Morning came with a chill that clung to the air.

  Abell walked beside Hugo, focusing on his breathing like he'd been told. In and out. Steady. Trying to feel... something.

  "Abell, you're forcing it," Hugo said without looking over.

  "I'm doing what you said. Are you messing with me?" Abell squinted.

  Hugo let out a small chuckle. “You're thinking too hard. Like I said, just breathe and Feel for the orb in your chest."

  Abell exhaled sharply. "What does that even mean? 'Feel the stupid orb?"

  Hugo stopped walking.

  “Why’d you stop?” Abell said, crashing into him

  Hugo held out his hand, palm up. "Watch."

  For a moment, nothing happened. Then light began to gather above his palm—yellow luminous energy swirling, fusing into a sphere while three rings rotating around it, steady and controlled.

  Abell stared. "The hell? Is that your—"

  "My orb. Well, a projection of it." Hugo closed his fist, and the light faded. “This is what's inside your chest right now. Can you picture it?"

  Abell stared at the sphere, the way it pulsed gently.

  "I've never seen anyone do that, not even Mom taught me."

  "I don’t blame her. It’s a government requirement, mostly for soldiers and Luminaries to identify their rank." Hugo started walking again. "But that's what you're trying to feel and focus on if you want to begin to learn Resonance.”

  Abell looked at his own hand. Tried to imagine light gathering there.

  Nothing.

  "Don't worry about it, most luminaries struggle at first," Hugo chuckled. "Just continue imagining your own orb.

  Abell shoved his hands in his pockets.

  Whatever, I’ll do this later.

  They walked in silence after that, the forest gradually thinning as the path widened. The morning sun climbed higher, warming the air and burning off the last of the chill. Abell tried a few more times to sense whatever Hugo was talking about, some pulse, some rhythm in his chest but gave up after the third attempt.

  It wasn't there. Or he was too stupid to feel it.

  Probably both.

  Asound reached them before they saw anything, raised voices carrying through the trees ahead.

  Hugo's hand went up, signaling Abell to stop.

  "What is it?" Abell whispered.

  "Trouble." Hugo moved forward cautiously, keeping to the tree line.

  Through the brush, they could see a small covered wagon stopped on the road. A family, a man, a woman, and two young children stood with their hands raised. Four men surrounded them, weapons drawn.

  Abell's hand went to Genevieve's blade.

  "Wait," Hugo said quietly. "Look closer."

  Abell squinted. The men weren't what he expected. Their clothes were worn but not ragged. Two wore fragments of armor, a dented breastplate here, a bracer there.

  "What am I looking for?"

  "The tall one," Hugo said. "See his neck?"

  Abell focused. A branded circle, faded but visible.

  "Landholder's mark," Hugo explained. "They’re bond-servants, Former farmers who couldn't pay their debts."

  "So they're like slaves?"

  "Sadly, this is a reality of our world."

  “Tch.” Abell sucked his teeth. “Weaklings… Now they’re robbing people.”

  Hugo’s face lit up as if he wanted to respond, but didn't.’

  On the road, the largest of the four men stepped forward. "We don't want trouble. Just whatever you can spare."

  The father's voice shook. "We have nothing. We're trying to get to Hallion. Please let us pass."

  "You think we’re dumb?? Hallion won't let you in without sols," another man said. "So either you give us what you have, or turn back now."

  The woman clutched her children closer.

  Abell clenched his fist. "I’m not watching anymore of this—"

  "Abell wait." Hugo's voice was flat. "Not everything needs to be solved with violence, okay?."

  "So we do nothing?"

  "I didn't say that."

  Hugo stepped out of the trees, hands visible and empty. His movements were casual, unthreatening.

  The four men spun toward him, weapons raised.

  "Easy," Hugo said, still walking forward. "No need for that."

  The leader's eyes narrowed. "Walk away, traveler. This isn't your business."

  "Maybe not." Hugo stopped a few meters away. "But I'm making it my business anyway."

  One of the men took a step forward, gripping his sword. "There are four of us and—"

  He stopped.

  His eyes locked on Hugo's flashed a golden medallion

  "Shit, that’s—," the man breathed. "He's a Luminary."

  The leader's posture shifted immediately. "We... we don't want trouble with a Luminary."

  "Then go, move along," Hugo playfully shoo’d them.

  "But we can’t leave, we need—"

  "I know what you need." Hugo reached into his coat and pulled out a small pouch. He tossed it to the leader, who caught it reflexively. "That's enough for a week of food. Maybe two if you're smart about it."

  The leader opened the pouch, eyes widening at the sols inside.

  "Now go and turn your lives around," Hugo said. "Before I change my mind."

  The four men exchanged glances, then backed away slowly, tears flowing. They disappeared into the forest on the opposite side of the road.

  The family stood frozen, staring at Hugo.

  The father finally found his voice. "Thank you. We... we can't repay you, but—"

  " I don't need anything," Hugo said, already turning away.

  The woman stepped forward. "Why would you, a Luminary, help us? We can't afford—"

  "Not all of us forgot what we're supposed to be doing," Hugo said without looking back.

  Abell caught up to him as they returned to the path.

  "You just let them go," Abell said angrily. "And gave them money?"

  "Abell listen, those guys were desperate. I’d bet they have families to feed as well." Hugo's tone was firm. "What would killing them do? That doesn't solve anything.”

  "So throwing money at them fixes it?"

  "No. But it keeps them fed for another week. Hugo glanced at him. "The world's not simple and kindness goes a long way. Those men could go try to rob more people, but I hope that they’ll change from what I did today.”

  Abell looked back at the family, now loading back into their wagon.

  “Is that hope more worth the risk?” he asked.

  Hugo chucked, “I’d like to think so. Anyways, let’s get going.”

  Abell glanced at Hugo’s back.

  He seemed more worked up than usual…maybe it's my imagination.

  The road climbed steadily upward, winding through dense forest until it crested a rocky hilltop.

  They reached the top and stopped.

  Below, a small valley stretched out before them. A wooden sign stood at the valley's entrance.

  BRAVONA

  Perhaps twenty buildings clustered around a central well. Beyond them, separated by fields and a narrow river, stood a walled estate, stone walls pristine, a mansion gleaming even through the haze.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  But smoke rose from the village.

  Several buildings at the edge were blackened ruins, frames collapsed inward. Bodies lay in the streets, some covered with cloth, others exposed where they'd fallen. The dirt was stained black in places.

  Even from this distance, Abell could see people moving. Some frantically reinforcing barricades. A woman knelt beside a covered shape. An old man sat against a wall, awaiting his fate, and a child looked for its mother in chaos.

  Abell's stomach twisted.

  "It’s a fresh attack," Hugo said quietly. "This morning, probably."

  Abell's eyes moved to the estate. The walls were manned with guards visible on the ramparts, watching the village below.

  Just watching.

  "The hell," Abell said. “Why aren’t they helping?

  "It’s not their job," Hugo said, simply.

  Cowards…

  Movement caught Abell's eye. Near the center of the village, where burnt buildings clustered together, something was moving.

  A figure emerged from behind a collapsed wall. Hunched, limbs crawling on all fours. Dark matted fur, and through gaps in the fur, a faint magenta glow.

  Then another appeared. And another.

  Three of them, scavenging through the town looking for prey

  “Malignants.” Hugo said, 3 grade d’s from the looks of it.”

  Abell was already running down the Hill. “C’mon, Hugo, let’s go fight those things.”

  Hugo sighed, “Even now, he’s thinking about fighting more than rescuing people.”

  They entered the village. The smell of smoke hit him first—followed by blood and charred wood.

  The Malignants were maybe fifty meters ahead now, tearing through debris near what used to be a bakery.

  "You're taking one," Hugo said, voice low.

  "What about you?"

  "I'll handle the other two." Hugo stopped walking. "But listen—I want you to try something."

  "Try what?" Abell's palm opened instinctively, ready to summon his blade.

  "No, don’t use your Lux," Hugo said sharply. "Use Genevieve's blade."

  Abell stared at him. "What? This thing's broken—"

  "Use it." Hugo's tone left no room for argument. "When you fight, I want you to try feeling your orb and the energy inside you. I don't expect you to use resonance, but try to sense it. Understand?"

  "I..." Abell took the broken blade out of his scabbard. "Seriously?"

  "Yes, now go."

  The nearest Malignant's head snapped up. Red eyes locked onto Abell.

  It shrieked and charged.

  Abell gripped the broken blade with both hands. It felt weird to hold, but he couldn’t complain.

  Feel the orb. Feel the energy.

  He tried to focus inward while his eyes tracked the charging creature.

  Nothing came. Just his own panic and the pounding of his heart.

  The Malignant closed the distance. Twenty meters. Fifteen.

  Ten meters.

  Damn it.

  The Malignant lunged.

  Abell moved on instinct—threw himself sideways, rolling across the dirt. Claws raked the air where he'd been standing.

  He came up in a crouch, blade ready.

  The creature spun toward him, fast and feral.

  The blade's too short. Can't reach from a distance. Gotta get in close.

  It lunged again.

  This time, Abell didn't dodge. He stepped forward—inside the creature's reach—and drove the broken blade upward.

  The jagged edge caught the Malignant under the jaw. Not deep, but enough to make it recoil, black blood spraying.

  It swiped at him wildly.

  Abell ducked, felt claws pass over his head, and stabbed again. Aiming for the chest.

  The blade punched through fur and flesh.

  But he missed its orb.

  The Malignant shrieked and thrashed, throwing him backward. He hit the ground hard, air knocked from his lungs.

  It was on him instantly—claws pinning his shoulder, jaws snapping toward his throat.

  Abell jammed the broken blade between them. The creature's teeth closed on metal instead of flesh.

  He twisted the blade. Hard.

  The jagged edge tore through the inside of its mouth. The Malignant jerked back, shrieking.

  Abell kicked it off and scrambled to his feet.

  His shoulder burned where the claws had dug in. Blood soaked through his shirt. The broken blade was slick—his blood and the creature's mixing.

  Feel the energy. Feel the orb.

  He tried again. Reaching inward while the Malignant circled him.

  For just a second—the briefest moment—he felt something. A pulse. Faint. Deep in his chest.

  Then it was gone.

  The Malignant lunged.

  Abell sidestepped and brought the blade down hard on its exposed back.

  The jagged metal bit deep between its shoulder blades.

  The creature collapsed, clawing at the ground.

  Abell didn't hesitate. He drove the blade down again—into its chest, punching through the glowing orb.

  The Malignant convulsed once, then went still. Its body began to dissolve into black mist.

  Abell stood there, breathing hard, blood dripping from his shoulder.

  To his left, Hugo was already finished. Sitting on the broken debris.

  Hugo walked over, glancing at Abell's injuries. "Rough."

  "No shit." Abell pressed his hand against his bleeding shoulder. "Why did you make me use this broken blade?"

  "One, because I need you to understand that your Lux isn’t gonna be available at all times." Hugo's tone was firm but not angry. "And two, because your Lux is powerful, you don’t take the time to analyze what is happening in your body.

  Abell frowned. "Whatever?"

  "Well, did you feel anything? Even for a second?"

  Abell hesitated. "Maybe. I don't know. It was... so soft I couldn’t get a good read on it."

  "That's a start." Hugo nodded toward the dissolving corpse. "You won't learn resonance overnight. But if you can start feeling your orb and the energy it provides, you'll understand how energy moves through your body. That's the foundation."

  Abell looked down at the broken blade in his hand.

  I guess I can use this thing for combat

  "Come on," Hugo said, already walking toward the village center. "Let's see if anyone needs help."

  Abell followed, gripping the blade tighter, shoulder throbbing with every step.

  “Ugh, another cleanup job…”

  The village center was worse up close.

  A baker's shop, or what used to be one, had collapsed entirely. The wooden beams were charred black, still smoking. Bread lay scattered in the dirt, trampled and covered in ash.

  A man sat on the ground nearby, staring at the ruins. His hands were burned, wrapped in dirty cloth. He didn't look up as they passed.

  Further in, near the well, a group of villagers worked in silence. Moving bodies. Covering them with whatever cloth they could find.

  Abell slowed, his grip tightening on the broken blade.

  Damn, it can get this bad?

  Iridius had never seen something like this. His home was usually safe, sheltered.

  Hugo remained unfazed, though when he glanced at Abell, his gaze softened slightly.

  A little girl peeked out from behind a half-burned house, trembling. Her eyes widened when she saw them.

  "Are you... Luminaries?" she asked softly. "Thank you for—"

  Before she could finish, her mother pulled her away sharply. "Don't talk to strangers." Her voice was harsh. She gave Hugo and Abell a cold look. "And if they are Luminaries, we don't need their help anymore."

  She hurried away, the girl looking back over her shoulder.

  "What's her problem?" Abell muttered.

  "It's alright, Abell. Don't take it personally." Hugo said quietly. He gazed at their surroundings before speaking again. "This is the reality. Villages like these don't get help from Luminaries. So I don't blame them for being like this."

  They walked deeper into the village. The silence wasn't empty—it was heavy. The weight of anger, grief, and resignation.

  A thin, frail man stepped into their path. "Who are you?" he demanded. "Here to take what little we have left?"

  Abell crossed his arms. "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "I'm the village chief." His eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"

  "We're just passing through," Hugo answered calmly. "No need to worry about us."

  The chief looked skeptical. His gaze shifted to Abell's sword, then back to their faces.

  "Tch. You're Luminaries." He spat the word like a curse. "You kill three little dogs and think it’s enough to get paid ?" His voice dripped with bitterness.

  "We didn’t ask for money, old man?" Abell frowned.

  The chief let out a dry, humorless laugh. "Don't make me laugh, you're kind only accept coin for your skills out here."

  Hugo didn't flinch.

  "This country's gone to shit." The chief's grip tightened on his walking stick. "Tell your boss—Cedris Benedict? That we don't need his help or his damned rules. We made it this far on our own."

  Abell looked at Hugo, confused.

  Hugo finally spoke, his voice quiet. "I'm sorry, we’ll be leaving." He nodded to the chief, then nudged Abell to follow him.

  As they walked, other villagers began to notice them. A man blocking their path.

  "We hate you guys," he said flatly. "Go"

  Another woman joined him. "You show up after everything's already burned. What good are you?"

  More gathered. Not threatening, but firm. Pushing them toward the village edge.

  "Just go," someone said. "You've done enough."

  Abell's jaw tightened, but Hugo kept walking, guiding him through the crowd.

  They left the village behind.

  Abell looked back one last time. The chief was still standing there, watching them go.

  The walk was heavy. Whispers of grief still carried on the wind behind them. People are cursing the government. The Luminary system. Everything.

  Bandits. Malignants. Hunger.

  Abell had heard it all. And they were only a few days from Iridius.

  "Hey, Hugo," Abell said. "Why is Iridius so safe? This place isn't that far away."

  Hugo kept facing forward. "Can't you tell? It's because of your mother."

  "The old lady?"

  Hugo chuckled. "Yeah. One of the reasons I came to Western Eudora was to examine how Iridius remained fairly untouched. Turns out it was because of her."

  His tone grew more serious. "She's a top-tier Luminary. Even crippled, she could take on a Grade A if she had to. Her presence alone keeps weaker Malignants at bay."

  Grade A?" Abell asked.

  "Don't worry about them yet.." Hugo crossed his arms. "But yeah. She's that strong."

  Abell looked at him. "So... she's stronger than you?"

  Hugo laughed. "Let's keep moving."

  As they left the ruined village behind, a large estate loomed in the distance. Tall gates. Stone walls. Guards standing like statues on the ramparts.

  Abell frowned. "Who lives there?"

  "Some rich landowner," Hugo muttered. "This region's full of them."

  Abell's jaw clenched as he stared at the untouched building.

  Minutes ago, they'd walked through a dying village. And here, behind stone walls, the wealthy sat untouched.

  They weren't even that far apart.

  "Why didn't they help?" Abell said.

  "Because these people don't matter to them." Hugo's voice was cold. "The estate pays taxes to the Benedict family. The village doesn't. So when Malignants attack, the guards stay on the walls and watch."

  Abell stared at the estate. At the clean stone. The guards are watching.

  Hugo continued. "The strong decide who's worth protecting. And most of the time? It's not people like this."

  Abell's hand went to his bleeding shoulder. The wound throbbed.

  Cowards

  "Still want to be a Luminary?" Hugo asked.

  Abell looked at him. "What?"

  "You wanted to be a Luminary. To fight. To prove you're stronger than your sister." Hugo's gaze was steady. "This is what that world looks like."

  Abell looked back at the village. The smoke still rising.

  "Yeah," he said finally. "I do."

  Hugo raised an eyebrow. "Even after seeing this?"

  "Especially after seeing this." Abell's voice was harder now. "I want to get even stronger."

  Hugo studied him for a long moment. Then shook his head, a slight smile on his face. "You really are something else."

  "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "Nothing." Hugo started walking. "Come on. Hallion's still two days away."

  Abell followed, casting one last look at the village.

  At the estate, still watching.

  Damned weaklings…

  Little did he know someone was staring at them through the window.

  “Hugo? Traveling with some random kid? Interesting…”