Moonlight Flame

Jully and Ryn sat together by the lake, the moon casting a pale glow over the still waters. Jully's body trembled as she finally found the courage to speak. Her voice wavered, choked with emotion, as she looked into Ryn's eyes, searching for any sign of understanding.

"Jox... he appeared in our village like a shadow swallowing the light. The first thing he did was take all the men—fathers, brothers, sons—and sent them to the mines, forcing them to dig gold for him. Anyone who refused..." Jully's voice cracked as tears streamed down her face. "He cut off their heads and hanged their bodies like twisted roots from the trees. He treated them like slaves, never allowing them to return home. For three years, they toiled under his rule, never knowing if they would see another sunrise. My father... he was one of them."

Her sobs echoed in the still night, the weight of her words sinking deep into Ryn's heart. But Jully's tale was not yet finished.

"As if that wasn't enough, Jox announced a decree: If we wanted to stay in our own village, we had to pay a tax... but not in gold or food. He demanded our most precious things—our daughters, our sisters. He wanted the women of our village as payment. One by one, families were forced to surrender their loved ones." Jully clenched her fists, her voice trembling with horror. "And today… today was my turn."

A sudden surge of heat surrounded them. Jully looked up to see Ryn's hands trembling with barely contained rage, his flames flickering wildly around his fingers. His eyes burned with a fury so intense that even the air around them felt heavier.

With a deep breath, he exhaled slowly, controlling the inferno within. Then, with a gentle touch, he placed his hand on Jully's head. "This nightmare ends soon. Don't cry anymore." His voice was calm, yet his gaze held an unshakable determination.

Jully wiped her tears, staring at him with awe. "I don't know why, but even though we just met... I believe in every word you say. My heart trusts you."

A small, warm smile crossed Ryn's face. "Then trust me just a little longer."

A hesitant pause lingered before Jully asked, "Can I... can I see your real face?"

Until now, Ryn had never revealed his face to anyone—not to Mark's group, not even to Stella. But in this moment, he made a silent decision. Slowly, he lifted his mask.

Jully's breath hitched. Her eyes widened in pure shock. "You... you're Ryn Ignis! The newcomer from the tournament!"

Ryn smirked. "You asked me to show my face, so I did. No more questions, alright?"

Jully nodded quickly. "O-okay, I got it."

Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage. "Jox is inside the mayor's mansion. That's where he's been living."

Ryn rose to his feet. "Then that's where we're going."

Jully's eyes widened. "Wait… I-I can't. I'm scared."

Ryn turned to her with a reassuring grin. "Don't worry. This time, you're not alone. I'm with you."

Disguised in a girl's outfit, Ryn walked alongside Jully toward the mayor's mansion. Two guards stood at the front gate, eyeing them suspiciously.

"Who's with you, Jully?" one of them asked.

Jully took a shaky breath. "She's with me."

The guards grumbled but let them pass. Inside, a young servant led them straight to Jox's chamber, but his words sent a chill down their spines.

"Jox isn't here. He left on some business."

"I'll wait for him," Jully responded firmly.

But as they stepped into the room, their breath caught in their throats. The sight before them was a vision of pure horror.

The former mayor hung against the wall, both hands and legs impaled by enormous iron spikes. Blood dripped onto the floor beneath him. His body was covered in bruises and deep wounds, his breathing shallow. He was barely clinging to life.

Jully collapsed to her knees, her voice cracking. "Wh-what is this?!"

Behind them, a guard chuckled darkly. "This is what happens when someone dares to stand against our master."

Before he could say another word, Ryn's hand shot out, grabbing him by the throat. His grip tightened like a vice. "Be quiet, moron."

The guard gasped, struggling against Ryn's strength. "L-let me go, you bas—"

Flames erupted around him. In an instant, his body turned to ash, scattering like dust in the wind.

Jully watched in stunned silence, a mix of fear and hope filling her heart. She knew, at that moment, that Jox Ranter's reign of terror was about to end.

Ryn turned to her, his voice carrying an unshakable resolve. "Sorry, Jully. Change of plans. It's time I deliver Jox a special gift."

A dark aura surrounded him, his presence exuding sheer power. His eyes gleamed with the promise of vengeance.

To Be Continued...