Project Lumina

As the group headed to Noctua Hall, Hallion's streets were alive with activity. Crowds flooded the streets, setting up stalls and displays.

"Hmm, what's going on? Why are there so many people out?" Abell asked, glancing around at the busy scene.

"It's the day of the Lunar Market Festival," Gaius replied, his tone laced with annoyance.

"People come from all over the country to show off their goods for one night," Old Man Benedict added.

"Oh, I remember when I was young, this is where I met my wife," he said, his voice softening with nostalgia.

Vendors continued to unpack their wares—odd trinkets, food items, and strange artifacts—some even drawing the attention of passersby.

"Are there any fighting events?" Abell asked, confused.

"No, there isn't. Is that all you think about?" Gaius sighed deeply.

As they walked through the streets, Abell's eyes darted from food stalls to weapons displays, intrigued by the variety of goods. One vendor caught his attention—Ream, the man who always flirted with his mother. "I didn't expect to see this guy here," Abell thought, quickly lowering his head to avoid being noticed.

After a long walk, they arrived at Noctua Hall. The building was grandiose, towering over them with an imposing presence. Its polished black stone exterior gleamed in the light, streaked with veins of silver that shimmered like stars. Massive pillars lined the entrance, each etched with intricate designs resembling the spread wings of an owl, a symbol of wisdom and authority. Above the arched double doors, a circular window bore the faint glow of a crescent moon emblem, adding an almost ethereal glow to the structure.

Abell was stunned by the sight of the building. It was like nothing he had ever seen before.

Gaius glanced at Abell with a smirk. "You really are from the countryside, huh?"

Abell blushed with frustration. "Yeah, so what?"

"Enough, let's head inside," one of the guards said irritably.

Inside, the hall was vast and imposing. The high ceilings stretched endlessly, painted with scenes of historical victories and celestial wonders. Soft light from floating crystal fixtures illuminated the space, casting a glow that danced off the smooth marble floors, patterned with subtle mosaics of stars. At the center of the hall was a circular chamber, its obsidian platform surrounded by tiered seats that spiraled upward, ensuring every word spoken there was seen and heard by all.

Noctua Hall wasn't just a building—it was a stage where the most critical decisions were made. Every detail, from the statues of past leaders standing watch to the faint hum of energy that seemed to linger in the air, reminded all who entered of the importance of what happened within its walls.

"So, we're taking you to meet Cedris," said Old Man Benedict.

"For what? I thought we were getting released," Gaius asked.

"There's procedure here. Oversight for even small incidents," he replied sharply.

"This Cedris guy sounds intense," Abell thought, wary of what was to come.

The group was escorted through the hall to Cedris's office, where Old Man Benedict paused in front of the massive doors. He turned to them. "Only speak when spoken to."

The two nodded in sync, the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on them. Even Gaius felt the tension, a sense of unease that made him want to turn and leave.

Old Man Benedict approached the doors, which were adorned with intricate carvings of owls and moons that seemed almost alive in the dim light. Instead of knocking, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small metallic disc. Pressing it into the crescent moon etched on the door, the carvings began to glow with a soft, silvery light.

With a low hum, the mechanisms inside the door shifted, gears turning silently as a melodic chime echoed through the hall, like the distant call of an owl. Slowly, the massive doors parted, revealing Cedris's office.

Abell blinked in awe. "That's… different," he murmured.

Cedris's office was sharp and imposing. The dark walls were lined with polished wood and silver accents, catching the faint light streaming through a crescent-shaped window behind the desk.

The desk itself was made from blackwood, spotless except for a few neatly stacked documents. Shelves along the walls held rows of scrolls and crystal storage devices, their faint hum adding to the room's charged atmosphere. Banners bearing the symbol of a crescent moon and owl hung on the walls, reinforcing the weight of the city's power.

"Father, I wasn't expecting your presence so soon. Is something the matter?" Cedris said, looking up from his desk.

"My son, always working hard," Old Man Benedict replied, explaining the situation with Abell, Gaius, and Wido.

"So that's why the secret guard is here," Cedris sighed, glancing at the two with a neutral expression. "You two have Luminescent abilities?"

"Yes, sir," Gaius responded quickly.

"What's that? I have a trait," Abell asked, confused.

"Haha, kid, those are the same thing. Traits are just a simplified version," Old Man Benedict said.

"Oh, sorry, sir."

Gaius shook his head in disbelief.

"Hmm, so Father, you want to excuse these two?" Cedris asked, his tone flat.

"Yes. They have great potential. Taking down a city guard is impressive. They'll be an asset to the country," Old Man Benedict said.

"You want me to forget the fact they knocked out one of my men?" Cedris replied blandly.

"Yes, you know Wido was out of control. These two remind me of Theo—they've got potential. One of them is heading to the academy next week, just like him."

Cedris rose from his chair and turned to the window, hands behind his back.

"Hmm, if you say so, Father. But you two cause trouble in my city again, there will be consequences," Cedris said, his voice stern. He turned a sharp glare at Gaius.

"But before you leave, I know you steal from people. You've been on my radar for months now."

Gaius's heart raced. "I thought I covered my tracks well…"

"Like I said, I'll let you off the hook this time. But next time, action will be taken. Your father is in jail correct?"

"Yes sir."

I'll let him out as well but make sure he's able to pay the city building income tax."

He shifted his glare to Abell. "I know your origins. Your sister was impressive—she fought alongside my eldest son. I hope you can get along with my other son." He gave a rare smile, though it didn't reach his eyes.

"With that, you may leave." Cedris said sternly.

I'll see you later, son. Tell Theo I'll meet him at the Lunar Festival," Old Man Benedict said, his voice casual.

With that, the group marched out of Cedris's office and into the main hall of Noctua Hall. Old Man Benedict motioned for the guards to leave them, and with a quiet shimmer, they vanished, startling Abell. He jumped, eyes wide.

Gaius turned to the old man. "I'm guessing they have traits too?"

Old Man Benedict chuckled. "Something like that," he replied, scratching his beard.

"Anyways, you're free to go. The festival starts in about two hours, so if you're going, I'll see you there."

"I need to take care of something back at the prison, so I'll be taking my leave," Gaius said cheerfully.

The two adolescents walked out of the building in silence. The tension between them hung in the air, and the quiet was starting to bother Abell. This guy, is he just gonna follow me around and not say anything? Abell thought.

He turned to Gaius, finally breaking the silence. "So what now?"

"Nothing. It's time for me to leave too. Staying around you is nothing but trouble," Gaius replied, his tone calm and detached.

"Well, go ahead. I don't care what you do," Abell sighed, annoyed by how composed Gaius sounded.

Gaius walked off, hands in his pockets. "Hope I don't see you again."

With that, Abell was left standing alone, his gaze lingering on Gaius's retreating form. I wonder where that star-eyed freak is, he thought, making his way down the long staircase near the entrance.

As he reached the bottom, he heard a familiar voice, one laced with unexpected tension.

"What will I tell Keeko? I can't find him. The city isn't that big—I hope he hasn't gotten into too much trouble," Hugo said, his voice strained with frustration.

Abell froze. He recognized Hugo's voice, but there was a new stress in it that he hadn't heard before. An idea struck him. Let's see if I can land a sneak attack on him, he thought, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

While Hugo was stressing, Abell saw his chance and, despite the pain still lingering from his earlier fight, threw a hard punch right to Hugo's back. But Hugo was too quick, dodging with ease and then grabbing Abell's arm, spinning him around and sending him crashing to the ground.

"Think you can get the jump on me?" Hugo said, grinning.

Abell groaned, lying on the cobblestones. "Huh? Abell?" Hugo questioned, watching him struggle to get back up.

"Damn, I couldn't get you," Abell pouted, frustrated.

"Ohh, Abell! I found you!" Hugo's excitement was palpable as he helped Abell to his feet. "I was so worried! Where have you been? Please, don't tell your mother I lost you."

Abell narrowed his eyes. "Hmm, I might have to. Thanks to you, I got arrested."

Hugo blinked, clearly surprised. "Really? What happened?"

Abell sighed and explained everything that went down—from the fight with Wido to the surprise meeting with Cedris. Hugo listened intently, his eyes growing wide.

"Wow, all that happened in the time I left you? You really attract trouble," Hugo said with a shake of his head. "And this Gaius kid… he seems pretty strong too. I wanna meet him."

"You even met Cedris? Not many people can say that," Abell said, trying to process it all. "Though, I do wonder why he let you go so easily. Usually, he's more ruthless."

Hugo shrugged nonchalantly. "Whatever. I'm ready to leave this city. I want to head to the academy," Abell demanded, his eyes flashing with determination.

"Well, go soon enough," Hugo said, smiling. "Let's enjoy the Lunar Market Festival, and we'll be on our way."

2 hours later

Abell and Hugo navigated the crowded streets, the energy of the Lunar Market Festival alive around them. Stalls were bursting with vibrant colors, and the air was thick with the smells of street food and the distant crackle of fireworks.

"So, you're just gonna stand there and stare at the fireworks?" Hugo asked, his tone half amused, half teasing.

Abell shot him a glance, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "What else is there to do? I'm not exactly here for the stalls."

"Right," Hugo said, nodding as he watched Abell's distracted gaze. "Well, while you're busy doing nothing, I'm gonna grab something to eat. You coming or what?"

Abell shook his head, glancing at the bustling festival. "I'm not hungry. But I'll stick around… for now."

The fireworks exploded overhead, lighting the sky in bursts of color, the crowd's excitement rising with each new flare. Abell sighed, feeling the weight of everything ahead. "I want to go to the academy already."

"Yeah, sure you are," Hugo chuckled. "Let's just make the most of tonight first."

They pushed forward, the festival alive with movement, the air buzzing with anticipation for the night ahead.