Moonlight Flame

Ryn stood in the dimly lit corridor, his crimson eyes burning like embers beneath his mask. He turned to Jully, his voice steady yet firm. "My plan has changed," he declared, his gaze shifting toward the locked door where he had kept her safe. "Just wait for me."

Without hesitation, he stepped forward, sensing the presence of hundreds of soldiers outside. The chaos he had caused had drawn them like moths to a flame. A smirk played on his lips as he walked to the edge of the mansion, peering down at the sea of armored men below.

"Looks like it's time for a little party, boys." His voice dripped with amusement.

A war cry erupted from the soldiers as they charged at him, weapons gleaming under the moonlight. The first row barely had time to react before Ryn vanished from sight. In a flash, flames roared through the battlefield as his fire-infused blade sliced through their ranks like a scythe through wheat.

The second row hesitated, their bodies frozen in sheer terror. Ryn suddenly appeared before one of them, whispering mockingly, "This is no time to freeze, moron."

Before the soldier could scream, his head detached from his shoulders, his lifeless body crumbling to the ground. Ryn danced through the battlefield like a demon unleashed, a terrifying blend of speed and carnage. Minutes passed like seconds, and soon, the once-mighty army lay in a heap of blood and severed limbs.

Ryn exhaled, his fiery aura dimming. Stepping over the fallen bodies, he made his way back inside, unlocking the door. Jully stared at him, her body trembling as she took in the horrific sight before her. Blood dripped from his mask and armor, the air thick with the scent of death.

He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay? Then let's go."

They left the mansion, the night still heavy with the weight of battle. Ryn walked Jully home, ensuring her safety before bidding her goodnight. "Rest, sleep well, and take care. I'll see you tomorrow."

As he left, he made his way to Stella's house. There, under the pale glow of the moon, she sat by the doorstep, fast asleep. She had been waiting for him for hours. With gentle hands, Ryn carried her inside, laying her on the bed.

Her eyes fluttered open, a sleepy smile forming. "Big brother… I was waiting for you."

Ryn chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Sorry for worrying you. I just took a long walk."

Stella beamed. "It's okay! Come, let's eat dinner. I know you must be hungry."

Ryn felt a warmth inside him as he followed her to the table. She eagerly served him, sitting beside him with anticipation. He noticed the way she kept glancing at his mask, eyes brimming with curiosity. Sensing her excitement, he sighed and removed it.

Stella's mouth fell open. "Big brother! You're so… so handsome!" she exclaimed with a massive grin.

Ryn blinked, momentarily caught off guard. He had expected recognition, fear even—but not this. He chuckled, shaking his head. "You're a great chef, Stella. This curry is amazing. Where did you learn to cook?"

"From Mom," she replied cheerfully. "She taught me everything."

They finished their meal, and soon, Stella was fast asleep with her mother. Alone, Ryn sat in silence, his thoughts consumed by Jox Renter. His fingers curled into fists. This is just the start from my side..... and the end for you.

Dawn broke over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. Ryn stood at the entrance of the village, his eyes locked on the path ahead. Stella watched from the doorway as he turned to her. "I have some business to attend to. So take care of yourself and your mother.. alright? I'll be back soon."

He left without waiting for an answer. His destination was Jully's house, where he wasted no time. "Tell me the directions to the mines."

With precise guidance, he made his way to Mines. As he arrived, a grim sight unfolded before him—a vast crowd of villagers gathered, their faces stricken with grief and exhaustion. The scent of death clung to the air.

Three men lay lifeless on the ground, their bodies covered in blood.

Ryn's heart clenched. What the hell happened here?

He turned to one of the villagers. "What happened to them?"

"They hadn't eaten for months… and they were sick with fever from working nonstop…" the man's voice wavered.

Ryn's eyes burned with fury. "And no one helped them?!"

Another villager stepped forward, voice laced with fear. "We wanted to… but Aqua forbade it. He said, 'Don't get in my way. If I punish one person and someone protects him, I'll destroy everything they hold dear.'"

Ryn's fists trembled. "Who is Aqua?"

The villagers hesitated. Finally, one of them whispered, "He is the disciple of Jox Renter… the one who guards this place."

Ryn's expression darkened. "Where can I find him?"

The villagers flinched at his burning anger. "You… you're not from this village. This is our problem. Just leave. If Jox finds out—"

"I asked…" Ryn growled, his voice carrying the weight of an inferno, "WHERE. CAN. I. FIND. HIM?"

A piercing scream echoed from the depths of the mines.

Ryn's head snapped toward the tunnel. The villagers turned, expecting to see him still standing there—but he was gone.

All they saw was a flicker of fire and the distant, fading echo of his footsteps, charging into the abyss of Mines.

Meanwhile, far from Mines, Jox Renter rode toward Goldengrave, his mission complete.

He was coming home.

But little did he know, his nightmare had already begun.