On to the Next Hunt

The streets were quiet, except for the drones of dying flames.

Ren rubbed a hand down his face, still sore from the vicious bout. He was out of breath, and his legs protested under him as he straightened into a proper stance. His Blue Flame had almost consumed him, but at least the fight was over.

Or so he thought.

Sera still stood a few feet away, probing at the remains of the monster they had killed. The once-cultist now turned corpse8 was gradually melting away into chunks of black soot, its curse energy trailing off into the darkness.

"That's what happens when they die…" Ren mused through gnarled teeth.

He exhaled, turning to Sera. "We need to move before the city guards arrive."

Sera didn't answer right away. She stared at the ashes, a blank look on her face. Finally, she spoke.

"This was not an opportunistic attack."

Ren frowned. "What do you mean?"

Her violet eyes sharp, she looked at him. "They didn't just come after you, Ren. The Hellfire Cult isn't going to do anything without motive. There is something more going on.'"

Fists were clenching at Ren's hands. He knew she was right. The cult's fascination with fire-wielders was no accident.

But before he could respond—

That's when a new entity asserted itself.

For a small while, a cold rush of wind blew down the devastated street.

Ren's instincts had screamed.

Someone was watching them.

More than one person.

Sera noticed it too. She stiffened, her hand gravitating toward the katana at her hip.

"Show yourselves."

For a moment, nothing moved.

Then—a slow clap.

Ren turned sharply in the direction of the sound.

On it stood a man on a nearby rooftop wearing a long black coat, the moonlight throwing shadow across his facial features. He applauded lazily, as though he had recently seen a cute little act.

"Not bad," the man said smoothly. "You saw how well you dealt with those cultists. Almost as if you've done this before."

Ren's eyes narrowed. "Who the hell are you?"

The man laughed and stepped down from the rooftop. His descent was unnaturally smooth, his boots touching lightly down against the stone pavement.

"Let's just say… I've kept my eye on you, Blue Flame."

Sera tightened her grip at her sword. "You're not with the cult."

The man smirked. "Of course not. Those fools are just fanatics playing with powers they do not understand."

Ren wasn't convinced. "Then what do you want?"

The man let out a dramatic sigh, shaking his head. "Straight to the point. I like that. Fine, I'll tell you."

Then, in a blink—

He moved.

Ren barely saw it.

In a flash, the man covered the space between them, halting only a few feet from the man. Too fast.

Sera snapped into action, flashing her sword in silver arcs.

But the man didn't attack. He had just put his hands up in feigned surrender. "Relax. If I wanted you dead, I wouldn't waste my time talking."

Sera didn't lower her sword.

For Ren, however, watched the man closely. He was closer now, and Ren could see his features.

He was lanky, with jet hair and bright golden eyes. He was confident, but not cocky. He radiated power.

And the most telling detail—

A weak red hue glimmered at his fingertips.

Fire magic.

Ren's stomach twisted.

"Another fire-wielder?"

The man caught his eye and smirked. "Figured it out, huh?" He pulled his hand up as a small red flame appeared in his palm, flickering. "I know what you are, Ren. And that's precisely why I'm here."

Ren's eyes narrowed. "You're looking for the Blue Flame too."

The man's smirk widened. "Bingo."

Sera moved closer with her blade angled at the stranger. "If you're here looking for a fight, you'll wish you hadn't."

The man chuckled. "As much as I'd love to test your strength, I have a better idea." With a flick of his wrist, he extinguished the red flame. "Join me, Ren."

Ren froze. "What?"

"Come with me," repeated the man. "You shouldn't be here wasting your time with weaklings. You have the rarest fire in this existence and do not even have an inkling of how to use it.

Ren's fists tightened. "And you think you can help me?"

The man tilted his head. "I know I can."

Sera took a step forward. "Why should he trust you?"

The man sighed. "Because we're the same." His golden eyes fell on Ren's. "I used to be like you, an outcast, chased for my power. But I knew how to seize my own destiny. Let me show you how you can, too."

Even though it was still hot as Satan's ass, Ren felt a weird chill. There was something off about this dude.

He wasn't just strong.

He was dangerous.

Ren exhaled slowly. "You haven't told me your name yet."

The man grinned. "Veyron."

Sera tightened her grip on her katana. "I've seen that name around before."

Veyron chuckled. "I'd be surprised if you didn't."

Ren's mind raced. If he was known to Sera, then Veyron wasn't just some random wielder of fire. He had a reputation.

A dangerous one.

Veyron looked at Ren and smiled knowingly. "Think it over. But don't take too long — others will come for you soon. And they won't be as nice as I am."

As such, he stepped back, the body surrounded by red flame.

Then—he was gone.

Vanished into the night.

Ren panted with his breath, his head buzzing.

Sera looked at him, her face suddenly sober. "You can't trust him."

Ren nodded slowly. "I know."

But deep down, part of him couldn't shake Veyron's words.

"You don't belong here."

"You have very little idea of what your power is.

And worst of all—

"Others will follow for you soon."

Ren clenched his fists.

This wasn't over.

Not even close.