Previously, Joshua found himself separated from his party after a tragic encounter with Riko, a member of the Crimson Ember Syndicate, who wielded a mysterious violet flame.
**Flashback:**
Joshua, Ace, Rina, and Grom had just successfully completed their Rank E mission, escorting the caravan to Buenavista. As they celebrated their victory in a local tavern, an unexpected threat emerged.
A Syndicate member named Riko as he introduced himself stormed into the tavern, demanding the valuable cargo. Grom, the burly warrior with an orange flame, stood resolutely between them and the goods.
Grom: (fierce) "You won't lay a finger on these goods as long as I'm here!"
Riko: (smirking) "Such bravery from a mere E-rank adventurer. Your orange flame is no match for my violet power."
Without hesitation, Riko unleashed his violet flame, which swirled ominously around him. Grom fearlessly charged forward, his orange flame blazing brightly. They clashed, and for a moment, it appeared as if Grom might emerge victorious.
However, Riko's violet flame concealed a hidden strength. With a swift maneuver, he enveloped Grom in the swirling violet blaze. Grom's orange flame dimmed, and he collapsed to the ground, motionless.
Ace: (shouting) "Grom!"
Rina: (teary-eyed) "No, this can't be happening!"
Joshua: (angrily) "You'll pay for this!"
**Present Time:**
After the heart-wrenching loss of Grom, Joshua was transported to the Hidden Inferno Realm by Riko's violet flame. Meanwhile, Ace was left to confront Riko's malevolent power.
Ace: Joshuaaaaa! Where have you taken him?
Ace: (determined) "You may have taken Joshua, but you won't defeat me so easily, Riko."
Riko: (smirking) "Impressive, What's your name?"
Ace: (resolute) "Shut up"
The two clashed fiercely, their flames colliding and casting an eerie light in the dimly lit alley where they battled. Ace's blue flame blazed brilliantly, steadily pushing back Riko's violet power with every exchange.
As the combat continued, Riko couldn't help but acknowledge Ace's true prowess.
Riko: (acknowledging) "You possess considerable skill for one so young."
Ace: (defiant) "Never underestimate me."
Riko: (smirking sinisterly) "Very well, young flame-bearer. Let's see how long you can hold your own."
**Later that day**
Joshua: (muttering to himself) "Where am I? What happened to Grom and the others?"
As he navigated through the unfamiliar streets, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness. It was Riko, the wanted criminal, with a flame that emitted an eerie, violet glow, unlike anything Joshua had ever seen.
Riko: (smirking) "Lost, are we, young flame-bearer?"
Joshua: (nervously) "Who... who are you?"
Riko: (tauntingly) "Call me Riko, a member of the Crimson Ember Syndicate. I'm impressed you've survived this long."
Joshua: (defiantly) "What do you want from me?"
Riko: (stepping closer) "I want to show you something, Joshua. A power beyond your wildest dreams."
With a snap of his fingers, Riko's violet flame swirled around Joshua, engulfing him in a fiery vortex. The world around him blurred, and when the flames subsided, Joshua found himself in an entirely different place.
He was standing atop a cliff overlooking a breathtaking landscape. The sky was a vivid shade of crimson, and the land was covered in a mesmerizing blend of red and orange flora.
Joshua: (awe-struck) "Where... where am I now?"
Riko: (smirking) "This, my young flame-bearer, is the Hidden Inferno Realm. A place where fire power knows no bounds."
Joshua was both amazed and terrified by the surreal surroundings.
Joshua: (whispering to himself) "How did he teleport me here?"
Riko: (explaining) "My violet flame has the power of teleportation. With it, I can traverse dimensions and bring you to places like this. Places you could only dream of."
As Joshua stood on the precipice of this mysterious realm, he couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of intrigue and curiosity.
Joshua: (curious) "What do you want from me, Riko?"
Riko: (smiling) "I can sense a rare flame in you"
Joshua's mind raced with conflicting thoughts and emotions.
**To be continued...**