The heat of midday hung heavy over Iridius, a small town where the echoes of children's laughter and the hum of merchants filled the air. The marketplace buzzed with life—fruit stands overflowing with ripe strawberries, blacksmiths hammering away at their latest creations, and farmers shouting to draw in customers. It was the kind of peaceful day most people took for granted.

But not Abell.

Near the edge of town, just outside his home, he faced off against his mother, Keeko. His grip tightened around the hilt of his glowing sword as he tried to hold his ground, sweat pouring down his face. Keeko moved effortlessly, dodging his every swing, her expression calm but knowing.

"Come on, Abell. If you're going to call yourself a warrior, you'll need more than that," she teased, her voice light but firm.

Lost in the heat of battle, Abell focused intently on maintaining control of his luminous sword while evading his mother's strikes. He tried his hardest to land even one hit but struggled immensely. All his attempts were easily parried by her bare hands.

 "You know at this age Genevieve was already giving me a hard time and that was during my prime as a Luminary" she warned with a playful smile creeping on her lips.

As he trained, memories of his recent victory over a Malignant surfaced, a stark contrast to his struggles against his mother. Though that battle felt easier, it was a testament to his progress from years prior. Training against Keeko had become a routine of constant losing

With one quick motion Abell swung his sword in the direction of Keeko but missed completely allowing her to sweep him off his feet and knocking his sword out of his hand which quick dissipated into particles flowing in the scorching summer sky.

She gave held out her hand and gave him a cheeky smirk knowing this would annoy him and his pride. He quickly slapped her hand away and responded with a most noticeable frown and got up on his own.

"Cmon kiddo don't be like that! I was just teasing ya." Keeko said her laughter brightening up the mood.

Abell glared at her trying to hide is obvious frustration with the current situation.

"It makes no sense how strong could an old woman be! He shouted with a mix of irritation. Keeko laughter stopped, and he was met with a swift strike from her first. "Show some respect Abell!" she exclaimed.

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While walking back toward the house, Keeko cast him a concerned look but quickly changed the subject. "Enough about that! Let's go to the market. I need a few things, and you promised me that if I won, you'll accompany me."

"Abell sighed, crossing his arms as he lingered by the door. 'Hmph whatever, I'll wait outside,' he muttered, casting a last glance at the training area with somber eyes.

 As they walked down to the bustling town square, the smell of freshly baked bread and cooked meat filled the air. The clanking of blacksmiths hitting iron resounded across the whole square and the sound of children playing was heard. The chatter of housewives began to become audible with each stepped walked.

One conversation caught Abell's attention.

"These Malignant attacks keep increasing by the day, is the government ever going to send us help?" said a concerned woman.

"Knowing how the Alsaint's 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 the little people 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 stomach twisted at the mention of Malignant attacks, a mix of anger and helplessness bubbling within him as he listened to the townsfolk voice their fears.

Keeko noticed his intense focus on the conversation and gave him a playful nudge on the shoulder. "C'mon, focus on the market, not the gossip," she said with a grin, causing him to flinch from the impact.

As they continued walking, numerous townsfolk gave Keeko major thanks for protecting the town which gave Abell pride that his mother was receiving her flowers as this was not always the case in the past.

Past the bustling crowd a statue was in the heart of the market, this statue was brimming with elegance, pride, and hope. It was a memento of the Liberator, the one who gave all humans the power of Luminescence but most importantly the power to hope. The statue's design captured the heroic spirit of the Liberator with his distinctive features that made him look otherworldly and larger than life, inspiring all that walk by.

As Abell looked at the statue he clenched his fist with a look of determination and confidence. "One day I'm going to become a top Luminary then no one will doubt my abilities" he thought. Not to be a heroic symbol for the people, but to prove to himself that he is capable of greatness.

Suddenly, Abell felt a hostile presence nearby causing him to snap into focus. He was ready to activate his ability.

Abell's hand shot out in front of him, and with a focused breath, he called upon the power within. The air around him shimmered as luminous energy surged through his arm. In an instant, a brilliant sword of pure light materialized in his grip. The weight of it felt real, the steady hum of energy vibrating through his bones as he tightened his grip, ready for whatever comes next.