The story begins on a quiet night.
Dressed in her black training uniform, Xiao Yi tightens a thin layer of enchanted metallic armor over her torso. With silent precision, she walks to the window, lifts a sleek obsidian mask, and places it over her face. Her eyes harden.
Then—without hesitation—she leaps.
As her body sails through the cold night air, she twists mid-flight, aligning her legs toward the ground. But before she can land, two black magic circles pulse open beneath her feet.
"Flash," she whispers.
In an instant, her body bursts into radiant light and vanishes.
She reappears deep within a dark, ancient forest—mist curling around her like tendrils. Landing softly, she steadies her breath.
"Magic's pretty amazing…" she murmurs. "But if only I had more time. Still, I've waited eight long years for this—there's no turning back now."
Dark energy begins to swirl around her legs, slowly rising and crackling with violet sparks.
"Shadow Walk."
In an instant, her form shifts into a purplish blur. She shoots through the forest with staggering speed—so swift that to an untrained eye, she's no more than a flicker in the dark. Branches part, leaves scatter, and the forest holds its breath.
After racing through the trees, she halts near a small cliff. Before her lies a breathtaking sight—a massive mansion perched on floating islands, suspended midair, connected by silver-glowing chains.
"I've made it."
With precision and grace, she leaps—one floating island to another—until she lands before the mansion's towering gate. As she approaches, a tall armored guard steps into her path, spear lowered.
"Miss, I'm sorry—but do you have an invitation?" he asks sternly.
"Oh, that… I forgot," Xiao Yi replies with a bright, innocent smile.
The guard bows apologetically. "I'm sorry, but without an invitation, I cannot let you enter."
Xiao Yi raises a pouch of gold coins toward him, her tone light, almost playful.
"Come on, there must be… other ways to handle this. What if you just take this?"
The guard hesitates, clearly tempted, but his posture remains stiff. "Miss, I apologize… but I've received strict orders. Please take this back."
Xiao Yi's smile lingers, but her eyes dim.
"So… you're really not going to let me in?"
There's no answer. Only silence.
She lowers the coins. Then, without another word, turns—and vanishes into the darkness.
The scene shifts.
A grand hall glows with ominous light. At its center, a man dressed like a jester stands atop a floating stage, arms wide with glee.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen! I am your host for tonight's grand event—held once every eight years—the Slave Auction! And tonight, your luck is truly extraordinary!"
He gestures toward a young girl bound in magical chains.
"Let me present to you… this white-haired high elf. Yes, her hair has been pure white since birth. And not just that—she once served as one of the seven commanders of the Demon King's army! She might possess knowledge beyond your wildest dreams!"
"And so, let the bidding begin at 500,000 gold coins!"
"1 million!" someone shouts.
"1.5 million!"
"2 million!"
"Sold!" the announcer declares. "To the holder of card No. 142!"
Suddenly, the entire building shakes with a thunderous explosion.
A man crashes through the roof, slamming onto the floor—unconscious, blood trailing from his mouth.
Floating behind him… descends Xiao Yi, cloaked in purplish mist.
She lands soundlessly. Her massive scythe gleams in her hand, its curved blade humming with quiet menace—as if born from shadow itself.
Without a word, she swings.
The man's head falls.
The entire hall freezes. Not a breath. Not a sound.
The jester stares at her, eyes wide in terror. Then, with a strangled scream, he runs.
But Xiao Yi's gaze remains fixed—calm, cold, unwavering.
And the wind, sensing what's to come… retreats into silence.