The sound of conflict resonated throughout the area. The clash of swords, their strikes against one another, the groans, and cries—each of these signaled that the war between demons and angels had reached its peak. The angels had invaded the realm and driven the demons off the battlefield. Everything lay in ruins. The empire of the angels emerged victorious in the battle, severing the head of the demon emperor.  

Through broken windows, the crimson sky stretched ominously. Drops of black rain fell into scattered puddles. The royal palace stood as the lone structure unscathed—the last remnant of what once was.  

A young girl with silver hair and ruby-red eyes that glimmered in the darkness stepped into the grand hall. Her black dress resembled a shadow against the night. She was the sole survivor of this carnage.  

Memories surged through her mind like an unrelenting flood—a faded vision of her mother gently smiling while holding her close. But darkness soon devoured everything; screams, cries, and the bitter taste of blood. Alone in a cruel world brimming with hatred, she sought an escape.  

She was alone. Even in death, solitude was her only destiny. Her lifeless face betrayed no hope for life. The only truth she knew was that she was a killer—a machine forged to eliminate anyone in her way. For years, she had served the demons. They had exploited her ruthlessly, yet no one knew she had been a victim herself.  

With a dagger in her hand, designed to bring about her own demise, she walked slowly through the hall. Deep within, she understood that the angels would inevitably kill her—sooner or later. In the end, she would either die here or face execution like her mother.  

Standing before the royal throne, she clutched the dagger tightly. Her trembling voice whispered:  

"I just... wanted love..."  

She sank to her knees. Her heart throbbed with pain and sorrow. With a swift motion, she plunged the dagger into her chest. For that single moment, time froze. Absolute silence engulfed everything.  

As she drowned in her own blood, a bitter smile graced her lips. It seemed that, in her final moment, she had found the peace she had long sought. Closing her eyes, she surrendered entirely to the darkness.  

Even in her last breaths, pain and torment refused to let go. Her legs, weakened by endless exhaustion, trembled as she collapsed to her knees.  

"Why me?"  

In that vacant, silent void, the profound stillness reminded her that escaping this torment was nothing but an impossible dream. Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice pierced the emptiness. A voice called her name:  

"Astia..."  

That voice... How long had it been since she had heard something other than her own voice?  

"Who... are you?" she asked.  

"I offer you a chance to take revenge on those who wronged you. But you must prove that you have learned from your past mistakes."  

Revenge... The very word resonated like a distant echo. What was this stranger talking about?  

"Are you joking? Why should I live again? Revenge... I don’t even know anymore. Maybe I shouldn’t have existed in the first place," she replied.  

The unfamiliar voice gave no answer. A white light, sharp and radiant, emerged from the void of blackness like a distant star growing brighter as it approached her.  

The brilliance forced her to close her eyes momentarily. The sound of hooves filled the air. When she opened her eyes again, confusion and disbelief overwhelmed her.  

"How...?"  

Before her was a narrow alley at the corner of a busy street. Pedestrians passed by, some glaring at her with contemptuous eyes.  

Astia paused for a moment, staring at a puddle beneath her feet. The reflection of a child with chubby cheeks and an angelic face appeared in the water. Silky brown hair and matching eyes enhanced her innocent beauty.  

She hesitated briefly before hurriedly lifting the hem of the skirt she wore.  

"Short legs? How old am I now?" she murmured in astonishment.