The courtroom lay shrouded in shadows, filled with hushed whispers and anxious breaths. Dim candlelight danced across ancient stone walls, casting writhing shadows upon the faces of those assembled. The judge—an elderly man of imposing height, draped in black robes of authority—rose and spoke with a voice that commanded absolute attention:

  "Mirai, you have crossed boundaries that should never have been crossed. Your actions cannot be forgiven, and you know this well. No motive can justify murder. We exist to maintain order, to protect the balance that governs our very existence."

  He paused, surveying the room with steady, unyielding eyes before returning his gaze to Mirai, who stood unmoved.

  "We will not overlook what has transpired. By my authority, you shall be stripped of your powers and exiled from demon territory."

  Silence cut through the air like a blade. Whispers rippled through the audience, spreading rapidly through the crowd. Amidst the gathering of wide-eyed stares and held breaths, Mirai remained unshaken, her face a mask of indifference. Her chin tilted slightly upward, her eyes empty of fear, hesitation, or even the faintest trace of anxiety. Instead, there was only a chilling void—the silence of one for whom the world and all its judgments held no meaning.

  A young woman stepped forward from the shadows, her black dress adorned with intricate symbolic patterns. She cradled a crystal orb that pulsed with mysterious light. Her movements flowed with practiced grace, radiating the confidence of one who had performed this ritual countless times. She positioned herself before Mirai, her expression as merciless as a blade's edge.

  The woman raised the orb slowly, its internal radiance intensifying with each passing moment. Dark energy began flowing from Mirai's body like smoke drawn by an invisible wind, spiraling into the hungry crystal. Mirai felt something fundamental being torn from within—a slow, agonizing extraction that left her limbs heavy and her mind swimming in unfamiliar weakness. She met the woman's gaze with exhausted eyes but found no mercy there, no opportunity for escape or resistance. The orb blazed brighter with each passing second while the woman watched with a smile devoid of warmth.

  Eventually, Mirai collapsed to the unforgiving floor, utterly drained. The woman continued cradling the now-radiant orb, filled to bursting with stolen power. Without uttering a single word, she turned and departed through the shadows, leaving Mirai alone in the suffocating darkness.

  ***

  Mirai's eyes opened slowly to an unfamiliar world. Crisp air filled her lungs, carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. She rose with difficulty, her body feeling strangely weighted, as if gravity itself had grown stronger. Taking in her surroundings, she found herself in a dense forest where giant trees stretched upward, their canopy so thick it nearly blocked out the night sky. Stars barely glimmered through gaps in the heavy, dark clouds above.

  She stood and examined her left arm, then closed her eyes, reaching for whatever fragments of energy remained within. Concentrating every ounce of her remaining strength into that limb, she opened her eyes to see a gleaming metallic sheath now affixed to her arm. Drawing it out slowly revealed the sharp blade within. A faint smile of relief touched her lips—at least this much remained. She returned the sword to its sheath and concealed it once more.

  As she prepared to move on, a golden bird perched upon a nearby branch caught her attention. Its luminous form seemed to observe her with unnatural interest. The moment their eyes met, unease crept through her bones. The air around the creature thrummed with strange energy, thick and oppressive. This was no ordinary bird—it radiated an aura unlike anything in the natural world.

  Before she could examine it further, the bird took flight and vanished into the darkness. Mirai didn't pursue it, yet the subtle sensation of being watched lingered. Drawing a deep breath, she began walking through the trees, dried leaves crunching beneath each measured step.

  The forest's silence seemed deceptively peaceful, yet her eyes remained vigilant, tracking every shadow that shifted in the darkness. That fragile quiet shattered when a deep, terrifying roar erupted from somewhere ahead. She froze, every sense sharpening as she searched the shadows for its source.

  A massive beast burst from between the trees, its body covered in matted dark fur, sharp teeth gleaming faintly in the moonlight. Red eyes blazed with murderous intent as it lunged toward her with frightening speed. Without hesitation, Mirai drew her concealed sword in a motion swift as lightning, cleaving the creature in two. Time seemed to pause for a heartbeat before the beast's lifeless halves crashed to the forest floor.

  Mirai gazed down at the corpse with detached indifference, sheathed her blade, and continued through the forest. The night air grew colder as she walked, stars barely visible through the high branches overhead. The ground beneath her feet was littered with fallen leaves and broken branches, each footstep echoing in the stillness.

  She walked until dawn's first light pierced the canopy, heralding a new day. Finally emerging from the forest's edge, she saw the outline of a large city rising on the horizon.

  Approaching the city gate, Mirai observed guards meticulously inspecting every person and wagon seeking entry. No one escaped their vigilant scrutiny. Clearly, entering through conventional means would consume time and invite unwanted questions.

  She studied their patterns briefly, then drew her sword in one fluid motion. In that instant, her movements transcended normal speed—she became a blur too quick for human eyes to follow. To any observer, she would have seemed to vanish into thin air.

  In truth, she had slipped through the gate in the space between heartbeats, passing the guards before they could even register her presence. All that remained was a faint breeze, like the memory of wind.

  In the blink of an eye, she found herself within the city proper, walking unnoticed among the crowds. Behind her, the guards continued their duties, oblivious to what had just occurred.

  The city sprawled before her in all its chaotic glory. Tall towers gleamed in the rising sun while streets bustled with life and activity. People of every description filled the thoroughfares—merchants hawking their wares with practiced enthusiasm, citizens going about their daily business. The architecture spoke of a long history, old stone buildings standing beside newer constructions in an endless dialogue between past and present.

  Mirai wandered without clear direction, her keen eyes absorbing every detail—from artisans laboring passionately in modest shops to street musicians filling public squares with melody. As she explored aimlessly, a large wooden door bearing the emblem of crossed sword and shield drew her attention. The symbol of the Adventurers' Guild.

  She approached with confident steps and entered. Inside, the atmosphere crackled with energy—adventurers recounted their exploits with animated gestures while notice boards crowded with fresh postings. The moment she crossed the threshold, a hush fell over the room. All eyes turned toward her, some staring with open curiosity at her tattered clothing and unusual appearance. Ignoring their scrutiny, Mirai proceeded directly to the reception desk.

  Behind the desk stood a young employee named Akane, whose bright demeanor and gentle features couldn't quite mask her surprise at Mirai's appearance. Maintaining her professional composure, Akane offered a welcoming smile:

  "Welcome! How may I assist you today? Are you looking to join the guild, or perhaps you have questions?"

  Mirai met her gaze evenly. "I'd like to learn how things work here, and perhaps join your guild."

  "Certainly," Akane responded in reassuring tones, studying the newcomer carefully. "Here at the Adventurers' Guild, we provide a platform for adventurers to find work and share experiences. Members can choose from a wide variety of missions—treasure hunts, monster subjugation, herb gathering, and most importantly, dungeon exploration."

  Her hand moved to retrieve a rolled document from a nearby stack. She continued while offering the paper: "Once you select a quest, you'll be registered, and we'll provide all necessary information."

  Akane raised her gaze thoughtfully, as if trying to read deeper into Mirai's character. "To better assist you, could you tell us about your skills and capabilities?"

  "I'm a swordswoman. I possess no magic," Mirai stated plainly.

  Akane paused briefly, then nodded with understanding. A small smile formed on her lips—clearly, she had encountered many in similar circumstances. "I see. Swordsmanship is highly valued here. Strong fighters are always needed for missions requiring physical prowess and combat skill. Even without magic, your abilities could prove decisive in many situations."

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  She began explaining the next steps carefully, as if guiding someone through unfamiliar territory: "You'll need to complete some registration documents, after which you can view available quests. But first, we need to evaluate your current level."

  Mirai waited silently for further details. Akane gestured toward a door at the rear and explained: "You'll engage in combat with one of our guild members to assess your skills and determine your appropriate rank. The goal isn't merely to measure raw strength, but to evaluate your readiness for handling various combat situations."

  "That's fine," Mirai responded without concern.

  Akane escorted her to the training ground—an open courtyard behind the guild building, encircled by ancient stone pillars and decorated with practice shields and wooden weapons. While Mirai awaited her opponent, she noticed a rack holding training swords. She approached steadily, selected one, and tested its weight and balance. "This will suffice," she murmured softly.

  Shortly after, the courtyard door opened. A heavily-built man entered, his muscles visible beneath well-worn leather armor. His gait spoke of quiet confidence—the bearing of a seasoned warrior who had survived countless battles.

  "I'm Saito, the guild master," he announced in a deep voice, his experienced eyes examining Mirai with equal parts curiosity and respect. "I'll be your opponent for this evaluation match."

  His weathered face bore the lines of long years in combat. Mirai stood ready, observing his stance and movements with careful attention. She thought silently: "So this is my examiner. Good. Let me see how much strength remains to me."

  Saito nodded, signaling her to prepare. "This fight will determine not only your level and guild rank, but also measure your determination and adaptability. Don't worry—the match follows strict guidelines to ensure safety."

  Mirai regarded him with cool intensity, her voice steady but sharp as steel: "That doesn't matter. Fight with your full strength—I'll face you with killing intent."

  Surprised by her seriousness, Saito's lips curved into an appreciative smile. Enthusiasm kindled in his eyes as he responded with a wide grin: "It's rare to meet someone with such fierce resolve. Very well—out of respect for your courage, I'll fight seriously."

  Mirai raised her wooden sword, awaiting the duel's commencement. Saito gestured, initiating combat. He lunged forward with surprising speed, and for a brief moment, time seemed to slow for Mirai. She whispered to herself: "First, let me gauge my current speed."

  Saito's attacks came fast—far faster than she had anticipated—yet Mirai parried them all with minimal effort. Taking several steps back while breathing deeply, she murmured softly: "My speed has fallen to a third of what it was. But that's irrelevant. Now to test my offensive power."

  She advanced swiftly, unleashing a barrage of precise strikes with her wooden blade. Each swing cut audibly through the air, as if carving through more than mere emptiness.

  Saito, alert and focused, found himself driven backward step by step. Sweat beaded on his brow as signs of fatigue began to show. After several intense moments, he raised a hand in surrender, breathing heavily: "Alright. Let's stop here."

  Mirai halted immediately, lowering her sword. Despite his exhaustion, Saito looked at her with genuine admiration. He spoke steadily, though clearly winded: "You're quite skilled, young lady. Your speed and physical strength are remarkable."

  He paused to catch his breath, wiping sweat from his forehead: "I'll assign you a rank of B. It's appropriate for your current level, especially considering you don't use magic."

  Mirai showed no reaction to the assessment. Gathering his composure, Saito headed toward the exit. "See you later," he said simply. Once he departed, Mirai returned the practice sword to its place.

  Exiting the training area, she returned to complete her registration as the guild's newest member.

  After finishing the paperwork, she left the guild, contemplating her next move. Her eyes gazed thoughtfully toward the distant horizon as she whispered: "Dungeons. I've heard of them. Located throughout human kingdoms, filled with monsters lurking in darkness. A good place to test my current limits. I need to know where I stand."

  ---

  Mirai arrived at the dungeon entrance. The moment she stepped inside, a chill permeated the air, and she realized instantly that this place was far older and deeper than she had imagined. Still, there was no time for hesitation.

  She moved with fluid grace, her feet barely touching the ground as she darted through narrow corridors. Monsters emerged from shadows—distorted creatures of various sizes, roaring their challenges—but Mirai gave them no chance to attack. Her movements flowed like water, nearly invisible to the eye. Each strike was precise and lethal. The creatures blocking her path fell one after another, scattered like autumn leaves before a gale.

  "Weaker than newborns. Pathetic," Mirai murmured with disappointment, her focus never wavering from the path ahead. There was no point dwelling on such trivial encounters.

  In less than two minutes, she stood before the entrance to the fifth floor. A few monsters still pursued her, but they were merely minor irritations. Upon entering the fifth floor, she paused briefly, peering into the darkness ahead, preparing for whatever awaited.

  A massive ogre loomed in the shadows, larger and fiercer than any creature she had previously encountered. Mirai halted, readying herself for combat. Then, without warning, a strange wave of exhaustion washed over her—as if some unseen force was draining her strength. She staggered, losing her balance momentarily before regaining her footing. That moment of weakness proved costly—the ogre lunged forward with surprising speed, claws aimed directly at her. At the last possible second, Mirai raised her right hand to block. While she successfully deflected the killing blow, the ogre's claws grazed her hand, leaving a shallow wound.

  Mirai glanced at the injury without concern. Rather than retreat, she summoned her strength and counterattacked decisively, delivering a finishing blow that felled the beast. It collapsed before her, its form dissolving to leave behind a small diamond-like gem.

  Standing still as the fatigue gradually intensified, she decided to withdraw for now. As she turned to leave, the diamond caught her eye, radiating an odd energy. Picking it up, she mused:

  "So this is what they call an Energy Diamond. I've read that they sometimes appear after defeating dungeon monsters. They possess unique magical energy, useful for enhancing weapons, armor, or crafting powerful spells."

  Taking the diamond, she began making her way toward the exit.

  ---

  Mirai entered the weapon shop with measured steps. The store was modest in design, its walls lined meticulously with various armaments: swords, spears, and shields hung in neat rows. Wooden tables displayed military gear while small gems glittered within glass cases. The lighting was sufficient to reveal details without overwhelming the senses.

  Behind the main counter stood an elderly proprietor dressed simply, his white hair and neatly trimmed beard framing eyes that sparkled with decades of experience. Mirai observed him silently before producing the small diamond from her pocket and placing it on the counter. She stated succinctly, "I want to sell this."

  The man examined the diamond briefly before meeting her gaze. "An Energy Diamond," he noted softly. "I can offer forty silver coins."

  Mirai showed no interest in haggling. She simply nodded in agreement.

  After receiving the silver coins, she turned and exited. Along the way, she stopped briefly at a nearby pharmacy for medicine and bandages, then headed toward an inn she had noticed earlier.

  While navigating the narrow streets, her eyes were suddenly drawn to a storefront displaying elegant clothing. She paused, glancing down at her tattered garments—damaged from her exile and battles—then entered the shop.

  Inside, luxurious fabrics in vivid colors adorned the walls, accompanied by the subtle aroma of quality perfumes. An elegantly dressed employee in traditional clothing approached with a warm smile:

  "Welcome. How may I help you today?"

  Mirai scanned the shop thoughtfully. "I need new clothes."

  The employee assessed her critically, noting the tears in Mirai's damaged dress, and remarked with genuine admiration: "Despite the damage, that dress has the quality of royal garments." Then she inquired, "What style of clothing do you prefer?"

  "I want something that covers my body completely," Mirai responded.

  With practiced grace, the employee gestured toward a selection of kimono hanging from ornate racks. In soft tones, she suggested, "A kimono would suit you beautifully. We have a wide variety, all reasonably priced."

  Amidst the vibrant colors and soft textures, Mirai's attention settled on a simple yet elegant black kimono adorned with delicate golden embroidery. She selected it, paid, changed into her new attire, and departed.

  As the sun set, Mirai arrived at the inn. The receptionist greeted her warmly, his steady demeanor reflecting genuine hospitality. "Welcome. How may I help you?" he asked politely.

  She responded softly, as if the words came with difficulty, "I need a room."

  After completing the necessary formalities, she received her room key and ascended swiftly to the upper floor. Once inside, she closed the door firmly and sat on the bed. Silence enveloped the room, broken only by her uneven breathing.

  She surveyed the room—walls painted in soft hues, the bed neatly prepared—but found no comfort in these mundane details. Retrieving the bandages and medicine, she began treating her wound.

  As she wrapped the injury, her thoughts returned to the encounter with the ogre:

  "Why did I feel so exhausted then?" The question churned endlessly in her mind.

  Finishing the bandage, she slowly raised her gaze to her left arm. Carefully drawing her concealed sword from its sheath, the room seemed to grow heavier with its presence. She closed her eyes, attempting to understand what had occurred. Within minutes, that familiar fatigue seeped into her bones once more.

  "So that's it," she whispered, breathing deeply. "My limit is three minutes. I cannot maintain it longer than that. I must be cautious. Without magic, it consumes my spiritual energy far too quickly."

  She carefully returned the sword to its sheath. Reaching over, she extinguished the candle beside her bed, plunging the room into peaceful darkness. Lying back, she struggled to banish the heavy thoughts crowding her mind. Gradually, sleep claimed her.

  ---

  Dawn broke, and Mirai awoke slowly. She remained still for several moments before sitting upright. A sharp twinge from her wound made her realize something was wrong. Looking down at the bandage, she noticed drops of blood seeping through. The dampness on her skin confirmed her fears. Cautiously removing the bandage, her eyes widened in shock—the wound had not healed, and worse, the bleeding persisted.

  She stared at the injury, trying to recall anything unusual that might have occurred. Thoughts invaded her mind slowly.

  "Impossible," she murmured, remembering the wicked smile of that woman at the court. "Did she cause this?" The whisper barely escaped her lips.

  Doubts arose, but she needed confirmation. Quickly leaving the inn, she asked passersby for directions and found a clinic renowned for treating adventurers.

  *This was only the beginning.*

  (Continued in Chapter 1.2)