1. THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS
Astrelia—a city of light and darkness, where the future and the past intertwine amidst towering skyscrapers adorned with colossal holographic screens. Beneath the dazzling neon glow, an underground world lurks, governed by its own ruthless laws.
A light drizzle fell, shrouding the narrow alleyway in a veil of cold mist. Footsteps echoed in the silence as a lone shadow advanced forward.
Xuan Xingli opened her eyes.
A torrent of data surged into her mind, chaotic memories overlapping like shattered fragments of a broken mirror. Fleeting images—blood, screams, a desperate hand reaching out for her. But they were all too hazy, like a dream just beyond grasp.
She did not remember who she was.
She did not know why she was here.
But there was one thing she was certain of—she was not human.
Beneath her black-silver cloak, her fingers tightened around a cold, metallic object—a silver hairpin etched with ancient patterns.
She did not know why, but she was certain of one thing.
It was important.
2. THE FIRST TEST
Laughter echoed from the far end of the alley.
"Hey, little girl… lost your way?"
A group of men emerged from the shadows, clad in leather jackets, the stench of alcohol and cigarette smoke thick in the air.
"Look at her… she seems special, doesn't she?" One of them licked his lips, eyes gleaming with intrigue.
Xuan Xingli remained silent, her crimson eyes scanning their unfamiliar faces. A mechanical voice echoed in her mind:
[Scanning data…]
[Threat level: 0.02%]
[Combat engagement: Unnecessary]
Not a threat.
Not worth her effort.
She turned to leave, but before she could take a step, a rough hand grabbed her wrist.
A killing intent surged.
3. THE BREATH OF DEATH
"Let go."
Her voice was soft but glacial, devoid of emotion. The man chuckled, tightening his grip.
"And if I don't—"
CRACK!
The sickening snap of bone echoed through the alley. The man howled in agony, collapsing to his knees, his right hand twisted at an unnatural angle.
"W-What the hell?!"
Xuan Xingli stepped back, her expression unreadable as she watched him writhe in pain. She did not even recall how she had struck. It had been pure instinct—swift, precise, merciless.
The others froze momentarily before rage flared in their eyes.
"You bitch!"
A glint of steel flashed in the darkness. A blade sliced through the air toward her—
But time slowed.
[Combat mode activated…]
Xuan Xingli sidestepped effortlessly, moving faster than the eye could follow.
She did not need a weapon.
She was the weapon.
A single kick cut through the air, sending her attacker hurtling into the brick wall. Not a scream, not a struggle—he was unconscious before he even realized what had happened.
Seconds later, the entire group lay motionless on the cold pavement.
Silence.
Only the sound of raindrops tapping against the ground remained.
Xuan Xingli stared at her hands, a strange sensation stirring within her.
This power… where did it come from?
4. EYES IN THE SHADOWS
From afar, a lone figure watched the entire scene unfold.
Silver-white hair. Eyes of deep violet, like the cosmos itself.
Her breath was light as mist. A faint smile graced her lips—enigmatic, unreadable.
"How interesting…"
Under the dim neon glow, the silver chain around her neck shimmered, reflecting eerie, shifting illusions. She stepped back into the shadows, her amethyst gaze still locked onto Xuan Xingli.
The game had officially begun.