Everything had happened by chance.
Luna, in a corner, unintentionally ended up wearing Mother’s mask. The fall of the weakened Mother, who was pushed down the list of Laktea’s priorities, crawling to Nahan. The coincidental awakening from her trauma when her neck was choked. Even the fortunate moment when Luna woke up and could vaguely sense Mother due to the connection of her mental world with reality—all of it was pure chance.
Had events unfolded as in the original story, the two should have lived their lives in longing without ever meeting again. However, their encounter was nothing short of accidental.
Of course,
[“Nahan. You should walk a different path than me.”]
[<Black Wolf (Ex)> and <Aria(???)> contract activates: The world supports you.]
[<Mother(S-)> memories are flowing.]
While some of these coincidences had outside interference,
“…Mom.”
“…!”
In any case, these two ended up meeting again, unlike in the original story.
Not only that…
-It’s shameless to keep asking for favors, but I sincerely hope you can show me what a normal life looks like.
-Someone who avoids danger, makes friends, finds love, raises a child, and lives happily with everyone… I hope you can teach me what a normal life is.
Through her bond with Mother and the ensuing rampage, Luna had heard every word Mother spoke from the moment she awoke to now.
Because of it, the questions flooded into Luna like a great wave. She tried her hardest to suppress them, then looked at Nahan.
“Director, I’m sorry, but can I have just a moment…?”
Normally, she would have tried to take her own life, overwhelmed with apologies. Yet, this time, Luna didn’t avert her eyes.
Nahan was confused.
Even if she knew the whole truth, the sins committed by Mother would not disappear. Even if there was some justification for the mistreatment of Luna, the transgressions were far too many.
“Just this once… I’ll accept my punishment. Please…”
Why did she prefer to talk with <Black Wolf> instead, despite being terrified of him?
-Family is like that. No matter how terrible it gets, you can’t just let go.
…I see.
I still don’t understand.
But it wasn’t the kind of thing I could or should stop.
“I’ll wait.”
Nahan quietly stepped aside.
It was then that the two were left alone.
At long last, the two people, who had spent their entire lives in darkness, stood together under the moonlight.
“…”
“…”
A suffocating silence hung between them.
As dust floated through the air, Luna hesitated and then finally asked with difficulty.
“What… happened?”
Literally, Luna couldn’t make sense of the current situation.
“You… you definitely…”
Died four years ago. Killed in front of my eyes by the intruders who raided <The Gray White Wasteland>.
Not knowing how to verbalize this, Luna faltered, and Mother took a step back.
“I am not your mother. I am merely the lingering thought Mother left behind in you because she feared death. A kind of parasite.”
“…”
“You wouldn’t have known, but I have been sustaining my life by leeching off of you. Gradually consuming you, storing strength, planning to eventually take over your body and resurrect myself. However, I was found out just before I was fully awakened.”
The voice was monotone, devoid of any emotion.
Without any flicker of hesitation, Mother continued retreating into the shadows and added,
“So, you should go back now.”
Crush, crush, crush…
Mother didn’t stop moving while speaking and was about to fade completely into the shadows when
Luna stepped forward and grabbed Mother’s wrist.
“That’s a lie.”
“…Foolish. That’s why you couldn’t escape from that monstrous woman.”
“No. I’m not a fool anymore.”
Luna stared at the ash-gray eyes behind the mask and continued calmly,
“Not everyone, but I definitely know. That day, Mom protected me.”
—
Even now, the memory of that day was as vivid as ever.
The criminals dying,
The heavy scent of blood blowing in from outside,
And then the strangers who eventually invaded the group known as the nomadic band.
– They’re kids?
-So?
– Tsk, a heartless bunch. Did you hear, kids? You’re only killing them because he said so.
One by one, the kids were killed until it was finally Luna’s turn. At the last room.
– Luna!!!
Mother, who was completely covered in blood, ran down with pale skin. In one sweep, she cut down all the intruders and quickly held Luna close.
– This way!!
– Damn, we already said that Mother’s a dangerous female over here!!
– Nevermind!! Gather up and kill her!!
However, Mother’s strength was no match. The alerted intruders swarmed towards the underground iron cages.
– Ah…
The moment Luna saw the horde of powerful assailants and gave up the will to live,
– It’s going to be alright, Luna.
Mother whispered, pushed Luna back into the cage, and stood up against them.
Fighting that continued for hours,
KILL HER!!
Even if I die, at least I’ll take one with me!!
All for His Honor!!
The intruders kept on coming, no matter how many were cut down,
And then, an unexpected arrival: the 1st Bidder.
– This is our first meeting outside of an auction, Mother. If you must die, it’s a shame, but I must do it.
Even though the regular intruders were highly ranked, the strength of the 1st Bidder far exceeded Mother’s Top 10 rank.
Hence, the result was,
– Do you have any last words?
– …gulp, escape… Escape, Luna!!
Mother’s defeat.
– …What a thrilling situation. I quite enjoy these kind of melodramas.
Immediately after the fight ended, the 1st Bidder regained his composure and extended an offer to Mother:
– I won’t pursue that item while you are alive. However, every time you scream or pass out, I will send chasers after her.
– …
Mother nodded.
The 1st Bidder grabbed Mother’s finger and looked at Luna.
CRACK!
– Begin.
The cage opened.
But Luna did not leave.
Or rather,
She couldn’t leave.
Because Mother was there.
– Mom…
– Be a good girl, Luna.
– No, I’m…
– Luna!! Please come to your senses and escape!!
– Aaaah…
Despite Mother’s desperate cries, the terrified Luna couldn’t move.
Even if she had chosen to run, this was still within <The Gray White Wasteland>.
A grave for the living, shrouded in a heavy mist that would lead anyone to wander endlessly.
– I’d rather die with you, Mom…
At that moment, Luna resolved, jumped out of the cage, and charged towards the 1st Bidder.
WHOOSH!
A clumsy punch from a child.
– Ah, I don’t want to dirty my hands, but…
Right there, Luna realized it.
The moment that punch connected, Luna would have died instantly.
Therefore,
– I’ll become a mercenary as strong as Mom!
– …Mother?
– I could fulfill that wish.
Recalling precious memories, Mother exerted all her remaining strength to push the 1st Bidder away.
– Escape, Luna!
– But…
– Please!!
THUD,
CRACK.
Even during that brief respite, the pain was unbearable as Mother’s arm splintered, yet she smiled at Luna and whispered:
– Be a good girl, my daughter.
Because you see me as your mother, I see you as my daughter.
– Please go, Luna.
At that moment, Luna understood and tightly clenched her small fist, nodding.
– I love you, Mom.
There was no answer because
SNAP.
1st Bidder’s strike shattered Mother’s entire lower jaw.
– Hmm… I’ll keep my promise.
…
Click.
Mother put on her mask.
In case Luna had escaped and returned later to find the body, she hoped Luna wouldn’t grieve over what happened today.
In conclusion, Mother was successful.
– …She’s relentless.
Though her body shattered beyond recognition, she created enough time for Luna to escape.
Of course,
– Bring her. The woman wishes to see her child before she dies.
– Yes, Agent!!
While she was nearly caught by the late-arriving pursuit team,
– Please help me!! I’ll give you anything!! If you wish, you can have my life!!!
-?
– Shall we kill her, Director?
– Let her be, Laktea. Let’s hear her out.
Luna managed to grab onto a miracle faster.
What happened afterward was swift.
– Clear out.
– Yes, Director.
Eliminated by the silver woman, every criminal and invader vanished along with the area.
When they returned to the underground following Luna’s guidance, the 1st Bidder had escaped, and all that was left was Mother’s broken corpse.
Luna cried for a long time,
Recalling the gentle whisper and that last instruction to survive, her sole family was lost.
At the same time, Luna vowed,
– I…
– …
– “Will become exactly like Mom.”
Later, Luna became a member of the <Black Wolf>, striving hard while thinking of Mother.
-Smile brightly, that’s how you survive.
-Right, try smiling a little more.
-Even brighter, like your mouth could split. That’s how you live.
-That’s how you live.
To one day become like Mother and protect someone else.
-Don’t tremble, that’s how you survive.
-When it gets too tough, cry while wearing a mask.
-Keep trying and keep working hard.
-To one day be able to smile while wearing a mask.
With her own sadness and pain shoved to the side, striving to become someone who could protect those she loved.
And if there was any room to spare, using the strength left behind by Mother’s death and her own cultivated abilities, she would exact revenge on the intruders.
Only thanks to Mother,
With only Mother and Director in her heart,
Cherishing them always…
Why…
“…Why are you leaving me again?”
