As Riko's violet flame made contact with Joshua, an unusual sensation washed over him.
Riko: (thoughtfully) "Your flame… it's unlike anything I've ever encountered."
Joshua: (confused) "What are you talking about?"
Riko: (smirking) "You're a rare one.,We'll have to explore this further."
With a snap of his fingers, Riko transported Joshua back to a location near the city of Butuan. Joshua found himself disoriented but relieved to be away from the enigmatic Hidden Inferno Realm.
---
In the dimly lit alley where their battle had unfolded, Ace lay unconscious, and Rina was grievously injured. The situation looked dire when suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps approached. A party of adventurers arrived on the scene, responding to a report of the skirmish.
Lead Adventurer (Rank A): "What's happened here?"
A concerned onlooker explained the fierce confrontation between Ace, Rina, and the mysterious figure with the violet flame.
Lead Adventurer: (assessing the situation) "These flames... it was a dangerous encounter."
The lead adventurer examined Ace and Rina, recognizing the severity of their injuries. They quickly administered first aid to Rina and revived Ace.
Ace: (groaning) "Ugh... What happened?"
Lead Adventurer: (calmly) "You've been through quite a battle, friend. Luckily, we arrived in time."
Ace: (regaining consciousness) "Where's Joshua?"
Rina: (weakly) "And what happened to Grom?"
Lead Adventurer: (sympathetic) "We don't have all the answers, but we'll do our best to find out. First, let's get you both to safety and provide medical attention."
Ace and Rina were rushed to the hospital, where their wounds were tended to by skilled doctors and nurses.
---
In the meantime, Joshua's frantic search for Ace led him through the winding streets of Butuan. He inquired with local adventurers and townsfolk, desperately trying to uncover any clues about Ace's whereabouts. His heart pounded with anxiety, and he couldn't help but replay Riko's words about his rare flame in his mind.
At last, a kind-hearted local adventurer took notice of Joshua's distress and offered his help.
Local Adventurer: (friendly) "You seem worried. Can I assist you?"
Joshua: (grateful) "I'm looking for my friend, Ace. He was hurt in a battle nearby."
Local Adventurer: (concerned) "I heard about that fight. Don't worry; I'll help you find him."
Together, they combed through the city, following the clues provided by witnesses and the reports of the recent skirmish. It wasn't long before they received word of Ace's location – he was at the hospital.
---
Joshua's heart soared with hope as he rushed to the hospital, where he was finally reunited with Ace and Rina. Their eyes met, and relief flooded their faces.
Ace: (weakly) "Joshua... you're safe."
Rina: (teary-eyed) "We thought... we thought you were..."
Joshua: (emotionally) "I'm here, guys. But... what about Grom?"
The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of their friend's loss pressing down on them. Tears flowed freely as they mourned the passing of Grom, their dear companion.
---
As they grieved together, an unexpected and somewhat comedic event unfolded in the hospital. A mischievous patient in the neighboring bed accidentally knocked over a tray of food, causing a comical chain reaction of events. Nurses and doctors rushed to clean up the mess, providing a moment of levity in their otherwise somber surroundings.
Ace: (smirking through tears) "hahahahah"
Rina: (giggling) "Yeah, it's like the city itself has a sense of humor."
---
Days turned into weeks, and the trio found solace in each other's company. As they supported one another through their physical and emotional healing, Joshua received news that brought a sense of accomplishment.
He had officially become an adventurer with a rank E. The joy that swelled within him was immeasurable. He had come a long way from the inexperienced flame-bearer he once was.
As they looked towards the horizon, their hearts were heavy with the memory of Grom and the weight of their uncertain future.
Rina: (softly) "I think it's time for me to part ways with you both."
Joshua and Ace exchanged glances, understanding that Rina needed to find her own path.
With a final group hug, they bid farewell to Rina, knowing that their paths might cross again one day. As she walked away, they watched her silhouette disappear into the twilight, her indomitable spirit a testament to the bonds forged in the flames of their adventures.
Joshua and Ace, now more determined than ever, gazed at the city lights that stretched before them.
Ace: (resolute) "We won't let anyone else get hurt like Grom did."
Joshua: (with conviction) "And we'll never lose again. We'll train, get stronger, and protect those who matter most."
Their flames shone brightly in the night, showing their strong determination.
**To be continued...**