Two weeks had passed since the attack.

  Iridius was still recovering, but it no longer looked like a warzone. The burned buildings had been cleared away, replaced by fresh timber frames. The market square had been rebuilt, way smaller than before but functional. The fountain in the center was still cracked, but someone had planted flowers around the base.

  Abell had spent most of those two weeks swinging hammers, carrying lumber, and helping wherever he could. His ribs had healed and the burns on his palms had faded to pale scars. His body felt stronger than it had before the fight, hardened by the work.

  But today, he was leaving.

  Abell stood in his small room, looking at the bag on his bed. It wasn't much—a change of clothes, some dried food Astrid had packed for him, and the recommendation letter from Hugo. That was it. Everything he owned fit in one bag.

  He glanced around the room. The wooden sword he'd practiced with as a kid still leaned in the corner. The small shelf where he used to keep books Genevieve had given him. The window that looked out over the backyard where Keeko had trained him for years.

  I'm really leaving huh.

  Footsteps approached from the hallway. Keeko appeared in the doorway, holding something wrapped in cloth.

  "Ready?" she asked.

  "Yeah. Almost."

  Keeko stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She unwrapped the cloth, revealing a broken blade.

  Genevieve's falchion.

  The hilt was intact—worn leather grip darkened with age and use. the blade itself was gone. Only a jagged stump remained, maybe five inches of broken steel poking from where the full blade used to be.

  "They found this after she disappeared," Keeko said quietly. "It was all they recovered from her last mission."

  Abell stared at it, in awe.

  "I was going to keep it," Keeko continued. "But I think you should take it with you."

  She held it out to him.

  Abell took it carefully. The broken blade was heavier than he expected, the jagged edge still sharp.

  "Why? it's broken and you know I hate real swords.” Abell said.

  "Abell, just take the damn sword.." Keeko's eyes met his. "You can’t expect to rely on you Lux for every situation."

  Abell scoffed but nodded.

  Keeko reached out and rested a hand on his shoulder. "You're capable of doing good but please try to take care of yourself.."

  "I'll make you proud and get stronger," he managed.

  "Good answer." She squeezed his shoulder once, then stepped back. "Now finish packing. The town's waiting."

  She turned and left, closing the door quietly behind her.

  Abell stood there alone, holding his sister's broken blade.

  I guess I’ll have to get used to this.

  He wrapped it carefully in the cloth and placed it in his bag. Then he slung the bag over his shoulder and stepped out of his room for the last time.

  The tavern was quiet in the late morning. Most people were either working on repairs or preparing for the gathering in the square. Hugo sat alone at a corner table, a half-empty mug in front of him, staring at Mira, the tavern owner.

  The door opened, and Torrin walked in.

  He spotted Hugo immediately and crossed the room. He stopped at the table but didn't sit.

  "Mind if I ask you something?" Torrin said.

  Hugo glanced up, those star-shaped pupils catching the light from the window. "I’m kinda busy but go ahead."

  Torrin hesitated, then pulled out a chair and sat down.

  "Can I go with you guys?” Torrin said. “I want to get stronger too.”

  Hugo studied him for a moment. "Hm…You don't have Lux?"

  Torrin's jaw tightened. "No. But I can still fight. I killed some Malignants during the attack. I’m not hopeless.

  "That’s impressive." Hugo's tone wasn't harsh, just honest. "You're strong. Probably the stronger than Abell but…"

  "But what?"

  "The academy, It's built for people with Lux," Hugo said. "The entrance exam, the training, everything assumes you can use it. Going in without it?" He shook his head. "It's not impossible. I know one person who made it as a Luminary without Lux. But they were exceptional. Talented in ways most people never reach."

  Torrin looked down at the table. "And you don't think I'm that talented."

  "Honestly I don’t know. You didn’t catch my eye.”

  The silence stretched between them.

  "So?" Torrin's voice was quieter now. "Why’d you notice Abell?

  "Isn’t it obvious" Hugo said, with crazed eyes. "That boy is truly amazing, he just doesn’t realize it yet.”

  Torrin stood, his eyes closed "Thanks for the honesty, I guess."

  He turned toward the door.

  "Torrin," Hugo called after him.

  Torrin stopped but didn't turn around.

  "For what it's worth," Hugo said, "I think you will rival him someday, if you keep training."

  Torrin didn't respond. He pushed through the door and left.

  Hugo watched him go, then returned to admiring Mira.

  The town square was packed.

  It seemed like everyone in Iridius had gathered, standing shoulder to shoulder in front of the broken fountain. The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestones.

  Elder Marcus stood on a makeshift platform—just a few wooden crates stacked together.

  Abell stood near the back with Keeko beside him. Hugo leaned against a nearby wall, arms crossed, watching quietly.

  Marcus raised his hand, and the murmuring crowd fell silent.

  "Three weeks ago," Marcus began, "our town faced its darkest hour. Malignants attacked in numbers we hadn't seen in years. We lost friends. Family and Neighbors."

  He paused, letting the weight of the words settle.

  "Twenty-three of our people died that night," Marcus continued. "Gilford, who fed us with a smile every morning. Mr. Millia, who gave his life so his family could escape. The guards at the eastern gate who held the line. The children who never got the chance to grow up."

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  The crowd was silent. A few people wiped at their eyes.

  "We will never forget them," Marcus said firmly. "Their names will be remembered. Their sacrifice honored."

  He looked around at the gathered townspeople.

  "But we're still here. We rebuilt. We survived. And we did it together."

  A few nods rippled through the crowd.

  Marcus's gaze shifted, landing on Abell.

  "Today, we gather for another reason," he said. "Abell is leaving us."

  Heads turned. People looked toward Abell.

  "He's received an opportunity to attend the Luminary Academy," Marcus continued. "To train alongside the best fighters in Eudora. To become strong enough to protect not just our town, but all of us."

  Marcus paused, then spoke directly to Abell.

  "You carry Iridius with you. This town raised you and these walls protected you. Remember that when you're out there. Remember where you came from."

  Abell's throat tightened. He nodded.

  "We wish you strength," Marcus said. "And we'll be waiting for you’re return."

  The crowd murmured agreement. A few people clapped. It wasn't loud or celebratory—just quiet acknowledgment.

  Marcus stepped down from the platform. The crowd began to murmur, people moving slowly, unsure if they should approach or give Abell space.

  Before anyone else could move, Misha pushed through the crowd.

  The kid's eyes were wide and determined. He stopped right in front of Abell, hands clenched into fists at his sides.

  "You're really leaving?" Misha asked.

  "Yeah," Abell said.

  "To become a Luminary?"

  "That's the plan."

  Misha's eyes lit up despite the seriousness of the moment. "That's so cool! You're gonna fight huge Malignants and save people and—"

  "Misha," Astrid's voice cut in as she appeared behind her brother, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Give him some space."

  "But Astrid—"

  "I said, space."

  Misha huffed but took a step back. Then he looked up at Abell, his expression suddenly serious.

  "Promise me something," Misha said.

  "What is it?"

  "Come back strong. Like, really strong. So strong that everyone knows you're the best."

  Abell smirked. "You're still thinking about being my rival, huh?"

  "Always!" Misha puffed out his chest. "And when you come back, I'll be stronger too. Then we'll fight for real."

  "Okay, I promise."

  Misha grinned, then threw his arms around Abell's waist in a quick hug before pulling back,. "Okay. Good luck."

  He turned and ran off before Abell could respond.

  Astrid watched him go, then turned to Abell. Her expression was harder to read.

  "So," she said quietly. "This is it."

  "Yeah."

  She reached into the small bag at her side and pulled out a bundled cloth. "Here. Take this."

  Abell unwrapped it. Inside were bandages, a jar of salve, and a few packets of dried herbs.

  "You're going to get hurt," Astrid said. "A lot, probably. This should help."

  "Thanks."

  Astrid looked away, her voice quieter now. "You better come back, Abell. Don't go dying out there."

  "I won't."

  "Promise?"

  Abell met her eyes. "Promise."

  Astrid nodded, then stepped forward and hugged him quickly. It was brief, almost awkward, but genuine.

  "Good luck," she whispered.

  Then she pulled back and walked away before he could say anything else.

  Abell stood there for a moment, holding the bundle of medicine she'd given him.

  Then he heard heavy footsteps approaching.

  Torrin walked toward him, Freed and Mary following close behind. Torrin's expression was conflicted but determined.

  They stopped in front of Abell.

  For a moment, no one spoke.

  Finally, Torrin broke the silence. "So. You're actually going?."

  "Yeah," Abell said.

  Torrin looked away for a second, then back at Abell.

  "Don’t you dare make Iridius look weak," Torrin said. “

  He extended his hand.

  "If you do I’ll personally beat your ass again."

  Abell stared at Torrin's hand for a second, then shook it.

  "Don’t worry I’ll make sure you won’t stand a chance," Abell said quietly.

  Torrin stepped back, and Freed moved forward, a broad smile on his soot-covered face.

  "The little brat taking his first steps away from the nest. HAHAHA" Freed said, clapping Abell on the shoulder. "The Academy's going to push you harder than anything here. Don’t worry about us we got capable fighters to slay malignants.

  "Work hard. Get strong," Freed continued. "And remember, you’re only as good as your weapon, so keep that weird wand sharp..”

  “It’s a sword…” Abell nodded.

  Mary stepped forward last. She looked tired—still recovering from the long nights treating the wounded—but her eyes were kind.

  "You did well during the attack," Mary said quietly. "You and your mother both. This town owes you more than just a speech."

  "I didn’t do much," Abell said.

  "Stop sulking, boy." Mary reached into her bag and pulled out a small pouch. "Here. Medicine. Stronger than what Astrid gave you. Use it when things get bad."

  Abell took it carefully. "Thank you."

  Mary smiled. "Take care of yourself, Abell. Don't let the world out there break you."

  She stepped back, and the three of them stood there for a moment longer.

  Then Freed nodded. "We should let others say goodbye."

  They turned and walked away, leaving Abell alone again.

  A few more townspeople approached—neighbors, shopkeepers, people Abell had known his whole life. Each one offered a few words, a handshake, a nod of respect.

  Eventually, the crowd thinned.

  Keeko and Hugo stood together near the edge of the square, talking quietly. When they noticed Abell looking their way, Hugo gestured for him to come over.

  Abell walked over, adjusting the strap of his bag on his shoulder.

  "Ready?" Hugo asked.

  "Yeah. I think so."

  Keeko studied him for a moment, then reached out and straightened the collar of his shirt.

  "You've got everything?" she asked.

  "Everything I need."

  She nodded, then looked at Hugo. "You better take care of him Hugo. If anything happens to him I’m coming straight for you."

  "C’mon Keeko," Hugo said. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep him safe.”

  Keeko's eyes stayed on Hugo for a bit longer, Then she turned back to Abell.

  "Remember what I told you," she said quietly. "Control your emotions. Think before you act. And don't try to be a hero."

  "I won't."

  "Good." She pulled him into a brief hug, then stepped back. "Now go. Before I change my mind."

  Abell managed a small smile. "I'll write when I can."

  "You better."

  Hugo clapped Abell on the shoulder. "Come on, kid. We've got a long joureny ahead of us."

  Abell took one last look at his mother, then nodded.

  "Let's go."

  Hugo started walking toward the edge of town, and Abell followed.

  The crowd parted for them, forming a quiet path through the square. People watched as they passed, faces solemn but supportive.

  Abell kept his eyes forward, but he could feel their stares. The weight of their expectations.

  "Good luck, Abell!"

  "Come back strong!"

  "Make us proud!"

  Voices called out from the crowd. Abell's throat tightened.

  He glanced back once.

  Keeko stood at the front, arms crossed, watching him go. Beside her, Astrid had her hand over her mouth, tears already streaming down her face. Misha waved frantically, jumping up and down. Torrin stood with his parents, arms crossed, but he gave a single nod.

  Off to the side, Mira stood with her arms folded, watching Hugo. When their eyes met, she gave him a small smile.

  Hugo's face turned slightly red, and he looked away quickly.

  The whole town was there. Watching. Waiting. Believing.

  Abell's chest felt tight. His eyes stung, but he blinked it away.

  Why am I getting emotional… This is what I also wanted.

  This boring town, I can finally leave.

  He took a deep breath and turned back around.

  One step. Then another.

  Each step took him farther from everything he'd ever known. From his home. From his mother. From the life he'd lived for fifteen years.

  But it also took him closer to something else.

  To strength. To purpose. To becoming someone who could actually make a difference.

  Hugo walked beside him in silence, giving him the space to process.

  They reached the edge of Iridius, where the dirt road stretched out into the open fields beyond. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting everything in warm orange light.

  Abell stopped and looked back one last time.

  Iridius sat quiet in the distance. The broken fountain. The rebuilt market. The people still standing in the square, watching him leave.

  This is it.

  Hugo stopped beside him. "You okay?"

  Abell nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Yeah. I'm good."

  "You sure? We can wait a minute if you need to—"

  "No." Abell's voice was firm. "I'm ready."

  Hugo studied him for a moment, then smiled slightly. "Alright then. Let's go."

  They turned and started down the road.

  Abell didn't look back again.

  This is just the beginning. My story starts now.

  He adjusted the strap of his bag—feeling the weight of Genevieve's broken blade inside—and kept walking.

  Forward.

  Toward whatever came next.