Richard followed Manuel out of the manor and across the courtyard, practically hopping with excitement. He had won his first match against Manuel, and now he was finally going to see a real power in action. His armor flexed with every step, quiet despite its protective design, and the setting sun brushed the field with fading gold. Darkness would fall soon.
"We're losing light!" Richard said impatiently. "Walk faster!"
"We won't need light," Manuel replied with a smirk. "You'll be able to see everything."
"You better not be trying to find a loophole in our deal."
"I said I'd honor it," Manuel said. "And I will."
They reached the training grounds, and Richard stopped. Manuel stepped a little farther ahead, turning toward him with a thoughtful look.
"When I first awakened my power," Manuel began, "I was disappointed. I'd had a triumphant moment—overcame my fears—and then this happened."
His entire body started to glow, brightening the whole field.
"That's cool!" Richard said, waiting for more.
"That's all that happened," Manuel laughed. "I was furious. I finally unlocked my power, and all I could do was be a walking torch. But I kept training. And after enough practice… my power leveled up."
Small spheres of light appeared around him, drifting like living fireflies. They floated and followed the motion of his hand.
"Still not very impressive," he continued. "But I learned to use them as distractions. And if you time them right—"
One of the orbs pulsed, glowing brighter and brighter until it flashed with blinding intensity. Moments later, all the orbs returned to Manuel and dissolved into his body.
"This was a little more useful. But still not the showstopper I wanted. So I kept pushing myself. A month later, my power leveled up again—and this one changed everything."
Manuel lifted his hand and pointed toward Richard's training dummy. A sharp beam of pure light fired from his fingertip and pierced straight through the dummy.
Richard's jaw dropped as Manuel smiled proudly.
"That was the moment people stopped laughing at me," he said. "Light isn't just brightness. Light is matter in motion. And if you can control it, you can do things like this."
For the first time ever, Manuel unhooked the curious device strapped to his waist—what Richard had always seen him carry. He gripped it like a sword hilt.
A blade of radiant light erupted from the device, forming a long, brilliant sword.
"Now I have a blade that can cut through armor," Manuel said, swinging it with perfect control. "I can slice an enemy's weapon, hit fleeing targets, even block projectiles."
He dismissed the blade, returning the device to his belt.
"Wow," Richard breathed. "You're incredible."
"And you will be too," Manuel said. "No matter what your power is when it awakens, don't give up on it. Powers level up through training and achievement. Even a weak one can become dangerous with the right person. Just like mine."
"What's your ability called?" Richard asked.
"Illuminary," Manuel answered. "I'm a Class A power user now. That's the top of the scale. And I've been told there are still six more levels I haven't reached yet."
"I can't wait until it's my turn," Richard said, bouncing with excitement. "I can't wait to get to the Order of Condor."
"You will," Manuel said. "Don't rush it. Your power will awaken when it's supposed to."
From the manor, Richard's parents began calling his name. He hadn't realized how late it had become. Manuel clasped his hand before walking off.
Richard ran inside, bursting into the dining room, unable to contain himself.
"Mom! Manuel can shoot beams of light!"
"That's nice," she said calmly.
"Isn't that amazing? You think I can do that too?"
"Maybe," she said gently, "but it's unlikely. That power usually manifests in Manuel's family. We've never had Illuminary abilities in our lineage, so it's doubtful you'll awaken that gift."
Richard leaned in, eyes wide with intensity. "Be honest. Is there anything—anything—I can do to unlock my power sooner?"
"No," she said firmly. "You know that already. You'll awaken it after you join the Order and receive proper training."
Richard kicked the chair beside him—not hard, just enough to show his frustration.
"Enough," his mother scolded. "Go eat. And after that, get out of that uniform."
But Richard didn't eat. He stormed straight to his room, slammed the door, and stripped out of his armor, pulling on something comfortable. The frustration he thought he had overcome earlier came rushing back.
A light rattling came from his door. The air in the room shifted. Richard froze, feeling watched. He narrowed his eyes toward the doorway—
—and Quintin appeared out of thin air.
Richard yelped and scrambled backward across his bed. Quintin laughed until he could finally catch his breath.
"Settle down," he said, wiping a tear of laughter.
"That was your power?" Richard asked. "I can't believe I never asked."
"Most people don't expect much from old men," Quintin said with a smirk. "Yes, I have the power of invisibility. It has several levels that let me do some very useful things."
"Why show me now? I thought you didn't want me focusing on powers."
"That was until you learned to fight properly," Quintin replied. "I've been watching every move you made with Manuel. You couldn't see me, of course, but that was intentional."
"You've impressed me. You've made this old man proud. When you join the Order with these skills, you'll rise through the ranks quickly. That's what I wanted for you before you became obsessed with awakening your power."
"So… does that mean my training is done?" Richard asked.
"It is," Quintin said. "You have a few days left before you're sent to the Order. Spend them with your family. You won't see them for a full year. Manuel had the same rule."
"Wait—so I can't train with Manuel either?"
"I asked him to spend his last days with his family," Quintin said. "He's given you so much of his time. They deserve the same."
"That's not fair!" Richard snapped.
"You'll understand in six months," Quintin said. "You'll be wishing for your parents' cooking and their stories."
Richard dropped his gaze to the floor, frustration simmering. Quintin opened the door.
"I'll see you before you leave," he said softly. "I'm proud of you."
Richard rolled his eyes and turned away, ignoring him entirely. He was angry—angry that he couldn't train more, angry Manuel wouldn't be with him, angry he still had no power. He had so many questions for Manuel. He wanted to know how it felt to shoot light. How long the power could last. What it was like the first time it happened.
But time was up.
He lay on his side, sank into his pillow, and closed his eyes.
Sleep came quickly