancing at her cautiously. "Listen, I know it's not easy. But this is a great opportunity for him. The academy will make him stronger, ready for what's coming."
Keeko's jaw clenched, her frustration bubbling up. "You think I don't know that? But I've already lost one child to this fight. I'm not ready to send him out there too."
Hugo's voice softened, but his gaze was firm. "You don't have to be ready. He's already showing promise. You've seen it. He's strong, Keeko. Stronger than you give him credit for."
She turned away, taking a deep breath. "It's not about strength. It's about keeping him safe. I've kept him here, away from all that danger. And now you want to pull him into the fire? I can't…"
Hugo reached out, gently resting a hand on her shoulder. "I understand your fear. But sometimes, you have to let kids choose their own path. This is his chance to make a real difference."
Keeko remained silent, her mind torn. She didn't know what the right decision was. But she knew, deep down, the path was already set for Abell.
Walking past the quiet streets, Abell heard the sound of clanking iron and smelled the sharp tang of steel. Freed, the town blacksmith, was hard at work. Known for his solid steel weapons and armor, Freed was a well-known figure in Iridius. A burly, bald man, he also had a son Abell's age, though they rarely got along.
With nothing else to do, Abell walked toward the forge.
"Hello, sir," Abell called.
"Huh? Who is it? No orders today. Oh, Keeko's son. What brings you here?"
"Just browsing," Abell replied, looking around the workshop.
"Why are you looking at swords?" Freed raised an eyebrow. "You don't exactly need one.
Abell sighed, a little embarrassed. "Yeah, I'm just… bored."
"Hah, seems like you and my son are both in the same boat. How about a friendly battle? You two hardly talk, this could help you get closer."
"I know you get restless when Malignants aren't around," Freed grinned, standing up and grabbing a sword.
"Hey, Mary! Where's the brat?" Freed's voice boomed.
Mary descended the stairs gracefully. "First, hello, Abell. And honey, please don't yell. You know my ears are sensitive." She turned to Abell, smiling. "Torin is out getting vegetables. He should be back soon."
Just then, the door creaked open. "Hey, Mom, I got the veggies you wanted. WOAH, why's he here?"
"Haha, you two are gonna have a friendly spar. Get ready," Freed chuckled.
Torin's eyes widened. "I don't know why you're here, but I'll take you on. I'll beat you for, all the trouble you cause Astrid!
Abell stood there, slightly annoyed but trying to stay composed. "Why are you bringing her up, but I guess I'll face you—
"Quiet, Yes, yes, let's just started already."
Without another word, the four of them moved to the back of the blacksmith shop. The rain drummed louder on the roof, and the air thickened with anticipation. Abell and Torin locked eyes, ready to face off in a battle that would either break them or force them to understand each other."