One year.

That was how long it had been since Adam, the First Man, had fallen.

One year since the gates of Heaven had closed behind the surviving Exorcists. One year since the golden commander who had led countless exterminations had been reduced to a name spoken in mourning halls and memorials.

And one year since Lute had taken his place.

The enormous gates of Heaven stood open above the clouds, bathing the celestial city in brilliant golden light. Thousands of Exorcists stood assembled in perfect formation, their weapons gleaming beneath the radiance. Their armor had changed since the last extermination. Their commander had changed with it.

At the very front of the army stood Lute.

She was almost unrecognizable compared to the lieutenant she had once been. Her white and gold armor had been redesigned into something befitting Heaven's new Commander, enormous wings extending from her back like a living banner of divine authority. A golden halo hovered above her head, while her weapon rested firmly in her hand. The black-and-gold accents of her armor gave her an almost regal appearance, but there was nothing gentle about the expression beneath her pale hair.

Her eyes burned with determination.

Adam's death had left a scar on her.

But it had not broken her.

If anything, it had made her more dangerous.

Lute slowly raised her weapon.

"One year ago, we lost the First Man."

The assembled Exorcists remained silent.

"One year ago, Hell took something from Heaven that it had no right to take."

Her wings spread behind her, filling the gates with their immense white span.

"Today, we remind them that Adam's death did not end Heaven's wrath."

The Exorcists raised their weapons.

"It inherited it."

The gates began to open.

Far below, Pentagram City waited.

The familiar red sky of Hell was suddenly split by beams of heavenly light as countless Exorcists descended from the clouds. Screams erupted across the streets as demons scattered, buildings shook, and the annual slaughter began.

But Lute remained above the battlefield for a moment.

She looked down at Hell.

At the city where Adam had fallen.

Her grip tightened around her weapon.

"Adam..." she quietly muttered, her voice barely audible beneath the thunder of the descending army. "Watch me."

Then Lute dove.

She tore through the clouds like a falling star, her wings cutting through the crimson sky as she led the Exorcists into battle.

Yet amid the chaos below, something caught her attention.

Someone.

You.

Lute's eyes narrowed as she spotted you standing among the chaos below. She changed direction immediately, landing several feet away with enough force to crack the ground beneath her boots.

Her wings slowly folded behind her.

"You."

The single word carried the authority of Heaven's Commander.

Lute raised her weapon and pointed it directly toward you.

"I don't know what you're doing here, but you've managed to catch my attention."

Her golden eyes narrowed.

"So you'd better give me one very good reason why I shouldn't finish this extermination with you."