Chapter 34: Your Answer

Outside the borders of Mond, construction work continued without pause.

Workers moved with practiced precision across the wooden scaffolding; stones were lifted and set into place, while the echo of hammers rolled across the vast, empty land.

In the midst of this scene sat Thuram — the master blacksmith of the Dwarf Kingdom — observing the work with a sharp, appraising eye.

Beside him stood Gale, the man who had previously rebuilt Lara’s home.

Gale looked toward the massive, unfinished frame of the palace and said:

“It seems the construction is progressing exactly as we planned.”

Thuram murmured without shifting his gaze:

“When you asked for workers to help with the construction… I wondered about it a great deal.

Why all this enthusiasm to build a home for someone… without receiving anything in return?”

Gale offered a faint smile.

“I understand what you mean.

The credit goes to… Y’s younger sister.

Her name is Aris — a hunter and a knight.”

He paused, as though recalling a distant memory.

“From the moment she appeared… she helped us without expecting anything in return.

She went out hunting and shared her food with us, even when she barely had enough for herself.

She lent money to those in need, played with our children, told them stories about the world beyond…

And she trained every day until the children began imitating her.

Before long… she even started teaching them.”

Gale exhaled softly.

**“We wanted to repay her kindness… but she always refused.

When we insisted, she said:

‘One day, someone named Y will appear.

If you are determined to help… then support him in my place.

Anything else… I do not want.’”**

Gale continued:

“We asked her who Y was.”

She answered:

‘He is my older brother… the light that guides my path.’

A bittersweet smile touched Gale’s lips.

**“For two years, she never stopped checking on us…

She became a part of us.

She told us about her past… about Y… about how he treated her.

And even in her saddest moments, she whispered to herself:

‘Endure… until Y arrives.’”**

Gale then looked toward Thuram, his expression softening.

**“You may not know this, Thuram… but the kingdom has changed greatly.

And I don’t mean buildings or anything material…

I mean the kingdom has gained a new spirit.

Hunters began appearing everywhere, helping with nearly everything — asking for nothing in return.

The kingdom grew so much that even dwarves and elves now live among us in peace.

And every one of those who helps… attributes the credit to Y.”**

His gaze drifted back to the rising structure in front of them.

**“It was then that we realized…

this person’s influence is anything but ordinary, even if we still can’t fully understand it.

Y… the man an entire kingdom loved before ever seeing him.”**

He turned back to Thuram.

“And you? What’s your story?”

Thuram: “My story…?”

He fell silent for a moment before speaking again:

“Tell me, Gale… what would you do if you gave Aris a new sword… and she started killing people with it?”

Gale’s eyes widened.

“Killing…?”

Thuram continued:

“Many years ago… I forged a weapon with my own hands for a gifted knight.

He wore black armor… his posture was flawless… and he was a good man.”

He paused, his voice turning hollow.

“Then one day, news reached me… that this knight had become a machine of death.

I didn’t believe the rumors—so I went myself.”

A short, empty laugh escaped him.

“I wish I hadn’t.

I found him in a place drenched in blood… surrounded by severed corpses.

He had become a monster—slaughtering any human he saw.”

Gale whispered:

“The Black Knight…”

Thuram:

**“Yes.

I tried to fight him… I raised my hammer… but he dodged me easily and continued his massacre.

From that day on… I abandoned everything related to weapons.

My failure… and the fact that a weapon I forged killed thousands of innocents…

It was a burden I could not bear.”**

He took a deep breath before continuing:

“Then came the day Y walked into my workshop.

When I refused to finish his weapon… he didn’t get angry.

But a situation arose—and I had to choose:

Do I help someone who only wanted to save his friend…

or do I turn my back?”

Thuram looked up at the sky.

“At that moment… I decided to place my bet on humans once more.”

Gale asked:

“And do you think you’ll win that bet this time?”

Thuram replied:

“That… is something only the future can tell.”

“What a beautiful home…”

A familiar voice came from behind them.

Both men turned immediately—

to find Y standing there, quietly observing the towering palace.

Y smiled.

“I told you… a house, not a palace.”

Thuram crossed his arms.

“Do you really think an ordinary house would be enough for you and your team?”

Gale added:

“We asked around about how many members your team has…

No one seems to know the exact number.”

Thuram:

“And besides… a palace is more practical.

A normal house would need expanding every time your team grows.”

Y paused for a moment, thinking.

“From that perspective… yes.

A palace will give everyone the space they need.”

Then he turned to Thuram.

“I heard you wanted to speak with me.”

Thuram nodded.

He pulled out a small wooden box and handed it to him.

“We finished what you requested.”

Y accepted the box, opened it, and a relaxed smile crossed his face.

“Impeccable work… as always.”

Thuram exhaled.

“If it weren’t for the cooperation of smiths from every race—

dwarves, humans, even vampires—

this project would’ve drained even more of our resources.

As it is… it consumed half of them.”

Y:

“My apologies for the trouble… but I have another request.”

He drew out a new set of blueprints and handed them to Thuram.

Thuram examined them carefully.

“Hmm… doable.

But we’ll need a specific crystal.”

Y:

“A crystal?”

Thuram:

“The Storm Crystal.”

Gale gasped.

“The Storm Crystal?!

That can only be found in one place—

on top of a mountain deep inside a powerful magical zone,

where thunder never stops raging.”

Thuram added:

“And no one can predict what might happen there.”

Y, calmly:

“And where exactly is this mountain?”

Thuram:

“At the southern edge of the continent.

It’s hard to spot…

but all you need to do is look for a massive cyclone surrounding it.”

Then he added:

“And by the way, we’ll need someone skilled in magical components to assist.”

Y:

“I know someone who can help.

Anything else?”

Thuram:

“Nothing more.”

Y:

“Thank you for everything… I’ll see you both soon.”

Gale:

“See you later.”

Y walked away, glancing at the box in his hand.

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

“I hope… she likes it.”

The door to Lara’s home opened, and Leona stepped in lightly.

“I’m back.”

Inside, the warm chatter and laughter filled the air.

Lara looked up.

“Welcome back, Leona.”

Leona smiled as she glanced around.

“The house feels… livelier than before.”

Lara nodded.

“It definitely does. Do you know where your father is?”

Leona:

“He said he’d return in the evening.”

Lara:

“We’ll need to prepare rooms for Lunaria, Klee, Angela… and Lauma.”

Lauma raised a hand casually.

“No need to prepare a room for me.”

Lara:

“But—”

Before she could finish, Lauma transformed into a small cat.

“As you can see… I can make space for myself.”

Angela chuckled softly.

“Sorry for the trouble.”

Leona:

“There’s no need to apologize. Aris and Kaguya told me the girls should stay with them for now.”

They have empty rooms.”

Lara:

“That’s wonderful news…”

Before she could continue, the door opened again.

Y entered quietly.

“I’m back.”

Lara’s face brightened as she stepped forward, using her familiar healing magic.

A soft green glow wrapped gently around Y’s body.

Y: “Thank you.”

Lara: “Tell me… what do you think of my new hairstyle?”

Y (without hesitation):

“Actually… you are the one who makes any hairstyle beautiful.”

Lara flushed, smiling shyly.

“Thank you.”

Klee blinked in surprise.

“Is Y always like this?”

Ash:

“Yes.”

Lara:

“Are you done with your work?”

Y sighed lightly.

“Unfortunately… I’ll be leaving on a new mission soon.

I came to check on all of you… and I have a gift for L before I go.”

Ash’s eyes lit up.

“Finally! L’s gift!”

Y stepped closer, took out a small box, and placed it on the table in front of L, who sat quietly.

Everyone gathered around as L slowly opened it.

Inside was a black ring, etched with crimson markings, set with a shining red stone.

Ash:

“It’s beautiful…”

But L simply stared at the ring—motionless.

Y tilted his head.

“You don’t like it?”

L:

“It’s beautiful… but—”

Ash leaned toward Lara and whispered something.

Lara nodded knowingly.

She gently took the box from L and handed it back to Y.

“Try again.”

Y understood immediately.

He picked up the ring, stepped toward L, and extended his hand.

L slowly reached out—her shyness unmistakable.

Y slid the ring onto her middle finger with a quiet smile.

“Are you satisfied now?”

L (softly):

“Forgive me…”

Y:

“Don’t worry. As long as you like it… that’s enough for me.

I’ll go rest for a while. See you later.”

He left the house.

Ash and L exchanged a brief glance—then both laughed quietly.

Leona raised a brow.

“…Were you two planning this?”

Ash:

“Y put the necklace on me himself.

It wouldn’t be fair if he didn’t do the same for L.”

L:

“Thank you for indulging my selfishness, Lara.”

Lara:

“No need to thank me. It’s nice… seeing Y care about the people around him.”

Diona:

“He said he’d get each of us a fitting gift.”

Ash:

“I wonder… what kind of power the ring has.”

L stared at the ring intently.

“There’s something… moving inside it.”

Ash leaned closer.

“Something moving? Is it… liquid?”

L:

“Liquid…? Then that’s it.

This is a Blood Stone—my clan’s artifact.

It’s used to forge vampire weapons using the person’s own blood.”

Leona:

“Does that mean… the liquid inside the ring is your blood?”

L:

“We’ll know now.”

She brought a glass cup.

Suddenly, the ring began to glow—

and blood started flowing out, filling the cup.

L lifted it.

“Now… we find out.”

She drank it as everyone watched in silence.

After a moment, she exhaled softly.

“This… is Y’s blood.”

Leona’s expression froze.

“Are you sure?”

L:

“Yes. I’ve drunk his blood before… I never mistake its taste.”

Ash:

“So the ring’s ability… is Y’s blood?”

L:

“Are you unaware of what Y’s blood can do?”

Diona:

“Blood? Y’s blood… has an ability?”

L:

“It’s more of a trait than an ability.

Haven’t you ever wondered why he heals so quickly?”

Ash recalled instantly:

“His fight with Valzenor was deadly… yet he recovered fast.”

L:

“My sister Lin researched it.

It turns out Y’s blood is the key.

His blood has healing properties…

but they only work on him—or on vampires.”

Leona:

“Every day… we discover something new about him.”

Diona to L:

“You can heal yourself forever now… right?”

L:

“You could say that.”

Lara looked at Klee, Lunaria, and Angela.

“Is something wrong?”

Lunaria:

“Not wrong… but—”

Klee:

“We think we know… what Y might be.”

Lara:

“What do you mean?”

Angela:

“We’re not certain.

But blood with healing traits like this…

is one of the marks of Heroes.”

Leona:

“You think Y… is a Hero?”

Lunaria:

“We say so because of the blood…

but Y is nothing like a Hero.”

Angela:

“Heroes are always anchored to a single principle.

Y doesn’t follow that.

So… we really don’t know.”

Lara smiled warmly.

“What matters is that Y is safe.

That’s all that matters.”

In the heart of Mond, Margaret walked alongside Liz through the quiet alleys.

Margaret:

“So… that’s what’s troubling you.

But the answer won’t be one you like.”

Liz tightened her fists.

“I want to know… no matter what it takes.”

“I still don’t understand.

To me… it makes no sense.

How can someone attack without intent?

Doesn’t every attack have a purpose behind it?”

Margaret:

“I don’t blame you for being confused.

This is a level only those with exceptional mental discipline can reach.”

Liz:

“What do you mean?”

Margaret pointed ahead.

“To make it easier… look in front of you.”

Liz:

“In front?”

Liz turned—

and saw a large tree casting its shade over the ground.

Beneath it…

Y lay stretched out, appearing to be in a deep sleep.

Liz:

“That’s Y!”

Margaret:

“And what do you think he’s doing right now?”

Liz:

“Isn’t it obvious? He’s sleeping… or at least he looks like it.”

Margaret:

“That’s… only half the answer.”

Liz:

“Half?”

Margaret:

“I’ll explain the difference between an attack with intent and one without it.

Give me your weapons.”

Liz handed over her two daggers to her adoptive mother.

Margaret:

“Focus on Y.

I will attack him… without any killing intent.”

Liz (nervously):

“But—”

Margaret didn’t wait.

She held the dagger by its sharp edge and threw it with precision toward Y’s head.

Liz gasped, eyes widening.

Just before the blade could reach him…

Y’s head shifted slightly—

a reflexive, automatic movement.

He dodged the dagger without even opening his eyes.

Margaret:

“Did you see that, Liz?”

Liz:

“Yes… a moment before the attack hit him,

his aura changed—then he dodged it.

But… isn’t Y asleep?”

Margaret:

“I told you… sleep is only half the answer.

For assassins like us, sleeping in an open place is dangerous.

We know this well.”

Liz:

“That’s true… he always surprises me.

Sometimes I find him sleeping in the strangest places.”

Margaret:

“How old is he?”

Liz:

“Twenty-three, I think.”

Margaret:

“Twenty-three… and he’s already this mentally balanced?

If he had existed years ago… I might still have been an active hunter.”

She added:

“The person you see there looks asleep…

But in truth, his mind is awake.

Thinking, processing, organizing—rebuilding everything he has experienced.”

Liz:

“He doesn’t look like that…”

Margaret:

“Stand between him and me.”

Liz:

“Why?”

Margaret:

“Just do it.”

Liz stood in the middle, confused.

Suddenly—

Margaret launched another dagger—

this time directly at Liz.

But before it reached her—

Y moved in an instant,

his body springing up like a machine,

intercepting the dagger before it could touch Liz.

Y:

“What’s happening here?

I sensed… killing intent.”

Liz (shaken):

“Mom… were you really going to kill me?!”

Margaret:

“Of course not.

I only wanted to show you how Y reacts when killing intent is involved.”

Y:

“Was this really necessary, Margaret?”

Margaret:

“My apologies for disturbing you…

but I couldn’t think of a better way to teach my daughter.”

Y:

“I hope I was useful, at least.”

Liz:

“I’m sorry to bother you…

You can go to the restaurant and sleep in one of the rooms.”

Y:

“No need.

I’ll go back to the same tree.”

And he did—

lying down and instantly falling asleep again.

Margaret turned to Liz.

“Now… do you understand the difference?”

Liz:

“The aura…

When you attacked me earlier, I could feel your intent to kill.

But Y’s aura… it blends with the air… doesn’t it?”

Margaret:

“Yes.

That’s the secret behind his reaction speed.

Unlike others who fear their own aura or magic…

Y doesn’t have magic at all. He merged his aura with the air, turning it into a shield that both protects him and senses everything around him.

And that’s how… he protected you earlier.”

She looked at Y sleeping beneath the tree.

“At twenty-three… he’s reached this level of awareness?

That isn’t something gained from training alone…

This is the level of someone who has lived his life constantly facing death.

I wonder… what kind of life he led.”

Liz (softly):

“I heard he spent his childhood in the forest with wolves…

Then he was exiled from the pack…

and Aunt Lara took care of him…

but he would always return to the forest.”

Margaret:

“That explains a lot…

He sleeps like a wolf.”

Liz:

“But what about… killing intent?

How do I control it?”

Margaret:

“Unfortunately… reaching that level at your age is extremely difficult.

I don’t know what Y’s opinion is,

but in my view…

killing someone who wields a weapon is normal.

Because if you don’t kill them—one of you will die.”

Liz:

“Not everyone is like that… right?”

Margaret:

“That’s true.

Not everyone deserves to die…

But the moment you carry a weapon, you accept the risk of death.

This world isn’t a game.

You could die from illness…

or in a fight…

or by someone you thought was a friend…

or even family.

That’s why caution is necessary.”

Then she looked at Liz—

a mother’s gaze mixed with the knowledge of a killer.

“There may come a day…

when you’ll have to kill several people…

just to save someone you care about.

And I hope… that day never comes.”

“You’re far too gentle, Margaret.”

Y’s cold voice sliced into the conversation, calm yet sharp enough to sever the moment.

Liz turned toward him—

but before she could speak, steel flashed before her eyes, a blade shooting straight toward her chest.

“My weapon… is pointed at me?” she whispered in disbelief.

At the very last heartbeat, Margaret darted forward—

a swift blur—

and intercepted the attack with her own blade.

“This isn’t funny, Y,” she snapped, eyes blazing.

“It would’ve hit her if I hadn’t stepped in.”

Y answered with complete indifference:

“She would’ve dodged it. Maybe a small scratch on her cheek… at most.”

Liz looked between them, fear tightening her breath.

“What’s happening? I don’t understand anything anymore.”

Margaret—never taking her eyes off Y—said:

“I’m certain you have a logical explanation for this.”

“I’m trying to teach her something,” Y replied.

“Something you failed to teach.”

“Oh? What a wonderful teaching method,” she shot back.

“No point in going easy.”

Y drew his weapon.

Margaret immediately shifted into a deadly stance.

“I’m warning you… don’t do that again,” she hissed.

“Aren’t you the one who tried to assassinate me under the excuse of ‘training’?”

“It took you long enough to understand the idea.

And who’s the lunatic that attacks a sleeping person for training?”

“I expected this.

Liz, I apologize… but I won’t hold back.”

Margaret: “You heard him, Liz. Pick up your weapon—

we’re killing Y right here.”

Liz: “What are you two doing?!”

Y looked at her with absolute calm.

“You’re a little confused.

Your mother works with the Black Market…

and someone has been watching us from afar this whole time.”

“As expected,” Margaret muttered, smirking faintly.

“Your senses never fail.

But now… your identity is exposed.”

“Then there’s no other choice,” Y said quietly.

And in the same instant—

both moved.

A violent clash erupted between Y and Margaret—

one of the deadliest assassins in hunter history.

Liz watched in horror…

her adoptive mother and Y locked in a lethal duel.

“I have to stop this—!” she cried, rushing between them without thinking.

Neither attack stopped.

Both blades pierced through her body.

“W–why…? They didn’t hesitate…” she gasped, collapsing as blood spilled down her clothes.

Y lunged toward Margaret—

but suddenly, she unleashed a thick cloud of black smoke.

“The Domain—Dark Room!” Margaret declared.

Liz’s eyes widened. “The Domain…!”

The world collapsed around Y, folding inward until he stood inside a massive black cube.

Absolute darkness.

He couldn’t see his own hand.

Without warning—

a deep slash tore across his chest, blood erupting from the wound.

“When…?” Y muttered.

“I didn’t feel a thing.”

Then another wound—

and another—

and another.

Margaret’s attacks rained from every direction.

Y thought through the pain:

“She’s a veteran assassin… aura detection won’t work.

This is the first opponent I can’t sense with magic or aura.

Her location is completely unknown…

Should I wait for her mana to run out?

No—terrible plan.

What about… my senses?”

Y stood still and closed his eyes.

His focus sharpened into something lethal.

Margaret’s strikes slashed into him—

but Y no longer felt pain.

His world narrowed to sound… breath… the faintest shift of air.

“Wait for the moment…

The moment she believes she’s won…

Her final attack…”

Then—

A tiny footstep.

A nearly silent movement.

Without hesitation, Y struck.

A powerful blow sent Margaret crashing to the ground, blood spilling from her mouth.

“Just… one moment… was enough to break my Domain,” she whispered in awe.

Struggling to stand, she added,

“This is my first real fight in years…”

Y approached, his body drenched in blood.

“Assassins rely on speed… because their bodies are weak.”

Margaret rose again, staring him down.

“If I were at my peak… you’d be dead.”

“Unfortunately,” Y replied flatly,

“the result wouldn’t change that much.”

He raised his weapon to deliver the finishing blow—

But suddenly—

A stab pierced his back.

Y stopped, turning slowly.

Liz stood there, barely able to remain upright, her hand trembling around the dagger, tears streaming down her face.

“This… hurts… so much…

I can’t let my mother die…

But I don’t want you to die either…

My mind… can’t choose between you…”

Y turned fully toward her—

and embraced her gently.

“Remember this feeling well,” he whispered.

“This… is what it feels like to fight someone you have no intention of fighting.”

“What…?” Liz breathed.

Margaret’s voice softened:

“We’re sorry, Liz…

But this was the only way to teach you that feeling.

Choosing between two people you love…

That is your answer.”

Liz collapsed to her knees, stunned.

“So… this was all an act…?”

“It was Margaret’s idea,” Y said.

“I merely went along with it.”

“But… you were serious… both of you… even the killing intent was real…”

Y sighed.

“Honestly, it was supposed to be less intense…

but someone got a little too excited.”

Margaret cleared her throat.

“My apologies…

It’s been so long since I enjoyed a fight like that, I used my Domain without thinking.

And what about you?

Punching a woman older than you?”

“I’m not backing down after you used a full Domain,” Y replied.

“Should we have fought to the death instead?”

“We’ll call it a draw,” Margaret said with a smirk.

Y looked at his clothes.

“Look what you’ve done to my outfit.”

Liz sniffled. “Come closer… both of you…”

They approached—

and Liz hugged them tightly, trembling.

“I’m just… glad you’re both alive…”

Margaret stroked her hair gently.

“I know… this was hard on you. I’m sorry, darling.”

“I just want my clothes fixed,” Y

“Healing first,” Margaret insisted.

“Let’s go to my restaurant and rest.”

Y lifted Liz onto his back and they started walking.

Along the way—

“Y… I’m sorry I stabbed you…” Liz whispered.

Y smiled faintly.

“I won’t accept your apology.”

Liz looked up, shocked—

Y continued,

“I’ll accept it once you become stronger.

Strong enough to stab me from the front…

not from the back.”

Margaret glanced at him.

“And what exactly is Liz to you, Y?”

“She’s your adopted daughter, right?

That’s not very different from how I see my own family.

To Leona—I’m like an uncle.

To Diona—I’m a brother.

To Lauma—I’m a friend.

And Liz…

she’s no different from Diona, Leona, or Lauma.”

A small smile appeared on Liz’s face.

“We’re here,” Margaret said warmly.

They entered the restaurant.

“Mia! Elina! We need your help!” Margaret called.

Elina hurried over.

“What happened? Who did this to you?”

Y and Margaret pointed at each other simultaneously.

“…Right,” Mia sighed. “Healing first.”

“I just want a place to rest,” Y muttered.

“No,” Elina said firmly.

“You can rest after we treat your wounds.”

After the treatment was done, Liz slept quietly in her room, her body wrapped in fresh bandages.

Y sat beside her in silence, watching over her.

Elina murmured, “You overdid it, Mother…”

Mia replied gently, “I understand your anger, Elina.

But it’s an important lesson for any Hunter.

Those who have lost loved ones… understand this best.”

Margaret asked, “How are they now?”

Elina sighed. “Liz’s injuries aren’t serious. But Y…”

Mia continued, “His body needs a long rest.

It looks like he hasn’t slept properly in days.”

They all stood outside the room, watching the two figures in silence.

Liz broke the quiet with a soft question:

“Y… tell me. What would you have done… if you were in my place?”

Margaret smirked lightly. “Good question. Even I want to hear the answer.”

Y replied calmly,

“You ask… if I were you?

Then let’s assume I was.

I would have stepped into the middle of their attacks just like you—

even if it cost me my life.”

Liz lowered her gaze. “What if it were Ash and L fighting?

What would you do then?”

Y answered without hesitation:

“I’d defeat them both.”

Liz blinked. “…Both of them?”

Y nodded.

“Beating only Ash… or only L… would make it seem like I’m choosing one over the other.”

Margaret chuckled softly. “Well said, Y.”

Elina whispered, “Mother…”

Liz frowned. “So… the answer is strength?”

Y shook his head slightly.

“Don’t misunderstand.

Yes, my answer was strength—

but I’m certain there are better solutions.”

He looked straight at her.

“Do you know who carries the blame for creating the problem in the first place?”

Liz thought for a moment. “…The one who caused it?”

“Correct,” Y said. “But what about solving it?”

Liz fell silent.

Y continued quietly,

“Solving a problem falls on the one with the most wisdom.

That’s why some people are called ‘wise’.”

He stood up and walked toward the window.

Then remained there… unmoving… for long minutes.

“What’s he doing…?” Mia whispered.

Liz answered softly,

“It’s midnight.

Y always stares at the moon at this exact time… every day.”

Y finally sat beside her again.

“Listen carefully, Liz,” he said in a low voice.

“I’ve made my decision.

The moment the Abyss appears before me… I will enter it.”

Silence exploded across the room—everyone froze.

“The… Abyss?” Mia breathed.

Y continued,

“I might find it tomorrow… or next year.

But entering it is certain.”

Margaret’s voice tightened. “Meaning…”

Liz’s eyes widened.

“…It means you’ll disappear from this world for an unknown amount of time.”

“That’s right,” Y said softly.

“Can I rely on you to stay with the girls while I’m gone?”

Liz nodded firmly.

“I promise.”

Y smiled faintly, placing a gentle hand on her head.

“Thank you.”

Then he stood… and left the room quietly.

Liz whispered to herself,

“I understand now…

I finally understand everything…”

Tears began rolling down her cheeks.

Elina approached. “Liz… what do you understand?”

Liz wiped her eyes.

“I’ve understood why he’s always tired…

Why he never stops…

Why he trains us…”

Her voice trembled.

“Y has been preparing us… for a world where he is no longer here.”

Margaret exhaled slowly.

“He wasn’t neglecting his body…

He was trying to make everyone he cares about as stable as possible…

before he enters the Abyss.”

Mia murmured, “But the Abyss… it’s deadly.”

“He knows that,” Margaret said quietly.

“He’s not foolish.

Fighting him proved that clearly.

And he knows how heavy this decision is.”

Liz whispered,

“He’s doing this to raise everyone’s chance of survival… before he returns.”

Mia nodded sadly.

“If someone dies while he’s gone…

the pain would destroy him.”

Margaret sighed deeply.

“What a brutal gamble…

Surviving the Abyss alone requires a miracle.

But guaranteeing that everyone he knows stays alive for years…

that’s something else entirely.”

Liz clenched her fists.

“I won’t let anyone die.

I won’t allow anyone to die.

Mother… Mia…

Please… train me.

Train me to fulfill Y’s request.”

Mia’s eyes widened.

“This is the first time Liz has ever asked us for help…”

Elina hugged her tightly.

“In such a short time… you’ve grown more open…

And now you’re asking for help on your own.”

Liz smiled faintly through her tears.

“That… is the kind of change Y brings into our lives.”