In a trance, the girl seemed to see memories of the past.
It wasn't a distant memory; it was just something that happened two years ago.
Before that, the girl had always lived there.
Lived in that place that no one could perceive, a castle that constantly floated in mid-air.
It was the true sky city.
—'Tendoukyuu.'
That was the place the girl had always lived.
Naturally, it wasn't a location that actually existed on any map.
Its essence was just a Treasure Tool.
A Treasure Tool with the function of a mobile fortress.
On it, only four people had always lived.
One was the girl.
One was the girl's caretaker.
One was the girl's mentor.
And one was the future contractor of the girl, the well-known Magic God in the Crimson World — 'Flame of Heaven.'
The term 'Flame-Haired Burning-Eyed Assassin' referred not only to the Flame Haze who formed a contract with 'Flame of Heaven' but didn't necessarily mean just one person.
So, before the girl arrived, the Crimson World Magic God named Alastor had already had another contractor.
Unfortunately, several hundred years ago, in a battle that could be almost considered decisive for the world's fate, this contractor paid with their life to secure victory in that battle.
Since then, to fulfill its mission in this world, Alastor has been searching for new contractors.
Most Flame Haze became contractors with the Demon Kings of the Crimson World because they lost their families due to the existence of the 'Denizens' and sought revenge.
This included Alastor's previous contractor; it was the same case.
During the battle where Alastor lost this contractor, it became aware.
"Only this way is not enough."
Therefore, Alastor began searching for Flame Haze who didn't seek revenge but were born only for their mission.
'Tendoukyuu' existed for this purpose.
A place for training and selecting qualified contractors.
At this time, the person who appeared was the girl.
The girl had been an orphan from a young age, homeless, seemingly rejected by the world, as if she had no value, turning into a lone individual.
The caretaker of 'Tendoukyuu' found the girl and brought her back.
Since then, the girl's life started to change. She was educated and raised as a talent solely existing as a Flame Haze.
To inherit the name of the 'Flame-Haired Burning-Eyed Assassin.'
Therefore, the girl didn't have a name; she only possessed a possible future nickname.
The girl had no complaints about this.
Rather, for a girl who originally had no meaning in her existence, everything about 'Tendoukyuu' gave her a purpose, making her life meaningful. In return, she should be grateful for this.
So, the girl continued to undergo training to become an elite Flame Haze in 'Tendoukyuu.' She took pride in it, constantly improving herself.
Then, the girl successfully formed a contract with Alastor, becoming the Flame Haze she had dreamed of becoming.
This was the path the girl had chosen, a path she genuinely wished to tread from the depths of her heart.
"To fight for the balance of the world."
It was a mission and a dream.
And as the girl embarked on this journey, her caretaker, who was parting ways with her, spoke these words.
"From now on, you must face everything alone."
To the girl, an existence akin to a mother or an elder sister, the caretaker said with a voice devoid of fluctuations and a slightly peculiar tone.
"Now, you are a Flame Haze who doesn't need to consider others. You no longer require anyone's help."
Indeed.
Since then, the girl had to face everything alone.
And she no longer needed others' assistance.
To maintain the balance of the world, she fought relentlessly as a Flame Haze.
The recollection concludes here.
...
"This is my battle. You are not allowed to interfere!"
When Shana came to her senses, she was tightly holding onto Fang Li's clothes.
In her eyes, burning like flames, there emerged a strong will that couldn't be compared to before.
"I am a Flame Haze, and I hunt the 'Denizens' to maintain the world's balance!"
Shana struggled to stand up, disregarding the pain coursing through her entire body. She raised her head, facing Sydonay directly, and uttered words that, despite their youthfulness, carried a powerful conviction.
"If I can't defeat the enemy before me, then there is no meaning!"
As she spoke these words, Shana injected power into Nietono no Shana, which she held tightly. Despite swaying unsteadily, she moved forward.
...
In the pendant in front of her, Alastor seemed to lose its ability to express, falling into silence.
"Hmph..."
In the fierce eyes of the savage beast ahead, a hint of mockery surfaced.
As a result, only Fang Li silently watched Shana. Suddenly, he extended his hand, pushing the petite girl away.
"Ah..."
Shana couldn't help but let out a soft cry. Unable to maintain her balance, her steps faltered, and she fell to the ground.
...
Shana raised her head, looking at Fang Li, her eyes filled with anger.
However, what met her gaze was a pair of eyes that could be described as nothing less than indifferent.
Watching Shana sitting on the ground, Fang Li calmly spoke.
"This is my battle. You are not allowed to interfere."
Almost identical to Shana's previous words, this sentence caused Shana to lose control of her emotions.
However, before Shana could erupt, Fang Li's words echoed once again.
"I don't care about the mission of a Flame Haze. Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) is mine. The opponent is coming for me. In that case, this is my battle!"
"You're just sticking your nose in because of your own affairs. Don't use the mission as an excuse for your whims!"
With a calm yet terrifying courage, Fang Li's words made Shana's Burning Eyes tremble slightly, and she clenched her fists.
At this moment, Shana realized that, in this situation, she was the one who had casually interfered.
The reason to maintain the world's balance, preventing Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) from becoming a tool for the 'Denizens' to recklessly use, might be extremely justified.
However, just as Fang Li said, Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) was his possession. How he wanted to handle it and deal with the malice directed at it was entirely his business.
"I don't deny your mission, but don't think you can ignore my existence." Fang Li threw out these words.
"The world doesn't belong to you alone. Don't think that mission is exclusively yours!"
Hearing this, Shana was completely dumbfounded.
By now, Fang Li had turned away, facing Sydonay.
In his eyes, an icy blue radiance began to manifest.
...