Moonlight Flame

The night sky was painted with countless stars, stretching endlessly above. Ryn sat in silence, his mind lost in the depths of his past. His eyes reflected the twinkling lights above, yet his thoughts were far away. Memories of another life, another time, flickered in his mind like distant flames.

Beside him, Stella slept peacefully, curled up at his leg, clutching his coat like a child seeking warmth. A small smile tugged at Ryn's lips. She really trusts me now, he thought. With a gentle motion, he patted her head and closed his eyes, letting the stillness of the night embrace him.

As dawn broke, the two set off toward the Hunter's Guild to report their completed mission and claim their reward. The city streets were quieter than usual, and even the guild hall had fewer hunters roaming about.

When they reached the reception desk, Marie greeted them with her usual warm yet knowing expression. "You're back. Let me see what you've brought."

Without a word, Ryn placed the monster cores on the counter. Marie examined the pile with a glance, unsurprised by the sheer number. She knew Ryn's capabilities.

However, her curiosity peaked when she noticed Stella hesitating. "And where are the rest of your party members?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Stella glanced at Ryn, waiting for his cue. Ryn remained passive, his expression unreadable. Taking a deep breath, Stella answered, "Something... happened in the dungeon. I lost consciousness. When I woke up, Big Brother was there, and the others were... gone."

Marie's expression hardened. She turned to Ryn for confirmation. He sighed and gave a nonchalant shrug. "They disappeared. I looked for them, but there was no sign. I assumed they left the dungeon early."

Marie studied him carefully. There was something in his tone, something hidden beneath the surface, but she chose not to press further. "This is serious. I'll have to report it to the Guild Heads."

"Do what you need to," Ryn replied casually.

Marie nodded before handing them their reward—a hefty sum of 20 million Zeni. Stella's jaw dropped. "This… this is too much!" she stammered.

Marie chuckled. "You not only cleared the dungeon, but you also retrieved the boss's core. That's the bonus."

Ryn took the money without hesitation, but instead of pocketing it, he turned and handed it all to Stella. "Here. Take it."

Stella's eyes widened. "W-what? But… this is too much, Big Brother!"

Ryn gave a rare soft smile. "You call me 'Big Brother,' right? Then this is my gift to you. Use it to take care of yourself and your family."

Tears welled up in Stella's eyes, but before she could argue, Ryn turned away, waving lazily as he left the guild. Marie watched with quiet amusement. He's soft when he wants to be, she thought.

Walking through the bustling city streets, Ryn's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice yelling behind him.

"BIG BROTHER! BIG BROTHER!"

He turned just as Stella grabbed his hand, panting heavily. Her face was filled with distress.

"Help me!" she pleaded, her voice trembling.

Ryn's expression darkened. He immediately assumed someone was after the money he gave her. His eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a threat.

"Where are they?" he asked, his tone sharp.

Stella shook her head, gripping his hand tighter. "No, it's not that! My village—Goldengrove—it's in danger!"

Ryn frowned. "Tell me everything."

Through her gasps, Stella explained. "There's a man… Jox Ranter. He appeared five years ago, and ever since, strange things have been happening in my village. Goldengrove is known for its gold mines, but now… people are disappearing. Something evil is happening there!"

Ryn exhaled sharply. Alright. Let's go to see your family !

After several days of travel, the two arrived at Goldengrove. What should have been a lively mining village was eerily silent. No workers. No merchants. No children playing in the streets.

Something was very wrong.

As Ryn surveyed the surroundings, a piercing scream shattered the silence.

"AHHHHHH!!"

It was Stella.

Ryn sprinted towards her voice and froze at what he saw.

Fifty human heads were impaled on wooden stakes. Blood dripped onto the dirt, the air thick with the stench of death.

Ryn clenched his fists. "What the hell is this?"

Stella fell to her knees, her body trembling. "T-this… this can't be real…"