Chapter 15: Resolve

"Luke, over here!"

A familiar voice cut through the bustle of the crowd, and Luke turned to see a plump eighteen-year-old waving enthusiastically. A smile broke across his face as he recognized his friend.

"Matty!"

Matty, short for Matthew, had been Luke's close friend for years. As he approached, Luke noticed Leila still holding onto his arm, reluctant to let go.

"Long time no see, man! You finally crawled out of your cave, huh?" Matty grinned, spreading his arms wide as he closed the distance. He'd been trying to get Luke to hang out all week, but Luke had been too busy to meet up.

Luke chuckled, shrugging slightly. "Guess I had to come out eventually. And I brought company." He nodded toward Leila, who returned Matty's grin with a polite smile.

Leila, who was well-acquainted with Matty through her brother, made an effort to be friendly. "Good to see you, Matthew!"

"Same here, Leila!" Matty replied, giving her a friendly wave. "It's been a week since I last saw you two together. I was starting to think Leila here was keeping you hidden from the world!" He laughed, giving Luke a playful nudge.

Luke joined in with a laugh. "Maybe I'm just lucky she lets me out at all."

Leila, tightening her grip on his arm, shot him a sharp look. "Watch it," she muttered, barely audible.

A chill ran down Luke's spine, and he thought it best not to push his luck. Teasing her in public was always a risk.

Sensing the tension, Matty quickly changed the subject. "So, what's new? Have you figured out what you're going to do next?"

Luke exchanged a look with Leila before replying. "Actually, I have."

Matty's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Oh, come on, spill it! What's the plan?"

Luke's lips curved into a mischievous smirk. "I'm going to become a warrior."

Matty's eyes widened, his jaw dropping slightly. "Wait… Are you serious?" He took a step back, as if Luke had just announced he was setting off on an alien expedition.

"Dead serious," Luke said, his excitement evident. "I've been training."

Matty blinked, still processing. "But… I mean, do you even have the talent for that?"

Smack!

"Ow! What was that for?" Matty protested, rubbing his arm where Luke had swatted him.

"You deserved it," Luke teased, his grin widening. "Stop doubting me so fast."

Leila, who'd been watching their banter with mild amusement, shook her head. "Boys…" she muttered, rolling her eyes.

Matty let out a dramatic sigh, though his grin didn't waver. "Alright, alright. Maybe I should've known better. But seriously, Luke, becoming a warrior isn't something you just decide to do. It's… serious."

Luke's expression shifted, growing more resolute.

Leila's tone turned calm yet firm. "The warrior test is in two days." She met Luke's gaze, searching for any hint of hesitation, but found only confidence.

"You're really sure about this?" she asked, her concern apparent.

Luke held her gaze, his face softening. "Yeah, I am. I've thought it through. I can do this."

She nodded, her voice a quiet affirmation. "Then I trust you."

As always, Leila would support her brother, even if he was determined to follow their father's path. If he truly became a warrior, it could also bring her own dreams closer to reality.

"You two are something else," Matty said, folding his arms. Unlike the siblings, he couldn't shake his skepticism. The warrior test was notorious for its high demand and requirements.

"It's not easy, Luke. With everything going on, how do you plan on pulling this off in just two days?"

Luke's resolve didn't falter. "Don't worry, Matty. I have a plan. I know it won't be easy, but this could be a turning point for us."

Leila squeezed his arm gently, a mix of admiration and worry in her eyes.

Matty let out a low whistle. "You're really serious about this, huh?"

Luke nodded. "I am. I know it sounds crazy, but becoming a warrior… it feels like my one shot at making something of myself." His voice softened, exposing a vulnerability he rarely showed.

"I'm not like Leila, who's a natural with studies, or like you, with a family business waiting. But a warrior... maybe that's something I can excel at."

He paused, looking down for a moment before lifting his gaze, his eyes glinting with determination. "I have to try, Matty. I need to know I didn't just… stand by and do nothing."

Leila's expression softened, emotion welling up in her eyes. She hadn't realized how much this meant to him. "Luke…"

Matty's usual playful expression faded, replaced by genuine concern.

He took a step closer, his voice gentler. "I didn't know it meant that much to you. If you're really set on this, then… I'll be here to back you up. Whatever happens."

Luke's eyes softened, gratitude shining through. "Thanks, Matty. That means a lot."

"Okay, let's enter the school; today is our last day here; let's make it memorable and enjoy every moment together," Matty said with a smile.

As they entered the school, the familiar sounds of students talking and laughing echoed down the crowded hallways. Leila lingered by Luke's side, reluctant to leave, but then her friends spotted her from across the hallway.

"Leila! Over here!" one of them called, waving her over excitedly.

Leila hesitated, glancing at Luke.

It was clearly that she didn't want to leave his side.

Luke smiled reassuringly. "Go on, Leila. It's our last day here; you should spend time with everyone."

She sighed, clearly torn, but finally nodded. "Alright, but… don't do anything reckless and stay away from any of those wh*re, okay?" She gave him a stern look, though a smile played at her lips.

With a quick squeeze of his hand, she turned and joined her friends, who immediately started chatting away, sharing stories and laughter.

Luke watched her for a moment, warmth settling over him, but Matty's voice snapped him back.

"So, have you already registered for the Warrior test?"