Amari woke up to find the room empty. Panic flashed through him, but just as he started to look around, the door creaked open.
Vandel walked in carrying two steaming trays of food. "Breakfast," he said simply, setting them down on the small table.
The two sat across from each other, quietly eating until Amari spoke up.
"Yesterday, when the monster attacked me… I tried to use my powers. But they didn't work."
Vandel chewed slowly before answering. "That's probably because you don't understand your powers yet. You don't know how they work."
Amari lowered his gaze to his hands, clenching them tight. "Maybe… but still. I'm too weak. I'm not worthy of these powers… or these eyes."
He pushed his tray aside and dropped to the floor, immediately starting push-ups.
Vandel sighed. "You don't have time for that right now. Remember what I said? I know someone—someone who might lead us to the Light family."
Amari paused, sweat already beading on his forehead. "Oh… right."
They finished their meal quickly and left the inn. Vandel led Amari through the twisting streets of the village until they stopped in a narrow alleyway.
Amari frowned. "Uh… what are we doing here?"
"Just wait," Vandel replied.
He knocked on a heavy wooden door tucked into the wall. A small panel slid open, revealing a pair of suspicious eyes.
"What?" the man behind the door grunted.
"I'm here to see Amanda," Vandel said calmly.
The man narrowed his eyes. "Who are you two supposed to be?"
"An old friend," Vandel answered.
There was a pause, then the door creaked open. They were led inside, down a dim hallway, until the space suddenly opened up into a room glittering with jewels, trinkets, and treasures stacked on every shelf.
"Wow…" Amari whispered, eyes wide.
Sitting in the middle of the room, cross-legged and confident, was a woman with sharp eyes and golden earrings that caught the light.
"Amanda," Vandel greeted. "It's been a while."
"Vandel." She arched an eyebrow. "What do I owe the pleasure? Don't tell me… you're helping lost boys find their parents now?"
"Shut up," Vandel muttered.
Amanda smirked. "Well then? What do you want?"
"I need information about a family," Vandel said. He gestured toward Amari. "The Light family."
Amanda's expression shifted. "The Light family… yes, I've heard of them. They were rich. Influential. But they vanished twenty years ago."
"I know that much," Vandel replied.
Amanda leaned back lazily. "And why should I tell you more? I haven't spoken to you in years. Why should I help you?"
Vandel clenched his fists. "Come on, Amanda. I know you. You'll help me out."
She tapped her chin, pretending to think. "Hmm… maybe."
Amari stepped forward suddenly, desperation in his voice. "Please, Ms. Amanda. I need to find my family. I'm begging you."
Amanda's eyes softened ever so slightly. She gave a long sigh. "Fine. Why not? But—" She turned to Vandel with a sly smile. "You'll owe me, Vandel."
"Fine," he said through gritted teeth.
Amanda nodded. "Last I heard, the Light family was seen in a city called Maximus. Just south of here. If you leave tomorrow, you'll reach it in about three days."
"Maximus…?" Amari repeated. He shook his head. "I've never heard of that city. Probably because I've spent my whole life in the village."
Both Amari and Vandel bowed slightly. "Thank you," they said in unison before leaving.
Back at their rented room, Vandel stepped out to fetch dinner. Amari, however, stayed behind. He dropped to the floor again, training relentlessly.
If I want to control these powers… these eyes… then I'll have to train my body too. I can't let them strain me.
By the time Vandel returned with food, Amari's muscles burned and sweat soaked his clothes. They ate together in silence, and then, exhausted, they both went to sleep—knowing their true journey would begin tomorrow.