The sun blazed down on Iridius, the bustling marketplace alive with chatter, the scent of fresh bread, and the rhythmic clank of the blacksmith''s hammer. Amidst it all, Abell stood at the edge of town, facing his mother, Keeko, who moved effortlessly, dodging his every swing. Sweat dripped from his brow, his grip tightening around the hilt of his glowing sword.


    "Come on, Abell. If you want to call yourself a warrior, you''ll need more than that," Keeko teased, her voice light but sharp.


    Abell''s frustration built with each failed strike. No matter how hard he tried, her hands blocked them all. This always happens, he thought, gritting his teeth. I''m never getting any better.


    "You know, at this age, Genevieve was already giving me a hard time," Keeko smirked, poking at his pride. "And that was when I was at my prime."


    The mention of Genevieve hit harder than expected. Abell clenched his jaw, memories of a recent battle with a Malignant flashing before him. That was easier than this, he thought bitterly.


    He swung again, with all his strength. But Keeko was faster. She swept his feet out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground as his sword dissipated into glowing particles.


    Keeko offered him her hand, but Abell slapped it away, frustrated. "C''mon, kiddo, don''t be like that," she said with a teasing smile, her laughter lightening the mood.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    "Seriously, how strong can an old woman be?" Abell retorted, his irritation boiling over.


    Keeko''s smile faded, and before he could react, she landed a swift strike to his chest, sending him stumbling back. "Show some respect, Abell!" she scolded.


    After a moment, they both walked toward the house. Keeko shot him a concerned look but quickly changed the subject. "Enough about that! Let''s hit the market. You promised me if I won, you''d come with me."


    Abell crossed his arms, pouting. "Yeah, whatever. I''ll wait outside."


    The market was busy, the air thick with the chatter of townsfolk. Abell''s attention was caught by a conversation nearby. "Malignant attacks are getting worse. When will the government help?" a woman said.


    "Yeah, the Alsaints are too busy lining their pockets," a cynical woman replied. "Knowing how the they are our small-town isn''t a priority sadly, when''s the last time we''ve seen a luminary around these parts? They''ve been so preoccupied with bolstering their own wealth that we mean nothing." The cynical woman said.


    Do any of the 4 families care about regular people?" The west isn''t the only region with issues" she sighed, the weight of her words hanging in the air.


    Abell''s hear pumped at the mention of Malignants, wishing he could fight one at this very moment to blow of some of his anger.


    Keeko nudged him with a grin. "C''mon, focus on the market, not the gossip."


    They passed through the bustling crowd, many people thanking Keeko for her protection. Abell couldn''t help but feel a bit proud of his mother—she wasn''t always so well-regarded.


    As they moved past the crowd, a statue in the heart of the market caught Abell''s eye. It was the statue of the Liberator—heroic, proud, larger-than-life. Abell''s gaze hardened as he stared at it, clenching his fist. One day, I''ll be a top Luminary. No one will doubt my strength. Not for the glory, but to prove to myself that I can do it.