The throne room was wrapped in silence.
Only the distant roar of flames echoed faintly, accompanied by the trembling breaths of the unconscious king sprawled at the base of his throne.
Ryo stood motionless, gazing out through the shattered window.
The sky was choked in darkness. Smoke swallowed the sun.
From the broken streets below, the cries of children clawed upward through the ashes.
Then… a cold breeze stirred the air.
From above, a shadow slipped into the room.
Rin descended through the broken window like a ghost.
He landed silently behind Ryo—his clothes soaked in blood, his presence colder than the void, his eyes carved from hellish ice.
Rin (in a chilling whisper):
"…Are you finished?"
Ryo didn't turn. His voice was low, calm.
Ryo:
"…Yes."
They stood in silence.
Then turned… and walked out of the ruined hall, side by side.
---
The Collapse of a Kingdom
They exited the palace gates—
And stepped into hell.
The capital burned.
Buildings crumbled. Flames devoured rooftops. The ground cracked, soaked in blood.
Screams of women and children echoed far and wide.
Ash rained from the heavens.
Everyone who saw them passing…
Fell to their knees.
Not out of loyalty—
But terror.
Yui walked behind them, her eyes calm. Her shoulder still bloodied, her steps steady.
She didn't complain.
They climbed a hill just outside the city, where the destruction lay in full view.
Rin sat on a rock. Pulled an apple from his bag. Took a bite.
Rin (while watching the smoke rise):
"…It's official now. The kingdom has fallen."
Ryo (staring at the ash-filled wind):
"All of this… because they touched my family."
---
A New Journey Begins
Without another word, the three turned… and began walking westward.
Their faces were peaceful. Almost serene.
Their expressions soft—like a family on a walk through the countryside.
But behind every smile…
A demon waited.
Behind every step…
Hell whispered.
Hearts wrapped in innocence.
Souls bathed in vengeance.
---
The Next Kingdom – The Great Fire Nation
Two days later, after forests and plains, the air grew warmer.
The smell of sulfur thickened.
In the distance—
A massive gate rose from molten stone. Symbols of ancient flame were etched into its surface, glowing faintly.
This was… The Great Fire Kingdom.
Its ruler?
Lord Infernus.
The continent's strongest wielder of fire.
Rumor says he could turn mountains to ash with a single scream.
But before reaching the gate…
They shared a moment of warmth.
---
A Gentle Moment on the Road
In a quiet field, Yui spotted a small rabbit trapped in a net.
She ran over, freed it carefully, and held it in her arms, her smile soft… almost childlike.
Yui (cheerfully):
"Look, Ryo! It looks just like you when you're angry!"
Ryo (flustered, looking away):
"…I don't have ears."
Rin (smirking):
"No, but you do jump on enemies the same way."
They all laughed.
Laughter that danced with the wind.
If anyone had seen them then… they'd think they were just a small family on a pleasant journey.
But the clouds behind them…
Still carried the scent of blood.
---(If you enjoyed the chapter, don't forget to vote or leave a comment — it really helps and means a lot to me! 💬)
To be continued...