The next day, Abell woke to sunlight streaming through his window.

  His body still ached. His shoulder throbbed dully where the thug had grabbed him yesterday. He sat up slowly, wincing.

  He got dressed and headed downstairs to find some food.

  The common room was quieter than usual. A few early patrons sat eating breakfast and The cranky innkeeper glared at everyone from behind the counter as usual.

  He saw Hugo sat at a corner table, already dressed. A small pack rested beside him, and he was looking over some papers.

  Abell walked over and sat down.

  "Morning, Bell" Hugo said without looking up.

  "Bell? You still using that nickname?" Abell cringed.

  Hugo chuckled. He set the papers aside and slid a plate across the table—bread and some kind of jam. "C’mon eat this."

  Abell took the bread. "What are your plans for today?"

  "Well, Cedris wants me at Noctua Hall for most of the day." Hugo leaned back. "Something about meeting with an important executive.”

  "Noctua Hall?"

  "Oh, I haven’t told you? It’s the Benedict family's headquarters, basically it’s the main building in Hallion where they handle everything important." Hugo took a sip from his cup. "It’s the tallest building in this city."

  Abell nodded, “So it’s like the elder’s house in Iriduis.”

  “I guess you could call it that. But it’s like two hundred times bigger than his house.” Hugo smiled.

  “Anyways.” Hugo studied him for a moment. "I’ve got a task for you today?"

  “What is it?"

  “I hope you didn’t forget about resonance? You still need to get to the first level.”

  Abell scoffed. "Screw that, I don’t need it, I’m plenty strong without it."

  "Abell.” Hugo scooted forward. “I won’t have my one and only pupil go into the exam without a huge advantage. Understand?”

  “Tch, I suppose,” Abell said, looking away. “Tell me some trick to make it work.”

  "It’s simple, really, just listen."

  “Listen to what?”

  "To your body." Hugo shrugged. "It sounds vague, I know. But that's how it works."

  Abell didn't look convinced.

  "Just try it," Hugo said. "My master told me, one who is in tune with his body and mind is unshakeable."

  "Sounds like a load of nonsense." Abell scoffed.

  Hugo stood, picking up his pack. "Maybe, but I'll be at Noctua Hall if you need me. Any guard can point you there, but please don't come unless it's very urgent. I’d like for you not to meet Cedris."

  "Got it."

  Hugo paused at the door, glancing back. "And Abell—stay out of trouble today."

  "I can’t promise that."

  Hugo shook his head but didn't argue. Then he left.

  Abell sat there for a moment, finishing the bread.

  Listen to your body, huh?

  He headed back upstairs, grabbed his belongings, and left the inn.

  Abell stepped outside the inn and immediately spotted a guard patrolling nearby.

  The man wore the standard armor, polished steel plates over chainmail, with the owl insignia stamped prominently on the chest piece. A helmet covered most of his face, leaving only his eyes and mouth visible, with a short sword at his hip.

  Abell walked up to him. "Hey. I’ve heard there’s a park around here?"

  The guard stopped and looked him over, taking in his worn clothes and the broken sword at his side. His eyes lingered on the blade for a moment.

  "Yes, there is?" the guard asked, voice flat. “What do you intend to do there, boy?

  "I just want somewhere quiet to enjoy."

  The guard studied him for another second, then pointed down the street. "Over there, Crescent Garden. Three blocks that way, turn left at the fountain."

  "Thanks."

  The guard nodded once and continued his patrol, boots clicking against the stone street.

  Abell watched him go for a moment.

  Talk about blunt.

  Abell walked through the main district, taking it in. In the main district, merchants wore fine coats with polished buttons. Women wore long dresses with intricate embroidery. Even the shopkeepers had clean, well-fitted clothes. Everything looked new, expensive.

  But Abell remembered the lower quarters. Down there, people wore rags. Barely making ends meet.

  It’s the same city, but two completely different worlds. How unfair.

  Finally, he found the fountain, a large stone structure with water flowing from a carved owl's beak with the Benedict crest, of course.

  Turning left, he spotted the park.

  Crescent Garden wasn't large, just a patch of grass, a few benches, and some trees that somehow survived in the stone-covered city. A low iron fence surrounded it, and the gate stood open.

  Abell pushed through the gate and walked to the center of the grass, away from the main path. A few people sat scattered around the park, an older man reading, a woman with a child, someone sleeping on a far bench.

  He sat down and closed his eyes.

  Alright. Listen to your body.

  He focused inward, trying to sense something. Anything.

  But nothing came.

  He tried breathing slowly, trying to listen to his heartbeat.

  Still nothing.

  What am I supposed to be listening to?, dammit.

  He tried focusing on his chest. Imagined some kind of glowing sphere inside him.

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  Nothing.

  Minutes passed.

  His leg started bouncing. He forced it to stop.

  Come on. Just... feel something.

  He remembered the times it had worked. During the malignant fight, the energy had come naturally then, flooding through him without thought.

  But sitting here, trying to summon it calmly?

  Nothing.

  He opened his eyes, frustrated.

  Screw this…

  But he didn’t give up. He tried again anyway.

  His mind wandered, but he remained steady.

  Abell clenched his fists.

  Why can't I do this one simple thing?

  He tried for another ten minutes. Focusing. Breathing. Searching for that spark of energy inside him.

  Nothing.

  He opened his eyes, about to give up—

  Then he noticed movement across the garden.

  Near a cluster of trees, a girl sat cross-legged on the grass. Long black hair tied back with a simple ribbon. With her eyes closed.

  It’s the same girl from last night.

  But this time, Abell could see her clearly.

  There was a faint glow surrounding her. It was almost invisible unless you knew to look for it. Her breathing was perfectly controlled and the energy felt steady.

  Is that resonance?

  She made it look effortless.

  A guard stood nearby, wearing armor with an unfamiliar crest—not the Benedict owl. He watched the area carefully but gave the girl space.

  Abell stood up and walked toward her.

  He didn't know what he was going to say. Maybe ask how she did it. Maybe just watch closer to figure it out himself.

  If She's doing it, How hard can it be?

  He got about ten feet away when the guard stepped forward.

  "That's far enough," the guard said firmly.

  Abell stopped. "I just wanted to—"

  "Step back from the young lady."

  The girl's eyes opened slowly. She looked at Abell for a brief moment—calm, composed, completely unbothered by the interruption.

  Abell met her gaze. "Hey, you, how are you doing that?"

  She blinked once but didn't answer.

  The guard's hand moved to his sword. "I said step back."

  "I'm just asking a question," Abell said, frustration creeping into his voice. "Thats all—"

  "The young lady is training. She doesn't need distractions." The guard moved between them. "Leave. Now."

  The girl closed her eyes again, returning to her meditation.

  Like, Abell wasn't even there.

  His jaw tightened. "I wasn't—"

  "Now," the guard repeated, louder this time.

  The older man on the bench looked over, interested. The woman with the child gathered her things and moved further away.

  Abell stood there for another second, fists clenched.

  Dammit.

  He turned and walked away from the center of the garden, heading toward a more secluded corner near the back fence.

  He sat down heavily against the fence, away from prying eyes.

  She makes it look so easy. What am I doing wrong?

  He closed his eyes again. Tried one more time.

  But again, nothing.

  He opened his eyes and exhaled sharply.

  "Damn. This is so dumb!" he shouted.

  He caught the attention of people around, but he paid them no mind, rage filling his thoughts and body.

  "Wow, it sounds like you’re really struggling with resonance. Teehee."

  Abell's head snapped up.

  A woman stood a few feet away. She looked young with sharp features and an easy, confident posture. She wore a black hood covering her hair. A smirk came to the corner of her mouth.

  She definitely wasn’t there a second ago

  Abell's hand went to his broken blade. "Who are you?"

  “Oh, don’t get all tense, please,” she said, looking at the ground. “It’s never fun like this.”

  “What are you talking about?” Abell asked.

  "I've got word to find someone with long hair, green eyes, and a broken sword." She took a step closer, “Seems like that’s you.”

  "I’m afraid you’ll have to tell your boss you didn’t see me."

  "I don’t know." Her smirk widened. "Raxus seemed pretty pissed, whatever you did."

  Abell's grip tightened on his sword. "Raxus?"

  She shrugged. "Yeah, I’d like to not hear his mouth, so you’re coming with me, okay?"

  "Like hell I am."

  She sighed. "Why do you all make my life more annoying?"

  "Shut up. I don't know who you are, but—" Abell drew his blade and moved forward. "I promise that I won't go without a fight."

  He lunged at her.

  She sidestepped casually, almost lazy in her movement. Her hand glowed faintly with a pink light as it struck the side of his neck.

  The moment her fingers made contact, Abell's body seized. His muscles locked up completely. He couldn't move. Couldn't speak. Could barely breathe.

  His blade clattered to the ground.

  What—

  Everything went dark.

  The woman caught him before he hit the grass, lowering him down with ease. She glanced around the park. The few people who'd been watching quickly looked away.

  She sighed, hoisting Abell over her shoulder.

  "Why did master station me here?” She pouted. I can't wait till we're out of this city."

  She walked toward the park exit, casual as ever, like she was carrying groceries instead of an unconscious person.

  Hugo sat in the receiving hall of Noctua Hall,

  The building was massive, stone and glass, towering over every other structure in Hallion. Inside, everything was polished with owl-themed decorations all around.

  He'd been kept waiting for nearly an hour, probably on purpose.

  Finally, an attendant approached him. "Lady Meredith will see you now."

  Hugo followed the attendant through hallways lined with portraits of Benedict's ancestors. Every face looked stern, commanding. The owl crest appeared on banners, doorways, and even the floor tiles.

  They stopped at an ornate set of double doors. The attendant knocked twice, then opened them.

  Lady Meredith Benedict sat behind a massive desk, reviewing papers. She didn't look up immediately.

  Hugo stepped inside. The doors closed behind him.

  After a moment, she set down her pen and smiled. "Mr. Creed. How good of you to visit again today. I trust your stay in Hallion has been pleasant so far?"

  Hugo remained standing. "Lady Benedict. Thank you for seeing me, everything’s been well."

  "Of course." She gestured vaguely at the room. "It’s always a pleasure having someone of your stature here."

  "Yeah… I bet," Hugo said carefully.

  “Before we continue, what do you think of our city, Mr.Creed?”

  “It’s safe and efficient.”

  "You're being modest." She smiled. "I know you don’t like being here. Our intel over the years said as much."

  Hugo didn't deny it.

  "Now, why is that?" Meredith leaned back in her chair.

  "Does that really matter?” Hugo scoffed.

  "You didn't need to answer." She stood and walked to a window overlooking the city below. "But I’d like to know your personal thoughts."

  “You know? You were much more fun to be around at the academy, Meredith.” Hugo said. “This act is quite played out.”

  “Ahem, Mr. Creed, please watch your words.”

  Hugo sighed. "If you really want to know, I think this city is boring, nothing and no one stands out here."

  Meredith nodded slowly. "Hmm, Safety requires sacrifice. Freedom without order is chaos, and we've simply chosen order above all else."

  "At the cost of intrigue?"

  "Yes." She turned back to him. "Other cities have fallen while Hallion stands because we don't tolerate weakness or allow disorder."

  Hugo said nothing.

  "You're a guest here, Mr. Creed," Meredith continued, her tone pleasant but firm. "And as a guest, you're expected to respect local authority. The Benedict family governs Hallion. Not the Luminary Order."

  "I understand."

  "Good." She returned to her desk. "Now, shall we discuss the western region reports?"

  Hugo met her eyes. "I'd rather not be here at all."

  Her smile faltered slightly.

  "But I know you're hiding something," Hugo said calmly. "I can feel it. Something's wrong in this city."

  The room went quiet.

  Meredith's expression hardened. "Careful, Mr. Creed."

  "Don't worry." Hugo raised his hands slightly. "I'm not here to pry. I'm here for the reports, nothing more. Whatever you're doing in Hallion is Benedict business."

  "Then we understand each other."

  Before Hugo could respond, the doors opened.

  A man stepped inside, tall, broad-shouldered, with graying hair and sharp eyes. He wore formal Benedict attire, the owl crest prominent on his chest.

  Cedris Benedict.

  "Hugo Creed," Cedris said, his voice deep and measured. "Meredith, I'll take it from here."

  Meredith nodded. "Of course, brother."

  Cedris gestured toward the door. "Come. We'll speak in my office."

  Hugo followed without a word.

  As they walked down another hallway, Cedris didn't look back. "It seems like you’ve been busy lately Mr Creed."

  “You could say that.”

  “Now, let’s go over the reports.”

  “Yes…let’s.”