Abell was out cold. Someone was carrying him, but he had no strength to protest. The next thing he knew, it was morning, and his body hurt like hell.

  He found himself lying flat on a bed, but his ribs didn't agree as he tried to move..

  “I wouldn't do that if I were you.' Astrid said, moving towards him. 'You're in no shape to get up.'"

  She grabbed a jar of salve, motioning for him to raise his arm. She opened the jar and scooped out some of the green paste inside. "This is going to sting."

  She wasn't lying. The moment the salve touched his scorched palms, Abell hissed through his teeth. It felt like ice and fire at once, burning cold that made his nerves scream.

  "I know," Astrid said, her tone almost apologetic. "Just breathe through it."

  Abell forced himself to relax as she worked, spreading the salve across his hands with careful precision. The pain dulled after a few seconds, replaced by a tingling numbness.

  Damn this sucks

  Abell looked around, noticing this was a medical tent. Wounded people everywhere—lost limbs, bleeding, wounds you couldn't see.

  “So, Astrid started. “How are you feeling?”

  “Like complete trash, but I’ll be fine.”

  “Good, I was scared yesterday when Hugo brought you and Miss Keeko in. I was thinking the worst happened.”

  "Mom!" Abell tried to sit up. "Where is she? I need to—"

  “Abell, relax! Miss Keeko is fine, she’s resting in the other tent. Just a bad case of Luminous exhaust, okay?

  Hmm, good, so the old lady is alright.

  How’s everyone else? Abell asked.

  Astrid put a finger to her chin, “Well, it’s not looking too good. As of now, there are 23 confirmed deaths with about fifty injured.

  “Twenty-three?” The number hit Abell like a heavy anchor.

  “Yeah. It’s the largest death count since you and Keeko moved here.” Astrid stated. “It’s tough to process... Gilford, the stall merchant, died. Along with Mr. Millia, the two guards at the eastern gate, and some children as well.”

  Abell’s head dropped. “Mr. Millia, too? I just saved him the other day.”

  “Sorry, Abell, we found him lying dead near his barn. His wife said he bought her and her daughter time to escape.” Astrid said

  Dammit, if only I were stronger. I couldn’t do much yesterday...

  Abell adjusted his body, facing Astrid. “Can I go see my mom now? ”

  “I told you, you need rest,” Astrid said, shaking her head.

  “But I—”

  “I said, no, as your nurse I can’t—.”

  Another voice cut through before she could finish. "Allow the boy to go, Astrid. His mother is his only family." Mary stood at the entrance, bags heavy under her eyes.

  “But, Ms. Mary, he can’t even get up,” she protested.

  “That’s why you should help him, take him to see his mother at the other tent.”

  Astrid sighed, “Okay, here, Abell, use my shoulder, I’ll walk you.”

  Abell's face turned red, but he couldn’t refuse, seeing his mother was his main priority.

  Abell leaned on Astrid's shoulder as they walked. Every step sent pain shooting through his ribs, but he gritted his teeth and kept moving.

  The second tent wasn't far, but it felt like miles.

  They passed more wounded on the way. People with bandages covering half their faces. A man missing his left arm. A woman was crying silently while someone stitched up her leg.

  This is what I couldn't stop.

  Astrid pushed aside the tent flap and helped him inside.

  Keeko lay on a cot near the back, facing away from the entrance. Her breathing was slow and steady, but even from here, Abell could see how drained she looked. Her skin was pale, almost gray, and her hair was matted with dried blood and dirt.

  "Mom..."

  Astrid helped him to the stool beside hers and eased him down onto it. He winced as his ribs protested, but he didn't take his eyes off Keeko.

  She looked smaller somehow. Fragile. Nothing like the woman who'd torn through those Malignants like they were made of paper.

  She pushed herself too far. Because of me.

  "She'll be okay," Astrid said quietly. "Mary checked her. No permanent damage, she just needs rest."

  Abell nodded but didn't respond.

  He reached out and touched Keeko's hand. It was cold.

  I'm sorry. I was so helpless.

  "Abell," Astrid said gently. "We should let her rest. You need to rest, too."

  "Just a few more minutes."

  Astrid hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. But then you're going back to your cot."

  She stepped outside, leaving him alone with his mother.

  Abell sat there in silence, watching Keeko breathe. The tent was quiet except for the distant sounds of people working outside. Rebuilding. Recovering.

  Twenty-three people dead. Mr. Millia. Gilford. Kids.

  His chest felt tight.

  I need to get stronger. I can't let this happen again.

  He squeezed Keeko's hand once, then forced himself to stand.

  His body screamed in protest, but he managed. He took one last look at his mother, then limped toward the exit.

  Astrid was waiting outside.

  "Ready?" she asked.

  "Yeah." Abell looked toward the town center, where smoke still rose from the ruins. "I need to see what's left."

  The town looked like a warzone.

  Buildings that had stood for decades were now just blackened skeletons. The bakery's roof had collapsed completely, leaving only charred support beams pointing at the sky. The market stalls were smashed to pieces, scattered across the square like kindling.

  People moved through the wreckage like ghosts. Digging through rubble. Carrying bodies. Salvaging what little they could.

  "Come on," Astrid said quietly, steadying him. "Careful where you step."

  They walked slowly through the damaged streets. Abell's ribs screamed with every movement, but he forced himself to keep going.

  A woman knelt beside what used to be her home, holding a burned piece of cloth and crying. Two men carried a body wrapped in blankets toward the edge of town. A kid, maybe ten years old, sat alone against a broken wall, staring at nothing.

  Abell looked at it all and felt nothing.

  Just the dull ache of frustration.

  I couldn't stop any of this.

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  They reached the town square, and the damage was even worse up close. The fountain in the center had cracked clean in half, water spilling out uselessly into the dirt. The cobblestones were shattered, huge chunks torn up from where the Grade-C's had fought. Scorch marks covered the ground in black streaks.

  This was where he'd fought. Where his mother had nearly died saving him.

  Torrin stood near the broken fountain, directing a group of men as they cleared debris. His axe was slung across his back, still stained from the night before. Freed worked beside him, using his blacksmith's strength to lift a fallen beam.

  Torrin glanced up and saw Abell. Their eyes met.

  Torrin gave a single nod.

  Abell nodded back.

  "You shouldn't be out here," Torrin called over. "You look horrible."

  "Shut up," Abell said. “I had to see the town.”

  Torrin studied him for a second, then turned back to the cleanup. "Well, you've seen it. Now go rest before you collapse again."

  “I’m good. No need to worry about me.”

  Freed straightened up, wiping his brow. "Oh, Abell. Good to see you on your feet." He paused. "Your mother did well last night. You both did," he said, quieter than usual.

  Abell didn't know how to respond, so he just nodded.

  "Come on," Astrid said gently, tugging at his arm.

  She guided him toward the edge of the square, where a group of people had gathered. As they got closer, Abell realized what he was looking at.

  Bodies. Lined up side by side, covered with white sheets.

  Mrs. Millia knelt beside one of them, her daughter clutching her arm. The little girl's face was buried in her mother's shoulder, her small body shaking.

  I saved him at his farm. Fought off those Grade-D's. And it didn't matter. He still died.

  Abell stared at the covered bodies. He knew he should feel something. But all he felt was anger.

  I'm still too weak. After everything, I'm still behind.

  Mrs. Millia looked up and saw him. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying. She nodded once, then turned back to her daughter.

  Abell looked away.

  If I'd been stronger, this wouldn't have happened. But I wasn't.

  His hands clenched into fists.

  I can't stay like this. I need to leave. I need to get stronger.

  "Abell," Astrid said quietly, her hand on his shoulder. "Let's sit down."

  He let her guide him to a low stone wall at the edge of the square. His legs gave out the moment he tried to sit, and he dropped onto the wall harder than he meant to.

  Everything hurt. His body. His pride. His ego.

  But the worst part was knowing that even if he'd been at full strength last night, it wouldn't have mattered. He still wasn't strong enough to make a difference.

  Hugo's right. I need to leave this place. I’ll never be strong enough if I stay here.

  Astrid sat beside him,

  Around them, the town continued to move. People rebuilding. Recovering. Moving forward.

  But Abell just sat there, staring at the wreckage.

  Footsteps approached from behind.

  Abell didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Those star-shaped pupils were hard to miss.

  Hugo stopped a few feet away, hands in his pockets, looking out at the ruined square. He didn't say anything at first.

  "Mind if I borrow him for a minute?" Hugo asked, glancing at Astrid.

  Astrid looked between them, then at Abell. "Will you be okay?"

  "Yeah," Abell said. “We’re just talking.”

  She hesitated but nodded. "I'll be near the gravesite if you need me."

  She stood and walked away, casting one last glance over her shoulder before disappearing around a corner.

  Hugo waited until she was out of earshot, then sat down beside Abell. He let out a long breath.

  "You look... terrible," Hugo said.

  "Thanks."

  "How are you feeling?"

  "Like I got my ass kicked."

  Hugo chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Yeah. That thing was no joke." He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "That Malignant you fought. Please keep it a secret, I’m begging."

  "Eh, what?" Abell cringed.

  “My superiors would be mad if news got out,” Hugo said.

  “Yeah, sure, I don’t care anyway.”

  Abell turned to face Hugo, “I just want to know what it was.”

  "Honestly, we don’t know," Hugo ran a hand through his hair. "The Order's been investigating, but we still don’t have the answers. All we know is that they are extremely dangerous.”

  “We believe that there are around Grade B or A, but some have given other members of the Clarion issues.”

  Abell's chest tightened. "Do you think more are coming?"

  "I know they are." Hugo's tone was grim. "Honestly, for these past ten years, it's been really peaceful. But I sense a shift coming."

  The words hung heavy.

  Abell stared at the bodies being carried away, at the smoke still rising.

  This is going to happen again.

  "And again, keep this between us," Hugo said quietly. "Don't tell anyone else for now, only you and Keeko saw it.

  "I already told ya I won’t," Abell said, annoyed.

  “Good.”

  Hugo turned to face Abell fully.

  Anyway," Hugo said. "The entrance exam for the Academy is in five weeks. “I’m sure you know that as you are know it’s not enough.” He smirked.

  He turned and walked away, leaving Abell alone with the weight of the decision.

  Abell's hands clenched. He's right. I'm too weak.

  "I know," Abell said quietly. "I need to get stronger."

  Hugo's smirk faded, replaced by something more serious. "Good. At least you're honest with yourself. Most people lie about where they stand."

  "I can't stay like this," Abell continued, his voice harder now. "I couldn't save anyone. I couldn't even fight that thing without my mom saving me."

  "And that pisses you off, doesn't it?"

  "Yeah. It does."

  Hugo nodded. "That anger? Use it. Channel it. The Academy will push you harder than anything you've experienced here.

  Abell looked up at him. "You really think I can do it?"

  Hugo's expression softened slightly. I think you can. "But first go see your mother, she never gave you her answer, right?

  “Damn, I completely forgot about that,” Abell said, dejected.

  He turned and walked away,

  “Don’t worry, I’m sure she’ll say yes.”

  Astrid appeared beside Abell as he pushed himself off the wall. "Ready to head back?"

  "Yeah," Abell said, wincing as his ribs protested.

  She slipped under his arm, steadying him. "Lean on me. You look like you're about to fall over."

  They walked slowly back toward the medical tents. The sun was higher now, warming the air despite the smoke still drifting through town.

  When they reached the tent where Keeko was resting, Astrid helped him inside.

  Keeko was awake. She sat upright on the cot, her back against the tent's support pole. Her face was still pale, and dark circles ringed her eyes, but she was conscious.

  The moment she saw him, her expression shifted.

  "Abell."

  "Mom." He sat on the stool across from her. "How are you feeling?"

  "I haven’t pushed myself like this in a while, but I’m alright." Her voice was rough. "How are you?"

  "I’m good. Astrid has helped me a lot."

  Astrid lingered near the entrance. "I'll give you two some privacy." She slipped out before either of them could respond.

  Keeko's eyes stayed locked on Abell. The silence between them felt heavy.

  "So," Keeko said finally. "Do you think you are ready for the Academy after last night?"

  Abell looked up at her. "No, but I have to go."

  "Actually, being honest, huh?" Her tone sharpened. "Abell, let me be real, you chased that thing after I told you to stay back. You were exhausted and injured, yet you still ran straight at it. That's not bravery. That's recklessness."

  Abell's jaw tightened. "I know."

  "Do you think?" Keeko leaned forward slightly. "Because if you leave Iridius acting like that, you'll get yourself killed. Or worse, get someone else killed trying to save you."

  The words stung, but he couldn't argue with them.

  "You showed flashes of last night," Keeko continued, her voice softening slightly. "You saved me from getting ambushed. And followed my directions toward the end. But you also nearly threw your life away chasing something you couldn't beat."

  Abell looked down at his bandaged hands. "I just... I couldn't let it get away. Not after everything."

  "So what? "Keeko's eyes were sharp. "You need to control your emotions, think before you act. You’ll need that if you wanna stay alive."

  Abell didn't respond.

  Keeko sighed and leaned back against the headboard. "But, I’ll allow you to go."

  Abell's head snapped up. "Really?"

  “Yes... It’s not fair if I control your future.” She paused. “If this is what you really want, just promise me two things.”

  Abell’s ears perked up. “What is it?

  "First, you're not leaving until you recover and help rebuild this town. These people have put up with us for a long time. You owe them that much."

  “Got it, you don’t have to worry. I promise I’ll help.”

  “Good, and the second is promise me to take care of yourself. Keeko voiced cracked. “I—already lost Gen and your father, so please don’t be too reckless.

  Abell held Keeko’s hand, Firm and with purpose. “Don’t you worry, I won’t die. After seeing how strong you are, I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve the same.”

  Keeko sighed. “I swear, all you think about is strength. But I’ll take it.”

  "Abell?"

  "Yeah?"

  "Don't make me regret this."

  He met her eyes. "I won't."

  Keeko nodded, then closed her eyes, exhaustion clearly catching up to her. "Now get out of here. Let me rest, I’m quite tired."

  Abell stood, his body protesting every movement. He paused at the tent entrance and looked back at her.

  "Thanks, Mom."

  Keeko didn't open her eyes, but the corner of her mouth tugged upward slightly. "Don't thank me. You've got a lot of work ahead of you."

  Abell stepped outside into the afternoon sun.

  Astrid was waiting outside. "How'd it go?"

  "She's letting me go."

  Astrid's eyes widened slightly. "Really?"

  "Yeah."

  She was quiet for a moment, processing. "I guess that means you’re leaving soon."

  "A few weeks. After I recover."

  Astrid nodded slowly, then looked away. "I see."

  An awkward silence settled between them.

  "Come on," she said finally, her voice quieter. "You need to rest."

  Abell let her guide him back toward his bed, but his mind was already elsewhere.

  Finally, my story starts soon... The legend of Abell Vespera.

  That has a nice ring to it.