The world continues to run at its own relentless pace.
Within it, countless beings called humans live their daily lives—filled with hopes, struggles, and endless routines. But then a question arises… does our life truly hold any value? Can an ordinary person really leave any mark upon this vast world?
The ten years I have lived in this world may not be much. Yet to me, it feels like everything has been moving forward without pause. When I look back now, after losing everything… I realize there is no one waiting for me.
It makes me wonder—was my life ever meaningful?
Did I ever truly experience the taste of living? Or was I simply unable to bring my life to any meaningful stage?
Then… am I a failure in this life?
If I truly am, then where did I go wrong? And if it was indeed my fault… haven't I already paid the price for it?
Time continues to pass.
After a while, the barrier fades away—just as mysteriously as it had appeared in the beginning, as if summoned by some unseen force.
The moment it disappears, the air fills with the harsh cries of crows.
But these are no ordinary crows.
They have gathered, drawn by the stench of the corpses left behind after death.
Suddenly, as the deafening cawing echoes everywhere, people panic. In desperation, they grab whatever they can and rush to shut their doors and windows.
No one knows what kind of disaster this is.
Since gaining awareness, they have never witnessed anything like this before.
So what happened today?
Fear spreads rapidly, turning the entire place into what feels like a realm of death.
In their hearts, everyone begins to call out to the Creator, praying silently.
They wait… desperately… for the arrival of the Royal Knights.
That is their only hope.
They have committed no crime—so why must they face such punishment?
A freezing wind howls endlessly across the land.
Even the cold itself seems insignificant compared to the chill carried by that wind.
And yet, it does not stop.
Valerina's thoughts begin to spiral.
Perhaps… all of this happened because of her.
So many innocent people have died.
They did nothing wrong… so why were they killed?
Not everyone in this world is the same.
If good people did not exist, would this world even survive?
Of course not.
It is the balance between good and evil that keeps everything stable.
At this moment, Valerina feels nothing but hatred toward herself.
She feels as though she should end her own life.
After all… it is because of her that everything has come to this.
Who could have imagined that such horrors would unfold through her hands?
If things continue like this…
Then after death, nothing awaits her except the flames of hell.
In truth, Valerina is a kind and gentle soul.
Before hurting anyone, she would think ten times over.
Rather than causing pain to others, she would always choose to suffer herself.
And yet… despite all that…
This is where she stands now.