Abell decided to give Torin the first strike. He didn't respect him as a warrior, especially since Torin had no trait. Confident in his own strength and abilities, Abell stood with his guard low, leaving himself wide open.
But something felt off. The way Torin gripped his sword—held almost like an axe—threw Abell off guard.
Before he could react, CLACK! Torin swung down with all his might, the blow hitting Abell's sword with a resounding crash. Abell was sent flying backwards, his feet skidding across the wet ground.
"What the—?" he muttered under his breath, only for the sound of clack, clack, clack to fill the air. Torin didn't pause. He followed up with a series of rapid strikes, each one faster and harder than the last.
Abell barely had time to adjust. He raised his sword to block the next attack, but Torin's strike hit with such force it knocked him off balance, the impact sending a jolt up his arm. Clang!
"Ha! Not so tough without your shining sword, huh?" Torin taunted, his voice dripping with bitterness. "This is the result of training my body rigorously! While you stood there training your 'trait', I was actually working hard!"
Abell gritted his teeth, a surge of frustration building. So this is how it's going to be, he thought. He grinned, feeling the thrill of being pushed to the edge. This wasn't just about strength; it was a battle of wills now.
With a quick breath, Abell went on the offensive. He swung his wooden sword in wide, powerful arcs, each strike fueled by a new sense of urgency. His attacks were wild, relentless, and full of energy. His movements flowed from one strike to the next, catching Torin off-guard with his raw passion.
Torin, however, didn't back down. He blocked the incoming blows, each impact rattling his bones, but his face contorted with growing frustration. "AM I A JOKE TO YOU?!" Torin screamed, swinging with wild rage as his anger twisted his movements.
Abell's smile only angered Torin even more.
A flurry of precise, technical blows came Torin's way. His inexperience showed, and he took a couple of hits, stumbling back with each strike.
"What's different about him?" Torin thought, frustration bubbling inside him. "Is he really just better than me because of something I can't control? I've trained so hard… No! I can't lose like this!"
With a burst of desperation, Torin jumped back, his fingers gripping his sword causing the handle to break. His muscles tensed as he charged forward, faster than before. Spinning 180 degrees, then jumping, he swung his sword down at Abell with everything he had.
"Earth-Shattering Slam!"
The power behind the blow was enough to shake the ground beneath them, sending a shockwave through the air. Abell didn't even try to block it—he knew it would be useless. Instead, he relied on his speed, dodging to the side at the last second.
The sword slammed into the ground with a violent crash, the earth splitting and rocks flying in every direction. The attack had created a small crater where Torin had struck, the dust and debris settling around them.
Abell stood tall, his eyes narrowing as he assessed his opponent. With a swift motion, he pointed his sword at Torin's neck, the tip sharp and unwavering.
"The winner is Abell!" Mary announced loudly.
Freed grinned, clapping his hands. "Well done, son. Don't let this defeat discourage you, Torin. And you, Abell, nice work—your mother's taught you well."
Abell nodded, but his gaze softened as he walked up to Torin, who was sitting on the ground, tears in his eyes.
"What? Here to rub it in? Go ahead, I know I lost." Torin spat, a mixture of anger and sadness in his voice.
But Abell didn't respond with mockery. Instead, he crouched down next to Torin, his curiosity winning over the moment. "What was that move? How did you get so strong? I didn't realize you were this physically tough. You're way stronger than I thought."
Torin's family exchanged surprised glances, caught off guard by Abell's sudden, earnest praise.
Abell suddenly realized he had been rambling, his words spilling out without thinking. He quickly corrected himself. "Uh, I mean, good match. I hope we can do this again sometime."
We look at that," Freed chuckled, "Seems like a new friendship's just emerged, huh, Mary?"
Mary shook her head, walking back inside. "I don't understand why you're laughing so loudly, dear."
Abell handed the wooden sword back to Freed, ready to leave. "I should get going. It's getting late. Thanks for the battle, Torin."
Before he could walk away, Torin grabbed his shoulder, a serious look in his eyes. "Let's have another fight sometime, without all the animosity. I'm sorry, Abell. I guess I misjudged you."
Abell stiffened, taken aback by the sudden apology. He didn't turn around as he spoke. "What are you talking about? There's no issue. I'll fight you anytime." He flashed a cocky smile, then dashed off, feeling satisfied with the battle.
As he ran home, he thought about the academy, nonstop battles, stronger opponents, and more Malignants to face. His resolve to join the academy, to see the world, and prove his strength grew stronger with every step.
When Abell entered his house, he found Hugo and Keeko chatting while eating. Both turned as he entered, bruised and covered in torn clothes.
"Ugh, Abell. What trouble have you gotten into now?" Keeko said, raising an eyebrow.
The emotions swelled within him, and his resolve solidified. He took a deep breath, walking straight to her. "Listen, Mom. I may not be as strong as Genevieve, but my resolve to be strong is the same. I can't stay here. I want to see the world, fight others, and face Malignants. Please, let me accept Hugo's offer."
Keeko was taken aback, her son speaking so openly for the first time. She paused before teasing, "I've already spoken to Hugo. But before anything , I'll give you one final training session—and this time, I won't hold back. Prove to me you're ready."
Abell felt tears a smile creep up but held it back, putting on a brave face. "I'll take you on and I promise I will defeat you."
Hugo watched the exchange with a grin. "Well, look at that. All's well that ends well. If you'll excuse me, I'm off to do some work. I'll see you guys in two days.
With that, Abell stepped outside, the cool air brushing against his face. The full moon hung high above Iridius, casting a silver glow over the quiet town. He gazed at it for a moment, the weight of everything he was leaving behind heavy in his chest. He didn't know what lay ahead, but the fire inside him burned brighter than ever.
The road to becoming a Luminary wasn't just about power—it was about proving to himself that he could do what no one thought possible.
23 hours before the fight…