Chapter 157 Bittersweet Memories Last Part
[: Daniel POV :]
"My plan for the future?"
I raised an eyebrow, echoing Marco's question.
I had already mapped out my path moving forward, following the guidance of the alternate future.
It mainly involved farming while waiting for the Global Missions to commence.
During that time, I intended to tackle some quests I had in mind.
Even though I held those tickets, I didn't have to chase them all, but having more wouldn't hurt.
The Global Missions wouldn't appear easily, even if I had become the strongest player.
Judging by the previous timeline, it was likely that they would manifest next year, given that's how long it took for the second global mission to appear in the alternate future.
Curiously, there were a total of 10 parts to the Global Mission, and following the completion of the last part, the Apocalypse struck.
I couldn't be certain if this was a mere coincidence, but this time around, I ready to complete all of it.
"It's quite simple, honestly. It's all about farming,"
I replied, prompting smiles from everyone present.
Afterwards, Marco remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.
As I looked at Marco, a flood of memories rushed back.
He, like so many others, had met his end in this unforgiving world.
However, this time, I refrained from shedding tears, not out of emotional emptiness, but in response to his final request that I should not mourn him, that I should carry on and move forward.
His demise had come at the hands of a merciless monster ambush, and I could still recall the overwhelming devastation that washed over me when I found his lifeless form.
Yet, this time, I didn't let my tears flow; instead, I quietly buried his body, allowing the burgeoning rage against the monsters to further stoke my inner fire.
"Still, knowing that the Tessera is coming, I'm quite interested in wanting to know what will happen in the future,"
I said, fully aware that the world stood on the brink of a monumental transformation.
"The Tessera, huh?" responded someone, the tone tinged with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, for the Tessera was a harbinger of change and
Old Jack mused aloud, a subtle smile gracing his lips.
"It's an unexpected turn of events, and I'm curious about what other surprises are waiting for us."
Fara, intrigued, joined the conversation.
"It's interesting, isn't it? The Tessera could bring changes, or maybe it would cause chaos."
Jack responded, his expression contemplative.
"Indeed, we can never be certain what lies ahead''
For all we know, the Tessera could lead to a shift in the power dynamics among nations."
Fara nodded in agreement, his voice carrying a sense of foreboding.
"It's not a far-fetched possibility, especially given the growing tensions and conflicts around the world."
The uncertainty of the future weighed heavily on their minds, leaving room for expectations.
"There's no doubt that the Tessera could bring change, and it's important that we're prepared for any situation,"
Areia stated with a sense of gravity, understanding the importance of adaptability in the face of uncertainty.
"As for what lies ahead, only time will tell,"
She added, her voice filled with anticipation.
Exploration had always held a special allure for her, and the promise of a new era ignited her spirit.
"So, young master, what will your course of action be?"
Areia inquired, her curiosity getting the better of her.
I paused for a moment, contemplating the future and the challenges it would bring.
"Well, I'm not exactly sure,"
I admitted, "and I think it would depend on what unfolds during the Tessera."
"But the Bell Organization's objective will always be the same,"
I continued, allowing the weight of my words to resonate.
The unwavering dedication to their mission was a constant in an ever-changing world, a beacon to guide them through the uncertain times ahead.
"Our goal will remain the same; we will soon conquer the whole world,"
I declared with unyielding ambition, my eyes shining with resolution.
"Looking at you, it kinda reminds me of your mom, don't all of you think so?"
Fara remarked, gazing at me with a wistful expression that hinted at her fond memories of my mother.
The others nodded in agreement, their eyes reflecting a shared sentiment.
In truth, I had never harboured thoughts of world domination or ruling with an iron fist.
But in the wake of the apocalypse, it had become apparent that more than just immense power would be required.
To halt the impending catastrophe, perhaps I would need the whole world to come together.
This grand ambition of mine had its roots in the ideals and legacy of my mother, and it has now become my mission to carry on her vision.
"=I was aware of her great ambition, and my only thought about it was that I would support it wholeheartedly.
The Tessera project loomed large as one of the major events on the horizon, a project that had been in the works for years and was the brainchild of Tess.
"Well, what can I say other than to support her as much as I can?" I
exclaimed, expressing my unwavering loyalty to the cause.
Just as I had confided in Leila about my plans and intentions, she had eventually revealed her truth to me in the past year.
Though I knew the details, I listened to her explanation of why she had to abandon me, why she founded the Organization and the experiences that had shaped her into the person she had become.
In essence, my mother had once belonged to the nobility, although her family's status within the hierarchy was considered average.
If there was one notable reason why her family had the potential to rise in the ranks of the nobility, it was because she possessed a charm and beauty that many young masters sought to claim as their own.
However, her life took a dark and tragic turn one fateful day when she was subjected to a horrifying assault.
She had been raped by an heir of the powerful noble family known as Gretzia.
The Gretzia family held an influential and intimidating position that few dared to challenge, and she vividly remembered the tears, pain, and helplessness she had felt at that dreadful moment.
He had callously ignored her pleas and cries and discarded her immediately after violating her, reducing her worth to nothing more than her beauty and her first time.
To make matters worse, he used his wealth and influence to corrupt and manipulate the authorities, who turned a blind eye to her suffering.
Her pleas fell on deaf ears, and the laws and the police were not on her side.
The justice system had failed her, and instead of receiving support, she was blamed and framed for the heinous act committed against her.
This nightmarish ordeal triggered a profound change in her personality, shaping her into the person she would eventually become.
The traumatic event she endured had left her broken and susceptible to bouts of depression.
The abandonment by her own parents, who accepted money to betray her, only intensified Leila's growing hatred and madness towards the world that had wronged her.
She was just a teenage girl, forced to endure the horrors of that terrible night, and the experience left a lasting scar on her psyche.
"I will kill all of you!"
She had vowed, a promise etched deeply in her memory.
What she hadn't realized at the time was that she had become pregnant as a result of that traumatic assault.
The truth of her pregnancy hit me like a ton of bricks, as I realized I was the product of that heinous act.
Knowing this horrifying truth hurt my heart more than the monstrous creatures roaming the world.
The knowledge of my origins had even led me to question my own identity.
At the same time, her hatred towards the man who had violated her was transferred to the child growing within her.
She had resolved that when the child was born, she would treat him harshly, subjecting him to the same pain she had endured.
Recalling my mother's words from that moment, I came to a profound realization.
No matter who my father was, it didn't change the fact that I deeply loved my mother.
"No matter what happened, I didn't regret giving birth to you. You're the sole reason that I'm still alive and the reason why I could be this far. Everything that I do and live is for you,"
Leila had said, her eyes filled with love and devotion.
Her words struck a chord deep within me, making me understand that despite the shocking truth about my father, none of her past actions could alter the love I felt for her.
During her pregnancy, her eyes had been vacant, and she had been eager to rid herself of the child she viewed as disgusting.
But the moment I was born, and the sound of my cries filled the room, a single tear streamed down her face, and she wept.
It was a reaction she hadn't anticipated.
Holding her baby made her realize that this fragile, innocent life was her own flesh and blood.
"Why are you so fragile?"
She had asked, her voice filled with concern for her child's safety as if I could be harmed by anything.
It was a feeling she found difficult to put into words, but she came to realize that her baby was as pure and innocent as she had been.
"You have my eyes and the colour of my hair..."
She had observed, her voice filled with a sense of pride that her baby bore most of her features and none of the man who had violated her.
She reassured herself that the baby was more her own than anyone else's.
"But, my child, I'm not ready yet to take care of you. With the current state I'm in, I will bring more hurt than the safety and happiness you deserve. So please, wait until one day when I can create a world where you can laugh happily,"
She implored, explaining her reasons for abandoning me.
Though not everyone might justify her actions, I understood her perspective.
What my mother had done wasn't right, but it wasn't entirely wrong either.
It was a deeply complicated situation, and I realized the immense suffering she had endured.
Her actions were a reflection of the turmoil she had experienced, and I couldn't judge her for the choices she had made.
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