Project Lumina

So many people here," Abell sighed irritably, pushing through the crowd.

"You'll get used to it if you want to become a Luminary," Hugo said, chewing on a strange delicacy.

"What are you eating?" Abell asked, eyeing the treat in Hugo's hand.

"It's called Ice-smoke, a Northern Eudoran delicacy," Hugo explained, holding it up. "It's a frost-covered treat that releases a smoky mist when touched, and inside, there's a warm, spiced filling that tingles the tongue."

"How does that even work?" Abell muttered. "Whatever, let's go. I can't stand this anymore."

"We'll leave tomorrow, and you're not in any condition to leave now," Hugo said firmly, glancing at Abell's bruised arm.

"It's nothing, I'm fine." Abell said, brushing off Hugo's concern, but inside, a sharp pain throbbed in his arm. Yeah, right. I can barely move it, but I won't show weakness. He thought.

"I won't repeat myself. Let's go," Hugo said with a half-smile, a little more authority in his voice.

As they walked through the streets, the Lunar Market Festival was in full swing. Stalls stretched out on either side, filled with strange foods, trinkets, and all sorts of goods. The people here were much different than Abell remembered from the day before—cheerful, relaxed, and enjoying the festivities.

"Look, Abell, it's that guy from your village," Hugo pointed out.

Abell turned and saw Ream, the merchant from Iridius, manning a stall. He was selling foods from his hometown, including the Solara rice cakes Abell had been craving. Abell walked over, but Ream was busy chatting with a couple of women.

"Ahem, I'd like to order something," Abell said.

"Ah, excuse me, ladies," Ream said, turning with a flirtatious grin. His smile faded when he saw Abell. "Well, well, look who it is. Didn't expect to see you here, Abell. Is your mom around?"

"No, just two Solara rice cakes," Abell said, cutting to the chase.

Ream raised an eyebrow, still smirking. "You know, I always forget how much you take after your mother—straight to the point, no time for pleasantries. That woman's got fire, but you've always had a bit of a temper, haven't you?"

Abell's jaw tightened. "I just want my rice cakes, Ream. Enough about my mom."

Ream laughed, clearly enjoying the interaction. "Fine, fine. You never did have patience. But hey, you've always had a way of getting straight to the heart of things. Your mom's lucky to have a son like you. Though, I hope you've got a bit more charm than she does."

Hugo, watching from the crowd, let out a small chuckle.

A few moments later, Ream handed over the rice cakes. "Here you go, good old Iridius rice cakes. Nice and fresh, just the way they should be. So, what brings you to Hallion, Abell? You planning to make a name for yourself here or something?"

Abell took the rice cakes, feeling a slight unease. "I'm headed to the Luminary Academy."

"THE Luminary Academy?" Ream said, his eyes lighting up. "Well, that's impressive. You always stood out from the rest of them back in Iridius. Guess your mom wasn't the only one with potential, huh?"

"Yeah, well, I'll see how it goes," Abell replied, trying to hide his annoyance.

Ream grinned, clearly pleased. "Well, you've always been the stubborn one. I'll tell your mom she raised a good one when I see her next. Best of luck with all that. And don't forget—don't cause too much trouble, alright?" He winked before turning back to the women at his stall.

Abell walked away, taking a bite of the rice cakes. "Yeah, whatever.

"That guy's a handful," Hugo said, laughing uncontrollably.

"Don't remind me," Abell muttered. "Let's just go."

As they continued through the festival, the streets buzzing with energy, Abell felt a bit of tension leave him. But his thoughts were soon consumed by something else—something that caught his eye as they walked further into the crowded street.

They came across a stall named Gray's Eatery, and Abell froze when he saw the people behind the counter—Camus from the jail, a woman, Gaius, and three kids—two boys and a girl. Something about the encounter felt too coincidental, and Abell's curiosity flared.

Welcome to Gray's Eatery!" the little girl said enthusiastically. "We have plenty of unique foods made by my dad, the best chef in the city."

"Woah, is that true? Is he really the best, little girly?" Hugo asked in a playful baby voice.

"Of course he is," she responded, pouting with her arms crossed, clearly proud of her dad's skills.

"Millia, are you giving customers attitude?" came a lax voice from behind the stall.

As the voice got closer to the counter, both Abell and Hugo smiled. It was Camus.

"Hey, you're that kid from the jail," Camus said, his excitement palpable. "You fought with my son. Listen, anything you want is on me."

"Is that really okay?" Abell asked, a bit surprised by his generosity.

Hugo, sensing an opportunity, nudged Abell in the gut. "Oh, it would be our pleasure! By the way, are you Gaius's father?"

"Yes," Camus replied, looking at Hugo with interest. "Who's asking?"

"Well, I'm quite interested in him," Hugo said, his eyes wide. "Abell told me a lot about him."

Millia, still standing by the counter, raised an eyebrow. "Dad, why are this guy's eyes star-patterned?"

Camus ignored his daughter's question, sensing no ill will from Hugo. He called out to the back of the stall, "Hey, Gaius, you have visitors."

"Who could it be?" Gaius sighed from behind the stall, then froze as he saw Abell standing there. Without another word, he turned and retreated behind the counter.

"This guy," Abell thought, his frustration bubbling up again.

"Come back here, this man seems important," Camus said, his tone shifting.

Honey, what's going on? Is Gaius in trouble again?" the woman asked.

"No, Gia, he's fine. Don't worry, we've got more orders. I'll come join you in a few. Gaius, go talk to them. We can handle the stall."

"Okay, I got it," Gaius replied calmly.

After getting their food from the stall, the three sat down at a nearby table, nestled in a quieter corner of the bustling market. The sound of lively chatter and the occasional clink of coins filled the air as vendors called out to passersby. The table they chose had a clear view of the festival, with the vibrant colors of stalls and the smells of roasting meats and freshly baked goods drifting in the breeze. Abell took a deep breath, trying to block out the noise, his focus narrowing on the conversation at hand.

"So, what is it?" Gaius asked, his voice flat, eyes scanning the surroundings but never quite meeting either of theirs.

Abell narrowed his eyes. "Abell wasn't kidding, you definitely got attitude." Hugo leaned back in his chair, his tone light but his expression serious. "Anyways, I heard you helped Abell fight off that Wido guy."

"Yes, I did. More like I saved him," Gaius said, calm but with an air of arrogance. He picked at his food absentmindedly, seemingly unconcerned by the tension that was beginning to rise.

"That's not true," Abell shot back, his voice tight with frustration. His hands gripped his food a little too tightly.

Hugo chuckled, leaning forward slightly. "Also, I've heard you have an interesting trait."

"Yes, I do. It's pretty useful," Gaius replied nonchalantly, glancing at Abell for a moment before looking back at the busy festival.

Abell couldn't help but wonder what Hugo was getting at. Where's he going with this? He thought, eyes narrowing, but he didn't speak up.

Hugo's gaze sharpened slightly, the edge of curiosity in his voice. "Have you had experience taking down Malignants?"

Gaius paused, his expression flickering ever so slightly. "I've taken a few out near the city, for money, but not too much honestly." The subject of Malignants always seemed to make the air feel heavier, no matter how many times it came up.

"Hmmm, I see." Hugo's voice slowed as he absorbed the answer. He paused, as if considering something for a moment before continuing, but the tension between the three lingered in the air.

"Would you like an opportunity to join the Luminary Academy?" Hugo asked, his voice calm but carrying an underlying seriousness.

Abell coughed, startled by the sudden proposition, while Gaius's eyes widened in surprise.

"Are you joking?" Gaius asked, his tone incredulous, clearly caught off guard by the suggestion.

Abell's irritation was evident as he shot a sharp look at Hugo. "Yeah, why him?" he asked, his voice edged with frustration.

Hugo leaned back in his chair, a small, knowing smile creeping onto his face. "I think you know why, Abell," he said cryptically. Then, turning back to Gaius, he added, "So, what do you say, Gaius? Interested?"