The evening sun bathed the village in a warm glow, laughter and chatter filling the air as the villagers celebrated their peace. The mayor, surrounded by joyful faces, embraced the simple pleasures of life — unaware of the storm that would soon follow.
In the distance, Jox Renter appeared at the edge of the village, his crimson eyes locked on the mayor. Darkness swept through the air as Jox moved closer. The once joyful streets turned cold and silent as Jox's twisted smile widened. The scene shifted violently — screams filled the air, and in the aftermath, the mayor found himself bloodied and bruised, bound in chains. Jox loomed over him with a chilling grin.
Present Day
Jox sat alone in his grand mansion, fingers tapping the armrest rhythmically, as if daring fate to knock on his door. His mind drifted back to the words of the mayor — 'A god's man will appear.' He chuckled darkly. "No such man exists," he whispered.
Suddenly, Jox's gaze shot toward the entrance. A figure walked forward — his aura burning with rage. Ryn — masked and silent — stood at the door like a shadow of death.
"Who are you, boy?" Jox sneered. "What's with the mask? Are you a child playing hero?" His mocking laugh echoed through the hall.
Ryn said nothing. Step by step, he walked closer, his fiery eyes locked on Jox. Then he sat calmly in front of him.
"You must be Jox Renter," Ryn finally spoke, his voice cold and sharp.
"I am," Jox grinned. "And what of it?"
"I'm here," Ryn answered, "to clean the dust."
Jox's smile faltered. "Dust?" he muttered before glancing at the blood-stained floor. "You see no dust here, boy — only blood." His grin returned. "But there's one more stain left... and he's sitting right in front of me."
Silence. Both men locked eyes, the air heavy with tension.
"Boy," Jox said lowly, "if you think I'm like those worms you killed outside, you're wrong. I'll forgive you if you kneel now and become my guard dog."
Ryn's eyes blazed. "You moron..." he growled. "Shut the hell up."
Ryn's flames erupted, forming a burning circle around them. Jox smirked. "Wow... cute trick, little rat."
Ryn lunged, grabbing Jox's throat. For a moment, victory seemed within his grasp — but in an instant, Jox's entire body ignited, and he slipped free. When Ryn noticed the flames, his eyes widened slightly. "Fire... just like mine..." he muttered under his breath.
Jox reappeared outside the flame circle, hands in his pockets, smirking.
"Nice try," Jox taunted. "But let me show you what real fire can do."
With a snap of his fingers, pillars of flame burst from the floor. Jox's fire danced like serpents, striking at Ryn from all directions. Ryn dodged, weaving through the chaos.
"Not bad!" Jox laughed. "But let's turn up the heat."
Jox unleashed Inferno Wave, a wall of fire that crashed toward Ryn. Ryn countered, slamming his fists into the ground, sending a wave of flames to collide with Jox's. The room exploded in heat and smoke.
Through the haze, Jox's silhouette appeared — grinning. "I'm not done yet."
Summoning Flame Spikes, Jox launched burning spears that rained down like arrows. Ryn barely dodged, his mask cracking from the heat.
"Let's end this," Jox growled. Flames coiled around him like a serpent — his strongest technique — Crimson Catastrophe. The flames surged forward, swallowing the entire room.
"Burn to ash!" Jox roared.
But Ryn stood firm. With a deep breath, his flames transformed — glowing brighter, hotter... until they ignited into the form of a great Phoenix. The fiery bird soared upward and dived straight through Jox's attack, shattering his flames like glass.
Jox stumbled back, eyes wide in terror. "W-what is that?!"
The Phoenix spiraled around Ryn before plunging directly into Jox. In his final breath, Jox stared at Ryn with a mix of shock and twisted admiration.
Aftermath
Ryn rescued the mayor and returned to Stella's home. Stella rushed to him with tear-filled eyes, whispering, "Brother... please be safe next time."
The next morning, Stella woke Ryn with excitement. "Brother, come quick!"
Ryn followed her to the village square where the entire village bowed their heads in gratitude. Tears, smiles, and laughter filled the air. Jully appeared, hugging Ryn tightly.
"Thank you, idiot," she whispered with a smile. "Thank you."
Later that night, Ryn sat quietly beneath the stars. Stella and Jully sat beside him. "Where will you go next, brother?" Stella asked softly.
"Wherever the wind takes me," Ryn answered with a grin.
"Are you really leaving?" Stella asked, her voice breaking.
Ryn gently ruffled her hair. "I'm always here when you need me," he said softly. "Just call, and I'll come running."
As Stella and Jully walked away, Ryn looked to the sky. The memory of Jox's final words played in his mind: "Be ready for the real devils."
Ryn smiled faintly. "I'm the hunter of devils."
The moon shone brighter than ever that night.