I wanted to believe it was a nightmare, but I lost my innocence long ago. It was like waking up and realizing it. Inexplicably, I found myself naked once more. I brushed some debris off my body and turned around. Constanze lay beside me, unconscious, and I ran to remove the beams from her, though it seemed an impossible task due to their weight. As I approached, I noticed some assailants lying dead on the ground. The orphanage was utterly destroyed, blackened as if a volcano's lava had swept past it. Only the charred skeleton of the building remained, shrouded in smoke. It was still snowing, which probably extinguished the fire.

Suddenly, a black car parked nearby. By its characteristics, it was a Mercedes-Benz. A man stepped out, dressed in a grey trench coat and black trousers. He had slicked-back black hair and grey eyes. He stood about six feet tall, his face distinguished by a robust nose.

"Damnation!" the man shouted in anger from afar, "I'm too late!"

I raised my hand to signal there were survivors. The man ran towards us.

"Thank God! You're alive!" he exclaimed, panting as he reached us.

"I heard you cursing for arriving late," I said as he approached, "Why? Do you know what just happened?"

"Of course, but unfortunately, I can't explain because it involves confidential matters."

"Magic affairs?" I ventured, trying to guess.

"Well... are you, by any chance, a user of magic?"

"Yes... But I wanted to escape from it, and it seems I've failed..."

"It seems so... I suppose if you're naked, it's because you've used some strange magic. Better not to explain because it might be the most implausible thing imaginable. Better get some clothes on; it's five degrees below zero, and it's making me cold. Fortunately, I have spare clothes in the trunk. I'll give you the explanations once we're in the car. One more question – the girl among the debris – is she by chance alive?"

"Yes."

"Then we'll take her to the hospital right now."

I dressed from the trunk. Though it was men's clothing, luckily it was loose enough not to bind my chest. It was a simple black suit matching the one the man wore, as if we were colleagues. Constanze lay in the back seat of the car.

"I apologize for being rude and not introducing myself earlier," the man said. "I am Klaus von Hoff."

"Sakura Araki," I took the opportunity to introduce myself, "Pleased to meet you."

"And the unconscious girl, what's her name?"

"Constanze Bemberg."

"If I'm honest, I'm surprised to see a beautiful Japanese woman in these parts. I suppose by your sad gaze you worked there, just like her, didn't you?"

I nodded reluctantly.

"My condolences for what happened," Klaus continued. "If you're wondering why I'm here, I'll tell you since you're a magic user like me, according to your claims. It's for a commission. I'm an assassin who kills mages on behalf of anonymous clients. Generally, my targets are mages who are quite problematic for society. This case is one of them. For months now, I've been tracking a very dangerous mage. His specialty is kidnapping children, especially from orphanages with the help of his mercenaries. It's not the first time he's done this. It's still unclear what he does with them, but all signs point to him conducting experiments..."

I clutched my right fist to my chest in anguish.

"I hope nothing happens to them," I expressed.

"Me too," Klaus replied, "But statistics tell us that no child kidnapped by him has ever been seen alive again."

My anguish intensified.

We arrived at the hospital after half an hour. Fortunately, Constanze was admitted immediately. Despite the doctor telling us she would be in a coma for an indefinite period, the good news was she was out of danger and would not have any lasting effects from the severe head injury.

"Don't worry," Klaus tried to reassure me while we sat in the waiting room. "I'll cover the maintenance costs."

"It's not that," I replied, breathless. "My thoughts are now on finding those children and saving them."

"It won't be easy. It will take time to trace the culprits. And if I'm honest, I don't like discussing such matters in places like this."

"I understand."

"What will you and your friend do from now on?" His question left me silent because I wasn't entirely sure.

"Forgive me if this question seems impertinent," I said, so he wouldn't be taken by surprise, "I sense you're a solitary man... Would you like to take on an apprentice to be your assistant?"

"Well..." Klaus was taken aback, "If you're offering yourself... To be honest, I wouldn't want a beautiful girl like you to get involved in this world. But I can't say no to everyone who asks for help. Before I accept your request, I have two questions. First, if you follow me, what will become of your friend once you come with me? And second, what motivates you to enter such a dirty profession as mine?"

"I want Constanze, like me, to start a new life on her own. If she were with me now, she would be an obstacle to my new goals. Because I intend to kill all the mages, especially those who harm without justification."

"It's a very vengeful ideal, but I don't blame you because I felt the same when I started. Generally, those of our kind have had miserable beginnings. It's like the world condemns us to this vicious cycle."

At that moment, silence filled the room because I had no desire to reflect on life's cruelty.

"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to write a farewell letter to Constanze," I said, getting up from the chair. "If we want to find both the children and the culprit, we have no time to waste."

"You're entirely right," Klaus said.

I asked for paper, a pen, and an envelope at the reception, and at a nearby table, I began to write the letter. Upon finishing, I felt I was leaving much unsaid, but the moment wasn't convenient for detailed explanations. My farewell should have been better, but circumstances were what they were. Over time, I realized it was better this way because if she had been conscious, it would have been highly problematic. Unlike me, Constanze's kindness was boundless, and she had never been driven by resentment. If she had known the path I was about to take, we would have had a fierce argument. And she was the last person I wanted to argue with. She would also have been upset if she learned that my faith had been lost after what happened.

After putting the letter in the envelope, I wrote "For Constanze" on the outside. With the envelope in my right hand, I gestured to Klaus to wait while I went upstairs.

I reached Constanze's room, and though it wasn't visiting hours, I took the opportunity when there were no nurses around. I turned on the light and found her there, unconscious, connected to a life monitor. I left the letter on her bedside table and brushed her hair from her forehead to give her a farewell kiss. At that moment, I believed it might be the last time I saw her, but no one could predict the twists of fate.

Around four in the morning, Klaus and I left the hospital, and I followed him to his "home," which was more like a hidden lair in the mountains. I didn't know the location, as it was nighttime, and I had no energy to ask. Upon arrival, I lay down on the sofa to end a day that had been more than long and bitter.

The next morning, I woke up around ten or eleven. Opening my eyes, I was met with an unpleasant surprise. Everything was completely dirty and disorganized. The living room table was covered with empty alcohol bottles, dirty glasses, and packets of ready meals. Getting up from the sofa, I noticed the floor needed cleaning. I then went to the kitchen, which I'd rather not remember because it was so revolting just to imagine it.

"Good morning," Klaus said, appearing behind me. "You still look grim. I understand it's a tough blow, but you must recover quickly because this world doesn't forgive."

"It's not just that," I replied. "It's revolting to see everything like this."

"What? The dirt? The mess? Sorry, but this job leaves no time."

"I also feel you could improve your habits..."

"Are you going to criticize me?" Klaus asked sarcastically, sitting on the sofa with a bottle of whiskey in hand, lighting a cigarette. "I thought you were a quiet Japanese girl, but I see otherwise. I don't know if you've changed recently or if you were hiding your true personality."

"Whiskey and tobacco for breakfast?"

"Yes. Don't complain. You can find some coffee in the cupboards."

I turned to find a half-full coffee tin, put it in the coffee machine, and waited. While waiting, I went to the living room to continue talking with Klaus.

"I suppose it's time to explain things to you," Klaus continued. "It's rude of me not to tell you since it's why you're here. The man I'm looking for is named Aldous Rosenberg. He's a mage specialized in therianthropy, which means he's skilled at turning humans into animals for some reason. Perhaps because his damned family couldn't find a less repulsive hobby. Anyway... He continues with his experiments, using a network of mercenaries to kidnap children for his guinea pigs. Orphanages are his preferred targets because they're easy places to catch them in numbers. To eliminate witnesses, they kill all adults present and then burn everything in their path. You've seen it firsthand, though I must say it was a goddamn miracle you and your friend survived."

"Yes," I said, just to say something. "Last night you told me..."

"Please, you can address me informally," Klaus interrupted.

"Well... Last night you said you were chasing this man on commission. Is it rude to ask who commissioned it?"

"Another important lesson in this business is not to ask about your client, no matter if they're from the Clock Tower, the Church, or just anyone. What matters is how much your bank account will receive after risking your neck. Usually, the target is any mage, but I prefer those who deserve it. I've made it my specialty. Any more questions?"

"No. The only thing I'd like to ask is if I can clean this mess."

"By all means, I wouldn't mind a cleaning assistant. But don't overdo it; if you're going to become my accomplice, I recommend you save your strength because this afternoon, I'd like to train you to assess your skills."

I began cleaning at least the table while Klaus went to another corner to continue with his vices, which annoyed me. Initially, I felt I had fallen in with bad company. He seemed like the typical alcoholic womanizer. I felt at any moment he could assault me like Shinji. These were times when I rejected any sexual contact unless it was with Shirou, an impossibility.

After cleaning, I wanted to cook but found nothing in the pantry except for bread and some ham slices, so I had to make do with a sandwich. Before eating, I noticed something. Next to the fridge was an ebony liquor cabinet with the key in the lock. I opened it and found another unpleasant surprise. It was filled with various types of alcohol (whiskey, gin, rum...) and Marlboro cigarettes.

"Well, I see you've found my treasure chest," Klaus said mockingly as I raised an eyebrow in annoyance.

"Do you think it's funny, not to mention healthy, to live on tobacco and alcohol?" I replied, turning away.

My year in that orphanage had brought out a character similar to my biological sister Rin, perhaps the only genetic trait left from the Tohsaka family.

"Relax," Klaus countered. "In my defense, this job keeps me out of the house more than in, forcing me to eat at restaurants."

"And that's an excuse for having no food?"

"Well..."

"I've never seen anyone with such bad habits."

"Don't go too far; I have a figure to maintain. In the back room, I've set up a decent gym."

"I'll believe you. If I'm honest, I hate when someone drinks and smokes in my face."

"I thought you were one of those quiet girls, but you're more stubborn than I thought. I won't tire of saying what a letdown you've been."

"Please, I don't like getting too angry and want to avoid unnecessary conflict."

"I understand. When you're done eating, come to the gym; I'll be waiting."

Ten minutes after eating, I entered his gym. He was standing there with his arms crossed. Looking around, I saw he was telling the truth; the room was packed with equipment for every part of the body, plus a collection of dumbbells like a stamp album. Best of all, it had a huge window offering beautiful views.

"I won't be too demanding today," Klaus said as I approached. "I just want to see your magical skills, though I don't expect much since you've probably been out of practice for a while. So, extend your arm."

I obeyed, using my right arm.

"You must be wondering why I ask this," Klaus continued. "You see, one of my abilities is reading bodies, especially those with magic circuits. My family specializes in healing magic, specifically magic circuits. In other words, we're doctors who heal the magical. By just touching your hand, I can know your power and your history." He touched my hand with both of his. "Wow..." he said, eyes closed. "This exceeds any comprehension."

I felt like he was about to make me relive all the torment I had suffered, the last thing I wanted.

"I feel you went through a deeply traumatic process," he said, squeezing my left hand against my chest while I tried to hold back tears. "That has severely damaged your magic circuits. What kind of training did you have? I know you had to adapt to a magic foreign to your genetics, but it sounds inhumane."

"I'd prefer not to remember..." I said, trying to keep my tears at bay.

"Alright, my apologies. I'll stop here. I've gathered the necessary information. Despite everything, you have much potential, but improving your skills will be challenging. It will require very hard training. Right now, you're just a damsel waiting for her prince. You'll take a long time to be on par with me to assist in this work. You can leave. And one more thing," he said when I reached the door, "I detected something very strange in you." I feared he might discover Angra Mainyu. "I don't know what it is, but I recommend you be careful with it." I sighed, relieved he had no real idea. "Your training starts tomorrow," I nodded.

I went to the bathroom to wash my face. After wiping away the tear marks and the salty taste from my lips, I casually noticed scissors in the bathroom sink. I picked them up and, looking in the mirror, cut my hair to neck length. Once done, I put the scissors back.

Looking in the mirror, I saw my eyes had turned red. It didn't scare me; I knew what it was. Angra Mainyu helped me express all the anger I felt. At that moment, my desire to find the children was paramount, but it went beyond that; I yearned for vengeance against magic. I wanted to eliminate mages one by one to erase magic from the earth forever. From that moment, my little dark age as a mage assassin began.