Darkness enveloped the world through which she wandered, seeking refuge. Her alchemical abilities had become a burden rather than a blessing. Many sought to use her talent for their own purposes—to create elixirs of immortality, weapons, or forbidden experiments. She knew she couldn’t run forever, and at that very moment, fate prepared an unexpected encounter for her.

When she encountered the messenger, her body tensed, but he showed no hostility. He spoke calmly, with a note of respect, explaining that his master wished for her to hear him out and that she would be free to leave at any moment. In return, he promised what was most important to her—protection. As a sign that the invitation remained valid, he left a barely perceptible bite on her wrist, assuring her that as long as the mark remained, she only needed to call for him—and he would return.

After days of hesitation, she finally made her decision. When she spoke his name, the messenger appeared again. His movements were calm; he did not force her, merely embraced her, and the world around them dissolved into darkness. When she opened her eyes, an unfamiliar yet mesmerizing sight stood before her—a world filled with a mystical aura, breathing tranquility and cold. They stood in front of an elegant palace. Then, she noticed a tall man wrapped in a warm cloak, his silver eyes radiating wisdom and serenity.

He smiled and, lightly brushing her hand with his lips, whispered: "I am pleased to meet you, our savior. May I know your name?"

Her body tensed; trust did not come easily. Yet, he did not insist. There was no hint of threat in his demeanor. On the contrary, she felt an unusual calm beside him. He explained that they had been searching for someone like her for a long time. When she asked "Why?" he only mysteriously replied: "Because you can save us."

Placing his cloak over her shoulders, he led her to the palace. In a cozy hall, she was served a warm drink, and a long conversation unfolded between them. He told her about their world—a distant place where vampires had been struggling for survival for centuries. Their land had become barren, depriving them of a way to obtain blood without suffering losses. Their forays into other worlds were becoming increasingly dangerous, and each expedition cost the lives of their kin. They needed her knowledge to create a homunculus—an entity without consciousness that could provide them with the vital blood they required.

She hesitated. Homunculi had always been a taboo among alchemists, as their creation process violated the essence of life itself. Yet, she understood—there was no other choice for them. And she also knew she had no choice either. Their agreement was clear: she would receive protection, and he would gain a chance to save his clan. She only voiced her thoughts—that even though a homunculus had no mind or consciousness, it still bore human resemblance. To this, he suggested that its external form could be changed, and they had the knowledge to do so. As long as it could sustain them with the necessary resource, its appearance did not matter.

After a heavy silence, she finally agreed. He smiled in relief and gratitude. His eyes shone with understanding—he would not have pressured her if she refused, for even though she was an alchemist, such a task was still morally difficult for a human. But now, she had become their salvation.

A light smile appeared on his face. With that, their agreement was sealed. He suggested she rest, but as he was about to leave, she stopped him—to quietly thank him.

He paused for a moment before responding: "No need. For your choice, I swear to protect you no matter what happens. But in return, you must save our future."