A Difference in Skill

As the two finally reached the grand doors of Noctua Hall, their steps echoed faintly against the stone steps. Before they could get closer, two guards stepped forward, blocking their path. Their polished armor gleamed even in the dim light, and their presence alone felt imposing.

"Halt," one of the guards said firmly. "No one is permitted to enter at the moment."

Abell tensed, his eyes narrowing as he assessed them. These weren't ordinary city guards—everything about their posture and intensity radiated experience. He crossed his arms, refusing to back down. "We're not here to cause trouble. Just wanted to look around."

"No one is allowed inside, by direct orders of Lord Cedris," the guard replied, unmoved. "You'd best leave before you attract attention you don't want."

Abell frowned, frustration bubbling, but Gaius stepped forward, calm as always. "We're here for our own reasons," he said, his voice even. "We won't take up much time."

The guards didn't budge. "I suggest you turn back now," the second guard said coldly.

Gaius sighed and turned away. "Let's go," he muttered.

Abell blinked, surprised. "That's it? You're giving up just like that?"

"They're not going to budge," Gaius said, walking away.

Abell followed reluctantly, glaring at the guards over his shoulder. "What was the point of coming here if you weren't even going to try?"

"The city's on high alert, and we already got let off the hook," Gaius said sharply.

Abell growled under his breath but smirked. "I'm not leaving Hallion without seeing that grandson of his."

Gaius stopped, looking over his shoulder, confused. "How do you plan on doing that?"

"Let's go back up," Abell said confidently.

They returned to the doors, earning an immediate glare from the guards. "You two again?" one growled. "Like we said—no one is getting through."

"We need to see old man Benedict," Abell said firmly. "He's expecting us."

The guards exchanged skeptical looks. "Sir Adrian? What for?"

Gaius cut in smoothly. "It's about the theft at Noctua Hall. We were told he might need our help."

Before the guards could argue, the heavy doors creaked open. A young man stepped out, his training attire bearing the Benedict family crest. His piercing gaze swept over them.

"What's going on here?" the young man asked, his tone calm but commanding.

"Sir Theo, these two claim to have business with Sir Adrian," one guard explained.

Theo's eyes lingered on Abell, then Gaius. "And who are you?"

"Abell Vespera," Abell said, straightening his posture. "This is Gaius Gray."

Theo smirked faintly. "Vespera? Interesting." He gestured for them to follow. "Come with me."

As they entered the training hall, Abell's jaw dropped. The massive room was unlike anything he'd seen—sleek training dummies, polished floors, and enormous windows offering a sweeping view of the city.

"Wait… is that the old man?" Abell asked, spotting someone lying on a cushioned bench.

Theo glanced over his shoulder, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "If you're referring to Grandpa Adri, then yes," he said calmly.

Abell tilted his head. "Grandpa Adri? That's what you call him?"

Theo didn't respond, motioning for them to follow. Gaius stayed silent, his sharp eyes tracking Theo's every move like he was analyzing a potential opponent.

Abell noticed and smirked to himself. "Sizing him up already, huh?"

Before Theo could speak again, the older man sat up abruptly from a bench near the far wall, rubbing his eyes. "Theo! Where'd you go? We weren't done with training! The academy's right around the corner, boy—I need you in peak condition!"

His gaze shifted, and a grin split his face as he spotted the two newcomers. "Well, well, I didn't expect to see you two again!" he said, swinging his legs off the bench and standing with surprising energy for his age.

Abell stepped forward, a grin on his face. "Couldn't leave without checking this place out. Looks like you've been busy, old man."

Gaius remained still, his gaze flicking briefly to Theo. "This isn't just curiosity," he murmured under his breath.

The old man's sharp eyes danced between them, his grin widening. "So, what brings you here? Curiosity? Or something more interesting?"

Theo crossed his arms, his sharp gaze lingering on Abell and Gaius. "You didn't come all this way just to look around. What are you hoping to find?"

Abell smirked, though there was a hint of unease behind his confidence. "Honestly? I wanted to see what someone from one of the four families can do."

Theo raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Is that so?" Without another word, he turned toward the center of the room. "You're not the first to ask."

The old man chuckled. "Theo, don't scare them too much. You've already embarrassed most of the adults here."

Theo ignored the comment, leading them to a polished steel training dummy. Its surface gleamed under the light, faint dents scattered across its frame.

"This dummy," Theo said, tapping it lightly, "is built to handle Luminary-level strikes. It's used to test precision, speed, and technique."

Abell stepped closer, inspecting it. "So, what's the challenge?"

Theo glanced back at him, his tone calm. "To shatter it."

Without waiting for a reply, Theo adjusted his stance. His movements flowed smoothly, his posture balanced. Then, without warning, he struck.

Each blow landed with precision, the sharp clang of steel echoing through the hall. His speed increased with every strike, each hit landing on a specific point. The dummy quivered under the assault, but no visible damage appeared.

Gaius narrowed his eyes, analyzing Theo's movements. He's not wasting any effort. Every hit is aimed at a weak spot.

Then, with a final, powerful palm strike, the dummy let out a low groan. A sharp crack followed as the steel fractured, its seams splitting. The entire structure collapsed inward, leaving a pile of broken metal at Theo's feet.

Abell stared, his jaw hanging open. "What… how did you—?"

Theo straightened, brushing off his hands. "It's not about strength alone. You need to understand your opponent—how they're built, where they're weak. Then, you take them apart."

The old man burst into laughter, clapping his hands. "You see that? That's my grandson! He's going to leave you two in the dust!"

Gaius's expression tightened, his usual composure slipping. He broke it without relying on brute force. Every move was deliberate.

Abell stepped closer to the remains, clenching his fists. "That's… insane."

Theo tilted his head, his faint smirk returning. "Easy? Hardly. That took years of training." His gaze shifted to Gaius. "Think you could do that?"

Gaius met his eyes, his voice steady. "Not yet."

Theo raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Good answer." "Not yet," Gaius said firmly.

Time passed as the old man gave them a few pointers. As they finally stepped outside the hall, the old man's voice called after them. "Leaving already? I was just getting started!"

Abell paused, turning slightly to glance back at him. "We've seen enough for today, old man. But don't get too comfortable. We'll catch up soon."

The old man laughed heartily, standing up and stretching. "Confident, aren't you? That's good—confidence is half the battle. But don't let it turn into arrogance. That's how you lose before the fight even starts."

Abell smirked, adjusting the strap of his sword. "Don't worry, I've got plenty of room to grow."

"Room to grow, huh?" The old man grinned, pointing at him. "Good. Because the academy's going to chew you up and spit you out if you're not ready. And that goes for you too, quiet one," he added, nodding at Gaius.

Gaius's eyes flicked toward him, his expression unreadable. "I'll be ready."

The old man squinted, his grin turning thoughtful. "I believe you. You've got the look of someone who's seen trouble." He clapped his hands, energy radiating from him. "But don't let that make you complacent. The academy isn't just about surviving—it's about excelling. Remember that."

Theo, leaning casually against the doorframe, smirked faintly. "Grandpa Adri likes to talk, but he's not wrong. You'll need every edge you can get."

Abell shot Theo a sidelong glance. "We'll see who needs an edge when we meet again."

The old man laughed heartily, waving them off. "I like this one! Theo, make sure you don't let him catch up too fast. The Benedict name has a reputation to keep!"

"Don't worry, Grandpa," Theo said coolly. "They've got a long way to go."

With that, Abell and Gaius began descending the stone steps. The quiet hum of the city greeted them, the imposing structure of Noctua Hall towering behind.

After a moment, Abell broke the silence, glancing sideways at Gaius. "He's strong. Didn't think someone our age could be that good."

Gaius's eyes stayed ahead. "He's strong because he's prepared. That's what it takes to be a Luminary."

Abell snorted. "You sound like you're already planning to take his spot."

Gaius's lips twitched into the faintest smirk. "Maybe I am. I know his family's rich."

From the top of the stairs, the old man's voice boomed one last time. "Don't forget your footwork, Abell! You'll need it to keep up with Theo!"

Abell rolled his eyes but smirked. "Got it, old man!"

The two continued down the steps, neither looking back as they headed toward the city. The road ahead felt heavier now, but their resolve had only grown.