Chapter 0: Prologue

The wind blew fiercely.

“…”

Amid the storm born of clashes and impacts, I look up at the night sky.

Countless stars fall from the pitch-black heavens.

I finally brought down those who exploited and tormented humanity for so long.

But for some reason… it doesn’t feel satisfying.

Watching them lose their divine status, their light fading, brings no sense of accomplishment.

The purpose of toppling them was for humanity’s survival and liberation.

Yet in the battles against countless stars, I couldn’t find a single human besides myself.

“I’m sorry… I couldn’t keep my promise…”

I cry out in my heart, over and over, for her, who vanished for humanity’s sake.

What did we do wrong?

What sin did she, who fought to protect humanity, commit?

Why did we have to face such a horrific ending?

Without tasting even a moment of freedom, my comrades died.

All living beings, including the humans who resisted for liberation from the stars, perished.

—Drip.

In the midst of a collapsing universe, a single tear falls without my realizing.

If this was the plan all along, why was I sent to this place?

If there’s a god, I wish they’d all just die.

Nebulae burst like chain explosions.

Perhaps the supernova’s final defiance had a greater impact than expected.

The shockwave began to surge toward me.

Is this the end of my life, thrown into this other world without knowing anything?

Am I to vanish without saving anyone?

Fragments from the rapidly exploding stars flew at me, leaving small scratches on my face.

“…Fine. If this shitty ending is my fate, I’ll accept it.”

Spitting out words filled with hatred, I slowly close my eyes.

The vibrations and massive explosions draw closer.

If I had just one more chance… could things have been different?

Clinging to futile hope, I lose consciousness amid the barrage of stars.

Acrid smoke stings my nose.

“Sigh… Should I just move to America or something…”

“Guild Leader, what if people hear you!”

“Let them hear. The government treats hunters like crap while expecting so much.”

S-rank hunter, Ice Empress Lee Yuri.

She’s in a foul mood right now.

The government and association enforce gate clears on hunters, practically forcing them.

And without any compensation, no less.

This time, a massive gate showing signs of a break prompted the government and association to specifically select her guild.

Lee Yuri bites her lip and grabs her prepared staff.

“Guys, let’s finish this quick and go.”

“Understood!”

With her leading, the entire Frost Guild begins to move toward the gate.

But then.

“Wait a second…”

Something feels off about the gate to Lee Yuri.

It’s trembling, showing signs of an imminent break.

As the guild leader, she has no choice but to step back for her members’ safety.

“Guild Leader, the gate…!”

“Everyone, fall back!!”

By the time she acts, it’s already too late.

An uncontrollable explosion erupts from the gate, engulfing the guild members.

Lee Yuri quickly tries to block the gate with her ice magic, but something’s strange.

Amid the explosion, a human figure is visible inside the gate.

The shadowy form flying toward her is unmistakably a girl.

“F*ck…”

Amid the countless explosions, she unleashes ice magic to pull the girl into her arms.

The moment she embraces the girl, the gate closes as if by a miracle.

Though bewildered by the inexplicable situation, saving someone calms Lee Yuri somewhat.

“…Who is this girl?”

The girl’s white bob gradually turns black, her complexion stabilizing.

After witnessing the strange phenomenon, a realization flashes through Yuri’s mind, and she instantly grasps the girl’s identity.

“A returnee…?”

The girl twitches, her face scrunching as if the raised decibels are too loud.

Yuri, startled, thinks she might have woken her, but relaxes when the girl doesn’t open her eyes.

“…What’s that…”

“What, you’re awake?!”

What’s that? The sudden question leaves Yuri unsure of what she means.

Then the girl’s next question comes.

“What’s a returnee…?”