The next two days were packed with lessons Abell hadn't expected.

  Hugo taught him how to gut a fish properly. How to start a fire with damp wood. How to set up camp so you don't sleep on rocks.

  "Geez, your mom never taught you this stuff?" Hugo asked, watching Abell struggle with a fishing line.

  "No Never, just how to fight."

  "And nothing else?"

  Abell shrugged. "Don’t look at me."

  Hugo shook his head but didn't push it.

  Abell practiced sensing his orb while they walked. Abell tried breathing exercises, focusing inward. Sometimes he felt that faint pulse. Most times, nothing.

  His shoulder healed slowly, and the broken blade grew more familiar with each day.

  Hugo could only chuckle, watching Abell fail countless times.

  On the second night, they camped near a stream. Abell managed to start the fire without Hugo's help. He caught two fish and cooked them without burning them.

  Hugo raised his cup of water. "Look at that, making progress with me, eh?"

  "Shut up," Abell said, but smiled, with a mix of joy and embarrassment.

  By the third morning, the forest thinned out. The road widened. And then they were confronted with massive stone walls rising in the distance.

  Finally, Hallion was in sight.

  The walls grew larger with every step.

  Abell had never seen anything like it. Stone stretched endlessly in both directions, towering at least thirty feet high. With guard towers and soldiers visible even from this distance.

  But what stopped him wasn't the walls.

  It was the crowd.

  Hundreds of people packed the road leading to the gates. Families with carts. Travelers with packs. Merchants arguing with guards. The guards bore a unique insignia, An owl perched on a crescent moon.

  "What’s with this crowd?" Abell muttered.

  "Refugees. Travelers. People looking for safety." Hugo kept walking toward the back of the line. "Hallion's one of the few cities that hasn't fallen apart. It’s only natural everyone wants in."

  They joined the crowd.

  Abell's eyebrows twitched as they waited, “Damn, can’t we skip the line? You’re a Luminary, aren’t you??

  Hugo laughed, “I’d rather not use my title for special benefits, Abell.” He said, “But honestly, I’d rather not draw attention, especially in this city.”

  All Abell could do was sigh.

  Ahead, Abell watched a family approach the guards at the gate. A man, a woman, and two children. The father held out some papers, hands shaking.

  "Please let us in," the man said. "We were told there's work here. My family and I—"

  The guard glanced at the paper, then returned it. "You're not getting in."

  "But we traveled for days—"

  "Not my problem. Next."

  The mother stepped forward, desperation in her voice. "Please, we just need a chance. We can work. We'll do anything—"

  "I said move along." The guard's hand went to his weapon.

  The family stood frozen for a moment. Then the father took his children's hands and turned away, shoulders slumped.

  Abell's jaw tightened.

  Hugo's hand landed on his shoulder. "Relax."

  "But they obviously don’t have anywhere to go."

  "I know, but this is reality."

  “Well it’s bull.”

  They waited. The line crawled forward. Minutes turned into what felt like hours.

  Then a bell rang out, echoing across the valley. The crowd went silent, with some people panicking.

  “Malignants!” one of the guards shouted.

  Abell's ears perked up instantly at the sound of Malignants

  Finally, something other than waiting… Where are they?

  Hugo tapped the top of Abell’s head, ruffling his hair.

  “Relax, they got it under control,” he smiled, “Besides, I told you I’d rather keep a low profile.”

  Abell sucked his teeth. “Coward."

  People in the crowd started murmuring. Some backed away from the gates. Others pushed forward, desperate to get inside before whatever was out there reached them.

  Suddenly, the gates opened. A group was approaching from the city gates, six armored guards. Their armor bore a different insignia from that of the gate guards. This one is a silver wolf standing on a snowy peak, howling at a bright star above it.

  At the center walked a girl.

  She couldn't have been much older than Abell. She had Blonde hair tied back in a practical braid. Light armor, and she moved with confidence.

  "Hey, Hugo, who’s that girl? Abell asked.

  Hugo looked up, then smiled slightly. "Don’t tell me you fell for someone already, poor Astrid."

  “It—It’s not like that with her.”

  The group headed straight toward where the commotion was, cutting through the crowd without hesitation. People moved out of their way.

  Abell craned his neck, trying to see what was happening. The crowd blocked most of his view, but he could hear shouts.

  A flash of pale blue light illuminated the forest. The air itself seemed to chill, and with massive luminous energy was being emitted.

  "A lux?" he muttered. “Dammit, I can’t see what’s going on—Hey, watch it, old man.”

  Less than two minutes passed.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  The girl and her guards reappeared, walking back toward the gates. Frost still clung to her armor, melting slowly in the afternoon sun.

  One of her guards dragged a Malignant corpse completely engulfed in Ice.

  That fast? They must be strong.

  The crowd parted as they approached.

  The girl's eyes swept across the waiting people, then stopped directly on Hugo.

  Hugo tried to cover his eyes, but it was too late.

  Her expression shifted as she changed direction, walking straight toward them, her guards following.

  "Hugo?" She sounded genuinely surprised. "What are you doing in Hallion?"

  He lowered his hand, sighing. "Hello, Brigid. Nice meeting you here."

  She stopped a few feet away, a slight smile crossing her face. "It’s always nice to see a familiar face.” She paused and glanced at Abell. “Who’s this? You had a son?

  "Hehe, you know I couldn’t betray Edea like that."He chuckled.

  “Now, Hugo, I can't let you speak like this about my auntie, okay?” she said, with a creepy smile.

  “Anyways.”Hugo gestured toward Abell. "Go on, introduce yourself."

  Abell hesitated. Then spoke.

  "I'm... Abell."

  Hugo nudged him. "Full name."

  "Abell Vespera."

  Brigid's eyes widened slightly. "Vespera? As in Keeko and Genevieve Vespera?"

  Abell's posture shifted immediately. His jaw tightened.

  She even haunts me out here

  Hugo noticed instantly. "Hey. Chill out."

  Abell forced himself to relax, but his eyes stayed sharp.

  Brigid caught the tension but didn't press. "I didn't mean anything by it. Your mother and sister are legends. I just didn't know Keeko had a son."

  "Yeah, well." Abell's voice was flat. "Now you do."

  Hugo cleared his throat. "Abell's heading to the academy. Entrance exam in two weeks."

  Brigid nodded, her gaze shifting to assess Abell properly now. She took in his injuries—the fading bruises on his shoulder, the broken blade at his side, the way he stood like he was still ready to fight.

  "Seems like you've been through it recently."

  "No, this is nothing.."

  She smiled slightly. "If you say so."

  “I’m sorry, Brigid, he’s not—”

  One of the gate guards had noticed the commotion. He jogged over, eyes widening when he saw Hugo.

  "Sir Creed? What are you—why are you waiting in line?"

  Hugo shrugged. “I didn’t want to trouble you.”

  The guard looked horrified. "No, sir, you should've said something immediately." He turned to the other guards at the gate. "Let them through! Now!"

  The guards scrambled, waving people aside.

  Brigid glanced at her own guards, then back at Hugo. "Come on. We can enter together."

  Hugo sighed. "So much for keeping a low profile."

  The crowd murmured as Hugo and Abell were ushered forward, past hundreds of waiting people. Some looked resentful, and others were just confused.

  Abell kept his head down, following Hugo and Brigid's group.

  I already hate this place.

  The massive gates loomed ahead, opening wide.

  And beyond them was Hallion.

  The gates opened fully, and they stepped through.

  Abell stopped in place.

  Hallion was nothing like Iridius.

  The streets weren't just crowded, they were packed. Buildings loomed overhead, carved from heavy stone, their massive pillars making the streets feel narrower than they were. Everywhere Abell looked, he saw the Benedict family crest, an owl perched on a crescent moon with banners draped from buildings and carved into walls

  Guards stood at every intersection. Their armor gleamed in the afternoon light, each one bearing that same owl insignia.

  People moved quickly, heads down, avoiding eye contact. No one chatted in the streets. Just constant movement, like everyone didn't want to be seen outside.

  "This is..." Abell started.

  "Overwhelming?" Hugo finished. "Welcome to the city."

  Brigid stopped near the entrance, her guards forming up around her. "I need to report back to my Cedris. He’ll want to know about the Malignant activity outside the walls."

  Hugo nodded. "Of course. See ya."

  She smiled, then looked at Abell. "Good luck with the exam. Maybe I'll see you at the academy."

  Abell just nodded, still taking in the city.

  Brigid and her guards turned down a side street, disappearing into the crowd.

  Hugo started walking. "Come on. Let's find an inn before you get yourself lost."

  Abell followed, eyes darting everywhere. The guards. The owl insignias. The way people moved.

  This place is insane.

  "Hey, Hugo," Abell said quietly. "Why are there so many guards?"

  “Well, Cedris is very…Interesting guy." Hugo's said. "But I guess it’s okay, the city is the safest place in Eudora."

  Abell looked up at a guard tower built into the corner of a building. A soldier stood at the top, scanning the street below.

  "It feels like I’m being watched."

  "Honestly, you’re correct. That’s how this city operates." Hugo turned down another street. "This is just how it is here."

  They walked deeper into the city. The buildings got taller. The crowds are thicker. And everywhere those owl eyes watched from banners and carvings.

  Abell let out a nervous sigh.

  One week here. Then the academy.

  Hugo led them through winding streets until they reached a quieter district. The buildings here were older, less imposing. A wooden sign hung above a doorway, painted with a crescent moon.

  "The Crescent Moon Inn," Hugo said, pushing the door open.

  Inside was warmer. The inn's common room had a few scattered tables, a bar along one wall, and a staircase leading up to the rooms. A middle-aged woman behind the bar looked up as they entered.

  "Hugo Creed." She didn't sound surprised. "The guards told me you were coming."

  "Word travels fast in this city." Hugo walked up to the bar. "I’ll take two rooms. For a week.

  She pulled out a ledger, glancing at Abell. "Who’s the kid?"

  "Don’t worry about it, but he’s with me."

  She nodded, writing something down. "Your rooms are upstairs. Second floor. Don't cause no trouble."

  Hugo slid some coins across the counter. "Wouldn't dream of it."

  They headed upstairs. The hallway was narrow, lit by oil lamps. Hugo stopped at two doors next to each other.

  "This one's yours." He handed Abell a key. "Mine's next door.”

  Abell unlocked the door and stepped inside.

  The room was small. A bed. A desk. A window overlooking the street below. Nothing fancy, but doable.

  He dropped his pack on the bed and walked to the window. From here, he could see the street guards patrolling and people hurrying past.

  There was a knock at the door.

  "Yeah?"

  Hugo stepped in. "Listen, we need to—"

  Then there was another knock. This one is on Hugo's door next door.

  Hugo frowned. "Hold on."

  He stepped back into the hallway. Abell followed, curious.

  A city guard stood there, holding a sealed letter. The owl insignia was stamped on the wax.

  "Hugo Creed?" the guard asked.

  "That's me."

  The guard handed over the letter. "From Lord Cedris. You're summoned immediately."

  Hugo broke the seal and read quickly. His expression darkened.

  "Already, huh?" he asked.

  "Yes, sir. Lord Cedris is waiting."

  Hugo looked at Abell, then back at the guard. "Give me a minute."

  The guard nodded and stepped back.

  Hugo pulled Abell into his room and closed the door.

  "Listen carefully," Hugo said, his voice serious. "I need to meet with Cedris. Right now."

  "What? You're just leaving?"

  "I don't have a choice, legal proceedings," Hugo said. "I could take a while."

  "So what am I supposed to do?"

  "Stay here." Hugo's tone left no room for argument. "Stay in this inn. Don't leave.

  "But…I'm not a kid—"

  "Abell." Hugo grabbed his shoulder. “Hallion isn't Iridius." His voice was firm. "And honestly, I don’t trust you by yourself."

  Abell crossed his arms but didn't argue.

  "I'm serious," Hugo continued. "Restup and practice sensing your orb. Get food from downstairs if you're hungry. But do NOT leave this inn."

  "Fine. Whatever."

  Hugo studied him for a long moment, then sighed. "I mean it, Abell.” He grabbed his coat and headed for the door.

  "Hugo," Abell called.

  Hugo paused, looking back.

  "Nevermind."

  "You miss me that bad?" He opened the door. "Don’t worry, I’ll be back."

  And just like that he was gone.

  Abell stood in the empty room, listening to Hugo's footsteps fade down the stairs. He walked back to his own room and closed the door. Sat on the bed thenLooked out the window at the city below.

  Stay here. Don't leave. Yeah right

  He lasted maybe an hour in that room.

  “Screw that, no way I’m staying there.”

  And just like that, he was off to explore Hallion